Sunday 31 July 2011

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011:
Jesus said: “My people, today’s first reading talks about how the people received the manna in the morning and the quail at night. This Exodus story is a flashback to the unleavened bread that the Jews had at their Passover Meal when they ate this as a food eaten in haste without yeast. The vision of the blood on the lintel and doorposts was the saving blood for the Jews so the angel of death passed over their houses. This connection of the saving blood is a prefigure of My own sacrifice of blood on the cross that has brought salvation to all of mankind. This bread and wine of the Passover Meal is the basis for the Mass and My Eucharist. This manna of the Exodus has now become My very Body and Blood in the Mass at the Consecration. The bread and wine are consecrated into My Body and Blood of My Real Presence. Rejoice that I am feeding My people with My Eucharist at every Mass. Even during the coming tribulation, My angels will be feeding you My heavenly manna every day at all of My refuges.”

Jesus said: “My people, on that night when I agonized about the cup that I was about to drink, I even shed drops of blood in My sweat. My human side was testing Me, but in the end I submitted My life to the Will of My Father. It was difficult as a man to give up My life, but I had a world to save, and I had to fulfill the Scriptures that prophesied My suffering and death. I am giving you this insight because My people are tested many times by the same conflict between doing things according to man’s ways, or according to My Will. When you accept Me as being Master of your life, this means that you should be obedient to My ways and My laws as you give your will over to Me. Giving up your will so you can allow Me to lead you, takes grace that I am willing to give to everyone. It is only by My help and grace that you can overcome your worldly desires. Be strong as I was strong in accepting My Father’s Will on earth, and you will receive your reward in heaven.”

Jesus said: “My people, remember when I told you that you should not let anything control you or your time. Many people are sports enthusiasts, whether as a player or as a spectator. Sports are good exercise for the body, and watching sports can be a part of your entertainment. The problem comes when it becomes too much of an obsession, and it takes up a lot of your time when you could be praying to Me instead. Even gambling on sports events can cause problems in your family’s finances. Sports in moderation is acceptable, but do not let it become an idol for you that takes away your prayer time. Some sports organizations have their events on Sunday morning and Saturday night which makes it difficult to even get to Sunday Mass. If you cannot schedule your activities around Mass times, then maybe you are involved in too many sports events for their own sake. If this involves children, then it could even prevent them from getting to Mass also. The Third Commandment asks you to honor Me on Sunday by your worship of Me. At one point you need to decide whether you are going to worship Me, or are you going to worship your sports. Those, who worship sports and are indifferent to Me, are risking the fires of hell.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/wednesday-july-20-2011/

Berkey Water Filters

 

msb-note

This website depends nearly entirely upon the results of the support that you provide by clicking-on and purchasing products that hopefully fit in with your survival preparedness plans. Without your support, this site could not sustain itself because it takes time and money to stay on the air.

For our direct sponsors who are always located along the top portion of our sidebar, we will periodically highlight them in addition to their banner advertisement which you are encouraged to explore.

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Benjamin Franklin Quotes

 

Ben Franklin Quotes

I have a particular admiration for people who are successful in more than one field of endeavour. Benjamin Franklin started poor yet was a successful leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. If he didn't write the US Consittution he did influence some clauses and as representative to France he did persuade the French government to enter the war against Britain - something without which it is difficult to see how the US could have won the war of independence.

This level of all round competence has never been demonstraed before or since by any political leader so I think he is qualified to be the smartest politician who ever lived. This may be obscured tom historians because so much of what he wrote was deliberately writen to be undersood by ordinary people and nowadays sounds like "homespun philosophy". Nope - it is very well spun indeed with not a word saying more, or less, than intended.

A selection:

I think opinions should be judged of by their influences and effects, and if a man holds none that tend to make him less virtuous or more vicious, it may be concluded that he holds none that are dangerous; which I hope is the case with me.

-

Remember that time is money.

-

For my own Part, when I am employed in serving others, I do not look upon myself as conferring Favours, but as paying Debts. In my Travels, and since my Settlement, I have received much Kindness from Men, to whom I shall never have any Opportunity of making the least direct Return. And numberless Mercies from God, who is infinitely above being benefited by our Services. Those Kindnesses from Men, I can therefore only Return on their Fellow Men

-

Love your Enemies, for they tell you your Faults.

-

[on a book promoting aethiesm) I shall only give you my Opinion that tho’ your Reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with some Readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general Sentiments of Mankind on that Subject, and the Consequence of printing this Piece will be a great deal of Odium drawn upon your self, Mischief to you and no Benefit to others. He that spits against the Wind, spits in his own Face. But were you to succeed, do you imagine any Good would be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous Life without the Assistance afforded by Religion; you having a clear Perception of the Advantages of Virtue and the Disadvantages of Vice, and possessing a Strength of Resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common Temptations. But think how great a Proportion of Mankind consists of weak and ignorant Men and Women, and of inexperienc’d and inconsiderate Youth of both Sexes, who have need of the Motives of Religion to restrain them from Vice, to support their Virtue

-

Idleness and Pride Tax with a heavier Hand than Kings and Parliaments; If we can get rid of the former we may easily bear the Latter.

'

I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer.

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They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

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All Wars are Follies, very expensive, and very mischievous ones. When will Mankind be convinced of this, and agree to settle their Differences by Arbitration? Were they to do it, even by the Cast of a Dye, it would be better than by Fighting and destroying each other.

-

There never was a good war or a bad peace. {Not personally convinced this is always true but it is good rule of thumb]

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In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, — if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people, if well administered; and I believe, farther, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.

-

the honest heretic Dr. Priestly. I do not call him honest by way of distinction; for I think all the heretics I have known have been virtuous men. They have the virtue of fortitude or they would not venture to own their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient in any of the other virtues, as that would give advantage to their many enemies; and they have not like orthodox sinners, such a number of friends to excuse or justify them. Do not, however mistake me. It is not to my good friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary, 'tis his honesty that has brought upon him the character of heretic.

-

The art of concluding from experience and observation consists in evaluating probabilities, in estimating if they are high or numerous enough to constitute proof. This type of calculation is more complicated and more difficult than one might think. It demands a great sagacity generally above the power of common people. The success of charlatans, sorcerors, and alchemists — and all those who abuse public credulity — is founded on errors in this type of calculation.

-

As to Jesus of Nazareth, my Opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the System of Morals and his Religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupt changes, and I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts as to his divinity; tho' it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and I think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an Opportunity of knowing the Truth with less Trouble.

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Most People dislike Vanity in others whatever Share they have of it themselves, but I give it fair Quarter wherever I meet with it, being persuaded that it is often productive of Good to the Possessor and to others that are within his Sphere of Action

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So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do.

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In reality there is perhaps no one of our natural Passions so hard to subdue as Pride...For even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my Humility

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as we enjoy great Advantages from the Inventions of Others, we should be glad of an Opportunity to serve others by any Invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously.

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Human Felicity is produc'd not so much by great Pieces of good Fortune that seldom happen, as by little Advantages that occur every Day.

http://a-place-to-stand.blogspot.com/2011/07/benjamin-franklin-quotes.html

POLAR BEAR FRAUD PROVEN FRAUD - IS THIS THE END OF THE Warming Scam? It certainly discredits the

 

symbol of the warming alarmist movement

Watts Up With That reports how Charles Muttonhead has been suspended. He was responsible for the Polar Bears Face Extinction Due to Global Warming fraud which was used by Al Gore in his fil among many other stories. Watts has published the transcript of the interview on this and the whole thing is nonsense albeit well rewarded nonsense. Muttonhead's is so far out of his depth that it would be hilarious if it were not tragic how much damage is being done by the eco-fascist fraud.

He admits gross incompetence as the only option other than outright fraud but I do not see them as incompatible

Wrong numbers and calculations?

ERIC MAY: Well, what we‟ve been discussing for the last hour.
JEFF RUCH: So this is it?

CHARLES MONNETT: Well, that‟s not scientific misconduct anyway. If anything, it‟s sloppy. I mean, that‟s not – I mean, I mean, the level of criticism that they seem to have leveled here, scientific misconduct, uh, suggests that we did something deliberately to deceive or to, to change it.

It turns out that the entire case was that he saw 4 polar bears and a week later saw 4 drowned ones, 3 of them tagged. He therefore ASSUMED they were 3 of the original 4, though there was no evidence for it. He then ASSUMED there had been 36 bears in the area, though there was no evidence for it. He then ASSUMED 27 of them must have died. He then ASSUMED the storm that killed them was caused by catastrophic anthropogenic global warming, though there was no evidence for it. He then ASSUMED the same applied to all polar bear populations, though there was no evidence for it.

Thereby "proving" that polar bears face extinction because of global warming.

I think this proves 2 things.

1) The Quality of the Expert "Peers" Within Climate"Science"

This fraud was published by a respected journal after being passed by "peer review". Now "peer" review is a 2 way street. It officially exists to prevent low quality papers being published by people who are not the "peers" of the experts in the field. Thus Nature repeatedly refused to publish Stephen McIntyre's paper proving the Hockey Stick wrong because they decided that he was not the "peer" of Nature or its reviewers. Indeed he isn't. If McIntyre's paper, which has since been proven correct was not of the same quality Nature and the climate "science" community aspire to but this ridiculous fraud was, as they accepted it was, then, by definition the entire climate "science" peer group, must be assumed frauds until proven otherwise.

"Peer review" is as much a test of the integrity and competence of the members of the discipline as it is of the paper being reviewed. This paper has been proven obviously nonsense,from the start and the entire climate "science" movement as either incompetent or fraudulent, or both.

2) That It Is Being Recognised That The Game Is Up

Why did his bosses suddenly decide to jump on him when he made this "discovery" in 2007. This was my answer on Delingpole

One cynical possibility that fits the facts is that BOEMRE have sensitive political antennae. They recognise the warming fraud is on its last legs, as is Obama and wish to be able to say they recognised Monnett's dishonesty (omitting any mention of how long it took them) and got rid of him.If so the story is even more important than it seems because it means the warming fraud is so obviously dead that government bureaucrats are willing to act, ahead of the curve, to abandon the sinking ship (ok I know that mixes metaphors).

which was answered by Suffolkboy

neilcraig Possibly spot on. I have met "scapegoating", whitewashing, blame-shifting, terms-of-reference restriction and all manner of devious scheming to achieve higher management's aims or prevent a perceived "adversary" prevailing. The techniques are honed to their highest level in government. The symptom is that a seemingly minor or irrelevant misdemeanour acquires the role of a weapon or "key trump card" or blackmail that can be rolled out at strategic moments.

This alternative fits extraordinarily well with Watt's subsequent post reporting that BOEMRE are now saying that he was not suspended for the polar bear fraud, even though the above transcript proves they know it is fraudulent, but for some other reason, but they refuse to say what it is. Bureaucrats are twisty turny things. They are not prepared to actually say anything but know not only that this is a fraud (something they must, if remotely competent, have known since its inception in 1977, but that this game is up.

----------------------------

Note that one of the reasons I originally gave for supporting Palin, back in 2008, was that she denounced the polar bear scam, back then when some thought that was. akin to political suicide.

http://a-place-to-stand.blogspot.com/2011/07/polar-bear-fraud-proven-fraud-is-this.html

Links for 2011-07-29 [del.icio.us]

 

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011:
Jesus said: “My people, the Jews were frightened by the charging chariots of the Egyptians, but Moses said that they would see them no more. At first the large flame kept the Egyptians from attacking, while Moses put his staff over the Red Sea to divide it. Once the Jews traveled across on dry land, the Egyptians were released to go into the divided sea. Then the sea closed upon them and the soldiers were drowned. This same faith in Me is needed to protect you from the evil ones of this age. During the tribulation, I will be fighting for My people, and My angels will protect you at My refuges. Just as the Egyptians were drowned, so I will send My Comet of Chastisement and My plagues to kill all the evil ones and cast them into hell. So have faith in My protection when I call you to come to My refuges.”

I could see a bright orange and yellow flashing sign that said ‘GET FOOD’. Jesus said: “My people, food and water are your basic necessities, but people do not realize how hard it will be to find them during a world famine. I have asked My people to store one year’s supply of food per person when it is possible. Many people are going to bed hungry already as droughts and disasters are causing food shortages. Food insurance is even more important than having gold or silver because you cannot eat these coins. This food is not for hoarding, but to be shared. You may need this food because of the coming world famine, and you do not want to take a chip in the body to buy it. Many people do not envision the coming problems when gangs will be searching for food once your money system collapses. At one point when you will be threatened by the evil ones, you will need to come to My refuges. Before it is time to leave, having a food storage may be necessary for your survival. The vision emphasized this need to have some supply as soon as possible.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/tuesday-july-19-2011/

US Debt and Default Talk

 

us-debt-default-talks

Jim Rogers:
The US is the biggest debtor nation in the history of the world. This cannot go on forever. Eventually, the creditors are going to say “no more, that is the end of the line”.

If you think the problems are bad now, you wait till we do not have any more credit, you wait till the currency collapses, interest rates going through the roof, inflation going through the roof. It`s not going to be a pretty picture. There is going to be social unrest. It`s going to be a mess.

The sooner we deal with it, the better.

Marc Faber:
“Yes, I’m sure there will be an agreement, but it doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of excessive debt and of further, very substantial deficits. They’ll iron out something with lots of compromises and with spending cuts that are backloaded, in other words they won’t happen immediately. As we go along say in three or five years’ time when these spending cuts should occur and when the tax increases should occur, nothing will happen in my opinion.”

Martin Armstrong:
Being the world reserve currency is something that obviously Congress does not comprehend. About two-thirds of central bank reserves are in US treasury paper. What is going on in Washington right now demonstrates the total lack of comprehension of what is the role of the dollar (i.e. the flight to Swiss & gold).

This also illustrates my point that the world cannot afford the dollar to be the reserve currency anymore because we are plagued by internal political conflict with no real hope in sight. What is going on in Washington now seems to be a strange secret ritual centered on a mystic suicide cult or a plot for the Manchurian Candidate

Jim Sinclair:
Financial TV actually has a countdown clock to the day of Default. I still feel that a compromise at the last moment that offsets the default but does not do anything meaningful in the over the top debt problem will come.

There is nothing going to happen that is going to offset the borrowing demands of the US Treasury in a significant way. Rating Agencies who have not hesitated to downgrade everything Euro cannot hide from the sloppy process going on now in the Senate and House.

IMF Chief Christine Lagarde:
…has warned overnight that the global reserve currency status of the dollar is at risk due to the “worrisome” US debt debate. “One of the consequences could be a decline of the dollar as a reserve currency and a dent in people’s confidence in the dollar.”

Robin Griffiths:
Strategist for Cazenove Capital …you “have to own” gold. He said that the real inflation adjusted high from 1980 (using the more accurate RPI) was over $8,500 per ounce and gold could reach that level in the coming years. He said that silver was volatile but would likely outperform gold. Fiat currencies are being “printed into oblivion,” and so not owning gold is “a form of insanity.”

Chris Martensen:
On one hand, I am glad that Washington DC is finally (!) talking about the unsustainable borrowing and spending habits of the United States. It had to happen sooner or later; better now than never.

On the other hand, the tenor and substance of the dialog and proposals reveal just how far up the creek we really are and just how hopeless it really is to plan on something sensible emerging. After trying to make sense of the various proposals I think I can summarize them all with a single phrase: You’d better be ready.

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We Are Rapidly Approaching A Dangerous Time…

 

ron-paul-2011

We are rapidly approaching a dangerous time in our history. Society as we know it is vulnerable to political and social unrest. This impending crisis comes as a consequence of our flawed foreign and domestic economic policies…

Dangerous times indeed

The only way that we can prevent blood from running in the streets is to offer a better idea of the proper role of government in a society that desires first and foremost, liberty. That is impossible without a firm commitment by our leaders to the ideas of freedom, the source of all creative energy and prosperity.

An all powerful ‘State’ is a threat to that ideal. The prevailing attitude of the people, as it once was in early America, must be that of liberty and self reliance, rather than the Nanny State and dependence. If this is understood, a smooth, although not painless transition to a free society is achievable. Ignoring this option will be very destructive to everything that is dear to the hearts of most Americans.
We must immediately embark on…

Balance the budget by reducing spending

Change our foreign policy to that of non-intervention

A full audit and more supervision of the Federal Reserve, leading to abolishing the Federal Reserve

Legalize competition to the Federal Reserve with competing currencies

Regain respect for civil liberties while reigning in the CIA

Ween ourselves off the dependence of wealth transfers by the government

Abolish ‘crony’ capitalism – no subsidies, no bailouts, no regulatory or tax privileges to protect the powerful elite

Eliminate the income tax, the inheritence tax, and the tax on savings and dividends
Ron Paul

Click here to view the embedded video.

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NASA prepares for potentially damage from Draconid meteor shower in October

 


Article from June 16, 2010
NASA Prepares for Potentially Damaging 2011 Meteor Shower
NASA is assessing the risk to spacecraft posed by the upcoming 2011 Draconid meteor shower, a seven-hour storm of tiny space rocks that has the potential to ding major Earth-orbiting spacecraft like the crewed International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope.
The meteor shower risk assessment is actually more art than science, and there has been some variation in the projected intensity levels of the 2011 Draconids by meteoroid forecasters. But spacecraft operators are already being notified to weigh defensive steps.
Current meteor forecast models project a strong Draconid outburst, possibly a full-blown storm, on Oct. 8, 2011, according to William Cooke of the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
The Draconids do present some risk to spacecraft, Cooke confirmed. They could potentially become the next significant event in low-Earth orbit as far as meteoroids are concerned, he added.
Cooke and Danielle Moser of Stanley, Inc., also of Huntsville, presented their Draconid data at Meteoroids 2010 - an international conference on minor bodies in the solar system held May 24-28 in Breckenridge, Colo. The conference was sponsored in part by NorthWest Research Associates/CoRADivision, NASA, Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Office of Naval Research.
Less flashy, but risk exists
The yearly Draconids are not known for their bright meteor displays, Cooke said.
Predicted intensity rates for 2011 span an order of magnitude, he added, with maximum Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, ranging from a few tens to several hundred as viewed by a single observer.
Continue Space

http://apparitionsourlady.blogspot.com/2011/07/nasa-prepares-for-potentially-damage.html

The Upcoming Solar Super Storm: Are We Ready?

 

Now that little by little information about potential new solar storms with impact on our planet, also know as CME or Coronal Mass Ejections, creating Carrington effects paralysing our power grid for more than a year, in how far our we ready to deal with this life-threatening likelihood?

Why do governments, including the Obama Administration, ignore warnings and reports from organizations like NASA? It is clear we are unprepared. However, as states larouchepac.com, there are a few things we can do which would impeach Obama to redirect efforts from trying to save the British empire and Wallstreet, to address upcoming and threatening cosmic events.

Watch this explanatory video and take cation yourself:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Learn more about How To Survive 2012 and get your copy of the Survival Guide.

http://blog.2012pro.com/2012/the-upcoming-solar-super-storm-are-we-ready

Saturday 30 July 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

 

Monday, July 18, 2011:
Jesus said: “My people, your land is being refreshed with life-giving rain. Many are joyous to see rain in the midst of a drought. Much of your vegetation has dried out into a dormant state, so it requires longer rain days to revive it. Be thankful for every rainfall, even if it is just a little. In the first reading the Egyptians are trying to get revenge for losing their first born, but this army later gets drowned. Moses was faithful in leading the people through the Red Sea and eventually to the promised land. My people also need to be faithful, and know that I will protect you as I did with the Jews in the desert. Just as the Egyptian army was defeated, so in this coming modern day Exodus I will defeat your enemies, and bring you into My Era of Peace which will be your new promised land.”

Jesus said: “My people, the Scribes and Pharisees wanted to see a sign from Me, but I told them that the only sign I would give is that of Jonah, the prophet. As Jonah was in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man would lie in the tomb for the same time. These people did not realize that I was telling them My Resurrection from the dead would be the most important sign for all of mankind. It was My suffering and death on the cross that gave salvation to all those who accept Me and seek the forgiveness of their sins. The Scribes and Pharisees eventually would crucify Me, but they did not want to believe in My Resurrection. They did everything to cover it up by bribing the soldiers. I spoke to them of the greatness of Jonah and Solomon, but I told them that they had someone greater than these people by referring to My own greatness as God. In the Gospels My people have the grace of seeing all that I had accomplished on earth, and you now believe in Me even though you cannot see Me. Those, who believe in Me, will receive a prophet’s reward.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/monday-july-18-2011/

Sky 200 Edge Media Exposure of Media Standards Trust

 

SKY 200 EDGE Media Exposure of Media Standards TrustSubmitted by Brian Gerrish on Fri, 22/07/2011 – 13:50

A big thanks to Ian Crane, Alex Geairns and all the Edge Media crew

Sky 200 Edge Media Exposure of Media Standards TrustSubmitted by Brian Gerrish on Fri, 22/07/2011 – 13:50

A big thanks to Ian Crane, Alex Geairns and all the Edge Media crew for giving me the opportunity to appear on Sky 200 last night (21 July 2011) in a 2 hour live show to fully expose the role of the Common Purpose backed Media Standards Trust (MST) in the current phone hacking scandal. The MST is headed by Sir David Bell and Julia Middleton both Common Purpose grandees – other interesting elitests include Robert Peston BBC economic and Common Purpose guru. Supporter funders include Sainsbury, Rothschild and the Guardian Media Group, plus numerous ‘do good’ trusts and foundations. Who are these people and what is their real agenda?

The MST ‘Hacked off’ campaign – “We support the establishment of a full public inquiry into phone hacking and other forms of illegal intrusion by the press”, is actually attacking the Press Complaints Commission, free press and media. The inference is that the Common Purpose controlled MST should take over from the Press Complaints Commission.

The Guardian newspaper broke the story of the hacking of Milly Dowler’s voicemail on 4th July 2011.

The Media Standards Trust was quick off the mark, setting up hackinginquiry.org on 5th July 2011. But the domain name ‘hackinginquiry.org’ had been apparently been registered a couple of weeks previously on 15 June 2011.

Could it be that MST knew the hacking scandal was to break. Or could it be that MST is actually stirring the hacking scandal so as to allow Common Purpose MST to assume power as the Media Regulator? Meanwhile Common Purpose Cameron appoints Common Purpose Sir David Bell and Common Purpose Shami Chakrabati (of LSE Ghaddafi funding fame) to investigate the phone hacking. Davy Cameron reassures us they are independent.

Watch Edge Media

Brian Gerrish’s blog

http://www.ukcolumn.org/blogs/sky-200-edge-media-exposure-media-standards-trust

http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/constitutionchildrenhealth-sky-200-edge-media-exposure-of-media-standards-trust/

Sunday, July 17, 2011

 

Sunday, July 17, 2011: (Missionary priest from India)
Jesus said: “My people, this Vincentian order of Priests in India are doing a great missionary work for Me. In the Gospel you are seeing life as it is in this field that had wheat and weeds. The evil people are represented in the weeds, and the good people are represented in the wheat. They are allowed to live together, and some evil people may be converted by the good people. At the harvest there is the judgment when the weeds are thrown into the fire, and the wheat is gathered into My barn. This parable represents the evil ones who are cast into hell, while the faithful are welcomed into heaven at My Wedding Feast. This is why missionaries are needed to bring souls to heaven. This is represented in the vision where people are being led up to heaven on the stairs going up. Today, you are contributing money to help the seminarians and their work. Pray for their work so that the evil one will not mislead these priests.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/sunday-july-17-2011/

Saturday, July 16, 2011

 

Saturday, July 16, 2011: (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel)
St. Therese said: “My son, you have not heard from me in a while, but I wanted you to make an extra effort to get a chain or leather piece so you can display your relic of the true cross of Jesus at your talks. Even several saints have asked you to display it on the outside of your clothing. Today is a great celebration for Carmelites, and you have been faithful in wearing the Blessed Mother’s brown scapular. You also should remember to keep bringing scapulars to your meetings for the people. You are following Our Lord’s request to spread His messages in your books, the internet, and when you go out speaking. Remember also to add a little more fervor to your prayers without allowing so many interruptions in your prayer time. Even kneeling could help you keep focused on praying to Jesus. Thank you also for being faithful to your prayer time. It is important to keep close to Jesus so your gifts can be used and protected.”

Jesus said: “My people, when you come into My Presence at My places of Adoration, this is how I want to greet all of you: (Matt.11:28-30) ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden light.’ I truly give you rest in your souls, and I give you My abundant graces to strengthen you in your mission. I call you to be evangelists to save souls by bringing them to Me in faith. My burden is light in your daily cross that I ask you to carry. I will give you what to speak to souls by the power of the Holy Spirit. The more souls that you can bring to Me, the fewer souls that could be lost to hell. I thank you for coming to Me in My Eucharist, and you will be rewarded for your work of love.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/saturday-july-16-2011/

The Happy Planet Index shows the problem with woolly wellbeing studies

 

Strong words on Left Foot Forward, Jules Peck - a trustee at think tanks the new economics foundation and ResPublica – has written that: “The TaxPayers’ Alliance merely makes a mockery of citizens as well as themselves by denying this evidence.” She is outraged that Emma Boon told the newspapers a £2 million survey to find people value “health, family and relationships, work, the environment and education” shouldn’t be a priority for taxpayers’ hard earned money. To understand why we aren’t the ones embarrassing ourselves, ask yourself the simple question: do you think Sweden or Burma is a better model of how to achieve “long, happy lives without over-stretching the planet’s resources”?

The new economics foundation, whose research Ms Peck refers to a number of times, think the answer is Burma. In fact, here is a list of countries ranked by their score in the second edition of the Happy Planet Index.

Happy Planet Index score, HPI, selected countries

Of course it is right that people don’t only value material prosperity, that they value “relationships, time spent with friends and family, time spent in nature and a healthy environment, security and flow in work, equality and good health”. Emma didn’t say that they didn’t. She said that we didn’t need to spend £2 million to find that out. It isn’t just common sense either, as was reported in an IEA study it has been established in longitudinal happiness studies.

For more about the taxpayer-funded craziness of the new economics foundation, read my new book Let Them Eat Carbon.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tpa/~3/hSActYCP1po/happy-planet-index-shows-problem-woolly-wellbeing-studies.html

Friday, July 15, 2011

 

Friday, July 15, 2011: (St. Bonaventure)
Jesus said: “My people, I have given My faithful many messages about preparing refuges and taking things to My refuges. Those, who do not go to My refuges after I warn you, will be picked up by the UN troops dressed in black and brought to the prisons at your detention centers. Those, who refuse to take the chip in the body, will be gassed and cremated as the Jews were in Germany. The one world people will kill all those who do not want to support their new world order. The Christians and patriots will be their targets. Just as in the Gospel, there were Jewish leaders who harassed the people for not following the least letter of their laws, which were sometimes mere human precepts. My people need to follow the spirit of the law out of love for Me. Even today various governments are harassing their people with rules and regulations that are nearly impossible to follow. This is the way your leaders and czars are holding authority over you. When your laws are too complicated to live by, they will be hard to enforce. But these controls over you will become so stifling that they will control you like robots. When these evil ones try to demand mandatory chips in the body, it will be time to refuse such chips, even under threat of death. If you do not, these chips will control your free will. Leave this society to go underground at My refuges where I will provide for your needs and your protection. This time of persecution will last less than 3 ½ years when I will bring My victory, and these evil ones will be cast into hell.”

Jesus said: “My people, I have given My faithful many messages about preparing refuges and taking things to My refuges. Those, who do not go to My refuges after I warn you, will be picked up by the UN troops dressed in black and brought to the prisons at your detention centers. Those, who refuse to take the chip in the body, will be gassed and cremated as the Jews were in Germany. The one world people will kill all those who do not want to support their new world order. The Christians and patriots will be their targets. Just as in the Gospel, there were Jewish leaders who harassed the people for not following the least letter of their laws, which were sometimes mere human precepts. My people need to follow the spirit of the law out of love for Me. Even today various governments are harassing their people with rules and regulations that are nearly impossible to follow. This is the way your leaders and czars are holding authority over you. When your laws are too complicated to live by, they will be hard to enforce. But these controls over you will become so stifling that they will control you like robots. When these evil ones try to demand mandatory chips in the body, it will be time to refuse such chips, even under threat of death. If you do not, these chips will control your free will. Leave this society to go underground at My refuges where I will provide for your needs and your protection. This time of persecution will last less than 3 ½ years when I will bring My victory, and these evil ones will be cast into hell.” Jesus said: “My people, microwaves are very powerful electromagnetic radiation that can be dangerous to humans, animals, and even insects. These towers in the vision are transmitting powerful signals to both satellites and cell phones. You use microwaves to heat things in a short time, but they can be harmful to your bodies as well. Holding cell phones to your head could possibly cause brain cancer over time like cigarettes affect your lungs. It is better to use ear pieces to avoid being close to the microwave source. You have been sending out microwave signals for your TV transmissions for many years. But now you are placing cell towers all over the world so you can have a wireless signal. This is an added pollution of microwaves to all of your environment. This could affect insect and animal orientation for direction. The cell towers were set up to send phone and data messages. They can also be used to track people’s whereabouts through your cell phone, even when it is turned off. In order to avoid being tracked, you can store it in aluminum or remove the batteries. This hiding with aluminum can also be used with any chips in your driver’s license or chips in your passport. Your electronic technology is very helpful, but it can be used against you for surveillance. By leading a simple life without cell phones or chipped devices, you can avoid being tracked and controlled by these microwave devices.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/friday-july-15-2011/

Germany urged to fight Islamophobia

 

Head of the Center for Islam in Munich Benjamin Idriz


German Muslims have called on Berlin to take legal action against websites which provoke Islamophobia and endanger peaceful coexistence in the European country.

Head of the Center for Islam in Munich in the state of Bavaria, Benjamin Idriz, called on the German government to resort to the constitution and exercise more supervision over the websites which contain insulting material against Islam, dpa reported.

The center says it expects German authorities to counter extremist movements which seek to jeopardize peaceful coexistence in the country, Idriz further explained.

The moderate cleric specifically mentioned the offensive anti-Muslim remarks in the German website pi-news, a far-right news outlet which as a part of its agenda opposes the spread of Islam and Islamic teachings across Europe.

Meanwhile, Bavaria state officials argue that by virtue of the law on freedom of expression they cannot take any action against the website.

The reaction by German Muslims comes amid the recent terrorist attacks in Norway.

On Friday, at least 76 people were killed and scores injured in twin shooting and bomb attacks in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, and a nearby island.

Elsewhere in the UK, Muslim leaders have called on governments across Europe to wake up to the threat of anti-Islamic extremism and stop pandering to far-right nationalist movements that have made inroads in politics from the Netherlands to Austria.

[PressTV]

http://philosophers-stone.co.uk/wordpress/2011/07/germany-urged-to-fight-islamophobia/

Latest from NASA on “Climate change”.

 

NASA may have stopped throwing big flaming things into the sky, but still does some very useful work if, this is anything to go by,

New NASA Data Blow Gaping Hole In Global Warming Alarmism

NASA satellite data from the years 2000 through 2011 show the Earth's atmosphere is allowing far more heat to be released into space than alarmist computer models have predicted, reports a new study in the peer-reviewed science journal Remote Sensing. The study indicates far less future global warming will occur than United Nations computer models have predicted, and supports prior studies indicating increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide trap far less heat than alarmists have claimed.

And

Study co-author Dr. Roy Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and U.S. Science Team Leader for the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer flying on NASA's Aqua satellite, reports that real-world data from NASA's Terra satellite contradict multiple assumptions fed into alarmist computer models.

Summed up here.

When objective NASA satellite data, reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, show a "huge discrepancy" between alarmist climate models and real-world facts, climate scientists, the media and our elected officials would be wise to take notice. Whether or not they do so will tell us a great deal about how honest the purveyors of global warming alarmism truly are.

Now what will DECC and that Buffoon Huhne, have to say now I wonder? The wheels are fast coming off the wagon.

http://niklowe.blogspot.com/2011/07/latest-from-nasa-on-climate-change.html

Thursday, July 14, 2011

 

Thursday, July 14, 2011: (Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha)
Jesus said: “My people, when Moses asked God the Father what His name is, the reply was: ‘I AM who AM.’ (Exodus 4:14) This name was to signify that God has always existed, even before creation. It is spoken in the present tense also to mean that God’s existence will always exist. It is difficult for man to describe or know God fully, so this description in a name gave people a small sense of who He is. Moses told the people this name, and he went on to lead his people out of Egypt to the promised land. I used this same expression when the Jews questioned who I am. I told them that Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and they could not believe that I could have seen Abraham. Then I said to them: (John 8:58) ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.’ This was the same name that God the Father used, but We are both persons of the Blessed Trinity, so I spoke the truth. The people then tried to stone Me to death thinking that I blasphemed. I am truly a God-man, but the people of My time could not accept that I was the Messiah and God at the same time. Today, My people accept Me as a God-man by faith, as you know that I am the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.”

Prayer Group:
Jesus said: “My people, your bureaucracy in Washington, D.C. is over regulating your businesses to the point that small businesses are struggling to survive. Your Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is now about to attack your vitamin and herbal supplement businesses by demanding so much regulation to approve their products. It is their intent to ruin this source of alternative medicines and supplements as this will indirectly help your large drug companies. Many natural products can prevent diseases, but the FDA is determined to allow only doctor approved regimens. I have warned people to stock up on their supplements before they may not be available.”

Jesus said: “My people, for a long time it has been the American dream to have a new home. Your housing market has been under duress ever since the housing bubble broke. Many homes have lost value to much less than the original mortgage. Because of lost jobs and bad loans to people who could not afford them, you are still seeing many foreclosures. It has become difficult to get housing loans as banks are more reluctant to loan money. Until the supply of available homes can be reduced, this industry will drag down your economy. Pray for all those people who are having difficulty in securing some kind of a shelter.”

Jesus said: “My people, there have been many debt limit meetings between the President and your Congress, but little substance of an agreement has been reached. One side does not want any new taxes and the other side does not want any changes made to the entitlements as Social Security and Medicare. The Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and even the bond rating agencies have voiced their fears if the debt limit is not raised, and some deficits reduced. Even some are suggesting a possible stoppage in delivering Social Security checks. The inability to reach a compromise has now endangered America’s credit rating. Unless some changes are made soon, there is a risk of a default on your National Debt. Pray that a compromise can keep your country from going into default.”

Jesus said: “My people, America’s creditors are knocking on your door to demand your country start controlling its deficits without creating more bonds made from thin air. They are telling your Government that your interest rates will be raised when your credit rating is reduced. Greece and other nations are now paying more interest for their junk bond status. America’s Government better heed these warnings, or bad things will happen such as painful austerity budgets. Your budgets are out of control, so pray that your lawmakers can make some needed corrections.”

Jesus said: “My people, in the spring you had many areas that were getting more rain than usual. Now, with droughts and little rainfall in the last two months, your crops are being threatened. I keep warning people to stock up on at least one year’s supply of food in case world food reserves decrease to a dangerous low. Water will also need to be stored. Pray that more rain may come to your parched lands before many crops could be lost.”

Jesus said: “My people, there is a growing concern over your current 9.2% unemployment rate because unemployment checks are ending and these unemployed workers are losing their skills without working. Your government stimulus programs have not supplied many jobs because generating jobs needs to come from the private sector. With cutbacks in government programs, your federal and state governments are actually laying off people. Pray that your uncertainties can be removed so your companies can hire more workers.”

Jesus said: “My people, you are all dependent on Me for all of your needs, whether it be your employment, your food, or paying your bills. More people are coming to Me with their prayer petitions which is a sign of how many families are dealing with financial problems just to survive and make ends meet. Some are working multiple part-time jobs because full time jobs are not always available. Keep working the best that you can because this life is going to change to My Era of Peace. Pray for My protection as you will be safe at My refuges.”

http://www.johnleary.com/index.php/2011/07/28/thursday-july-14-2011/

STOCKS GO NOWHERE AHEAD OF HUGE VOTE: Here's What You Need To Know (SPY, TLT)

 

storm hurricane weather

Calm before the storm. Today was one of the quietest days in a long time. That being said, stocks were notably higher earlier in the day, but then fizzled.

But first, the scoreboard:

Dow: -59.33
NASDAQ: +1.96
S&P 500: -3.99

And now, the top stories:

  • It was incredibly quiet in the US today, as behind-the-scenes wrangling went on ahead of tonight's Boehner vote. We spelled out the market implications of the vote here. And you can follow round-the-clock live coverage here.
  • In terms of activity, the real drama was in Europe, where things are getting ugly again, especially in Italy. if it weren't for the debt ceiling drama, this would be the #1 story out there.
  • Basically, markets are quiet and nervous, in stark contrast to yesterday's panic. This is about to get real.

Please follow Money Game on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/~3/6Hk8rWUpqKM/closing-bell-july-28-2011-7

Going Bananas

 

It's been a while since I discussed our country's increasing resemblance to a banana republic, but four recent reports essentially confirm that we're more like those third world countries we used to make fun of than many people think. Among the things we have in common:

1. Significant corruption

"Poll: Plurality Say Congress is Corrupt" (UPI)

A plurality of Americans say they think most members of Congress are corrupt, with less than a third saying the opposite, a Rasmussen Reports survey indicated.
The survey, released Wednesday, also indicated a staggering 85 percent of voters said they believe congressional members are interested in advancing their own careers rather than helping people.
Forty-six percent of likely voters said they view most members of Congress as corrupt, up 7 percentage points from June and the highest finding yet, Rasmussen Reports said.

2. Deteriorating infrastructure

"Infrastructure Woes Take Toll on US Economy-Engineers" (Reuters)

Failing infrastructure will cost the United States billions of dollars in lost productivity, income and trade in coming decades, according to a civil engineering report released on Wednesday that said the impact on gross domestic product could reach $2.7 trillion.

The American Society of Civil Engineers regularly tallies the amount needed to upkeep declining U.S. roads, bridges and waterways. It said the country will need to invest roughly $220 billion annually to maintain the country's infrastructure in "minimum tolerable conditions."

It said the gap between infrastructure needs and federal funding is growing.

"If present trends continue, the funding gap for rail and bus transit, seen as 41 percent in 2010, is expected to increase to 55 percent in 2040," it said. "The expected gap in highway funding, 48 percent in 2010, is expected to increase to 54 percent by 2040."

3. Reckless fiscal policies

"Republican Leaders Voted for Debt Drivers They Blame on Obama" (Bloomberg)

House Speaker John Boehner often attacks the spendthrift ways of Washington.

“In Washington, more spending and more debt is business as usual,” the Republican leader from Ohio said in a televised address yesterday amid debate over the U.S. debt. “I’ve got news for Washington - those days are over.”

Yet the speaker, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell all voted for major drivers of the nation’s debt during the past decade: Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts and Medicare prescription drug benefits. They also voted for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, that rescued financial institutions and the auto industry.

Together, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News, these initiatives added $3.4 trillion to the nation’s accumulated debt and to its current annual budget deficit of $1.5 trillion.

As Congress nears votes to raise the $14.3-trillion debt ceiling to avert a default on U.S. obligations when borrowing authority expires on Aug. 2, both parties are attempting to claim a mantle of fiscal responsibility. They both bear some of the blame: Many Democrats contributed to the expenses that are forcing lawmakers to boost the nation’s debt limit, as have Republican leaders at odds over how much borrowing authority to hand President Barack Obama and when.

“There’s plenty of blame to go around,” for the debt, said Robert Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, an Arlington, Virginia-based group that advocates for balanced budgets. “If there had been no Barack Obama, we would still be bumping up against the debt limit.’”

4. Significant wealth and income inequality

"Growing Share of Income for the Rich" (Washington Post)

Inequality in the U.S. has has grown steadily since the 1970s, following a flat period after World War II. In 2008, the wealthiest 10 percent earned almost the same amount of income as the rest of the country combined.

SHARE OF NATION'S INCOME Including capital gains

Richvspoor

The top 0.1 percent of the population (those making about $1.7 million or more) saw the sharpest increase in income share, taking home 2.6% of the nation’s earnings in 1975 and 10.4% in 2008.

It's not your father's America, that's for sure.


http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/financialarmageddon/~3/s-xz2EaLxx8/going-bananas.html

Italy Bonds Smacked in Selloff, Yields Now Approach Spain; Vote of "No Confidence" on Debt Plan

 

Investors wasted not time in a vote of no confidence on the latest debt package supposed to save Europe. 10-year Spanish government bonds are back above 6% and yields on Italian government bonds are close behind.
Bloomberg reports Italian Bonds Decline After Borrowing Costs Rise at Nation’s Debt Sale

Italian bonds fell for a second day, increasing the yield spread over German bunds, after the nation’s borrowing costs rose at a sale of 10-year debt and Standard & Poor’s said Greece risks further defaults.
Italy’s 10-year yield surged to the most in more than a week amid speculation a probe into a former aide of Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti may force him to step down. German yields fell to near a five-month low versus their U.S. counterparts as American lawmakers pushed conflicting plans to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. Bunds rose for fifth day, the longest streak since April.
Italian Auction
Italy sold 2.7 billion euros of its 10-year benchmark security, less than the maximum target of 3 billion euros. The debt was priced to yield 5.77 percent, higher than 4.94 percent the last time the securities were sold on June 28, and drew bids for 1.38 times the securities on offer, compared with 1.33 times. In six sales of 10-year bonds this year, the average bid- to-cover ratio was 1.42 and the average yield was 4.81 percent.
“With Italy investors have recognised that the debt ratio is 120 percent” of gross domestic product, said Julian Callow, chief European economist at Barclays Capital in London. “That’s very high. Any country really above 80 ought to be getting concerned and looking at ways of bringing down that ratio. When you’re above 100, that’s flashing red signals. As well, in Italy you’ve had very weak economic growth.”
Irish bonds advanced for a third day after an S&P report said some provisions of the EU’s rescue plan would help protect Ireland and Portugal.
Italy 10-Year Government Bonds

Spain 10-Year Government Bonds

Vote of "No Confidence"
Although yields on Italian and Spanish debt are off the highs of the day, the direction is crystal clear. The proper way to look at trends of Spain and Italy is as a vote of no confidence in the latest plan, not as a vote of confidence on Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti .
Yields on Portuguese and Irish debt fell, supposedly on the belief the latest debt deal will lower borrowing costs. It won't. The S&P''s statement "some provisions of the EU’s rescue plan would help protect Ireland and Portugal" is laughable.
There is no way the EU's EFSF, the European Financial Stability Facility, can cover Spain, let alone Italy.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
Click Here To Scroll Thru My Recent Post List

Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management. Sitka Pacific is an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction. Visit http://www.sitkapacific.com/account_management.html to learn more about wealth management and capital preservation strategies of Sitka Pacific.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MishsGlobalEconomicTrendAnalysis/~3/0wqS2_JE658/italy-bonds-smacked-in-selloff-yields.html


Friday 29 July 2011

Not Raising the Debt Ceiling Would be Blessing; Debt Limit Analysis; Interactive Map, You Decide What Not To Pay

 

As the chances of a gaseous Congressional compromise to do nothing about deficit reduction grow larger, inquiring minds wonder just what might happen if nothing passes.
Contrary to popular belief, the US would not default. Troops would still be paid. Medicare and Medicaid would not stop. The Bipartisan Policy Center has a nice analysis in a PDF on Debt Limit Analysis.
NO “SILVER BULLETS” TO EXTEND DATE

  • Our analysis also shows that the X Date will fall between August 2 and August 9. On July 1st, Treasury publicly reaffirmed their estimate of the X Date as August 2
  • The 14thAmendment does not provide a reasonable basis for challenging the constitutionality of the debt ceiling. The Administration will not attack the debt ceiling on this basis
  • Treasury has no secret bag of tricks to finance government operations past August 2. Treasury will not attempt to “firesale” assets during a crisis.
  • Other ideas are impractical, illegal and/or inappropriate (gold loans, IOUs)
  • There is no precedent; all other debt limit impasses have been resolved without passing the X Date
  • The government shutdown of 1995 –96 does not provide a precedent

Prioritization

Obama's, Geithner's, and Bernanke's statements about default simply are not credible. Nor are threats of cutoffs to military pay or Social Security. Indeed those totals allow Medicaid and Medicare to be paid.
The PDF covers alternate scenarios of what can and cannot be paid.
Interactive Map, You Decide What Not To Pay
I contend there is easily a month or more to work out a better deal. There are many programs we can easily do away with that should not be funded at all.
Please consider You choose: who gets paid (and who doesn’t)
On August 2, the federal government will not have enough cash to pay for all of its programs and obligations. The U.S. will take in a total of $172.4 billion in revenue during the month, but its total payments exceed $306 billion, resulting in a $134 billion shortfall. If a debt-limit increase is not approved, the U.S. Treasury will have to choose among 80 million monthly payments and prioritize which programs are funded and which ones are not.
Mish Choices

As you can see, I have $30.6 billion to spare.
The first thing TO pay is interest on the national debt. It is non-payment of interest that would constitute default. Thus talk of default if Congress does nothing is still the height of silliness.
The first thing to NOT pay should be congressional salaries.
As you can clearly see there are many things that would be a benefit to not pay, and never pay again.
Things to Not Pay and Never Pay Again
  • Department of Education - $20.2 Billion
  • Health and Human Services Grants - $8.1 Billion
  • HUD - $6.7 Billion
  • Department of Energy - $3.5 Billion
  • Department of Labor - $1.3 Billion
  • Small Business Administration - $0.3 Billion
  • Other Spending - $52.8 Billion

Clearly those things would have to be phased out, but the total of those things is a whopping $92.9 billion. That "Other Spending" category may have some essentials, but certainly most of it is not. Also bear in mind, I have $30.6 billion to spread around as needed. Some can go to salaries, but certainly not salaries of Congress.
In contrast, please see Boehner's Credibility Gone in Revised Proposal; Boehner Tells Congress to "Get Your Ass in Line"; Best Deal Republicans Can Get? for Boehner's revised cop-out.
All things considered, especially since Boehner's credibility is gone in his latest gaseous proposal, would be for Congress to NOT hike the debt ceiling and work out a credible plan over the next month.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
Click Here To Scroll Thru My Recent Post List

Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management. Sitka Pacific is an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction. Visit http://www.sitkapacific.com/account_management.html to learn more about wealth management and capital preservation strategies of Sitka Pacific.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MishsGlobalEconomicTrendAnalysis/~3/j1rThIcCD7E/not-raising-debt-ceiling-would-be.html


How to Invest in the Fountain of Youth

 

Ron Rowland

Like many of you, I’m a Baby Boomer. Now I find myself north of 50 and the prospect of getting “old” isn’t very attractive.

What does this have to do with investing and ETFs? Plenty!

Social and demographic trends eventually show up in the financial markets. The post-war generation’s passage into retirement age is driving growth for a certain sector. Today I’ll describe that sector, and then list some ETFs that will help you participate.

The Fountain of Youth

Humans have sought eternal youth for thousands of years. Ancient stories describe Alexander the Great crossing a vast desert in search of a spring whose waters would reverse aging. The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon may have been looking for the same thing when he discovered Florida in the 16th century.

He wanted the Fountain of Youth, but found Florida instead.

There’s no evidence any such fountain ever existed, but people still seek it today. Baby Boomers are particularly resistant to riding quietly into the sunset. Many of us want to hold on to youth as long as we can.

When consumers want something bad enough, capitalism usually obliges. The biotechnology industry’s explosive growth in the last two decades was no accident … and I think it’s only just beginning.

As I described in my 2009 column, Get on the Biotech Bandwagon with ETFs, modern genetics are the key to unlocking the real fountain of youth. The resulting biotechnology hasn’t made us any younger … but it helps us not feel so old!

The demographic trend is this sector’s friend. By 2020, the world will have more than 1 billion people age 60+. Those in the developed world (a group that by 2020 will include China) control vast wealth. How will they spend it? By searching for that same elusive fountain.

Baby Boomers are pouring their capital into the best medical treatments money can buy. They aren’t just after longer life; they want better life. They want cures for whatever stands in the way of an active retirement. Cancer, heart disease, obesity, arthritis, wrinkles, you name it: Scientists are working on expensive treatments for well-heeled patients.

Genetic research may lead to a real fountain of youth.

Is eternal youth really a reasonable expectation? No, of course not. Nevertheless, this generation grew up watching men travel to the moon. They received polio vaccines and saw smallpox wiped off the map. If they think any challenge can be overcome with enough cash and effort … well, it’s hard to blame them.

Biotech Thrives
Even in Crisis

All well and good, you might say, but we live in tough times. Can health care in general, and particularly biotechnology, keep flying into the wind?

Yes, it can, and here’s why:

Some very wealthy people will gladly spend almost any amount of money to extend their lives. Once they do, the knowledge gained in the endeavor doesn’t just disappear. It spreads quickly. Then the price starts to drop. The new treatments become available everywhere.

The rich guy who financed the initial research? He got what he wanted. If his investment lets other people live longer, too, then he did a good thing.

All this remains true whether the economy is in boom, bust, recession or depression. Will biotech have ups and downs? Of course. But as long as people want more years and better lives, this sector will have a bright future.

ETFs: Custom-Made for Biotech

You can, of course, jump into any number of biotech stocks that are pursuing some kind of breakthrough. Unfortunately, many will fail. The key is to have a diversified portfolio so the winners offset the losers.

And how do you accomplish this? ETFs, of course! With a sector ETF, you can have instant access to an entire index of biotech stocks. I think this approach is far better than trying to pick stocks.

Here are some biotech-oriented ETFs you may want to consider:

  • iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB)
  • SPDR S&P Biotech (XBI)
  • First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology (FBT)
  • PowerShares Dynamic Biotech and Genome (PBE)
  • ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIB)

My personal favorite is XBI. The others have their attractions as well, though, so make your own decision. Note that BIB has 2X daily leverage and is consequently more volatile than the others.

For those times when biotech is retreating, you can also get 2X inverse leverage in ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS). That means you stand to make 2 percent for each 1 percent drop in the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index. So this ETF can be used as either a speculative inverse trade, or to temporarily hedge your longer-term biotech positions.

And for clear, concise alerts on when to get into an ETF — and when to get out — you may be interested in my International ETF Trader service. Watch my latest video here.

Biotech isn’t right for everyone, of course. But if you have a long-term perspective and are willing to ride out the dips, the potential is huge.

Best wishes,

Ron

http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/how-to-invest-in-the-fountain-of-youth-46185

Risk Investing from Myanmar to Florida

 

“Why don’t you move to Myanmar for six or eight months,” a friend suggested a few months back. “Seriously. You go down there, get a feel for the place, buy a bunch of beachfront real estate and wait for the military junta to collapse. It’s a long term play, sure, and it’s pretty speculative. But it’s not as crazy as it sounds, really.

“Vietnam and Thailand have long been exposed to the region’s tourism industry,” he continued. “They’re already developed, more or less. But the real bargain in that part of the world has got to be Myanmar. It has an enormous coastline and, unlike Vietnam and Thailand, dynamite fishing hasn’t destroyed the coral reef there.

“There are literally hundreds and hundreds of miles of pristine, untouched beaches. It’s truly paradisaical…and paradises usually don’t stay untouched forever. Someone eventually comes in and makes good for the place. Then prices really go through the roof. Play it right and you could end up sitting on the next Phuket, the next Nha Trang. An entrepreneurial individual could really clean up. Think about it.”

We recalled this advice yesterday, while talking to another mate here in Vancouver. Our Vancouver friend was telling us about a real estate bargain in another risky part of the world: Florida.

“Four blocks from the beach…in Delray…three bedrooms…$75k,” he told us. “And there are plenty of others just like it.”

“Sounds like a bargain,” we replied. “But do you really want to dive into the US real estate market? Now?”

“In all honesty, I think we could see another ten, maybe fifteen percent drop in housing. But in places like Florida, like Nevada and Arizona, where prices have already come down so far, a drop of that magnitude isn’t going to break the bank.”

Good point. Depressed real estate in certain key parts of the US might offer a pretty attractive risk profile for property speculators. How far can a $75k house fall, after all? Provided you’re not loaded to the hilt with debt, provided you can cover up front expenses, settle in cash, a little bottom fishing might be a reasonable idea. Who knows?

But what do Burmese beachfront lots and Floridian vacation homes have to do with investing, you’re wondering? Quite a bit, actually. In many ways, it cuts right to the heart of this year’s conference theme – Fight or Flight: Your Capital at Risk. Do you stick it out at home, dig in your heals and “fight.” Or do you pack up your belongings and head for some exotic, dynamite-free zone abroad? Where’s the risk…and where’s the opportunity?

“I’m from The People’s Republic of California,” announced Rick Rule, perennial favorite at the Agora Financial Investment Symposium, from the podium yesterday. “You think there’s no political risk there? Or how about Australia, where they’ve decided that companies that invest decades of time and capital into bringing resources to market, often during periods of marginal profitability, must now pay windfall profits taxes for the privilege of doing business there. And that’s on top of all the usual taxes and bribes they must already pay there.”

Rick was making the simple but important point that risk profiles change over time. Places that were previously thought of as “safe bets,” as “market friendly,” may not be as safe and friendly as they first appear. These places would include Australia, much of the US and, as Rick put it, “Albertastan” here in Canada. Conversely, many frontier markets offer opportunities most people will never take the time to investigate.

Doug Clayton, managing partner at Leopard Capital, echoed Rick’s point. Doug looks for opportunities in markets few people bother considering. He offered four “sunrise” economies in his presentation. All have attractive demographic trends, boast robust national resource profiles and offer cheap labor. And they’re all growing at about two or three times the pace of the world’s “developed” nations.

Doug made the case for, wait for it…Bangladesh, Haiti, Cambodia, and Ethiopia. Sound crazy? Good, Doug says. Who wants to buy into a popular market anyway? Isn’t that the whole point of investing, going were most fear to tread, getting in early and then cashing out when the herd arrives? Food for thought…

“So you’d spend a few months of the year in Delray?” we asked our mate.

“That would be the idea, yeah. We’re just looking at the moment, but there really are some attractive deals. We’ll see, I guess.”

“Worst case scenario,” added his wife, “we’ve got a vacation home in Florida, right by the beach.”

“Not terrible,” your editor agreed. “But tell me, have you thought about Myanmar?”

Joel Bowman
for The Daily Reckoning

Risk Investing from Myanmar to Florida originally appeared in the Daily Reckoning. The Daily Reckoning provides 400,000+ readers economic news, market analysis, and contrarian investment ideas. Follow the Daily Reckoning on Facebook.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dailyreckoning/~3/OuO8j8yA6UE/

 

The Return of the American Diesel Car

 

Join the forum discussion on this post

The following guest essay is by Paul Nash, a regular reader here at R-Squared. Paul is an Australian who now lives near Vancouver, Canada. He is an environmental engineer who specializes in doing municipal water and energy efficiency projects, and has had experience in managing small town water and energy utilities. He is also developing small renewable electricity projects – micro hydro and wood biomass – neither of which is in short supply in his part of the world. Paul is also a strong proponent of high efficiency automotive engines and alternative fuels, and takes particular interest in the efficiency and multi-fuel capabilities of diesel engines, which is what prompted this essay.

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There hasn’t been an American made, diesel powered passenger car since the Oldsmobile diesels of the 1980’s, and few people, including GM, have mourned the passing of those old heavy, smoky, loud and slow beasts. For those car drivers who want a diesel, the only option since then has been the venerable Volkswagen diesels, the various iterations of the Jetta, Passat and Golf.

But that is set to change. General Motors’ top selling compact car, the Cruze, is available in overseas markets with the option of a 2L turbo diesel engine. The first rumors surfaced in February that this diesel version might be sold in the US, though GM refused to confirm anything. It was then reported earlier this month that a decision had been made, though again, no official word.

Well now it is official, as GM’s CEO, Dan Akerson has just confirmed that GM would start selling the diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze in 2013.

“I drove it the other day. It is great,” Akerson said in an interview with USA TODAY. “These new diesels are quiet. Should make it in the low- to mid-40s, and that’s with an automatic,” the CEO said, referring to the likely fuel economy rating with an automatic transmission.

Winds of Change at GM

Clearly, this is quite a change for GM, who have consistently refused to bring any diesel passenger cars into the North American market, even though they make and sell them all over the rest of the world. Akerson even acknowledged as much, regarding alternative fuel vehicles: “We’re going to introduce battery-only vehicles…CNG vehicles. Stay tuned. This is not the old GM.”

So why the change? Well, clearly GM sees an opportunity. Volkswagen has seen an increase in diesel sales this year to 22%, compared to past averages of 12-14%. Sales of diesel cars in the US have typically been around 1% of all sales, but have been trending up recently, with May 2011 seeing a 34% increase compared to 2010 (source). And the Cruze has been a surprisingly good seller, both in the US and around the world. Last month it was the top selling car in the US, outselling everything but the F-150 truck.

Versions, Price and Mileage

So this would seem like a good time to put 2 and 2 together, but what will the diesel Cruze be like, how will it drive, what is the mileage, and, most importantly, how much extra will it cost?

As is often the case, if you want to see how things should be done in America, be it cars, beer, or the Olympics, you only need to look to Australia. There, the Cruze is built by GM’s Australian division, Holden, and the current model diesel has been on sale since March 2011.

There are three versions available, with the two gasoline engines being the same ones used in North America;

Using the current average US prices of $3.64 for gasoline, and $3.90 for diesel the annual costs will be $1,631 (1.8) $1,467 (1.4) and $1,376 (diesel). So the diesel will save $255 per year over the 1.8 and $91 over the 1.4.

For the Australian cars, the base price is $20,000, with $2,000 extra for the 1.4 and $4,000 for the diesel. The US pricing starts at $16,500 for the 1.8, is a $2,000 upgrade to the 1.4, and expect the same $4,000 for the diesel. $2,000 extra would get you an automatic transmission for any vehicle.

According to the Australian reviews, both the 1.4 and the diesel are great cars to drive, with the diesel having slightly better acceleration. The higher power and torque of the diesel make it the better bet if you are likely to be carrying four people, or larger people, or towing anything. Towing capacity ratings in Australia are 1500lb unbraked and 2500lb with trailer brakes. In Canada, it is 1000lb max, and, in the US, there is no listed towing capacity. I suspect this has more to do with the number of lawyers in the respective countries than anything to do with the car itself.

Diesels have always been more fuel efficient than gasoline vehicles, though versions like the ECO are narrowing that gap. It is worth noting that to maximize the mileage of the gasoline ECO, it has had some weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements, plus low rolling resistance tires, compared to the standard and diesel Cruze.

Given the good mileage of the ECO, there may not seem to be much of a case for the diesel. But, as is the case in Australia, the diesel will likely appeal more to people in rural areas, and those who do lots of driving as part of their job. For drivers who do over 25,000km (15,500 miles) per year, the fuel savings start to really add up, and the greater longevity of diesel engines lead to higher resale values.

Diesels still have a long way to grow in the Australian market; diesel cars (not including SUV’s) were 7% of 2010 sales, up from 4% in 2007 (source). More interestingly, in the ever-growing SUV market, diesel sales have doubled from 2007 to 2010, and market share has gone from 24 to 34%. If diesel SUV’s were available in the US market, it might help to maintain sales of these high margin vehicles. There are numerous other cars, SUV’s and pickup trucks common to both the US and Australian (and other) markets, where diesel variants are available, so some of these could be introduced into the US market with relatively short lead times.

Conclusion

I think this is a positive step for GM. They finally have a good compact car, a good diesel engine, and a small but growing number of buyers that are looking for real fuel efficiency. The Cruze diesel delivers that – without the expense of a hybrid drivetrain, and, critically, with an improvement in the driving experience over its gasoline model.

In the country that has the most cars, and drives the most miles, diesel vehicles offer potential to make a real impact on national oil consumption. And with fuel efficiency rising in importance to buyers, car companies, and government, the timing may finally be right for a revival of diesel cars – may we see more of them.

http://www.consumerenergyreport.com/2011/07/28/the-return-of-the-american-diesel-car/