http://www.aroundmd.com/whitechristmas/
Crank it up and enjoy!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Alabama Town’s Failed Pension Is a Warning
http://www.cnbc.com/id/40791768
This struggling small city on the outskirts of Mobile was warned for years that if it did nothing, its pension fund would run out of money by 2009. Right on schedule, its fund ran dry.
Darren Robb | Stone | Getty Images
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then Prichard did something that pension experts say they have never seen before: it stopped sending monthly pension checks to its 150 retired workers, breaking a state law requiring it to pay its promised retirement benefits in full.
Since then, Nettie Banks, 68, a retired Prichard police and fire dispatcher, has filed for bankruptcy. Alfred Arnold, a 66-year-old retired fire captain, has gone back to work as a shopping mall security guard to try to keep his house. Eddie Ragland, 59, a retired police captain, accepted help from colleagues, bake sales and collection jars after he was shot by a robber, leaving him badly wounded and unable to get to his new job as a police officer at the regional airport.
Far worse was the retired fire marshal who died in June. Like many of the others, he was too young to collect Social Security. “When they found him, he had no electricity and no running water in his house,” said David Anders, 58, a retired district fire chief. “He was a proud enough man that he wouldn’t accept help.”
This struggling small city on the outskirts of Mobile was warned for years that if it did nothing, its pension fund would run out of money by 2009. Right on schedule, its fund ran dry.
Darren Robb | Stone | Getty Images
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then Prichard did something that pension experts say they have never seen before: it stopped sending monthly pension checks to its 150 retired workers, breaking a state law requiring it to pay its promised retirement benefits in full.
Since then, Nettie Banks, 68, a retired Prichard police and fire dispatcher, has filed for bankruptcy. Alfred Arnold, a 66-year-old retired fire captain, has gone back to work as a shopping mall security guard to try to keep his house. Eddie Ragland, 59, a retired police captain, accepted help from colleagues, bake sales and collection jars after he was shot by a robber, leaving him badly wounded and unable to get to his new job as a police officer at the regional airport.
Far worse was the retired fire marshal who died in June. Like many of the others, he was too young to collect Social Security. “When they found him, he had no electricity and no running water in his house,” said David Anders, 58, a retired district fire chief. “He was a proud enough man that he wouldn’t accept help.”
Fed panel: Oil spill evidence tests need to stop
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Fed-panel-Oil-spill-evidence-apf-3159413613.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=
I'm inclinded to believe the Chemical Safety Board is having a hard time investigating. Especially since the Companies inolved tried to shut them out in the first place.
I agree with the Board that a third party independant needs to moniter the proceedures.
We really cant afford to be wrong or to hear any more half truths that these companies would like us to believe.
The Gulf is still in crisis now.
A federal board allowed to monitor the testing of a key piece of Gulf oil spill evidence -- the blowout preventer -- is demanding that the analysis stop until representatives of the companies that made and maintained the device are removed from the process.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said in a letter Thursday that having the companies involved hands-on in the forensic analysis that began more than a month ago undermines the investigation's credibility
I'm inclinded to believe the Chemical Safety Board is having a hard time investigating. Especially since the Companies inolved tried to shut them out in the first place.
I agree with the Board that a third party independant needs to moniter the proceedures.
We really cant afford to be wrong or to hear any more half truths that these companies would like us to believe.
The Gulf is still in crisis now.
A federal board allowed to monitor the testing of a key piece of Gulf oil spill evidence -- the blowout preventer -- is demanding that the analysis stop until representatives of the companies that made and maintained the device are removed from the process.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said in a letter Thursday that having the companies involved hands-on in the forensic analysis that began more than a month ago undermines the investigation's credibility
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Fraud As A Business Model Endorsed by The Fed And OCC
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=175615
Do "We" deserve this kind of representation, which comes from a government endorsed private entity?
The hand writing is on the wall kids, in big bold neon colors.
The Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency are biased toward the banks and don't represent you at all.
It's time to end the FED.
We all deserve better!
Yep.... any screwing is a good screwing, so long as a bank does it and you, the consumer, are the screwee.
WASHINGTON -- Top policymakers at the Federal Reserve are fighting efforts to rein in widely reported bank abuses, sparking an inter-agency feud with the FDIC and the Treasury Department. The Fed, along with the more bank-friendly Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is resisting moves to craft rules cracking down on banks that charge illegal fees and carry out improper foreclosures. The FDIC supports such rules, according to an FDIC official involved in the dispute.
Got that?
The Fed and OCC are resisting cracking down on ILLEGAL fees and IMPROPER foreclosures.
What part of "illegal" don't these guys care about?
Oh, that's simple. If it's illegal (say, by charging an illegal fee, foreclosing by committing perjury, doctoring wire information so that the fact that you're funding terrorism in the Middle East is obscured, or screwing municipalities with hinky derivative deals, or perhaps not even transferring mortgages into alleged mortgage-backed securities) according to The Fed and OCC it's perfectly ok if it screws the consumer - or anyone except a bank.
But as soon as you screw a bank, why that's really illegal and for that you should be prosecuted.
Do "We" deserve this kind of representation, which comes from a government endorsed private entity?
The hand writing is on the wall kids, in big bold neon colors.
The Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency are biased toward the banks and don't represent you at all.
It's time to end the FED.
We all deserve better!
Yep.... any screwing is a good screwing, so long as a bank does it and you, the consumer, are the screwee.
WASHINGTON -- Top policymakers at the Federal Reserve are fighting efforts to rein in widely reported bank abuses, sparking an inter-agency feud with the FDIC and the Treasury Department. The Fed, along with the more bank-friendly Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is resisting moves to craft rules cracking down on banks that charge illegal fees and carry out improper foreclosures. The FDIC supports such rules, according to an FDIC official involved in the dispute.
Got that?
The Fed and OCC are resisting cracking down on ILLEGAL fees and IMPROPER foreclosures.
What part of "illegal" don't these guys care about?
Oh, that's simple. If it's illegal (say, by charging an illegal fee, foreclosing by committing perjury, doctoring wire information so that the fact that you're funding terrorism in the Middle East is obscured, or screwing municipalities with hinky derivative deals, or perhaps not even transferring mortgages into alleged mortgage-backed securities) according to The Fed and OCC it's perfectly ok if it screws the consumer - or anyone except a bank.
But as soon as you screw a bank, why that's really illegal and for that you should be prosecuted.
Karl's rebuttal to Mish
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=175557
It's time to take a stand my friends.
It's imperative that you read and understand the bill that Dennis Kucinich has written for review.
While I respect Mish, I find myself in total agreement with Karl.
No this bill is not perfect, but what it does do is rope in those imperfections enough to allow them to be quarantined off from the constant infections to the rest of us.
Most of us don't live and breath Wall Street. We're just everyday people that would like a stable monitary base, one that doesn't erode every time Wall Street finds itself crapped out at the table, because once again they bet it all, and ended up rolling snake eyes. Which has happened so many times in the past that the pattern can be seen by a blind person.
The constant cry of "We didn't know" is nothing more than a bald face lie intended to sooth those gullible enough to believe it.
The common man is not sustained by the growth of interest, and yet his meager table is laid with interest aplenty, due to the fact that the fiat instrument (the federal debt note, or more commonly known as the dollar)hold less and less value (buying power)on a daily basis.
Our meager wage is now consumed by the constant of interests and fees, plied by those that reap rich rewards from the continuance of their usage.
Our daily lives have been financed due to our own lack of affordability to maintain it.
It's not from the want of high priced toys that the talking heads all blame it on, but more so from the daily maintenance that living takes, that sometimes calamity overrides, and when that does happen, taking out another loan is the only way most of us are able to continue treading the water of daily life. In other words consolidation of what ever train wreck just hit us.
Our parents and grandparents were so much more wealthy than we, because the value of their dollar was 100%. It was backed by the stability of gold, not debt like the way ours is now.
If "We" the common man are to survive, the system of monitary finance must be changed.
Man cannot live by paper pushing alone, it takes real substance to be nourished, when sitting down at the table of life. The table that was meant to nourish and sustain us all, not just a select few, as they would have you believe.
Dennis Kucinich: Delete The Fed
I'm stunned.
Really.
Dennis Kucinich, which many people have (properly) labeled as one step removed from a communist in the past, and who has a reputation as having a hard-core left slant in his politics, has just written up and introduced a bill that will fundamentally restore the free market - for real - to banking and credit.
It will also **** a lot of people off.
His bill would end the process of money issuance by The US Federal Government as a debt instrument. It would thus restore actual "lawful money" as Ron Paul claims to want, but in a form he has never, ever elucidated. It does, however, exactly match up with the base position I have propounded upon, along with Bill Still and a few others.
Instead, Treasury would issue and spend into circulation United States Notes. The existing "FOMC" would be replicated in Treasury with a mandate identical to The Fed's, with one important addition - a requirement that their operations be neither inflationary or deflationary.
That is, the precise mandate that is required - that United States Money maintain its purchasing power.
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=175610
The response from Shedlock to my previous missive on Kucinich's bill is amusing.
Denninger is not the only one who is stunned. I am stunned that anyone could support this preposterous idea, assuming they read it and are sober.
Neither sound money nor the free market comes from printing money into existence. Arguably the only thing worse than the Fed printing money out of thin air is Congress printing money out of thing for the purpose of full employment and/or any other absurd ideas Congress has.
As opposed to loaning it into existence at gunpoint (literally in the case of TARP, QE1 and QE2), as is done now?
The last thing we need, the very last thing we need is Congress lending money into existence to pay the bills or to do anything it wants for any reason. Those looking for hyperinflation can find the roots of it in that bill.
Might I remind Mish (or should I rename him as "Mush", as in "for brains") that the bill contains an explicit provision prohibiting that which he claims will happen?
It's time to take a stand my friends.
It's imperative that you read and understand the bill that Dennis Kucinich has written for review.
While I respect Mish, I find myself in total agreement with Karl.
No this bill is not perfect, but what it does do is rope in those imperfections enough to allow them to be quarantined off from the constant infections to the rest of us.
Most of us don't live and breath Wall Street. We're just everyday people that would like a stable monitary base, one that doesn't erode every time Wall Street finds itself crapped out at the table, because once again they bet it all, and ended up rolling snake eyes. Which has happened so many times in the past that the pattern can be seen by a blind person.
The constant cry of "We didn't know" is nothing more than a bald face lie intended to sooth those gullible enough to believe it.
The common man is not sustained by the growth of interest, and yet his meager table is laid with interest aplenty, due to the fact that the fiat instrument (the federal debt note, or more commonly known as the dollar)hold less and less value (buying power)on a daily basis.
Our meager wage is now consumed by the constant of interests and fees, plied by those that reap rich rewards from the continuance of their usage.
Our daily lives have been financed due to our own lack of affordability to maintain it.
It's not from the want of high priced toys that the talking heads all blame it on, but more so from the daily maintenance that living takes, that sometimes calamity overrides, and when that does happen, taking out another loan is the only way most of us are able to continue treading the water of daily life. In other words consolidation of what ever train wreck just hit us.
Our parents and grandparents were so much more wealthy than we, because the value of their dollar was 100%. It was backed by the stability of gold, not debt like the way ours is now.
If "We" the common man are to survive, the system of monitary finance must be changed.
Man cannot live by paper pushing alone, it takes real substance to be nourished, when sitting down at the table of life. The table that was meant to nourish and sustain us all, not just a select few, as they would have you believe.
Of course if you're an "asset manager" you have a hell of a reason to like "small inflation", because that is what creates the dynamic that forces people to spend or take risk instead of saving, as savings are under such an inflationary system a sinking fund.
Dennis Kucinich: Delete The Fed
I'm stunned.
Really.
Dennis Kucinich, which many people have (properly) labeled as one step removed from a communist in the past, and who has a reputation as having a hard-core left slant in his politics, has just written up and introduced a bill that will fundamentally restore the free market - for real - to banking and credit.
It will also **** a lot of people off.
His bill would end the process of money issuance by The US Federal Government as a debt instrument. It would thus restore actual "lawful money" as Ron Paul claims to want, but in a form he has never, ever elucidated. It does, however, exactly match up with the base position I have propounded upon, along with Bill Still and a few others.
Instead, Treasury would issue and spend into circulation United States Notes. The existing "FOMC" would be replicated in Treasury with a mandate identical to The Fed's, with one important addition - a requirement that their operations be neither inflationary or deflationary.
That is, the precise mandate that is required - that United States Money maintain its purchasing power.
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=175610
The response from Shedlock to my previous missive on Kucinich's bill is amusing.
Denninger is not the only one who is stunned. I am stunned that anyone could support this preposterous idea, assuming they read it and are sober.
Neither sound money nor the free market comes from printing money into existence. Arguably the only thing worse than the Fed printing money out of thin air is Congress printing money out of thing for the purpose of full employment and/or any other absurd ideas Congress has.
As opposed to loaning it into existence at gunpoint (literally in the case of TARP, QE1 and QE2), as is done now?
The last thing we need, the very last thing we need is Congress lending money into existence to pay the bills or to do anything it wants for any reason. Those looking for hyperinflation can find the roots of it in that bill.
Might I remind Mish (or should I rename him as "Mush", as in "for brains") that the bill contains an explicit provision prohibiting that which he claims will happen?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Deutsche Bank to pay over $550M in fraud probe
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Deutsche-Bank-to-pay-over-apf-3257528524.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=
I'd like to see you get this same deal.
Admit your guilty of fraud, dime to a dollars says your ass
would be thrown under the jail, not let off.
This is not justice America.
It's a pay off.
Deutsche Bank admitted criminal wrongdoing and agreed to pay more than $550 million in connection with its participation in tax shelters that enabled the rich to temporarily avoid paying hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. taxes, authorities announced Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors and the Justice Department's tax division announced the deal, saying a nonprosecution agreement requires the bank to continue cooperating and to submit to the appointment of an independent expert who will review its compliance measures and ensure it does not help people dodge taxes in the future.
Authorities said the $553,633,153 payment by the bank will include that amount of taxes and interest that the Internal Revenue Service was unable to collect from taxpayers from 1996 to 2002 because of the misconduct. It also includes a civil penalty of more than $149 million.
In a statement, Deutsche Bank said it was pleased that the investigation had been resolved.
I'd like to see you get this same deal.
Admit your guilty of fraud, dime to a dollars says your ass
would be thrown under the jail, not let off.
This is not justice America.
It's a pay off.
Deutsche Bank admitted criminal wrongdoing and agreed to pay more than $550 million in connection with its participation in tax shelters that enabled the rich to temporarily avoid paying hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. taxes, authorities announced Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors and the Justice Department's tax division announced the deal, saying a nonprosecution agreement requires the bank to continue cooperating and to submit to the appointment of an independent expert who will review its compliance measures and ensure it does not help people dodge taxes in the future.
Authorities said the $553,633,153 payment by the bank will include that amount of taxes and interest that the Internal Revenue Service was unable to collect from taxpayers from 1996 to 2002 because of the misconduct. It also includes a civil penalty of more than $149 million.
In a statement, Deutsche Bank said it was pleased that the investigation had been resolved.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Another taste of that pack mentality
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/dec/17/18-month-old-alleged-abuse-victim-recovering/
What's missing from these kids?
Something that they never got taught.
Empathy and compassion.
Most kids haven't been taught it.
Scary thought.
18-month-old alleged abuse victim recovering nicely
Louis Wright is going to be OK.
The 18-month-old boy who suffered extensive injuries when he was allegedly abused by three teenagers last month was to be released from the hospital Thursday, according to the Mount Pleasant lawyer who set up a fund to help the child's family pay medical expenses.
"He will be staying with his aunt, who sounds like a really sweet person," said Nathan Hughey. "She said he is expected to make a full recovery."
Louis was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Medical University Hospital on Nov. 30, the morning after he was allegedly pummelled and tossed around by three teenage boys at a house in North Charleston
What's missing from these kids?
Something that they never got taught.
Empathy and compassion.
Most kids haven't been taught it.
Scary thought.
18-month-old alleged abuse victim recovering nicely
Louis Wright is going to be OK.
The 18-month-old boy who suffered extensive injuries when he was allegedly abused by three teenagers last month was to be released from the hospital Thursday, according to the Mount Pleasant lawyer who set up a fund to help the child's family pay medical expenses.
"He will be staying with his aunt, who sounds like a really sweet person," said Nathan Hughey. "She said he is expected to make a full recovery."
Louis was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Medical University Hospital on Nov. 30, the morning after he was allegedly pummelled and tossed around by three teenage boys at a house in North Charleston
Little-known benefit can aid veterans
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/dec/16/little-known-benefit-can-aid-veterans/
Pass the word kids,
This is a need to know,
because if you don't ask they won't tell.
But for veterans and spouses of veterans, there is a little-known and seldom discussed government benefit that can make a big difference in your loved one's quality of life. It's called Aid and Attendance.
"I was about to hang up after talking to an assisted living place in Greenville when the administrator mentioned this benefit and suggested I look into it," Edwards said. "My mom was eligible because my dad was in the Air Force.
"Even my brother, who spent 30 years in the Army, never heard of it
Aid and Attendance benefits are not advertised and, according to David Weston, field office supervisor for the Office of Veterans Affairs, they are "hidden in the grass."
In essence, this benefit ranges from $661 to $1,949 per month toward nursing home care for a veteran or a veteran's spouse if they qualify.
Like most government benefit programs, it can be complicated. But, basically, the veteran must have served during a period of war (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War), be disabled and have low income.
"It's a higher form of pension," Weston said. "I process a thousand of these claims each year. But many people are unaware of the benefits available."
Weston said the process requires documentation, including discharge papers and financial statements, but said, "It's not too terribly difficult."
Pass the word kids,
This is a need to know,
because if you don't ask they won't tell.
But for veterans and spouses of veterans, there is a little-known and seldom discussed government benefit that can make a big difference in your loved one's quality of life. It's called Aid and Attendance.
"I was about to hang up after talking to an assisted living place in Greenville when the administrator mentioned this benefit and suggested I look into it," Edwards said. "My mom was eligible because my dad was in the Air Force.
"Even my brother, who spent 30 years in the Army, never heard of it
Aid and Attendance benefits are not advertised and, according to David Weston, field office supervisor for the Office of Veterans Affairs, they are "hidden in the grass."
In essence, this benefit ranges from $661 to $1,949 per month toward nursing home care for a veteran or a veteran's spouse if they qualify.
Like most government benefit programs, it can be complicated. But, basically, the veteran must have served during a period of war (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War), be disabled and have low income.
"It's a higher form of pension," Weston said. "I process a thousand of these claims each year. But many people are unaware of the benefits available."
Weston said the process requires documentation, including discharge papers and financial statements, but said, "It's not too terribly difficult."
Arizona accuses major bank of defrauding mortgage customers
http://azstarnet.com/article_d385fb20-0a12-11e0-8afb-001cc4c03286.html
Filed suit at the Maricopa County Superior Court?
Now what exactly does that mean?
Criminal charges?
Because anything less makes the AZ Attorney General look inept, since he was the one, that actually termed the banks action as defrauding.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed suit today
against Bank of America, accusing it of defrauding its mortgage
customers.
The state contends the bank, the largest servicer of home loans in
Arizona, engaged in practices which led to hundreds of
people being ousted from their homes even as they were being told
their mortgages were being modified. That even included at least
one instance where the homeowner was current on her mortgage and
had never been late with a payment, prosecutors said in a 35-page complaint filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Filed suit at the Maricopa County Superior Court?
Now what exactly does that mean?
Criminal charges?
Because anything less makes the AZ Attorney General look inept, since he was the one, that actually termed the banks action as defrauding.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed suit today
against Bank of America, accusing it of defrauding its mortgage
customers.
The state contends the bank, the largest servicer of home loans in
Arizona, engaged in practices which led to hundreds of
people being ousted from their homes even as they were being told
their mortgages were being modified. That even included at least
one instance where the homeowner was current on her mortgage and
had never been late with a payment, prosecutors said in a 35-page complaint filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.
House Republicans block child marriage prevention act
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/17/house-republicans-block-child-marriage-prevention-act_n_798382.html
When did the United States start making the rules for countries?
On Thursday, Durbin's office put out a statement sharply criticizing the House's failure to pass the bill: "The action on the House floor stopping the Child Marriage bill tonight will endanger the lives of millions of women and girls around the world. These young girls, enslaved in marriage, will be brutalized and many will die when their young bodies are torn apart while giving birth. Those who voted to continue this barbaric practice brought shame to Capitol Hill.
When did the United States start making the rules for countries?
On Thursday, Durbin's office put out a statement sharply criticizing the House's failure to pass the bill: "The action on the House floor stopping the Child Marriage bill tonight will endanger the lives of millions of women and girls around the world. These young girls, enslaved in marriage, will be brutalized and many will die when their young bodies are torn apart while giving birth. Those who voted to continue this barbaric practice brought shame to Capitol Hill.
High school hazing probe embroils Boise State football player
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BG0DS20101217
This isn't hazing kids, it's called serial rape where I come from.
This is pack mentality.
Scary isn't it?
Now think back to your own high school days.
My how things have changed haven't they.
The question is why?
I graduated in "76", and nothing like this was ever on the radar, much less even a thought on the horizon.
What has changed so much that it's bred this type of mentality?
Is anybody even asking that question? If not I think it's time to start, because this type of situation (so called hazing) can only get worse from here.
Is that what hazing actually is a show of dominance? I always thought it was "the right of passage", and I don't consider rape as a right of passage.
This is hazing, just like the investment banks, were only doing business.
Both situations are criminal acts, and neither one should be taken lightly.
But some how both are trying to be passed off as, "no harm no foul".
When you over look crime, and this is a heinous crime, you open up the pattern for the acceptance of worse.
A spade is a spade my friends,
and these young men are sexual predators with a pack mentality.
This type of behavior just doesn't go away, it grows.
It's time to address a problem that is spiraling out of control.
Your own child's life depends on it.
The victims of these animals aren't just going to get over it.
An investigation into sexual hazing in southeast Idaho that has embroiled a member of Boise State University's powerhouse football team has grown to include more victims, authorities said on Thursday.
Three college football players and two others are facing a raft of sexual crime, battery and false imprisonment charges stemming from incidents at a high school in Blackfoot, Idaho, last year, according to court documents.
Police say the five athletes forcibly penetrated fellow members of the high school basketball team and battered and restrained the victims in a locker room and on a school bus during a three-month period that began last December.
This isn't hazing kids, it's called serial rape where I come from.
This is pack mentality.
Scary isn't it?
Now think back to your own high school days.
My how things have changed haven't they.
The question is why?
I graduated in "76", and nothing like this was ever on the radar, much less even a thought on the horizon.
What has changed so much that it's bred this type of mentality?
Is anybody even asking that question? If not I think it's time to start, because this type of situation (so called hazing) can only get worse from here.
Is that what hazing actually is a show of dominance? I always thought it was "the right of passage", and I don't consider rape as a right of passage.
This is hazing, just like the investment banks, were only doing business.
Both situations are criminal acts, and neither one should be taken lightly.
But some how both are trying to be passed off as, "no harm no foul".
When you over look crime, and this is a heinous crime, you open up the pattern for the acceptance of worse.
A spade is a spade my friends,
and these young men are sexual predators with a pack mentality.
This type of behavior just doesn't go away, it grows.
It's time to address a problem that is spiraling out of control.
Your own child's life depends on it.
The victims of these animals aren't just going to get over it.
An investigation into sexual hazing in southeast Idaho that has embroiled a member of Boise State University's powerhouse football team has grown to include more victims, authorities said on Thursday.
Three college football players and two others are facing a raft of sexual crime, battery and false imprisonment charges stemming from incidents at a high school in Blackfoot, Idaho, last year, according to court documents.
Police say the five athletes forcibly penetrated fellow members of the high school basketball team and battered and restrained the victims in a locker room and on a school bus during a three-month period that began last December.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Army sees smartphones as important for soldiers
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-12-13-army-smartphones_N.htm?csp=34tech
And just exactly who is it that gives the army the money to pay those new phone bills or to buy those new smart phones and Kindles?
Are they out of their fucking mind?
I know we're out of ours if we let this continue to become a reality.
You just thought the welfare recipents getting them was bad, at least those have an allotment of only 30 minutes a month. This bitch that they're introducing is an unlimited free for all.
Gee I guess Tech is gonna be the next big thing for the market just like they've been saying. And now we know why
Hell the Army is picking up the tab.
Think about it.
— The Army wants to issue every soldier an iPhone or Android cellphone — it could be a soldier's choice.
And to top it off, the Army wants to pay your monthly phone bill.
To most soldiers, it sounds almost too good to be true, but it's real, said Lt. Gen. Michael Vane, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC). He said the Army would issue these smartphones just like any other piece of equipment a soldier receives.
"One of the options potentially is to make it a piece of equipment in a soldier's clothing bag," Vane said.
Efforts are underway around the Army to harness smart phones to revolutionize the way the service trains and fights.
Army-issued smartphones are already in the schoolhouse and garrison, or on post, in the hands of some students at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Fort Lee, Va.; and at Fort Sill, Okla., under an Army program called Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications. CSDA's next step, already underway at Fort Bliss, Texas, is testing for the war zone.
In February, the Army plans to begin fielding phones, network equipment and applications to the first Army brigade to be modernized under the brigade combat team modernization program. That test will not be limited to smart phones but will include any electronic devices that may be useful to troops.
"We're looking at everything from iPads to Kindles to Nook readers to mini-projectors," said Mike McCarthy, director of the mission command complex of Future Force Integration Directorate at Fort Bliss.
And just exactly who is it that gives the army the money to pay those new phone bills or to buy those new smart phones and Kindles?
Are they out of their fucking mind?
I know we're out of ours if we let this continue to become a reality.
You just thought the welfare recipents getting them was bad, at least those have an allotment of only 30 minutes a month. This bitch that they're introducing is an unlimited free for all.
Gee I guess Tech is gonna be the next big thing for the market just like they've been saying. And now we know why
Hell the Army is picking up the tab.
Think about it.
— The Army wants to issue every soldier an iPhone or Android cellphone — it could be a soldier's choice.
And to top it off, the Army wants to pay your monthly phone bill.
To most soldiers, it sounds almost too good to be true, but it's real, said Lt. Gen. Michael Vane, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC). He said the Army would issue these smartphones just like any other piece of equipment a soldier receives.
"One of the options potentially is to make it a piece of equipment in a soldier's clothing bag," Vane said.
Efforts are underway around the Army to harness smart phones to revolutionize the way the service trains and fights.
Army-issued smartphones are already in the schoolhouse and garrison, or on post, in the hands of some students at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Fort Lee, Va.; and at Fort Sill, Okla., under an Army program called Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications. CSDA's next step, already underway at Fort Bliss, Texas, is testing for the war zone.
In February, the Army plans to begin fielding phones, network equipment and applications to the first Army brigade to be modernized under the brigade combat team modernization program. That test will not be limited to smart phones but will include any electronic devices that may be useful to troops.
"We're looking at everything from iPads to Kindles to Nook readers to mini-projectors," said Mike McCarthy, director of the mission command complex of Future Force Integration Directorate at Fort Bliss.
Examples of earmarks in omnibus spending bill
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/12/16/national/w141122S06.DTL
I think maybe the whole bill should be read word for word don't you?
It hard to believe they just sign on the dotted line and agree to spend tax dollars like piss water with out ever knowing what they're actually signing into action.
That's a bullshit way to run a country in anybody's book.
Senate Democrats' now-abandoned 1,924-page omnibus spending bill contained more than 6,700 pet projects known as earmarks. They include:
_$1 million for peanut research in Athens and Tifton, Ga.
_$3 million to restore oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay.
_$360,000 for the Buffalo, N.Y., police department to purchase surveillance cameras.
_$800,000 to develop advanced packaging for combat rations.
_$4.4 million to develop laser technology to counter roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices.
I think maybe the whole bill should be read word for word don't you?
It hard to believe they just sign on the dotted line and agree to spend tax dollars like piss water with out ever knowing what they're actually signing into action.
That's a bullshit way to run a country in anybody's book.
Senate Democrats' now-abandoned 1,924-page omnibus spending bill contained more than 6,700 pet projects known as earmarks. They include:
_$1 million for peanut research in Athens and Tifton, Ga.
_$3 million to restore oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay.
_$360,000 for the Buffalo, N.Y., police department to purchase surveillance cameras.
_$800,000 to develop advanced packaging for combat rations.
_$4.4 million to develop laser technology to counter roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices.
Thousands on HIV drugs desperate amid budget woes
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_aids_drug_funding;_ylt=Agi1.hoqtHce46rWBJgGyZhn.3QA;_ylu=X3oDMTMyMG1iODM3BGFzc2V0Ay9zL2FwL3VzX2FpZHNfZHJ1Z19mdW5kaW5nBGNjb2RlA21wX2VjXzhfMTAEY3BvcwM2BHBvcwM2BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDdGhvdXNhbmRzb25o
This sounds cruel I know, but we're going to have to kick realism into high gear here in this country.
It's time to kill the drug programs, neither State or Federal, (which is you the taxpayer, in both instances anyway), can no longer afford to be this charitable.
People are meant to die. That's just one of those facts of life that must be taken back into the reality of thought. It's Mother Natures way of population control.
Neonatal units are in the same boat as well as triple or quad bypasses, transplants and a whole lot more.
It's hard to say how much the value of a life is worth.
I suppose one must decide first, whether that value is to be measured up by emotion or the monitary feasibility.
Emotion is a personal thing and unless it sold in a song, book, play or movie, it actually holds no stable weight for the sway of taxpayer cost based realism.
So when that life is not sustainable naturally, a value sum must realistically, monetarily be placed on it.
True story without the emotional adage placed upon it, told only from the point of the assisted monitary realism of the situation.
I had a friend that was very over weight and pregnant. The weight was a pre factor, and not due to the cause pregnancy. Her previous habit of non self denial carried on into her pregnancy. She developed preeclampsia and her blood pressure went through the roof. Her Doctor ordered total bed rest as well as the termination of all salt in take, to which by her choice, neither of either order was put into practice. So by 19 weeks, ( because of her own personal choice, to ignore her Doctors orders) her life became threatened. She had started to puke up the poison from her own liver, and consequently went into convulsions. They took her baby immediately to save her life. Her baby wasn't even formed all the way. It's lungs hadn't developed enough to function on their own, along with a host of other things that are to numerous to mention, that weren't yet capable of functioning yet either. The child had to stay in the neonatal unit for over 4 months, at a phenomenal expense of over a million dollars, that the taxpayers of South Carolina picked up, and the expense didn't stop there.
The child had a heart problem, as well as a development problem, and a massive eye problem due to the life sustaining oxygen that was required for so long. So the untold cost burden to the taxpayer went on for years.
The child grew to the ripe age of 15 and then consequently repeated her own mothers example.
Realistically I ask you, was the taxpayers monitary burden from this repeated situation worth the emotional value of her life?
I was her friend, and my answer is no.
Neither life should have been sustained, nor would they have been if the taxpayer was not forced to shoulder the burden.
History is more than likely to repeat it's self in a few more years by the child's child, and the taxpayers burden will continue to carry on, unless we start looking into the cold harsh face of realism and realize, that Mother Nature's system has intelligent merit, and should be allowed to proceed without the man made interference otherwise known as the Medical Industry.
It's the reality of the real, people. We, as a country can no longer afford the phenomenal costs, of other people's emotional burdens.
The hardships placed upon the country because of them, are to much to sustain.
Cash-strapped states are cutting back on a program that provides free medicine to people with HIV, leaving thousands of patients to wonder where their drugs will come from and stirring fears of a return to the days when an AIDS diagnosis meant certain death.
At least 19 states have taken such steps as capping enrollment, dropping patients, instituting waiting lists, lowering the income ceiling for eligibility, and no longer covering certain drugs or tests.
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program is funded by the federal and state governments and run by the states. It provides free drugs in all 50 states and U.S. territories. But because people are living longer with HIV and the recession has created more demand for the program, states have been unable to keep up.
"It's very frustrating to be stuck in this position at this age and not feel well and be wondering if I am going to die any differently than the people who I helped die in the '80s," said Stephen Farrar, 55, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who has HIV and is going on Florida's waiting list. "Am I going to be one of those people?"
This sounds cruel I know, but we're going to have to kick realism into high gear here in this country.
It's time to kill the drug programs, neither State or Federal, (which is you the taxpayer, in both instances anyway), can no longer afford to be this charitable.
People are meant to die. That's just one of those facts of life that must be taken back into the reality of thought. It's Mother Natures way of population control.
Neonatal units are in the same boat as well as triple or quad bypasses, transplants and a whole lot more.
It's hard to say how much the value of a life is worth.
I suppose one must decide first, whether that value is to be measured up by emotion or the monitary feasibility.
Emotion is a personal thing and unless it sold in a song, book, play or movie, it actually holds no stable weight for the sway of taxpayer cost based realism.
So when that life is not sustainable naturally, a value sum must realistically, monetarily be placed on it.
True story without the emotional adage placed upon it, told only from the point of the assisted monitary realism of the situation.
I had a friend that was very over weight and pregnant. The weight was a pre factor, and not due to the cause pregnancy. Her previous habit of non self denial carried on into her pregnancy. She developed preeclampsia and her blood pressure went through the roof. Her Doctor ordered total bed rest as well as the termination of all salt in take, to which by her choice, neither of either order was put into practice. So by 19 weeks, ( because of her own personal choice, to ignore her Doctors orders) her life became threatened. She had started to puke up the poison from her own liver, and consequently went into convulsions. They took her baby immediately to save her life. Her baby wasn't even formed all the way. It's lungs hadn't developed enough to function on their own, along with a host of other things that are to numerous to mention, that weren't yet capable of functioning yet either. The child had to stay in the neonatal unit for over 4 months, at a phenomenal expense of over a million dollars, that the taxpayers of South Carolina picked up, and the expense didn't stop there.
The child had a heart problem, as well as a development problem, and a massive eye problem due to the life sustaining oxygen that was required for so long. So the untold cost burden to the taxpayer went on for years.
The child grew to the ripe age of 15 and then consequently repeated her own mothers example.
Realistically I ask you, was the taxpayers monitary burden from this repeated situation worth the emotional value of her life?
I was her friend, and my answer is no.
Neither life should have been sustained, nor would they have been if the taxpayer was not forced to shoulder the burden.
History is more than likely to repeat it's self in a few more years by the child's child, and the taxpayers burden will continue to carry on, unless we start looking into the cold harsh face of realism and realize, that Mother Nature's system has intelligent merit, and should be allowed to proceed without the man made interference otherwise known as the Medical Industry.
It's the reality of the real, people. We, as a country can no longer afford the phenomenal costs, of other people's emotional burdens.
The hardships placed upon the country because of them, are to much to sustain.
Cash-strapped states are cutting back on a program that provides free medicine to people with HIV, leaving thousands of patients to wonder where their drugs will come from and stirring fears of a return to the days when an AIDS diagnosis meant certain death.
At least 19 states have taken such steps as capping enrollment, dropping patients, instituting waiting lists, lowering the income ceiling for eligibility, and no longer covering certain drugs or tests.
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program is funded by the federal and state governments and run by the states. It provides free drugs in all 50 states and U.S. territories. But because people are living longer with HIV and the recession has created more demand for the program, states have been unable to keep up.
"It's very frustrating to be stuck in this position at this age and not feel well and be wondering if I am going to die any differently than the people who I helped die in the '80s," said Stephen Farrar, 55, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who has HIV and is going on Florida's waiting list. "Am I going to be one of those people?"
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Obama tells lawmakers not passing tax deal could end presidency, Dem says
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/133909-obama-tells-lawmakers-not-passing-tax-deal-could-end-presidency-dem-says
Have you seen this? It's like bizarre with a capital B.
I mean what exactly does "the end of my presidency" mean?
Is someone threatening him, if this tax bill doesn't pass?
Or is he talking about not making it for the next term?
I personally think he sees the hand writing on the wall.
Things aren't going so good around the rest of the world and the people are showing their disdain for government actions. It's only a matter of time before it gets here.
It kind of makes me sick to. I mean, this is how they make policy.
Where does the relevance of the president's personal position, come into creating policy, for what's best for the country?
Have you seen this? It's like bizarre with a capital B.
I mean what exactly does "the end of my presidency" mean?
Is someone threatening him, if this tax bill doesn't pass?
Or is he talking about not making it for the next term?
I personally think he sees the hand writing on the wall.
Things aren't going so good around the rest of the world and the people are showing their disdain for government actions. It's only a matter of time before it gets here.
It kind of makes me sick to. I mean, this is how they make policy.
Where does the relevance of the president's personal position, come into creating policy, for what's best for the country?
In urging lawmakers to vote for his tax deal, President Obama is using one of his go-to lines from the healthcare debate, according to a Democratic lawmaker.
Obama is telling members of Congress that failure to pass the tax-cut legislation could result in the end of his presidency, Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.) said.
"The White House is putting on tremendous pressure, making phone calls, the president is making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal," he told CNN's Eliot Spitzer.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
November Retail Sales and PPI: Blech
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=174922
On the first day of Christmas
Look what Karl showed to me
A lie that the Census Bureau
Hid underneath the tree
Gotta love this....
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for November, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $378.7 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month, and 7.7 percent (±0.7%) above November 2009. Total sales for the September through November 2010 period were up 7.8 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The September to October 2010 percent change was revised from +1.2 percent (±0.5%) to +1.7 percent (±0.2%).
Let's look inside....
Here's the internal table... and it immediately demolishes the CNBS spin machine which said "Electronics are down, that's why BBY missed!"
That's a damned lie!
On the first day of Christmas
Look what Karl showed to me
A lie that the Census Bureau
Hid underneath the tree
Gotta love this....
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for November, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $378.7 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month, and 7.7 percent (±0.7%) above November 2009. Total sales for the September through November 2010 period were up 7.8 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The September to October 2010 percent change was revised from +1.2 percent (±0.5%) to +1.7 percent (±0.2%).
Let's look inside....
Here's the internal table... and it immediately demolishes the CNBS spin machine which said "Electronics are down, that's why BBY missed!"
That's a damned lie!
Best Buy: Oops (That's a Miss)
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=174917
Lol, check out Karl's re-write of Best Buy's CEO Brian Dunn's earnings report.
High five Karl, you rang the bell lol.
Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) went Bye-Bye and blew up this morning on a monster earnings miss.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer...... right through the hole in your same-store sales numbers!
Unit sales declined, same-store sales declined, profits missed.
But Christmas was going to be so gooooood!
Uh, no.
Same store sales down 3.3% over the last three months, including Black Friday? What happened to the CNBS claims that Black Friday was "excellent", "awesome", "Big Box stores all did good"?
Diluted EPS of 0.54 is basically identical to the last quarter's 0.53, which is horrifying given seasonality. Revenue was down as well.
Lol, check out Karl's re-write of Best Buy's CEO Brian Dunn's earnings report.
High five Karl, you rang the bell lol.
Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) went Bye-Bye and blew up this morning on a monster earnings miss.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer...... right through the hole in your same-store sales numbers!
Unit sales declined, same-store sales declined, profits missed.
But Christmas was going to be so gooooood!
Uh, no.
Same store sales down 3.3% over the last three months, including Black Friday? What happened to the CNBS claims that Black Friday was "excellent", "awesome", "Big Box stores all did good"?
Diluted EPS of 0.54 is basically identical to the last quarter's 0.53, which is horrifying given seasonality. Revenue was down as well.
Damaged LGBT Books in Lamont Not Result of Hate Crime, Dean Says
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/12/13/lamont-hammonds-LGBT-harvard/
Raise your hand if you really believe this crap lol.
The question is, who are they covering it up for.
On November 24, library staff at Lamont discovered the damaged books—on subjects including lesbian and gay issues and same-sex marriage—along with a bottle assumed to have contained what investigators believed to be urine. This past Friday, library personnel reported the incident to the College and Harvard University Police Department as vandalism, and the affair was subsequently investigated as a hate crime for the "focused nature and related topics" of the affected books, according to Hammonds
But upon an investigation by HUPD, it was revealed Monday morning that "our own library personnel" had accidentally spilled a bottle, containing what was reported to be urine, that had been found on the shelf, according to Hammonds. Harvard College Library plans to replace all 36 damaged books as soon as possible, she added.
Raise your hand if you really believe this crap lol.
The question is, who are they covering it up for.
On November 24, library staff at Lamont discovered the damaged books—on subjects including lesbian and gay issues and same-sex marriage—along with a bottle assumed to have contained what investigators believed to be urine. This past Friday, library personnel reported the incident to the College and Harvard University Police Department as vandalism, and the affair was subsequently investigated as a hate crime for the "focused nature and related topics" of the affected books, according to Hammonds
But upon an investigation by HUPD, it was revealed Monday morning that "our own library personnel" had accidentally spilled a bottle, containing what was reported to be urine, that had been found on the shelf, according to Hammonds. Harvard College Library plans to replace all 36 damaged books as soon as possible, she added.
Muslim woman teacher sues U.S. school after being denied three weeks unpaid leave to make pilgrimage to Mecca
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1338512/Muslim-women-sues-denied-weeks-unpaid-leave-make-pilgrimage-Mecca.html
Oh hey, now I see why the Investment Bankers crime spree have been overlooked by the Department of Justice.
I mean, this woman's religious rights to walk with a million people, are so much more important to represent than investigating real criminals.
Oh wait, I seem to recall something about separation of church and state.
Oh well rules no longer count here in the United States and if they do count, they change daily. Maybe I missed a change.
But in any case it really does piss me off they way the taxpayers money is wasted on this kind of crap. I mean it's not like the pilgrimage is a once in a life time thing, there is always next year.
But I guess in this instant gratification world, she didn't want to wait, and the DoJ thought her cause was important enough that she shouldn't have to.
A school district is being sued for not allowing a Muslim teacher to take unpaid leave to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Federal Government has brought the case on behalf of Safoorah Khan, claiming that it is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
It is the duty of every Muslim to join the million of pilgrims at the Hajj in Mecca at least once in their lifetime - and the middle school teacher had hoped to go in 2008.
Oh hey, now I see why the Investment Bankers crime spree have been overlooked by the Department of Justice.
I mean, this woman's religious rights to walk with a million people, are so much more important to represent than investigating real criminals.
Oh wait, I seem to recall something about separation of church and state.
Oh well rules no longer count here in the United States and if they do count, they change daily. Maybe I missed a change.
But in any case it really does piss me off they way the taxpayers money is wasted on this kind of crap. I mean it's not like the pilgrimage is a once in a life time thing, there is always next year.
But I guess in this instant gratification world, she didn't want to wait, and the DoJ thought her cause was important enough that she shouldn't have to.
A school district is being sued for not allowing a Muslim teacher to take unpaid leave to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Federal Government has brought the case on behalf of Safoorah Khan, claiming that it is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
It is the duty of every Muslim to join the million of pilgrims at the Hajj in Mecca at least once in their lifetime - and the middle school teacher had hoped to go in 2008.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Florida Office of Financial Regulation Raises Concern Over Licensing Expiration
http://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news22337/florida-office-financial-regulation-raises-concern-over-licensing-expiration?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NMP+Daily%3A+Homeowners+Say+Bu-Bye+to+%241_7T+%7C+30K+MLOs+Gone+in+FL+%7C+Americans+Have+Less+Faith+in+Lenders+and+More+___&utm_campaign=NMP+Daily%3A+Homeowners+Say+Bu-Bye+to+%241_7T+%7C+30K+MLOs+Gone+in+FL+%7C+Americans+Have+Less+Faith+in+Lenders+and+More+___&utm_term=Read+more
Ok so what do you figure the problem is here?
Lack of inventory or the credit check?
I love that veiled threat that the OFR threw out there. There is roughly 3 weeks left to renew, but if you don't get it in before the first, it will take up to 3 months lol.
With less than a month left and just over 10,000 of the almost 43,000 mortgage industry professionals having submitted their new applications, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) is concerned that mortgage professionals will not get their applications in on time and will not be able to continue working in the industry come Jan. 1, 2011. All industry licensees are required to re-apply under the new Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) with more stringent requirements.
Ok so what do you figure the problem is here?
Lack of inventory or the credit check?
I love that veiled threat that the OFR threw out there. There is roughly 3 weeks left to renew, but if you don't get it in before the first, it will take up to 3 months lol.
With less than a month left and just over 10,000 of the almost 43,000 mortgage industry professionals having submitted their new applications, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) is concerned that mortgage professionals will not get their applications in on time and will not be able to continue working in the industry come Jan. 1, 2011. All industry licensees are required to re-apply under the new Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) with more stringent requirements.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Anatomy of Mortgage fraud
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/l-randall-wray/merss-smoking-gun-part-1-_b_794713.html
The question that no one is asking or answering is why aren't are elected officials doing anything to protect "us"?
Because they're all heavily invested in the perpetuation and cover up of the fraud.
Let not forget H.R. 3808.
Congresses blatant attempt to make the bank's nightmare just disappear.
The real mystery is why these trustees cannot produce the notes. I think we have finally found the smoking gun. An interested reader alerted me to MERS's instruction manual, "MERS Recommended Foreclosure Procedures -- State by State", originally written in 1999, updated in 2002 and available on MERS's website (accessed by clicking on: Recommended Foreclosure Procedures).
The first thing to note is the date. Folks, this strategy was formulated in 1999. The second thing to note is these documents demonstrate that failure to properly endorse the notes and transfer them to the REMIC trustee was not an occasional mistake, but rather was MERS's business model. As we will see, MERS planned from the get-go to defraud the counties, and the IRS, and the homeowners, and the buyers of the mortgage-backed securities.
The question that no one is asking or answering is why aren't are elected officials doing anything to protect "us"?
Because they're all heavily invested in the perpetuation and cover up of the fraud.
Let not forget H.R. 3808.
Congresses blatant attempt to make the bank's nightmare just disappear.
The real mystery is why these trustees cannot produce the notes. I think we have finally found the smoking gun. An interested reader alerted me to MERS's instruction manual, "MERS Recommended Foreclosure Procedures -- State by State", originally written in 1999, updated in 2002 and available on MERS's website (accessed by clicking on: Recommended Foreclosure Procedures).
The first thing to note is the date. Folks, this strategy was formulated in 1999. The second thing to note is these documents demonstrate that failure to properly endorse the notes and transfer them to the REMIC trustee was not an occasional mistake, but rather was MERS's business model. As we will see, MERS planned from the get-go to defraud the counties, and the IRS, and the homeowners, and the buyers of the mortgage-backed securities.
Aurora: $190k seized because brothers were drug suspects
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/12/aurora-not-returning-money-it-seized-despite-a-court-order.html
So the big question in my mind is why is Homeland Security being handed over the money from drug arrests?
How interesting is it, that their sticky little fingers are in this piece of the pie and 119,000 small airplanes run around unnoticed or unmonitored by them?
Do any of us actually have any idea of what the official job description of Homeland Security really is?
Because at this point I don't mind admitting that I'm thoroughly confused by what that agency was specifically intended to be used for.
Aurora police were only involved in an intermediary fashion, Murphey said. After questioning Jesus Martinez at the Aurora police department and giving him a receipt for the money, Aurora police say they transferred the money that same night to the drug task force, which reported handing the money over the following day to the Department of Homeland Security.
So the big question in my mind is why is Homeland Security being handed over the money from drug arrests?
How interesting is it, that their sticky little fingers are in this piece of the pie and 119,000 small airplanes run around unnoticed or unmonitored by them?
Do any of us actually have any idea of what the official job description of Homeland Security really is?
Because at this point I don't mind admitting that I'm thoroughly confused by what that agency was specifically intended to be used for.
Aurora police were only involved in an intermediary fashion, Murphey said. After questioning Jesus Martinez at the Aurora police department and giving him a receipt for the money, Aurora police say they transferred the money that same night to the drug task force, which reported handing the money over the following day to the Department of Homeland Security.
Robin Hood banker gets 63 months
http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/12/first-security-trust-worker-sentenced-to-63-months-for-fraud.html
This man took nothing, all he tried to do was to help people.
He did this for about 5 years, and they've managed to trace everyone of those transactions.
Isn't it about time "We" expected the same intense scrutiny of the Investment banks, since it's been made so obvious by the government that it can be done?
Or does the government only think it's the high school graduates that need to be checked?
First Security Trust & Savings Bank loan officer Jeffrey Gonsiewski, pleaded guilty in August to one count of federal bank fraud, was sentenced to 63 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo on Tuesday.
The U.S. Government last summer had accused the 56-year-old high school graduate of changing loan terms or arranging loans to be made in a scheme that ultimately caused the Elmwood Park-based lender, part of the Wirtz family empire, to lose more than $5.5 million.
Some monies have since been recovered, so Gonsiewski now has been ordered to pay nearly $5.2 million in restitution. On Jan. 20 he’ll report to a still-unspecified prison.
Gonsiewski had admitted that he changed the terms of at least 100 loans for more than 50 struggling borrowers to make it appear that their payments were current when in fact they were overdue. He’d change due dates to a later time period, or monthly payments to quarterly ones, or principal-and-interest payments to interest-only payments.
At least once, he wrote off $100,000 in interest owed by one borrower. Or he’d loan more money even when the borrowers didn’t have sufficient collateral.
Besides “motive is not a factor to be considered” during sentencing, Stern said to the judge. “The fact he did this, whatever the motive, he had no respect for the law.”
This man took nothing, all he tried to do was to help people.
He did this for about 5 years, and they've managed to trace everyone of those transactions.
Isn't it about time "We" expected the same intense scrutiny of the Investment banks, since it's been made so obvious by the government that it can be done?
Or does the government only think it's the high school graduates that need to be checked?
First Security Trust & Savings Bank loan officer Jeffrey Gonsiewski, pleaded guilty in August to one count of federal bank fraud, was sentenced to 63 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo on Tuesday.
The U.S. Government last summer had accused the 56-year-old high school graduate of changing loan terms or arranging loans to be made in a scheme that ultimately caused the Elmwood Park-based lender, part of the Wirtz family empire, to lose more than $5.5 million.
Some monies have since been recovered, so Gonsiewski now has been ordered to pay nearly $5.2 million in restitution. On Jan. 20 he’ll report to a still-unspecified prison.
Gonsiewski had admitted that he changed the terms of at least 100 loans for more than 50 struggling borrowers to make it appear that their payments were current when in fact they were overdue. He’d change due dates to a later time period, or monthly payments to quarterly ones, or principal-and-interest payments to interest-only payments.
At least once, he wrote off $100,000 in interest owed by one borrower. Or he’d loan more money even when the borrowers didn’t have sufficient collateral.
Besides “motive is not a factor to be considered” during sentencing, Stern said to the judge. “The fact he did this, whatever the motive, he had no respect for the law.”
Thursday, December 9, 2010
An Irishman Speaks His Mind
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/irishman-speaks-his-mind
A true spokesman for "the Peoples" opinion.
Somehow we think the distinguished Irish gentleman will not make it on CNBC: in under two minutes he explains everything there is to know about modern kleptocratic ponzinomics.
A true spokesman for "the Peoples" opinion.
Somehow we think the distinguished Irish gentleman will not make it on CNBC: in under two minutes he explains everything there is to know about modern kleptocratic ponzinomics.
Bank of America Settles In Bid-Rigging Case
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-bank-of-america-1208-20101207,0,5363581,print.story
How does it feel to be sold out Connecticut for a mere $600,000,
while Bank of America gets to admit no guilt for illegal practices that would have buried the average Joe for committing?
This wasn't a one time thing for the bank, it was an on going practice for 6 years. It robbed your state as well as your towns and cities of much needed revenue that you were purposely set up to pay.
But because of political pull once again, they get off scot free, while you're still held to the terms of the bogus contract that they set you up to pay.
How far does that $600,000 go in terms of how much those rigged contracts netted for the bank?
Not far is my guess. It's certainly not far enough to actually be able to terminate the original source of the banks indiscretion.
So while your tax revenues are tied up for an untold amount of time paying for a loan that was rigged for the banks and investors to make maximum profit off of Bank of America is off the hook and ready to start a brand new game.
Bank of America will pay $137 million in restitution for its part in a nationwide scheme that included bid rigging and other anti-competitive practices that defrauded state agencies, cities and towns, school districtss and nonprofits in the purchase of municipal bond derivative, Connecticut's attorney general said today.
Bank of America will pay $137 million to settle government accusations that it rigged bids to win business from municipal governments, Connecticut's attorney general said today.
Connecticut is among 20 states that will share $67 million of that total in restitution tied to nationwide anti-competitive practices that defrauded state agencies, cities and towns, school districts and non-profits in the purchase of municipal bond derivatives.
Connecticut's share is expected to be about $600,000, according to Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
Bank of America, Connecticut's largest bank, cooperated with authorities in exchange for leniency. In settling, the bank neither admitted or denied the accusations.
The investigation covers practices occurring between 1998 and 2003. In addition to Bank of America, the wide-ranging investigation is targeting several other major financial institutions.
"Bank of America is pleased to put this matter behind it, and
How does it feel to be sold out Connecticut for a mere $600,000,
while Bank of America gets to admit no guilt for illegal practices that would have buried the average Joe for committing?
This wasn't a one time thing for the bank, it was an on going practice for 6 years. It robbed your state as well as your towns and cities of much needed revenue that you were purposely set up to pay.
But because of political pull once again, they get off scot free, while you're still held to the terms of the bogus contract that they set you up to pay.
How far does that $600,000 go in terms of how much those rigged contracts netted for the bank?
Not far is my guess. It's certainly not far enough to actually be able to terminate the original source of the banks indiscretion.
So while your tax revenues are tied up for an untold amount of time paying for a loan that was rigged for the banks and investors to make maximum profit off of Bank of America is off the hook and ready to start a brand new game.
Bank of America will pay $137 million in restitution for its part in a nationwide scheme that included bid rigging and other anti-competitive practices that defrauded state agencies, cities and towns, school districtss and nonprofits in the purchase of municipal bond derivative, Connecticut's attorney general said today.
Bank of America will pay $137 million to settle government accusations that it rigged bids to win business from municipal governments, Connecticut's attorney general said today.
Connecticut is among 20 states that will share $67 million of that total in restitution tied to nationwide anti-competitive practices that defrauded state agencies, cities and towns, school districts and non-profits in the purchase of municipal bond derivatives.
Connecticut's share is expected to be about $600,000, according to Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
Bank of America, Connecticut's largest bank, cooperated with authorities in exchange for leniency. In settling, the bank neither admitted or denied the accusations.
The investigation covers practices occurring between 1998 and 2003. In addition to Bank of America, the wide-ranging investigation is targeting several other major financial institutions.
"Bank of America is pleased to put this matter behind it, and
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Food Stamp Rolls Continue to Rise.
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/12/08/food-stamp-rolls-continue-to-rise/
More people tapped food stamps to pay for groceries in September as the recession and lackluster recovery have prompted more Americans to turn to government safety net programs to make ends meet.
Some 42.9 million people collected food stamps last month, up 1.2% from the prior month and 16.2% higher than the same time a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nationwide 14% of the population relied on food stamps as of September but in some states the percentage was much higher. In Washington, D.C., Mississippi and Tennessee – the states with the largest share of citizens receiving benefits – more than a fifth of the population in each was collecting food stamps.
Food Stamp Use, by State
More people tapped food stamps to pay for groceries in September as the recession and lackluster recovery have prompted more Americans to turn to government safety net programs to make ends meet.
Some 42.9 million people collected food stamps last month, up 1.2% from the prior month and 16.2% higher than the same time a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nationwide 14% of the population relied on food stamps as of September but in some states the percentage was much higher. In Washington, D.C., Mississippi and Tennessee – the states with the largest share of citizens receiving benefits – more than a fifth of the population in each was collecting food stamps.
Food Stamp Use, by State
Through the Looking Glass: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/todd-harrison-stock-market-economy-financial/12/8/2010/id/31559
Actions do speak louder than words,
It's time to end the game.
For the sake of all of our children
Actions do speak louder than words,
It's time to end the game.
For the sake of all of our children
With that said, the DNA of global financial markets has changed. While the stateside averages are higher, the measuring stick (greenback) is lower, a fact not lost on foreign holders of dollar denominated assets. While they're swallowing austerity measures and digesting upward taxation, they look across the pond to see more "extend and pretend" by our elected leaders. And you wonder why social mood is shifting so quickly? (See: Will QE2 Trigger War Games?)
At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves an honest question: If the capital markets need an IV drip from the government to stay afloat -- or if the financial industry remains one FASB 187 accounting change away from technical insolvency -- how will that dormant toxicity and ever-expanding largesse manifest as we edge ahead?
We can only assess the forward spectrum and proactively position for what’s to come.
Fannie, Freddie Pressed on Mortgages .
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703963704576005990436624546.html?mod=yahoo_free_middle
This means, Congress is wasting money by checking it out now, when the conflict of interest was obvious before the start.
But they passed it anyway.
Another fine example of Joke exposure.
I wouldn't give up my rights either if I was Freddie or Fanny, or the home owner.
Especially not with the mortgage securities fraud situation.
If Justice actually does still serve the rule of law
The banks are going to have to eat most of those loans back if not all, and all of the people involved arrested.
Oh and look who's involved
Little Timmy
Giving more money to the banks as an incentive, and absoluely jack shit to you.
Home values have fallen more than 15% already, so this is a joke.
Mark to market would be a better deal if they were actually going to give you something, because the market is flooded and your home is worth squat.
There is a 9 year ready supply on the market right now, and that's not even counting those held up or pending foreclosures.
This means, Congress is wasting money by checking it out now, when the conflict of interest was obvious before the start.
But they passed it anyway.
Another fine example of Joke exposure.
The ongoing discussions underscore the sometimes awkward relationship between the Obama administration and FHFA, which has overseen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since their takeover in September 2008 and is charged with stemming taxpayer losses. An FHFA spokeswoman said participation in the FHA and Treasury loan-modification efforts is under review.
I wouldn't give up my rights either if I was Freddie or Fanny, or the home owner.
Especially not with the mortgage securities fraud situation.
If Justice actually does still serve the rule of law
The banks are going to have to eat most of those loans back if not all, and all of the people involved arrested.
In addition, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with other mortgage investors, are reluctant to approve principal reductions if banks that own second mortgages on the same properties also don't take losses..
Unlike most loan-modification efforts, the FHA program is open only to borrowers who aren't behind on their payments
Oh and look who's involved
Little Timmy
Giving more money to the banks as an incentive, and absoluely jack shit to you.
Home values have fallen more than 15% already, so this is a joke.
Mark to market would be a better deal if they were actually going to give you something, because the market is flooded and your home is worth squat.
There is a 9 year ready supply on the market right now, and that's not even counting those held up or pending foreclosures.
The Treasury Department initiative to reduce loan balances builds on HAMP, in whichbanks reduce monthly payments for distressed borrowers by lowering interest rates and extending loan terms.Starting in October, banks were able to receive additional subsidies if they first write down loan balances for borrowers owing at least 15% more than their home's current value. Fannie Mae has said it won't participate in the Treasury program. Freddie Mac says it is still reviewing whether to join.
Lack of Assistance Dogs Authorities in the SAC Inquiry
http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/111533/new-players-ties-surface-in-trading-probe?mod=bb-budgeting&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=
Another fine example of the "Big Joke" "OUR" system has become!
The second time?
In my world
If the court says so
You have to
By penalty of law!
SAC, a Stamford, Conn.-based hedge fund that manages $12 billion, last month received a subpoena—along with a number of other hedge funds and mutual funds in the probe—asking for trading records and emails, among other things. Mr. Cohen declined to comment through a spokesman. In a late-November letter to investors disclosing the subpoena, Mr. Cohen said the information request didn't suggest that "anyone at SAC has engaged in wrongdoing."
[More from WSJ.com: Fannie, Freddie Pressed on Mortgages]
The recent effort is the second time the government has struck out in a bid to obtain recorded conversations inside SAC as part of its insider-trading investigation.
The stumbles underscore the challenges the government faces in piecing together parts of its probe. The U.S. currently is preparing an insider-trading case that could involve bankers, consultants, analysts and traders at mutual funds and hedge funds. A federal grand jury in New York has heard evidence in the matter, according to people familiar with the matter.
One of several focuses of the probe involves scrutiny of researchers such as Mr. Kinnucan, who provide their clients with highly detailed analysis. The government is looking into whether such research in some instances involves disclosure of inside information.
Another fine example of the "Big Joke" "OUR" system has become!
The second time?
In my world
If the court says so
You have to
By penalty of law!
SAC, a Stamford, Conn.-based hedge fund that manages $12 billion, last month received a subpoena—along with a number of other hedge funds and mutual funds in the probe—asking for trading records and emails, among other things. Mr. Cohen declined to comment through a spokesman. In a late-November letter to investors disclosing the subpoena, Mr. Cohen said the information request didn't suggest that "anyone at SAC has engaged in wrongdoing."
[More from WSJ.com: Fannie, Freddie Pressed on Mortgages]
The recent effort is the second time the government has struck out in a bid to obtain recorded conversations inside SAC as part of its insider-trading investigation.
The stumbles underscore the challenges the government faces in piecing together parts of its probe. The U.S. currently is preparing an insider-trading case that could involve bankers, consultants, analysts and traders at mutual funds and hedge funds. A federal grand jury in New York has heard evidence in the matter, according to people familiar with the matter.
One of several focuses of the probe involves scrutiny of researchers such as Mr. Kinnucan, who provide their clients with highly detailed analysis. The government is looking into whether such research in some instances involves disclosure of inside information.
Jon Stewart Destroys Bernanke In Four Minutes
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=174362
Thanks for the laugh of the day Karl.
It not only the truth on the running of the financial system, but it also gives a pretty good look at what "our" so called "Law and Order" system looks like.
And at this point, I can't surmise anything, but bought.
Where is the FBI?
Where is the Attorney General?
He's looking into Wiki, who leaked without a condom.
Personally I think he's a plant, the big look away,and if that doesn't get your attention, they're pushing the ET thing again.
They do NOT want you to look at what is happening in the Financial world, and will spin anything to draw your attention away from it.
The whole Financial system has lost any shred of credibility it had.
It's now become a big joke and John proves it right out of Bernanke's own mouth.
The banks lying, cheating, and stealing,as well as their arrogance about doing it, for rewarding themselves for cheating not only "You" the taxpayer
but 'You" the consumer and "OUR" government paves the way for them to do it.
Non acceptable kids
This is not a look away moment.
This is the time to understand.
"WE" DO NOT have to accept this shameful excuse for a system.
It's not "OUR" system, it's their crapped out interpretation.
See, this is why I don't play games.
Because people cheat and when you catch them you have a choice to make.
You either stay silent and play on,
Or you call them on their crap, and end the game.
It's time to end the game
"OUR" country depends on it.
They do know what they're doing.
It's called stripping this country dry
Right in front of your face.
If not the FBI, would have already moved in.
Thanks for the laugh of the day Karl.
It not only the truth on the running of the financial system, but it also gives a pretty good look at what "our" so called "Law and Order" system looks like.
And at this point, I can't surmise anything, but bought.
Where is the FBI?
Where is the Attorney General?
He's looking into Wiki, who leaked without a condom.
Personally I think he's a plant, the big look away,and if that doesn't get your attention, they're pushing the ET thing again.
They do NOT want you to look at what is happening in the Financial world, and will spin anything to draw your attention away from it.
The whole Financial system has lost any shred of credibility it had.
It's now become a big joke and John proves it right out of Bernanke's own mouth.
The banks lying, cheating, and stealing,as well as their arrogance about doing it, for rewarding themselves for cheating not only "You" the taxpayer
but 'You" the consumer and "OUR" government paves the way for them to do it.
Non acceptable kids
This is not a look away moment.
This is the time to understand.
"WE" DO NOT have to accept this shameful excuse for a system.
It's not "OUR" system, it's their crapped out interpretation.
See, this is why I don't play games.
Because people cheat and when you catch them you have a choice to make.
You either stay silent and play on,
Or you call them on their crap, and end the game.
It's time to end the game
"OUR" country depends on it.
They do know what they're doing.
It's called stripping this country dry
Right in front of your face.
If not the FBI, would have already moved in.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Heads up kids!
Under the cover of night on Friday, President Obama announced a new NAFTA-style "free trade" deal with Korea -- but it's not all that new. It's got all the same provisions in it that he vigorously opposed on the campaign trail when George W. Bush originally negotiated the deal. 1
With 15.1 million people currently unemployed in the United States, it is insane to extend the same NAFTA privileges to Korea that have already ransacked America's manufacturing sector and decimated our labor force.
President Obama is going to send this NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal to Congress very soon. We need to put a stop to this new NAFTA immediately, so Congress needs to hear from you now.
Sign our petition to Congress: "No New NAFTA! Don't support another job-killing, NAFTA-style 'free trade' agreement with Korea." Click here to add your name.
http://NoNewNAFTA.com
President Obama says he's doing this to create jobs.2 As Paul Krugman points out today, it won't. 3 But killing jobs is just the beginning of what's wrong with the NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal.
Like its job-killing cousins NAFTA and CAFTA, this Korean trade deal would:
Allow foreign corporations to operate inside the United States under privileged international trade agreements, rather than having to obey our laws that apply to our businesses. 4
Prohibit us from limiting the size of banks, making us give up the right to decide what "too big to fail" is on our own shores
Ban the government's ability to adopt "buy American" policies
Prohibit us from banning risky financial goods and services (like derivatives trading), otherwise US taxpayers will have to pay compensation to international companies for the profits they won't be able to reap from engaging in such transactions
Force the United States to submit to the judgment of foreign tribunals
Elevate foreign corporations to equal status with the sovereign United States, empowering foreign companies with new rights to sue the U.S. government before the UN and World Bank tribunals, skirting US courts.
Think that can't happen? To date, US taxpayers have paid out over $400 million in compensation to foreign corporations from such cases under NAFTA. And we spent million in legal costs even on cases we won, with billions more outstanding in unsettled cases. 5
This is a giveaway of American jobs and American sovereignty to foreign corporations. We need Congress to stop the Korea "free trade" deal in its tracks.
No New NAFTA: sign our petition to Congress to stop the NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal. Click here to sign:
http://NoNewNAFTA.com
Make no mistake - the Korea Free Trade deal is as dangerous to America as NAFTA, CAFTA, and the rest of the "free trade" deals. Thanks so much for standing up to this new NAFTA.
- Jane Hamsher
Firedoglake.com
------------
Sources
"AFL-CIO Legislative Meeting Explodes Over Obama’s NAFTA-Style Korea Free Trade Deal," FDL Action. 12/6/10
"159,000 Jobs Lost: The Price of NAFTA-Style Korea Free Trade," FDL Action. 12/4/10
"Trade Does Not Equal Jobs," The New York Times. 12/6/10
"Korea Free Trade Deal," Public Citizen. 12/3/10
"NAFTA Foreign Investor-State Claims," Public Citizen. 11/2010 (PDF)
With 15.1 million people currently unemployed in the United States, it is insane to extend the same NAFTA privileges to Korea that have already ransacked America's manufacturing sector and decimated our labor force.
President Obama is going to send this NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal to Congress very soon. We need to put a stop to this new NAFTA immediately, so Congress needs to hear from you now.
Sign our petition to Congress: "No New NAFTA! Don't support another job-killing, NAFTA-style 'free trade' agreement with Korea." Click here to add your name.
http://NoNewNAFTA.com
President Obama says he's doing this to create jobs.2 As Paul Krugman points out today, it won't. 3 But killing jobs is just the beginning of what's wrong with the NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal.
Like its job-killing cousins NAFTA and CAFTA, this Korean trade deal would:
Allow foreign corporations to operate inside the United States under privileged international trade agreements, rather than having to obey our laws that apply to our businesses. 4
Prohibit us from limiting the size of banks, making us give up the right to decide what "too big to fail" is on our own shores
Ban the government's ability to adopt "buy American" policies
Prohibit us from banning risky financial goods and services (like derivatives trading), otherwise US taxpayers will have to pay compensation to international companies for the profits they won't be able to reap from engaging in such transactions
Force the United States to submit to the judgment of foreign tribunals
Elevate foreign corporations to equal status with the sovereign United States, empowering foreign companies with new rights to sue the U.S. government before the UN and World Bank tribunals, skirting US courts.
Think that can't happen? To date, US taxpayers have paid out over $400 million in compensation to foreign corporations from such cases under NAFTA. And we spent million in legal costs even on cases we won, with billions more outstanding in unsettled cases. 5
This is a giveaway of American jobs and American sovereignty to foreign corporations. We need Congress to stop the Korea "free trade" deal in its tracks.
No New NAFTA: sign our petition to Congress to stop the NAFTA-style Korea Free Trade deal. Click here to sign:
http://NoNewNAFTA.com
Make no mistake - the Korea Free Trade deal is as dangerous to America as NAFTA, CAFTA, and the rest of the "free trade" deals. Thanks so much for standing up to this new NAFTA.
- Jane Hamsher
Firedoglake.com
------------
Sources
"AFL-CIO Legislative Meeting Explodes Over Obama’s NAFTA-Style Korea Free Trade Deal," FDL Action. 12/6/10
"159,000 Jobs Lost: The Price of NAFTA-Style Korea Free Trade," FDL Action. 12/4/10
"Trade Does Not Equal Jobs," The New York Times. 12/6/10
"Korea Free Trade Deal," Public Citizen. 12/3/10
"NAFTA Foreign Investor-State Claims," Public Citizen. 11/2010 (PDF)
Michael Savage: Home Run - And Boycott WalMart
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=174244
Home run Karl!
America this IS your mission.
Take it seriously, if you don't the repercussions could be rather serious for you.
By buying an alarm clock, batteries for your flash light, and fertilizer for your lawn, all at the same time, under Janet's new proposal, gets you an automatic red flag and reported.
Swat your kid on the butt in Walmart for being a brat gets you automatically reported.
Wear a hoodie......To many tattoos.....Piercings....
Your in for a pickup, because you scared someone.
Think about it!
The only thing I've ever seen in WalMart that would be considered dangerous or suspicious is the really nasty fart that had just been emitted from someone who spent too much time in the candy aisle.
Note that Napolitano is largely personally responsible for one of the actual threats in this country in the "homeland" in the form of all the illegal Mexicans she let across her border during her tenure - many of whom are drug gang members.
Governor Ridge and I have our differences in policy, but he was, at least, competent.
Napolitano is not competent to clean a toilet.
In a WalMart
Home run Karl!
America this IS your mission.
Take it seriously, if you don't the repercussions could be rather serious for you.
By buying an alarm clock, batteries for your flash light, and fertilizer for your lawn, all at the same time, under Janet's new proposal, gets you an automatic red flag and reported.
Swat your kid on the butt in Walmart for being a brat gets you automatically reported.
Wear a hoodie......To many tattoos.....Piercings....
Your in for a pickup, because you scared someone.
Think about it!
The only thing I've ever seen in WalMart that would be considered dangerous or suspicious is the really nasty fart that had just been emitted from someone who spent too much time in the candy aisle.
Note that Napolitano is largely personally responsible for one of the actual threats in this country in the "homeland" in the form of all the illegal Mexicans she let across her border during her tenure - many of whom are drug gang members.
Governor Ridge and I have our differences in policy, but he was, at least, competent.
Napolitano is not competent to clean a toilet.
In a WalMart
Deal Struck on Tax Package
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704156304576003441518282986.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories
Lol is the social security reduction being proposed to hide the huge jump in withholding taxes on 2011, which by the way have absolutely nothing to do with Bush's tax cuts.
Me thinks it is.
And what's up with borrowing more to extend the unemployment extension?
Here's a better idea, use that 62 billion to replace the manufacturing base that the United States no longer has.
That idea would actually put people permanently back to work.
Will they do it?
Hell no it makes to much sense.
The payroll-tax reduction under discussion now would cut the 6.2% Social Security tax levied on a worker's wages to 4.2%. A worker making $40,000 a year would save $800, and some economists say that could help stimulate demand at a time when the economy remains relatively weak.
Lol is the social security reduction being proposed to hide the huge jump in withholding taxes on 2011, which by the way have absolutely nothing to do with Bush's tax cuts.
Me thinks it is.
And what's up with borrowing more to extend the unemployment extension?
Here's a better idea, use that 62 billion to replace the manufacturing base that the United States no longer has.
That idea would actually put people permanently back to work.
Will they do it?
Hell no it makes to much sense.
The payroll-tax reduction under discussion now would cut the 6.2% Social Security tax levied on a worker's wages to 4.2%. A worker making $40,000 a year would save $800, and some economists say that could help stimulate demand at a time when the economy remains relatively weak.
FCC push to regulate news draws fire
http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/132195-fcc-proposal-to-regulate-news-draws-fire
Have you seen this yet kids?
Nazi Germany anyone?
You better believe it is.
So what are all of those FEMA camps for that Bush and Cheney had created?
One plus one is two.
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) pushed back on Monday against a contention by a Democratic FCC commissioner that the government should create new regulations to promote diversity in news programming.
Barton was reacting to a proposal made last week by FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who in a speech suggested that broadcasters be subject to a new "public values test" every four years.
"I hope … that you do not mean to suggest that it is the job of the federal government, through the [FCC], to determine the content that is available for Americans to consume,” Barton wrote Monday in a letter to Copps.
Copps had suggested that the test would make a broadcaster's license renewal contingent upon proof that they meet a prospective set of federal criteria.
He said outlets should be mandated to do the following: prove they have made a meaningful commitment to public affairs and news programming, prove they are committed to diversity programming (for instance, by showing that they depict women and minorities), report more to the government about which shows they plan to air, require greater disclosure about who funds political ads and devote 25 percent of their prime-time coverage to local news.
The regulations would apply to all news outlets operating on the public airwaves.
Have you seen this yet kids?
Nazi Germany anyone?
You better believe it is.
So what are all of those FEMA camps for that Bush and Cheney had created?
One plus one is two.
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) pushed back on Monday against a contention by a Democratic FCC commissioner that the government should create new regulations to promote diversity in news programming.
Barton was reacting to a proposal made last week by FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who in a speech suggested that broadcasters be subject to a new "public values test" every four years.
"I hope … that you do not mean to suggest that it is the job of the federal government, through the [FCC], to determine the content that is available for Americans to consume,” Barton wrote Monday in a letter to Copps.
Copps had suggested that the test would make a broadcaster's license renewal contingent upon proof that they meet a prospective set of federal criteria.
He said outlets should be mandated to do the following: prove they have made a meaningful commitment to public affairs and news programming, prove they are committed to diversity programming (for instance, by showing that they depict women and minorities), report more to the government about which shows they plan to air, require greater disclosure about who funds political ads and devote 25 percent of their prime-time coverage to local news.
The regulations would apply to all news outlets operating on the public airwaves.
BIG SIS INVADES WAL-MART: 'IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING'
http://drudgereport.com/flash2n.htm
Welcome to Nazi Germany.
It's now no longer TERRORISM they want you to look for, but crime and other threats to law enforcement.
In other words be a good "citizen" and inform on your friends and neighbors. Which is actually a huge contradiction in regard to the Wikileak guy isn't it.
He informed and look where it got him.
Busted by Interpol for not wearing a condom.
-- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the expansion of the Department’s national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to hundreds of Walmart stores across the country—launching a new partnership between DHS and Walmart to help the American public play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“Homeland security starts with hometown security, and each of us plays a critical role in keeping our country and communities safe,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I applaud Walmart for joining the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign. This partnership will help millions of shoppers across the nation identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities.”
Welcome to Nazi Germany.
It's now no longer TERRORISM they want you to look for, but crime and other threats to law enforcement.
In other words be a good "citizen" and inform on your friends and neighbors. Which is actually a huge contradiction in regard to the Wikileak guy isn't it.
He informed and look where it got him.
Busted by Interpol for not wearing a condom.
-- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the expansion of the Department’s national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to hundreds of Walmart stores across the country—launching a new partnership between DHS and Walmart to help the American public play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“Homeland security starts with hometown security, and each of us plays a critical role in keeping our country and communities safe,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I applaud Walmart for joining the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign. This partnership will help millions of shoppers across the nation identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities.”
Banks to Taxpayers: Get Over It
http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/111517/banks-to-taxpayers-get-over-it?mod=bb-budgeting&sec=topStories&pos=4&asset=&ccode=
And this was all because Lehman's collapsed.
Well that's not believable any more is it? Did you see that Bernie Sanders is asking the FED for a little more information? Like how much John Paulson and his rich millionaire friends borrowed? How all the other corporations like Toyota and Honda got a place in line was totally beyond me.
It seems like everybody had a piece of the FED's party pie except the average taxpayer. All "WE" got out of the deal was the bill for the cleanup afterwards, and now they want "us" to get over it, like the AIDS that they've all been affected with has miraculously just disappeared.
So if it's disappeared why is the FED still having to dole out the medicine in pill form, rather than the shot, to keep the symptoms at bay?
Yes the life support goes on and except now as an added slap in the face,
"We" are just expected to forget the fact that they are criminals, and to just continue to support them in the life they've become accustom to without question.
The big question that comes to my mind is, bonuses?
You've gotta be kidding me.
Someone needs their ass cut for allowing that. There is no evidence period that any of them should have even entertained the idea, let alone received one.
The phrase "zombie" banks comes to mind when the numbers are laid bare: Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS - News) borrowed $61 billion in one overnight loan. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS - News) hit up the Fed 81 times for a combined $600 billion. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C - News) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC - News) borrowed a combined $2.6 trillion under the Fed's primary dealer facility.
Even J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM - News) used the central bank's term auction facility seven times.
Oh, and the banks' way of saying thanks for all of this: Get over it.
$1.9 trillion for Morgan Stanley
Most banking institutions aren't only downplaying the drastic measures they took to keep the doors open day to day by suggesting it's all ancient history. They're arguing that what happened then has no bearing on what's happening now.
In other words, just because they were hiding their wounds then, doesn't mean they're hiding anything now.
And this was all because Lehman's collapsed.
Well that's not believable any more is it? Did you see that Bernie Sanders is asking the FED for a little more information? Like how much John Paulson and his rich millionaire friends borrowed? How all the other corporations like Toyota and Honda got a place in line was totally beyond me.
It seems like everybody had a piece of the FED's party pie except the average taxpayer. All "WE" got out of the deal was the bill for the cleanup afterwards, and now they want "us" to get over it, like the AIDS that they've all been affected with has miraculously just disappeared.
So if it's disappeared why is the FED still having to dole out the medicine in pill form, rather than the shot, to keep the symptoms at bay?
Yes the life support goes on and except now as an added slap in the face,
"We" are just expected to forget the fact that they are criminals, and to just continue to support them in the life they've become accustom to without question.
The big question that comes to my mind is, bonuses?
You've gotta be kidding me.
Someone needs their ass cut for allowing that. There is no evidence period that any of them should have even entertained the idea, let alone received one.
The phrase "zombie" banks comes to mind when the numbers are laid bare: Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS - News) borrowed $61 billion in one overnight loan. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS - News) hit up the Fed 81 times for a combined $600 billion. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C - News) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC - News) borrowed a combined $2.6 trillion under the Fed's primary dealer facility.
Even J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM - News) used the central bank's term auction facility seven times.
Oh, and the banks' way of saying thanks for all of this: Get over it.
$1.9 trillion for Morgan Stanley
Most banking institutions aren't only downplaying the drastic measures they took to keep the doors open day to day by suggesting it's all ancient history. They're arguing that what happened then has no bearing on what's happening now.
In other words, just because they were hiding their wounds then, doesn't mean they're hiding anything now.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Want JP Morgan to crash? Buy silver
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/02/jp-morgan-silver-short-selling-crash
Sounds like a plan in motion.
Do your part and tell your friends.
We've got to kill the beast somehow.
As part of the ongoing exposé, it has now become clear that JP Morgan is sitting on what is estimated to be 3.3bn ounce "short" position in silver (which they have sold short, meaning they don't own it to begin with) in an attempt to keep the price artificially low in order to keep the relative appeal of the dollar and other fiat currencies high.
On my show, Keiser Report, I recently invited Michael Krieger, a regular contributor of Zero Hedge (the WikiLeaks of finance). We posited that if 5% of the world's population each bought a one-ounce coin of silver, JP Morgan would be forced to cover their shorts – an estimated $1.5tn liability – against their market capital of $150bn, and the company would therefore go bankrupt. A few days later, I suggested on the Alex Jones show that he launch a "Google bomb" with the key phrase "crash jp morgan buy silver".
Within a couple of hours, it went viral and hundreds of videos have been made to support the campaign.
Right now, silver eagle sales for the month of November hit an all-time record high and the availability of silver on a wholesale level is drying up. The most important indicator is the price itself – holding just under a 30-year high. With each uptick JP Morgan gets closer to going bust or requiring a bailout.
Sounds like a plan in motion.
Do your part and tell your friends.
We've got to kill the beast somehow.
As part of the ongoing exposé, it has now become clear that JP Morgan is sitting on what is estimated to be 3.3bn ounce "short" position in silver (which they have sold short, meaning they don't own it to begin with) in an attempt to keep the price artificially low in order to keep the relative appeal of the dollar and other fiat currencies high.
On my show, Keiser Report, I recently invited Michael Krieger, a regular contributor of Zero Hedge (the WikiLeaks of finance). We posited that if 5% of the world's population each bought a one-ounce coin of silver, JP Morgan would be forced to cover their shorts – an estimated $1.5tn liability – against their market capital of $150bn, and the company would therefore go bankrupt. A few days later, I suggested on the Alex Jones show that he launch a "Google bomb" with the key phrase "crash jp morgan buy silver".
Within a couple of hours, it went viral and hundreds of videos have been made to support the campaign.
Right now, silver eagle sales for the month of November hit an all-time record high and the availability of silver on a wholesale level is drying up. The most important indicator is the price itself – holding just under a 30-year high. With each uptick JP Morgan gets closer to going bust or requiring a bailout.
Fed Created Conflicts in Improvising $3.3 Trillion Financial System Rescue
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-03/fed-created-conflicts-in-improvising-3-3-trillion-financial-system-rescue.html
But, but but, they had no choice.
Bullshit, if they had tried using generic instead of name brand there wouldn't have been any unintended consequences.
No Choice
“That’s the way the system works,” said David Castillo, senior managing director at Further Lane Securities in San Francisco. “It’s problematic that they’re customers, but that shouldn’t limit their ability to participate in this process. Quite frankly, we don’t have a choice. They have the expertise.”
In compliance with the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law, the Fed on Dec. 1 identified the institutions that used $3.3 trillion of improvised rescue programs. The 21,000 transactions in 11 initiatives included the money-market plan Cunningham helped devise, known as the AMLF, short for its 10-word formal name, the Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility.
In its scramble to keep the economy from collapsing, the Fed also created the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, or CPFF, which tried to ensure that banks and industrial companies had the short-term loans they needed to fund everyday operations. General Electric Co., then the biggest issuer of commercial paper, met with Treasury and Fed officials in the days before they created the CPFF.
‘Unintended Consequences’
But, but but, they had no choice.
Bullshit, if they had tried using generic instead of name brand there wouldn't have been any unintended consequences.
No Choice
“That’s the way the system works,” said David Castillo, senior managing director at Further Lane Securities in San Francisco. “It’s problematic that they’re customers, but that shouldn’t limit their ability to participate in this process. Quite frankly, we don’t have a choice. They have the expertise.”
In compliance with the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law, the Fed on Dec. 1 identified the institutions that used $3.3 trillion of improvised rescue programs. The 21,000 transactions in 11 initiatives included the money-market plan Cunningham helped devise, known as the AMLF, short for its 10-word formal name, the Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility.
In its scramble to keep the economy from collapsing, the Fed also created the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, or CPFF, which tried to ensure that banks and industrial companies had the short-term loans they needed to fund everyday operations. General Electric Co., then the biggest issuer of commercial paper, met with Treasury and Fed officials in the days before they created the CPFF.
‘Unintended Consequences’
Friday, December 3, 2010
Foreclosure Fraud Bombshell – Thousands of Pennsylvania Foreclosures Could Be Void
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/foreclosure-fraud-bombshell-%E2%80%93-thousands-pennsylvania-foreclosures-could-be-void
Busted beyond belief by their own babbling.
Thousands of Pennsylvania Foreclosures Could Be on Shaky Ground
Two Pennsylvania cases, one state and one federal, have exposed new types of document problems in foreclosure cases. One of the cases has potentially transformative consequences for thousands of troubled Pennsylvania homeowners. At the center of each is the same law firm: Goldbeck McCafferty & McKeever (GMM).
A lawsuit filed by Patrick Loughren against GMM details how the firm allowed — and perhaps still allows — nonlawyers in its firm to file and prosecute thousands of foreclosures.
As long as a lawyer supervises foreclosure filings, and at least reads them before they’re submitted to the court, that is acceptable. But Loughren is suing because all three named partners of GMM, Joseph Goldbeck, Gary McCafferty and Michael McKeever, have admitted under oath — during depositions last September and in a separate case in December 2009 — that no attorney ever read the filings. The partners made clear that the practice has gone on for the past several years.
Video – Attorney Signatures – The Next Fraud Battle Ground
Posted by Foreclosure Fraud on October 2, 2010 ·
Foreclosure Deposition Clip Witness = Goldbeck, McCafferty & McKeever corporate designee pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) Date = 9/21/10 Individual sitting as the designee = Gary McCafferty Trial Lawyer = Patrick J. Loughren Well well well… The video above is an actual deposition where an attorney just recently admitted to frauds we … Read more
Busted beyond belief by their own babbling.
Thousands of Pennsylvania Foreclosures Could Be on Shaky Ground
Two Pennsylvania cases, one state and one federal, have exposed new types of document problems in foreclosure cases. One of the cases has potentially transformative consequences for thousands of troubled Pennsylvania homeowners. At the center of each is the same law firm: Goldbeck McCafferty & McKeever (GMM).
A lawsuit filed by Patrick Loughren against GMM details how the firm allowed — and perhaps still allows — nonlawyers in its firm to file and prosecute thousands of foreclosures.
As long as a lawyer supervises foreclosure filings, and at least reads them before they’re submitted to the court, that is acceptable. But Loughren is suing because all three named partners of GMM, Joseph Goldbeck, Gary McCafferty and Michael McKeever, have admitted under oath — during depositions last September and in a separate case in December 2009 — that no attorney ever read the filings. The partners made clear that the practice has gone on for the past several years.
Video – Attorney Signatures – The Next Fraud Battle Ground
Posted by Foreclosure Fraud on October 2, 2010 ·
Foreclosure Deposition Clip Witness = Goldbeck, McCafferty & McKeever corporate designee pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) Date = 9/21/10 Individual sitting as the designee = Gary McCafferty Trial Lawyer = Patrick J. Loughren Well well well… The video above is an actual deposition where an attorney just recently admitted to frauds we … Read more
4 Million set to lose unemployment benefits even without an extension
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/03/unemployment-benefits-99ers-obama_n_791682.html
Gee it took them long enough to figure that out, didn't it?
Wanna talk FEMA camps yet?
Those assets can't legally be foreclosed on, so no food stamps pending.
Being stuck between a rock and a hard place
Will now lead to starvation.
Voluntary FEMA committal, will be the only answer, and not a specially hard decision to make if you've got kids.
Your gonna do what you gotta do.
You won't watch them starve to death
Not when you have a sure way to get them food.
3 hots and a cot will seem just like heaven.
Even as Congress debates whether to extend emergency unemployment checks for more than 6 million Americans who are approaching the 99-week limit, some four million others are facing the certain end of their benefits over the next year, unless an entirely new program is crafted.
This is the sobering conclusion of a report released by the President's Council of Economic Advisers on Thursday. The study forecast that the exhaustion of unemployment benefits for so many will curb spending power enough to significantly impede an already weak economic recovery.
Without an agreement to extend the program, the economy will lose about 600,000 jobs, as the spending enabled by continued unemployment checks ceases. National economic output--which expanded at an annual pace of 2.5 percent during the summer months--would fall off by 0.6 percent.
That disturbing prospect does not even account for the roughly four million people who would exceed even the extended limits in the emergency program. Were that many jobless people left to fend themselves without unemployment checks, that would pose significant risks for the broader economy, say economists. They cite the fact that consumer spending accounts for roughly 70 percent of all economic activity.
Gee it took them long enough to figure that out, didn't it?
Wanna talk FEMA camps yet?
Those assets can't legally be foreclosed on, so no food stamps pending.
Being stuck between a rock and a hard place
Will now lead to starvation.
Voluntary FEMA committal, will be the only answer, and not a specially hard decision to make if you've got kids.
Your gonna do what you gotta do.
You won't watch them starve to death
Not when you have a sure way to get them food.
3 hots and a cot will seem just like heaven.
Even as Congress debates whether to extend emergency unemployment checks for more than 6 million Americans who are approaching the 99-week limit, some four million others are facing the certain end of their benefits over the next year, unless an entirely new program is crafted.
This is the sobering conclusion of a report released by the President's Council of Economic Advisers on Thursday. The study forecast that the exhaustion of unemployment benefits for so many will curb spending power enough to significantly impede an already weak economic recovery.
Without an agreement to extend the program, the economy will lose about 600,000 jobs, as the spending enabled by continued unemployment checks ceases. National economic output--which expanded at an annual pace of 2.5 percent during the summer months--would fall off by 0.6 percent.
That disturbing prospect does not even account for the roughly four million people who would exceed even the extended limits in the emergency program. Were that many jobless people left to fend themselves without unemployment checks, that would pose significant risks for the broader economy, say economists. They cite the fact that consumer spending accounts for roughly 70 percent of all economic activity.
Yet even those who lose their unemployment checks will not necessarily qualify for other forms of aid, like food stamps, said Burtless.
"Only a pretty small fraction of the people who exhaust benefits are going to qualify," Burtless said. Many of these workers have long been employed and have accumulated savings and assets such as houses, which makes them ineligible for support, he said
Goldman Sachs's Emergency Loans From Fed Surpassed $24 Billion Amid Crisis
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-01/goldman-sachs-emergency-fed-loans-topped-24-billion-in-crisis.html
Did the SEC change the rules again and I missed it?
What's up with Sachs not reporting these loans?
It's a standard requirement.
God man how many veins where they tappin "us" from?
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which rebounded from the financial crisis to post record profit last year, was a regular borrower from two emergency Federal Reserve programs in 2008 and early 2009, new data show.
The firm borrowed from the Fed’s Term Securities Lending Facility most weeks from March 2008 through April 2009, data released by the Fed today show. At the peak, Goldman Sachs borrowed $24.2 billion on Oct. 15, which included $18 billion for the firm’s U.S. broker-dealer and $6.2 billion for the firm’s London division, the data show.
In its quarterly filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Goldman Sachs didn’t disclose that it borrowed from the PDCF.
The firm also borrowed from the Term Securities Lending Facility, which offered longer-term funding than the PDCF’s overnight loans
The two largest TSLF loans to Goldman Sachs were $7.5 billion on Dec. 4, 2008, and the same amount on Dec. 31, 2008, the data show.
The firm also didn’t disclose its TSLF borrowing in its quarterly SEC filings, although it provided data on its borrowing to the U.S. Treasury.
Did the SEC change the rules again and I missed it?
What's up with Sachs not reporting these loans?
It's a standard requirement.
God man how many veins where they tappin "us" from?
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which rebounded from the financial crisis to post record profit last year, was a regular borrower from two emergency Federal Reserve programs in 2008 and early 2009, new data show.
The firm borrowed from the Fed’s Term Securities Lending Facility most weeks from March 2008 through April 2009, data released by the Fed today show. At the peak, Goldman Sachs borrowed $24.2 billion on Oct. 15, which included $18 billion for the firm’s U.S. broker-dealer and $6.2 billion for the firm’s London division, the data show.
In its quarterly filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Goldman Sachs didn’t disclose that it borrowed from the PDCF.
The firm also borrowed from the Term Securities Lending Facility, which offered longer-term funding than the PDCF’s overnight loans
The two largest TSLF loans to Goldman Sachs were $7.5 billion on Dec. 4, 2008, and the same amount on Dec. 31, 2008, the data show.
The firm also didn’t disclose its TSLF borrowing in its quarterly SEC filings, although it provided data on its borrowing to the U.S. Treasury.
Conventional Wisdom: The Financial Crisis Is Over
http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/todd-harrison-financial-crisis-headlines-stock/12/3/2010/id/31484
Point received, on a touchdown pass!
Old School Minyans know we don’t “do” acrimony in these parts. As my grandfather used to say, “Take the high road; it’s less crowded and has a better view.” Still, once in a while an item screams across our screens and it merits attention. Yesterday afternoon, one of those moments arrived.
Banking analyst Dick Bove openly offered that the financial crisis is “officially” over. While he correctly qualified his remarks by saying that “the only entity that needs this money any longer is the United States Government
,” the headline was too juicy to let slide by.
Point received, on a touchdown pass!
Old School Minyans know we don’t “do” acrimony in these parts. As my grandfather used to say, “Take the high road; it’s less crowded and has a better view.” Still, once in a while an item screams across our screens and it merits attention. Yesterday afternoon, one of those moments arrived.
Banking analyst Dick Bove openly offered that the financial crisis is “officially” over. While he correctly qualified his remarks by saying that “the only entity that needs this money any longer is the United States Government
,” the headline was too juicy to let slide by.
Wall Street Banks Are Doing Less and Less Good For Society, Says John Cassidy
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/wall-street-banks-are-doing-less-and-less-good-for-society-says-john-cassidy-535678.html?tickers=%5EDJI,%5EGSPC,GS,XLF,ms,skf,skf&sec=topStories&pos=9&asset=&ccode=
According to John Cassidy, Wall Street banks are supposed to act “like a power utility… except they provide money rather than power.”
But what happens when the power utility, instead of focusing on how best to manage and distribute power, decides to focus on using customer funds to make a quick buck?
The answer, as Cassidy explains in his recent New Yorker article, is a financial system pushed to the brink of collapse.
As he explains to Aaron, Wall Street - at its best – serves an important and necessary purpose: to raise capital for businesses, which in turn fuels the economy, creates jobs and improves the overall standard of living. Lloyd Blankfein famously called it "God's Work." The problem is, investment banking isn't the focus anymore.
Instead, the banks engage in a socially worthless pursuit of profits, via trading, creating huge amounts of risk for everyone – except the actual players of the game.
As Cassidy writes in the New Yorker, the banks have “turned themselves from businesses whose profits rose and fell with the capital-raising needs of their clients into immense trading houses whose fortunes depend on their ability to exploit day-to-day movements in the markets.”
And the problem is that, even after
According to John Cassidy, Wall Street banks are supposed to act “like a power utility… except they provide money rather than power.”
But what happens when the power utility, instead of focusing on how best to manage and distribute power, decides to focus on using customer funds to make a quick buck?
The answer, as Cassidy explains in his recent New Yorker article, is a financial system pushed to the brink of collapse.
As he explains to Aaron, Wall Street - at its best – serves an important and necessary purpose: to raise capital for businesses, which in turn fuels the economy, creates jobs and improves the overall standard of living. Lloyd Blankfein famously called it "God's Work." The problem is, investment banking isn't the focus anymore.
Instead, the banks engage in a socially worthless pursuit of profits, via trading, creating huge amounts of risk for everyone – except the actual players of the game.
As Cassidy writes in the New Yorker, the banks have “turned themselves from businesses whose profits rose and fell with the capital-raising needs of their clients into immense trading houses whose fortunes depend on their ability to exploit day-to-day movements in the markets.”
And the problem is that, even after
Ok, Maybe They Should Do It (Run The Bank)
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=173868
Interesting day to pick.
The anniversary date of Pearl Harbor.
America it time to show your solidarity with the rest of the "people" of the world.
"WE" can all accomplish this, if "WE" work together.
I was lukewarm to this. But now the WSJ has opined on it, and said it might be "systemic."
"If this got a very large following, the financial system could take on systemic risk," said Michel Vermaerke, the president of Belgium's banking association, Febelfin. He said he had no indication whether the call would be widely followed.
Well that's enough for me.
Look, the people have the power to put a stop to the crap that has happened, but we've been too pussified to do it here in the United States. We won't show up in DC, we won't make it a singular campaign issue, nothing.
But perhaps people in other nations aren't all about popping a beer and watching Dancing With The Stars and might - just might - inconvenience themselves just a bit to make the point that they're tired of being screwed and aren't going to sit for it any longer.
If the governments will not put a stop the financial **** of the people, what other peaceful choice - beyond a stick in the teeth - is there?
Viva La France!
December 7th,1941 2010.
Interesting day to pick.
The anniversary date of Pearl Harbor.
America it time to show your solidarity with the rest of the "people" of the world.
"WE" can all accomplish this, if "WE" work together.
I was lukewarm to this. But now the WSJ has opined on it, and said it might be "systemic."
"If this got a very large following, the financial system could take on systemic risk," said Michel Vermaerke, the president of Belgium's banking association, Febelfin. He said he had no indication whether the call would be widely followed.
Well that's enough for me.
Look, the people have the power to put a stop to the crap that has happened, but we've been too pussified to do it here in the United States. We won't show up in DC, we won't make it a singular campaign issue, nothing.
But perhaps people in other nations aren't all about popping a beer and watching Dancing With The Stars and might - just might - inconvenience themselves just a bit to make the point that they're tired of being screwed and aren't going to sit for it any longer.
If the governments will not put a stop the financial **** of the people, what other peaceful choice - beyond a stick in the teeth - is there?
Viva La France!
December 7th,
More BOA Attention (Of The Unwanted Sort)
http://market-ticker.org/
And the pooling and servicing agreement, which the borrower's counsel asked to have produced (to prove that all of the other things done were on the "up and up" was allegedly produced in court unexecuted and with the word "DRAFT" emblazoned over the top of it, after an attempt to find it on the SEC's EDGAR website proved fruitless.
DeMartini’s statements also place Bank of America’s outside auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in a tough spot. The firm has no choice now under U.S. auditing standards but to find out definitively if what DeMartini said is correct, and whether the answer would affect any of its prior audit conclusions. PwC billed Bank of America $128 million for its audit and other services last year. The mortgage at issue in the court ruling was originated in 2006 by Countrywide Financial, which Bank of America bought in 2008.
Auditors have never mattered since ENRON. In fact, basically all of them involved in auditing the financials of banks should be strung up by their nuts by now. How you can possibly argue that an audit opinion has merit after the disclosure of The Fed haircuts on the so-called "assets" pledged for TAF and similar programs at this point is beyond the pale. That is, we now know that banks came to these programs and pledged assets with ten times or more the face value of what they "borrowed" - but then when these loans were repaid those worthless assets (in the opinion of the NY Fed desk) were never recognized at that valuation by anyone ever again. In fact, they're probably still sitting on bank balance sheets - at 95 or even 100 cents on the dollar.
This much I can tell you with certainty - whatever collateral was pledged on 1/21/2009 in the "face" amount of $185 billion for a $15 billion loan was never exposed in a 10K or 10Q as having taken a loss of more than 90%.
Such a loss would have resulted in in the instantaneous detonation of Bank of America. Indeed, that loss is more than half of the firm's enterprise value as of today and exceeds the company's market cap.
That is, it was more than enough to blow them to Mars - and that was one transaction.
While some of those loans were clearly rollovers of earlier ones, and thus the "9 trillion" bandied about is a histrionic distortion (typical of many people in the media and Congress) the fact remains that these programs disclose monstrous hidden losses in the form of worthless collateral that was posted by these institutions and which then disappeared once again into their bowels and has not been seen since.
And the pooling and servicing agreement, which the borrower's counsel asked to have produced (to prove that all of the other things done were on the "up and up" was allegedly produced in court unexecuted and with the word "DRAFT" emblazoned over the top of it, after an attempt to find it on the SEC's EDGAR website proved fruitless.
DeMartini’s statements also place Bank of America’s outside auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in a tough spot. The firm has no choice now under U.S. auditing standards but to find out definitively if what DeMartini said is correct, and whether the answer would affect any of its prior audit conclusions. PwC billed Bank of America $128 million for its audit and other services last year. The mortgage at issue in the court ruling was originated in 2006 by Countrywide Financial, which Bank of America bought in 2008.
Auditors have never mattered since ENRON. In fact, basically all of them involved in auditing the financials of banks should be strung up by their nuts by now. How you can possibly argue that an audit opinion has merit after the disclosure of The Fed haircuts on the so-called "assets" pledged for TAF and similar programs at this point is beyond the pale. That is, we now know that banks came to these programs and pledged assets with ten times or more the face value of what they "borrowed" - but then when these loans were repaid those worthless assets (in the opinion of the NY Fed desk) were never recognized at that valuation by anyone ever again. In fact, they're probably still sitting on bank balance sheets - at 95 or even 100 cents on the dollar.
This much I can tell you with certainty - whatever collateral was pledged on 1/21/2009 in the "face" amount of $185 billion for a $15 billion loan was never exposed in a 10K or 10Q as having taken a loss of more than 90%.
Such a loss would have resulted in in the instantaneous detonation of Bank of America. Indeed, that loss is more than half of the firm's enterprise value as of today and exceeds the company's market cap.
That is, it was more than enough to blow them to Mars - and that was one transaction.
While some of those loans were clearly rollovers of earlier ones, and thus the "9 trillion" bandied about is a histrionic distortion (typical of many people in the media and Congress) the fact remains that these programs disclose monstrous hidden losses in the form of worthless collateral that was posted by these institutions and which then disappeared once again into their bowels and has not been seen since.
Jobs Report (See I Told You So!)
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=173913
And this my friends is why I offer up to you, Karl on a daily basis.
I'm not educated enough to understand the whys and whats of the spin that these reports are written in.
Karl is.
I bow to the master, because I want you to understand that the simplified truth of their version, is bullshit!
"WE" can't afford not to understand exactly what they're doing when they're manipulating these reports.
Because what's in these reports show the full truth of just how loud "OUR" death rattle actually is.
And this my friends is why I offer up to you, Karl on a daily basis.
I'm not educated enough to understand the whys and whats of the spin that these reports are written in.
Karl is.
I bow to the master, because I want you to understand that the simplified truth of their version, is bullshit!
"WE" can't afford not to understand exactly what they're doing when they're manipulating these reports.
Because what's in these reports show the full truth of just how loud "OUR" death rattle actually is.
(Incidentally, someone needs to explain to these clowns that a dollar collapse that comes with a stock market collapse at the same time is a situation the monetary authorities cannot arrest with more "money printing", as that will simply tighten the spiral. I have warned of this risk for more than a year - God help us if it becomes realized.)
Those who follow me know that I pay almost no attention to the "headline" numbers in the report though. Why? Because they're full of hopium and BS. Instead, I look to the household survey, which is an actual count. What do we find there this month?
In a word: NASTY.
185,000 people were added to the working-age population (238530 to 238715). But the employed number actually fell by 334,000 people (139749 to 139415), which means that on an employed rate basis over 500,000 jobs were lost.
The claimed "improvement" was all adjustments - to the tune of 360,000 alleged jobs that households reported didn't exist!
Jobless rate rises to 9.8 pct. as job growth slows
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Jobless-rate-rises-to-98-pct-apf-4069644244.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=
Yeah right, "We're" looking real good.
The nation's unemployment rate climbed to 9.8 percent in November, a seven-month high, as hiring slowed.
Employers added only 39,000 jobs last month, a sharp decline from the 172,000 created in October, the Labor Department reported Friday. The weakness was widespread. Retailers, factories, construction companies, financial firms and the government all cut jobs last month.
Many economists were predicting the addition of nearly 150,000 jobs. The economy has recently flashed signs of gaining momentum with busier factories, rising auto sales and a good start to the holiday shopping season. But that didn't translate into mass hiring in November.
Yeah right, "We're" looking real good.
The nation's unemployment rate climbed to 9.8 percent in November, a seven-month high, as hiring slowed.
Employers added only 39,000 jobs last month, a sharp decline from the 172,000 created in October, the Labor Department reported Friday. The weakness was widespread. Retailers, factories, construction companies, financial firms and the government all cut jobs last month.
Many economists were predicting the addition of nearly 150,000 jobs. The economy has recently flashed signs of gaining momentum with busier factories, rising auto sales and a good start to the holiday shopping season. But that didn't translate into mass hiring in November.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Delaying Tax Vote Could Crash Stock Market
http://politics.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2010/12/2/delaying-tax-vote-could-crash-stock-market.html
Quote from a comment made by DoneAlready of FL.
Because it just feels right, and I can relate to how they feel.
Please scroll down and read the rest of it.
It's really quite powerful and really reflects the majority's voice in this country.
The fact that "We're" all over it.
The corruption, and all about them attitude has thrown the balance of "OUR" national well being, way past the edge of the cliff,
And any second now "We're going to plummet, because "We're" running on air without a solid ground beneath us.
And now they want to back the IMF's plan for "US" to help pay for Europe's problems again.
Yeah "WE" done already did that, in regards to their float fund. You know the cloud that catches the country before it falls, and now they want more.
Little Timmy is honorary governor of the IMF, as well as "OUR' Treasurer
Can you see a conflict of interest wider than the grand canyon here?
It's long time past to say fuck the banks and their interests and fuck Wall Street to.
Holding them up, by allowing them to standing on "OUR" submerged head is suicide.
Except "WE" didn't make the decision to commit suicide, it was made for "US" and imposed upon "US" by those that have the most to gain by it.
Let the muther fucker crash, it doesn't affect "US" anyway other than to pick up their tab, while the rest of "US" do without.
Our founding fathers were all about pump and dump you know.
Go ahead and take that nickle and watch what happens. The flame that is lit might be just the spark that is needed to burn the whole thing down. Use it to buy a plane ticket out of here and let us rebuild a better society, rid of you.
Fed aid in financial crisis went beyond U.S. banks to industry, foreign firms
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/01/AR2010120106870.html
And to say thank you for giving them all of that money, Harley and Catapillar opened up new manufacturing plants in China.
Coz that was the right thing to do right?
Time for them to be taxed extra hard, it ain't like they helped "US" out any, thats for sure.
Bullshit on these corporate tax brakes, give them a break for what?
Spitting in our face?
The financial crisis stretched even farther across the economy than many had realized, as new disclosures show the Federal Reserve rushed trillions of dollars in emergency aid not just to Wall Street but also to motorcycle makers, telecom firms and foreign-owned banks in 2008 and 2009
The Fed's efforts to prop up the financial sector reached across a broad spectrum of the economy, benefiting stalwarts of American industry including General Electric and Caterpillar and household-name companies such as Verizon, Harley-Davidson and Toyota. The central bank's aid programs also supported U.S. subsidiaries of banks based in East Asia, Europe and Canada while rescuing money-market mutual funds held by millions of Americans.
The biggest users of the Fed lending programs were some of the world's largest banks, including Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Swiss-based UBS and Britain's Barclays, according to more than 21,000 loan records released Wednesday under new financial regulatory legislation.
And to say thank you for giving them all of that money, Harley and Catapillar opened up new manufacturing plants in China.
Coz that was the right thing to do right?
Time for them to be taxed extra hard, it ain't like they helped "US" out any, thats for sure.
Bullshit on these corporate tax brakes, give them a break for what?
Spitting in our face?
The financial crisis stretched even farther across the economy than many had realized, as new disclosures show the Federal Reserve rushed trillions of dollars in emergency aid not just to Wall Street but also to motorcycle makers, telecom firms and foreign-owned banks in 2008 and 2009
The Fed's efforts to prop up the financial sector reached across a broad spectrum of the economy, benefiting stalwarts of American industry including General Electric and Caterpillar and household-name companies such as Verizon, Harley-Davidson and Toyota. The central bank's aid programs also supported U.S. subsidiaries of banks based in East Asia, Europe and Canada while rescuing money-market mutual funds held by millions of Americans.
The biggest users of the Fed lending programs were some of the world's largest banks, including Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Swiss-based UBS and Britain's Barclays, according to more than 21,000 loan records released Wednesday under new financial regulatory legislation.
Fed Withholds Collateral Data for $885 Billion in Financial-Crisis Loans
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-01/taxpayer-risk-impossible-to-know-for-some-fed-financial-crisis-programs.html
Something is quite hinky here and if "WE" ay the bill, I do believe "WE" have a right to know what the FED blew it on.
The Federal Reserve withheld details on individual securities pledged as collateral by recipients of $885 billion in central bank loans, denying taxpayers a measure of the risks they faced from its emergency aid.
The central bank yesterday released data on 21,000 transactions from $3.3 trillion in emergency lending to stem the financial crisis. July’s Dodd-Frank law required the Fed to disclose the names of borrowers, the size and interest rates of loans, and “information identifying the types and amounts of collateral pledged or assets transferred.”
For three of the Fed’s six emergency facilities, the central bank released information on groups of collateral it accepted by asset type and rating, without specifying individual securities
The secrecy surrounding Fed bailouts led lawmakers to demand disclosure after the central bank approved aid dwarfing the federal government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Collateral Pledged
The loans extended to primary dealers under the PDCF by the New York Fed were recourse loans, meaning the potential liability of borrowers who defaulted was greater than the value of the collateral pledged, according to the Fed. Primary dealers are the firms authorized to deal in government securities directly with the Fed. At its peak, borrowing under the facility came to about $156 billion.
Something is quite hinky here and if "WE" ay the bill, I do believe "WE" have a right to know what the FED blew it on.
The Federal Reserve withheld details on individual securities pledged as collateral by recipients of $885 billion in central bank loans, denying taxpayers a measure of the risks they faced from its emergency aid.
The central bank yesterday released data on 21,000 transactions from $3.3 trillion in emergency lending to stem the financial crisis. July’s Dodd-Frank law required the Fed to disclose the names of borrowers, the size and interest rates of loans, and “information identifying the types and amounts of collateral pledged or assets transferred.”
For three of the Fed’s six emergency facilities, the central bank released information on groups of collateral it accepted by asset type and rating, without specifying individual securities
The secrecy surrounding Fed bailouts led lawmakers to demand disclosure after the central bank approved aid dwarfing the federal government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Collateral Pledged
The loans extended to primary dealers under the PDCF by the New York Fed were recourse loans, meaning the potential liability of borrowers who defaulted was greater than the value of the collateral pledged, according to the Fed. Primary dealers are the firms authorized to deal in government securities directly with the Fed. At its peak, borrowing under the facility came to about $156 billion.
Camden City Council Approves Massive Police And Fire Layoffs
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2010/12/02/camden-city-council-approves-massive-police-and-fire-layoffs/
So how is your city doing?
Choices are going to have to be made people.
Get informed on the specifics of your city or county budget.
It would seem to me, that somewhere, something less dire than your police or fire department budgets could be cut.
Camden City Council, as expected, voted Thursday to lay off almost 400 workers, half of them police officers and firefighters, to bridge a $26.5 million deficit.
That’s about a quarter of the city’s entire work force.
Five members of City Council voted unanimously to approve the layoff plan — two other members were absent. The cuts take effect in mid-January.
Exactly how many city workers will be affected is still an open question, although nearly half the city’s police and a third of the firefighters are slated to go.
Karl Walco (right) is with the union that represents non-uniformed Camden city workers.
“If we agreed to everything that the city proposed in concessions, it would only have a minor impact on the number of layoffs
So how is your city doing?
Choices are going to have to be made people.
Get informed on the specifics of your city or county budget.
It would seem to me, that somewhere, something less dire than your police or fire department budgets could be cut.
Camden City Council, as expected, voted Thursday to lay off almost 400 workers, half of them police officers and firefighters, to bridge a $26.5 million deficit.
That’s about a quarter of the city’s entire work force.
Five members of City Council voted unanimously to approve the layoff plan — two other members were absent. The cuts take effect in mid-January.
Exactly how many city workers will be affected is still an open question, although nearly half the city’s police and a third of the firefighters are slated to go.
Karl Walco (right) is with the union that represents non-uniformed Camden city workers.
“If we agreed to everything that the city proposed in concessions, it would only have a minor impact on the number of layoffs
Why did Florida's Republican Party hide the subpoena
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/01/1952560/feds-subpoena-finance-records.html
This is only the Republican Party and it's only from the state of Florida, but what it is, is a sample of just how corrupt the political system has become.
You know as well as I do that every state from both parties has this very same kind of garbage going on.
And the benefactors of this garbage are running this country, the proof is in the pudding.
America your government, as well as your political system has head lice, and their nits are everywhere.
It's time to strip them out with the lice comb.
Hat tip to Karl Denninger as well as BloggyBayou for the find.
Federal investigators slapped the Republican Party with a subpoena seeking financial records as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe by the FBI, IRS and U.S. Attorney's Office, the Herald/Times has learned.
The subpoena, delivered Election Day, sought documents related to big spending by top Republican honchos who were given party-paid American Express cards.
Top RPOF officials and investigators declined comment on the federal probe or the subpoena.
For more than a year, the party has reeled from scandals tied to the credit cards as well as four unrelated state criminal probes into its former chairman, a fundraiser, a former Florida House speaker and a Capitol insider.
Federal investigators have already interviewed consultants, donors and numerous senators -- some in their Capitol offices. The investigations are being handled in multiple offices throughout the state, from Pensacola to Miami.
The specific targets of the recent subpoena are unclear.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher said he wasn't sure about the details of the subpoena and said he couldn't opine on them.
This is only the Republican Party and it's only from the state of Florida, but what it is, is a sample of just how corrupt the political system has become.
You know as well as I do that every state from both parties has this very same kind of garbage going on.
And the benefactors of this garbage are running this country, the proof is in the pudding.
America your government, as well as your political system has head lice, and their nits are everywhere.
It's time to strip them out with the lice comb.
Hat tip to Karl Denninger as well as BloggyBayou for the find.
Federal investigators slapped the Republican Party with a subpoena seeking financial records as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe by the FBI, IRS and U.S. Attorney's Office, the Herald/Times has learned.
The subpoena, delivered Election Day, sought documents related to big spending by top Republican honchos who were given party-paid American Express cards.
Top RPOF officials and investigators declined comment on the federal probe or the subpoena.
For more than a year, the party has reeled from scandals tied to the credit cards as well as four unrelated state criminal probes into its former chairman, a fundraiser, a former Florida House speaker and a Capitol insider.
Federal investigators have already interviewed consultants, donors and numerous senators -- some in their Capitol offices. The investigations are being handled in multiple offices throughout the state, from Pensacola to Miami.
The specific targets of the recent subpoena are unclear.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher said he wasn't sure about the details of the subpoena and said he couldn't opine on them.
Proof that Homeland Security is just an expensive joke!
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=173777
Gee, one would have thought that checking credentials would have been one of the first security options utilized.
But there ain't no money in it, so Homeland Security hasn't bothered to do it.
How much of a big fucken bogus joke has that department become?
Are the borders secure yet?....fuck NO!
Is your water supply...........fuck NO!
Are your nuclear power plants..fuck NO!
The power grid?
Railines?
Dams?
I could go on, but I think you get my point!
So exactly what is secure, besides buying the stock for companies in the security sector?
The answer: ABSOLUTELY FUCKEN NOTHING
Warning: "Improvident" language.
Ten years on from 9/11 (almost) we now have this:
Instead we spent billions of dollars buying worthless virtual strip-search machines so Chertoff and his pals could get rich, when we have had databases of people who are threats to America in the form of terrorism for decades, and the technology to match that data in real time has been around commercially for more than 20 years.
If Google can "fuzzy match" things and give you a search, and they both do and have, there's no excuse for this taking a decade except for one:
Intentional and willful blindness.
Just like your government did such a great job interdicting the 9/11 hijackers who were here illegally on expired VISAs, or the shoe bomber and underwear bomber - both of whom boarded planes outside The United States.
Oh, and again: Who was the "well-dressed man" who walked the underwear bomber onto the plane without him having to present valid credentials for travel into The United States and how did that flight get cleared into US airspace with a passenger manifest that included someone on board without a valid passport associated with their name?
I'm gonna keep asking until someone answers the question folks.
Security my ass. This, like everything else we're doing these days, is all about stealing from Americans to enrich a handful of people - in this case Chertoff and his pals.
**** you Big Sis.
Gee, one would have thought that checking credentials would have been one of the first security options utilized.
But there ain't no money in it, so Homeland Security hasn't bothered to do it.
How much of a big fucken bogus joke has that department become?
Are the borders secure yet?....fuck NO!
Is your water supply...........fuck NO!
Are your nuclear power plants..fuck NO!
The power grid?
Railines?
Dams?
I could go on, but I think you get my point!
So exactly what is secure, besides buying the stock for companies in the security sector?
The answer: ABSOLUTELY FUCKEN NOTHING
Warning: "Improvident" language.
Ten years on from 9/11 (almost) we now have this:
Each and every one of 197 airlines that fly to or through the United States will now collect and share passenger information with the government to be checked against terror watch lists.Absolutely. We couldn't bother to do it before. We certainly couldn't bother to do it within a week after 9/11, nor a month, nor a year.
The Obama administration announced Tuesday the names, genders and birth dates of all passengers will be gathered and checked before the planes fly into the U.S.
Instead we spent billions of dollars buying worthless virtual strip-search machines so Chertoff and his pals could get rich, when we have had databases of people who are threats to America in the form of terrorism for decades, and the technology to match that data in real time has been around commercially for more than 20 years.
If Google can "fuzzy match" things and give you a search, and they both do and have, there's no excuse for this taking a decade except for one:
Intentional and willful blindness.
Just like your government did such a great job interdicting the 9/11 hijackers who were here illegally on expired VISAs, or the shoe bomber and underwear bomber - both of whom boarded planes outside The United States.
Oh, and again: Who was the "well-dressed man" who walked the underwear bomber onto the plane without him having to present valid credentials for travel into The United States and how did that flight get cleared into US airspace with a passenger manifest that included someone on board without a valid passport associated with their name?
I'm gonna keep asking until someone answers the question folks.
Security my ass. This, like everything else we're doing these days, is all about stealing from Americans to enrich a handful of people - in this case Chertoff and his pals.
**** you Big Sis.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Lee Harvey Oswald's coffin goes on auction block
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40451062/ns/us_news-weird_news/
Are you still wracking your brains for the perfect unique gift for that friend or loved one that has everything?
Well look no more,
because this little conversation starter offers the perfect blend of nostalgia, mystery, murder and mayhem. It's truly the gift that keeps on giving, with conversations you'll cherish for years.
Presidential memorabilia collectors: Another piece of history has been dug up for your collection, but this one is a macabre memento.
The original coffin in which suspected Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was buried will go on the block on Dec. 16, with bids starting at $1,000. Auction officials anticipate it will sell for much higher.
"A lot of people have been calling me off the hook, saying
Are you still wracking your brains for the perfect unique gift for that friend or loved one that has everything?
Well look no more,
because this little conversation starter offers the perfect blend of nostalgia, mystery, murder and mayhem. It's truly the gift that keeps on giving, with conversations you'll cherish for years.
Presidential memorabilia collectors: Another piece of history has been dug up for your collection, but this one is a macabre memento.
The original coffin in which suspected Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was buried will go on the block on Dec. 16, with bids starting at $1,000. Auction officials anticipate it will sell for much higher.
"A lot of people have been calling me off the hook, saying
US Ready to Back Bigger EU Stability Fund: Official
http://www.cnbc.com/id/40454469
Them officials in Washington better shut up!
2 million people are falling off of unemployment with no extension left.
Giving up to the IMF again at this point is a humongous bitch slap, that ain't gonna be taken to lightly.
And if that wasn't enough to already think about, here's a little more, just how much less will your dollar buying power now be?
The United States would be ready to support the extension of the European Financial Stability Facility via an extra commitment of money from the International Monetary Fund, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Them officials in Washington better shut up!
2 million people are falling off of unemployment with no extension left.
Giving up to the IMF again at this point is a humongous bitch slap, that ain't gonna be taken to lightly.
And if that wasn't enough to already think about, here's a little more, just how much less will your dollar buying power now be?
The United States would be ready to support the extension of the European Financial Stability Facility via an extra commitment of money from the International Monetary Fund, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Is It Open Season On Advisors And Professors?
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=173651
This dude is actually feeding young minds.
Now that's a scary thought!
This dude is actually feeding young minds.
Now that's a scary thought!
Remember folks, this is not Wikileaks first dance when it comes to outing "classified" government information. Yet while the former releases generated outrage, I don't recall anyone suggesting murder as an appropriate penalty - until now.
Fed to Release Details on Lending Programs Wednesday.
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/11/30/fed-to-release-details-on-lending-programs-wednesday/
I can see now, it's going to be one of those kinds of days.
Couple this information with the fact that 2 million people are now rolling off unemployment extension and we're gonna have one pissed off nation that's for sure.
On a personal note:
This year alot of little kids are not going to have a Christmas.
Give yourself the gift of "Joy" by making sure they do.
This time, don't just think about it
Do it!
The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected Wednesday to release data on financial institutions and foreign central banks to which it made more than $2 trillion in emergency loans during the financial crisis, according to a U.S. senator who has long been pushing the Fed to be more transparent in its actions.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, (I., Vt.) plans to hold a conference call with the media Wednesday afternoon to discuss the data
I can see now, it's going to be one of those kinds of days.
Couple this information with the fact that 2 million people are now rolling off unemployment extension and we're gonna have one pissed off nation that's for sure.
On a personal note:
This year alot of little kids are not going to have a Christmas.
Give yourself the gift of "Joy" by making sure they do.
This time, don't just think about it
Do it!
The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected Wednesday to release data on financial institutions and foreign central banks to which it made more than $2 trillion in emergency loans during the financial crisis, according to a U.S. senator who has long been pushing the Fed to be more transparent in its actions.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, (I., Vt.) plans to hold a conference call with the media Wednesday afternoon to discuss the data
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
10 Questions We Should Be Asking the Banks
http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/111443/10-questions-we-should-be-asking-the-banks?mod=bb-budgeting&sec=topStories&pos=5&asset=&ccode=
Funny with a touch of sadness because I'm almost positive that this is the test that the banks took.
Commentary: Here's a bank stress test that will work
Forget the negative press about bungled foreclosures, deepening mortgage losses and the veracity of recent profits. U.S. financial institutions are eager to show investors their financial strength.
Funny with a touch of sadness because I'm almost positive that this is the test that the banks took.
Commentary: Here's a bank stress test that will work
Forget the negative press about bungled foreclosures, deepening mortgage losses and the veracity of recent profits. U.S. financial institutions are eager to show investors their financial strength.
More Fed Shenanigans: TILA
http://market-ticker.org/
Lol the time has now come to question:
WHERE THE FUCK DO "WE" LIVE!
And just who the hell is running the joint!
Obviously it's the FED'S FOLLIES, where everything is a set up and if there are set rules they're implanted in a Jello mold, so that they can be jiggled and moved, if not in fact removed all together.
So it's obvious at this point that "Bennie's Bastards" are up to their nose in shit and can no longer stand the smell, so once again Bennie has come running to the rescue and proposed this time to make it virtually impossible, unless your Warren Buffet, to nail their lying asses to the wall.
I guess the Attorney General of the UNITED STATES is to busy trying to plug Wiki's leaks to actually pay attention and do his own job.
AMERICA IT'S TIME TO ASK
WHAT THE HELL HAS BENNIE DONE FOR YOU LATELY!
Under the radar I'm sure The Fed would like this to stay..... no dice jackasses.
The Fed proposal would change all that. Citing concern over banks’ compliance costs, it would require a borrower to pay off the remaining principal before the lender gives up its security interest. That would be clearly impossible for troubled borrowers. So the Fed’s proposal would benefit the creditor who violated the law rather than the borrower, paving the way for foreclosures that otherwise could be avoided.
In short, what this means is that if the bank violated black-letter law in making a loan to you the change would require you to pay off the entire principal before you could assert your rights and remedies.
This is like requiring someone who was robbed to somehow come up with the money to repay the owner of the property that was stolen before the robber can be held to account for his criminal act.
Yeah.
No wonder The Fed doesn't want this one out in the public eye.
Sorry BerScrewTheCommonMan - now there's 300,000+ people who know about it.
Spread the word.
Lol the time has now come to question:
WHERE THE FUCK DO "WE" LIVE!
And just who the hell is running the joint!
Obviously it's the FED'S FOLLIES, where everything is a set up and if there are set rules they're implanted in a Jello mold, so that they can be jiggled and moved, if not in fact removed all together.
So it's obvious at this point that "Bennie's Bastards" are up to their nose in shit and can no longer stand the smell, so once again Bennie has come running to the rescue and proposed this time to make it virtually impossible, unless your Warren Buffet, to nail their lying asses to the wall.
I guess the Attorney General of the UNITED STATES is to busy trying to plug Wiki's leaks to actually pay attention and do his own job.
AMERICA IT'S TIME TO ASK
WHAT THE HELL HAS BENNIE DONE FOR YOU LATELY!
Under the radar I'm sure The Fed would like this to stay..... no dice jackasses.
First, some background: The Truth in Lending Act from 1968 gives borrowers the “right of rescission,” the ability to undo a home refinancing or home equity loan within three years of the closing if the lender did not make proper disclosures — generally of the loan amount, interest rate and repayment terms. The law makes allowances for mere mistakes by the lender, but otherwise requires strict compliance, as well it should: disclosure is the main — often the only — consumer protection in the mortgage market....
The Fed proposal would change all that. Citing concern over banks’ compliance costs, it would require a borrower to pay off the remaining principal before the lender gives up its security interest. That would be clearly impossible for troubled borrowers. So the Fed’s proposal would benefit the creditor who violated the law rather than the borrower, paving the way for foreclosures that otherwise could be avoided.
In short, what this means is that if the bank violated black-letter law in making a loan to you the change would require you to pay off the entire principal before you could assert your rights and remedies.
This is like requiring someone who was robbed to somehow come up with the money to repay the owner of the property that was stolen before the robber can be held to account for his criminal act.
Yeah.
No wonder The Fed doesn't want this one out in the public eye.
Sorry BerScrewTheCommonMan - now there's 300,000+ people who know about it.
Spread the word.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Mark Ruffalo on terror advisory list
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?entry_id=77671#loopbegin
Because THIS is the way they roll!
What exactly has Mark done to have gained this type of scutinization?
In a word....Nothing.
Make no mistake that his placement on the watch list was an error, because it was not.
He is displaying the exact type of leadership qualities that the NAZI's had eliminated first.
That of independant thinker, with the awareness to inform.
It's time for Homeland Security to hit the skids.
It's a useless entity that was only formed to contol, and what it was formed to control is YOU!
All brought to you by Corporate America, who makes big bucks off of the enforcement of that control.
Think about it!
Actor Mark Ruffalo has been placed on a terror advisory list by U.S. officials after organizing screenings for a new documentary about natural gas drilling.
The "Zodiac" actor arranged showings for "GasLand" earlier this year and voiced his concerns about the practice in relation to the national water supplies
Because THIS is the way they roll!
What exactly has Mark done to have gained this type of scutinization?
In a word....Nothing.
Make no mistake that his placement on the watch list was an error, because it was not.
He is displaying the exact type of leadership qualities that the NAZI's had eliminated first.
That of independant thinker, with the awareness to inform.
It's time for Homeland Security to hit the skids.
It's a useless entity that was only formed to contol, and what it was formed to control is YOU!
All brought to you by Corporate America, who makes big bucks off of the enforcement of that control.
Think about it!
Actor Mark Ruffalo has been placed on a terror advisory list by U.S. officials after organizing screenings for a new documentary about natural gas drilling.
The "Zodiac" actor arranged showings for "GasLand" earlier this year and voiced his concerns about the practice in relation to the national water supplies
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Portland Mayor, Police Chief discuss return to Joint Terrorism Task Force
http://www.legitgov.org/Portland-Mayor-Police-Chief-discuss-return-Joint-Terrorism-Task-Force
What's that smell?
Take a big wiff
It has all the makings of a fake fart to me
How convienent for Portland, that MO should decide to take up the cause of jihadary now,
Damned if it wasn't just in time to help in making that crucial decision for Portland to rejoin the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
I mean hell if they had been participating in the Terrorism Task force maybe the Mayor might have known there was a situation before the arrest was made.
Right......
Read the second link kids this story stinks to high heaven.
Made the TSA look neccasary again didn't it?
NOT!
Motive for Portland false flag revealed: Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Police Chief Mike Reese discuss return to Joint Terrorism Task Force 27 Nov 2010 Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Mike Reese have discussed for months whether Portland should rejoin the Joint Terrorism Task Force, a multi-agency group that investigated Friday's failed plot to set off a bomb downtown. Five years ago, Portland became the first city in the nation to withdraw from the FBI-led task force. In April 2005, the City Council voted 4-1 to withdraw its two police officers from the federal task force. Then-Mayor Tom Potter cited the potential for trespasses against civil liberties and an inability to oversee Portland officers who would be deputized as federal agents... Adams did not know about the plot to detonate a bomb at the tree lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square until after Mohamed Osman Mohamud's arrest Friday night. [Right, they purposely kept him in the dark, to exert pressure on Portland to rejoin the JTTF.]
Portland suspect: typical teen, dedicated jihadist?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2013545757_portlandguy29.html
Friends called him "Mo," and one remembered him as the "class clown." He drank beer, followed the Portland Trail Blazers, and liked hip-hop music. He sometimes worshipped at a local Muslim center but wasn't devout.
What's that smell?
Take a big wiff
It has all the makings of a fake fart to me
How convienent for Portland, that MO should decide to take up the cause of jihadary now,
Damned if it wasn't just in time to help in making that crucial decision for Portland to rejoin the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
I mean hell if they had been participating in the Terrorism Task force maybe the Mayor might have known there was a situation before the arrest was made.
Right......
Read the second link kids this story stinks to high heaven.
Made the TSA look neccasary again didn't it?
NOT!
Motive for Portland false flag revealed: Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Police Chief Mike Reese discuss return to Joint Terrorism Task Force 27 Nov 2010 Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Mike Reese have discussed for months whether Portland should rejoin the Joint Terrorism Task Force, a multi-agency group that investigated Friday's failed plot to set off a bomb downtown. Five years ago, Portland became the first city in the nation to withdraw from the FBI-led task force. In April 2005, the City Council voted 4-1 to withdraw its two police officers from the federal task force. Then-Mayor Tom Potter cited the potential for trespasses against civil liberties and an inability to oversee Portland officers who would be deputized as federal agents... Adams did not know about the plot to detonate a bomb at the tree lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square until after Mohamed Osman Mohamud's arrest Friday night. [Right, they purposely kept him in the dark, to exert pressure on Portland to rejoin the JTTF.]
Portland suspect: typical teen, dedicated jihadist?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2013545757_portlandguy29.html
Friends called him "Mo," and one remembered him as the "class clown." He drank beer, followed the Portland Trail Blazers, and liked hip-hop music. He sometimes worshipped at a local Muslim center but wasn't devout.
It's time to make up your mind: Who is cowing Americans into submission, terrorists or the TSA Gestapo?
http://www.rense.com/general92/post.htm
So now your a terror suspect just because you don't want to be intimately felt up by a TSA stooge.
And with the Patriot Act still in force, you have no legal rights to counsel and they can hold you indefinitely, without notification to your family.
You can just actually just cease to exist.
Don't think that scenario won't happen either.
The question is how long will it be before there is a public understanding, that it actually is happening.
Think about it!
Make up your own mind. What terrifies you the most. Terrorists, who in all likelihood you will never encounter in your lifetime, or the TSA that you will encounter every time you fly and soon, according to Pistole, every time you take a train, a subway, or drive in a car or truck?
Before making up your mind, consider this report from antiwar.com on November 19: "TSA officials say that anyone refusing both the full body scanners and the enhanced pat down procedures will be taken into custody. Once there the detainees will not only be barred from flying, but will be held indefinitely as suspected terrorists . . . One sheriff,s office said they were already preparing to handle a large number of detainees and plan to treat them as terror suspects.
So now your a terror suspect just because you don't want to be intimately felt up by a TSA stooge.
And with the Patriot Act still in force, you have no legal rights to counsel and they can hold you indefinitely, without notification to your family.
You can just actually just cease to exist.
Don't think that scenario won't happen either.
The question is how long will it be before there is a public understanding, that it actually is happening.
Think about it!
Make up your own mind. What terrifies you the most. Terrorists, who in all likelihood you will never encounter in your lifetime, or the TSA that you will encounter every time you fly and soon, according to Pistole, every time you take a train, a subway, or drive in a car or truck?
Before making up your mind, consider this report from antiwar.com on November 19: "TSA officials say that anyone refusing both the full body scanners and the enhanced pat down procedures will be taken into custody. Once there the detainees will not only be barred from flying, but will be held indefinitely as suspected terrorists . . . One sheriff,s office said they were already preparing to handle a large number of detainees and plan to treat them as terror suspects.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Elizabeth Warren was the first to recognize HR-3808 for what it was.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/24/elizabeth-warren-calendar_n_788120.html
Thank you Elizabeth, the American People are grateful to have you looking out for us, in a time when it seems that no one else is.
The decisive way in which she labored behind the scenes to stymie a bill that would have eased requirements for documentation in the foreclosure process underscores how her arrival has altered the administration's relationship with major banks.
The bill, which passed both houses of Congress and awaited President Obama's signature to become law, essentially would have compelled notaries to accept out-of-state notarizations, regardless of the rules in those states.
State officials across the country--who have been pursuing probes looking into wrongdoing within the foreclosure process-- feared that those jurisdictions with lax standards could have become hotbeds for foreclosure documentation fraud. Lenders and mortgage companies could have used those states as central clearing houses to produce bogus foreclosure paperwork, and then export those documents to other states with more stringent regulations--an expedient bypass around the strictures.
Thank you Elizabeth, the American People are grateful to have you looking out for us, in a time when it seems that no one else is.
The decisive way in which she labored behind the scenes to stymie a bill that would have eased requirements for documentation in the foreclosure process underscores how her arrival has altered the administration's relationship with major banks.
The bill, which passed both houses of Congress and awaited President Obama's signature to become law, essentially would have compelled notaries to accept out-of-state notarizations, regardless of the rules in those states.
State officials across the country--who have been pursuing probes looking into wrongdoing within the foreclosure process-- feared that those jurisdictions with lax standards could have become hotbeds for foreclosure documentation fraud. Lenders and mortgage companies could have used those states as central clearing houses to produce bogus foreclosure paperwork, and then export those documents to other states with more stringent regulations--an expedient bypass around the strictures.
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