Bank of America's tangible common equity ratio is roughly 0.7% using mark-to-market accounting

Bank of America's tangible common equity ratio is roughly 0.7% using mark-to-market accounting

Tangible common equity is one important ratio the Treasury is believed to be using in it's "stress test" of banks. Citigroup's low tangible common equity ratio is believed to be the reason common shareholders are having their stakes The formula for the tangible common equity ratio is:

Why America fixed gold-silver ratio in 1792

Commodity Online
MUMBAI: When the world is riding a gold boom, there are questions about the fate of silver prices and investors who put money on silver.

It is interesting to track the gold-silver relations during the past. If you check history, the price of silver has been notoriously volatile as it can fluctuate between industrial and store of value demands. At times this can cause wide ranging valuations in the market, creating volatility.

Silver often tracks the gold price due to store of value demands, although the ratio can vary. The gold/silver ratio is often analysed by traders and investors and buyers. In 1792, the gold/silver ratio was fixed by law in the United States at 1:15, which meant that one troy ounce of gold would buy 15 ounces of silver; a ratio of 1:15.5 was enacted in France in 1803. The average gold/silver ratio during the 20th century, however, was 1:47.

From September 2005 onwards, the price of silver has risen fairly steeply, being initially around $7 per troy ounce but reaching $14 per oz. for the first time by late April 2006. The monthly average price of silver was $12.61 per ounce during April 2006, and the spot price was around $15.78 per ounce on November 6, 2007. As of March 2008, it hovered around $20 per troy ounce. However, the price of silver plummeted 58% in October 2008, along with other metals and commodities, due to the effects of the credit crunch.

In March 2009, the gold-silver ratio is 72:1. This means that at the current price of silver it takes 72 ounces of silver to buy 1 ounce of gold.

Due to the safe haven buying of gold and its continuous rise in value, gold has been gaining against the price of silver.

The price of silver has weakened due to a drop in global demand that resulted from the global recession. The price of silver tends to drop faster than the price of gold during a recession because silver is seen as more of an industrial metal than a precious metal.

As the global economy sank into recession in December of 2007, the gold-silver ratio began to rise from 50:1 to 80:1 tracking the deepening global recession. Extreme price moves in the gold-silver ratio are not uncommon and the moves tend to track the direction of the global economy.

If you check data, you can find that the gold-silver ratio fell to 17:1 in 1980 and rose to 100:1 during the 1991 recession.

As the global economy recovered in 2003, the ratio fell from 80:1 to 45:1. The direction of the gold-silver ratio reflects investor sentiment about global growth and recession.

The current global recession reduced demand for silver and increased safe haven demand for gold and the current ratio is near 72:1.

However, this year, it seems, the ratio between gold and silver is expected to peak. Since the global economy started showing signs of recovery from the slump, the gold-silver you are seeing now may be the highest for sometime to come.

When the global economy starts to recover, investors may begin to buy silver and the gold/silver ratio may revert to 50:1.

Across the broad landscape of globally listed mining companies, silver bullion miners, developers and explorers are less wanted than anything else now.

Silver bullion itself is 56% off its highs, seen in March this year. But, amid the apparent dire state of affairs for both silver bullion prices, and stocks operating in the silver space, bullish comments and forecasts remain the order of the day.

Your request is being processed... Pakistan's President Praises Obama, Calls New Policy "Positive Change"

New York Times:

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- In an address to a joint session of Parliament, President Asif Ali Zardari promised Saturday to ease domestic political turmoil and praised the Obama administration's new policy to Pakistan as "positive change."

In a conciliatory gesture to the opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-N, Mr. Zardari said that he would lift the executive rule he had imposed on Punjab Province, the most populous province in Pakistan and one where the opposition party holds the most seats in the legislature.

request is being processed...

Will Obama talk to Osama?

Will Obama talk to Osama?

Last year while Barack Hussein Obama was still debating with Hillary Rodham Clinton on the nomination platform for the Presidency of the United States of America, I started penning a poetry collection in which, I engaged in an imaginary conversation with god and asked, what he was doing at that time.

You may be scripting a

dialogue between Obama and Osama

or a message of non violence

to be delivered from the tongue of Dalai Lama…

Today, part Of my wishful thinking has become a reality. Mr. Barack Obama has been elected as the President of the USA. Rest appears to be in the making. After a month of assuming office in the White House, Mr. Obama has hinted at talks with moderate elements of Taleban, pursuant to his commitment during the election campaign for focus on Afghanistan.

A graffiti art of Mr Obama with his words.

Although it is premature to speculate reconciliation with Mullah Mohammed Omar - the leader of Taleban, this initiative by Mr. Obama shows some signs hitherto considered impossible. This can be a step to break the stalemate in the conflict resolution. This indeed is a change.

What made Mr. Obama, float such an idea? Mr. Obama has said part of the success in Iraq involved reaching out to people who were considered Islamic fundamentalists but were willing to work with us, because they had been completely alienated by the tactics of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Mr. Obama has further added that there might be some comparable opportunities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Therefore by Mr. Obama’s own words - the Islamic fundamentalists are not beyond reach to work with. Moreover, Mr. Obama’s enthusiasm springs from his instinct of openness to evolve a comprehensive strategy of not ruling out dialogue, to set achievable goals, by admitting the mistakes committed in the past - to present a hope for the future.

Mr Hamid Karzai

But as we know, any radical change in politics will be opposed vehemently by forces for “Status Quo” and welcomed by forces who seek change. Presumably, there are mixed reactions for the change in policy on Afghanistan.

For Afghan President Hamid Karzai, it is good news, as he says “We are in favor of talks with those Taleban, who are not with Al-Qaida network and are not playing at the hands of foreigners to destroy the country and in this regard we back the stance of U.S. President”

Pakistani cricketer turned politician Mr. Imran Khan urges US to talk with Taleban citing that Afghanistan has a less governed region and a history of fierce independence among tribes.

An article published in Washington Post titled - “Obama’s call on moderate Taliban useless: Analysts’’ quoted Mr. Waheed Mozhdah - author of a book on Taliban as saying - “Obama’s comment resemble a dream more than reality”. Further Mr. Ahmad Saeedi - a former diplomat and analyst, expressed his view that the tactic would not succeed in Afghanistan where arming militias would only become another headache for Kabul and the West and Mr. Obama’s call for reaching to moderate elements was aimed at appeasing European countries increasingly disillusioned with what looks like a war without end, ahead of a planned trip there.

Pakistani analyst Mr. Rahimullah Yousufzai welcomes Obama’s proposal but is skeptical about the chances of negotiating with the Taliban quoting that the Taliban are very rigid in their demands. They actually don’t want to talk unless there is some guarantee that Western forces will leave.

These comments projected in the media smell failure of talks at the very mention of the proposed talk with Taleban, cast doubt on the good intention of Mr. Obama and point out the un-accommodative rigid nature of Taleban.

What could be the reaction of Taleban? It seems they will not rule out but apply pre condition for the talks.

Mr. Zabihullah Mujahed, the purported Taleban spokesman reiterated that Taleban’s framework is consolidated and there would be no talks unless all the international troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

While opinions are expressed in favor and against, with a change in strategy, there is a possibility that the seven year old war on terror in Afghanistan, as described by the western forces, can now be scaled down by suitably accommodating the extremists resulting in reduced civilian casualties. If civilians are indeed protected, upon his visit to Kabul, Mr. Obama shall be greeted with bouquet as opposed to shoes like his predecessor Mr. Bush in Baghdad.

Pakistan which is the closest neighbor of Afghanistan has recently demonstrated in its own territory - Swat valley, that negotiation and agreement for ceasefire with Taleban is possible which ultimately brings peace to the local population although it does not satisfy all sections of the international media and especially the western intellects.

With no other option, the US has not ruled out talks even with Hizbullah and Hamas and asked them to recognize Israel as a pre condition for talks. Wherever it may be - who to talk depends on to the answer for who the locals are emotionally attached and feel protected with.

Let me take you back in history for a moment. In 1985, Reagan and Gorbachev held their first “summit” meetings in Geneva. After discussing policy, Reagan invited Gorbachev to a small beach house. The two leaders spoke for a long time and came out with the news that they had planned two more summits (which became three more later).

An artists rendering of Osama Bin Laden

That dialog happened at a time when the term “communist” was synonymous with the word “enemy” in the US. (Even today you have to state your communist party membership if any in a US visa application). However the dialog led to the end of the four decade old cold war that incurred tremendous cost - military expenditures by the US in this period is estimated to have been $8 trillion, and nearly 100,000 Americans lost their lives in Korea and Vietnam. Although the loss of life among Soviet soldiers is difficult to estimate, the financial cost for the Soviets was even higher. In addition to the loss of life by uniformed soldiers, millions died in the superpowers’ proxy wars around the globe, most notably in Southeast Asia.

Coming back to the present day, With the US administration exhibiting change it its approach towards Islamic fundamentalism, the question “Will Obama talk to Osama?” may still be viewed as premature or even immature by some analysts. Others might ask if the question should rather be “Will Osama talk to Obama ?” considering the rigid nature and ideals of Al-Qaeda.

Whatever the question might be, the answer to “Global Peace” does seem to lie in dialog – one that could possibly lead to a better understanding between people at extreme ends.

Written by Malarthamil

Feds Crack Down on Foreclosure Scams Agencies Ramp Up Efforts Against Those Preying on Struggling Homeowners

Feds Crack Down on Foreclosure Scams

Agencies Ramp Up Efforts Against Those Preying on Struggling Homeowner

Obama administration has already unveiled its plan to stem the rising home foreclosure rate, but with foreclosure scams also increasing, the administration today announced a multi-agency effort to crack down on scams that prey on struggling homeowners.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, center, announces at the Treasury Department in Washington,...

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, center, announces at the Treasury Department in Washington, Monday, April 6, 2009, a coordinated government effort to protect homeowners from criminal scams as they seek assistance under President Obama's Making Home Affordable program. From left are, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Liebowitz, Geithner, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

"Just as this administration has intensified our efforts to help American homeowners, those who would seek to prey on the most vulnerable are intensifying their tactics as well, often through purported mortgage modification and foreclosure relief companies," Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said at an announcement in Washington. "These are predatory schemes designed to rob Americans of their savings and potentially their homes."

The FBI is currently investigating more than 2,100 mortgage fraud cases, up 400 percent from five years ago.

American People;' Asks Publisher to Withdraw Obama's Book

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Columnist Says Barack Obama 'Lied To The American People;' Asks Publisher to Withdraw Obama's Book
Press release - Yahoo news ^ | Tuesday August 10, 9:22 pm ET

Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 2:14:13 AM by Gelato

Columnist Says Barack Obama 'Lied To The American People;'
Asks Publisher to Withdraw Obama's Book

Tuesday August 10, 9:22 pm ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Out2.com's independent contrarian columnist, Andy Martin, will publish a column and hold simultaneous news conferences in New York and London on Wednesday, August 11th to disclose he believes Barack Obama is a political fraud who "lied to the American people." Martin has asked Crown Books to stop sales of Obama's book because of its fraudulent content. Martin says Obama may be a threat to the Jewish community.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

New York:
Time/date: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 11:00 A.M.
Location: Northeast Corner of Fifth Avenue and 65th
Street (Temple Emanu-El)

London:
Time/date: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 4:00 P.M.
Location: 2 Dryden Mansions, Queens Club Gardens London W14

"I feel sad having to expose Barack Obama," says Martin, "but the man is a complete fraud. The truth is going to surprise, and disappoint, and outrage many people who were drawn to him. He has lied to the American people, and he has sought to misrepresent his own heritage.

"Obama's life story is vastly different from the one he portrays. My point: if he will lie about his mother and father, what else is he lying about? Can we expect 'bimbo eruptions?'

"Fiction: Obama stated in his Convention speech: 'My father ... grew up herding goats.' The 'goat herder' claim has been repeated endlessly. It is a lie. Fact: Obama's grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama was a prominent and wealthy farmer. His son, Obama's father, was a child of privilege, not privation. He was an outstanding student, not a herdsman.

"Fiction: Obama was given an 'African' name. Fact: Obama is a Muslim who has concealed his religion. I am a strong supporter of the Muslim community, and I believe Muslims have been scapegoated. Obama has a great opportunity to be forthright. Instead, he has treated his Muslim heritage as a dark secret. His grandfather was named 'Hussein.' That is an Arabic-Muslim, not African, name. Hussein was a devout Muslim and named his son, Barack Senior, 'Baraka.' Baraka is an Arabic word meaning 'blessed.' Baraka comes out of the Koran and Arabic, not Africa.

"Barack Senior was also a devoted Muslim, and also chose a Muslim name for his son, our own Barack Obama, Junior. Again, his name was an Arabic and Koranic.

Obama has spent a lifetime running from his family heritage and religious heritage. Would his father have given his son a Koranic name if the father was not a devout Muslim? Obama's stepfather was also a Muslim. Obama will be the first Muslim-heritage senator; he should be proud of that fact. There is nothing to be ashamed of in any of the three great Abrahamic religions.

"Fiction: Obama Senior was a harmless student 'immigrant' who came to the United States only to study. Fact: Obama was part of one of the most corrupt and violent organizations in Africa: the Kenyatta regime. Obama's father ran back to Kenya soon after the British left. It is likely Obama's father had Mau Mau sympathies or connections, or he would not have been welcomed into the murderous inner circle of rapists, murderers, and arsonists. I believe Obama's secret shame at his family history of rape, murder and arson is what actualizes him. Our research is not yet complete. We are seeking to examine British colonial records. Our investigation to date has drawn on information on three continents.

"And what about Obama's beloved Kenyan brothers and sisters? None of his family was invited to Boston to share his prominence. Are his relatives being kept in the closet? Where are they? More secrecy, more prevarication.

"It is time for Barack Obama to stop presenting a fantasy to the American people. We are forgiving and many would still support him. It may well be that his concealment is meant to endanger Israel. His Muslim religion would obviously raise serious questions in many Jewish circles where Obama now enjoys support," Martin states.

"Our investigation is continuing. In he meantime, Crown Books should stop selling Obama's novelization of his life. We have asked Crown to do that. Obama is living a lie."

RESOURCES: Martin's columns at Out2.com (Govt & Politics); E-mail: andy@andymartin.com

Source: Andy Martin Worldwide Communications

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Customer Poll about fraud of online working

Hello ,
Thank you for your email and I want to apologise for my delay in replying . I will try to answer clearly to all your questions . First I want to mention that the car is located in Spain .The car has been bought from Germany while I was working there as a programmer at a Software Company for 1 year. Now I have turned back in Spain (Valencia) because the working contract expired . I do not want to keep the car in Spain because the insurance taxes are very expensive ... The car will be sold with all original documentation like registration certificate in Germany, TUV (technical check) and other one(environmental checks) which are valid until 03.2011. It comes also with 2 original main keys .
I am the second owner of it . I assure you the car looks and works perfectly , never being involved in any accidents or damages(the service book can confirm it) .In case you are interested to buy it do not hesitate to contact me .
I wait your reply .
thank you

2nd email (Not the same person, I can see by the writing and spelling)

Hello,

You are now in Spain with the car. I can not come back to Bulgaria because my service is very demanding and I have enough time to go. I am interested from a friend that there is an international transport company for cars and I thought to send the car through this company. I called this company and they told me the way done. I go to seller to send the car along with all its registered transport company (I need your address), and within 5-6 days the car will arrive at your address where you can inspect and test the car. Transport price is 200 euro so I thought to sell the car with EURO 2600 + transmission charges.

These are information about the company:

ase understand me well are asked by my and I can not come anywhere.

Waiting for your reply.

FRAUD ATTEMPT MADE ON
Hope no one has been cheated by them !

Best regards
Frank Petersen