Krypto opened her eyes to check the markets, but stayed on the couch. Close, but ...
Jobs data were better. Without Ben doing his heavy shelling, the common man would be suffering far more than he now is.
Giants win. Oh well, it was a good game. My Super Bowl feast of roast beef, sweet potatoes, sauteed red peppers & onions, Lucky Star Pinot Noir wine (vintage 2009) and a whoopie pie for dessert was suberb.
Interesting article in the NY Times about the views of an officer with mucho experience in Afghanistan. His opinions check with what I've heard from some grunts. That ten year war is another Vietnam - a complete waste on faulty strategy & tactics that is merely enriching the military-industrial complex. Thank you Bush-Rumsfeld-Barry for making the same mistake of your grandfathers. Dopes.
Declare victory for getting bin Ladin and come home.
Newt is cratering - good. What a whiner! That guy is a disgrace, self-promoter and seems to think with another organ of his body.
Davos was a non-event. Good. People are learning.
The common man and woman are still in shock and suffering much hardship. Either they or someone they know are out of work or seriously underemployed or have no hopes. There savings are disappearing. Retirement is a dream. Bagging groceries at 80 ... but wait - the supermarkets want to replace them with machines, too. Thank you, US government tax policy.
The rich & powerful comtinue to feed at the trough. Witness P&G executives. They write off billions, yet collect millions in pay without bearing the pain of their mistakes ... and try to cover up their failures with more layoffs of the innocent.
When will people begin to say the Emperor is naked as a jaybird?
CFOs contine to hoard cash in the US and overseas and refuse to pay dividends, while buying back stock to prop up the value of their restricted stock and options. Utterly dishonest behavior. Why is Apple stock at such a low P/E ratio? The market thinks they will waste the cash.
There is nothing wrong with free enterprise that a heavy dose of integrity and fair play cannot fix. Get rid of the trough and made the hogs truly perform for their pay. Cut their pay!!!
Barry is a joke. He has done nothing for three years to help the common man and woman. Without Ben, he'd be at 30% in the polls.
Oh well ... Is there nothing new under the Sun?
Yes ... the solar cycle is weak, likely a harbinger of a multi-decade cooling period with major storms.
Showing posts with label general interest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general interest. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Ben ist der Mann.
Your writer was working on German this morning when the central bank news came out: that title translates to "Ben is the Man". Again, Ben is the leader, the only powerful official who seems to do his job and pay attention to reality.
Hooray for Ben for helping the European banks get $ liquidity; this also greatly supports the status of $ are THE reserve currency.
And the Chicago PMI number was strong; Ben's policies are greatly helping US manufacturing and exports.
Hey Barry .... give Ben the Medal of Freedom!
Hooray for Ben for helping the European banks get $ liquidity; this also greatly supports the status of $ are THE reserve currency.
And the Chicago PMI number was strong; Ben's policies are greatly helping US manufacturing and exports.
Hey Barry .... give Ben the Medal of Freedom!
Monday, November 28, 2011
I Hate Microsoft Word
I Hate Microsoft Word.
These "automatic" "features" are so annoying. Nothing should be automatic unless I tell it to be automatic. Microsft wants us all to go through training programs and bend over so they can have their way on us.
No way, Balmer, Gates & all those proto-fascists.
No word of the day today. I am boiling too much.
These "automatic" "features" are so annoying. Nothing should be automatic unless I tell it to be automatic. Microsft wants us all to go through training programs and bend over so they can have their way on us.
No way, Balmer, Gates & all those proto-fascists.
No word of the day today. I am boiling too much.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday Meandering
The super-committee failed. No surprise. The "leaders" have failed. It's time to engage the people.
Markets getting crushed overnight, probably a hedge fund knee jerk reaction to the super-committee flunking. Perhaps they will give Krypto a chance to re-buy what she sold at high prices recently.
Word of the Day
"Reticulate" - verb, transitive [$10] I saw this word in a book that I'm reading; the card was already in my file from high school days.
Reticulate means 1. to mark, divide, or construct so as to form a network; 2. to distribute by a network (e. g. water or electricity).
Sentence: The 14th century in western Europe did not have nations of England and Frence, but had "highly plural, contested, and reticulated identities of medieval culture." The quote from The Familiar Enemy by Ardis Butterfield, Preface, page xxx.
Markets getting crushed overnight, probably a hedge fund knee jerk reaction to the super-committee flunking. Perhaps they will give Krypto a chance to re-buy what she sold at high prices recently.
Word of the Day
"Reticulate" - verb, transitive [$10] I saw this word in a book that I'm reading; the card was already in my file from high school days.
Reticulate means 1. to mark, divide, or construct so as to form a network; 2. to distribute by a network (e. g. water or electricity).
Sentence: The 14th century in western Europe did not have nations of England and Frence, but had "highly plural, contested, and reticulated identities of medieval culture." The quote from The Familiar Enemy by Ardis Butterfield, Preface, page xxx.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ideology Needed ...
The birthplace of the Occupy Wall Street 'movement' was cleaned out very early this morning by hundreds of NYC police & cleaning crews. This movement will likely fizzle out for the simple reason that it has no unifying ideology. Ideology can connect people across distances - it is a long rang, anthropic force with much potential power. If people follow the ideology and its implications with some unity, they work together to accomplish 'great' tasks. But is they have competing ideas, the movement becomes neutralized, much as positive charges cancel negative one, leaving no net force.
Word of the Day
"Unkempt" - adjective [$10]
Unkempt means 1. untidy, of neglected appearances; 2. uncombed, disheveled.
Sentence: Many dozens of unkempt protesters were push out of the park last night by police in riot gear.
Word of the Day
"Unkempt" - adjective [$10]
Unkempt means 1. untidy, of neglected appearances; 2. uncombed, disheveled.
Sentence: Many dozens of unkempt protesters were push out of the park last night by police in riot gear.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Support Local Business
Here's a post that a friend put on a family web site; the post contains lots of common sense that would help the nation and its people a lot if adopted by more of us.
***post begins***
How about a new tradition becoming part of defending liberty?
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition and ALWAYS remembering the REASON FOR THE SEASON
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This is concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, flowers, a nice fruit basket.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
****end of post***
I'll add to that - buy gifts from local businesses and shops on Main Street, Don't send your money to China via that one way express, money train known as Wal-Mart. Try to buy items made in the USA.
Word of the Day
"Contralto" - noun [$10]
Contralto means 1.a. the lowest female singing voice; 1. b. a singer with this voice; 2. a part written for contralto.
Sentence: The booming contralto of Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" is quite moving every time one hears it.
***post begins***
How about a new tradition becoming part of defending liberty?
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition and ALWAYS remembering the REASON FOR THE SEASON
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This is concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, flowers, a nice fruit basket.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
****end of post***
I'll add to that - buy gifts from local businesses and shops on Main Street, Don't send your money to China via that one way express, money train known as Wal-Mart. Try to buy items made in the USA.
Word of the Day
"Contralto" - noun [$10]
Contralto means 1.a. the lowest female singing voice; 1. b. a singer with this voice; 2. a part written for contralto.
Sentence: The booming contralto of Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" is quite moving every time one hears it.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Huh?
I was watching the early show on Bubblevision this AM around 5:30 as I read the news and ran the model.
One pundit said deflation was coming. Another said inflation was coming. None gave any reasoned analysis, perhaps because the show's producers don't give them any time to do that. Oh well ...
Markets are getting smashed from turmoil in the Italian bond markets. Sigh ...
Doing nothing - the model is in balance.
Italy should offer bonds to retail investors in the US, payable in tourism :) I'd be a buyer for another trip to Rome and another for a trip to Florence.
Word of the Day
"Yare" - adjective [$100] pronounced either 'yare' to rhyme with 'dare', or 'yar' to rhymne with 'par'.
Yare means 1. quick, agile, lovely; 2. (of a ship) quick to the helm, easily hamdled or maneuvered; 3. (archaic) a. ready, prepared; b. nimble, quick.
Sentence: A yare investor outperforms a sluggard: rebalancing matters and must be checked whenever an asset class moves a lot.
One pundit said deflation was coming. Another said inflation was coming. None gave any reasoned analysis, perhaps because the show's producers don't give them any time to do that. Oh well ...
Markets are getting smashed from turmoil in the Italian bond markets. Sigh ...
Doing nothing - the model is in balance.
Italy should offer bonds to retail investors in the US, payable in tourism :) I'd be a buyer for another trip to Rome and another for a trip to Florence.
Word of the Day
"Yare" - adjective [$100] pronounced either 'yare' to rhyme with 'dare', or 'yar' to rhymne with 'par'.
Yare means 1. quick, agile, lovely; 2. (of a ship) quick to the helm, easily hamdled or maneuvered; 3. (archaic) a. ready, prepared; b. nimble, quick.
Sentence: A yare investor outperforms a sluggard: rebalancing matters and must be checked whenever an asset class moves a lot.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Back in the Saddle
Or should I say that I survived a few days in the belly of the Beast?
The Belly of the Beast is Manhattan, New York City.
Business seems to be booming for that community. The luncheon and dining spots are full, the bar was crowded on the Tuesday evening. Tables were scarce at the "club" for lunch. Many obviously busy people in grey suits and nondescript ties were earnestly discussing something. One could even observe the younger financial piranhas chatting over drinks in rather good moods.
The French seem to be movivng to NYC. I was very surprised about how many people speaking French that I passed by in the area of Fifth Avenue - Central Park - upper Midtown. Most seemed to be residents, sonme were tourists. Interesting, no?
Meanwhile, a story appeared with data that the new poor in suburbia are both surprising and overwhelming these support agencies in major metropolitan areas across America. The new poor are not single mothers of minority ethnicity in central urban cores. They are 50-ish people out of work, losing their life savings and homes in suburbia with few prospects of avoiding destitution in old age.
Few in the Ruling Class of Pharesees, hogs and the dukes of DC notice them or care a whit about the devastation this endless recession is causing. Sigh ...
Meanwhile, Europe seems to have reached some kind of consensus on the weaker nations. Lenders get a 50% haircut and its banks have to raise capital. No surprise there.
By the way, the screechers about the end of the Euro don't realize that the leaders in Europe know that they need the EU and Euro to keep the long term prospects of peace and no more European wars. They is why they are working hard to keep it. They have memories of real wars and don't want to suffer those on their soil any more. Hence less selfish behavior and a willingness to work out a solution.
Word of the Day
"Anagnorisis" - noun [$100] (pl. -ses)
Anagnorisis means (in Greek tragedy) the critical moment of recognition or discovery, esp. preceding peripeteia; a moment of terribl eself-recognition. Several examples of anagnorisis are the moment that Oedipus recognizes what he had done, or when Lady Macbeth at the end of said play cannot seem to clean the vision of blood from her hands.
Sentence: Will the Pharisees and hogs and dukes of DC never reform, or will they fight on for their own ruling class until a time of anagnorisis as the deluge rolls over them all?
The Belly of the Beast is Manhattan, New York City.
Business seems to be booming for that community. The luncheon and dining spots are full, the bar was crowded on the Tuesday evening. Tables were scarce at the "club" for lunch. Many obviously busy people in grey suits and nondescript ties were earnestly discussing something. One could even observe the younger financial piranhas chatting over drinks in rather good moods.
The French seem to be movivng to NYC. I was very surprised about how many people speaking French that I passed by in the area of Fifth Avenue - Central Park - upper Midtown. Most seemed to be residents, sonme were tourists. Interesting, no?
Meanwhile, a story appeared with data that the new poor in suburbia are both surprising and overwhelming these support agencies in major metropolitan areas across America. The new poor are not single mothers of minority ethnicity in central urban cores. They are 50-ish people out of work, losing their life savings and homes in suburbia with few prospects of avoiding destitution in old age.
Few in the Ruling Class of Pharesees, hogs and the dukes of DC notice them or care a whit about the devastation this endless recession is causing. Sigh ...
Meanwhile, Europe seems to have reached some kind of consensus on the weaker nations. Lenders get a 50% haircut and its banks have to raise capital. No surprise there.
By the way, the screechers about the end of the Euro don't realize that the leaders in Europe know that they need the EU and Euro to keep the long term prospects of peace and no more European wars. They is why they are working hard to keep it. They have memories of real wars and don't want to suffer those on their soil any more. Hence less selfish behavior and a willingness to work out a solution.
Word of the Day
"Anagnorisis" - noun [$100] (pl. -ses)
Anagnorisis means (in Greek tragedy) the critical moment of recognition or discovery, esp. preceding peripeteia; a moment of terribl eself-recognition. Several examples of anagnorisis are the moment that Oedipus recognizes what he had done, or when Lady Macbeth at the end of said play cannot seem to clean the vision of blood from her hands.
Sentence: Will the Pharisees and hogs and dukes of DC never reform, or will they fight on for their own ruling class until a time of anagnorisis as the deluge rolls over them all?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
TGIF and a bit more
Is the Board of HP out of its mind ... bipolar? They obviously should all resign. We are seeing the destruction of a formerly fine company with fine products. How much money have they paid the ex-CEO? The ex-ex-CEO? And now the new CEO? The directors? What a remarkable cluster FUBAR!
We bought a few stocks yesterday afternoon about 3:30 when the DJIA was down well over 500 pts: JPM, HBC, FCX. Those had been on the shopping list for awhile, but at the prices offfered then, we decided to start buying. Those are not trades, but are long term investments. Buys were made with 25% of the cash raised when the S&P was over 1300 a few months ago. We are looking for more buys/adds to make in high quality stocks with dividends over 3% and plenty of room to raise them, meaning that payouts should be under 1/3 of earnings.
Word of the Day
"Suppurate" - verb, intransitive [$10]
Suppurate means 1. to form pus; 2. fester.
Sentence: The self-inflicted wounds of HP continue to suppurate as the Board of Directors does nothing effective to cleanse them. Resign!
We bought a few stocks yesterday afternoon about 3:30 when the DJIA was down well over 500 pts: JPM, HBC, FCX. Those had been on the shopping list for awhile, but at the prices offfered then, we decided to start buying. Those are not trades, but are long term investments. Buys were made with 25% of the cash raised when the S&P was over 1300 a few months ago. We are looking for more buys/adds to make in high quality stocks with dividends over 3% and plenty of room to raise them, meaning that payouts should be under 1/3 of earnings.
Word of the Day
"Suppurate" - verb, intransitive [$10]
Suppurate means 1. to form pus; 2. fester.
Sentence: The self-inflicted wounds of HP continue to suppurate as the Board of Directors does nothing effective to cleanse them. Resign!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Obvious Answer
Isn't the obvious answer to the structural problems in Europe the creation of a United States of Europe on the model of the federal system in the USA?
I know the French and Germans and other Europeans hate that idea, as it admits the USA is correct, but at some time one has to admit that reality exists.
By copying the USA constitutional structure and other institutions, Europe could let any "state" default and that would have no impact on the "nation".
Europe: Just xerox the US Constitution and change the words a bit. Now, would that not be easy?
Word of the Day
"Zymotic" - adjective [$10] archaic
Zymotic means of or relating to fermentation.
Sentence: The zymotic roots of civilization are suggested by poems from Sumeria about the wonders of beer.
I know the French and Germans and other Europeans hate that idea, as it admits the USA is correct, but at some time one has to admit that reality exists.
By copying the USA constitutional structure and other institutions, Europe could let any "state" default and that would have no impact on the "nation".
Europe: Just xerox the US Constitution and change the words a bit. Now, would that not be easy?
Word of the Day
"Zymotic" - adjective [$10] archaic
Zymotic means of or relating to fermentation.
Sentence: The zymotic roots of civilization are suggested by poems from Sumeria about the wonders of beer.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Nothing
No post today, nor Word of the Day. I am consolidating some prior writings into a pamphlet I intend to publish in September.
Krypto found some weak signals, but for now, I will wait.
Krypto found some weak signals, but for now, I will wait.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tidbits on a Tuesday
Prices in Dublin are about the same as Manhattan, New York City. I guess my "global purchasing power" is holding up, as far as Europe goes. I did not go into the countryside or any small towns, hence no data on those prices vs. US small towns.
Newspapers and TV in Ireland had enormous coverage of the bin Laden operation. The comedians were hilarious in joking about the changing US "story" of the details, etc.
From several books I read as backup for the trip, old Irish society structures were much like the old social structure of India with various "castes" and a strong intellectual class. The writer thought that was related to both being on the outer fringe of the Indo-European expansion across Eurasia.
I ordered some books on the Irish language, thinking that I will learn how it is pronounced and the basic grammar. Irish is reported to be quite difficult, but how hard can it be compared to Polish?
In the 7th and 8th centuries, Irish culture was the intellectual pinnacle of western and north central Europe. Irish monks spread over Europere, taking much knowledge and learning skills along that provided a seed for Charlemagne's later efforts.
Languages
My language program will be re-started after a year's respite. The goal is literacy, not fluency, in all the great languages of Europe. My grey cells need more stimulation.
I will include Irish now, too, as the Celtic cultures had huge impact on Europe over the centuries.
Word of the Day
"Torpid" - adjective [$10] from Hawthorne's, "The Scarlet Letter". Also "Torpor" - noun [$10] and "Torpefy" - verb, transitive [$10]
Torpid means 1. sluggish, inactive, dull, apathetic; 2. numb; 3. (of a hibernating animal) dormant.
Torpor means torpidity.
Torpefy means to make numb or torbid.
Sentence: A torpid mind is a wasted mind. Use your head!
Newspapers and TV in Ireland had enormous coverage of the bin Laden operation. The comedians were hilarious in joking about the changing US "story" of the details, etc.
From several books I read as backup for the trip, old Irish society structures were much like the old social structure of India with various "castes" and a strong intellectual class. The writer thought that was related to both being on the outer fringe of the Indo-European expansion across Eurasia.
I ordered some books on the Irish language, thinking that I will learn how it is pronounced and the basic grammar. Irish is reported to be quite difficult, but how hard can it be compared to Polish?
In the 7th and 8th centuries, Irish culture was the intellectual pinnacle of western and north central Europe. Irish monks spread over Europere, taking much knowledge and learning skills along that provided a seed for Charlemagne's later efforts.
Languages
My language program will be re-started after a year's respite. The goal is literacy, not fluency, in all the great languages of Europe. My grey cells need more stimulation.
I will include Irish now, too, as the Celtic cultures had huge impact on Europe over the centuries.
Word of the Day
"Torpid" - adjective [$10] from Hawthorne's, "The Scarlet Letter". Also "Torpor" - noun [$10] and "Torpefy" - verb, transitive [$10]
Torpid means 1. sluggish, inactive, dull, apathetic; 2. numb; 3. (of a hibernating animal) dormant.
Torpor means torpidity.
Torpefy means to make numb or torbid.
Sentence: A torpid mind is a wasted mind. Use your head!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Day Off
Today will be a day off from writing. I closed a transaction yesterday which was in process for two years, and I'm a bit tired mentally.
The famous quote by Winston Churchill comes to mind:
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. "
Perseverance pays off, as yesterday's closing proves again.
Word of the Day
"Moechian" - adjective [$10,000] this word is not in the OED; it's from a Greek word used to describe a Byzantine religious controversy.
Moechian means of or relating to adultery.
Sentence: This writer has a difficult time believing that the split up of Al Gore and Tipper does not have moechian roots in Al Gore, but I suppose Tipper could have just gotten sick of his supercilious attitude and pontification.
The famous quote by Winston Churchill comes to mind:
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. "
Perseverance pays off, as yesterday's closing proves again.
Word of the Day
"Moechian" - adjective [$10,000] this word is not in the OED; it's from a Greek word used to describe a Byzantine religious controversy.
Moechian means of or relating to adultery.
Sentence: This writer has a difficult time believing that the split up of Al Gore and Tipper does not have moechian roots in Al Gore, but I suppose Tipper could have just gotten sick of his supercilious attitude and pontification.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Another Blank Wednesday
I suppose I should not be surprised that nothing is happening. It's Wednesday, after all. Nothing in the news sparks my brain to spew forth some paragraphs of articulate opinion. And I have no pre-prepared post. Sighhhh.
AAPL had good earnings. That's a long term winner in the Sky Fund that has more to go for awhile, but be aware that it often sells off after earnings.
The moral decrepitude of Wall Street is getting sickening, as I hear so many persons there defending Goldman's practices.
Word of the Day
"Misprize" - verb, transitive [$10] literary
Misprize means to despise, score, fail to appreciate.
Sentence: (A) [Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act I, scene II] "Your reputation shall not be misprized." (B) No one but a Financial Viking or one of their symbiotic parasites (or a wannabe) could not mizprize the amorality of proprietary activities of Wall Street. They don't work for customers, they work against them.
AAPL had good earnings. That's a long term winner in the Sky Fund that has more to go for awhile, but be aware that it often sells off after earnings.
The moral decrepitude of Wall Street is getting sickening, as I hear so many persons there defending Goldman's practices.
Word of the Day
"Misprize" - verb, transitive [$10] literary
Misprize means to despise, score, fail to appreciate.
Sentence: (A) [Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act I, scene II] "Your reputation shall not be misprized." (B) No one but a Financial Viking or one of their symbiotic parasites (or a wannabe) could not mizprize the amorality of proprietary activities of Wall Street. They don't work for customers, they work against them.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Uses of Wealth
Herein I reprint a blog post from Sunday, August 19, 2007, with a current update and application.
*** Reprint Begins ***
The private enterprise system and private property [aka that Marxist term "capitalism" that I dislike] fantastically motivates people to create wealth. Some create great wealth. Here's a quote from Thucydides that sparked my thinking - perhaps I first read it referenced in Erasmus' "Praise of Folly". The quote is from the famous oration of Pericles.
"We cultivate refinement without extravagance and knowledge without effeminacy; wealth we employ more for use than for show, and place the real disgrace of poverty not in owning to the fact but in declining the struggle against it." [note 1]
Other than Bill & Melinda Gates, who among the modern mega-rich emulates the beneficence of Andrew Carnegie who donated everything to create libraries in multitudes of small towns in America, including my home town? [See below for a couple other examples] Following Pericles, his great wealth was quickly used to increase the intellectual capabilities of the entire nation. It was not hoarded in trust or a foundation to perpetuate the glory of the donor. The Gates Foundation has a fixed time limit to spend - use - all the money.
Modern rich and powerful people lobby to eliminate the rule against perpetual trusts, so they can create a new de facto nobility [not de jure as no titles can exist in America thanks to the Constitution, Article I, Section 9]. Named foundations are created that, barring stupid investments, last forever as independent institutions. Their independent boards of trustees over time can completely diverge from the donor's wishes - only the name is perpetuated. The Ford Foundation is the quintessential example.
And then I read Bill Gross in the WSJ, August 4-5, 2007 issue, page B4: "... now is the time, long overdue in fact, to admit that for the rich, for the mega-rich of this country, that enough is never enough ..." and "... "A thirty million dollar gift for a concert hall is not philanthropy, it is a Napoleonic coronation."
Much of the mega-rich seem to just want more, or to be able to brag about their "returns", hence the current infatuation with hedge funds. Or the money is spent in great shows of extravagance. Many modern mega-rich emulate dukes & princes in the past courts of Europe in their opulent parties, colossal mansions, and vast landholdings. Or endowing events and groups with the primary purpose of creating a perpetual edifice inscribed with the donor's name. Or donating to universities for fund named endowed professorships or named institutes therein. Younger scientists - those actually making most of the discoveries ... get little.
Is using the funds for increasing the capabilities of the human race ever a consideration?
...
...
*** End Reprint ***
Almost 30 months have past since that post. Unfortunately, it seems I had few readers among the rich then. Warren Buffet is giving his billions to the Gates Foundation, so maybe he did. I found an example from the recent past and a more distant example that were done prior to that post.
My original post contained an example of a gift that establish an institute to help advance the frontiers of mathematical knowledge. Last month I learned of a large gift that helps advance the humanities. Heiress Ruth Lilly gave $100 million to endow The Poetry Foundation. [NB: Its name is NOT Lilly, showing some humility and true generosity.] The foundation runs Poetry magazine and funds numerous poetry programs nationwide and provides prizes for new poetry. It is a bit controversial, as some think the money could have been better used - of course that will depend on the trustees [see http://www.slate.com/id/2240323/]. Perhaps. Maybe a time limit to distribute the funds would be a good idea. But at least it's not another named building. Btw, I subscribe to Poetry Magazine.
Recently I realized that historic preservation is another place that perhaps the wealthy could put their wealth to a fine use in the manner of Pericles' charge. In my hometown over 40 years ago a local wealthy man endowed a foundation to restore a historic section of the town and ensure it was maintained and preserved, as well as providing programs for modern people to understand the way of life that existed circa 1840 in Ohio. [Note: the name of the benefactor is nowhere excessively displayed, showing humility that Pericles would approve.]
This particular development has been quite helpful to the local economy, too. The tourism provides a fine boost for local jobs. At a time when government funding for historic preservation is under pressure, perhaps rather than send money to some university to endow some named chair for a grey eminence (and not a younger scholar), persons seeking to do something good with their wealth might consider historic preservation in their own communities. If well-designed, these provide economic help to the communities as well and cultural value.
Markets
Waiting, holding. I have no preconceived targets for this speculation. I'll just follow the trend and news. The Green-red trading rule applies now.
Word of the Day
"Ekphrasis" - noun [$10,000] from a Greek word of same spelling, meaning "a description"
Ekphrasis means the use of language to describe, or to speak on behalf of, a silent work of art.
Sentence: Poetry provides many examples of ekphrasis, perhaps the most famous being Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn."
*** Reprint Begins ***
The private enterprise system and private property [aka that Marxist term "capitalism" that I dislike] fantastically motivates people to create wealth. Some create great wealth. Here's a quote from Thucydides that sparked my thinking - perhaps I first read it referenced in Erasmus' "Praise of Folly". The quote is from the famous oration of Pericles.
"We cultivate refinement without extravagance and knowledge without effeminacy; wealth we employ more for use than for show, and place the real disgrace of poverty not in owning to the fact but in declining the struggle against it." [note 1]
Other than Bill & Melinda Gates, who among the modern mega-rich emulates the beneficence of Andrew Carnegie who donated everything to create libraries in multitudes of small towns in America, including my home town? [See below for a couple other examples] Following Pericles, his great wealth was quickly used to increase the intellectual capabilities of the entire nation. It was not hoarded in trust or a foundation to perpetuate the glory of the donor. The Gates Foundation has a fixed time limit to spend - use - all the money.
Modern rich and powerful people lobby to eliminate the rule against perpetual trusts, so they can create a new de facto nobility [not de jure as no titles can exist in America thanks to the Constitution, Article I, Section 9]. Named foundations are created that, barring stupid investments, last forever as independent institutions. Their independent boards of trustees over time can completely diverge from the donor's wishes - only the name is perpetuated. The Ford Foundation is the quintessential example.
And then I read Bill Gross in the WSJ, August 4-5, 2007 issue, page B4: "... now is the time, long overdue in fact, to admit that for the rich, for the mega-rich of this country, that enough is never enough ..." and "... "A thirty million dollar gift for a concert hall is not philanthropy, it is a Napoleonic coronation."
Much of the mega-rich seem to just want more, or to be able to brag about their "returns", hence the current infatuation with hedge funds. Or the money is spent in great shows of extravagance. Many modern mega-rich emulate dukes & princes in the past courts of Europe in their opulent parties, colossal mansions, and vast landholdings. Or endowing events and groups with the primary purpose of creating a perpetual edifice inscribed with the donor's name. Or donating to universities for fund named endowed professorships or named institutes therein. Younger scientists - those actually making most of the discoveries ... get little.
Is using the funds for increasing the capabilities of the human race ever a consideration?
...
1. Citation: Great Books, Vol. 5, Thucydides, page 397, section 40.
...
*** End Reprint ***
Almost 30 months have past since that post. Unfortunately, it seems I had few readers among the rich then. Warren Buffet is giving his billions to the Gates Foundation, so maybe he did. I found an example from the recent past and a more distant example that were done prior to that post.
My original post contained an example of a gift that establish an institute to help advance the frontiers of mathematical knowledge. Last month I learned of a large gift that helps advance the humanities. Heiress Ruth Lilly gave $100 million to endow The Poetry Foundation. [NB: Its name is NOT Lilly, showing some humility and true generosity.] The foundation runs Poetry magazine and funds numerous poetry programs nationwide and provides prizes for new poetry. It is a bit controversial, as some think the money could have been better used - of course that will depend on the trustees [see http://www.slate.com/id/2240323/]. Perhaps. Maybe a time limit to distribute the funds would be a good idea. But at least it's not another named building. Btw, I subscribe to Poetry Magazine.
Recently I realized that historic preservation is another place that perhaps the wealthy could put their wealth to a fine use in the manner of Pericles' charge. In my hometown over 40 years ago a local wealthy man endowed a foundation to restore a historic section of the town and ensure it was maintained and preserved, as well as providing programs for modern people to understand the way of life that existed circa 1840 in Ohio. [Note: the name of the benefactor is nowhere excessively displayed, showing humility that Pericles would approve.]
This particular development has been quite helpful to the local economy, too. The tourism provides a fine boost for local jobs. At a time when government funding for historic preservation is under pressure, perhaps rather than send money to some university to endow some named chair for a grey eminence (and not a younger scholar), persons seeking to do something good with their wealth might consider historic preservation in their own communities. If well-designed, these provide economic help to the communities as well and cultural value.
Markets
Waiting, holding. I have no preconceived targets for this speculation. I'll just follow the trend and news. The Green-red trading rule applies now.
Word of the Day
"Ekphrasis" - noun [$10,000] from a Greek word of same spelling, meaning "a description"
Ekphrasis means the use of language to describe, or to speak on behalf of, a silent work of art.
Sentence: Poetry provides many examples of ekphrasis, perhaps the most famous being Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn."
Friday, September 18, 2009
TGIF and Hmmmm ....
Some interesting facts in today's newspapers (online):
FT: "Two new luxury flats in Hong Kong have been put on the market for a record per square foot price of HK$75,000 (US$9,640) as the buoyant economy and stock markets on the Chinese mainland lift demand for exclusive properties beyond pre-crisis levels."
Notice that phrase, "beyond pre-crisis levels".
Is Obama morphing in Jimmy Carter ?
FT: "Barack Obama’s decision to scrap Bush-era plans for a missile defense shield on Thursday triggered dismay in central Europe and among Republicans on Capitol Hill, amid claims that it amounted to a major security concession to Russia. Unveiling one of the biggest reversals on national security since coming to office, the US president said that he would abandon predecessor George W. Bush’s plans for ground-based interceptors in Poland and a related radar site in the Czech Republic, deploying instead a new system that could hit shorter-range Iranian missiles."
By the way, Polish news noticed that this decision occurred on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, grabbing its spoils from the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty. Rather poor timing for US-Polish relations indeed. Why would anyone expect the youngsters on Obama's staff to know anything about history or Eastern Europe ?
And the march of technology goes on ...
FT: "After five years of scanning books electronically, Google is finally entering the print publishing business for the first time. Through an arrangement with a printing company unveiled on Thursday, Google will offer 2m out-of-copyright books that can be picked up or shipped from libraries, universities and other spots around the world. It has struck the deal with On Demand Books, makers of the Espresso Book Machine that can print a 300-page book in less than five minutes, complete with a cover and a bound edge.
"The editions are likely to cost about $8, with Google keeping a dollar, On Demand Books keeping a dollar and the retailer keeping $3. The remaining $3 should cover the cost of materials and labour."
That's great news ! Those old books were being lost to the intellectual knowledge of humanity. With Google, if one finds interesting references in a search, one can now buy the book. Too bad copyrights last so long.
And the reforms begin:
WSJ: "Policies that set the pay for tens of thousands of bank employees nationwide would require approval from the Federal Reserve as part of a far-reaching proposal to rein in risk-taking at financial institutions. The Fed's plan would, for the first time, inject government regulators deep into compensation decisions traditionally reserved for the banks' corporate boards and executives. Under the proposal, the Fed could reject any compensation policies it believes encourage bank employees -- from chief executives, to traders, to loan officers -- to take too much risk. Bureaucrats wouldn't set the pay of individuals, but would review and, if necessary, amend each bank's salary and bonus policies to make sure they don't create harmful incentives."
So speculating with depositors' money and bank capital will finally have some "adult" supervision. I'd prefer the shareholders do it, but until the SEC gives them such power in proxies, we'll have to rely on the Fed's extant regulatory powers over bank holding companies.
Actions
Ms. Market stopped dancing yesterday, being a bit tired. She needs a rest before the band starts up again. Based on its sluggish action and some fears of a poor quarter noted by a respected commentor on this site, I sold RIMM from Fido Fund and also sold its call options from 1-2-3 Fund, locking in good profits on both positions. If RIMM drops on earnings and I think its prospects are still good, I might re-buy it.
Word of the Day
"Perdurable" - adjective [$10]
Perdurable means (I) very durable, or (II) extremely durable: PERMANENT.
Sentence: Regulatory reform of the financial system needs several layers to be perdurable. Any single regulator is likely to eventually be co-opted and become part of the problem, as the SEC is now.
Verbum Diei
"Errare" - verb, first conjugation
Errare means to err, to wander, to go astray, make a mistake, to be mistaken.
Sententia: Errare est humanum. (from Seneca, the famous Stoic philosopher)
Sentence: To err is human. [Any stock speculator must accept this or go crazy.]
FT: "Two new luxury flats in Hong Kong have been put on the market for a record per square foot price of HK$75,000 (US$9,640) as the buoyant economy and stock markets on the Chinese mainland lift demand for exclusive properties beyond pre-crisis levels."
Notice that phrase, "beyond pre-crisis levels".
Is Obama morphing in Jimmy Carter ?
FT: "Barack Obama’s decision to scrap Bush-era plans for a missile defense shield on Thursday triggered dismay in central Europe and among Republicans on Capitol Hill, amid claims that it amounted to a major security concession to Russia. Unveiling one of the biggest reversals on national security since coming to office, the US president said that he would abandon predecessor George W. Bush’s plans for ground-based interceptors in Poland and a related radar site in the Czech Republic, deploying instead a new system that could hit shorter-range Iranian missiles."
By the way, Polish news noticed that this decision occurred on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, grabbing its spoils from the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty. Rather poor timing for US-Polish relations indeed. Why would anyone expect the youngsters on Obama's staff to know anything about history or Eastern Europe ?
And the march of technology goes on ...
FT: "After five years of scanning books electronically, Google is finally entering the print publishing business for the first time. Through an arrangement with a printing company unveiled on Thursday, Google will offer 2m out-of-copyright books that can be picked up or shipped from libraries, universities and other spots around the world. It has struck the deal with On Demand Books, makers of the Espresso Book Machine that can print a 300-page book in less than five minutes, complete with a cover and a bound edge.
"The editions are likely to cost about $8, with Google keeping a dollar, On Demand Books keeping a dollar and the retailer keeping $3. The remaining $3 should cover the cost of materials and labour."
That's great news ! Those old books were being lost to the intellectual knowledge of humanity. With Google, if one finds interesting references in a search, one can now buy the book. Too bad copyrights last so long.
And the reforms begin:
WSJ: "Policies that set the pay for tens of thousands of bank employees nationwide would require approval from the Federal Reserve as part of a far-reaching proposal to rein in risk-taking at financial institutions. The Fed's plan would, for the first time, inject government regulators deep into compensation decisions traditionally reserved for the banks' corporate boards and executives. Under the proposal, the Fed could reject any compensation policies it believes encourage bank employees -- from chief executives, to traders, to loan officers -- to take too much risk. Bureaucrats wouldn't set the pay of individuals, but would review and, if necessary, amend each bank's salary and bonus policies to make sure they don't create harmful incentives."
So speculating with depositors' money and bank capital will finally have some "adult" supervision. I'd prefer the shareholders do it, but until the SEC gives them such power in proxies, we'll have to rely on the Fed's extant regulatory powers over bank holding companies.
Actions
Ms. Market stopped dancing yesterday, being a bit tired. She needs a rest before the band starts up again. Based on its sluggish action and some fears of a poor quarter noted by a respected commentor on this site, I sold RIMM from Fido Fund and also sold its call options from 1-2-3 Fund, locking in good profits on both positions. If RIMM drops on earnings and I think its prospects are still good, I might re-buy it.
Word of the Day
"Perdurable" - adjective [$10]
Perdurable means (I) very durable, or (II) extremely durable: PERMANENT.
Sentence: Regulatory reform of the financial system needs several layers to be perdurable. Any single regulator is likely to eventually be co-opted and become part of the problem, as the SEC is now.
Verbum Diei
"Errare" - verb, first conjugation
Errare means to err, to wander, to go astray, make a mistake, to be mistaken.
Sententia: Errare est humanum. (from Seneca, the famous Stoic philosopher)
Sentence: To err is human. [Any stock speculator must accept this or go crazy.]
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tidbits for Thursday
My meaning here is expressed in French as le détail la plus croustillant (the crunchiest details), not les potins (gossip) or la friandise (candy). When translating to another languge, one must think and not just grab the first word from the dictionary.
Hillary seems to be the iron fist for this administration, while Obama is the velvet glove. She hits the bad guys (read Iran, Taliban, etc.) in the mouth, while Obama bends over (read Castro, Chavez, etc.). I wonder if this is a coordinated effort or disarray ?
Apple reports good numbers - iPhone sales strong. I'd re-buy a pullback to 100 area for a trade, but otherwise will just stick with Mrs. B's position in Sky Fund and let it ride. I figure Apple eventually gets 25% of the PC market for its Macs, viz. every PC not tied to a work/job. In other Words, AAPL goes to 500 eventually (maybe five years).
China consumers are spending and buying. Makes sense. If you were slaving in a dusty village five years ago, how bad can this slowdown look ? American whiners live better than their parents did after World War II, yet gripe & moan how tough it is. Take a look at the old photos of houses built after World War II compared to today's. Or the kitchens, then, when most women actually could and DID cook. Today many grip while eating prepared foods or takeout.
Basic foods are so good and so cheap, IFF one is willing to prepare them.
Ken the Cad says Hank and Ben "made" him hide the looting and losses at Merrill Lynch from his shareholders. What a greasy swine ! This guy should be instantly fired.
Prices plunge in the Hamptons, says Blabberg. Aw, shucks.
Markets
I am doing nothing. Underinvested beefers are buying quickly on dips. My analogy is that the market is behaving like a balloon being pushed under water (by bears). When the pressure is released, it pops back up and out to higher levels.
I have new skim to deploy, but will wait. I have plenty invested already if the market rips to S&P 900 or 1000 ... which could happen.
Word of the Day (two for today)
"Homeopathic" - adjective [$10]
Homeopathic means of a diluted or insipid nature.
"Insipid" - adjective [$10]
Insipid means 1. lacking taste or savor: tasteless; 2. lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate or challenge: dull, flat. ALTERNATIVE: 1. lacking vigor or interest; 2. lacking flavor, tasteless.
Sentence: Timmy's "stress tests" will likely be seen to be homeopathic, worthless frauds. Why he is doing this static analysis in the dynamic situation is beyond comprehension. Reserves are made to be USED in stress, not saved. That's what J. P. Morgan ordered banks to do in 1907.
Le Mot du Jour
"Onde" - noun, feminine.
Onde means wave (generally and in physics). Ondes radioelectriques = radio waves; Ondes courts = short waves.
La Phrase: Les marchés des valeurs subissent les ondes de la vente et de l'achat.
Sentence: The securites markets are subject to waves of selling and buying.
Hillary seems to be the iron fist for this administration, while Obama is the velvet glove. She hits the bad guys (read Iran, Taliban, etc.) in the mouth, while Obama bends over (read Castro, Chavez, etc.). I wonder if this is a coordinated effort or disarray ?
Apple reports good numbers - iPhone sales strong. I'd re-buy a pullback to 100 area for a trade, but otherwise will just stick with Mrs. B's position in Sky Fund and let it ride. I figure Apple eventually gets 25% of the PC market for its Macs, viz. every PC not tied to a work/job. In other Words, AAPL goes to 500 eventually (maybe five years).
China consumers are spending and buying. Makes sense. If you were slaving in a dusty village five years ago, how bad can this slowdown look ? American whiners live better than their parents did after World War II, yet gripe & moan how tough it is. Take a look at the old photos of houses built after World War II compared to today's. Or the kitchens, then, when most women actually could and DID cook. Today many grip while eating prepared foods or takeout.
Basic foods are so good and so cheap, IFF one is willing to prepare them.
Ken the Cad says Hank and Ben "made" him hide the looting and losses at Merrill Lynch from his shareholders. What a greasy swine ! This guy should be instantly fired.
Prices plunge in the Hamptons, says Blabberg. Aw, shucks.
Markets
I am doing nothing. Underinvested beefers are buying quickly on dips. My analogy is that the market is behaving like a balloon being pushed under water (by bears). When the pressure is released, it pops back up and out to higher levels.
I have new skim to deploy, but will wait. I have plenty invested already if the market rips to S&P 900 or 1000 ... which could happen.
Word of the Day (two for today)
"Homeopathic" - adjective [$10]
Homeopathic means of a diluted or insipid nature.
"Insipid" - adjective [$10]
Insipid means 1. lacking taste or savor: tasteless; 2. lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate or challenge: dull, flat. ALTERNATIVE: 1. lacking vigor or interest; 2. lacking flavor, tasteless.
Sentence: Timmy's "stress tests" will likely be seen to be homeopathic, worthless frauds. Why he is doing this static analysis in the dynamic situation is beyond comprehension. Reserves are made to be USED in stress, not saved. That's what J. P. Morgan ordered banks to do in 1907.
Le Mot du Jour
"Onde" - noun, feminine.
Onde means wave (generally and in physics). Ondes radioelectriques = radio waves; Ondes courts = short waves.
La Phrase: Les marchés des valeurs subissent les ondes de la vente et de l'achat.
Sentence: The securites markets are subject to waves of selling and buying.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Happy Easter
After yesterday's huge rally on the Wells Fargo earnings surprise, the markets are closed today for Good Friday.
When working on Wall Street (metaphorically), I used to joke to friends that the markets were closed because Wall Street people were so religious. That usually got a laugh after the initial shock, when they realized I was being sardonic. Now, I suppose one would say that Wall Street is closed because they are worshippers of Satan so need to hide on that holy day. The truth is that Wall Street is closed nowadays simply due to two facts: (1) it always was a holiday for over a hundred years, and (2) European markets are closed as this is a big holiday for all in much of Europe.
New
The US trade deficit fell by a huge amount. Imports dropped big while exports held up. This has much more Global meaning than is generally recognized. Global is capitalized there for more literal and metaphorical reasons. Perhaps now I can write about a theory over which I've been noodling for a couple years.
Word of the Day
Conflate - verb [$10]
Conflate means to combine (two variant texts, for example) into one whole.
Sentence: Bunkerman intends to conflate notions of the US trade deficit and the dollar being the world reserve currency into a theory of the world money supply.
Le Mot du Jour
"Avoir l'intention" - compound verb expression
Avoir l'intention" means to intend; Avoir l'intention de faire quelque chose means to intent to do something.
La Phrase: L'homme du bunker a l'intention de étudier la langue allemande ce week-end.
Sentence: Bunkerman intends to study the German language this weekend.
When working on Wall Street (metaphorically), I used to joke to friends that the markets were closed because Wall Street people were so religious. That usually got a laugh after the initial shock, when they realized I was being sardonic. Now, I suppose one would say that Wall Street is closed because they are worshippers of Satan so need to hide on that holy day. The truth is that Wall Street is closed nowadays simply due to two facts: (1) it always was a holiday for over a hundred years, and (2) European markets are closed as this is a big holiday for all in much of Europe.
New
The US trade deficit fell by a huge amount. Imports dropped big while exports held up. This has much more Global meaning than is generally recognized. Global is capitalized there for more literal and metaphorical reasons. Perhaps now I can write about a theory over which I've been noodling for a couple years.
Word of the Day
Conflate - verb [$10]
Conflate means to combine (two variant texts, for example) into one whole.
Sentence: Bunkerman intends to conflate notions of the US trade deficit and the dollar being the world reserve currency into a theory of the world money supply.
Le Mot du Jour
"Avoir l'intention" - compound verb expression
Avoir l'intention" means to intend; Avoir l'intention de faire quelque chose means to intent to do something.
La Phrase: L'homme du bunker a l'intention de étudier la langue allemande ce week-end.
Sentence: Bunkerman intends to study the German language this weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
