398. Merkel Wants to Play Hardball

At least some EU leader wants to do the right thing and hold poorly-managed countries responsible for their actions. But, how many of the problems were caused by a poorly designed and implemented Euro system? Water under the bridge now. Guess they didn't see the cliff and now are trying to thrash their way out of the turbulent waterfall eddy. A plan to look more like America and its states on a single currency might look promising. I wonder how much they examined the process we took to get there? Anyway, it's how they proceed that will matter. The hand is dealt, now play it to succeed. Hardball is necessary in a time when an immediate danger is probable. Better to be a Yankee and swing the bat than to get hit in the head with the ball.   I believe Germany's Merkel and other hardballers asked enough times  to have the ball thrown across the base instead of at them. Next they will throw the ball before they are even in the batter's box and ready. So far they dodged at least 5 errant balls they saw coming. Should they wait until they get hit in the head before demanding the umpire to throw the bum out? Of course not. They were polite long enough. I believe the umps in our game would warn once and throw that pitcher out the second time. "Play Ball" Merkel. Either shape up or get out; time outs aren't necessary.

397. Will the EU feed the Hungary?

Another one bites the dust. Hungary was now downgraded by Ficth to BB+. I forgot to mention Hungary as one of the problem children in the EU. I think we're at about 7 or 8 problem children of the 17 members. Close to HALF! This isn't good. I see several countries withdrawing from the Euro currency, which could really sock it to the Euro. Very little is in sight to fend off more problems, let alone even distinguish short-term overall Euro problems. Meaning? Weaker Euro, Stronger Dollar. This will unsettle the commodities. Only question becomes, will the greedy oil market take advantage of this (demand wouldn't shrink) and OPEC short oil supply to drive the prices up extraordinarily causing more mayhem? Weaker Euro will benefit Germany -- fine manufacturer and exporter even now. They will evidently increase their market share in their products and prosper. A Socialist would look at them to be in better than ever imaginable shape like OUR RICH and "Obama-demand" them to save the "poor and needy" who won't implement the proper austerity programs needed to climb out of the hole they mostly built.  Don't bet on it. Soon they will understand that free handouts won't fix the problem, only exasperate it. The hungry in Hungary will be Hungary hungry folks for quite a while. They will get to sit at the children's table along with Iceland, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, with grace said by France, while Germany continues to eat in the elite dining room asking Czechoslovakia to wash the pots and other members to cook the meal. Makes you more appreciable that we got through all this creating our Union and states quite a while back. And, we all spoke the same language. Good luck EU.

396. Sorry Cordova, must be Global Warming!

Mr. Gore,

Read about the 18' of snow that fell in Cordova, Alaska and won't melt. How do you blame this on Global Warming Mr. Gore? I bet we lost a few polar bears because of the massive snow fall. I am sure you will count them as Global Warming tragedies. But then, maybe they all migrated further north and are cozily cuddling and making more polar bears.

395. Is Deflation a Threat?

According to Gary Shilling, inflation is not what we should worry about. Deflation is. Mr. Shilling makes some good points and strong arguments. However, his conclusions and data is based on almost worse-case scenarios.

Down in his article he discusses Assets being lower than in 2007. Well, yes if you were invested ONLY in an stock index, mutual funds, or bond funds. Unfortunately, these MIGHT be what the retired do, or should I be more specific, that Trusts do when they unload Annuities and other guaranteed returns for the elderly. I consider this type of investing a ripoff! Very much like our government's investment strategy for the Social Security fund which they then rape by spending the funds because they can borrow at a low rate. What a deal. Set a low rate to grow the fund at, then offer a few pennies more to borrow against it. Taking from Peter to pay Paul, except Paul is Peter. Gary is correct that the indexes and other investment he mentioned are down from 2007. But, if you had invested intelligently (thank you Sam for your red rubber prediction toy), you would be up. Sam & I were not investment wizards and we grew our assets more at the expected stock growth rates of 7% per year.

However, Gary does bring up a point he didn't mention when he discussed future spending and cost savings: the increasing boomer retirements! We are becoming an old age country. Much like Japan is and China is approaching. Old people have a different spending mentality -- buy ONLY at the BEST price. I take exception with Gary that people are continually waiting [implied for a long time] before purchasing something. I fo shop for the BEST price, NOT the cheapest product though. In other words, I research the various products, looking at reviews and recommendations, and choose a product I desire. THEN I look for the best (lowest) price. Isn't the Internet wonderful for this? How about buying a product off the Internet -- no tax usually? Yet, with more and more of the population becoming old, retailers will have to price more towards their buying strategy. In other words, price competition is becoming cats and dogs. This inevitably DOES signal a more deflationary rather than inflationary future. Maybe salaries are lower than in 2007 as Gary says. Then maybe the job mix these last 5-6 years has also gone screwy and with many layoffs we see people working anywhere (those who do find work) at lower incomes; hence, the average WILL be lower as he states. But, will this be the trend? NO. Once we get OBlunder out of the white house and actually create private sector jobs demanding higher paying salaries, the average will rise. So, I take exception for Gary's narrow, well-selected time frame of his data to base his arguments. A job crisis is not the typical working environment or economical environment to base some of his conclusions.

Gary's comments re COMMODITIES falling is also contorted. Commodities and the strength of the currency used for commodity trading/buying/selling are related. Have you watched the price of oil, denominated in U.S. dollars compared to the strength of the dollar? Seems that the only way for the Oil "Price Fixers" to get a staple profit is to raise the price of oil when the strength of the dollar retreats. Then to make people feel more comfortable, they will lower it when the dollar is stronger. This way they get a pretty constant profit that they can report without too much distraction and scrutiny. Same goes for other commodities. But, did Gary mention that Europe is in a crisis and, thus, the U.S. dollar has been strengthened because world investors are looking for safer investments than the Euro? Strong dollar=lower commodities. One can always make a case for their argument -- just not consider ALL the facts and select just those data points that make the argument reasonable

Now, read his article again considering this time the crises going on in the world today and the booming retirees in America. Do you think it is right to base future projections on Gary's premises or one that considers all the facts? Projecting from a bad-egg scenario can only fill your basket with bad eggs. Now, consider America whipping the job crisis by lowering business taxes and allowing We the People to save are money TAX FREE. This is what the Republican offer. America WILL grow again! Jobless rates WILL shrink. Salaries WILL increase! Spending volume WILL increase! But the old people WILL become the market to keep prices in check.

I want to state that I found Mr. Shilling's article quite informational. He presents some good arguments re housing market. However, one must seek ALL the causes of a problem, not just SYMPTOMS.

Need an additional assignment, see #100 (Harry Den't book and his comments in 2009 and how they came true) or #86.

394. America Runs For the Thistle Award

Only Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Portugal have debts larger than their economies in the major economies of the world. But, look out, the U.S. is now running for the dishonorable thistle award. We have joined the "elite" countries that are bringing down Europe and Japan that has had a stagnated economy for over a decade! According to this USA Today article, we've made it to Debt=Economy level. $15.3T doesn't sound bad when you compare it to the estimated $26T expected within the this decade; whoa, what are you saying? Right! It sucks. Read the article that explains that the debt reductions already passed will cut that $26T to $24T. What progress! Now do you think we need a BUSINESS-Oriented fellow in the White House. One that had EXPERIENCE in reducing costs and growing a company (nation)? Another wake up call for those still dreaming that things will get better on their own WITHOUT a leader. We can't afford new stuff, let alone the old stuff, like Obamacare already consuming too much too early.

393. Greece the Euro tracks

The Czech central bank governor said take the Euro away from Greece out and let them fight to survive on their own deprecated  currency. So much for EU cooperation. Greece is only 2% of total EU economy, yet members don't want to support the "poor" -- there goes Socialistic Europe! You think we have problems! I suppose this is one way to make the EU portfolio and economy better: just dump the laggards. In this case, as the governor makes, Greece isn't doing enough to clean up its own act and letting the rich escape any plans that would make them contribute to the Greek hurt. It is the same as here where We the People get to pay for the crooks in our system, e.g., fraud schemes, people who don't pay their taxes at all, illegals, entitlement moochers, etc. Instead of cleaning up the mess, We the People are just continued to be FORCED to pay more and more so Bad Johnny and Crooked Mary can live at the same level as the middle class. Anyway, a rebellious member of the EU will only spawn more. Watch out.

392. Without Health Insurance? Maybe the world will end?

I couldn't pass up leading you to two comics in todays papers and online at ArcaMax. For those who continue to refuse to get health insurance and cost us instead, I submit that it won't matter soon because the world is going to end anyway!

• Haggar the Horrible - Future crack down on people without insurance
• Wizard of Id - Will the world end 12/21/12?

Ouch....we DO need to lower Medical costs. But, people who don't have insurance because the costs might crimp their exuberance lifestyle or are illegal need to quit eating out of my wallet. You know: it's not about the hand your hold, but how you play it (heard that somewhere). Don't go stealing the cards and ruining the game for all of us. [Are we a little insensitive today? ... well, maybe. Sorry.]

391. Market Still Looking Up

Sam's red rubber prediction toy says the stock market is still looking solidly positive despite some small DJIA down days. The NASDAQ performed well this past week. I have been keeping it simple by predicting the stock market solely on the DJIA, but we all know the NASDAQ and DJIA don't always move in the same direction as it has during the crises. The NASDAQ is where you find the small companies that will usually grow (or fall) more depending on the financial climate. As reported in previous posts, manufacturing and service revenues were picking up and I stated that many of the services and product/raw material providers need to grow to supply the larger companies. This has begun in my opinion. The NASDAQ reflects the future optimism for small companies and tech companies. Investors are starting to add these, which have higher risk and higher potential gains, driving the NASDAQ higher.

This coming week, I believe Europe will remain asleep, Iran couldn't come out with anything that would drive oil higher, China will forage along positively. Many other considerations, but my focus will be on our U.S. company earnings. Retail should fare well after a 15% in revenue compared to last year's holiday season. Expect more money flowing into techs and Nasdaq stocks. Where will the money come from? Investors have hoards of cash lying around, plus consumer stocks, like McDonalds, Pepsi, Coke, Smuckers, etc. might see smaller increases than the leaders or even down slightly. Thus, your diversity working -- they usually maintain value or drop less when the techs turn around.

I'm still looking at the DJIA running to 12700 before hitting any real resistance. The Nasdaq should go up higher percentage wise during the next two weeks.

We thank Sam for leaving her red rubber prediction toy back here on Earth.

390. Windows 7 Context Spell Checker

The reason I moved to multiple User Accounts was because Google Chrome Browser was not as pleasant as the Internet Explorer browser. For example, if you wanted to print ONLY text you highlighted on a page, instead of full page, you cannot do in a straight foward way using the built-in print interface. Google did allow you to select the Windows printer facilities from their print screen, but that adds a step. Chrome also has problems with selection windows where you open a list of choices by clicking on an arrow. You must click on the window instead of the arrow with Chrome. What affected me the most were functions that did not work properly on my broker's website. Although there a few more unlikes, these were the major issues with Chrome. If these aren't your major issues, ignore this post, because Chrome does have a lot of nice features too, like the built-in context spell checker.

A CONTEXT spell checker is one that let's you know of a misspelled word AS YOU TYPE IT. Internet Browser does NOT have this type of spell checker. Thus, if you are typing an email or posting on some blog or bulletin board, you are at the mercy of it's spell checker, usually an after the fact manual scan that bounces from one to the next. Fine for some, but not for me. Particularly if the half left of the text is off the screen along with the option to CHANGE, requiring you to always scroll left to do the CHANGE!

My searches for Internet Browser spell checkers led me first to ieSpell. It's description did not state whether it did CONTEXT checking, so I downloaded it to see. NOPE. Really did nothing more than what is built into Yahoo Mail. So, I looked for one I had put on an old Windows ME system a few years back. tinySpell was the answer again, even for Windows 7. It can remain on always, meaning every time you type a word not in its dictionary you'll get a beep and can hit a key (I use down arrow) to popup the available correct spelling, or add to the dictionary. Remember, this will check everywhere, even when you enter a website to go to, or complete a form. Everywhere! If I don't want to hear the beep, I simply right-click the tray ICON and DISABLE BEEP allowing it to continue to flash a missplelled word above where you are typing (it disappears itself and is not part of you entry) or DISABLE tinySpell to neither hear the beep nor see the misspelling. Reenabling it is also done with the right-click of ICON.

tinySpell works for me (just got beeped on the word tinySpell for the second time in this sentence ... now that I added it to the dictionary after the second time, tinySpell no longer beeps me). Perfect for me. Maybe good for you too.

389. Windows 7 "Low on Resources" User Logon

This was a weird problem and resolution! I am on Windows 7 and just set up a User Account for the wife. No problem setting it up or using it until today when she tried to logon (always the wife who gets the errors ... joke). After entering password and doing enter she received an error message "System running low on resources...cannot log on as new user." It proceeded to say to log back on the previous user [to correct it]. Well, this didn't work. I had to do a System Restart to recover.

Now came the fun: What caused the error. Event logs showed carious errors, such as, and in order:

• Error in WNetOpenEnum trying to disconnect drives
• Desktop Window Manager exited with code 0x4001004 Event 9009
• Winlogon notification subscriber was unable to handle notification event. Event 6000 SessionEnv D9060000
• Windows logon process has failed to disconnect the user session Event 4007 Winlogon 1F000000

Researching all of these led me to nowhere. Then I thought about the last error and wondered if HOW I previously logged off could have left me in limbo causing her to not be able to logon. I fortunately remembered that I did a LOGOFF, but immediately closed the lid of my laptop BEFORE the logon screen appeared. Hence, the system would have gone to SLEEP MODE BEFORE the logoff finished processing. So, I tested a potential conflict between logoff process and going into sleep. If I waited before closing the lid (sleep), all was fine. If I closed the lid(sleep) before logon screen appeared, I got the error. If I change my POWER PLAN to indicate to DO NOTHING when the lid is closed and PC is plugged in, then close the lid before complete logoff, NO ERROR! Thus, the solution is one of the following:

• If you keep SLEEP when the lid is closed, then always wait for the logoff to complete (logon screen appears) before closing the lid, or
• Change you Power Options plan to NOT SLEEP OR HIBERNATE, i.e., "Do Nothing" when PC is plugged in. The previous solution is best when NOT plugged in.

Another mystery solved.

388. Bachmann Sexism Agreement?

My blog #380 initiated a possible sexism reason for Iowan's dissing Bachmann. The article today seems to agree this could be the case, despite some other interesting opinions she had that certainly contributed to her demise. As with race, will we ever get beyond sexism? Are people SO indoctrinated with anti-social and common sense beliefs that they are nothing but sheep? Are we really unlike the mid-east Islamic sects with our Christian beliefs? I suggest researching the writing of the Bible to learn that most of it was written centuries after the so-called events happened. There really isn't any written text from the age of the events that can back up stories. Sorry Christians, which I consider myself, I'll live by the Ten Commandments because they are morally common sense rules that benefit all and could have been documented by any common sense person at any time, not because they appear in the Bible. Maybe I have my own religion -- call it the Boy Scout Religion. I am trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, kind, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. I have also played Pass-It-Down-The-Alley when I was a kid and learned how stories can be changed, fabricated, and sensualized to grasp a sheep when it diverges from a flock and throw him back into obedience. The moral of the stories I can believe; write me a different story with the same moral and although it maybe more or less dramatic doesn't matter. Do you believe the written events in a satire, or the moral of the story? Do you really think the woman is subservient and should be treated like that? I don't! fyi, I am NOT a woman, although my dear departed Lab Sam was. Plus, I don't think the writer's of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were bias either. So, Iowans who think this way, there are ships and planes that can move you to a backward country where you can all baa in a flock without demonizing women and corrupting an election process founded on American principles. Now I said it.

387. Civil War time in Iraq?

72 more killed in a bomb attack by Sunnis against Shiites in Iraq shortly after Americans left. I have mixed emotions about disassembling our policing function there, but I believe that either we had to be there in forces or we'd end up back to sectarian feuds anyway. Should this be called a Civil War? I don't know. Fact is we DO need to promote civil rights and democracy. However, we certainly need to understand that religious and/or political feuds like this have been going on for centuries in this area. We must either resolve these issues in the first two years of our policing and building of a freer state or vacate immediately and let them blow each other up. I fault our efforts in Iraq because we did NOT resolve these issues that were paramount to peace throughout the country. We may have thought we did by setting up structured, democratic-looking governments including the members in conflict. However, we did NOT lead with always-active consultants to ensure changes were made and tempers squelched. We seemed to always tolerate the skirmishes and stay at the sidelines as they wished. However, we KNEW it wasn't getting solved and still stood back and bowed to the politics and efforts (not results). I agree that it was time to send our troops home; we spent much to much time lives, and dollars there. Had I been in charge though, I would have insisted they PAY for our consultancy to resolve their issues. Maybe then they would have listened. We need to STOP GIVING AWAY our dollars and lives UNLESS we get PAID AND CAN MANAGE the project of fixing the issues ACTIVELY from beginning to end.

386. Wellesse - My Cure for Aching Bones

Have you ever tried Glucosamine+Chondroitin+MSM? When Sam (my late Lab) was still around and up in age, she had difficulties getting up and down and limped occasionally. Glucosamine stopped all her problems. So, about 10 years ago I tried some, but after about 4 weeks I noticed no results. However, I was NOT taking the liquid, nor potent mixture of 2000mg Glucosamine, 1200mg Chondroitin, and 500mg MSM in the Wellesse Joint Movement Glucosamine product. Pills did NOT work for me. But when I started to use the Wellesse product about 4 years ago, the deep pains in my shoulder that I had for over two years were knocked down from intolerable, keep-me-up-all-night pains to tolerable only-hurt-a-little-after-heavy-exercise pain that were gone after resting. It took only about 2 weeks to see results, but about 2-3 months to get to the state that sleeping was again an all night thing.

After taking it for about 6 months, I cut the dosages in half and finally got to 0-pain. But, then my pool shut down in September 2011! After only 1.5 months off my daily routine of 2 miles per day swimming, the pains came back.Not as bad as originally, but enough to wake me again and force me to shift my arm into a more comfortable position. Thus, I went back on the Wellesse product. This time it took about 1-1.5 months before seeing noticeable change. My pain was like there was a sharp metal pin deep inside my shoulder joint that radiated pain in all directions. Now, I am almost completely back to "good" normal (after about 2.5 months). I'll probably cut the dosages in half again, but this time I will stick to some daily dosage, maybe even 1/4.

You can find this product at you local Walmart. Do NOT expect it to resolve physically damaged joint parts (I can only assume this). Although, the Internet searches claim reconstruction properties for products containing this dosage level. I can attest that my swimming did get stronger and faster. Thus, this claim might be true as well. I had to yield my title in the National Triathlon Challenge(Swimming) because the pool was closed, but will return next year to claim it again. Not bad for a senior.

I hope this was helpful to someone. Let me know if you try this product and find similar results.

385. OBulnder Mortgage Protection

Do we really need a multi-$M agency to protect us from LOW mortgage rates? Are we going to have people attaining mortgages, even corruptly, that they can't pay? Must we wipe their butts too with our tax dollars? How about everybody who is buying a house for the first time must pass a test? Even that would be cheaper than some money-sucking agency defining regulations (that will never be enforced) and drinking coffee until they collect pensions extraordinarily higher than private corporations. Sorry, just had to get this one rant out again. I HATE wasting money on useless government functions. Why not put these people to work to lower the fraud in Medicare, Medicaid, and other "entitlement" programs? Remember, OBlunder is out to HELP America. The only question becomes to where?

384. Dirty Politics goes full steam

Time to pile on the other candidates with SPINS of things that MIGHT BE true but with less than 5% probability. But get out those negative campaign ads and claim with 100% probability that the other is a schmuck and dirty as a baby with diarrhea. Do you really want to even hear the Crazy Paul? Or even see his mouth open? Do you want to read about things that might have happened 10 + years ago? I don't know about you, but I've digested each candidates plans after watching several debates. NOTHING is new except for the stink their emitting -- just like a skunk backed up in a corner. When we are down to the last month, I'll peek again at the GOP candidates. As far as the general election? COme On nOw, a blind persOn can see whO's nOt right for the jOb! GOP watch is over until last debate.

383. "Insomnia" by Stephen King 2-Star

Insomnia started off great as Stephen King's books usually do. But the middle, like 500 pages-worth, became extremely sluggish, where results barely moved forward. Did you ever get so interested in what you were reading and needed to hear something substantial within the next 10 pages to further raise you interest curve and get you to crave more and more? Don't expect this here. When I came within even less than 100 pages to read I decided to shelve it! I thought I was re-reading this, but soon discovered I never made it to the end the first time. I'll have to rely on the librarian of the family to fill me in, 'cause "Fun is Fun [While it lasted], [but] Done is Done [it is now]." Sorry Stephen. You're still on top of my author list.

382. Need a Job?

If you are desperate for a job, you might try Germany. This is the best economy in Europe. Actually, this isn't job blog. I'm merely informing you that the Euro crisis will be highly dependent on Germany to the point of begging their cooperation. With cooperation though comes leadership. Germany's Merkel will undoubtedly be using her ladder again this year to walk above the clouds - no NOT as high as OBlunder THINKS he is. It will be interesting to observe whether Merkel can lead without bypassing other countries and legal/law/governing entities like OBlunder is doing. Compare her progress and actions to our pathetic president? Compare RESULTS, NOT rhetoric. Then maybe you'll be in position to understand and make good judgement coem November's election day.

381. OBlunder says "I am God" again

How many times has this been that OBlunder, the anointed one, bypassed Congress? This time to appoint the head of his new consumer protection agency. Hey folks, this doesn't mean ONE new individual, but an ENTIRE agency to the payroll (our tax payer pockets). For what? As if this GOVERNMENT run agency will stop bad mortgages and debt executed by the We-the-Clueless folks who shouldn't be borrowing anyway! Don't you think another $M-$B for a new agency should be FINANCIALLY JUSTIFIED? Just how many people are belly-up because someone or some company FORCED them into borrowing OR ripped them off? Give me a percentage of the Mortgage market OBlunder? THIS is how he will INCREASE government spending ON HIS OWN! BYPASS Congress! God speaks!

WOW, I missed the addition three appointments that the anointed one appointed bypassing the Senate. The labor unions are kissing his butt; or should I say HE is KISSING THEIR BUTTS! Can you complete the dots folks? Where is the anointed one leading America? Impeachment needs to be considered NOW -- we can't wait until next year to dump the rats.

380. Iowa claims Bachmann

The Iowa Caucus is a joke. Four years ago Huckabee won it. Evangelists rule Iowa -- but, NOT the country. Not all Americans believe the woman should stay in the kitchen. I am sorry to see Michele Bachmann leave for that reason -- I can't believe her poo performance was based on her plans and policies. I more believe that Iowans want "their preacher on the pulpit" to be a man. Well, overall she wasn't the one or two pick I see beating OBlunder and becoming president.

However, PAUL? Come on Iowans. You gave him third place! Shows that they live in holes and can't see beyond the borders of Iowa -- certainly not beyond America. Paul's a guy that would employ the most dangerous and catastrophic foreign policy we've ever known. America would be whimpering puppies at the heels of China, Iran, etc. Enough of this clown who's severely hampering the presidential process.

Romney and Santorum received the Iowan trophy (lol). Unfortunately, Santorum can't hand out pens and pins to every person in America. So, Romney and Gingrich are still the leaders in my mind. Perry just announced that he'll see us in SC -- I believe he's deadwood too. And where was Huntsman. Is he serious or not. Why would you throw your money away if not. Is he begging for a cabinet seat?

Mitt and Newt to the finish. Question is WHO will Bachman, Huntsman, Perry, and Santorum support? Can't list Paul here, because he's as crazy and mixed up as the OCCUPY idiots and will spend every penny he can get on his negative America ads. Look for him to even run as an Independent to screw things up and watse our time with his presence at debates.

379. 2012 Market Considerations

Welcome to 2012. Here are some thoughts to begin your New Year planning and strategies:

• The first article suggests U.S. commercial real estate market is ripe for foreign investors. And why not also you? Look for REITs in commercial real estate to provide nice dividends and keep their value. Brazil was also offered as a palce to invest in commercial real estate. Don't forget the Olympics there will boost Brazil's economy and provide pickings. I maintain my REITS gratefully.
• Japan has been on the big man's hit list all through 2011, if not the last decade economically. Another large earthquake greets the New Year. I your thoughts are like mine, I would avoid investments in Japan. However, I would look for companies who specialize in damage control and cleanup. We'll have to wait to see if Japan's banks can ever find a way to turn the economy around given the disasters there. My vote is to overall stay away and let the smoke settle.
• Ha Ha. "Euro could become world's leading currency: Noyer" is the first joke of 2012. Click on the EUROPE category at the right for the latest update on European crisis. With the dollar currently the currency that still "drives" the world (trading in oil purchases, precious metals, central bank swaps, etc.) and the Chinese Yuan a very strong second, not to mention their like dominance of the number one economy in the coming decade, HOW can the Euro ever compete? Noyer must have been eating too many fudge and cookies for New Year Eve to dream this up. Even if they can conquer the extremely ill Euro, it will take a decade or two to stabilize and solidify the 17 members they have now (or build back up to 17). So, invest in Europe? Long-term yes. Sort-term yes, but in a volatile market. Hence, pick the lows and take what you can for 2012.
• Related to above, check out the Yuan possibilities discussed here. China will continue to grow. They have flooded their large cities with commercial capital and projects. Probably more than needed until real people move to the cities and the residential consumer starts utilizing the local products. Look for this to happen. As for the yuan, it will maintain its strength in the same way it has. In other words, don't get comfortable with the Republican bashing of the Chinese currency manipulation. It has and will continue to strengthen on its own, driven my the market! I see China's inflation to outpace 2011 and force them to strengthen the yuan even more to counter the inflation. 2012 will be a delicate balancing year for China. But they WILL NOT stop growing! With the Emerging Market ETFs getting battered in 2011, and the outlook for Brazil, China, and India looking again brighter, and the U.S. economy turning around, I am betting on a reemergence of the Emerging Market strength. This article however heeds caution until we see firm forward movement again. I say, beat the crowd.
• Jobs are ALWAYS GOOD. Especially jobs in manufacturing and services. This means that peoplre are expected to buy and other companies need products and services too. U.S. Growth is the positive for 2012.

Okay. Now go off and do you 2012 planning. Check you diversity and balance across investments. Be prosperous.