From yesterday's Rocky Mountain News: Opinion: "Saturday, for those looking for a cause to celebrate, is the 190th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. As the Associated Press reminds us, that battle was, until it was subsumed by the Civil War, a national holiday complete with the usual parades and ceremonies. It marked the improbable defeat of crack British regulars by an outnumbered band of U.S. troops, local militias, frontiersmen, freed slaves and free blacks and even pirates. Unbeknownst to the combatants, the treaty ending the War of 1812 had already been signed, but the victory gave a profound boost to the psyche of a shaky new country that had seen its capital burned less than five months earlier. The victory also propelled the U.S. commander, Andrew Jackson, into politics and ultimately the presidency." Useful to think about given the history of the US, even prior to the Civil War and I think important context for the upcoming Iraqi elections and the current world tumult. Iraq is experiencing upheaval that is not dissimilar to our own past and with our help may become another success story of democracy.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Third World Problem Solving Beyond Amount of US Aid for Tsunami Victims
Per Dr. Sowell's rebuke earlier in the week, about the failure to use DDT to save millions of people in Africa from malaria and the ban due to environmental concerns, Nick Kristof in the NYT today: "I'm thrilled that we're pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the relief effort, but the tsunami was only a blip in third-world mortality. Mosquitoes kill 20 times more people each year than the tsunami did, and in the long war between humans and mosquitoes it looks as if mosquitoes are winning.
One reason is that the U.S. and other rich countries are siding with the mosquitoes against the world's poor - by opposing the use of DDT.
'It's a colossal tragedy,' says Donald Roberts, a professor of tropical public health at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. 'And it's embroiled in environmental politics and incompetent bureaucracies.'"
One reason is that the U.S. and other rich countries are siding with the mosquitoes against the world's poor - by opposing the use of DDT.
'It's a colossal tragedy,' says Donald Roberts, a professor of tropical public health at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. 'And it's embroiled in environmental politics and incompetent bureaucracies.'"
Mea Culpa
I haven't posted in the last few days and not due to any great reasons other than I wanted to do various things on my weblog and didn't know how. So I stopped posting until I learned how to do more of what I want to do eventually. (And also I haven't publicized my blog address until I knew a little better what I was doing but am leaving it up for all newcomers to see the learning curve.) I have learned quite a deal in the few days since I started this on 01/01/05, a day that even I can recall as in "I started this 'the first day of '05'...." I will get better with presentations, templates, offers to other sites, conciseness, humor, and so on but I have learned a lot so far and like most things with some work it's not as hard as it appears. My one point of pride so far is that I has found a legitimate bug that the google wizards are (have formally acknowledged a problem, and say they are) working on.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Internet Radio
Yes, I do like and listen to internet provided radio streams. For some reason, I think some stations sound better using 'real one player' and some are better on 'windows media player' which makes little sense. My two favorite stations that I listen to when I can are WNCW and KPLU (both '.org'). Try internet radio out when you are playing around with sounds and computers.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Inflation Fears for 2005?
The CBS MarketWatch Alert at 2:15pm today was: "Fed fretful over inflation at Dec. 14 meeting." To quote TAP (name of this blog if you have already forgotten) from the day before yesterday in my 2005 financial prediction: "...slightly worried about inflation concerns in middle to 3rd Q of 2005." Believe me I had no inside information just my sense of what is really happening contrary to many negative reports especially prior to the November election. I still would not place any bets on my number prognostications.
Here is the Alert: WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Federal Open Market Committee was roughly divided into two camps on the outlook for inflation at their closed-door meeting on Dec. 14, according a summary of the meeting released Tuesday. A number of FOMC members were worried that the weaker dollar, higher energy prices and a slowdown in productivity growth may lead to higher prices. But others on the FOMC argued that wages remained under control and that the risk to prices from a weak dollar might be overstated. This is the first time the FOMC has released the minutes from its meetings after a three-week lag. In general, FOMC members were upbeat about the economy, saying that the expansion was "firmly established" and "resilient."
Here is the Alert: WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Federal Open Market Committee was roughly divided into two camps on the outlook for inflation at their closed-door meeting on Dec. 14, according a summary of the meeting released Tuesday. A number of FOMC members were worried that the weaker dollar, higher energy prices and a slowdown in productivity growth may lead to higher prices. But others on the FOMC argued that wages remained under control and that the risk to prices from a weak dollar might be overstated. This is the first time the FOMC has released the minutes from its meetings after a three-week lag. In general, FOMC members were upbeat about the economy, saying that the expansion was "firmly established" and "resilient."
Monday, January 03, 2005
Quote of the Day
"If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner."
-H. L. Mencken
-H. L. Mencken
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Quote of the Day Headed into First Business Day of 2005
"Ronald Reagan believed that people were basically good and had the right to be free. He believed that bigotry and prejudice were the worst things a person could be guilty of. He believed in the Golden Rule and in the power of prayer. He believed that America was not just a place in the world, but the hope of the world." -George W. Bush giving Ronald Reagan's eulogy.
I believe that too and hope you do as well.
I believe that too and hope you do as well.
Market Predictions for Yr End 2005
People are asking so here goes:
Yr End 2004 Yr End 2005
Dow 10,780 12,300
Nasdaq 2,175 2,800
S&P 1,200 1,400
US GDP Growth 3.9-4.0%? 4.25%
WSJ Prime Rate 5.25% 7.50%
10 Yr T-Bill 4.21% 4.85%
1 Mo. LIBOR 2.42% 3.95%
Fed Discount Rate 3.25% 4.75%
Fed Funds Rate 2.25% 3.75%
I am rather bullish on the US economy, not worried about either trade deficits or what I see as temporary spending deficits, and slightly worried about inflation concerns starting middle to 3rdQ of 2005.
Please do not use this as advice this is just my prediction. I haven't even looked at other forecasts so this is unbiased and perhaps ill-informed. We will find out this time next yr.
Yr End 2004 Yr End 2005
Dow 10,780 12,300
Nasdaq 2,175 2,800
S&P 1,200 1,400
US GDP Growth 3.9-4.0%? 4.25%
WSJ Prime Rate 5.25% 7.50%
10 Yr T-Bill 4.21% 4.85%
1 Mo. LIBOR 2.42% 3.95%
Fed Discount Rate 3.25% 4.75%
Fed Funds Rate 2.25% 3.75%
I am rather bullish on the US economy, not worried about either trade deficits or what I see as temporary spending deficits, and slightly worried about inflation concerns starting middle to 3rdQ of 2005.
Please do not use this as advice this is just my prediction. I haven't even looked at other forecasts so this is unbiased and perhaps ill-informed. We will find out this time next yr.
Middle East Envoy if POTUS
Suggestions for GWB (or my hero as one democrat friend says) I would ask former President Clinton to be the Special Envoy of the US to the Middle East, charged with the Israeli Palestinian problem reporting directly to the President. If WJC declines I would ask Sec Powell to take the role as he leaves State. Next I would ask James Baker. If persons of those stature all decline I would leave it with incoming Sec State Dr. Rice.
Deacs Win in Charlottesville!
WFU Demon Deacons 89- UVA Cavaliers 70. Line was Wake by 2.
No current Wake Forest BB player or coach had ever won in Charlottesville until tonight.
I am pleased.
No current Wake Forest BB player or coach had ever won in Charlottesville until tonight.
I am pleased.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Quote of the Day
If you know me, you know I will quote something about what I'm really thinking and not always what anyone else is thinking. In thinking about the emotions over US issues in 2004 and the world disasters (and as the WSJ pointed out yesterday the lives lost in Africa every year due to AIDS and famine overwhelm the tsunami) the following comes to mind:
"In times like these it helps to recall that there have always been times like these."
-attributed to Paul Harvey.
"In times like these it helps to recall that there have always been times like these."
-attributed to Paul Harvey.
Launching: The Anderson Papers
Taking the plunge finally with my own blog. This first entry is to generally explain what I hope goes on with this. This will not be a personal, tell all, cathartic journal but rather my commentary on anything I find interesting and with links to or copies of articles, photos, sounds, and scenes that make me think, laugh, cry, or inspire. I hope to balance the seriousness with some degree of levity. It may turn out to be levity that needs seriousness....
For now, I am allowing comments of all persuasion but do keep it reasonably clean at a 18+ level. Anyone compelled to use politically incorrect or offensive terms should use *** where appropriate but enough so everyone knows exactly what was meant. (I know that's silly but I can't keep a curious third grader out of here so since it is under my name at least be sensitive in terms not opinion.) These opinions are not for the faint of heart and I hope I get passionate response for and against various positions and new topics for discussion.
For now, I am allowing comments of all persuasion but do keep it reasonably clean at a 18+ level. Anyone compelled to use politically incorrect or offensive terms should use *** where appropriate but enough so everyone knows exactly what was meant. (I know that's silly but I can't keep a curious third grader out of here so since it is under my name at least be sensitive in terms not opinion.) These opinions are not for the faint of heart and I hope I get passionate response for and against various positions and new topics for discussion.
Books in Foreplay
Over Christmas and New Year's (Merry and Happy to You.) [The Brits put the period outside the ellipse and we rebel USAmericans put it inside, I just try to put it somewhere that's proper. Reference "...Eats, Shoots and Leaves...".] I am re-reading Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations and wish we had paid a hell of a lot more attention the first time around. Recall in 1997 he predicted 911 and the Afgan and Iraqi war and more.
I have almost read for the second time Covey's The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. When I say the second time it means I respect his work and have given the "Seven Habits" to God only knows how many people, including the written or time impaired the audio versions.
To digress, because its my blog, Covey's 7 Habits are: [and if are an OB professional you could do this dog drunk and happy, if you are not an Organizational Behavior pro and read this you have common sense and could do this DDH, we pros love jargon] are:
1) Be Proactive
2)Begin with the End in Mind
3)Put First Things First
4)Think Win/Win
5)Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6)Synergize
7)Sharpen the Saw (man, I love this one when I play golf or poker, not Covey's intent)
OK for anyone on the edge of their seat, Covey's 8th Habit:
Find your Voice and Inspire Others to Follow Theirs.
Part One of the book and appendix 2 are worth owning the book. He does try to sell stuff and get you to watch an enforcing DVD included with the book which is to me irritating and to most I think an enhancement.
The important point of Covey's latest book to me is the notion and importance of spiritual intelligence. Just those words say what he is getting us to think about, experience and teach.
Last on my reading if anyone is awake, because I love Tom Wolfe I am reading I am Charlotte Simmons. Wolfe did spend time in Allegheny County, (he was the only guy in the ABC store in Sparta that ever wore a white suit) and he is a hell of a writer. So unless you are sending a daughter to undergraduate school the book is worth a read but perhaps not given how good are his past wonders.
I have almost read for the second time Covey's The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. When I say the second time it means I respect his work and have given the "Seven Habits" to God only knows how many people, including the written or time impaired the audio versions.
To digress, because its my blog, Covey's 7 Habits are: [and if are an OB professional you could do this dog drunk and happy, if you are not an Organizational Behavior pro and read this you have common sense and could do this DDH, we pros love jargon] are:
1) Be Proactive
2)Begin with the End in Mind
3)Put First Things First
4)Think Win/Win
5)Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6)Synergize
7)Sharpen the Saw (man, I love this one when I play golf or poker, not Covey's intent)
OK for anyone on the edge of their seat, Covey's 8th Habit:
Find your Voice and Inspire Others to Follow Theirs.
Part One of the book and appendix 2 are worth owning the book. He does try to sell stuff and get you to watch an enforcing DVD included with the book which is to me irritating and to most I think an enhancement.
The important point of Covey's latest book to me is the notion and importance of spiritual intelligence. Just those words say what he is getting us to think about, experience and teach.
Last on my reading if anyone is awake, because I love Tom Wolfe I am reading I am Charlotte Simmons. Wolfe did spend time in Allegheny County, (he was the only guy in the ABC store in Sparta that ever wore a white suit) and he is a hell of a writer. So unless you are sending a daughter to undergraduate school the book is worth a read but perhaps not given how good are his past wonders.
Photo
My photo is here because I apparently can't move it to my profile until I have a few posts published. I may just not know how but till I do, there I am, in my refined PR me. Stay tuned for other visuals more interesting than that one.
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