…Calmly observing the changing world

As surely as the dollar seems doomed to decline in status, one might assume that the Euro would be preparing to take its place. And while some in Europe would love for this to happen, the problem with the Euro is simply that it’s impossible to set a European-wide policy that works for the various [...]

Senior precious metals analyst John Nadler has recently and repeatedly said that gold is not in a bull market: We will repeat that which should be obvious, in case you have doubts about where this writer stands: Gold is NOT in a bull market. The dollar is in a bear market. Kitco No word on [...]

Earlier this year, Ireland lost its AAA credit rating, but now the assessment is much bleaker. Yesterday, Fitch cut Ireland’s credit rating by two “levels” to AA-. This puts the country on par with the Italians, and more likely to default than Slovenia or Abu Dhabi. Ireland’s woes are now familiar. Dependent on banking and [...]

Dakotan View We spent most of the day yesterday within the state of South Dakota. Not that I’m complaining, but I prefer the days where you tend to pass through parts of multiple states – something about reinforcing a sense of accomplishment. The Badlands were truly awesome, and of course we stopped in at Mt. [...]

But will it play in Peoria? Yesterday morning we started in Peoria, IL. The night before I was tasked with finding a Catholic Church to attend, and after I realized that Peoria was its own diocese I opted for the cathedral on principle. To say that the decision was fortuitous would be to vastly understate [...]

And finally a few pictures from the Bahamas…

Somewhere in Indiana I’ve been sick the last two days, but fortunately I was fine on the honeymoon cruise. It was pretty cool, and pictures will be forthcoming as soon as possible – possibly even later tonight. We are on our way to experience what a friend of mine assures me is true Chicago-style pizza. Although [...]

Elmira, NY – T minus 1 day Today consisted mostly of preparing for the reception, and the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Somehow, those things took the whole day and now I am completely exhausted. It was great to see everyone have such a good time at the rehearsal dinner! (The food was fantastic) It’s [...]

Elmira, NY – T minus 2 days This morning we went down and got our marriage license. It was a quick process – and nothing to worry about. Or was it? Does it seem strange to anyone else that the states license marriage? As if, somehow, I could not get married if the state did [...]

Detroit, I hardly knew ye I was passed out through pretty much the entire flight from the Great Salt Lake. Not the good kind of sleep that makes you feel well rested… just that sleep on a plane passed out kind of sleep that makes you feel exhausted. Detroit is truly a great airport.  You’re [...]