Thursday, June 25, 2009

Economy Headed Back Down?

It follows the price of gas, right?

"Gas prices drop as cost of oil falls" by Associated Press | June 23, 2009

NEW YORK - Retail gasoline prices retreated yesterday for the first time in nearly two months.

The World Bank said the global economy would shrink more than previously stated and burgeoning supplies of crude and gasoline finally appeared to grab hold of energy prices that since early May have appeared to shake off market fundamentals....

Yeah, I heard about that.

Oil executives have maintained that the rising energy prices were more a reflection of investor enthusiasm than market fundamentals.

So you guys just gouged us for the fun of it, or....


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Now the PEP TALK POOP from the Globe and why I grab a salt-shaker when I hit the business section
:

Start Me Up!

"Economic downturn hasn't stopped start-ups; The climate is tougher, but some are persevering to launch businesses" by D.C. Denison, Globe Staff | June 17, 2009

From tight credit markets to consumers who won’t spend, the climate for new enterprises has looked bleak for much of the past year.

Where did all the "lubrication" money -- totaling TRILLIONS -- go?

We know what they lubed and we know where it went.


Yet for these new owners, there was no time like the present to take the leap and start a business. Either by accidents of timing, an abundance of confidence, or by necessity, a growing crop of fledging companies are opening their doors even as numerous other businesses are closing down or cutting back.

Why not just burn your money? Put it in a pile and burn it?

You got 7 years for 10% odds -- if it ain't stolen from you (right, Bonnie)?


There’s no question about how tough the economic climate is for new companies. “It’s just harder,’’ said Mark Allio, regional director of the nonprofit Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. “What really makes a difference is the lack of credit. There’s just less capital available, and it’s harder for new businesses to get the credit they need.’’

And yet we get endless droning in other news articles of the bulls*** p.r. lines when they TOSS MORE TAXPAYER $$$ AWAY!!! Trying to "loosen up" credit" as they are loosening up another part of the public's anatomy!


The harsh climate is reflected in the statistics....

The vacancies we can all see on almost any Main Street....

We got some boarded up shops and empty stores.


Yet according to the US Small Business Administration, the number of loans the agency guaranteed for Massachusetts start-ups - companies less than two years old - is growing after a significant dip during the last three months of 2008....

Well, SOMEONE is LYING THEN and it AIN'T ME!


From January through March of this year, the number increased to 75 loans, with the pace picking up significantly after the Obama administration’s recovery and reinvestment plan took effect in mid-February....

Pffft! Oh, that'll save the whole shebang!!!

Look at 'em pimp for Obama's big government agenda again, too. It gets to be shameless after a while. That "stimulus" was STOLEN by AGENDA-PUSHING INTERESTS!

And how come WE only get LOANS from USURIOUS BANKS and NOT a BAILOUT?


On the bright side, there would be less competition and an opportunity to “line things up for a recovery.’’

I no longer like that word about bad things
:

Rice: 9/11 an “enormous opportunity”

Rumsfeld: "Why Not another 911"

That doesn’t dim the optimism a bit.....

No, I'll bet it SOARS in CERTAIN QUARTERS, cui bono?


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Anthony!

"North End businesses go fashion forward" by Sean Sposito, Globe Correspondent | June 22, 2009

Boston fashion has an unlikely new address: the North End.

While some retail districts are increasingly dotted with empty storefronts, the North End is seeing a burgeoning number of boutiques that sell everything from designer dresses to high-end handbags. It’s a big change for a neighborhood better known for authentic Italian cafes than high-end dress shops.

The Globe will always find a kernel of corn in a turd.

The North End is benefiting from a retail sweet spot - a combination of low rent, improved access since completion of the Big Dig, and increased foot traffic from sports fans leaving games at TD Banknorth Garden.

Since August, three new boutiques - Moda, an athletic apparel store on Salem Street; Bobbles & Lace, a Prince Street store selling designer clothing, purses, and jewelry; and Filthy Rich of Boston, a high-end jewelry and accessories store on Hanover Street - have set up shop. They join seven other fashion boutiques that have arrived in the neighborhood since 2004, and cater to young, hip professionals.

The world's their oyster -- while most of us reside in the toilet.

“I looked on Newbury Street, I looked in Beacon Hill, I looked in Downtown Crossing, I looked all over,’’ said Amy Montminy, the owner of Filthy Rich of Boston. She said she moved to the North End because she was looking for a small location that had a lot of foot traffic. “I was looking for a tourist-y, neighborhood-y storefront.’’

Related: Can You Tell Me How to Get to Newbury Street?

And now, the BAD NEWS!

The North End’s growth is, in part, because the recession is making it hard for some local businesses to afford higher rents in other parts of city, such as the Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Newbury Street, an eight-block stretch that used to be Boston’s hottest address for trendy boutiques with rents running as high as $200 per square foot, has had several retail closings recently....

To be sure, despite the openings of trendy boutiques, some North End businesses are suffering from the economic downturn, as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. But North End retailers say they are better positioned to weather the tough times in the historic neighborhood....

Always an AGENDA-PUSHING COULD BE, IF, MAYBE, BUT, STILL, HOWEVER! Look I USE THEM because I AM DOING ANALYSIS!

Those were BAD WORDS for a REPORT in COLLEGE!!!

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All right, more good news:

"Housing prices in Mass. decline again; Foreclosed homes sold by banks add downward pressure" by Jenifer B. McKim, Globe Staff | June 24, 2009

You know, they probably -- another one of those words -- said the exact opposite two weeks ago; however, (smile) I'm not searching it down. I've got too much to do already!

Besides, there are enough lies below to prove my point.


"Massachusetts housing prices continued to fall at a double-digit rate last month as foreclosure sales put downward pressure on the market, according to new data released yesterday by the Warren Group, a Boston firm that tracks real estate....

Related:
Won't You Be My Neighbor?

The latest drop comes as the inventory of foreclosed properties has swelled....

I swear a week ago they were saying the opposite.

Despite the fall in median prices, there is evidence that price declines may be slowing....

But water still coming in the cellar? What is with the cheerleading?


Timothy M. Warren Jr., Warren Group’s chief executive, said: “Prices are still declining,’’ Warren said, and sales volume won’t increase significantly “unless the employment outlook improves dramatically and the tight mortgage lending standards are loosened.’’

Instead, sales volume continued to plummet in May....

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I'll bet these folks would feel lucky to have any one of those.

Funny.

We got TRILLIONS upon TRILLIONS for WARS and BANKS but NUTHIN' for US?!!

It's OUR MONEY, taxpayers?

Need money, Bay-Staters?

I know just where to look:

The State Budget Swindle

Governor Guts State Services

Pigs at the State Trough

A Slow Saturday Special: Statehouse Slush Fund

Hollywood S***s on Massachusetts

Biotech Giveaway Was Borrowed Money

How many times I gotta put 'em up?

"A room to call home; State sheltering a record number of struggling families in motels" by Jenifer B. McKim, Globe Staff | June 24, 2009

More homeless families are being lodged in hotels than ever.

And that is in LIBERAL, COMPASSIONATE, SMUG and SELF-RIGHTEOUS MASSACHUSETTS that just rammed tax increases up your....

Don't let them fool you, readers.


Officials blame the increase on rising unemployment and a flood of foreclosures.

But EVERYTHING is GETTING BETTER (wait for the next article).


The state says it provides families with services similar to those offered at shelters, including transportation for children to their original school districts, and referrals to community resources for food and clothing.

Yeah, right, the LOOTING TRANSFER OPERATION known as STATE GOVERNMENT is "helping" us.


“We are obligated to put them in a place where they can have at least a roof over their head,’’ said Bob Pulster, executive director of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness, created by Governor Deval Patrick in 2007 to end homelessness by 2013. “A motel may be the best we can do right now.’’

But advocates for the homeless worry that motel families are left largely on their own, without the in-house support of shelters equipped with kitchens, living rooms, and play areas.

Nancy Paladino, director of the family team for Boston Health Care for the Homeless, said the nonprofit agency, which helps families obtain medical care, has been overwhelmed by the need for assistance.

“I don’t see a solution or an end in sight,’’ said Paladino. “It’s really challenging if you have kids with special eating needs, or a parent with diabetes. It is tough to eat healthy.’’

**********

While the state has placed families in motels since 2007, when the 2,000 rooms in homeless shelters reached capacity, the temporary solution has become a long-term problem....

Government all over!

As a result, budget motels like the Gateway Inn have essentially become homeless shelters, with nearly all rooms occupied by state-paid guests. Massachusetts is one of the few states that mandate shelter for homeless families.

Sort of HIDES the PROBLEM real good, doesn't it?

Why not PUT 'EM in a FORECLOSED HOME (or let those people stay)!

And wait until you see what our COMPASSIONATE LOOTERS LEGISLATED!

Last week, the Legislature voted to tighten family eligibility requirements for emergency shelter, something that could leave hundreds scrambling for a place to live....

But THEY don't have to WORRY about a TAXPAYER-FUNDED ROOF over THEIR HEAD -- if it ain't paid for by lobbyist loot!!!!

Some question whether motels are an efficient use of tax dollars. A monthlong stay costs an average of $2,550 - similar to rent in some upscale Boston high-rises.

Oh, I KNOW IT IS NOT! This is MASSACHUSETTS after all!!!!

“It’s an extraordinary waste of money when we know the best way to house people is in permanent housing,’’ said Joe Kriesberg, president of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, which works to promote affordable housing and economic development.

An AMERICAN SCANDAL, folks! Related: Who Remembers Timothy Finch?

But housing options remain limited.

“The only reason they are in the motels is because shelter space is full,’’ said Robyn Frost, executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. “We should not take down the safety net until every single person is housed.’’

Aren't you ASHAMED, Bay Staters, when we are GIVING NEARLY $1 BILLION to Hollywood alone in TAX SUBSIDIES?!!!

The state hopes to reduce the ranks of motel families over the next six months by offering short-term housing subsidies.... Officials also anticipate receiving $44.5 million in federal stimulus money to help communities prevent homelessness....

Well, WHERE IS IT? STOLEN? Why isn't there more?

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And WHAT is that SMELL?

"Durables orders surge in May" by Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press | June 25, 2009

WASHINGTON - New signals the recession could be nearing a bottom emerged yesterday in figures showing that orders to US factories surged last month, for everything from computers to aircraft, and that a gauge of business investment rose by the most in nearly five years.

I'm not even angry, readers. I'm just LAUGHING!!

So, WHO SAID and WHEN is the DOWNWARD REVISION?

Still, an unexpected drop in new-home sales in May made clear that any rebound in the housing market, and the broader economy, is likely to be long and slow. Economists said the two reports showed the economy is no longer in free-fall, but is still unable to mount a sustained recovery....

Those words again. Still, but.

Hours after the Commerce Department figures were released....

Oh, NO!!

Related: Commerce Department Lies About Economy

Government Continuously Lying About Economy

April's Economic Showers

Economic Double-Speak

The First Lies of the Day

And you don't even need my links; KEEP READING!

The 1.8 percent increase in durable goods orders in May was far better than the 0.6 percent decline economists expected. It matched the rise in April, with both months posting the best performance since December 2007, when the recession began.

First of all, why the SCATTER-SHOT MENTION of the START?

Because YOU NEWSPAPERS and GOVERNMENT HID THAT FACT until Oct. 2008?

Btw, that means the RECESSION ACTUALLY BEGAN in SUMMER of 2007 because you need TWO PREVIOUS QUARTERS of DECLINE to be in RECESSION!!!!

The LIES and DECEPTIONS NEVER END!

The back-to-back monthly gains in orders for durable goods - items expected to last at least three years - were further evidence that a dismal stretch for US manufacturers may be nearing an end. But analysts say any sustained rebound is months away.

Readers, WTF?!!!!!

Rebecca Blank, undersecretary of commerce for economic affairs, cautioned against reading too much into the big jump in durable goods orders because the data can be volatile. But she said the report appears to show the recent plunge in activity has subsided....

The other government report showed new home sales dropped 0.6 percent in May, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 342,000, from a downwardly revised April rate of 344,000....

Oh, they REVISED DOWNWARD after all the FANFARE FARTS like TODAY, huh?

I think I'll STOP READING NOW!!!

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