Its been a while...

Its been a while, but I've moved to Baltimore and am working at a very challenging yet rewarding job.

This other blog caught my attention the other day.  It states that there is going to be a massive earthquake (greater than 7.5) not only in the world but also in the financial markets between Sept 20-29.  Can I make a bet that there won't be?  I'll give you really good odds (100-1).

http://www.tabbarianreport.com/apps/blog/show/8470940-massive-earthquakes-coming-in-the-financial-markets-economy-and-the-physical-world-

NFL back in session

There will be a NFL season this year as the Players and Owners finally agreed.  Yippee.  I thought one of the two sides was going to screw up the billion dollar business.

Base ball yesterday

Yesterday, I went to watch a reenactment of the Battle of Manassas (aka Bull Run) commemorating the 150th anniversary of the battle.  The reenactment was a lot of fun.

Following the reenactment, I went to watch how an era accurate baseball game.  It was called Base Ball back then and the rules are all funky compared to present day baseball rules.  The game itself was a mix between softball and current baseball.  The pitcher (hurler in Base ball terms) had to throw the ball underhand to where the batter (Striker) wanted the ball.  If the ball was caught in the air, it was an out.  If the ball was caught after one bounce, it was an out as well.  It was a lot of fun to watch, almost enough to entice me to join a club.

Transformers 3

I saw Transformers 3 yesterday.  I can't quite digest what I saw.  I thought the new girlfriend was cute; much better looking than Megan Fox.  But in the end, I feel like Michael Bay should have stopped making the Transformer series after number 1

Parliament Security

How does a guy in the UK get into Parliament and then unsuccessfully throw a cream pie in Rupert Murdoch's face.  The police and Parliament security should be ashamed.  Though it was funny to watch live on CNBC.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2011-07-19-murdoch-wife-deng-pie-attack_n.htm

Coins

I have been an avid coin collector for some time.  My recommendations if you're looking to start collecting or use the coins for a long term investment is to go for coins with silver.  For example all dimes, quarters and half dollars before 1965 contain 90% silver.  This means that when silver is trading at $38-40/oz, the silver content in the coins is roughly equivalent to 30 times face value.  Another really good investment are wartime nickels which have 40% silver.  These are easily distinguished with their mint mark on the back above Monticello.

For more information on the metal prices within money, go to http://www.coinflation.com/.

About time NFL

Apparently the NFL lockout is finally coming to an end.  I am looking forward to watching the Redskins have another disappointing season under owner Daniel Snyder.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6768521/nfl-lockout-owners-players-moving-cba-settlement-source-says

Debt Ceiling part deux

With regards to the debt ceiling post: http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/14/news/economy/debt_ceiling_deadline/index.htm?iid=HP_LN

Debt Ceiling

I find it interesting how Congress and the President are flirting with the debt ceiling.  The republican controlled Congress wants spending cuts in order to raise the debt ceiling.  However, the President (democrat) wants the debt ceiling and taxes for the rich raised.  As for me, I would like to see spending cuts and also taxes for the rich raised.  But I do not feel like this is the time to flirt with this ticking time bomb.

In my opinion, the debt ceiling is like a firecracker (say black cat or cherry bomb).  You light the fuse and it begins to travel along the wick.  Generally people throw it and get it out of their hands as quickly as possible.  However, it seems like in this case Congress and the President are holding onto their ideals, holding on to the firecracker trying to see how long they can hold onto it before letting it go and explode.  If one holds onto it for too long, their hand is blown up (i.e. debt ceiling breached).

What does it mean if the debt ceiling is breached?  The government can't pay its bills, it defaults, etc.  I expect US debt would go from AAA rating to AA.  Interest rates for which the government can borrow would increase.  The economy would go into a tailspin.  Wall Street would definitely drop at least 10%.  We would encounter a recession similar to the one a few years ago.  Unemployment would go from a 9.2% to say 13-14%.

I just don't understand why the impasse on the debt ceiling.  I think in the end (the debt ceiling is due to be breached around Aug 2), Congress and the President will increase the ceiling with some minor budget cuts and other compromises.  For sake of our posterity I hope so.