My one job is over, so I will be back to blogging, at least semi-regularly. I have a DVD of a TV show out from the library, so my next couple of days will be spent finishing that up. Then, I have other plans, like studying for my notary exam and checking on an opportunity to get EMS training. I also want to get back to learning Spanish. But I will be back to blogging the best, most relevant material from the web. It's been a long year for me, but a main change has been a shift of interest, from politics to economics. I find that the world of politics is a sideshow, and that most of the real action going on has to do with finance, banks, energy, labor, economics basically. Anyway, will be blogging soon.

I should be back to regular blogging very soon; my one job is coming to an end, so until I find something else, I should have a little more time to provide the best links and offer my thoughts and observations, which I sorely miss, by the way. Anyway, until then, here is a funny and well-done little 'net poster to tide you over.

Climbing Gas Prices Could Slow Recovery

Last week, I shared my theory on where the economy could be going, in which rising oil prices (although I feel P.O. certainly plays a part, there are other factors behind the price of oil as well) would slow, or even stall, an economic recovery. The New York Times has an article involving just that, which you can read here.

My View on Where the Economy is Going

Just a few random thoughts on the economy. There is now all this talk of the recession ending this year, "green shoots" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_shoots), etc. I find it hard to buy any of this. Take California's financial woes. They're the 9th largest economy in the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California#Economy), and they're asking the federal government for TARP money, after their attempts at budgetary reform failed last week. Does that sound like a recovery is just around the corner?

Also, look at the price of oil, which is heading to $70 a barrel (assuming it isn't there already). I notice that the price of oil rises and falls depending on whether the stock market rises or declines. What should terrify all of you, assuming that Peak Oil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_oil) is already here, is that if the economy does recover (or when it does), the price of oil will inevitably rise as a result of increased production, and the recovery will be halted as a result. So, in a PO future, I see the world economy in a continous rut, with an occasional false recovery that will have no clothes as a result of peak oil. There very well might not be enough oil left to sustain a strong recovery. I know this sounds scary, but just calling it as I see it. Please take my observations on the economy with a strong pinch of salt, as I am far from an economist. But entertain them just the same.

Top 12 Indicators that the Economy is Bad

Taken from an email:


The top twelve indicators that the economy is bad:

12. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

11. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

10. I went to buy a toaster oven and they gave me a bank.

9. Hotwheels and Matchbox car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.

8. Nobama met with small businesses - GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup and GM, to discuss the Stimulus Package.

7. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

6 People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their children's names.

5. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.

4. People in Africa are donating money to Americans. Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "finish your plate; do you know how many kids are starving in America ?"

3. Motel Six won't leave the lights on.

2. The Mafia is laying off judges.

And my most favorite indicator of all.

1. If the bank returns your check marked as "insufficient funds," you have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.