Massdriver

I bought some index funds at the opening bell. It’s time to buy equities! These two funds cover the world: VTI VXUS

I’m not convinced Yellen wouldn’t have raised just as many times, but I believe she would have softened the language earlier.

It has to be Joe!

I haven’t followed the conflict closely lately, but I think we should keep a small presence there for a while. I take issue with large occupation forces, such as 50,000 plus for years without end. Leaving behind a few thousand with air capabilities seems reasonable in places like Syria and Afghanistan.

The models they're looking at are probably projecting a need for a rate hike because of the "tight" labor market which should mean wage inflation is right around the corner. The argument is small rate hikes now means that they don't have to do more drastic moves in the future when inflation heats up quicker than they can control with small movements. Of course that's what the models have been predicting for years. I would pump the brakes if I were them.

No, but passage in the House is a given from my understanding. Mitch was holding it up.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/18/us/politics/senate-criminal-justice-bill.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-overwhelmingly-backs-overhaul-of-criminal-justice-system/2018/12/18/89efffb6-02e7-11e9-9122-82e98f91ee6f_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.434844853a45

Nikki Haley will eventually save the GOP from Trumpism, but it will be after Trump crashes and burns in 2020.

This seems long overdue.

If the Feds remove it from the CSA, states would be more likely to try that approach. Otherwise it puts state employees at risk.

It should help, but Mississippi kept alcohol prohibition around until 1966. It's going to be a long process.

California, Michigan, and now New York will have legalized marijuana for general use very soon. Activists are targeting states with large populations to push this issue over the finish line. Ohio will be a ballot initiative in 2020. Illinois is being lobbied right now. Texas is being targeted for decriminalization and medical with general legalization in 6-8 years as the goal.

I agree with the Senators here. I mean I get the counter argument, that you have to pick the lesser evil as an ally in the Middle East, but fuck it. I can't support the Saudis and we don't need to. Fuck our weapons deals. Let China or Russia have them.

How about no zoning at all! I'll take it though.

I think that’s the largest factor, but his primary challenger also pushed him.

New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Connecticut all seem to have traction from governors or legislatures.

It is one of the only episodic X Files ish shows that I bother with. People that say stop after season 5 miss out on some great characters and fun episodes (the episode “Baby” from season 11 for example). It certainly doesn’t fit the high quality, strong continuity tv category for me. That is for shows like Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Better Call Saul, The Wire, The Expanse, Halt and Catch Fire, Battlestar Galactica, and many others that make up my favorite shows. But I think Supernatural is far better than shows such as NCIS and other slock in that category.

Attack on Titan (latest season)- 7/10. There were pacing problems.

I still enjoy it. It isn’t top tier material from many angles, but it shows that the cast enjoys making the show. If you want to know what’s going on, you have to watch! They have kept it going. They’ve added a multi verse to the world and the character Jack, half archeangel and half human.

I love Obsidian. I noticed this will be on Steam. Interesting and good start since Microsoft is acquiring Obsidian (last I heard).

I think Trump's age is going to start hitting him hard in the near future. He just doesn't look healthy to me.

I think Epic will be different. It isn't going to be a publisher's revenue grab. It's crap right now and maybe they shouldn't have released it until much later, but I think they are going to devote a significant revenue stream to it. Point taken on how they are fragmenting the market while Valve consolidated it. However, Valve has overcharged developers and their sales have become worse over time. The only mechanism that can correct this is competition. I have no intention of using the Epic store right now. My hope is that Valve feels pressure over time and improves. I would like other stores to have around 30% of the revenue stream eventually. I don't like publishers all setting up their own shitty launchers, but I would like to see one or two other serious efforts made to compete with Steam.

Our trade war with China isn't helping, even though I am tired of China stealing IP. It would be nice if Trump lifted all our tariffs on everyone else. We are overdue for a recession. The bond market is starting to show it. Higher rates are going to start hitting all these companies that borrowing a bunch for dividends and buybacks. I just don't think our economy can handle rates going up much more.