I’m still traveling.  Luckily I now have a Verizon broadband internet card for my computer, so I can work literally on the road.  A few things I’ve learned …

 

• My computer hates bumpy roads, and will refuse to work if there are too many potholes.
• Speaking of bumpy roads, my typing goes all to hell if I’m on anything but the smoothest highway.
• The Verizon Internet card works well on its own, but has problems integrating with other networks (like the free internet at Hampton Inn hotels, for example).

 

I’m doing a lot of reading, including web reading.  For example …

 

First, Calculated Risk has an interesting post comparing unemployment rates now and during the Great Depression.  You can read that here: http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2009/07/depression-era-unemployment-rate.html

 

Oh, and you might want to take anything from these guys with a grain of salt: 12 of the Worst Financial Gurus.

 

And I’ve just got to say, this is a lot of work to go through for a hoot and a laugh …

 

Mayan ‘apocalypse’ crop circle appears at Silbury Hill

It sure looks like someone in Britain has way too much time on their hands.  But, eh, the countdown to December 21st 2012 should keep enquiring minds busy.

 

IN OTHER NEWS …

 

China Holds Rio Tinto Exec for Allegedly Stealing Secrets

China has detained Rio Tinto Group’s head of iron ore operations in the country, Stern Hu, for allegedly stealing state secrets, the foreign ministry’s spokesman Qin Gang said today.

 

London-based Rio last month scrapped a $19.5 billion investment by Aluminum Corp. of China, and is deadlocked in iron ore price talks with steelmakers. The detention of Rio’s staff is part of a broader investigation into alleged kickbacks among traders and mills, the Australian Financial Review said.

 

“This is a warning for iron ore buyers and sellers to be more vigilant in their market practices,” said Helen Wang, a Shanghai-based analyst at DBS Vickers Hong Kong Ltd. “The detention of Rio executives indicates business negotiations should also be wary of policy and information risks.”

 

Soybeans, Corn, Wheat Futures Advance Ahead of USDA Global Supply Forecast

 

Soybean and corn futures rose for the first time in five sessions and wheat futures gained, on speculation the U.S. may lower its estimate of global supply of the crops.

 

The USDA on June 10 lowered its 2010 global soybean inventory forecast to 51.02 million tons, from 51.88 million tons in May, on lower carry-over stocks from this year, because of increased purchases from China. It also lowered its forecast for corn inventories to 125.46 million tons, from 128.19 million tons a month earlier, as it reduced its production estimate.

 

Pimco Pulls Out of Treasury Toxic Asset Program; Blackrock, Invesco Hired

The U.S. plan to help buy as much as $40 billion in assets from banks got started almost four months after it was proposed and without Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s biggest bond manager and an early supporter.

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• On The Road Again (08/06/09)
• On the Road (02/14/10)
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• Monday News and Views (11/09/09)