robert.b.ferguson

10.2%

Bob: Greetings. We could start by not spending many trillions of dollars we don't have.


On Nov 06 11:34 PM bob adamson wrote:

> Clearly, the current 17+% unemployment and underemployment rate is
> unprecedented since the end of WW II. That said, what from a realistic
> perspective might have been done on or after October 1, 2008 that
> would have kept that rate lower? What needs to be done now to reverse
> the unemployment and underemployment rate increasing trend significantly?

Regulation Must Be a Problem - Get Rid of It

Gary A: Greetings. Couldn't agree more. In previous posts I have frequently advocated reinstating Glass/Steagal act. Did you get a chance to read Grantham's quarterly letter and the accompanying tick delayed piece? It's a real eye opener which I highly recommend.

Regulation Must Be a Problem - Get Rid of It

I think I've posted before, opining that S/O should be repealed. However I'm sure that my rationale is vastly different than the illustrious senator's.

10.2%

bricki: Greeting.True true but the BLS counts kids mowing lawns as fully employed.


On Nov 06 10:13 PM bricki wrote:

> Minimum wage jobs are not full employment for anyone over the age
> of 18.
>
> On Nov 06 03:32 PM Roger Knights wrote:

Goodbye Government Healthcare Goodbye Cap N Trade

Princess Pelosi is working over time twisting arms. As I understand it the president will be on the hill tomorrow attempting to bribe wavering Democrats as is customary back in Chitown.

Equities Update: Markets End Week Up 3%

Bloggingstocks.com has an interesting article on Citti Group's (C) divestiture of Primerica via an IPO. Speulation is it could rais over $100M.

Al Gore could become world's first carbon billionaire

OG: Greetings. your observation on bio mass fuel is spot on. converting corn to ethanol for example nets only 25% more energy than is expended making it. That is not commercially viable with oil under $140pbl. Converting cellulosic bio mass like saw grass nets 500% but is difficult and expensive. I purchased a block of Gulf Alternative Energy Corporation (GAEC) quite awhile ago. I'm not recommending it as it is purely a speculative play and is as likely to crash and burn as to become a cash cow. However they have developed a proprietary system for cellulosic conversion and have recently gone to small scale production in a U.S. plant and another in Brazil.

What's On Your Wish List?

OG: Greetings. Excellent question and you default observation is very true so one must be selective when looking at bonds. CA Should be avoided like the plague along with most projects in the north east. However the recent Otero and Dona Ana county issues to support Space Port America in partnership with the Branson goup should do very well with little risk.


On Nov 06 05:08 PM optionsgirl wrote:

> Very interesting. Why tax exempt munies when the state and local
> govts are paying with i.o.u.s. and the like? Why won't they default?
> This is a legit question, not meant to be disparaging in any way.
> It would never occur to me to invest in munies under this scenario,
> just learning!

10.2%

Thank you Felix. I do have a question though, What makes you think that those numbers aren't triple buffered and dipped in honey? I'm sure we can all agree that recently all we get are lies, damn lies and statistics. We know all about the first two; and I have come to the conclusion that all statistics do is quantify our ignorance.

Equities Update: Markets End Week Up 3%

Marvin: Greetings. Just where will the money come from to pay for this? Pickens would love to start it and even proposed a plan to start out with a fund site( pickensplan.org). However none of it is viable with oil under $100pbl. More over the so called "Smart grid." is little more than a Federal government power grab. While upgrading and expanding our power system is necessary, we need to get it right, and as of now I just can't see any one working on it smartly.

What's On Your Wish List?

If the scenario laid out by yellow hoard is the catalyst I would short uncle buck and buy tax exempt munnies and Brazilian telecoms like (VIV)

Senate Democrats Pass Carbon Plan Over GOP Boycott (Update1)

For a straight NG play I opened a position in Southern Union Gas (SUG) several weeks ago it is up since I bought it but is drifting in a range now. It has a decent yield and should pick up price wise going forward especially if oil goes above $100. That would get Pickens moving again with NG as support for the "Green." alternatives, wind, solar ETC...

Senate Democrats Pass Carbon Plan Over GOP Boycott (Update1)

User: Greetings. Head Waters (HW) also has a division dealing with clean coal. Their share price is reduced right now ( Who's isn't) and this could be a good entry point. I'm currently holding mine at a significant paper loss but I expect that to turn around 2H 2010.


On Nov 05 01:09 PM User 283977 wrote:

> Yes Fuel Systems Solutions bought the Fuel maker and its "Phill"
> home garage natural gas refuelling system…. but I believe their primary
> business involves improving combustion systems to reduce carbon emissions.
> I think they are quite involved in coal to gas conversions….
>
> Another company I need to refresh myself with is (Ftek) I will take
> a look at it right after lunch

Senate Democrats Pass Carbon Plan Over GOP Boycott (Update1)

Even with Boxers approval and pushing the legislation out of comity with no republican on board this is probably dead on arrival when it hits the floor. Democrats from coal states including Virginia will not support this as it will further depress their already ailing economies. Say what you will about President Obama having to have something going to Copenhagen they are much more motivated to preserve their seats in congress. They are well aware that passing this will cost them dearly and if they do 2010 will be a bad year for PETA. Two species would probably become extinct after the election. RINOs and Blue Dogs.

Thursday Outlook: Commodities, Global Markets

There really isn't much to be excited about. Trading continues to be in the range approved by Da Boyz and endorsed by the FED. Meanwhile terrible Tim the tax cheat is trying to find new ways to fleece us. How is giving away tax dollars to builders who can't sell houses going to help anything? Some retailers are starting to hire seasonal temps so do take the unemployment figures with a grain or maybe a teaspoon full of salt. Thank you for the charts and comments David. I like today's theme, seems appropriate.