Last week, the World Economic Forum held its 2024 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. It is the top, the very pinnacle of worldwide leaders in politics and economics. What the WEF likes to refer to as the Global "Stakeholders." Stakeholders is a relatively obscure term that Klaus Schwab rescued from the dustbin of investment language to describe those who are invested in and manage their countries.

Adam Smith provided a formula for a Nation to become wealthy. Countries could become self-sufficient and wealthy by making things and manufacturing the goods and products needed for everyday life. Their wealth would grow as their manufacturing became streamlined and efficient and utilized the latest machinery and production methods. Providing those items the people used daily would raise everyone's overall standard of living.

Adam Smith provided a formula for a Nation to become wealthy. Countries could become self-sufficient and wealthy by making things and manufacturing the goods and products needed for everyday life. Their wealth would grow as their manufacturing became streamlined and efficient and utilized the latest machinery and production methods. Providing those items the people used daily would raise everyone's overall standard of living.

Adam Smith provided a formula for a Nation to become wealthy. Countries could become self-sufficient and wealthy by making things and manufacturing the goods and products needed for everyday life. Their wealth would grow as their manufacturing became streamlined and efficient and utilized the latest machinery and production methods. Providing those items the people used daily would raise everyone's overall standard of living.

Adam Smith provided a formula for a Nation to become wealthy. Countries could become self-sufficient and wealthy by making things and manufacturing the goods and products needed for everyday life. Their wealth would grow as their manufacturing became streamlined and efficient and utilized the latest machinery and production methods. Providing those items the people used daily would raise everyone's overall standard of living.

Today, the interests of Ukraine, Israel, and the United States have become fused into one. While it may be difficult for those within the US Borders to see this, it is becoming increasingly apparent to the rest of the world. The latest UN Vote for a Cease-Fire in Gaza had 120 Nations affirm a halt in fighting, while a mere 13 other countries joined the United States in voting to continue the fight.

Today, the interests of Ukraine, Israel, and the United States have become fused into one. While it may be difficult for those within the US Borders to see this, it is becoming increasingly apparent to the rest of the world. The latest UN Vote for a Cease-Fire in Gaza had 120 Nations affirm a halt in fighting, while a mere 13 other countries joined the United States in voting to continue the fight.

Today, the interests of Ukraine, Israel, and the United States have become fused into one. While it may be difficult for those within the US Borders to see this, it is becoming increasingly apparent to the rest of the world. The latest UN Vote for a Cease-Fire in Gaza had 120 Nations affirm a halt in fighting, while a mere 13 other countries joined the United States in voting to continue the fight.

Today, the interests of Ukraine, Israel, and the United States have become fused into one. While it may be difficult for those within the US Borders to see this, it is becoming increasingly apparent to the rest of the world. The latest UN Vote for a Cease-Fire in Gaza had 120 Nations affirm a halt in fighting, while a mere 13 other countries joined the United States in voting to continue the fight.

Earlier this week, Nippon Steel of Japan announced that it would acquire US Steel for 14.9 Billion (USD). America had lost its last great, fully self-sufficient steel maker.

Here's the story of how it happened:

Earlier this week, Nippon Steel of Japan announced that it would acquire US Steel for 14.9 Billion (USD). America had lost its last great, fully self-sufficient steel maker.

Here's the story of how it happened:

Earlier this week, Nippon Steel of Japan announced that it would acquire US Steel for 14.9 Billion (USD). America had lost its last great, fully self-sufficient steel maker.

Here's the story of how it happened:

Earlier this week, Nippon Steel of Japan announced that it would acquire US Steel for 14.9 Billion (USD). America had lost its last great, fully self-sufficient steel maker.

Here's the story of how it happened:

Regrettably, the events unfolding in Gaza increase the probability of a conflict that lasts not just for months or years but for generations. I know that many hope and pray that hostilities will be over shortly. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear likely.

Regrettably, the events unfolding in Gaza increase the probability of a conflict that lasts not just for months or years but for generations. I know that many hope and pray that hostilities will be over shortly. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear likely.

Regrettably, the events unfolding in Gaza increase the probability of a conflict that lasts not just for months or years but for generations. I know that many hope and pray that hostilities will be over shortly. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear likely.

Regrettably, the events unfolding in Gaza increase the probability of a conflict that lasts not just for months or years but for generations. I know that many hope and pray that hostilities will be over shortly. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear likely.

Today, Financial Leverage is simply the way we do business. Most of us don't give it a second thought: when we go to the store, we pull out the "plastic" and pay for our goods and items. Little do we realize that we have just made a loan with our credit card company. The dollars we're using to pay are part of a revolving loan with our VISA, Master Card, or other credit provider.

Today, Financial Leverage is simply the way we do business. Most of us don't give it a second thought: when we go to the store, we pull out the "plastic" and pay for our goods and items. Little do we realize that we have just made a loan with our credit card company. The dollars we're using to pay are part of a revolving loan with our VISA, Master Card, or other credit provider.

Today, Financial Leverage is simply the way we do business. Most of us don't give it a second thought: when we go to the store, we pull out the "plastic" and pay for our goods and items. Little do we realize that we have just made a loan with our credit card company. The dollars we're using to pay are part of a revolving loan with our VISA, Master Card, or other credit provider.

However, at this point, a puzzle emerged. Some more enterprising analysts noticed that the Gross Domestic Product did not equal the Gross Domestic Income (GDI). While the Product advanced at an annual rate of 5.2%, Income was up only 1.5%. The difference between the two measures is 3.7%. It's one of the most significant differentials anyone can recall.

However, at this point, a puzzle emerged. Some more enterprising analysts noticed that the Gross Domestic Product did not equal the Gross Domestic Income (GDI). While the Product advanced at an annual rate of 5.2%, Income was up only 1.5%. The difference between the two measures is 3.7%. It's one of the most significant differentials anyone can recall.

However, at this point, a puzzle emerged. Some more enterprising analysts noticed that the Gross Domestic Product did not equal the Gross Domestic Income (GDI). While the Product advanced at an annual rate of 5.2%, Income was up only 1.5%. The difference between the two measures is 3.7%. It's one of the most significant differentials anyone can recall.

However, at this point, a puzzle emerged. Some more enterprising analysts noticed that the Gross Domestic Product did not equal the Gross Domestic Income (GDI). While the Product advanced at an annual rate of 5.2%, Income was up only 1.5%. The difference between the two measures is 3.7%. It's one of the most significant differentials anyone can recall.

December 23rd, 2023, will mark the 110th anniversary of the Federal Reserve Board. Created before credit cards, before electronic funds transfer (EFT), before instant communications and the internet, and indeed before computers, the question arises: do we still need this anachronistic Central Bank?

December 23rd, 2023, will mark the 110th anniversary of the Federal Reserve Board. Created before credit cards, before electronic funds transfer (EFT), before instant communications and the internet, and indeed before computers, the question arises: do we still need this anachronistic Central Bank?

December 23rd, 2023, will mark the 110th anniversary of the Federal Reserve Board. Created before credit cards, before electronic funds transfer (EFT), before instant communications and the internet, and indeed before computers, the question arises: do we still need this anachronistic Central Bank?

It's one of those special memories that I look back upon and cherish, with just a hint of mystery. The year was 2001, and we were visiting my old hometown, Santa Barbara. After attending Mass at Mission Santa Barbara, we headed to the Four Seasons, renowned for its Sunday Brunch. It was the perfect place for the family to enjoy a bite to eat.

It's one of those special memories that I look back upon and cherish, with just a hint of mystery. The year was 2001, and we were visiting my old hometown, Santa Barbara. After attending Mass at Mission Santa Barbara, we headed to the Four Seasons, renowned for its Sunday Brunch. It was the perfect place for the family to enjoy a bite to eat.

This week, the master of Global Chess came to San Francisco to meet his chief adversary. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, was meeting Joe Biden, President of the United States.

This week, the master of Global Chess came to San Francisco to meet his chief adversary. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, was meeting Joe Biden, President of the United States.

The Mainstream Media, with help from the Biden Administration, is trying to portray Tuesday's election as a return to the issues of the 1980s, primarily touting women's right to an abortion. It's a puzzling move, especially at a time when the literal survival of our nation is at stake.

The Mainstream Media, with help from the Biden Administration, is trying to portray Tuesday's election as a return to the issues of the 1980s, primarily touting women's right to an abortion. It's a puzzling move, especially at a time when the literal survival of our nation is at stake.

For the past couple of years, we've been told this is a robust and vibrant economy and that the recovery from the COVID Lockdown is complete. Inevitably, these Pollyannas point to the strong labor market as their proof.

For the past couple of years, we've been told this is a robust and vibrant economy and that the recovery from the COVID Lockdown is complete. Inevitably, these Pollyannas point to the strong labor market as their proof.

If you were asked: "what's inflation?" it's likely that you might give a couple of different answers. On the one hand, you might say: "It's when prices rise." Or, on the other hand, you may respond: "It's when things cost more." Both answers would be correct. But there's a mile's worth of difference between the two.

If you were asked: "what's inflation?" it's likely that you might give a couple of different answers. On the one hand, you might say: "It's when prices rise." Or, on the other hand, you may respond: "It's when things cost more." Both answers would be correct. But there's a mile's worth of difference between the two.

Like almost everything about our current Economy, this began with the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps to "lockdown" commercial activity. American politicians, from the President down to the local councilman, put in special rules to quarantine people everywhere.

Like almost everything about our current Economy, this began with the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps to "lockdown" commercial activity. American politicians, from the President down to the local councilman, put in special rules to quarantine people everywhere.

We're the United States of America for God's sake, the most powerful nation in the history-- not in the world, in the history of the world. The history of the world. We can take care of both of these (Ukraine and Israel) and still maintain our overall international defense.

President Biden on CBS 60 Minutes October 15, 2023

We're the United States of America for God's sake, the most powerful nation in the history-- not in the world, in the history of the world. The history of the world. We can take care of both of these (Ukraine and Israel) and still maintain our overall international defense.

President Biden on CBS 60 Minutes October 15, 2023

President Biden's decision to block Russia from using the Society For Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT)) has been epic.

President Biden's decision to block Russia from using the Society For Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT)) has been epic.

It's the story of a finely tuned economic machine that is as delicate and precise as a Swiss watch. It's the American Economy and perhaps the most complicated social organization ever created.

It's the story of a finely tuned economic machine that is as delicate and precise as a Swiss watch. It's the American Economy and perhaps the most complicated social organization ever created.

"I have directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to begin moving into the Eastern Mediterranean," with those words, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signaled that the full power and might of the United States would come to the support of Israel, in its hostilities with Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement.

"I have directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to begin moving into the Eastern Mediterranean," with those words, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signaled that the full power and might of the United States would come to the support of Israel, in its hostilities with Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement.

In the 78 years since the end of World War II, this country has had 13 Economic Recessions, or an average of a recession every six years. Perhaps the strangest of all these downturns was when a President had a heart attack.

In the 78 years since the end of World War II, this country has had 13 Economic Recessions, or an average of a recession every six years. Perhaps the strangest of all these downturns was when a President had a heart attack.

Let's be clear: this strategy of raising interest rates works because it depresses overall commercial activity. As rates rise, industries cut back on investment, consumers curtail the amount they purchase, and eventually, prices stabilize, but in a much weaker overall economy. That's why when these rate hike strategies begin, they're almost always followed by a Recession (a more fragile economy).

Let's be clear: this strategy of raising interest rates works because it depresses overall commercial activity. As rates rise, industries cut back on investment, consumers curtail the amount they purchase, and eventually, prices stabilize, but in a much weaker overall economy. That's why when these rate hike strategies begin, they're almost always followed by a Recession (a more fragile economy).

However, there was one way in which this tragedy differed from all the others. In the Floyd protests, people took to the streets. There is nothing new about that. Americans have been doing that for a couple of hundred years. But this time, the sheer scope of the protests was staggering. Every state in the country experienced protests. The country's 200 largest cities had demonstrations, and 64,000 national guardsmen were mobilized to control the crowds. Sixty foreign countries sent notices of support. Together, 26 million Americans took to the street.

However, there was one way in which this tragedy differed from all the others. In the Floyd protests, people took to the streets. There is nothing new about that. Americans have been doing that for a couple of hundred years. But this time, the sheer scope of the protests was staggering. Every state in the country experienced protests. The country's 200 largest cities had demonstrations, and 64,000 national guardsmen were mobilized to control the crowds. Sixty foreign countries sent notices of support. Together, 26 million Americans took to the street.

Today, there is a growing consensus in the country that in reacting to the Pandemic, our political leaders overstepped their authority. Many of the ad hoc solutions created more issues than they solved. Fortunately, we still have the capability of self-correction. Properly applied reform could be as effective today as it was 90 years ago after the Great Depression.

Today, there is a growing consensus in the country that in reacting to the Pandemic, our political leaders overstepped their authority. Many of the ad hoc solutions created more issues than they solved. Fortunately, we still have the capability of self-correction. Properly applied reform could be as effective today as it was 90 years ago after the Great Depression.

The Ukraine War is showing us different times. A time before the American Revolution, back to the Middle Ages. A time when feudal lords, with their private soldiers, fought for supremacy.

The Ukraine War is showing us different times. A time before the American Revolution, back to the Middle Ages. A time when feudal lords, with their private soldiers, fought for supremacy.

What today is beginning to crest as a significant political tsunami began just a few months ago as a little pebble tossed into the European pond by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was to be a human interest article by the German Magazine Die Zeit.

What today is beginning to crest as a significant political tsunami began just a few months ago as a little pebble tossed into the European pond by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was to be a human interest article by the German Magazine Die Zeit.

Many of us see the Autumn as our favorite time of the year. The humidity and high temperatures are behind us now, and we can enjoy pleasant temperatures and often fair skies. That's how it is in Moscow, Russia, currently. The weather forecast for the rest of September calls for a light breeze, with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s. Napoleon found the same weather when he was there in the Autumn of 1812. He had just conquered most of western Russia and enjoyed September in Moscow. But he stayed too long.

Many of us see the Autumn as our favorite time of the year. The humidity and high temperatures are behind us now, and we can enjoy pleasant temperatures and often fair skies. That's how it is in Moscow, Russia, currently. The weather forecast for the rest of September calls for a light breeze, with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s. Napoleon found the same weather when he was there in the Autumn of 1812. He had just conquered most of western Russia and enjoyed September in Moscow. But he stayed too long.

The contrast between how this President began his term and today could not be more stark. You may recall that the newly elected President, Joe Biden, sat at the Resolute Desk signing Executive Order after Executive Order for the first couple of days in office. He set a record of creating new policies and initiatives for the country.

The contrast between how this President began his term and today could not be more stark. You may recall that the newly elected President, Joe Biden, sat at the Resolute Desk signing Executive Order after Executive Order for the first couple of days in office. He set a record of creating new policies and initiatives for the country.

The occasion was the 15th anniversary of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. The halfway point of a program that was envisioned to be completed in the year 2030, just over six years from now. That's just the sort of precision investors look for: specific goals with a set time to achieve them.

The occasion was the 15th anniversary of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. The halfway point of a program envisioned to be completed in 2030, just over six years from now. That's just the sort of precision investors look for: specific goals with a set time to achieve them.

It's a world in which each "partner" along the way must rely on all the rest. And, if you follow the logic, that's how a local tragedy, like the closing of the neighborhood store, becomes a national financial crisis when up the ladder first the owner, then the lender (banks) aren't paid.

It's a world in which each "partner" along the way must rely on all the rest. And, if you follow the logic, that's how a local tragedy, like the closing of the neighborhood store, becomes a national financial crisis when up the ladder first the owner, then the lender (banks) aren't paid.

These are the most difficult days for Cities in America, ever. Daily, we see the symptoms of their struggle with crime, the homeless, and the drug-addled on their squalid sidewalks. The internet is full of videos of the "trank" addicted in Philadelphia, the muggings and fights on New York Subways, and the "Shooting galleries" in San Francisco. It's not a pretty picture. Most of us, myself included, are overwhelmed by the human degradation of these suffering people.

These are the most difficult days for Cities in America, ever. Daily, we see the symptoms of their struggle with crime, the homeless, and the drug-addled on their squalid sidewalks. The internet is full of videos of the "trank" addicted in Philadelphia, the muggings and fights on New York Subways, and the "Shooting galleries" in San Francisco. It's not a pretty picture. Most of us, myself included, are overwhelmed by the human degradation of these suffering people.

On this day, September 11, 1990, the American President announced the beginning of the New World Order. Appropriately enough, it was President George HW Bush who made the announcement. After all, he was its chief architect. Before a special Joint Congress session, Bush outlined his vision for this New Order of the Ages.

On this day, September 11, 1990, the American President announced the beginning of the New World Order. Appropriately enough, it was President George HW Bush who made the announcement. After all, he was its chief architect. Before a special Joint Congress session, Bush outlined his vision for this New Order of the Ages.

And so the exodus began. American factories, by the droves, moved across the Pacific. The elites were happy, as profit margins, driven chiefly by this low-cost Chinese production, continued to increase. The overall effect on the American economy was profound. Consider this: the most profitable companies, the ones with the most significant incomes, all follow this business model, American marketing with offshore (principally Chinese) production. Almost the entire US Tech Industry now has its manufacturing facilities in Asia.

And so the exodus began. American factories, by the droves, moved across the Pacific. The elites were happy, as profit margins, driven chiefly by this low-cost Chinese production, continued to increase. The overall effect on the American economy was profound. Consider this: the most profitable companies, the ones with the most significant incomes, all follow this business model, American marketing with offshore (principally Chinese) production. Almost the entire US Tech Industry now has its manufacturing facilities in Asia.

As you've no doubt guessed, the organization we're referring to is our Government and its budget process. September is the final month in the Federal Fiscal Year and the time when a budget must be prepared and approved for next year.

As you've no doubt guessed, the organization we're referring to is our Government and its budget process. September is the final month in the Federal Fiscal Year and the time when a budget must be prepared and approved for next year.

When this conflict in Ukraine began, it all seemed so black and white, so clear cut. Russia, in a wanton act of aggression and with no provocation, had invaded Ukraine. And, as has often been the case throughout our history, America rode to the rescue of Ukraine.

When this conflict in Ukraine began, it all seemed so black and white, so clear cut. Russia, in a wanton act of aggression and with no provocation, had invaded Ukraine. And, as has often been the case throughout our history, America rode to the rescue of Ukraine.

When this conflict in Ukraine began, it all seemed so black and white, so clear cut. Russia, in a wanton act of aggression and with no provocation, had invaded Ukraine. And, as has often been the case throughout our history, America rode to the rescue of Ukraine.

For months, the Biden Administration and the Federal Reserve have told us that this Economy is just like Goldilocks. The tale of a little girl who finds that breakfast has been served. And what's more, it's "just right." Like the Economy, it's not too hot, and it's not too cold. President Biden tells us that we're "building back better." Over at the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell tells us that endless monetary tightening will solve the inflation problem without causing undue slowing in the Economy. It's all "just right."

For months, the Biden Administration and the Federal Reserve have told us that this Economy is just like Goldilocks. The tale of a little girl who finds that breakfast has been served. And what's more, it's "just right." Like the Economy, it's not too hot, and it's not too cold. President Biden tells us that we're "building back better." Over at the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell tells us that endless monetary tightening will solve the inflation problem without causing undue slowing in the Economy. It's all "just right."

For months, the Biden Administration and the Federal Reserve have told us that this Economy is just like Goldilocks. The tale of a little girl who finds that breakfast has been served. And what's more, it's "just right." Like the Economy, it's not too hot, and it's not too cold. President Biden tells us that we're "building back better." Over at the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell tells us that endless monetary tightening will solve the inflation problem without causing undue slowing in the Economy. It's all "just right."

In the history of Western Civilization, tensions have nearly always existed between the power and authority of the citizens and that of the State. It's easy to forget that Rome began as a Republic and only later transitioned into the Roman Empire. Power transferred, as if on a great Pendulum, from the people to the Caesar. For Rome, this move toward autocracy was due primarily to the life and death of one man, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus.

In the history of Western Civilization, tensions have nearly always existed between the power and authority of the citizens and that of the State. It's easy to forget that Rome began as a Republic and only later transitioned into the Roman Empire. Power transferred, as if on a great Pendulum, from the people to the Caesar. For Rome, this move toward autocracy was due primarily to the life and death of one man, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus.

In the history of Western Civilization, tensions have nearly always existed between the power and authority of the citizens and that of the State. It's easy to forget that Rome began as a Republic and only later transitioned into the Roman Empire. Power transferred, as if on a great Pendulum, from the people, to the Caesar. For Rome, this move toward autocracy was due primarily to the life and death of one man, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus.

There is no doubt that employment will be one of the significant issues in the upcoming Presidential Election. In Wednesday's Republican Presidential Debate, US Senator Tim Scott touted the employment record of the Republican-led Senate two years ago—that fit right in with Washington's overall view of the economy.

There is no doubt that employment will be one of the significant issues in the upcoming Presidential Election. In Wednesday's Republican Presidential Debate, US Senator Tim Scott touted the employment record of the Republican-led Senate two years ago—that fit right in with Washington's overall view of the economy.

Thus an ad hoc invitation by the Russian Foreign Minister began what is rapidly becoming one of the most influential Confabs of Nations worldwide. The 15th BRICS Summit, which began with just Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, had nearly 50 countries in attendance yesterday. Including the man who started it all, Sergei Lavrov, who will represent the Russian Federation.

Thus an ad hoc invitation by the Russian Foreign Minister began what is rapidly becoming one of the most influential Confabs of Nations worldwide. The 15th BRICS Summit, which began with just Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, had nearly 50 countries in attendance yesterday. Including the man who started it all, Sergei Lavrov, who will represent the Russian Federation.

Just as they did last year around this time, the Energy Reliability Council of Texas recommends that everyone turn up their thermostats and reduce their energy usage. Why? Because the Texas energy grid cannot supply the peak demand created by another hot Texas summer. Texas has run out of Energy.

Just as they did last year around this time, the Energy Reliability Council of Texas recommends that everyone turn up their thermostats and reduce their energy usage. Why? Because the Texas energy grid cannot supply the peak demand created by another hot Texas summer. Texas has run out of Energy.

This inability by the Fed to change from stimulus to restriction in considerable measure began the rapid rise in prices. Today, the opposite may be the case. If the Recession does begin, the Fed will need to move quickly from a restrictive monetary policy back to stimulus.

This inability by the Fed to change from stimulus to restriction in considerable measure began the rapid rise in prices. Today, the opposite may be the case. If the Recession does begin, the Fed will need to move quickly from a restrictive monetary policy back to stimulus.

The rot in America is palpable; it oozes from the halls of our schools, drips like rancid water from the floors of Washington, and destroys the "unworthy." In our uniquely American version of Reform, there is an implied "moral" component that allows its promoters to accumulate power for themselves. Under the "reform" banner, the United States has been transformed from a nation designed to restrain centralized power to likely the most concentrated control-mechanism of all time.

The rot in America is palpable; it oozes from the halls of our schools, drips like rancid water from the floors of Washington, and destroys the "unworthy." In our uniquely American version of Reform, there is an implied "moral" component that allows its promoters to accumulate power for themselves. Under the "reform" banner, the United States has been transformed from a nation designed to restrain centralized power to likely the most concentrated control-mechanism of all time.

What are your plans for Christmas?

For over nine years, the United States has issued a steadily increasing set of Sanctions against the Russian Federation. It all began in 2014 when the break-away republic of Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia. The United States objected to the referendum by issuing its first set of sanctions.

For over nine years, the United States has issued a steadily increasing set of Sanctions against the Russian Federation. It all began in 2014 when the break-away republic of Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia. The United States objected to the referendum by issuing its first set of sanctions.

For over nine years, the United States has issued a steadily increasing set of Sanctions against the Russian Federation. It all began in 2014 when the break-away republic of Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia. The United States objected to the referendum by issuing its first set of sanctions.

So, I just received my monthly home "Energy Report." You may receive something similar from your electric company. It's a report that shows me how much electricity I used last month and how my home compares to all the others in the neighborhood.

So, I just received my monthly home "Energy Report." You may receive something similar from your electric company. It's a report that shows me how much electricity I used last month and how my home compares to all the others in the neighborhood.