rbblum's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/122404/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/176275-recession-depression-deflation-inflation-collapse-or-recovery?source=feed#comment-789674 789674
On the other hand, it didn't make sense when two close friends told me that their bank issued credit cards had raised their annualized interest rates to 30% with no forewarning and no grace period on the existing personal debt incurred.]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:47:48 -0500
On the other hand, it didn't make sense when two close friends told me that their bank issued credit cards had raised their annualized interest rates to 30% with no forewarning and no grace period on the existing personal debt incurred.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/news/market_currents/post/37296?source=feed#comment-781812 781812 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:21:33 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/171830-grantham-on-the-financial-titanic?source=feed#comment-750397 750397 ignoring the sage insight of Paul Volker.

And, although Barack Obama stated that he should be judged by the people who surround him, Abraham Lincoln observed that an individual can not fool all of 'the people' all of the time. ]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:18:42 -0500 ignoring the sage insight of Paul Volker.

And, although Barack Obama stated that he should be judged by the people who surround him, Abraham Lincoln observed that an individual can not fool all of 'the people' all of the time. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/167159-the-muddle-through-economy-r-i-p?source=feed#comment-719901 719901
Somehow, lack of solid and sensible fiscal and monetary policy is not only found in the US. . . which can not flourish if the business environment is polluted with a lack of understanding that the government that governs least IS the best.]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:30:48 -0400
Somehow, lack of solid and sensible fiscal and monetary policy is not only found in the US. . . which can not flourish if the business environment is polluted with a lack of understanding that the government that governs least IS the best.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157824-mexico-s-declining-oil-production-clarion-call-for-cantarell?source=feed#comment-642784 642784
Unfortunately, there are very few, readily available, acceptable options that the American environmentalist movement will accept in addition to US politicians having no experience nor track record in planning and implementing a reasonable and reliable energy business plan that would pass economic muster on the open global market . . . thus, guaranteeing a bumpy ride for all.]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:52:55 -0400
Unfortunately, there are very few, readily available, acceptable options that the American environmentalist movement will accept in addition to US politicians having no experience nor track record in planning and implementing a reasonable and reliable energy business plan that would pass economic muster on the open global market . . . thus, guaranteeing a bumpy ride for all.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/149817-is-the-u-s-dollar-the-fed-s-next-weapon?source=feed#comment-594770 594770 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:20:43 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/148526-washington-s-dilemma-this-isn-t-a-recession-it-s-a-collapse?source=feed#comment-594715 594715
Even if the fiscally irresponsible state of california were math intollerant, that was by 'choice' and 'determination'.]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:21:54 -0400
Even if the fiscally irresponsible state of california were math intollerant, that was by 'choice' and 'determination'.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/149471-more-bullishness-for-oil-heading-into-2010?source=feed#comment-594702 594702 availability vs global demand, it may be just as significant in maintaining a discussion regarding the underlying currents of the proven oil fields currently available to the US vs future availability to the US at reasonable costs . . . expecially when observing continuing, negative trends which include (but not limited to)
Venezuela redirecting their oil contracts away from the US, to China; the dwindling life of Mexico's Cantrell Fields and; the anti-energy bias of the US initiated by the 'environmentalist/global warming' clique.]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:09:53 -0400 availability vs global demand, it may be just as significant in maintaining a discussion regarding the underlying currents of the proven oil fields currently available to the US vs future availability to the US at reasonable costs . . . expecially when observing continuing, negative trends which include (but not limited to)
Venezuela redirecting their oil contracts away from the US, to China; the dwindling life of Mexico's Cantrell Fields and; the anti-energy bias of the US initiated by the 'environmentalist/global warming' clique.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/146250-cap-and-trade-and-the-cheap-energy-illusion?source=feed#comment-572751 572751
Besides, it is most perverse that man holds himself to be so wise while voting for a legislative bill that is neither read in its entirety nor fully understood.]]> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:40:30 -0400
Besides, it is most perverse that man holds himself to be so wise while voting for a legislative bill that is neither read in its entirety nor fully understood.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/131217-shareholder-communications-kudos-to-ge-s-immelt-dominion?source=feed#comment-501152 501152
One slight problem comes to mind with that one thought: In order for the Obama ideology to grow and flourish, with or without Immelt's praise and support, the current US economy and traditional lifestyle must crash and burn. Upon which then will the new world as perceived by the Obama ideology will a new republic be born.


Not only is Immelt established a track record of being captain of the GE ship that has stalled and dwindled as a profitable business, he is calling for the US government to succeed where it has no business . . . actively interacting with business. And with a track record of an ever increasing, unsustainable national deficit, decreasing value of the US dollar, higher taxes, and a diminishing lifestyle, who really can justify and defend the new social and economic order of the US as envisioned by the Obama ideology?

Bottom line: Not only does the Obama ideology come up short with a strong foundation and very little structural support, the financial and monetary numbers do not add up. DO THE MATH. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 17:55:50 -0400
One slight problem comes to mind with that one thought: In order for the Obama ideology to grow and flourish, with or without Immelt's praise and support, the current US economy and traditional lifestyle must crash and burn. Upon which then will the new world as perceived by the Obama ideology will a new republic be born.


Not only is Immelt established a track record of being captain of the GE ship that has stalled and dwindled as a profitable business, he is calling for the US government to succeed where it has no business . . . actively interacting with business. And with a track record of an ever increasing, unsustainable national deficit, decreasing value of the US dollar, higher taxes, and a diminishing lifestyle, who really can justify and defend the new social and economic order of the US as envisioned by the Obama ideology?

Bottom line: Not only does the Obama ideology come up short with a strong foundation and very little structural support, the financial and monetary numbers do not add up. DO THE MATH. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/134162-world-oil-snapshot-big-picture-and-investable-advice?source=feed#comment-485374 485374
Perhaps . . . but oil men of the United States are also not going to be caught flat-footed and have the real possibility of revised US tax laws and regulations wantonly rape and pillage their bank accounts either. Already relocating to Zug, Switzerland has been Noble Corp, Transocean, Foster Wheeler and Weatherford International. And as the national deficit climbs to a more unsustainable level coupled with the value of the US dollar drifting lower, time will determine whether the class warfare in America continues and the companies of the oil energy sector will be huge targets of our current administration and congress; thus, increasing the incentive to move on . . . from US shores to a friendlier territory.
]]> Fri, 01 May 2009 09:39:02 -0400
Perhaps . . . but oil men of the United States are also not going to be caught flat-footed and have the real possibility of revised US tax laws and regulations wantonly rape and pillage their bank accounts either. Already relocating to Zug, Switzerland has been Noble Corp, Transocean, Foster Wheeler and Weatherford International. And as the national deficit climbs to a more unsustainable level coupled with the value of the US dollar drifting lower, time will determine whether the class warfare in America continues and the companies of the oil energy sector will be huge targets of our current administration and congress; thus, increasing the incentive to move on . . . from US shores to a friendlier territory.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/134325-automakers-investment-risk?source=feed#comment-485198 485198
But it still could appear to be a comedy of errors by the time Chrysler makes it through the gauntlet of bankruptcy court. It was painful enough for billions of taxpayer dollars going to prop up an American capitalist company in the business of manufacturing vehicles that, by most accounts, would appear to be in a downward spiral resulting in be a slow, painful crash, but Chrysler's storyline will not have a merciful ending for it really is, and has been, many things to many people. Not only was Congress determining by committee a myriad of regulations overseeing the final product but also a sense of push-me/pull-you as evidenced by management vs union. And if it was not bad enough that the current administration whipsawed Chrysler on its way to the barkruptcy court but somehow is giving the belief that Chrysler will be on the 'fast track' through the judicial system that is anticipating the merging of FIAT, an Italian manufacturer of adult-kiddie cars with an American machine that will be represented by dealerships that have somehow survived through a process of cut-throat, back-stabbing and luck. But worse, will be Chrsler's management role overseen by union through union eyes as well as a push by the invisible hands of the current administration, dictating what type of product it should sell, establishing the cost structure of manufacturing the product and the cost of selling the product as well as how the corporate structure should be established . . . all for the good of society.

Gotta go back to the line that describes the Chrysler story best . . .
Mr. President, this has disaster written all over it . . . albeit, in torturous, slow motion.
]]> Fri, 01 May 2009 08:14:58 -0400
But it still could appear to be a comedy of errors by the time Chrysler makes it through the gauntlet of bankruptcy court. It was painful enough for billions of taxpayer dollars going to prop up an American capitalist company in the business of manufacturing vehicles that, by most accounts, would appear to be in a downward spiral resulting in be a slow, painful crash, but Chrysler's storyline will not have a merciful ending for it really is, and has been, many things to many people. Not only was Congress determining by committee a myriad of regulations overseeing the final product but also a sense of push-me/pull-you as evidenced by management vs union. And if it was not bad enough that the current administration whipsawed Chrysler on its way to the barkruptcy court but somehow is giving the belief that Chrysler will be on the 'fast track' through the judicial system that is anticipating the merging of FIAT, an Italian manufacturer of adult-kiddie cars with an American machine that will be represented by dealerships that have somehow survived through a process of cut-throat, back-stabbing and luck. But worse, will be Chrsler's management role overseen by union through union eyes as well as a push by the invisible hands of the current administration, dictating what type of product it should sell, establishing the cost structure of manufacturing the product and the cost of selling the product as well as how the corporate structure should be established . . . all for the good of society.

Gotta go back to the line that describes the Chrysler story best . . .
Mr. President, this has disaster written all over it . . . albeit, in torturous, slow motion.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/133449-mexico-s-woes-quakes-flu-and-oil-production-collapse?source=feed#comment-484586 484586 weakened further by the continual decrease of Mexico's oil production; thus, losing its status as an oil exporter (and the US #3 oil importer).]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:54:45 -0400 weakened further by the continual decrease of Mexico's oil production; thus, losing its status as an oil exporter (and the US #3 oil importer).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/133549-china-s-gold-holdings-report-boosts-metal-s-price?source=feed#comment-484494 484494 . . . . or mainstream medias' total disregard in presenting China's current fiscal/monetary strength through their strategy of buying or investing/partnering with asset-based businesses globally AND recently announcing their ever-increasing position of an historical, real value asset of gold. ]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:36 -0400 . . . . or mainstream medias' total disregard in presenting China's current fiscal/monetary strength through their strategy of buying or investing/partnering with asset-based businesses globally AND recently announcing their ever-increasing position of an historical, real value asset of gold. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/133817-china-s-gold-world-changing-or-unsurprising?source=feed#comment-484464 484464
The USA would continue to meddle with best practices of business interests, advancing the backwardation of social engineering and, recklessly abandoning rational and prudent fiscal/monetary policies. China on the other hand will continue to plod ahead one step at a time as it has one century at a time: currently buying, investing/partnering in real asset-based businesses, engraciating overly-leveraged global participants with short-sighted loans, and planning their (China) future by laying the groundwork of future fininacial/monetary strength.

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:41:33 -0400
The USA would continue to meddle with best practices of business interests, advancing the backwardation of social engineering and, recklessly abandoning rational and prudent fiscal/monetary policies. China on the other hand will continue to plod ahead one step at a time as it has one century at a time: currently buying, investing/partnering in real asset-based businesses, engraciating overly-leveraged global participants with short-sighted loans, and planning their (China) future by laying the groundwork of future fininacial/monetary strength.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/news/market_currents/post/21487?source=feed#comment-456958 456958 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:05:08 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/130020-segway-and-gm-s-puma-addresses-the-problems-of-tomorrow?source=feed#comment-456923 456923
The PUMA story appears to be what it is: a story reflecting the desparation by Government Motors (GM).]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:30:29 -0400
The PUMA story appears to be what it is: a story reflecting the desparation by Government Motors (GM).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/130146-200-oil-is-coming-while-we-waste-a-perfectly-good-crisis-part-3?source=feed#comment-456903 456903
The need of implementing a transitional plan into multiple energy sources (oil, coal gasification, natural gas, geothermal, solar, nuclear) at reasonable market rates to the masses should have been engaged in upon oil trumpetting a market price of $147/BBL . . . as though a global war had been declared. For it will be a break down on a global order for facilitating cheap transport of food stuff to many highly populated areas that will become evident to the shortsighted individuals who just so happen to occupy political positions (of national leadership and oversight).

The false political leaders will still be selling dreams of hope and change; touting more power should be given to government . . . all the while remaining silent about or preventing the powerful free market forces being unleashed in order to function in an efficient and effective manner.

And although, after a few trillion dollars being spent and a national deficit becoming recognizably unsustainable, the people are belatedly catching on. It is most unfortunate that the awareness will be of little consequence in preventing the pain and suffering that we will all be exposed to by not already having implemented plans for our not so distant, future energy needs.]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:03:27 -0400
The need of implementing a transitional plan into multiple energy sources (oil, coal gasification, natural gas, geothermal, solar, nuclear) at reasonable market rates to the masses should have been engaged in upon oil trumpetting a market price of $147/BBL . . . as though a global war had been declared. For it will be a break down on a global order for facilitating cheap transport of food stuff to many highly populated areas that will become evident to the shortsighted individuals who just so happen to occupy political positions (of national leadership and oversight).

The false political leaders will still be selling dreams of hope and change; touting more power should be given to government . . . all the while remaining silent about or preventing the powerful free market forces being unleashed in order to function in an efficient and effective manner.

And although, after a few trillion dollars being spent and a national deficit becoming recognizably unsustainable, the people are belatedly catching on. It is most unfortunate that the awareness will be of little consequence in preventing the pain and suffering that we will all be exposed to by not already having implemented plans for our not so distant, future energy needs.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/news/market_currents/post/20537?source=feed#comment-438891 438891 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:41:03 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/87353-oil-prices-global-gdp-and-net-oil-exports?source=feed#comment-217052 217052
]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:16:34 -0400
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85793-majority-of-americans-support-ethanol?source=feed#comment-210269 210269
It would also have been reasonable that all of those participating in such a survey also had an acceptable base-line knowledge of economics and global alternative markets of ethanol & methanol.

Had the participants' level of competency been rated average or higher, I would bet the survey respondents supporting ethanol (derived from a food source) use in the US would be a percentage equal to or lessor than the current approval of the US Congress:
n i n e p e r c e n t


t h i n k a b o u t i t]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:59:11 -0400
It would also have been reasonable that all of those participating in such a survey also had an acceptable base-line knowledge of economics and global alternative markets of ethanol & methanol.

Had the participants' level of competency been rated average or higher, I would bet the survey respondents supporting ethanol (derived from a food source) use in the US would be a percentage equal to or lessor than the current approval of the US Congress:
n i n e p e r c e n t


t h i n k a b o u t i t]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85443-betting-on-1000-gold-in-september?source=feed#comment-209230 209230
The central issue just may as well be that if the US higher education is truly the envy of the world, then why hasn't a political scientist or commoner been able to determine an effective manner in which US Congressional representatives act in the best interests of the nation and its citizens; having the conviction and fortitude of not selling their souls to lobbyists, special interest groups and big dollar contributors.

But, on the other hand, shameless & devious deeds of the past coupled with spineless inaction of the US Congress should pay huge dividends with gold in the coming months and years ahead. ]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:54:06 -0400
The central issue just may as well be that if the US higher education is truly the envy of the world, then why hasn't a political scientist or commoner been able to determine an effective manner in which US Congressional representatives act in the best interests of the nation and its citizens; having the conviction and fortitude of not selling their souls to lobbyists, special interest groups and big dollar contributors.

But, on the other hand, shameless & devious deeds of the past coupled with spineless inaction of the US Congress should pay huge dividends with gold in the coming months and years ahead. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84672-putting-1t-subprime-mortgage-losses-in-perspective?source=feed#comment-203859 203859
Does nothing more than underscore how the Ward Churchills have had the ability to exist in the world of education.

]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:53:05 -0400
Does nothing more than underscore how the Ward Churchills have had the ability to exist in the world of education.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84484-pessimism-and-doom-our-national-pastime-flashback-to-the-70s?source=feed#comment-203170 203170
Perhaps those who know not what they know not is due to not paying an equitable share of taxes necessary to fully support entitlements, fraud, waste and abuse.

Or, perhaps Ben Stein's latest book (How to Ruin the United States of America) is not fully appreciated and understood.

If all else fails, be aware that economics (in action/play) trumps perceptions (real, perceived and political).]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:56:01 -0400
Perhaps those who know not what they know not is due to not paying an equitable share of taxes necessary to fully support entitlements, fraud, waste and abuse.

Or, perhaps Ben Stein's latest book (How to Ruin the United States of America) is not fully appreciated and understood.

If all else fails, be aware that economics (in action/play) trumps perceptions (real, perceived and political).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84016-government-s-inflation-statistics-not-fooling-everyone?source=feed#comment-200910 200910
From a former federal employee to a current federal employee, it is near impossible to find an appropriate avenue to share pertinent information supported by taxpayers' dollars.

A lot of information and experience is being forever lost due to lack of transparency in bureaucratic operations. . . which leads to ever more tax monies spent in questionable ways.

Thanks hanson001. ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:42:37 -0400
From a former federal employee to a current federal employee, it is near impossible to find an appropriate avenue to share pertinent information supported by taxpayers' dollars.

A lot of information and experience is being forever lost due to lack of transparency in bureaucratic operations. . . which leads to ever more tax monies spent in questionable ways.

Thanks hanson001. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83811-and-you-think-today-s-gas-prices-are-high?source=feed#comment-199518 199518
Absolutely fascinating times in the history of the US being at the crossroads: Energy & Politics (leaning socialist, more and higher taxes as well as more entitlements at lower quality levels, more waste, fraud & abuse facilitated by bureaucratic environment, battling the environmentalists' ghosts, continual growth of the North American Forum with open borders and clemency of current illegals, weakening of the US military complex, Middle East powder keg).]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:47:20 -0400
Absolutely fascinating times in the history of the US being at the crossroads: Energy & Politics (leaning socialist, more and higher taxes as well as more entitlements at lower quality levels, more waste, fraud & abuse facilitated by bureaucratic environment, battling the environmentalists' ghosts, continual growth of the North American Forum with open borders and clemency of current illegals, weakening of the US military complex, Middle East powder keg).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83082-sirius-xm-s-chinese-inspection-leaving-the-merger-to-rot?source=feed#comment-195445 195445 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:03:52 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/83001-the-deflation-inflation-stagnation-debate?source=feed#comment-194921 194921 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:42:52 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/82861-pay-attention-to-oil-decline-rates?source=feed#comment-194307 194307
The case could be made 'today' (imho) that we have already passed the threshold of the oil age decline as evidenced by global oil price
having migrated to a maximum equilibrium level. Thus, necessitating the current transition into any and all available energy sources that hopefully will result in securing or developing an efficient, cheap, long-term energy source.
]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:41:39 -0400
The case could be made 'today' (imho) that we have already passed the threshold of the oil age decline as evidenced by global oil price
having migrated to a maximum equilibrium level. Thus, necessitating the current transition into any and all available energy sources that hopefully will result in securing or developing an efficient, cheap, long-term energy source.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/82135-jim-kingsdale-selling-sqm-and-bullish-on-dryships?source=feed#comment-189930 189930
Perhaps Wall Street is quasi-paralyzed by the sub-prime lending debacle and it is the individual who is currently in the enviable position of being agile.]]> Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:40:43 -0400
Perhaps Wall Street is quasi-paralyzed by the sub-prime lending debacle and it is the individual who is currently in the enviable position of being agile.]]>