A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-06-07...JohnHuang2's ~ My Two Cents

JohnHuang2;dutchess;pookie18 | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

The Good News is we’re doomed! Part II
by JohnHuang2

Early Tuesday morning I was tuned to Squawk on the Street on CNBC. Big economic report about to be released. During the wait, the ominous drumbeat from the TV box: ‘Period of anxiety’, ‘period of uncertainty’, ‘period of fear’, ‘worst yet to come’, ‘credit collapse’, ‘credit crunch’, ‘subprime collapse’, ‘housing collapse’, ‘recession ‘round the corner’, ‘recession already here’ — and then, just as I was standing slack-jawed on the ledge of the 20th floor and ready to jump, hot anchor babe Erin Burnett rescued me with the ISM index for August! Economy still going strong. Index was 52.9, so manufacturing oddly was still expanding during The Month when supposedly the economy had collapsed.

Ever since the start of the Bush Boom, libbies have predicted recession. Just ‘round the corner. Any Day Now. Hang in there, economy’s in its last throes. The corporate scandals will cause a recession. When that didn’t happen, Chimpy’s war in Iraq will cause a recession. When that didn’t happen, $60 per barrel oil will cause a recession. When that didn’t happen, hurricane Katrina will cause a recession. Didn’t happen, but $70 oil will cause a recession. Didn’t happen, but high interest rates will cause a recession. Didn’t happen, but the Housing Slump will cause a recession. Hasn’t happened and the “housing slump” — already six months old — has made little headway in crimping BushCo’s economy. Here are some more recent stats (since last week’s column) about the state of the economy during The Worst Housing Slump In Human History:

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* The Commerce Department on Friday reported that consumer spending in July surged by 0.4 percent — twice the rate in June — and income rose a solid 0.5 percent, the biggest increase in four months. “Analysts”, after much analyzing, expected income to rise by half of what it actually did. Their forecast for spending was just as good — off on the low side, 0.3%. The jump in spending comes even though the savings rate has been rising steadily for three months.

The Commerce Department also reported on Friday that orders to factories in July had surged by 3.7 percent. “Analysts” expected a 3.3 percent increase. A good chunk of the July increase was attributable to a big surge in demand for transportation goods, especially for cars, which saw its biggest surge in over four years.

* The Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 53.8 for August, when liberals claim the economy was collapsing. In fact, the August reading was slightly higher than the July reading — 53.4.

* The Fed’s favored gauge for inflation — the core-PCE deflator — inched up just 0.1%. Analysts had predicted 0.2%. Year-to-date, the rate is just 1.9% — well within the Fed’s target.

* The Dow Jones industrial average is up almost 8 percent for the year, 18 percent year-to-date. The S&P 500 is up 5 percent for the year, 14 percent year-to-date. The NASDAQ is up 9 percent for the year, 20 percent year-to-date. The Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ finished higher after the “selloff” in the month of August. The Dow is just off 4 percent from its all-time high of 14K. The Dow was up 1.1 percent in August; the S&P 500 was up 1.3 percent in August; the NASDAQ surged 2.0 percent in August. In the post-war period, the market is usually flat in August — despite the fact that Congress is in recess.

* The median existing home price in July was $228,900 — a “collapse” of $1,300 from a year ago, when the median existing home price was $230,200. Less than 15 percent of the subprime home mortgage market, which is 13 percent of the $10.4 trillion mortgage market, is late in payment; 98.7 percent of mortgages are not in foreclosure.

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Up until now, recession cheerleaders blew off the good July numbers as ‘rear view mirror’ stuff — August killed the Bush Boom, man. Then the bullish PMI and ISM numbers for August come out, so libbies now say August numbers don’t count, instead it’s July’s drop in construction spending that counts — which drives my point home: The economy is expanding despite the “housing slump” and “credit crunch” liberals keep yapping about. Second-quarter GDP growth came in at 4% amid the “housing slump”. Overseas sales accounted for 1.4% of that 4% — the highest in 11 years. The labor market remained at full-employment. As for the August “credit crunch” that recession cheerleaders predicted would sink the economy, if you look at the tech sector, you’re seeing lots of takeover activity. The annualized sales rate for autos in August was 16.3 million vehicles — best showing since May and a big improvement from July’s figures, despite the high gas prices and falling home values. The ISM’s employment index for August ROSE more than a point, 50.2 to 51.3; the production index ROSE to 56.1 from 55.6; new export orders ROSE to 57 from 56.5.

So the stock market ends up higher during The Worst Liquidity Crisis In History, and the economy keeps growing during The Worst Housing Slump In Human History. If this is a “crisis”, I only hope it gets worse.

Anyway, that’s...

My Two Cents

03-27-07 ~ Hall of Fame #19 ~ Final

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 09-03-03,04-07 Military Tribute 09-05-07 Warm Fuzzy Wednesday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[dutchess]

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.

[dutchess]

It's Thursday and that means another JohnHuang2 tell it like it is essay at the Finest!!!! ENJOY!!!!

[The Forgotten Man]

Erin Burnett can recuse me anyday, for that matter, everyday....

Need hot pic of the babe posted here....

[dutchess]

God Bless Our Military
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Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Aquamarine; Dutchess, The Mayor, DollyCali or GodBlessUSA and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

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We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey.........................cousin mystery-ak...........son, husband Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew Diver Dave........niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews AnnaofDC......niece's husband sneakers..........................son weldgophardline.................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.......cousin WaterDragon............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law kimmie7......................brother LadyX (RIP)..............grandson fawn796......................nephew ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons LakeLady....................nephew Spruce......................daughter athelass..2 sons, 2 nephews Leofl.................................son chena...............................son Hope and Glory..................son DebWisconsin.............nephews TheMayor...............friends'son Doug from Upland.......soninlaw homeschoolmama........nephew ariamne...................2 cousins mhking.........................cousin 911angelady.................2 sons Consort.................2 daughters Consort...................son-in-law gonzo...................friend's son cookcounty......................son JFC............................nephew visualops......................cousin auboy..........................cousin painter........................nephew jrushing.............................son LoneRedRanger...brother-in-law Ladysmith.nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend MontanaCowgirlCop......brother nelibeli........................nephew Misty4jc.....................husband Colorado Slim..............nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews ProudAFDad......................son Alouette.............................son Katydidnt...........................son Zechariah_8_13....brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.............cousin PreviouslyA-Lurker........brother sheeza.......................husband kemathen7..................husband TADSLOS......................son Q6-God..................twin brother Edgewood Pilot...son, 2 nephews gpapa.............brother ItsForTheChildren....2 nephews Q6-God....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne..........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut...................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish........................active duty ODC-GIRL................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty veeceeque................active duty JRios1968................active duty NoLongerFreeState...active duty CMS........................active duty AlaskaErik...............active duty JemiansTerror...........active duty tongue-tied ..............active duty txradioguy................active duty Hoosiersailor.........active duty DCBryan1.................active duty Sgt.Hull.................active duty

OhioWfan................................son ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew ak_daddoo........................nephew Dubya............................nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son Armymarinemom................3 sons american_ranger.....................son Himyar....................................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin boxerblues........................2 sons the piper..............................son Tiffee4Bob......................boyfriend TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son SilentServiceCPOWife........husband DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law Skimask.....................................son Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy........2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson Socratic.............................nephew freema.......................nephew, son Azbushgal..............................son kimmykay.................................son NavySEAL F-16........................son repubmom...............................son wolfcreek..........................daughter JesseJane ...........................cousin Roses0508..............................son pmmd81..................................son GodBlessUSA......................cousin SoldiersPrayingMom.................son WakeUpandVote..................brother Skyraider.................................son CyberAnt...........................nephew mrs tiggywinkle...................cousin Jen's Mom........................daughter Meg33.............................grandson Nadine...............................nephew U S Army EOD.................daughter thehumanlynx...........brother-in-law Earthdweller......................nephew Scubachick.......................husband ChairmanDec19thSociety ..brotherinlaw Anthem............................2 cousins meanie monster .........family friend PragmaticWarrior..........2 nephews Sageb1...........................3 cousins JulieRNR21.........friend's grandson SuzyQue...mom,2 sons,3 brothers weeder1...........................nephew GulfWar1Vet.......two cousins IndyPendance..daughter,soninlaw fatima.....................granddaughter Lori from Long Island....soninlaw monkeyface............2 grandsons redhead...................grandnephew gonzo............................soninlaw varina davis...................grandson Rivendell.......................daughter W.W.Smith...........................son vigilante2.....son, adopted soldier NavySEAL F-16....................son Jaxter...........................son-in-law USMCWife6869..............husband jackv...............................son TINA KIRBY....................son skimask.........................son onedcop.........................son katydidnt....................son SoldierDad..son,nephew,niece,cousin visualops.............son, cousin

[luvie]

Sic 'em, John!

[The Mayor]

September 6, 2007

The Planting

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: 1 Corinthians 15:42-53

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. —1 Corinthians 15:51

An 8-year-old boy, who was learning in school about the way plants grow, was intrigued when told how a tiny seed that germinates in the ground could later burst through the soil as a plant.

During that same time, he and his family attended the funeral of a family member. At the service, the pastor talked about the final resurrection of our bodies.

Several days later as the family traveled past the cemetery, the boy remarked, “That’s where they plant people.” Seeds planted in the ground and bodies buried at death had connected in his young mind.

The apostle Paul used this same illustration of planting seed to describe death, burial, and resurrection to the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 15). He said that even though the body of the believer in Christ is buried in the ground, it will one day be raised to new life (v.42). Our natural body is weak, but our spiritual body will be free from sickness, decline, and death (vv.43-44). Our new body will be glorified, endowed with power, and like Jesus’ resurrection body.

We look forward to that day when the trumpet sounds, the dead in Christ are raised, and “we shall be changed” (v.52). As we anticipate that day, let’s spread the good news of our victory over death through Jesus (vv.56-57). 

Our Savior’s life for us was given
That we might one day bloom in heaven,
Our mortal bodies changed to be
Like His through all eternity! —Spicer

Christ’s resurrection guarantees our own.

Bible in One Year:   Psalms 148-150; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

[Jeff F]

Good article John, as usual. You are consistently one of the best reads here on FR.

Unfortunately, I do not like your massively excessive graphics. It distracts from and cheapens your message. It also makes your words quite hard to read -- exactly the opposite of your intentions.

The animated signature GIF is also not a good idea as it is highly distracting. In all, it tends to degrade you well written insights and making appear as thought they are the work of an rank amateur. In all, I am reminded of Mia T. While I appreciated her great efforts, I simply could not get past all the visual dreck.

In such cases, less is more. I am sure there are many capable professionals here who would be happy to give you some guidance. If so, please pass on any helpful comments.

I hope you take this as good intentioned critique and not as a crude flame.

[MEG33]

Why, Jeff..You may get on John Huang’s ping list and read it all completly graphics free later on in the forum..

This is the “Finest’s” presentation of John. We like graphics here and appreciate the hostess who presents John’s essays so very much..

You might want to turn off the pictures in your browser and get the effect you are yearning for...or avoid “The Finest” in the future.

[Congressman Billybob]

Fine work, as usual. Now that I've finally made the move to broadband, high graphics don't cause trouble. And, I like your signature.

What other places beside FR are your columns published? Do you get much mail in response? (I know from long experience that a single e-mail is a big deal. "A letter poured in." LOL.)

Congressman Billybob

Latest article, "Enemies of America, in a Courtroom Near You"

[MEG33]

Good morning,Congressman...I finally made the shift to cable last fall.Good to “see” you here!

[GodBlessUSA]

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Meg :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning The Mayor :)
Thank you. I hope you have a great day!

[MEG33]

;o)

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks dutchess and JH2 - another great analysis!

[Diver Dave]

JH2 Rocks!... and dutchess must be a rockette. :)

[visualops]

awesome essay as usual!!

just a note- you’ve got me on the prayer list twice.
I asked to add my son, and I am there with son, cousin. But, I’m also still on there with just cousin.thanks!

[Majie Purple]

ed graphics...

Dutchie & All!!

They help break up bergs of text making it easier to keep on a reading between the clever lines and said text bergs!

& for Others posted graphics as well... just adds to the visual fun & surprise that The Finest Threads offer day in and day out.(And are well known for.)

The Finest Thread's are like a box of chocolate You never know what You're gonna get!

& I think that is a sweeeeet thang to look forward to each and every time I check in @ FR!

Don't change... & that's my true sense!

[jaycee]

Just now getting to read today’s thread. Beautiful pledge, Dutchess and now I will read on....thanks for today’s thread.

[jaycee]

Absolutely loved today’s Essay. He just makes things so clear and I absolutely get more entertainment by his truth’s and after I read the Essay, I feel so good....if only we could get the crazy Dims to read it. Wishful thinking, I know. But John is GREAT!!!!!