Far from being the scourge of modern civilization, salt is an indispensable tool for survival and preserving our quality of life.
http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2010/05/sea-salt-survival.html
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Leading economic indicators dropped in April
Leading economic indicators dropped in April for first month in more than a year.
"Six of the index’s 10 components deteriorated in April. The biggest drags on the index: U.S. residents filed fewer applications to build homes, the unemployed filed more claims for jobless aid and consumers’ confidence dropped. A measure of how fast factories got goods signaled their suppliers were not as busy.
Four components improved, including higher stock prices, on average; a sharper difference between overnight and 10-year borrowing costs, historically a positive signal; more hours worked in factories and an increase in manufacturers’ orders for capital goods."
http://blog.taragana.com/business/2010/05/20/leading-economic-indicators-dropped-in-april-for-first-month-in-more-than-a-year-63262/
Higher stock prices, however, are not very helpful for sustaining a recovery. Indeed, higher stock prices in the face of rising joblessness and slowing construction are signs that sentiment is irrationally exuberant in the face of mediocre fundamentals --- and that asset values are inflated by excess liquidity rather than actual utilization of productive capacity.
At the end of April, stock prices were near their peak. Broad indexes have fallen about 10% since then, putting in a LOWER HIGH on a post-plunge rebound, then putting in a LOWER LOW on a second dip downward. Next month's reading on stock prices is likely to be less bullish.
Another supposedly bullish indicator is rising 10-year bond yield spreads. But this indicates that the economy is expected to rebound within a broad timeframe of the next 10 years. Not much comfort for those expecting economic turnaround to come sooner.
"Six of the index’s 10 components deteriorated in April. The biggest drags on the index: U.S. residents filed fewer applications to build homes, the unemployed filed more claims for jobless aid and consumers’ confidence dropped. A measure of how fast factories got goods signaled their suppliers were not as busy.
Four components improved, including higher stock prices, on average; a sharper difference between overnight and 10-year borrowing costs, historically a positive signal; more hours worked in factories and an increase in manufacturers’ orders for capital goods."
http://blog.taragana.com/business/2010/05/20/leading-economic-indicators-dropped-in-april-for-first-month-in-more-than-a-year-63262/
Higher stock prices, however, are not very helpful for sustaining a recovery. Indeed, higher stock prices in the face of rising joblessness and slowing construction are signs that sentiment is irrationally exuberant in the face of mediocre fundamentals --- and that asset values are inflated by excess liquidity rather than actual utilization of productive capacity.
At the end of April, stock prices were near their peak. Broad indexes have fallen about 10% since then, putting in a LOWER HIGH on a post-plunge rebound, then putting in a LOWER LOW on a second dip downward. Next month's reading on stock prices is likely to be less bullish.
Another supposedly bullish indicator is rising 10-year bond yield spreads. But this indicates that the economy is expected to rebound within a broad timeframe of the next 10 years. Not much comfort for those expecting economic turnaround to come sooner.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Robin Hood is a Tea Party Conservative
What afflicted the people of Nottingham was GOVERNMENT TAXATION and government hunting restrictions. Robin Hood (in the capable hands of Ridley Scott) is protesting oppressive taxation and arrogant government.
"what plagues England in the Robin Hood story is never poverty per se, but taxation. Invasive government taxation and hunting regulations have reduced the English peasants to penury. The King, the Sheriff and other government toadies are the people’s enemies. And Robin Hood, far from trying to redistribute wealth, is merely attempting to get the people’s money back from these bloated tax-and-spenders."
http://www.andrewklavan.com/2010/05/17/robin-hood-anxiety-syndrome/
Once again, government is the CAUSE of poverty. And limiting the power of government is the solution to the problems that government creates.
"what plagues England in the Robin Hood story is never poverty per se, but taxation. Invasive government taxation and hunting regulations have reduced the English peasants to penury. The King, the Sheriff and other government toadies are the people’s enemies. And Robin Hood, far from trying to redistribute wealth, is merely attempting to get the people’s money back from these bloated tax-and-spenders."
http://www.andrewklavan.com/2010/05/17/robin-hood-anxiety-syndrome/
Once again, government is the CAUSE of poverty. And limiting the power of government is the solution to the problems that government creates.
Government healthcare worsens access to quality healthcare
The Curtain is Closing on Your Health Care Plan
“Consolidated practices and salaried doctors will leave fewer options for patients and longer waiting times for routine appointments. Like the insurers, physicians are responding to the economic burdens of the president's plan in one of the few ways they're permitted to.”
http://rsc.tomprice.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=186284
*****
Texas doctors opting out of Medicare at alarming rate
“The only way to provide cost-effective care is outside the Medicare system, a system without constant paperwork and headaches and inadequate reimbursement.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7009807.html
“Consolidated practices and salaried doctors will leave fewer options for patients and longer waiting times for routine appointments. Like the insurers, physicians are responding to the economic burdens of the president's plan in one of the few ways they're permitted to.”
http://rsc.tomprice.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=186284
*****
Texas doctors opting out of Medicare at alarming rate
“The only way to provide cost-effective care is outside the Medicare system, a system without constant paperwork and headaches and inadequate reimbursement.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7009807.html
Raising Tax Rates Will NOT Solve Deficits
WSJ has a great editorial and accompanying chart showing that raising tax rates will NOT generate more tax revenue. No matter the tax rate, revenues cannot rise above 20% GDP without becoming intolerably oppressive.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704608104575217870728420184.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_opinion
Tax increases are NOT the answer. Government spending must be REDUCED. And tax rates must be lowered as well. Lower tax rates grow the economy. We cannot be taxed into solvency. We must GROW and PRODUCE and SAVE and INVEST our way into solvency.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704608104575217870728420184.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_opinion
Tax increases are NOT the answer. Government spending must be REDUCED. And tax rates must be lowered as well. Lower tax rates grow the economy. We cannot be taxed into solvency. We must GROW and PRODUCE and SAVE and INVEST our way into solvency.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Conservative Economic Reform is key to saving Greece and Europe.
Greece must privatize its government health care system because nationalized health care is unsustainable. So whyis America being pushed to socialize its health care system??
"Of course most of the media have been largely silent about the health care privatization measure for Greece, as it conflicts with their universal, single-payer health care narrative."
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=534021
Spain cut government employee pay 5%.
So why is Obama still pandering to overpaid union cronies?
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Obamas-23-billion-payoff-to-teacher-unions-93852379.html
"Of course most of the media have been largely silent about the health care privatization measure for Greece, as it conflicts with their universal, single-payer health care narrative."
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=534021
Spain cut government employee pay 5%.
So why is Obama still pandering to overpaid union cronies?
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Obamas-23-billion-payoff-to-teacher-unions-93852379.html
Friday, May 14, 2010
Boycott Pepsi: Pepsi funds radical homosexual hate group PFLAG
Homosexual group PFLAG trains people to vilify and harass ex-gays
"PepsiCo is one of the nation's major funders of the radical homosexual movement. In particular, they fund PFLAG, which is a hardcore group that organizes across the country in liberal churches and also targets children in public schools attempting to normalize homosexual and transgender behavior through psychological manipulation and activism." (MassResistance.org)
http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen/10b/pflag_pepsi/index.html
PFLAG's harassment tactics are well-documented
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/06/02/gay-marriage-mob-harasses-petition-signers-in-washington-state/
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
A better alternative: Jones Soda.
"Jones Soda is the kind of company that would arise if the state would divorce itself from the economy. Unlike the mega-corporations Coke and Pepsi, Jones caters to the individualist spirit of America. Along with continually changing the photographs on its labels, Jones soda allows customers to individualize their own twelve packs with whatever picture or message they choose. Similarly, with over sixty-four flavors, including Caramel Cream and Lemon Drop Dead, Jones embodies the personal nature of free enterprise.
Under a system of tariffs, subsidies, and restrictions, we get companies like Coke and Pepsi producing collectivist drinks for the masses. There is nothing exciting about these products because there is nothing exciting about the system that produces them. Interventionism is restrictive; it confines the innovative human mind, while the laissez-faire economy unleashes it."
Read more: Jonesin' for a Soda -
http://mises.org/daily/2678
"PepsiCo is one of the nation's major funders of the radical homosexual movement. In particular, they fund PFLAG, which is a hardcore group that organizes across the country in liberal churches and also targets children in public schools attempting to normalize homosexual and transgender behavior through psychological manipulation and activism." (MassResistance.org)
http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen/10b/pflag_pepsi/index.html
PFLAG's harassment tactics are well-documented
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/06/02/gay-marriage-mob-harasses-petition-signers-in-washington-state/
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
A better alternative: Jones Soda.
"Jones Soda is the kind of company that would arise if the state would divorce itself from the economy. Unlike the mega-corporations Coke and Pepsi, Jones caters to the individualist spirit of America. Along with continually changing the photographs on its labels, Jones soda allows customers to individualize their own twelve packs with whatever picture or message they choose. Similarly, with over sixty-four flavors, including Caramel Cream and Lemon Drop Dead, Jones embodies the personal nature of free enterprise.
Under a system of tariffs, subsidies, and restrictions, we get companies like Coke and Pepsi producing collectivist drinks for the masses. There is nothing exciting about these products because there is nothing exciting about the system that produces them. Interventionism is restrictive; it confines the innovative human mind, while the laissez-faire economy unleashes it."
Read more: Jonesin' for a Soda -
http://mises.org/daily/2678
Barack Obama's social security number is suspicious
Thanks to diligent research by vigilant patriots, it is already widely suspected that the fraud currently occupying the White House is not a natural-born American citizen, is a radical unrepentant socialist, is a devotee of the racist "Black Liberation Theology" and its "Black Values System", and is using a false name "Barack Obama". Now two private investigators have found that the Social Security Number of "Barack Obama" is a number reserved for a resident of Connecticut (not Hawaii).
Has the occupant of the White House committed Identity Fraud?
Investigators: Obama uses Connecticut Soc. Sec. Number
3 experts insist White House answer new questions about documentation
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=152773
http://www.examiner.com/x-40065-Blogosphere-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m5d13-Barack-Obamas-social-security-number-belonged-to-someone-else
Google Hides Obama's Social Security Number Story
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/05/google-hides-obamas-social-security.html
Obama: Where have all his records gone?
Footprints of president's own history either vanish or remain covered up
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=100613
Has the occupant of the White House committed Identity Fraud?
Investigators: Obama uses Connecticut Soc. Sec. Number
3 experts insist White House answer new questions about documentation
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=152773
http://www.examiner.com/x-40065-Blogosphere-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m5d13-Barack-Obamas-social-security-number-belonged-to-someone-else
Google Hides Obama's Social Security Number Story
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/05/google-hides-obamas-social-security.html
Obama: Where have all his records gone?
Footprints of president's own history either vanish or remain covered up
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=100613
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
After the Fall: Stocks Remain Overvalued
Last week's plunge in stocks was the sharpest drop in more than a year. But it still was not enough to correct the precariously overvalued position of the excessively leveraged (inflated) stock market.
82% of stocks on the S&P500 are still above their 200day moving averages, even after last week's plunge. In fact, the overvalued positions are even more extreme than anything seen in 2007-2008.
Stocks are even more overvalued; values are even more inflated; the real economy is even more burdened by excessive debt; the "recovery" is even more phony than the 2007-2008 bubble that preceded it.
82% of stocks on the S&P500 are still above their 200day moving averages, even after last week's plunge. In fact, the overvalued positions are even more extreme than anything seen in 2007-2008.
Stocks are even more overvalued; values are even more inflated; the real economy is even more burdened by excessive debt; the "recovery" is even more phony than the 2007-2008 bubble that preceded it.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Unemployment Rises to 17.1%
"Work would cure almost anything, I believed then and I believe now." -- Ernest Hemingway, "A Moveable Feast"
Once again, not enough jobs were created for those who need jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Official" Unemployment Rate (U-3) rose to 9.9% and its "Real" Unemployment (U-6) has risen to 17.1% despite a much touted gain of 290,000 jobs. John Williams' ShadowStats.com finds the real unemployment rate to be 22%. Clearly, these numbers do not represent such an improvement as the administration and their allies in the media would like us to believe.
As the Wall Street Journal explains: "The U-6 figure includes everyone in the official rate plus “marginally attached workers” — those who are neither working nor looking for work, but say they want a job and have looked for work recently; and people who are employed part-time for economic reasons, meaning they want full-time work but took a part-time schedule instead because that’s all they could find.
A U-6 figure that converges toward the official rate could indicate improving confidence in the labor market and the overall economy. This month pushes convergence even further away." http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/05/07/broader-u-6-unemployment-rate-increases-to-171-in-april/
"If the trend holds, it also means that the days of 10% unemployment may not be behind us. That means continuing downward pressure on wages. And it could spell continued trouble for the long-term unemployed. The April report showed that the number of people unemployed for 27 weeks or more rose by 169,000 to 6.7 million — almost half of all unemployed people. The average duration of unemployment: 33 weeks, an increase from last month." http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/05/07/why-did-the-unemployment-rate-rise/
Once again, not enough jobs were created for those who need jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Official" Unemployment Rate (U-3) rose to 9.9% and its "Real" Unemployment (U-6) has risen to 17.1% despite a much touted gain of 290,000 jobs. John Williams' ShadowStats.com finds the real unemployment rate to be 22%. Clearly, these numbers do not represent such an improvement as the administration and their allies in the media would like us to believe.
As the Wall Street Journal explains: "The U-6 figure includes everyone in the official rate plus “marginally attached workers” — those who are neither working nor looking for work, but say they want a job and have looked for work recently; and people who are employed part-time for economic reasons, meaning they want full-time work but took a part-time schedule instead because that’s all they could find.
A U-6 figure that converges toward the official rate could indicate improving confidence in the labor market and the overall economy. This month pushes convergence even further away." http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/05/07/broader-u-6-unemployment-rate-increases-to-171-in-april/
"If the trend holds, it also means that the days of 10% unemployment may not be behind us. That means continuing downward pressure on wages. And it could spell continued trouble for the long-term unemployed. The April report showed that the number of people unemployed for 27 weeks or more rose by 169,000 to 6.7 million — almost half of all unemployed people. The average duration of unemployment: 33 weeks, an increase from last month." http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/05/07/why-did-the-unemployment-rate-rise/
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Stocks heading lower
US Stocks show signs of heading lower, and not just for a day or two.
The S+P developed a head-and-shoulders reversal pattern, then broke down through the neck line.
The Dow Industrials show the same complex head-and-shoulders reversal with a breakdown below 11000. The Nasdaq Composite also shows the same head-and-shoulders reversal with a breakdown below 2460. The Russell 2000 also has broken down from a head-and-shoulders with rising volume on the downturn.
Russell 1000 growth has the same breakdown from a head-and-shoulders, as does the Russell 1000 value. Nasdaq high-tech and Nasdaq ex-tech both show the breakdown following a head-and-shoulders.
Dow Transports broke down from a multiple top pattern, with a lower MACD on the downturn showing the capability to go lower.
The Dow Utilities, already a weak sector on anticipation of higher interest rates, broke down from a multiple rising base pattern. Again, the lower MACD shows more ability to go lower.
DJ Wilshire Total Market index has also broken down below a head-and-shoulders top. DJ Wilshire Real Estate Investment Trust also had a breakdown from a rising base climax top. DJ Wilshire International Real Estate has shown even more weakness, breaking support on a gap down May 4 and following with another gap down May 5 (on extremely negative MACD).
The breakdowns are clearly visible on both the DJ Wilshire Large Cap Growth and Small Cap Growth indexes, as well as the Large Cap Value and Small Cap Value Indexes.
SLV also had a significant breakdown from a rounded top, below $17.50.
PALL (Palladium) has also had a significant breakdown.
On daily charts, the indexes have not had so many down days in months. A correction is coming. And tight credit brings down numerous overly inflated assets simultaneously.
Update: As stocks worldwide moved lower, gold has surged to a new high.
The S+P developed a head-and-shoulders reversal pattern, then broke down through the neck line.
The Dow Industrials show the same complex head-and-shoulders reversal with a breakdown below 11000. The Nasdaq Composite also shows the same head-and-shoulders reversal with a breakdown below 2460. The Russell 2000 also has broken down from a head-and-shoulders with rising volume on the downturn.
Russell 1000 growth has the same breakdown from a head-and-shoulders, as does the Russell 1000 value. Nasdaq high-tech and Nasdaq ex-tech both show the breakdown following a head-and-shoulders.
Dow Transports broke down from a multiple top pattern, with a lower MACD on the downturn showing the capability to go lower.
The Dow Utilities, already a weak sector on anticipation of higher interest rates, broke down from a multiple rising base pattern. Again, the lower MACD shows more ability to go lower.
DJ Wilshire Total Market index has also broken down below a head-and-shoulders top. DJ Wilshire Real Estate Investment Trust also had a breakdown from a rising base climax top. DJ Wilshire International Real Estate has shown even more weakness, breaking support on a gap down May 4 and following with another gap down May 5 (on extremely negative MACD).
The breakdowns are clearly visible on both the DJ Wilshire Large Cap Growth and Small Cap Growth indexes, as well as the Large Cap Value and Small Cap Value Indexes.
SLV also had a significant breakdown from a rounded top, below $17.50.
PALL (Palladium) has also had a significant breakdown.
On daily charts, the indexes have not had so many down days in months. A correction is coming. And tight credit brings down numerous overly inflated assets simultaneously.
Update: As stocks worldwide moved lower, gold has surged to a new high.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Asperger's
Investing and Asperger's
A hopeful story of success for those who struggle with adult autism spectrum disorders. God bless you all.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/05/investing-and-aspergers.html
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
A hopeful story of success for those who struggle with adult autism spectrum disorders. God bless you all.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/05/investing-and-aspergers.html
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Update: Democrats Divided
After I had noticed that the State of the Union address was largely spent bashing Congress (http://dchrist81.blogspot.com/2010/01/state-of-union.html)......
I have also noticed more columnists and bloggers are also seeing more emerging signs of a divided party.
As America is increasingly dissatisfied with Washington, Congress is increasingly upset with Obama for voicing that frustration (while attempting to minimize his complicity).
See Congressional Dems to Obama — stop bashing Washington!
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/congressional-dems-to-obama--stop-bashing-washington-92690589.html
http://moelane.com/2010/05/03/somebody-tattled-on-the-democratic-whine-party/
I have also noticed more columnists and bloggers are also seeing more emerging signs of a divided party.
As America is increasingly dissatisfied with Washington, Congress is increasingly upset with Obama for voicing that frustration (while attempting to minimize his complicity).
See Congressional Dems to Obama — stop bashing Washington!
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/congressional-dems-to-obama--stop-bashing-washington-92690589.html
http://moelane.com/2010/05/03/somebody-tattled-on-the-democratic-whine-party/
Colorado Democrats strangle Internet entrepreneurs
Colorado Democrats strangle Internet entrepreneurs
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/03/11/colorado-democrats-strangle-internet-entrepreneurs/
Amazon Dumps Colorado Sites in Response to Tax
http://www.webcpa.com/news/Amazon-Dumps-Colorado-Sites-in-Response-to-Tax-53541-1.html
Colorado is killing its own businesses with unfair, onerous taxes.
http://www.repealtheamazontax.com/
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/03/11/colorado-democrats-strangle-internet-entrepreneurs/
Amazon Dumps Colorado Sites in Response to Tax
http://www.webcpa.com/news/Amazon-Dumps-Colorado-Sites-in-Response-to-Tax-53541-1.html
Colorado is killing its own businesses with unfair, onerous taxes.
http://www.repealtheamazontax.com/
More problems with Obamacare
Under Obamacare, the federal government and state and local governments would be vulnerable to fines for not providing sufficient insurance to employees.
http://dailycaller.com/2010/04/19/congress-may-get-fined-by-its-own-health-care-law/
Congressional Research Service memo raises fresh constitutional questions about Obamacare
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/05/02/crs-memo-raises-fresh-constitutional-questions-about-obamacare/
http://dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/crs-on-health-care-fines.pdf
http://dailycaller.com/2010/04/19/congress-may-get-fined-by-its-own-health-care-law/
Congressional Research Service memo raises fresh constitutional questions about Obamacare
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/05/02/crs-memo-raises-fresh-constitutional-questions-about-obamacare/
http://dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/crs-on-health-care-fines.pdf
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