kool aid disparaged
by Bob Herbert
The question voters should be asking John McCain is whether he has stopped serving his party’s economic Kool-Aid and is ready to change his ways.
``I must give him his due. He has considerably cretinized me.'' Lautréamont
Pics click to enlarge.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Boeing, Virgin, Join Group Committed to Biofuel Development for Commercial Airlines
Airliners towed by ducks.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Washington Panic (WSJ)
having the qualities of uproar
...The uproarious debate over the Paulson plan comes down to one main proposition: Are we going to give the government a new tool and resources to protect the financial system, or not?
...The uproarious debate over the Paulson plan comes down to one main proposition: Are we going to give the government a new tool and resources to protect the financial system, or not?
Friday, September 26, 2008
It All Comes Down to Experience (NYT)
message praised
By MICHAEL A. COHEN
As Barack Obama continues to stay on message, it’s no wonder John McCain has proposed postponing the first debate.
By MICHAEL A. COHEN
As Barack Obama continues to stay on message, it’s no wonder John McCain has proposed postponing the first debate.
The Cross-Cultural Classroom (NYT)
media politics analogized
By CHRISTINA SHUNNARAH
In what is one of the most diverse communities in the country, a teacher learns to be aware of the many cultures that make up her kindergarten class.
By CHRISTINA SHUNNARAH
In what is one of the most diverse communities in the country, a teacher learns to be aware of the many cultures that make up her kindergarten class.
Wasilla Watch: Sarah Palin and the Rape Kits (NYT)
women's issues addressed
By DOROTHY SAMUELS
Voters should know if sexual-assault victims in Wasilla, Alaska, were being billed for the cost of rape kits and forensic exams while Sarah Palin was mayor.
By DOROTHY SAMUELS
Voters should know if sexual-assault victims in Wasilla, Alaska, were being billed for the cost of rape kits and forensic exams while Sarah Palin was mayor.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ten States With a Plan (NYT)
warming fairy combatted
Until Washington takes more responsibility for addressing global warming, the states should take the lead.
Until Washington takes more responsibility for addressing global warming, the states should take the lead.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Park Avenue Diplomacy (NYT)
dowd's own foreign policy experience projected
by Maureen Dowd
Summoning his old Harvard teaching days, Kissinger surely looked for a common didactic starting point: She has seen Russia. “Goot. I haff seen it, too.”
by Maureen Dowd
Summoning his old Harvard teaching days, Kissinger surely looked for a common didactic starting point: She has seen Russia. “Goot. I haff seen it, too.”
Official Solution to the Financial Crisis
Convert mortgage securities into flower bonds, opening a market for them.
An Inadequate Case for the Bailout (NYT)
money flow skimming needed
Congress has more work to do on the proposal to bail out the financial system before lawmakers and voters can support it.
Congress has more work to do on the proposal to bail out the financial system before lawmakers and voters can support it.
Long Live the Gray Wolf (NYT)
anopheles mosquito to africa is another
There have been few biological reintroductions as successful as the restoration of the gray wolf to the Rockies.
There have been few biological reintroductions as successful as the restoration of the gray wolf to the Rockies.
The Paulson Sale (WSJ)
hendiadys crisis
That's especially true if Treasury were to try and use these purchases to "recapitalize" the banks by overpaying for the assets.
That's especially true if Treasury were to try and use these purchases to "recapitalize" the banks by overpaying for the assets.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Second Opinion? (NYT)
mortgage derivatives explained
by Bob Herbert
Henry Paulson has been handed the reins of government, and he’s galloping through the taxpayers’ money like a hard-charging driver in a runaway chariot race.
by Bob Herbert
Henry Paulson has been handed the reins of government, and he’s galloping through the taxpayers’ money like a hard-charging driver in a runaway chariot race.
Railroaded (NYT)
sweeping powers praised
Gov. David Paterson of New York was right to give the state’s attorney general sweeping powers to investigate the disability fraud debacle at Long Island Rail Road.
Gov. David Paterson of New York was right to give the state’s attorney general sweeping powers to investigate the disability fraud debacle at Long Island Rail Road.
Remember Iran? (NYT)
foreign policy explained
What is needed is a game-changing diplomatic initiative in dealing with Iran’s constant evasions on its nuclear program.
What is needed is a game-changing diplomatic initiative in dealing with Iran’s constant evasions on its nuclear program.
Trust Me (NYT)
economics explained
To protect the American taxpayer, Congress must ensure that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s bailout plan comes with clear ground rules and vigilant oversight.
To protect the American taxpayer, Congress must ensure that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s bailout plan comes with clear ground rules and vigilant oversight.
Monday, September 22, 2008
A Fine Mess (NYT)
``I hesitate to say I don't disagree with you''
by William Kristol
A friend serving in the Bush administration tried to talk me out of my doubts about the $700 billion financial bailout. I’m not convinced.
by William Kristol
A friend serving in the Bush administration tried to talk me out of my doubts about the $700 billion financial bailout. I’m not convinced.
Barack Obama, John McCain and the Language of Race (NYT)
assholeness is cultural
By BRENT STAPLES
The discomfort with certain forms of black assertiveness is too deeply rooted in the national psyche to just disappear.
By BRENT STAPLES
The discomfort with certain forms of black assertiveness is too deeply rooted in the national psyche to just disappear.
Up for Sale? (NYT)
the proof of why
The accusation that Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio put his office “up for sale” is further proof of why public officials need to disclose private income.
The accusation that Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio put his office “up for sale” is further proof of why public officials need to disclose private income.
No More Excuses (NYT)
waiting room reading material survey
If you’ve shied away from getting a colonoscopy, two new scientific studies may make you less reluctant.
If you’ve shied away from getting a colonoscopy, two new scientific studies may make you less reluctant.
‘Running Out of Time’ (NYT)
the completely unravel menace
President Bush needs a policy that bolsters Pakistan’s fragile civilian government before the country completely unravels.
President Bush needs a policy that bolsters Pakistan’s fragile civilian government before the country completely unravels.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Two Silences (NYT)
lutefisk
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
In the surreal silence of a forest in northern Finland, I discovered that in nothing there is something to hear after all.
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
In the surreal silence of a forest in northern Finland, I discovered that in nothing there is something to hear after all.
Right to Smear (NYT)
swift boat was true, however
Although the wholesale descent into Swift Boat campaigning has been blocked, voters should not rest easy.
Although the wholesale descent into Swift Boat campaigning has been blocked, voters should not rest easy.
‘Never Again,’ Again (NYT)
water and gravity intelligence test
Hurricane Gustav gave the state of Louisiana a test for which it had three years to prepare. The state flunked.
Hurricane Gustav gave the state of Louisiana a test for which it had three years to prepare. The state flunked.
The Push to ‘Otherize’ Obama (NYT)
moronize is also noticed
by Nicholas D Kristof
The political campaign to transform Barack Obama into a Muslim is succeeding. The real loser as that happens is our entire political process.
by Nicholas D Kristof
The political campaign to transform Barack Obama into a Muslim is succeeding. The real loser as that happens is our entire political process.
No Laughing Matter (NYT)
listening to scolds recommended
by Thomas L. Friedman
George W. Bush never challenged Americans to do anything hard, let alone great. The next president is not going to have that luxury.
by Thomas L. Friedman
George W. Bush never challenged Americans to do anything hard, let alone great. The next president is not going to have that luxury.
Truthiness Stages a Comeback (NYT)
truculence and propaganda twinned
by Frank Rich
The twin-pronged Rovian strategy of truculence and propaganda that sold Bush and his war could yet work for John McCain.
by Frank Rich
The twin-pronged Rovian strategy of truculence and propaganda that sold Bush and his war could yet work for John McCain.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blocking the Sky to Save the Earth (NYT)
not everybody gets the same mail
By THOMAS HOMER-DIXON and DAVID KEITH
The melting of the polar ice cap in recent years is decades ahead of model predictions, raising concern that climate change is proving worse than expected.
By THOMAS HOMER-DIXON and DAVID KEITH
The melting of the polar ice cap in recent years is decades ahead of model predictions, raising concern that climate change is proving worse than expected.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Social Security
The Social Security crisis is easily fixed. Raise the retirement age so that the number of (then increased) workers is big enough to voluntarily support the (then reduced) number of retirees. Done!
You get to spend the last (say, average) 8 years of your life on benefits, not a 30 year vacation after age 65. Raise the age so this is true, no matter how high the life expectancy goes.
Why not reduce benefits? Because SS fills a gap. It's an annuity adjusted for inflation that won't fail. The private market can't match that, because companies that might offer annuities don't last 30 years.
See for example AIG.
So the guarantee of SS is that you won't have the misfortune to outlive your savings, regardless of inflation and the misjudgments of the management of the annuity company you had the misfortune to choose.
People can easily save for an average retirement, but they can't save for a hundred year lifespan, should they happen to live that long. That's the risk that's being insured against.
If you want to retire earlier than the raised retirement age, great! Just do it on your own dime, to bridge the gap.
Problem solved, debt overhang removed.
(Argument brought up again on the occasion of the shaky condition of AIG, the huge annuity issuer.)
You get to spend the last (say, average) 8 years of your life on benefits, not a 30 year vacation after age 65. Raise the age so this is true, no matter how high the life expectancy goes.
Why not reduce benefits? Because SS fills a gap. It's an annuity adjusted for inflation that won't fail. The private market can't match that, because companies that might offer annuities don't last 30 years.
See for example AIG.
So the guarantee of SS is that you won't have the misfortune to outlive your savings, regardless of inflation and the misjudgments of the management of the annuity company you had the misfortune to choose.
People can easily save for an average retirement, but they can't save for a hundred year lifespan, should they happen to live that long. That's the risk that's being insured against.
If you want to retire earlier than the raised retirement age, great! Just do it on your own dime, to bridge the gap.
Problem solved, debt overhang removed.
(Argument brought up again on the occasion of the shaky condition of AIG, the huge annuity issuer.)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Financial Meltdown
This has all happened before.
I am thinking of 1987, when portfolio insurance was very popular.
Portfolio insurance was a programmed scheme simultaneously trading in stocks in NY and their options in Chicago, that guaranteed that you couldn't lose money on your portfolio.
If nobody can theoretically lose money, then reality will enforce itself by violating an assumption.
In this case, in 1987, it was that it was suddenly no longer possible to execute simultaneous trades in NY and Chicago. There were no buyers. They didn't think of that.
Yet it was precisely a consequence of portfolio insurance that it happened.
So now everything is hedged and insured, and every hedge falls in value simultaneously.
If nobody can lose money, your assumptions are wrong, might be the rule to use.
You do yes have to look at what you're buying.
I am thinking of 1987, when portfolio insurance was very popular.
Portfolio insurance was a programmed scheme simultaneously trading in stocks in NY and their options in Chicago, that guaranteed that you couldn't lose money on your portfolio.
If nobody can theoretically lose money, then reality will enforce itself by violating an assumption.
In this case, in 1987, it was that it was suddenly no longer possible to execute simultaneous trades in NY and Chicago. There were no buyers. They didn't think of that.
Yet it was precisely a consequence of portfolio insurance that it happened.
So now everything is hedged and insured, and every hedge falls in value simultaneously.
If nobody can lose money, your assumptions are wrong, might be the rule to use.
You do yes have to look at what you're buying.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Seven Years Later, Ground Zero (NYT)
parking lot incompleted
The land where the World Trade Center stood still has the painful feel of a construction site. It is time for the political leaders to clear the roadblocks.
The land where the World Trade Center stood still has the painful feel of a construction site. It is time for the political leaders to clear the roadblocks.
Nice Work if You Can Get It (NYT)
rich people discovered
The ousted chiefs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are at the center of an epic failure. They should not be rewarded any more for their failures.
The ousted chiefs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are at the center of an epic failure. They should not be rewarded any more for their failures.
Mississippi’s Ballot Trick (NYT)
musical trailers
Mississippi’s governor and its secretary of state have come up with a dirty election trick that is not only illegal, but shows a contempt for the state’s voters.
Mississippi’s governor and its secretary of state have come up with a dirty election trick that is not only illegal, but shows a contempt for the state’s voters.
In Search of Gov. Palin (NYT)
well wisher advice
The best way for Sarah Palin to let America know about her record is to hold an honest news conference, which is what the campaign of John McCain is avoiding.
The best way for Sarah Palin to let America know about her record is to hold an honest news conference, which is what the campaign of John McCain is avoiding.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
The Bailout’s Big Lessons (NYT)
confusion supported
The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac raises disturbing issues that may get lost in the tumult of the moment.
The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac raises disturbing issues that may get lost in the tumult of the moment.
Hold Your Heads Up (NYT)
contrary impression acknowledged
by Bob Herbert
Without the contribution of liberals, the United States would be a much, much worse place than it is today.
by Bob Herbert
Without the contribution of liberals, the United States would be a much, much worse place than it is today.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
John McCain’s Energy Follies (NYT)
uranium is carbon-free
The John McCain who understood that the country should expand carbon-free energy sources has receded in time for the campaign.
The John McCain who understood that the country should expand carbon-free energy sources has receded in time for the campaign.
Palin and McCain’s Shotgun Marriage (NYT)
obama praised
by Frank Rich
John McCain’s speed-dating of Sarah Palin reaffirmed that his decision-making process is impetuous and, in its Bush-like preference for gut instinct over facts, potentially reckless.
by Frank Rich
John McCain’s speed-dating of Sarah Palin reaffirmed that his decision-making process is impetuous and, in its Bush-like preference for gut instinct over facts, potentially reckless.
Georgia on My Mind (NYT)
innovation capacity displayed
by Thomas L. Friedman
Barack Obama and John McCain need to focus, not on war, but on strengthening our capacity for innovation — our most important competitive advantage.
by Thomas L. Friedman
Barack Obama and John McCain need to focus, not on war, but on strengthening our capacity for innovation — our most important competitive advantage.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
And Then There Was One (NYT)
takeover by big hand lotion
by Thomas L. Friedman
With his choice of Sarah Palin, John McCain has completed his makeover from the greenest Republican to run for president to just another representative of big oil.
by Thomas L. Friedman
With his choice of Sarah Palin, John McCain has completed his makeover from the greenest Republican to run for president to just another representative of big oil.
Candidate McCain’s Big Decision (NYT)
serious question spectre summoned
Choosing Sarah Palin raises serious questions about John McCain’s qualifications.
Choosing Sarah Palin raises serious questions about John McCain’s qualifications.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Sunspot Minimum
what does it take to surprise an astronomer?
The astonishing rapid drop of the past year has defied predictions, and caught nearly all astronomers by surprise.
The astonishing rapid drop of the past year has defied predictions, and caught nearly all astronomers by surprise.
Monday, September 01, 2008
A Breathless Labor Day (NYT)
symbolism urged
This Labor Day feels a little different than most, deafened, as it is, between the cymbals of the two political conventions.
This Labor Day feels a little different than most, deafened, as it is, between the cymbals of the two political conventions.
The High Cost of Low Temperatures
global warming
Congress must do the right thing and help those who, faced with the high price of home heating oil, may have to make some painful choices this winter.
Congress must do the right thing and help those who, faced with the high price of home heating oil, may have to make some painful choices this winter.
Mr. McCain and Iraq (NYT)
mccain made to define terms
John McCain owes the country an explanation of how he plans to salvage the war in Afghanistan and what he means by victory in Iraq.
John McCain owes the country an explanation of how he plans to salvage the war in Afghanistan and what he means by victory in Iraq.
John McCain’s Challenge (NYT)
incompetence deplored at the NYT
John McCain’s task is to persuade the American people that electing him will not merely mean more of President Bush’s ideology and incompetence.
John McCain’s task is to persuade the American people that electing him will not merely mean more of President Bush’s ideology and incompetence.
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2008
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September
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- When Madmen Reign (NYT)
- Boeing, Virgin, Join Group Committed to Biofuel De...
- The Washington Panic (WSJ)
- It All Comes Down to Experience (NYT)
- The Cross-Cultural Classroom (NYT)
- Wasilla Watch: Sarah Palin and the Rape Kits (NYT)
- Ten States With a Plan (NYT)
- Park Avenue Diplomacy (NYT)
- Official Solution to the Financial Crisis
- An Inadequate Case for the Bailout (NYT)
- Long Live the Gray Wolf (NYT)
- The Paulson Sale (WSJ)
- A Second Opinion? (NYT)
- Railroaded (NYT)
- Remember Iran? (NYT)
- Trust Me (NYT)
- A Fine Mess (NYT)
- Barack Obama, John McCain and the Language of Race...
- Up for Sale? (NYT)
- No More Excuses (NYT)
- ‘Running Out of Time’ (NYT)
- Two Silences (NYT)
- Right to Smear (NYT)
- ‘Never Again,’ Again (NYT)
- The Push to ‘Otherize’ Obama (NYT)
- No Laughing Matter (NYT)
- Truthiness Stages a Comeback (NYT)
- Blocking the Sky to Save the Earth (NYT)
- Social Security
- Financial Meltdown
- Seven Years Later, Ground Zero (NYT)
- Nice Work if You Can Get It (NYT)
- Mississippi’s Ballot Trick (NYT)
- In Search of Gov. Palin (NYT)
- The Bailout’s Big Lessons (NYT)
- Hold Your Heads Up (NYT)
- John McCain’s Energy Follies (NYT)
- Palin and McCain’s Shotgun Marriage (NYT)
- Georgia on My Mind (NYT)
- And Then There Was One (NYT)
- Candidate McCain’s Big Decision (NYT)
- Sunspot Minimum
- A Breathless Labor Day (NYT)
- The High Cost of Low Temperatures
- Mr. McCain and Iraq (NYT)
- John McCain’s Challenge (NYT)
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