dixiegrrrrl

dixiegrrrrl's Journal

January 30, 2014

Amazon Prime customers could see $20 to $40 price hike, retailer says - @TechCrunch

How are they going to manage what is essentially a 2 tiered membership fee?

Anyone here willing to get or keep Prime after the price hike??

January 29, 2014

Edward Snowden nominated for Nobel peace prize

Two Norwegian politicians say they have jointly nominated the former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden for the 2014 Nobel peace prize.

The Socialist Left party politicians Baard Vegar Solhjell, a former environment minister, and Snorre Valen said the public debate and policy changes in the wake of Snowden's whistleblowing had "contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order".
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/edward-snowden-nominated-nobel-peace-prize

January 29, 2014

U.S. border officials ground fleet of drones after crash at sea

Reuters) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection has indefinitely grounded its remaining fleet of nine drones after operators were forced to crash a pilotless aircraft off the Southern California coast because of a mechanical problem, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

The mishap on Monday marked the second crash of one of the agency's drones since it began using the unnamed aerial surveillance technology in 2006.

"While on patrol off the Southern California coast, the unmanned aircraft, a maritime variant of the Predator B, experienced a mechanical failure," U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Michael Friel said in a statement./div]http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/29/us-usa-drone-crash-idUSBREA0S01220140129?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews

January 29, 2014

What snow does to Southern drivers:

Birmingham Al. today.
the headline says:
Photo: Drivers abandon cars across highways in Alabama amid winter storm -

January 27, 2014

And now, China Halts Bank Cash Transfers

Due to the system maintenance of People’s Bank of China, Domestic RMB Fund Transfer through Citibank (China) Online and Citi Mobile will be delayed during January 30th 2014, 16:00pm to February 2nd 2014, 18:30pm.
As to the fund availability at the receiving bank, it depends on the processing requirements and turnaround time of the receiving bank
During Spring Festival, Foreign Currency Transfer Transaction through Citibank (China) Online and Citi Mobile will be temporally not available from January 30, 2014 18:00pm to February 7, 2014 09:00am. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2014/01/26/china-halts-bank-cash-transfers-2/

a clue to what is going on may be in this related story:
Mega Default In China Scheduled For January 31

On Friday, Chinese state media reported that China Credit Trust Co. warned investors that they may not be repaid when one of its wealth management products matures on January 31, the first day of the Year of the Horse.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China sold the China Credit Trust product to its customers in inland Shanxi province. This bank, the world’s largest by assets, on Thursday suggested it will not compensate investors, stating in a phone interview with Reuters that “a situation completely does not exist in which ICBC will assume the main responsibility.”

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2014/01/19/mega-default-in-china-scheduled-for-january-31/

ya gotta love that double speak explanation

further reading shows the bank make a very large loan to a mining outfit that has been in legal trouble....
sort of a sub-prime loan to a Madoff type character.

January 25, 2014

Greece's response to high unemployment: Slavery, and banishment.

Centre of planning and Economic Research in Greece has proposed a controversial measure in order to deal with the problem of increasing unemployment in the country.

The measure includes unpaid work for the young and unemployed up to 24 years old, so that companies would have a strong motive to hire young employees. Practically, what is proposed is the abolition of the basic salary for a year.
At the same time the “export” of young unemployed persons was also proposed to other countries abroad, as Greek businesses do not appear able to hire new personnel.

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/01/24/controversial-proposal-for-tackling-unemployment/

exporting the poor and unemployed...what a marvelous idea....

January 25, 2014

HSBC (Britain's largest bank) Restricts Large Cash Withdrawals

X-post from Economy group...

Following research last week suggesting that HSBC has a major capital shortfall, the fact that several farmer's co-ops were unable to pay back depositors in China, and, of course, the liquidity crisis in China itself, news from The BBC that HSBC is imposing restrictions on large cash withdrawals raising a number of red flags.
The BBC reports that some HSBC customers have been prevented from withdrawing large amounts of cash because they could not provide evidence of why they wanted it. HSBC admitted it has not informed customers of the change in policy, which was implemented in November for their own good:
"We ask our customers about the purpose of large cash withdrawals when they are unusual... the reason being we have an obligation to protect our customers, and to minimise the opportunity for financial crime."
As one customer responded: "you shouldn't have to explain to your bank why you want that money. It's not theirs, it's yours."

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-01-24/bank-run-fears-continue-hsbc-restricts-large-cash-withdrawals

the article goes on to say that the bank claims this is an effort to prevent "financial crime"....
In truth, the bank has been charged with having 80 billion shortfall, in a report of last week.
"Large cash withdrawals" =3,000 pounds or more.

The Latest HSBC Scandal: An $80 Billion Capitalization Shortfall

Forensic Asia on Tuesday began its coverage of Britain’s largest banking group with a ‘sell’ recommendation, warning the lender had between $63.6bn (£38.7bn) and $92.3bn of “questionable assets” on its balance sheet, ranging from loan loss reserves and accrued interest to deferred tax assets, defined benefit pension schemes and opaque Level 3 assets.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-01-16/latest-hsbc-scandal-80-billion-capitalization-shortfall

January 24, 2014

Los Angeles to consider cutting ties to JP Morgan!!!!!!!!!!!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles councilman proposed Wednesday that the nation's second-largest city consider ending tens of millions of dollars of financial ties with troubled JP Morgan Chase & Co.

A motion introduced by Democrat Gil Cedillo seeks a review of city business with the nation's largest bank, as well as an analysis of legal options to end those contracts.

It said a city retirement system holds over $100 million in JP Morgan stock and investments, and the city has a line of credit with the bank. The motion also suggests disqualifying the bank from doing further business with City Hall.

"We need to review the impacts that the repeated investigations, lawsuits and settlements involving JP Morgan have on our investments and holdings," the motion concluded.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Jan/15/la-urged-to-consider-ending-ties-with-jp-morgan/

Hot damn....is that a gleam of daylight I see in the Reality window?????

January 23, 2014

I just made this applesauce cake..it is fantastic!

Nothing is as good on these way too cold days as spicy applesauce cake.
hven't made one in years.
So roamed the inter-tubes, found this recipe, which I wanted to share, cause it turned out so darn well.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
I cup chopped walnuts
I cup raisins ( I soak them in enough hot water to cover, for about 30 minutes before I need them
you can use the water for the 1/2 cup in the recipe)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat the eggs,oil, sugar and water all together, stiir in the flour mixture, add raisins and nuts, stir.

Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish.

Bake 60-65 minutes or until done.

( I would check it at 45 min. mark..the outside looked done, but the center needed more time)

This great with a good tea.
or whipping cream
or ice cream
or even a cream cheese icing
or...........

January 23, 2014

How y'all holding up in Brrrrrrrrrrr alabama???

I just looked at the forecast into next week.
A HIGH of 38????
In SW Alabama????

My poor Satsuma is ded...too much cold for too long.

And now bentley says a propane emergency.

It ain't gonna be as cold as the Northern tier of the US, but damn, those folks have clothes for the weather and are apparently used to it...

Profile Information

Gender: Female
Hometown: Washington state, for half my life
Home country: USA
Current location: SW Alabama. for the rest of my life
Member since: Wed Feb 27, 2008, 02:09 PM
Number of posts: 60,010

About dixiegrrrrl

Long time political activist, working to tint my lil "Mayberry" more blue. Collector of strays of various species and minds.

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