Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Alberto Contador will Compete Tour de France 2011 even though doping allegations at large
This is such a bad news. I was all getting ready to enjoy and follow this year 2011 Tour de France, but Alberto Contador's doping hearing case date has been postponed for after this cycling event. What a shame. Oh well, there is always 2012.
The Stupidity of Hope: Greece Is Still Going to Default - CNBC
Keeping in mind that the words “hope” and “Greece” should almost never be used in the same sentence, here would be the one exception: Let’s “hope” markets aren’t rallying on “hope” for “Greece.”
Hope, apparently, does spring eternal, however, and it seems as though despite all the evidence to the contrary, there are still people out there with money to spend who believe that Greece can be rescued yet from its seemingly intractable fiscal position.
How else to explain Monday’s surge in the euro and drop in the US dollar, which had been rallying on well-placed hopes that the periphery of Europe was sliding further into the debt abyss and ready to implode?
Irrationality, we now can conclude, comes in many forms.
Also, Greece is incapable of growing its way out of debt, and the Maastricht agreement prevents it from devaluing or inflating its way out.
In short, Gartman is correct when he says, “the risk of an eventual debt restructuring has obviously not eased.”
“The can has been given a good solid kick down the road and for a day or two or a week or so the problem has been postponed, but the problem exists nonetheless,” he wrote. “Like aspirin applied directly to an ailing tooth, the pain has subsided of course but the decay still exists and the pain will come back at a later time and almost certainly shall be more severe, not less.”
From: http://ping.fm/GylUh
Hope, apparently, does spring eternal, however, and it seems as though despite all the evidence to the contrary, there are still people out there with money to spend who believe that Greece can be rescued yet from its seemingly intractable fiscal position.
How else to explain Monday’s surge in the euro and drop in the US dollar, which had been rallying on well-placed hopes that the periphery of Europe was sliding further into the debt abyss and ready to implode?
Irrationality, we now can conclude, comes in many forms.
Also, Greece is incapable of growing its way out of debt, and the Maastricht agreement prevents it from devaluing or inflating its way out.
In short, Gartman is correct when he says, “the risk of an eventual debt restructuring has obviously not eased.”
“The can has been given a good solid kick down the road and for a day or two or a week or so the problem has been postponed, but the problem exists nonetheless,” he wrote. “Like aspirin applied directly to an ailing tooth, the pain has subsided of course but the decay still exists and the pain will come back at a later time and almost certainly shall be more severe, not less.”
From: http://ping.fm/GylUh
Monday, May 30, 2011
DailyTech - Saudi Prince Calls for Lower Oil Prices to Stop Defections to Electrics, Hybrids
Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talai wants oil prices in the $70 to $80/barrel range
Gas prices in the United States have been taking a decidedly downward turn in the past month (down 20 cents in three weeks from a national average of $3.97 per gallon to the current $3.78 per gallon). However, gas prices are still much higher than a year ago when the national average was $2.74 per gallon according to GasBuddy.
There are some that are calling for lower oil prices to help ease prices for consumers, and those calls are coming from an unlikely source. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talai, whose country is one of the founding members of OPEC, wants to see oil prices drop dramatically. In fact, Talai wants to see prices fall down to roughly $70 to $80 per barrel (current prices are hovering around $100 per barrel).
So it should come as no surprise that Salai doesn't want to see the U.S. gravy train come to an end. If everyone is driving around in 50-mpg vehicles, there will be less of a need for foreign oil. If everyone is driving around in electric vehicles, well OPEC is in serious trouble.
From: http://ping.fm/Ey6b7
Nuclear: German Government Wants Nuclear Exit by 2022 - CNBC
Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition declared on Monday it would shut all German's nuclear reactors by 2022, in a policy reversal drawn up in a rush after the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
The coalition, sensitive to accusations it may increase dependence on highly polluting brown coal, said it planned to cut power use by 10 percent by 2020.
But Merkel may be hard pressed to present the plan as anything but a political defeat at the hands of Social Democrat and resurgent Green rivals.
The proposal may be even more more ambitious than the nuclear exit planned when the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens were in power in 2000.
It takes eight of 17 nulcear plants offline now and six by 2021. But it could still face opposition from utilities.
From: http://ping.fm/NGFUa
The coalition, sensitive to accusations it may increase dependence on highly polluting brown coal, said it planned to cut power use by 10 percent by 2020.
But Merkel may be hard pressed to present the plan as anything but a political defeat at the hands of Social Democrat and resurgent Green rivals.
The proposal may be even more more ambitious than the nuclear exit planned when the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens were in power in 2000.
It takes eight of 17 nulcear plants offline now and six by 2021. But it could still face opposition from utilities.
From: http://ping.fm/NGFUa
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Spanish Police Brutality Attack Women
It seems that police around the world are after the ones that feed them: us, citizens. Police brutality is rampant and practically all over the world.
TAGS
Meltdown,
Unemployment
Europe Goes From Worse To Horrible: Ireland Broker Than Expected, Greece Mulls Splitting Up Into
Greece hasn't even filed for bankruptcy yet and the "unexpected" consequences are already coming. In comments to The Sunday Times newspaper, Irish Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said the country will likely need another "unexpected" loan from the troica, after he became the first cabinet member to cast doubt in public on Ireland's ability to raise cash. In other words once on the temporary bailout wagon, always on the temporary bailout gain. Reuters reports: "I think it's very unlikely we'll be able to go back next year. I think it might take a bit longer ... 2013 might be possible but who knows?" Varadkar was quoted as saying. "It would mean a second program (of loans from the EU/IMF)," he said. "Either an extension of the existing program or a second program. I think that would generally be most people's view."
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bayer to cut 540 jobs in Emeryville - ContraCostaTimes.com
Bayer HealthCare announced late Wednesday that it will wind down its multiple sclerosis drug production in Emeryville, resulting in the loss of about 540 jobs starting next year and the vacating of more than 300,000 square feet of office space.
The move will result in the company's multiple sclerosis drug, Betaseron, being moved to Germany. It eventually will be produced entirely under contract by pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim, which currently makes the drug for overseas use. Bayer HealthCare's sales of the drug topped $1.6 billion last year.
Multiple sclerosis drugs are part of an extremely competitive market; players include Biogen, Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis.
From: http://ping.fm/rscnm
The move will result in the company's multiple sclerosis drug, Betaseron, being moved to Germany. It eventually will be produced entirely under contract by pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim, which currently makes the drug for overseas use. Bayer HealthCare's sales of the drug topped $1.6 billion last year.
Multiple sclerosis drugs are part of an extremely competitive market; players include Biogen, Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis.
From: http://ping.fm/rscnm
Where is the Recovery?
No kidding:
I could have told you that long time ago.
I could have told you that long time ago.
"Bank of America Merrill Lynch has cut its quarterly—2.0 percent GDP gain from 2.8 percent—and yearly growth forecast—3.0 percent for the second half—aggressively as headwinds continue to build."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Lady Gaga Songs Hollywood Born This Way
Born This Way is a very popular song right now, that is why I'm shocked that Lady Gaga is selling it for $0.99 the single. Is now the music industry feeling the pain of the unnatural path (manipulation of the global economy) that the financial system is taking?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Bob Chapman Liberty Radio
Mr. Bob Chapman is a well respected economist all over the world. If you appreciate your life and the life of your loved ones, do yourself a favor and listen to what he has to say.From: http://ping.fm/zPmbs
Welcome To Hyperinflation Hell: Following Currency Devaluation, Belarus Economy Implodes, Sets Blueprint For Developed World Future | zero hedge
"A ‘91-style meltdown is almost inevitable." So says Alexei Moiseev, chief economist at VTB Capital, the investment-banking arm of Russia’s second-largest lender, discussing the imminent economic catastrophe that is sure to engulf Belarus following the surprise devaluation of the country's currency by over 50%, which we announced on Monday. "Unless Belarus heeds Russia’s call for mass privatization of state assets, it is headed for “hyperinflation, massive un- and under-employment, and a shutdown of production" Moiseev concludes. Ah: "privatization" as Greece is about to learn, the lovely word that describes a fire sale of assets to one's creditors, courtesy of a "globalized" new world order. Ironically, this is precisely the warning that will be lobbed at each country in the developed world, as the global race to devalue currencies, first against each other on a relative basis, and ultimately against hard currencies, or on an absolute basis, as the world realizes that there simply is not enough cash flow to cover the interest payments on a debt load, in both the public and private sectors, that continues to rise at an astronomic rate, even as the world prepares to exit from the latest transitory, centrally-planned bounce in the Great Financial Crisis-cum-Depression that started in earnest in 2007 and has been progressing ever since. Ultimately, Belarus will succumb to hyperinflation, as will each and every other government seeking to devalue its currency (hint: all of them): "Unless Belarus heeds Russia’s call for mass privatization of state assets, it is headed for “hyperinflation, massive un- and under-employment, and a shutdown of production,” VTB’s Moiseev said. The ruble will slide to 10,000 per dollar, he added." Of course, this is the primary side effect of attempting to avoid formal bankruptcy through currency devaluation. And all those who continue to believe deflation is an outcome that will be allowed by the Fed, need to look just to the former Soviet satellite to see what lies in store for everyone currently doing all in their power to devalue their currency.From: http://www.zerohedge.com/article/welcome-hyperinflation-hell-following-currency-devaluation-belarus-economy-implodes-sets-blu
Cyclist Garzelli Giro d'Italia Picture
Defininetely, this is one picture I love. The image of a fighter!
TAGS
Biking,
Cycling,
Giro d'Italia,
Sport
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
JP Morgan Cuts Q2 GDP Forecast | zero hedge
Once again Zero Hedge is just a week or so ahead of the "experts." A week ago, in a post titled "April Vehicle Assembly Rate Collapses, May Industrial Production Estimates To Be Cut" we concluded "Expect to see drastic downward cuts to May Industrial Production and next, to Q2 GDP." Enter JPMorgan's Michael Feroli with "Motor vehicle sector to drag on Q2 growth." Full text: "We are revising down our outlook for the annual growth rate of real GDP in Q2 from 3.0% to 2.5%.
From: http://www.zerohedge.com/article/jp-morgan-cuts-q2-gdp-forecast
From: http://www.zerohedge.com/article/jp-morgan-cuts-q2-gdp-forecast
TAGS
economia,
global depression,
Meltdown
Monday, May 23, 2011
The First Casualty of War
"We are ruled by sociopaths" -Philosopher Stephan Molyneux. I love this video. Worth watching.
TAGS
global depression,
YouTube
Selenas Guadalajara Restaurant Closing Saturday -My Wallingford
Selena’s Guadalajara, the Mexican restaurant and salsa dance destination at 1715 N. 45th St., will close for business tomorrow.
We talked tonight with employee Miguel, who confirmed the news that Kara Ceriello at Not a Number shared via email:
They’re all done here in Wallingford by the end of the month — I announced this at yesterday’s chamber meeting, to loud gasps — and we just heard they may have decided that TOMORROW, Saturday, is their very last day!
Miguel said that Selena’s will move to Shoreline. Owner Laura Santibañez wasn’t available for comment at the restaurant.
From: http://ping.fm/pjh9Q
We talked tonight with employee Miguel, who confirmed the news that Kara Ceriello at Not a Number shared via email:
They’re all done here in Wallingford by the end of the month — I announced this at yesterday’s chamber meeting, to loud gasps — and we just heard they may have decided that TOMORROW, Saturday, is their very last day!
Miguel said that Selena’s will move to Shoreline. Owner Laura Santibañez wasn’t available for comment at the restaurant.
From: http://ping.fm/pjh9Q
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Hamilton Says Armstrong Injected EPO
Cycling is such a wonderful sport and frankly, I am tired and annoyed at all those who are involved in daily doping drama.
There are better things about cycling than this:
Tyler Hamilton says Armstrong gave him EPO
...or this...
Hincapie tells FEDs Armstrong used PEDs
Cycling is about THIS:
There are better things about cycling than this:
Tyler Hamilton says Armstrong gave him EPO
...or this...
Hincapie tells FEDs Armstrong used PEDs
Cycling is about THIS:
TAGS
Cycling,
Sport,
Tour de France
Campagnolo Cyclist Model Looks Good
This is my picture of the week. I chose it because this guy looks so good on the bike.
TAGS
Cycling,
Sport,
Tour de France
Gear: Creative bicycles hit the streets - latimes.com
By Roy Wallack
Gear
May 23, 2011
Creative bicycles, long a favorite subject of student industrial design contests, are busting out of art college and onto the streets. This year, there's been an explosion of creative frame designs across the cycling spectrum — road, mountain, electric, commuter — that are nothing short of sculpture on wheels. And unlike a lot of artsy inventions that are good only for mounting on a wall, these two-wheeled wonders not only work but also offer some innovative functional capabilities not seen on bikes with the century-old diamond-shaped frame.
From: http://ping.fm/5Lmdr
Gear
May 23, 2011
From: http://ping.fm/5Lmdr
Starbucks teams with Lady Gaga - USATODAY.com
Starbucks on Thursday will unveil a very high-octane ingredient it plans to temporarily stir into its coffee shops: Lady Gaga.
The world's biggest coffee shop chain and the woman who Forbes magazine on Wednesday named the world's most powerful celebrity, will announce that they are joining for a PR lovefest that will make Lady Gaga an over-the-top digital and promotional presence in Starbucks U.S. stores through June 3.
For Starbucks (SBUX), it's about trying to stay totally tuned in to the interests of its young but hard-to-reach demographic. For Lady Gaga, it's about reams of carefully orchestrated publicity in the one place where gobs of her fans likely hang out.
Lady Gaga has 32 million Facebook fans and 10 million Twitter followers, and earned about $90 million over the past year, Forbes estimates. Gaga also announced last week a PR link-up with FarmVille, the social network game.
Beginning Thursday, Starbucks will host a Gaga-infused scavenger hunt across its digital properties from Facebook to Twitter to Foursquare. Gaga fanatics can follow her exploits and search out clues. There are gaggles of prizes, but the top winner gets special access to a Lady Gaga concert during her 2012 world tour.
From: http://ping.fm/GO3Jl
The world's biggest coffee shop chain and the woman who Forbes magazine on Wednesday named the world's most powerful celebrity, will announce that they are joining for a PR lovefest that will make Lady Gaga an over-the-top digital and promotional presence in Starbucks U.S. stores through June 3.
For Starbucks (SBUX), it's about trying to stay totally tuned in to the interests of its young but hard-to-reach demographic. For Lady Gaga, it's about reams of carefully orchestrated publicity in the one place where gobs of her fans likely hang out.
Lady Gaga has 32 million Facebook fans and 10 million Twitter followers, and earned about $90 million over the past year, Forbes estimates. Gaga also announced last week a PR link-up with FarmVille, the social network game.
Beginning Thursday, Starbucks will host a Gaga-infused scavenger hunt across its digital properties from Facebook to Twitter to Foursquare. Gaga fanatics can follow her exploits and search out clues. There are gaggles of prizes, but the top winner gets special access to a Lady Gaga concert during her 2012 world tour.
From: http://ping.fm/GO3Jl
Saturday, May 21, 2011
George Hincapie Claiming Lance Armstrong did PEDs?
My one time hero, Lance Armstrong, can't get away from accusations, drama, doping scandals and animosity all over the world. It's so tiring, really.
I used to admire him so much when he just cycled the roads of France and those of the world, when surviving and succeeding after beating cancer was in his soul and mind. Now, Lance Armstrong is becoming everybody's laugh and he is losing credibility and respect from many. Not from me however, he still (and he always will have) has my deep admiration as a cancer survivor (as many other patients too) and as the great cyclist that he was, because after all, he did win 7 Tours de France in a row. But I definitely do not support him at anything that he has to say or do anymore. Nothing that Lance does now interests me. He has lost his appeal, his charm. Fighting battles constantly is something I do not want to be part of.
Good luck, Lance.
Report Hincapie tells FEDS Armstrong used PEDs
I used to admire him so much when he just cycled the roads of France and those of the world, when surviving and succeeding after beating cancer was in his soul and mind. Now, Lance Armstrong is becoming everybody's laugh and he is losing credibility and respect from many. Not from me however, he still (and he always will have) has my deep admiration as a cancer survivor (as many other patients too) and as the great cyclist that he was, because after all, he did win 7 Tours de France in a row. But I definitely do not support him at anything that he has to say or do anymore. Nothing that Lance does now interests me. He has lost his appeal, his charm. Fighting battles constantly is something I do not want to be part of.
Good luck, Lance.
NEW YORK (AP) — A report by "60 Minutes" says George Hincapie, a longtime member of Lance Armstrong's inner circle, has told federal authorities he saw the seven-time Tour de France winner use performance-enhancing drugs.
A segment of the report aired Friday night on the "CBS Evening News," one day after it broadcast an interview with another former member of Armstrong's U.S. Postal Service team, Tyler Hamilton, who said he also used PEDs with Armstrong.
Report Hincapie tells FEDS Armstrong used PEDs
TAGS
Cycling,
Sport,
Tour de France
Giro d'Italia Stage 14 Contador Leads
This stage was SPECTACULAR!
Contador tried with Nibali to pass L. Anton but they just couldn't. Anton was on fire and did not let them get closer than 50 mts behind him. Anton won without any doubts and nobody gave him the victory!
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 14
1Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard54:45:45
2Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale0:03:20
3Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi0:03:21
4Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD0:04:06
5John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale0:05:23
Contador tried with Nibali to pass L. Anton but they just couldn't. Anton was on fire and did not let them get closer than 50 mts behind him. Anton won without any doubts and nobody gave him the victory!
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 14
1Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard54:45:45
2Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale0:03:20
3Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi0:03:21
4Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD0:04:06
5John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale0:05:23
TAGS
Cycling,
Giro d'Italia,
Sport
Friday, May 20, 2011
Corn and Wheat may become very expensive at the grocery store
It's a case of two extremes: dry weather conditions in parts of the southern United States and in Europe have sparked fears of a supply crunch of wheat, while supplies of corn are being threatened by flooding and heavy rain in the Midwest.
Wheat futures rose for a fourth consecutive session on Thursday, and prices are up more than 10% from a week ago. Corn futures were mixed Thursday after rising for five days, and are up nearly 12% over the past week.
While it typically takes time for increases in the futures markets to translate into price hikes at grocery stores, consumers could be in serious trouble if supplies continue to dwindle and prices keep going up.
"There's about seven to 11 cents of wheat in a loaf of bread, and a lot of your processed foods have wheat and corn in them," said Britt. "So your whole grocery bill would be reflected -- all the way from bread to corn syrup to meat, because higher corn prices translate into higher cattle prices when cattle are eating $9 corn."
From: http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/19/markets/corn_wheat_prices/index.htm?iid=HP_LN
TAGS
Corn,
economic meltdown,
global depression,
Wheat
Giro d'Italia Stage 13 Jose Rujano Wins
Stage 13, Spilimbergo - Grossglockner - 167 kms.
Jose Rujano takes stage 13, Contador behind him doesn't want to accelerate to win the stage himself trying to show some humbleness letting Rujano win. Don't take me wrong. I don't like Contador, I think that he is a low class cyclist with no manners at all (yes, I am guilty of classism), but I have to admit that he is a better cyclist than Rujano and could have EASILY pass Rujano taking the stage win.
Jose Rujano takes stage 13, Contador behind him doesn't want to accelerate to win the stage himself trying to show some humbleness letting Rujano win. Don't take me wrong. I don't like Contador, I think that he is a low class cyclist with no manners at all (yes, I am guilty of classism), but I have to admit that he is a better cyclist than Rujano and could have EASILY pass Rujano taking the stage win.
TAGS
Cycling. Cyclists,
Giro d'Italia,
Sport
Thursday, May 19, 2011
BBC News - Former teammate says Lance Armstrong used drugs on Tour
Tyler Hamilton rode with Armstrong in the US Postal team, and says both men used EPO during the 1999 Tour.Lance Armstrong, who has always denied such claims , said on his Twitter page: "Never a failed test. I rest my case."
Hamilton served a two-year ban for blood-doping from 2005-2007.
"I saw [EPO] in his refrigerator. ... I saw him inject it more than one time," Hamilton told the CBS programme 60 Minutes, "like we all did. Like I did, many, many times."
Allegations of the use of banned substances by members of the US Postal team are still the subject of an federal investigation in the United States.
Armstrong has always vehemently denied that he ever used banned substances and he has never failed a drugs test.
He won the Tour de France for seven consecutive years from 1999-2005.
He returned to ride in the 2009 race, but earlier this year the 39-year-old announced that he has retired from competitive cycling for good.
From: http://ping.fm/Liy4L
1,942 job cuts hit Florida's Space Coast - St. Petersburg Times
Friday the 13th hit hard for 1,942 workers in the Titusville area.
That's how many employees were affected by the latest round of layoffs announced by United Space Alliance LLC, an organization that partners with NASA to run the space shuttle operation.
It was the second-largest mass layoff notice filed with the state since the beginning of the recession, exceeded only by Albertsons' layoff of 5,131 people in 2008 when the grocer sold half its stores in Florida to Publix Super Markets.
According to the layoff notice filed Friday, the job cuts would occur between now and July 22. Affected positions are in administrative and support plus waste management and remediation services, the filing said.
From: http://ping.fm/cDGJC
That's how many employees were affected by the latest round of layoffs announced by United Space Alliance LLC, an organization that partners with NASA to run the space shuttle operation.
It was the second-largest mass layoff notice filed with the state since the beginning of the recession, exceeded only by Albertsons' layoff of 5,131 people in 2008 when the grocer sold half its stores in Florida to Publix Super Markets.
According to the layoff notice filed Friday, the job cuts would occur between now and July 22. Affected positions are in administrative and support plus waste management and remediation services, the filing said.
From: http://ping.fm/cDGJC
Post-Mubarak Egypt 'running out of food' - UPI.com
CAIRO, May 18 (UPI) -- Egypt, struggling to consolidate a revolution that deposed President Hosni Mubarak in February, faces what could be even worse turmoil because the country is running out of food as well as the money to buy it.
Food prices went up 10.7 percent in April compared to the same month in 2010, government statistics indicate.
Egypt is reported to have only four months' supply of wheat on hand and only one month's supply of rice.
According to Al-Ahram, Egypt's leading daily, hoarding of rice by wholesalers has pushed prices up by 35 percent this year.
..."acute shortage in the production of food commodities manufactured locally as well as a decline in imports of many goods, especially poultry, meat and oil."
From: http://ping.fm/iwBIm
Food prices went up 10.7 percent in April compared to the same month in 2010, government statistics indicate.
Egypt is reported to have only four months' supply of wheat on hand and only one month's supply of rice.
According to Al-Ahram, Egypt's leading daily, hoarding of rice by wholesalers has pushed prices up by 35 percent this year.
..."acute shortage in the production of food commodities manufactured locally as well as a decline in imports of many goods, especially poultry, meat and oil."
From: http://ping.fm/iwBIm
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
US Drones Spying Inside America
US drones are starting to spy along the norther border with Canada, but not only that, they are also quadrupling their numbers and space miles along all the skies of American civilian airspace.
This doesn't surprise me at all. The American people asked for "more protection from the government" to be protected by "evil foreigners" entering their country. I would say: be careful of what you wish for.
In my opinion all this is going to back fire and put the same people who wanted this extreme surveillance under terrible suppression of their own freedoms and control of their liberties: the American people themselves.
This doesn't surprise me at all. The American people asked for "more protection from the government" to be protected by "evil foreigners" entering their country. I would say: be careful of what you wish for.
In my opinion all this is going to back fire and put the same people who wanted this extreme surveillance under terrible suppression of their own freedoms and control of their liberties: the American people themselves.
Beloved Sausalito organic foods store to close, landlord seeks new tenant - Marin Independent Journal
By Mark Prado
Marin Independent Journal
A Sausalito grocery store that has offered healthy food choices for more than three decades is set to close after Sunday due to a lease dispute.
The landlord said she is searching for a new, similar tenant to move into the 5,000-square-foot space.
The Real Food Co. at 200 Caledonia St. has been the place to go in town for organic foods, including vegetables, milk and fruit. It also offers sandwiches, teas, soups, coffees, drinks, wine and beer as well natural hair and body care products, among other goods.
Sunday is scheduled to be its last day of operations, after the landlord and tenant couldn't come to terms on drafting of a new lease.
"The person whose name is on the lease is deceased," said Suzy Lords, promotions coordinator for the Real Food Co., owned by Ogden, Utah-based Nutraceutical, which also has stores in the western United States. "We wanted an updated lease and they said 'no.'"
Sausalito resident Charles Merrill owned the building, and when he died in 2006 it went to his family. The Merrill family was willing to extend the Real Food Co.'s lease without raising the rent, but it wasn't willing to draw up a new lease.
"It was just going to be a two- to three-year lease (extension), and we didn't want to go through the legal hassle of a new lease," Alice Merrill said.
The store — housed in what was once an auto garage — has posted a note in its window informing customers of the pending closure.
From: http://ping.fm/i0n4m
Marin Independent Journal
A Sausalito grocery store that has offered healthy food choices for more than three decades is set to close after Sunday due to a lease dispute.
The landlord said she is searching for a new, similar tenant to move into the 5,000-square-foot space.
The Real Food Co. at 200 Caledonia St. has been the place to go in town for organic foods, including vegetables, milk and fruit. It also offers sandwiches, teas, soups, coffees, drinks, wine and beer as well natural hair and body care products, among other goods.
Sunday is scheduled to be its last day of operations, after the landlord and tenant couldn't come to terms on drafting of a new lease.
"The person whose name is on the lease is deceased," said Suzy Lords, promotions coordinator for the Real Food Co., owned by Ogden, Utah-based Nutraceutical, which also has stores in the western United States. "We wanted an updated lease and they said 'no.'"
Sausalito resident Charles Merrill owned the building, and when he died in 2006 it went to his family. The Merrill family was willing to extend the Real Food Co.'s lease without raising the rent, but it wasn't willing to draw up a new lease.
"It was just going to be a two- to three-year lease (extension), and we didn't want to go through the legal hassle of a new lease," Alice Merrill said.
The store — housed in what was once an auto garage — has posted a note in its window informing customers of the pending closure.
From: http://ping.fm/i0n4m
Buffett 10% Investment Munich Re Says 20 Prostitutes Attended Rewards Party | zero hedge
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 05/18/2011 15:46 -0400
Just because today was lacking a little on the whole surreal news track:
MUNICH RE SAYS PROSTITUTES ATTENDED AGENTS' REWARD PARTY
MUNICH RE SAYS ABOUT 20 PROSTITUTES WERE AT 2007 BUDAPEST PARTY
MUNICH RE SAYS PROSTITUTE PARTY AT SPA VIOLATED COMPANY POLICY
Well at least someone was rewarded at the peak of the credit bubble. In completely unrelated news, Munich Re gets a Buffett boost
From: http://ping.fm/T7GVP
Just because today was lacking a little on the whole surreal news track:
MUNICH RE SAYS PROSTITUTES ATTENDED AGENTS' REWARD PARTY
MUNICH RE SAYS ABOUT 20 PROSTITUTES WERE AT 2007 BUDAPEST PARTY
MUNICH RE SAYS PROSTITUTE PARTY AT SPA VIOLATED COMPANY POLICY
Well at least someone was rewarded at the peak of the credit bubble. In completely unrelated news, Munich Re gets a Buffett boost
From: http://ping.fm/T7GVP
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Golden State Becoming the Copper State
This is the kind of life that many people who live in Los Angeles, CA are currently living. The Golden State is becoming the Copper State.
Medicaid cuts could cause 5,100 job losses | Dallas Business Journal
A 10 percent rate reduction in Medicaid payments could cause 5,100 jobs to be lost and reduce sales tax revenue by more than $5 million in North Texas alone, according to the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council.
The 75 member hospitals of the council, including Baylor Health Care System, HCA North Texas Division, Methodist Health System, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Tenet Health System and Texas Health Resources, released a statement today underlining their concerns with the level of state funding for Medicaid in both the House and Senate versions of the 2012-2013 biennial budgets.
The Texas State Budget Conference Committee, formed last week to reconcile financial differences and evaluate reductions to Medicaid, has considerations on the table that could severely hurt patients in North Texas, said Stephen Love, president and CEO of the council.
From: http://ping.fm/CDqbC
The 75 member hospitals of the council, including Baylor Health Care System, HCA North Texas Division, Methodist Health System, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Tenet Health System and Texas Health Resources, released a statement today underlining their concerns with the level of state funding for Medicaid in both the House and Senate versions of the 2012-2013 biennial budgets.
The Texas State Budget Conference Committee, formed last week to reconcile financial differences and evaluate reductions to Medicaid, has considerations on the table that could severely hurt patients in North Texas, said Stephen Love, president and CEO of the council.
From: http://ping.fm/CDqbC
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sahara Hotel Casino Las Vegas Closing its Doors today
Sahara Hotel and Casino Las Vegas are closing its doors for good today. That is how "good" the financial recovery is, according to the United States government.
Owners Say Resort Not 'Economically Viable'Sahara Hotel@Casino Las Vegas Closing
LAS VEGAS -- Judging by its marquee, you couldn’t tell the Sahara hotel was going to close Monday afternoon.
The sign still advertised rooms available, along with the famous Speed roller coaster.
But that’s the kind of ending the Sahara has written for itself. After spending its final years operating as a low-key, low-cost property in a poorly-trafficked area of the Las VegasStrip, it was closing without fireworks or fanfare.
Owners SBE Entertainment said the doors will close permanently at 2 p.m. and there would be no closing event, save for Friday’s raffle of the property’s progressive jackpot.
The Sahara opened in October 1952 and is regarded as the last classic casino on the Strip.
IMF head denied bail on sex-assault charges - MarketWatch
By Polya Lesova, Sarah Turner and Robert Daniel, MarketWatch
LONDON (MarketWatch) — International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was held without bail Monday after he was arrested over the weekend and charged with the attempted rape, sexual assault and unlawful imprisonment of a New York hotel maid.
Judge Melissa Jackson of Manhattan Criminal Court backed prosecutors’ contention that Strauss-Kahn poses a flight risk and he is scheduled to reappear in court May 20, according to reports.
From: http://ping.fm/afG5s
LONDON (MarketWatch) — International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was held without bail Monday after he was arrested over the weekend and charged with the attempted rape, sexual assault and unlawful imprisonment of a New York hotel maid.
Judge Melissa Jackson of Manhattan Criminal Court backed prosecutors’ contention that Strauss-Kahn poses a flight risk and he is scheduled to reappear in court May 20, according to reports.
From: http://ping.fm/afG5s
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cisco Announces Thousands of Layoffs
The downturn in the American economy continues: more layoffs and more stores and businesses closing their doors for good.
Nothing has changed for the better, nothing. All the lies the media does is tell you about "financial recovery". What recovery, for goodness sake?
Middle class is disappearing and with it, respect, dignity, manners and education.
Nothing has changed for the better, nothing. All the lies the media does is tell you about "financial recovery". What recovery, for goodness sake?
Middle class is disappearing and with it, respect, dignity, manners and education.
Although Moore did not specify how many jobs would be cut, AP estimates that 4,000-5,000 of the company's 73,400 employees, or 6 percent of the workforce, will get cut. The figure is based on the same percentage the $1 billion savings translates to against its annual expenses.Link to Cisco News
A month after shedding 550 employees due to the shutdown of its Flip video camera line, Cisco Systems has announced more job cuts by the end of this summer to save $1 billion in annual expenses.
Layoffs at the troubled networking giant will begin with a recently announced early retirement program, said Gary Moore, Cisco's chief operating officer, in a third-quarter earnings call late Wednesday. The program itself will cost Cisco a one-time expense of up to $1.1 billion, he added.
"To be clear, we do anticipate a workforce reduction. On a global basis, affecting both our full-time and contractor workforce, we are taking the time needed to do what's right for our business and for our people," Moore said.
Big Brother Cameras Zoom-in on Chicago
Has 1984 started? Apparently yes, in Chicago and in many other parts of the US. With the creation on DHS, TSA, the cameras and the military presence at the borders and in some cities, the US is becoming a police state.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn arrested, questioned over sex assault - International Business Times
May 14, 2011 11:13 PM EDT
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a possible French presidential candidate, was hauled off the Air France flight about 10 minutes before it was to take off at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday afternoon and turned over to police for questioning in connection with an alleged sexual assault.
Strauss-Kahn, who was taken off the flight by officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which patrols John F. Kennedy International Airport, is being questioned as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault, a New York police officer said.
The alleged victim, a 32-year-old hotel maid, told authorities that she had entered Strauss-Kahn's room at the Sofitel near Manhattan's Times Square at about 1 p.m. Saturday and he had tried to sexually assault her after throwing her down on the floor, Paul J. Browne, New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesman said. The woman said Strauss-Kahn was naked when he attacked her. However, she managed to break herself free and escaped from the room before alerting the hotel staff, who in turn, informed the police. The maid suffered minor injuries during the ordeal and was taken to Roosevelt Hospital for treatment.
From: http://ping.fm/MuBoG
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a possible French presidential candidate, was hauled off the Air France flight about 10 minutes before it was to take off at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday afternoon and turned over to police for questioning in connection with an alleged sexual assault.
The alleged victim, a 32-year-old hotel maid, told authorities that she had entered Strauss-Kahn's room at the Sofitel near Manhattan's Times Square at about 1 p.m. Saturday and he had tried to sexually assault her after throwing her down on the floor, Paul J. Browne, New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesman said. The woman said Strauss-Kahn was naked when he attacked her. However, she managed to break herself free and escaped from the room before alerting the hotel staff, who in turn, informed the police. The maid suffered minor injuries during the ordeal and was taken to Roosevelt Hospital for treatment.
From: http://ping.fm/MuBoG
Giro d'Italia Stage 8 Oscar Gatto leaves Alberto Contador Behind
Oscar Gatto wins 8 stage of Giro d'Italia, leaving Contador tired and puffing behind. Way to go, Gatto!
GdI - St8 por cyclingvids
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 8
1 Pieter Weening (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 28:09:49
2 Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad 0:00:02
3 Marco Pinotti (Ita) HTC-Highroad
4 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Team Garmin-Cervelo 0:00:05
5 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard 0:00:13
6 Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD 0:00:14
7 Pablo Lastras Garcia (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:22
8 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:24
9 Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 0:00:28
10 Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli 0:00:33
GdI - St8 por cyclingvids
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 8
1 Pieter Weening (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 28:09:49
2 Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad 0:00:02
3 Marco Pinotti (Ita) HTC-Highroad
4 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Team Garmin-Cervelo 0:00:05
5 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard 0:00:13
6 Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD 0:00:14
7 Pablo Lastras Garcia (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:22
8 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:24
9 Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 0:00:28
10 Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli 0:00:33
TAGS
Cycling,
Cyclists,
Giro d'Italia,
Sport
Friday, May 13, 2011
Medicare, Social Security finance outlook worsens - MarketWatch
By Ruth Mantell, MarketWatch
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The outlook for Medicare’s finances have worsened on a slow economic recovery and higher costs, while the outlook for Social Security has also declined, trustees for the programs said Friday.
Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is now expected to be exhausted in 2024 – five years sooner than projected last year. Upon exhaustion, dedicated revenue will be able to pay 90% of costs for the hospital-insurance program.
Meanwhile, government officials said trust fund reserves for Social Security will be exhausted in 2036, one year sooner than expected last year. Afterwards, tax income will only be able to pay for three-quarters of scheduled benefits though 2085.
For the first time since 1983, Social Security spending was greater than non-interest income in 2010. A $46 billion deficit is projected for 2011, compared with $49 billion in the prior year.
Also, trust fund exhaustion for disability insurance is expected in 2018. Costs for disability insurance have been greater than non-interest income since 2005.
“Projected long-run program costs for both Medicare and Social Security are not sustainable under currently scheduled financing, and will require legislative modifications if disruptive consequences for beneficiaries and taxpayers are to be avoided,” according to a summary of the reports for the programs.
The reports about Social Security and Medicare come as U.S. lawmakers remain embroiled in arguments about how to tame the deficit. While House Republicans have presented a plan to cut Medicare, neither side has offered a formal proposal to curb Social Security’s rising costs.
On Friday the trustees urged prompt action from U.S. lawmakers, and noted that an aging population and spending growth in coming decades will ramp up costs for Social Security and Medicare, the two largest federal programs,
“If action is taken sooner rather than later, more options and more time will be available to phase in changes so that those affected have adequate time to prepare,” according to the trustees’ summary. “Earlier action will also afford elected officials with a greater opportunity to minimize adverse impacts on vulnerable populations, including lower-income workers and those who are already substantially dependent on program benefits.”
Beneficiaries of Medicare and Social Security are worried that lawmakers’ proposals could result in harmful cuts.
Ruth Mantell is a MarketWatch reporter based in Washington.
From: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/medicare-social-security-finance-outlook-worsens-2011-05-13-1223390
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The outlook for Medicare’s finances have worsened on a slow economic recovery and higher costs, while the outlook for Social Security has also declined, trustees for the programs said Friday.
Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is now expected to be exhausted in 2024 – five years sooner than projected last year. Upon exhaustion, dedicated revenue will be able to pay 90% of costs for the hospital-insurance program.
Meanwhile, government officials said trust fund reserves for Social Security will be exhausted in 2036, one year sooner than expected last year. Afterwards, tax income will only be able to pay for three-quarters of scheduled benefits though 2085.
For the first time since 1983, Social Security spending was greater than non-interest income in 2010. A $46 billion deficit is projected for 2011, compared with $49 billion in the prior year.
Also, trust fund exhaustion for disability insurance is expected in 2018. Costs for disability insurance have been greater than non-interest income since 2005.
“Projected long-run program costs for both Medicare and Social Security are not sustainable under currently scheduled financing, and will require legislative modifications if disruptive consequences for beneficiaries and taxpayers are to be avoided,” according to a summary of the reports for the programs.
The reports about Social Security and Medicare come as U.S. lawmakers remain embroiled in arguments about how to tame the deficit. While House Republicans have presented a plan to cut Medicare, neither side has offered a formal proposal to curb Social Security’s rising costs.
On Friday the trustees urged prompt action from U.S. lawmakers, and noted that an aging population and spending growth in coming decades will ramp up costs for Social Security and Medicare, the two largest federal programs,
“If action is taken sooner rather than later, more options and more time will be available to phase in changes so that those affected have adequate time to prepare,” according to the trustees’ summary. “Earlier action will also afford elected officials with a greater opportunity to minimize adverse impacts on vulnerable populations, including lower-income workers and those who are already substantially dependent on program benefits.”
Beneficiaries of Medicare and Social Security are worried that lawmakers’ proposals could result in harmful cuts.
Ruth Mantell is a MarketWatch reporter based in Washington.
From: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/medicare-social-security-finance-outlook-worsens-2011-05-13-1223390
Who Killed Michael Jackson? Illuminati
They Don't Care About Us. Maybe the powers that be that made him white: the Illuminati. Anybody who gets involved with these people cannot get out unharmed, especially making songs protesting and rebelling against them.
This song goes against the Illuminati which is "Divide and conquer". And of course, they don't care about us!
Nonetheless, I love this song and the video. RIP Michael Jackson, the King of Pop will never be replaced!
This song goes against the Illuminati which is "Divide and conquer". And of course, they don't care about us!
Nonetheless, I love this song and the video. RIP Michael Jackson, the King of Pop will never be replaced!
TAGS
Illuminati,
Michael Jackson,
Music,
Video
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I Hate China Cheap Terrible Quality Products
I am so sick and tired of all the crap coming from China. I am not buying anything that has the Made in China (Hecho en China -Spanish-) printed on it!
TAGS
Business and Economy,
China,
Mexico,
US
State Pensions Facing Trillion Dollar Deficits | Investing Answers
The funny thing about pensions is, the promises are easy to make but difficult to execute.
And after a series of big promises and bad investing decisions, 31 of 50 state pensions are grossly underfunded.
That's bad news for some people, or in some cases, all people living in that state. When pension assets don't throw off enough income to pay retirees, the shortfall must come from working taxpayers (via higher taxes) or future generations (via borrowing). The one final alternative is to cut pensioners' benefits.
A recent study by the Pew Center on the States, "The Trillion Dollar Gap Grows Wider," a nonpartisan think-tank in Washington D.C., reports a $1.26 trillion shortfall between the money promised to retired public employees and the funding available to cover these costs. Pensions have a $660 billion gap, and retiree health benefits have a $604 billion shortfall.
From: http://ping.fm/PV4Sy
And after a series of big promises and bad investing decisions, 31 of 50 state pensions are grossly underfunded.
That's bad news for some people, or in some cases, all people living in that state. When pension assets don't throw off enough income to pay retirees, the shortfall must come from working taxpayers (via higher taxes) or future generations (via borrowing). The one final alternative is to cut pensioners' benefits.
A recent study by the Pew Center on the States, "The Trillion Dollar Gap Grows Wider," a nonpartisan think-tank in Washington D.C., reports a $1.26 trillion shortfall between the money promised to retired public employees and the funding available to cover these costs. Pensions have a $660 billion gap, and retiree health benefits have a $604 billion shortfall.
From: http://ping.fm/PV4Sy
Greece Strikes European Officials Arrive To Enhance Austerity | zero hedge
On the one year anniversary of its first bailout, things in Europe's basket case are getting much worse once again. Even as senior EU and IMF inspectors arrived in Athens on Wednesday to press Greece to shore up its finances, workers walked off the job to protest against austerity-induced recession, culminating in a 24 hour strike which sees both airports and journalists taking a break from hard work. Oddly ironic this: the "bankers" arrive to make austerity even more aggressive (so there is more value left over to senior bondholders when the bankruptcy commences), just as the country experiences a deja vu moment of strikers on one side and teargas lobbing policemen on the other. Those who wish to follow the protests live, which so far the mainstream media has refused to show, can do so here.
From: http://ping.fm/LOJuM
From: http://ping.fm/LOJuM
Monday, May 9, 2011
When Drinking Water Can Kill You
The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has released a very interesting study about how our rivers, lakes, reservoirs and even tap water are being contaminated with chemicals that put our health in terrible danger, and the worst thing of all is that the US Enviromental Protection Agency ( EPA ) is not doing anything to stop it.
One of the chemichals I am referring to is Atrazine, a herbicide that is applied to fields to kill weeds and it's poisoning our water all over the United States.
Atrazine is most prevalent in the waterways and faucets of the American South and the Midwest, where it runs off of cattle pastures and fields of corn, sorghum and other crops. But atrazine is also being applied to many roadsides and lawns, like golf courses, around the country.
New research by the NRDC "Poisoning The Well" suggests that atrazine may even be dangerous at much lower concentrations than previously thought and even at concentrations meeting current EPA standarts it causes toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity, it can adversely affect the endocrinal system, alters the production of sexual hormones and it's been linked to several types of cancer, specially breast cancer.
So far, it's estimated that 33 million Americans have already been exposed to some level of atrazine through the tap water, according to data from water systems nationwide. Personally, I would multiply this number times 3, since lately most public data tends to be inaccurate and shamelessly manipulated.
However, there are ways to protect yourself from atrazine toxicity and from more pesticides you might be consuming. Install good carbon filters with activated charcoal to filter the tap water you and your family drink. This type of filter properly removes certain chemicals, heavy metals and some bacteria.
Be safe, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
From: http://ping.fm/tGZPJ
One of the chemichals I am referring to is Atrazine, a herbicide that is applied to fields to kill weeds and it's poisoning our water all over the United States.
Atrazine is most prevalent in the waterways and faucets of the American South and the Midwest, where it runs off of cattle pastures and fields of corn, sorghum and other crops. But atrazine is also being applied to many roadsides and lawns, like golf courses, around the country.
New research by the NRDC "Poisoning The Well" suggests that atrazine may even be dangerous at much lower concentrations than previously thought and even at concentrations meeting current EPA standarts it causes toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity, it can adversely affect the endocrinal system, alters the production of sexual hormones and it's been linked to several types of cancer, specially breast cancer.
So far, it's estimated that 33 million Americans have already been exposed to some level of atrazine through the tap water, according to data from water systems nationwide. Personally, I would multiply this number times 3, since lately most public data tends to be inaccurate and shamelessly manipulated.
However, there are ways to protect yourself from atrazine toxicity and from more pesticides you might be consuming. Install good carbon filters with activated charcoal to filter the tap water you and your family drink. This type of filter properly removes certain chemicals, heavy metals and some bacteria.
Be safe, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
From: http://ping.fm/tGZPJ
Wouter Weylandt Dies in Giro d'Italia Stage 3
My heart goes out to Cyclist Wouter Weylandt's family, personal friends and cycling friends. His dead today represents a great lost to the professional cycling world.
This video is very graphic. Caution if you choose to watch it.
Weylandt, 26, was left bloodied and unconscious and requiring a cardiac massage after a crash which occurred on the descent of the Bocco mountain pass around 25km from the finish line.
Race officials later claimed his left pedal got stuck in a wall at the side of the road, forcing Weylandt to tumble around 20 metres to the ground below.
David Millar says: Wouter's crash is "the unthinkable"
This video is very graphic. Caution if you choose to watch it.
Weylandt, 26, was left bloodied and unconscious and requiring a cardiac massage after a crash which occurred on the descent of the Bocco mountain pass around 25km from the finish line.
Race officials later claimed his left pedal got stuck in a wall at the side of the road, forcing Weylandt to tumble around 20 metres to the ground below.
David Millar says: Wouter's crash is "the unthinkable"
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day in some Countries of the World
To all mothers who have given their best of them to their children, I respectfully wish them health, love, prosperity and a long fulfilling life.
Countries that celebrate Mother's Day on the Second Day of May:
Countries that celebrate Mother's Day on the Second Day of May:
TAGS
Cycling,
holiday,
mothers day,
Parenting
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Dr Martha Castro's Counter (SD: 10/28/11)
DR. MARTHA CASTRO THOUGHTS QUOTES