Graham Broke the Mold

Massacre Committed By Israeli Government Should Not Be Forgotten

2012-01-29T02:05:00.000-06:00

The Gaza Massacre from Sana Kassem on Vimeo.

Stanley Fischer Speaks With Reporters At Bloomberg

2012-01-26T06:44:00.002-06:00

I am a huge fan of Stanley Fischer's, he is a Central Banker and currently heads Israel's central bank. For a short while he was rumored to be a candidate for the Head of IMF (International Monetary Fund), but that was killed because he wasn't going to kiss corrupt French bankers' ass like Lagard was only too happy to do. Meryam Nemazee makes nice eye candy also, although I get the distinct impression she is a very "high maintenance" type chick.

A Man Named Bibi Consumed With Arab Hate, Will He Listen, ONCE????

2012-01-17T03:58:00.000-06:00

A Man Named Bibi Consumed With Arab Hate, Will He Listen, ONCE???? One can only hope. From New York Times Roger Cohen:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/opinion/cohen-dont-do-it-bibi.html?_r=1

Martin Luther Ling Day

2012-01-16T23:36:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had time to reflect, and consider those who sometimes risked their physical safety (and sometimes lives) to improve their standard of education, general respect, and "lot in life". Here are some great photos of Martin Luther King from the LATimes:
http://framework.latimes.com/2012/01/16/martin-luther-king-jr/#/0

What Is Vulgarity And When EXACTLY Is It 'Appropriate'???

2012-01-08T06:39:00.001-06:00

I have a liberal policy on vulgarity and a conservative view on vulgarity. It depends on place and topic. Sometime "Goshdarn" just doesn't do it. The great Lenny Bruce (decades ahead of his time, viewing time in a very American context):

Female Vision of the Day (Jan. 7 2012)

2012-01-07T03:47:00.000-06:00

Haven't done this little blog gimmick in awhile (mostly for myself anyway I'm sure). I always figured Angelica Huston must have been quite the bird in her youth if Jack Nicholson chose her as a sexual mate. And she's not too bad as an older woman really. But I found this link in a Tweet when wandering around old John Huston stuff (who, although I don't know much about his personal life, I have always admired for his extreme intelligence and high literacy). Anyways.... the point I am leading to here is that Angelica Houston was a very very attractive woman in her youth. One of those women that wouldn't win a beauty pageant, but has some characteristic which seems to draw you to her. This pic in the link shows it well. What is it that is so appealing here?? The downcast eyes??? The flowing dress??? The hell if I know, but it works.
Our Female Vision of The Day: http://oldhollywood.tumblr.com/post/15405215653/anjelica-huston-during-the-filming-of-a-walk-with

Artist Shelby Lynne: Your Lies

2012-01-04T06:18:00.000-06:00

This is Shelby Lynne, she isn't any "unknown" artist. I found her watching Letterman this December (2011) and I just thought she was absolutely incredible. Not many performers or entertainers can sing at this incredibly high level without a back-up band. Some artists just strike you right at your heart, like the first time you hear Led Zeppelin or some people talk about the first time they heard Elvis. Her voice just sears right through you. I really cannot believe I didn't know about her the last 12 years. She has one of the top 10 female voices I have heard in my life, honestly.

Mid-air Body Flip For Touchdown

2011-12-26T12:26:00.000-06:00

Nothing more to say:

Introducing: "Alabama Shakes"

2011-12-25T18:05:00.000-06:00

I actually found out about this band "Alabama Shakes" from a finance blog (who for the moment shall go unnamed, heh). I am really quite impressed with the vocals, and the band is really solid as well. This tune is called "Hold On" and I really like it. Their self-titled CD should be out soon. I encourage one and all to purchase it.

"Silent Night"

2011-12-24T16:28:00.000-06:00

This is sung by the actress Bai Ling. She is not well-known for singing, but I think this is relaxing. Hope you enjoy.

Merry Christmas From Blogger Scrooge

2011-12-23T18:03:00.000-06:00

I found this at the Los Angeles Times website. It was shot by freelance filmmaker Colin Mika of "All Cut Up Films" and the video is entitled "Snow Globe Los Angeles". I hope all my readers enjoy it. Merry Christmas!!!!

Snow Globe Los Angeles from All Cut Up Films on Vimeo.

Parents!!!! Be Careful Choosing Your Children's Toys

2011-12-22T23:13:00.000-06:00

This posting may be a little late. But not too late before your child opens their gifts. Toys can sometimes be dangerous, and the government can't catch all the potential hazards before they go to market. That's where your judgement as a parent comes into play. From David Lazarus of the LA Times.

Just Some Dylan (I Can't Wait)

2011-12-20T01:43:00.001-06:00

Just got in the mood for this. It's from Dylan's "Time Out of Mind" CD. Some guy used to listen to this on weekdays after work, at night in a lonely apartment in a wealthy suburb for foreigners in the Northeast part of China. 3 or 4 large bottles of ice cold Bud Ice beer, and this song looped to replay is great daydreaming for the emotionally and socially immature expatriate. Don't ask me how I know.

Where Is China's Vaclav Havel???

2011-12-19T19:43:00.000-06:00

China had "tank man", but it's not enough. You need someone who has the courage to speak words. Not half-assed art, or being a puppet "defense lawyer" for a dissident. Where is the man to change China, like Vaclav Havel changed Czechoslovakia???? This blog wonders where is the courageous man in China, not just to run away and grow testicles to speak out after jumping China's borders??? Where are you man??? This taken from Lunchbox Communications in Vimeo. I hope you like it. These type men are very special, and very few come along in a century. Mir Hossein Mousavi is another one.

Vaclav Havel: The Power of the Pen from Lunchbox Communications on Vimeo.

Quote of the Day:

2011-12-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

This quote is taken from a late September 2011 article in WSJ by Duff McDonald
The words of Financial Analyst Meredith Whitney:
"Bankers complaining about new regulations and higher capital requirements remind me of melodramatic soccer players. You know, the ones that get barely brushed and they're on the ground rolling around and moaning? There are plenty of countries that have higher capital standards than the U.S., and they deal with it. We're supposed to be dealing with the smartest minds out there, and they can't adjust to a different environment? It's a reflection of the fact that over the last 20 years it's been so easy to make money off the mortgage industry that they can't figure out a way to rationalize their businesses.... Rules change. Deal with it. This is what companies do time in and time out. Bankers are embarrassing themselves with all this moaning. This may get me into trouble, but they [bankers] could learn something from the rest of corporate America."

Municipal Bonds Becoming More Risky

2011-12-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

An interesting video from Yahoo Finance on Municipal bonds as an investment and how they are becoming more dangerous for default as local governments have problems meeting their financial obligations.

Update On Banks' Rehypothecation (Composed of Derivatives) Practices

2011-12-11T11:08:00.000-06:00

This story is going to become bigger and bigger as more false denials come out. This is also fascinating as to how it relates to Canadian banks and how up to this point they have escaped much of the mess at American and European banks. I have to tip my hat both to Reuters and to ZeroHedge blog for getting this out. If you have funds in the stock market (401k, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA) you need to be aware of this and take due caution as it relates to your individual situation. Rehypothecation is basically (my laymen's definition) committing the same assets (which may be garbage "assets" to begin with) as collateral on different loans, or more than once.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/denials-begin-interactive-brokers-first-claim-it-has-not-engaged-commingling-rehypothecation
Also, the original Reuters article again:
http://newsandinsight.thomsonreuters.com/Securities/Insight/2011/12_-_December/MF_Global_and_the_great_Wall_St_re-hypothecation_scandal/

MUST READ From ZeroHedge Blog (Some Material Lifted From Reuters Journalism)

2011-12-09T23:46:00.000-06:00

If you have any money in the stock market (401K, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA) it is highly advised you read this blog post, the related Reuters article and self-educate yourself on all the items therein as best you can. Christopher Elias is the Reuters writer.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/why-uk-trail-mf-global-collapse-may-have-apocalyptic-consequences-eurozone-canadian-banks-jeffe

http://newsandinsight.thomsonreuters.com/Securities/Insight/2011/12_-_December/MF_Global_and_the_great_Wall_St_re-hypothecation_scandal/

Dear NBC, Don't F*ck Up A Great Show With A Great Actress

2011-11-23T19:42:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I agree with every word of this commentary, but the main point is clear: Some shows take a little TLC and a nudge and they can be 10 year cash cows for a network (Anybody remember the first 4 shows of Seinfeld?? The ratings were horrid). Don't f*ck up a golden egg that's lying on your lap and just needs a little incubation time. Maria Bello rolled the dice on your crap network NBC, how about giving her a good script and some time???
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-critics-notebook-20111124,0,3984042.story

Jim Traficant, Former Congressman of Ohio (When Ohio Had More Jobs)

2011-11-15T23:35:00.000-06:00

I have always been a fan of Jim Traficant. This is from a 2009 interview. I think Traficant is a sharp-minded individual, but more than that, he is a truth-teller. God Bless Occupy Wall Street movement and God bless those going through hard times now. And no, before some uptight Jew gets his panties in a wad, I am not "anti-Semite", and neither is JIm Traficant. But the way Jews throw that word around to someone who sneezes in the same room as them, the word "anti-Semite" has much less power than it did say in the 1950s. Israeli government issues and a person's attitude to Jews are separate issues, as much as Jews with no logical leg to stand on would have you believe otherwise.

Discussion Hosted by IMF On Menzie Chinn's New Book "Lost Decades"

2011-10-28T17:40:00.002-05:00

This is taken from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Site. A discussion on Menzie Chinn's new book "Lost Decades" which I highly recommend to put on your reading and/or Christmas gift list. Economist and MIT Professor Simon Johnson also makes an appearance.

David Rosenberg Gives His Outlook On Markets and Europe

2011-10-20T06:22:00.002-05:00

This video is from October 19 (Weds). Swiped from Bloomberg. Rosenberg works at Gluskin Sheff & Associates.

Menzie Chinn Rocks!!!!!!! (And Is An Awesome Dude)

2011-10-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

Recently I bought Menzie Chinn's new book "Lost Decades" on Amazon. I encourage all those who want to understand America's current economic hardships and where America could be headed into the future to go to Amazon or a local bookstore and purchase it. (the insight it will give you is bound to pay dividends above and beyond the book's price)

Link To "Lost Decades" Amazon Page

Some Reviews of the book (including one by the cerebral Mike Konczal):

Republican Governor Mary Fallin OKs $84,000 for trip to France

2011-10-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

ABC Network's Oklahoma City affiliate reports on Republican Governor Mary Fallin giving the "OK" on $84,000 in Oklahoma state money (not federal money) going for 4 Oklahoma government officials week long trip to Paris on Oklahoma tax dollars. That is state tax money, not federal money.

http://www.koco.com/video/29412671/detail.html

Coach Blankenship of Tulsa University Weekly Press Talk

2011-10-13T03:26:00.000-05:00

Coach Bill Blankenship of Tulsa University is my favorite college football coach. I think they're ready to "make a run" of consecutive wins.
I took this from Tulsa World website: