Bill Hionas says Debt Crises in Europe and US are as Much Political as Economic
Europe continues to be the main focus for investors and financiers.
MIAMI, FL – Suggestions abound that ‘2012 will see the death of Europe’, or some similar dire forecast, making the financial markets extremely nervous, to say the least. Unfortunately, it seems this is as much a political crisis as an economic one. There are possible solutions to Europe’s debt problems, just as there are to the problems the US faces with its budget deficit. Unfortunately, the solutions would be exceedingly unpopular with the citizens of the affected nations and would almost certainly guarantee that the political leader responsible would never be re-elected. Consequently, leaders are reluctant to take such measures.
“We have seen three European governments fall in as many weeks,” says Bill Hionas. “Austerity measures will be met with rioting in the streets, understandably so. Many European countries currently enjoy a short working week, up to six weeks’ paid vacation and generous retirement benefits. Losing this l Full Post…
New Identity Theft Low: Community Agency Worker Sells Holocaust Survivors’ ID Information
From targeting veterans, the elderly and even children, identity thieves are a loathsome bunch that often prey on the weakest in society. And, just when you think you have seen it all, a criminals does something that pushes identity theft to a new low. An employee of a Jewish community organization was arrested this past weekend on charges of selling Holocaust survivors identity information for a sum of – get this $1,000.
Crystal Thorne, a coordinator at the Jewish Community Services of South Florida, offered to sell the allegedly stolen Holocaust victims IDs to a confidential police informant. Thorne’s job gave her access to the personal information of clients names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers who regularly seek help from the Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program.
Kudos to law enforcement for arresting Thorne on identity theft charges. And, while this may seem like a small case, it reinforces that the criminals will continue to sink lower and lower. We will be covering this case in the coming months. Stay tun
U.S. Market Closes On A Volatile Note; Utilities Rise
The U.S. market ended the week’s trading on a mixed note amidst instability in Europe, a plethora of corporate earnings and protests in the streets of major U.S. cities.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.22 percent or 25.43 points to close at 11,796.16. The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. composite index slipped 0.60 percent or 15.49 points to close at 2,572.50. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index was down 0.04 percent or 0.48 points to close at 1,215.65. Among other major indices, the New York Stock Exchange composite index rose 0.20 percent or 14.24 points to close at 7,290.72. The American Stock Exchange composite index was up 0.24 percent or 5.33 points to close at 2,241.89.
Hot Stocks of the Day: HNZ, EK, ANN, CAT, BA
HJ Heinz Co. (NYSE: HNZ) reported net income of $237 million, or $0.73 per share in its fiscal 2012 second quarter versus $251 million, or $0.78 per share last year. Analysts had forecasted EPS of $0.80 for the company. Full Post…
Ray Jessel – ‘Identity Theft’
At Birdland with Jim Caruso – 2010
Wakulla County Students’ Social Security Numbers Exposed
Wakulla County School Board said the Social Security numbers of students were accidentally placed on a public website. The glitch was found when a parent searched their child’s name and found their FCAT scores and Social Security numbers available on a public site.
The schools Superintendent, David Miller said the School Board immediately launched an investigation and within seventy two hours the public file had been removed.
David Miller sent letters to the parents of 2400 plus students in grades fourth through tenth whose information was accidentally exposed.
The letter notifying parents of the data breach was sent out on November seventh. Miller recommends parents watch for anything unusual that may point to inappropriate use of their child’s personal information.