XOM Eager To Tap Into Iran -- May 21, 2015

For the archives; so many moving parts, so many story lines -- Biz Journal is reporting that Exxon hired a lobbying firm founded by Oklahoma Republican Don Nickles, a former U.S. senator, to work on the sanctions.

Analysts say companies such as Exxon are eager to explore Iranian oil fields because the drilling economics are cheaper.

Just one of many, many "excuses." Economics.

[Update, one day later, May 22, 2015: Exxon denies they hired a lobbyist to do this. Whatever.]

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Baltimore Update

On May 8, 2015:

The Boston Globe is reporting:

What’s more, a disproportionate chunk of the money that the city has goes to its most pressing need: public safety. While cities like Boston and New York capitalized on dramatic declines in crime to fuel urban renaissances over the past three decades, Baltimore continues to suffer from chronically high levels of violence. In 2016, Baltimore will spend about $130 million more than Boston will on policing. This makes sense and it doesn’t — Baltimore had 235 homicides in 2013. Boston had 40 that year. (Baltimore's population is slightly less than that of Boston.)

Sort of goes back to the same questions that need to be asked in Milwaukee. 

So, how are things going? In today's Baltimore Sun:

The city has experienced 100 homicides this year, compared with 71 at this time last year, the police department said. It's the fastest the city has reached 100 homicides since 2007. Last year, the city reached the mark on July 4. Nonfatal shootings are up more than 70 percent with at least 19 people shot on Tuesday and Wednesday.

100 homicides in 140 days (through May 21, 2015) = x homicides in 365 days; Baltimore is on track for 260 homicides in 2015. 

The mayor says she has faith in the police department to turn this around.

One comment: Sort of goes back to the same questions that need to be asked in Milwaukee.

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Hypocrisy 101

If Michelle were serious about her healthy food schtick, she would support this.  On the other hand, the reason "this" would not work: money is fungible.

Shadows In A Mirror, Chris Isaak