Seriously, WTF is wrong with optimists? Why are they so bent on stamping out pessimism?
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
2:00PM Water Cooler 11/29/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Did it really take $500,000 to make Al Sharpton “friendly”? Sanders on the Four Freedoms (and Norman Rockwell); Another day, another Boeing airworthiness directive. ALso, COMAC ~
An Example from Switzerland: Neuchâtel Becomes Second Canton to Enshrine Right to “Offline Life” in Constitution
“It is a question of having access to all the services of the State without having a computer, smartphone or tablet.”
Amazon Inside Job? Phishing for Government ID
Are Amazon insiders trying to defraud customers? It’s hard to come up with another explanation for a recent attempt.
Inflation Re-Accelerates Despite Plunging Gasoline Prices as “Core Services” PCE Price Index Hits 7-Month High
Core services inflation is the biggie and going the wrong way. The Fed is already talking down the pace of rate cuts.
Can Desalination Quench Agriculture’s Thirst?
Small decentralized desalination plants hold the promise of low enough cost to use on brackish agricultural water.
2:00PM Water Cooler 11/27/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Blame cannons thunder after Kamala campaign team podcast; Investigation into attempts to assassinate Trump seem curiously silent; Boeing delivery, layoff woes ~
Israel Agrees to Ceasefire in Lebanon After Ground Invasion Fails
An initial look at the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
EU Nears Finish Line on Trade Deal With South American Bloc in an Effort to Deal Blow to China
It’s unlikely to do much vis-à-vis China, but will be bad news for the environment and majority of Europeans already reeling from Ursula’s other strategic “victories.”
How Trump Attorney General Pick Pam Bondi Did Favors for Donors and Gift-Givers in Florida
Another deep dive into Pam Bondi’s impressive record of corporate cronyism.
Monetary Policy in Response to Tariff Shocks
If the Trump tariff scheme weakens the economy enough, the Fed would do better to ease rather than tighten even if inflation increases.
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
Have a happy Turkey Day! We will be kicking back a bit over the holiday weekend in light of (hopefully) lower news flow.
