With a rebounding economy, strong stock market and job opportunities for all who want to work … there is optimism in the country. President Donald Trump capitalized on the positive attitude most American have and highlighted the recent tax cuts as something all will start to see in their paychecks this year. Besides the IRS taking fewer dollars from middle class workers, employers by the hundreds are giving many of their employees $1000 – $2000 bonuses, wage increases and several are voluntarily increasing their minimum wage. Since he is still talking … reviewing infrastructure spending plans and immigration (both high hurdles), I’ll close for now and finish watching.
Also … this is the first time I’m more impressed with the Twitter streamed video on my computer rather than the hotel BloombergTV coverage (no FoxBusiness or FoxNews). (iPhone image of my computer Twitter feed above).
Since astronauts are already recycling their urine into drinkable water, the next step should be obvious: "Goo made from their Poo." (in observing the current lab conditions at Penn State below, I’m not sure who is being asked to taste it? YUCK!)
Penn State researchers developed a system that combines microbes with human waste to help create food. Geosciences professor Christopher House describes the resulting substance as "a little bit like Marmite or Vegemite where you’re eating a smear of ‘microbial goo.’"
My friend Jeff is planning on ordering a DJI Mavic Pro this weekend. I sent him a recent article that has him pondering models. Jokingly I sent him this ani.gif suggesting he let me borrow it when I head to the boat … to which he replied, “Sure, if you put down a $1000 deposit. “. Ha!
Delivering commonsense “tough love” clarifications and explanations of financial issues has always been a Dave Ramsey strength. After the Trump administration finally moved their tax plan through congress, Dave offered a 10 minute explanation as to whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.
If you are steeped in years of seeing things one way, yet recognize many politicians and political group maintain their power by dividing people — blue collar verse white collar, labor verse management, black against white, rich against poor, Democrat against Republican, etc — then listen to this with an open mind. Economics in its simplest form isn’t that challenging as it all comes down to efficient use of money – but “government is always the least efficient.” Some believe more government control of your life will make life better for all, others prefer far less government involvement and money in their hands. Most of us who love America and believe in capitalism, recognize we need government and are just struggling to decide on how much appropriate and how much is too much.
Listening to the above video might help with this analysis — unless you are a naïve believer that socialism or communism could still work, in that case you need some serious help.
Obama was baited numerous times by David Letterman to weigh in negatively on President Trump, but didn’t bite. He remains likeable as a person and even as a president … although his political philosophy and policies differ from most of us who prefer lower taxes and a small and less intrusive federal government. Where I definitely differed from David Letterman (and there were many areas) in his interview comments, was when he closed with "I’ve always respected the office of the president, but you were the only person I respected as president" [paraphrased]. Hm? Am I alone in seeing the "good" in all who have served as POTUS even when I disagree with their political philosophy and decisions in challenging times? To me, those who have served as president ALL patriotically desire to protect, defend and keep the United States a great country and "personally" are caring and compassionate people.
Throwback Thursday #TBT photos usually have to do with oneself or at least something from our own lifetime. I’m archiving a unique photo of this great American leader (the first known of him in 1840), as I wanted to save it to my blog.
Most of us study our US Presidents in school, but usually know “this,” our 16th president, differently – with a beard and a little older.
As GE stock continues getting battered (although a 4.48% bounce back today), quite a few investors have been waiting for the bad news to end and new management direction to bring this huge ship back on course. (I’ve been buying, and selling) It is likely be too soon to expect things to change, but General Electric has some outstanding talent and a lot of excess waste/fat to start trimming. Their line up of products are to be admired, the economic conditions sound and with the right hand on the helm (John Flannery) should be able to run profitably again. Winning back shareholders and institutional investors may take some time, but writing them off is premature — just my gut call.
Today was a mixed day for investors, especially as the Trump administration announced tariffs on solar panels and washing machines from overseas. This could be a slippery slope, but understandable when trade has not been reciprocal. I’m hoping this is a one-off, warning shot … and will quickly be resolved by those country who continue to encourage and permit unfair trade practices.
All eyes on General Electric’s 4th quarter reporting before Wednesday’s open.
Can it possibly get any worse for General Electric Co.? Investors will find out when the struggling industrial conglomerate reports fourth-quarter results before Wednesday’s open.
The last quarterly report, was a big surprise for investors, as GE missed earnings expectations for the first time in 10 quarters, but the stock erased an early loss to end higher on the day of the report for the first time in eight quarters. Read more about how GE’s profit miss and the stock’s bounce was a shock.
However, the stock’s strength proved very short lived, as it fell for the next nine sessions—the longest losing streak in eight years. The outlook for the shares got even uglier after new Chief Executive John Flannery unveiled the company’s transformation plan in mid-November, with the stock taking a particular hit a shockingly large loss for its legacy insurance business was revealed.
(iPhone image of my computer 
