Luke_Wilbur

I guess that depends on your religious beliefs.

In Google's defense many companies are getting into this. DCpages is experimented with this technology about 10 years ago. http://dcpages.com/Tourism/Virtual_Tour/Im...mage61_pf.shtml Remote Reality is now working with the government doing security. I refrained from doing streets because I thought it would be an invasion of privacy. But, our government really has no internet privacy rules that cover this subject. Privacy is a central element of the FTC's consumer protection mission. In recent years, advances in computer technology have made it possible for detailed information about people to be compiled and shared more easily and cheaply than ever. That has produced many benefits for society as a whole and individual consumers. For example, it is easier for law enforcement to track down criminals, for banks to prevent fraud, and for consumers to learn about new products and services, allowing them to make better-informed purchasing decisions. At the same time, as personal information becomes more accessible, each of us - companies, associations, government agencies, and consumers - must take precautions to protect against the misuse of our information. The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy, including the security of personal information. Under the FTC Act, the Commission guards against unfairness and deception by enforcing companies' privacy promises about how they collect, use and secure consumers' personal information. Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Commission has implemented rules concerning financial privacy notices and the administrative, technical and physical safeguarding of personal information, and it aggressively enforces against pretexting. The Commission also protects consumer privacy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Use the topic links on the left to read more about our efforts in each of these areas, including what we've learned, and what you can do to protect the privacy of your personal information.

Talk about corruption. This is unbelievable : Wells Fargo Insurance Services Team Meeting Headquarter Hotel: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Start Date: 02/25/2009 End Date: 02/27/2009 Attendees: 40 URL: www.wellsfargo.com http://www.lvcva.com/meetings/convention-c...il.jsp?id=61700

FDA to confirm that the sources of the outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant.Peanut butter is sold by PCA in bulk containers ranging in size from five (5) to 1,700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35-pound containers to product sold by the tanker container. Neither of these products is sold directly to consumers. However, through its investigation, FDA has determined that PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 100 consignee firms, for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream. FDA initiated an inspection of PCA's Blakely plant on January 9 shortly after learning that this firm might be linked to the ongoing Salmonella outbreak. FDA finished its inspection on January 27. Here is the Peanut Corporation of America latest statement.

I was amazed to see that pawn broker had a million dollar budget for a Super Bowl commerical to promote a service that gets people to send gold jewelry through U.S. mail and then get cash sent back to them. What does this say about the true state of our economy. I wonder what mechanisms are in place to prevent paying theives and burglers?

It is good to see that religion is becoming open source. It has been a cash cow for many so called men of God.

This is a fantastic post! There is so much wisdom in Jefferson's words. I feel that many of our leaders have not taken the time to learn from them.

I just became a fan. Fast Car with Paul Simon got me. View the video at YouTube.

The SEC case is SEC v. Madoff, 08-10791, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). The criminal case is U.S. v. Madoff, 08-mag-2735, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

I think we will never know the complete amount. Madoff pressured his investors to never reveal they had money with him. It really is amazing how this scam lasted so long. United States v. Bernard L. Madoff U.S. v. Bernard L. Madoff, 08 Mag. 2735. On December 11, 2008, Bernard L. Madoff was arrested on a criminal complaint alleging one count of securities fraud. On December 11, 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission brought a civil action against Mr. Madoff, and filed a motion to freeze certain assets and to appoint a receiver. On December 12, 2008, U.S. District Judge Louis L. Stanton entered an order: (1) appointing a receiver (Lee S. Richards, Esq.) over Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, Madoff Securities International Ltd., and Madoff Ltd.; and (2) freezing certain corporate and personal assets. On December 15, 2008, a trustee (Irving H. Picard, Esq.) was appointed for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, pursuant to the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970. At the moment, we understand that the receiver will be posting information about its activities at www.madoff.com, and the trustee will be posting information about its activities at www.sipc.org. Investors and/or victims should consult those websites for additional information. Investors are requested to gather any documents that they have concerning their investments with Mr. Madoff and his companies, and to regularly check this website, the receiver's website, the trustee's website, and the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for information about developments in this investigation and further instructions on how to provide information to the pertinent authorities. In addition, the FBI has set up a hot line number, (212) 384-2359, for victims to call and leave their contact information. We know that investors are anxious to learn whatever they can about the status of their investments and the assets of the Madoff companies. Although we cannot provide further details at this time, please be assured that all those involved are working diligently to investigate this matter and to locate and preserve assets that can be used for restitution to defrauded investors.

On December 15, 2008, the Honorable Louis L. Stanton, a Federal Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, appointed Irving Picard as Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investments Securities LLC (“BMIS”) pursuant to the Securities Investor Protection Act (“SIPA”) as set forth in the attached order. LINK Mr. Picard supersedes Lee S. Richards, the previously appointed Receiver for BMIS and all claims by customers of BMIS will be processed by Mr. Picard as SIPA Trustee. Customers and claimants should refer to the website of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for information about the processing of claims. SIPC.ORG Mr. Richards continues to serve as Receiver for Madoff Securities International Ltd. pursuant to the attached order. LINK Should you have further questions, please contact the Trustee at the following number: 888-727-8695.

Looks like the President is going to do something that Congress would not. What do you think? Today, aboard Air Force One with President Bush on his way to Texas, White House spokesperson Dana Perino made the following statements: Given the current weakened state of the U.S. economy, we will consider other options if necessary, including use of the TARP program, to prevent a collapse of troubled automakers. Under normal economic conditions, we would prefer that markets determine the ultimate fate of private firms. A precipitous collapse of this industry would have a severe impact on our economy and it would be irresponsible to further weaken and destabilize our economy at this time. While the federal government may need to step in to prevent an immediate failure, the auto companies, their labor unions and all other stakeholders must be prepared to make the meaningful concessions necessary to become viable. Congress spoke last night. They don’t have the votes to do anything. They didn’t get it over the goal line, and so we have to consider what other options we would take, but I don’t have a time frame on it.

I am deeply saddenned that to find out that President-Elect Obama's senate seat was being auctioned off to the highest bidder. So far two candidates have been revealed Jesse Jackson Jr. Lisa Madigan I am losing faith in both parties.

Citigroup stock is down another 26 percent today, it is the worst one-day percentage decline for the company ever. It can be purchased at $4.71/per share. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is down 17.8 percent and can be purchased for $23.38. My bank Suntrust is down 13.01 percent and selling at $24.61 a share. I feel sorry for all their common stock shareholders. They are in risk of losing their money. Preferred stock shareholders have a little better insurance and do pay a dividend. Better yet, invest in yourself and start your own business is the best bet.

Inaction is not an option. Here is a transcript from the President of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America: Now that is what this is about. This is about a young family who are counting on these jobs so that they can provide for their children and perhaps have an education for their children in the future. It is about retirees like Rita who worry everyday about whether or not their pension check is going to come in. I just hope that one of the things that we haven’t lost here is the impact of a bankruptcy on the part of any of these companies.

I truly hope all sides come together on our economy. It looks like McCain, Obama, and Lieberman have made amends with each other. We just need to put aside all drama and move on to stabilizing our economy. Everyone is going to be looking for a handout. I think the ones we bail out should have major strings attached. Transparency for one thing. I will put a link to your directory if you want. Just let me know.

This financial crisis is affecting everyone. Our business has been a loyal customer of American Express for quite some time. They just reduced our credit line even though we pay all of our bills before they are due. The days of writing checks are coming back.

Google has a good trend indicator of China's exports http://finance.google.com/finance?client=o...;q=NASDAQ:CHINA

I am sure all sides want what is best for our country. I am sure Obama's team will have all positions filled weeks before the inauguration. I find it interesting that everyone is dissecting every movement President elect Obama is making.

Renewable Energy Corp. ASA Research in Motion Ltd. Rio Tinto PLC Roche Holding AG Part. Cert. Royal Bank of Canada Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC Royal Dutch Shell PLC A Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. SAP AG Schlumberger Ltd. Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd. Siemens AG Societe Generale S.A. Sony Corp. Southwest Airlines Co. SunPower Corp. Cl A Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. ADS Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Tata Steel Ltd. Telefonica S.A. Tesco PLC Time Warner Inc. Toshiba Corp. Total S.A. Toyota Motor Corp. UBS AG UniCredit S.p.A. United Parcel Service Inc. Cl B United Technologies Corp. Veolia Environnement S.A. Verizon Communications Inc. Vestas Wind Systems A/S Vinci S.A. VISA Inc. Cl A Vodafone Group PLC Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Walt Disney Co.

Intel Corp. International Business Machines Corp. Johnson & Johnson JPMorgan Chase & Co. Komatsu Ltd. Kraft Foods Inc. Cl A L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co. Series B LG Electronics Inc. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton McDonald's Corp. Medtronic Inc. Merck & Co. Inc. Microsoft Corp. Mitsubishi Corp. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Mizuho Financial Group Inc. Monsanto Co. National Australia Bank Ltd. National Bank of Greece S.A. National Grid PLC Nestle S.A. News Corp. Cl A Nike Inc. Cl B Nintendo Co. Ltd. Nippon Steel Corp. Nokia Corp. Novartis AG Panasonic Corporation PetroChina Co. Ltd. Petroleo Brasileiro S/A Pref Pfizer Inc. Philip Morris International Inc. Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. Procter & Gamble Co. Q-Cells AG Reliance Industries Ltd. Renewable Energy Corp. ASA

Coca-Cola Co. Colgate-Palmolive Co. Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais-CEMIG Pr Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Pref A ConocoPhillips Credit Suisse Group Daimler AG Deere & Co. Deutsche Bank AG Deutsche Post AG E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. E.ON AG eBay Inc. EDP-Energias de Portugal S.A. Exxon Mobil Corp. FedEx Corp. First Solar Inc. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Gamesa Corporacion Tecnologica S.A. GAZPROM OAO GDF Suez S.A. General Electric Co. General Motors Corp. Gilead Sciences Inc. GlaxoSmithKline PLC Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Google Inc. Cl A Hewlett-Packard Co. Home Depot Inc. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Honeywell International Inc. HSBC Holdings PLC (UK Reg) Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. Infosys Technologies Ltd. ING Groep N.V. Intel Corp.

3M Co. ABB Ltd. Abbott Laboratories Alcoa Inc. Allianz SE Amazon.com Inc. America Movil S.A.B. de C.V. Series L American Express Co. Anglo American PLC Apple Inc. ArcelorMittal Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. Astrazeneca PLC AT&T Inc. AXA S.A. BAE Systems PLC Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. Banco Santander S.A. Bank of America Corp. Bank of New York Mellon Corp. BASF S.E. Baxter International Inc. Bharti Airtel Ltd. BHP Billiton Ltd. BNP Paribas S.A. Boeing Co. BP PLC Carnival Corp. Carrefour S.A. Caterpillar Inc. Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. Series CPO Chevron Corp. China Construction Bank Corp. China Mobile Ltd. China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. China Unicom Ltd. Cisco Systems Inc. Citigroup Inc.

The Global Dow is a 150-stock index of the most innovative, vibrant and influential corporations from around the world. Only leading blue-chip stocks are included in the index. Its components, like those of The Dow, are selected by editors of Dow Jones. The launch of this new icon was unveiled August 4, 2008 by Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corporation in Mumbai, India. Dow Jones Indexes is a business unit of Dow Jones & Company, a News Corporation company (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Mr. Murdoch said: "The world is changing and how we measure that change economically and financially is clearly a challenge and an opportunity. We have seen a reweighting of risk around the world, but the world itself is being economically rerated and so we need an index that allows investors to take advantage of these changes. Indian companies will obviously have a place in The Global Dow as will companies from other emerging countries where we have seen an unprecedented economic emancipation over the past two decades." Robert Thomson, managing editor, The Wall Street Journal said, "While we must reflect the global stock market as it is, we must also recognize the rapid rise of companies in countries such as India. We have already seen great Indian companies acquiring famous brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover, but these developments are just the beginning of a long-term trend that will fundamentally change the international corporate landscape. As with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the component choices for the new index will be based on the editorial judgment of the world's leading business journalists, that is Dow Jones journalists." The Global Dow will track the share prices of existing and future global leaders in every industry. Vigorous companies from emerging economies will be included along with companies from emerging sectors such as alternative energy. http://www.djindexes.com/globaldow/

General Motors (NYSE: GM) announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2008, reflecting rapidly deteriorating market conditions in the U.S., slowdowns in other mature markets around the world, and continued losses at GMAC Financial Services (GMAC). During the third quarter the turmoil in the global credit markets resulted in the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years. The upheaval has had a dramatic impact on the auto business in particular, especially in the U.S. and Western Europe. Tight credit, rising unemployment, declining income, falling stock markets, and continuing deterioration in the housing market in the U.S., resulted in an abrupt halt in consumer spending, with most consumers exiting the vehicle market. Many of those still intending to purchase vehicles were denied financing, or found the cost of financing prohibitive. “The third quarter was especially challenging for the auto industry. Consumer spending, which represents close to 70 percent of the U.S. economy, fell dramatically, and the abrupt closure of credit markets created a downward spiral in vehicle sales,” said Rick Wagoner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The U.S. government’s actions to help stabilize the credit markets and eventually ease the credit crunch are an essential first step to the economy’s and the auto industry’s recovery, but further strong action is required.” GM reported a net loss of $2.5 billion or $4.45 per share for the third quarter, including special items. That compares with a net loss from continuing operations of $42.5 billion or $75.12 per share in the third quarter of 2007, which included a non-cash charge of $38.3 billion to establish a valuation allowance against some of the company’s net deferred tax assets. On an adjusted basis, GM posted a net loss of $4.2 billion or $7.35 per share, compared with a net loss from continuing operations of $1.6 billion or $2.86 per share in the same period last year. Revenue for the third quarter was $37.9 billion, down from $43.7 billion in the year-ago quarter, reflecting dramatic sales declines across the industry driven by unstable market conditions, instability in the credit markets and dramatic retraction in consumer demand, especially in North America and Europe. GM recorded net favorable charges of $1.7 billion for special items in the third quarter. Included in the charges was a curtailment gain of $4.9 billion resulting from the UAW Settlement Agreement becoming effective. The curtailment represents the accelerated recognition of net prior service credits, largely relating to the 2005 GM UAW healthcare agreement, scheduled for amortization after January 1, 2010. The curtailment was recorded because GM's UAW retiree health plan will not exist after January 1, 2010, and therefore no further basis for deferring unamortized prior service credits exists beyond that date. The $4.9 billion curtailment gain was partially offset by a non-cash $1.7 billion settlement charge related to the elimination of post-65 salaried retiree healthcare coverage, including the cost of increased pension benefits that were announced in July as part of GM’s operating actions to improve liquidity as well as the recognition of accumulated deferred losses related to the healthcare plan. In addition, GM reported charges of $652 million relating to its commitments as part of Delphi’s bankruptcy proceedings, $251 million for impairment of investments in GMAC, and $641 million in restructuring-related and other charges. Details on these and all other special items are in the financial highlights section of this release. GM Automotive Operations GM reports its automotive operations and regional results on an earnings-before-tax basis, with taxes reported on a total corporate basis. GM recorded an adjusted automotive loss of $2.8 billion ($947 million reported loss) in the third quarter 2008. The loss compares with adjusted automotive earnings from continuing operations of $98 million in the third quarter of 2007 (reported net loss of $1.6 billion). The results reflect losses in GM North America (GMNA) driven largely by the U.S. industry volume decline of nearly 20 percent, and shifts in product mix. In addition, Europe saw rapid auto market contraction, leading to sharply lower GM Europe (GME) sales volume in the third quarter. GM Asia Pacific (GMAP) results were down due to commodity hedging charges and moderating demand in key markets including China, Australia and India. These losses were partially offset by very strong results in the GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GMLAAM) region. GM’s automotive results in the third quarter include $1.5 billion of expenses related to mark-to-market changes in the value of GM’s commodity and foreign exchange hedging contracts, due almost entirely to falling commodity prices. GM sold 2.1 million vehicles worldwide in the third quarter, down 11 percent year over year. Sales in GMNA were down 19 percent compared to third quarter 2007. GM global market share was 13 percent, down 0.7 percentage points compared with the third quarter of 2007, due largely to weakness in North America and Western Europe. GMNA revenue and earnings in the third quarter reflect dramatic industry deterioration and a sharp fall in consumer spending driven by the weak U.S. economy and a very harsh credit environment. Earnings were impacted by lower volumes, rapid shifts among U.S. consumers away from trucks and SUVs toward smaller cars, and unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments on commodity hedging. GME revenue was down 15 percent in the third quarter amid industry-wide volume declines ranging from 10 to 35 percent in certain major markets including the U.K., Spain and Italy. Overall GME sales volume was down 12.3 percent year over year, while up 10 percent in Eastern Europe. Earnings were largely impacted by the lower volumes, and unfavorable mix and negative pricing. In addition, unfavorable foreign exchange relating to the weakening of the British pound and the mark-to-market of commodity hedges negatively impacted earnings. Results were partially offset by favorable structural cost performance. Results in GMAP were impacted primarily by unfavorable mix and negative pricing. In addition, GMAP results were impacted by unfavorable hedging, which was largely offset by the favorable foreign exchange impact of exports. Industry sales for the region were down by 134,000 units or 2.7 percent in the third quarter. Despite the slowdown, GM reported a 2.6 percent increase in sales volume, and modest gain in market share. Markets in the GMAP region are expected to remain soft through the fourth quarter, with further slow downs anticipated in Australia, China, South Korea and India as the contagion of the faltering U.S. economy and tightening credit conditions expand to other regions around the world. GMLAAM saw double-digit revenue growth, up 15 percent, and earnings, up 37 percent, in the third quarter, fueled by strong demand for Chevrolet and Cadillac products. GMLAAM sales volume was up more than 3 percent compared to the same period last year. Sales were especially strong in key South America markets, including Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, each setting all-time GM quarterly sales records. The region is on track for another year of record sales, although the effects of the global economic slowdown on credit availability and consumer behavior are likely to result in some moderation of demand in the fourth quarter. GMAC On a standalone basis, GMAC reported a net loss of $2.5 billion for the third quarter 2008, down $900 million from the year-ago quarter. GM reported an adjusted loss of $1.2 billion for the quarter attributable to GMAC, as a result of its 49 percent equity interest. GMAC’s automotive finance operation experienced pressure from lower used vehicle prices and weaker consumer and dealer credit performance. GMAC’s ResCap operations reported further losses as a result of adverse market conditions, which drove high credit-related provisions and weak revenue. GMAC’s Insurance business remained profitable. Cash and Liquidity Cash, marketable securities, and readily-available assets of the Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust totaled $16.2 billion on September 30, 2008, down from $21.0 billion on June 30, 2008. The change in liquidity reflects negative adjusted operating cash flow of $6.9 billion in the third quarter 2008, driven by the industry-wide slowdown in vehicle demand and compounding credit crisis, especially in North America and Europe. During the quarter, GM drew the remaining $3.5 billion of its secured revolving credit facility and made $1.2 billion in payments to Delphi as required by agreements between the companies as part of Delphi’s bankruptcy proceedings. GM expects adjusted operating cash flow in the fourth quarter to be much improved versus the third quarter, and more consistent with the first half of the year. Improvements in fourth quarter cash flow are largely driven by anticipated improvements in working capital in North America relating to sales allowances, and lower fourth quarter finished vehicle inventory in Europe. Improving its liquidity position remains a top priority for the company. In response to deteriorating market conditions, GM announced today that in addition to the $15 billion in liquidity initiatives it outlined in July 2008, it has identified $5 billion of incremental liquidity actions. Cumulatively, GM has announced actions aimed at improving liquidity by $20 billion through 2009. To date, $10 billion in internal operating actions have either already been completed or are on track for full execution by the end of 2009. Even if GM implements the planned operating actions that are substantially within its control, GM's estimated liquidity during the remainder of 2008 will approach the minimum amount necessary to operate its business. Looking into the first two quarters of 2009, even with its planned actions, the company's estimated liquidity will fall significantly short of that amount unless economic and automotive industry conditions significantly improve, it receives substantial proceeds from asset sales, takes more aggressive working capital initiatives, gains access to capital markets and other private sources of funding, receives government funding under one or more current or future programs, or some combination of the foregoing. The success of GM's plans necessarily depends on other factors, including global economic conditions and the level of automotive sales, particularly in the United States and Western Europe. Further detail on the additional liquidity actions and GM’s current liquidity position and outlook are disclosed in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange (SEC).