Archive for September, 2010
New Zealand: Large Earthquake in Christchurch
September 4th, 2010Several people have written in, wondering if we’re ok. We’re fine. We live in the Far North and didn’t even feel it up here. I was awake at the time of the quake, washing nappies, of all things, and it was just another quiet night here. Via: New Zealand Herald: Sewage and water concerns are […]
Elite Paedophile Ring in Portugal
September 3rd, 2010Extensive background: Beyond the Dutroux Affair. Via: Guardian: One of Portugal’s most famous television presenters and a former ambassador to Unesco were among those who abused boys in a paedophile ring involving the country’s state-run orphanages, according to a court verdict released today. The verdict being read out today at a Lisbon court brings to […]
Baffled White House Economic Adviser Heads Back to Berkeley
September 3rd, 2010Via: Washington Post: It wasn’t the food; it was the entertainment. Christina Romer, chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, was giving what was billed as her “valedictory” before she returns to teach at Berkeley, and she used the swan song to establish four points, each more unnerving than the last: She had no […]
Russia Extends Wheat Export Ban
September 3rd, 2010Via: Bloomberg: Wheat rose in Chicago after Russia, the world’s third-largest grower, extended a ban on grain exports into next year, raising the prospect of higher food prices that already have sparked riots in Mozambique. Wheat for December delivery rose as much as 1.5 percent to $7.2475 a bushel, advancing for a third day and […]
In Japan, Men Take Virtual Girlfriends on Real Vacations
September 3rd, 2010Also: Building the Perfect Kill House with Video Games Via: The Atlantic: Loneliness exists in every society, but only in Japan has emotional isolation become a market for video game manufacturers and tourist resorts. The Wall Street Journal’s Daisuke Wakabayashi reports on a popular game called “LovePlus+,” played on mobile consoles, that simulates the (non-sexual) […]
SEC Investigating High Frequency Trading: My Voice Is Higher Than Your Voice
September 3rd, 2010WARNING: This is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any financial instrument. “Manipulating share prices to benefit from the distortions would be considered illegal.” *chortle* It’s not illegal, it’s innovation! Rest assured, though, the SEC is going to sort it out. *double chortle* Are you betting your financial future on the stock market? […]
JPMorgan Said to End Proprietary Trading to Meet Volcker Rule
September 2nd, 2010Hmm. This is hard to believe. I smell a swindle in here somewhere, but I can’t point to anything specific. Are they really going to roll this up? Note how the article states that they’re firing between 50 and 75 employees. For a firm like Morgan, this means that room fulls of black box developers […]
Full Time Coverage of UVB-76 Antics
September 2nd, 2010uvb-76.blogspot.com Latest: 1to101636utcSept22010 by swler007
Karzai’s Brother Calls for U.S. to Shore Kabul Bank as Withdrawals Accelerate
September 2nd, 2010Dear Uncle $ugar, We have replenished our supply of suitcases and we’re ready to fill them up and head to the airport. Send money soon. Love and kisses, The Karzai Clan In other news: Brother of Afghan Leader Is Said to Be on CIA Payroll Afghan Drug Trade: “Most of the government officials are involved.” […]
Another Oil Rig Blows Up in Gulf of Mexico: Vermilion Bay 380
September 2nd, 2010Monitoring… Via: Washington Post: An offshore oil rig exploded Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico, injuring at least one worker, the U.S. Coast Guard said. All 13 people on board the Vermilion Oil Rig 380 have been accounted for, and the one who was injured is being transported to a hospital, Coast Guard Petty Officer […]
