rickety – Page 64

Dow Ten Largest Daily Point and Percentage Losses

October 25, 2008 by rickety Leave a Comment

Dow Losses

I find it interesting (and depressing) to look at the all-time Dow Jones Industrial Average largest point and percentage losses. The recent losses have been bad news for most people’s 401Ks. The tables show only the largest one-day losses between a given day’s close and the close of the previous trading day.

Notice that the top point losses all are from 1997 onwards whereas only three of the the top ten percentage losses are from 1987 onwards. As a percentage loss, 2008 only appears in ninth place but takes first, second, fourth, and fifth places in point losses.

Further, the last ten years have claimed eight of the ten highest point losses with half of the top ten taking place in 2008.

Dow Top Ten Largest Daily Point Losses

Click ONCE on column headers to sort.

Rank	Date	Close	Change	% Change
1	9/29/2008	10365.45	-777.68	-6.98
2	10/15/2008	8577.91	-733.08	-7.87
3	9/17/2001	8920.7	-684.81	-7.13
4	12/1/2008	8,149.09	-679.95	-7.70
5	10/9/2008	8579.19	-678.91	-7.33
6	8/8/2011	10809.85	-634.76	-5.55
7	4/14/2000	10305.78	-617.77	-5.66
8	10/27/1997	7161.14	-554.26	-7.18
9	8/10/2011	10719.94	-519.83	-4.62
10	10/22/2008	8519.21	-514.45	-5.69

Dow Top Ten Largest Daily Percentage Losses

Click ONCE on column headers to sort.

Rank	Date	Close	Change	% Change
1	10/19/1987	1738.74	-508	-22.61
2	10/28/1929	260.64	-38.33	-12.82
3	10/29/1929	230.07	-30.57	-11.73
4	11/6/1929	232.13	-25.55	-9.92
5	12/18/1899	58.27	-5.57	-8.72
6	8/12/1932	63.11	-5.79	-8.4
7	3/14/1907	76.23	-6.89	-8.29
8	10/26/1987	1793.93	-156.83	-8.04
9	10/15/2008	8577.91	-733.08	-7.87
10	7/21/1933	88.71	-7.55	-7.84

Source

For more tables of the Dow largest point and percentage losses see Wikipedia.

Photo Credit

Bear Market by Mark Rain.

Updates

Added a 679.95 point loss for December 1, 2008.
Added a 634.76 point loss for August 8, 2011.
Added a 519.83 point loss for August 10, 2011.

Early Voting in Davis County, Utah

October 24, 2008 by rickety 9 Comments

For the information on voting in the current elections go to Vote.Utah.Gov.

I am accustomed to voting early. The process is not at all rickety and is rather simple. A few days ago I went to Leave Your Print to find a list of the times and locations where I could vote early. Here are all the remaining times left to early vote in Davis County:

Bountiful Library, 725 South Main, Bountiful
Friday, Oct. 24, 7:00am – 11:00am
Saturday, Oct. 25, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday, Oct. 27, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Oct. 28-30, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, Oct. 31, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Davis County Courthouse, 28 East State Street #107, Farmington
Tuesday, Oct. 21-24, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, Oct. 27-30, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday, Oct. 31, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

[Read more…]

Epic Excerpts: Gordon B. Hinckley

October 22, 2008 by rickety Leave a Comment

President Hinckley

Gordon Bitner Hinckley, born 23 June 1910 was the fifteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 12 March 1995 until his death. During Hinckley’s presidency he dedicated more temples than anyone else. He presided over the building of the 20,000 seat Conference Center, the issuance of the Proclamation on the Family, the creation of the Church’s Perpetual Education Fund and the reconstruction of the historic Nauvoo Illinois Temple. At the time of his death, 27 January 2008, almost one-third of the Church’s membership had joined under his leadership. I can recall many of these epic quotations being spoken:

Stand A Little Taller

The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (“This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 69)

Hard Work

Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds. (“Farewell to a Prophet,” Ensign, Jul 1994, 37–40)

Death

All of us have to deal with death at one time or another, but to have in one’s heart a solid conviction concerning the reality of eternal life is to bring a sense of peace in an hour of tragedy and loss that can come from no other source under the heaven. (“Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Jan 1998, 72)

Respect For Self

Respect for self is the beginning of virtue in men. (“In Opposition to Evil,” Ensign, Sep 2004, 2–6)

Watch Ourselves

Let us, each of us, watch ourselves. Whenever we have within us a little temper, go outside, breathe some fresh air, and come in with a smile and throw your arms around your companion and tell her you love her. Look to your children and let them know that you love them. Live with them kindly and graciously, as Latter-day Saints should do. (“Inspirational Thoughts,” Ensign, Aug 2000, 2)

Good Parents

[The Lord] expects us to be good parents, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives. He expects husbands to treat their wives with deference and respect. He expects wives to treat their husbands with kindness and helpfulness. He expects us to be good parents to our children. (“Latter-day Counsel: Selections from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr 2001, 73)

Kindness

Our kindness may be the most persuasive argument for that which we believe. (“We Bear Witness of Him,” Ensign, May 1998, 4)

Houses In Order

I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order. So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings. . . We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the church. Self-reliance cannot be obtained when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others. (“To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 51)

Mothers

It is the home which produces the nursery stock of new generations. I hope that you mothers will realize that when all is said and done, you have no more compelling responsibility, nor any laden with greater rewards, than the nurture you give your children in an environment of security, peace, companionship, love and motivation to grow and do well. (“Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 98)

Honesty

I think the Lord expects of his people that they will be absolutely honest in all of their dealings. In all that they do, they will be honest with others and honest with themselves. “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” (Thirteenth Article of Faith) (“Latter-day Counsel: Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr 1999, 71)

Try Handing Out Compliments

There is a sad tendency in our world today for persons to cut one another down. Did you ever realize that it does not take very much in the way of brainpower to make remarks that may wound another? Try the opposite of that. Try handing out compliments. (“Strengthening Each Other,” Ensign, Feb 1985, 3)

Yes to Proposition 8 – No to Same-Sex Marriage Instruction

October 21, 2008 by rickety 6 Comments

Why Support Proposition 8?

Support Proposition 8 so as to prevent this kind of situation:

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding. The eighteen first graders, ages 5 and 6, left their studies for the same-sex wedding officiated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Not only will schoolchildren be taught about same-sex marriage if Proposition 8 fails, it’s already happening.

Gay Marriage Instruction

Opponents of Proposition 8 are spending millions of dollars on television commercials telling voters that gay marriage will not be taught in public schools. Yet a review of public records filed with the First District Court of Appeal in Boston shows these same organizations fought to make it so in Massachusetts. Specifically, they fought to ensure that gay marriage be taught in Massachusetts public schools. Further, their assurance that parents can always “opt-out” of such instruction when it is taught is belied by the fact that in Massachusetts, they argued successfully that Massachusetts’ parental opt-out provision should not be permitted. In Massachusetts second graders were taught in class about gay marriage using the book, “King and King.” This book is about a prince who married another prince, and includes an illustrated scene of the two men kissing.

Parker v. Hurley

In Parker v. Hurley, 474 F. Supp. 2d 261 (D. Mass. 2007), a federal district court in Massachusetts held against parents who objected to a pro-homosexual curriculum. The following are statements filed in amicus curiae briefs in Parker v. Hurley. The statements show how organizations leading the No on 8 campaign are misleading California voters when they say gay marriage will not be taught in California public schools.

From the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Amicus Curiae Brief:

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where the right of same-sex couples to marry is protected under the state constitution, it is particularly important to teach children about families with gay parents. [p 5]

From the Human Rights Campaign Amicus Curiae Brief:

There is no constitutional principle grounded in either the First Amendment’s free exercise clause or the right to direct the upbringing of one’s children, which requires defendants to either remove the books now in issue — or to treat them as suspect by imposing an opt-out system. [pp 1-2]

From the ACLU Amicus Curiae Brief:

Specifically, the parents in this case do not have a constitutional right to override the professional pedagogical judgment of the school with respect to the inclusion within the curriculum of the age-appropriate children’s book … King and King. [p 9]

This is the truth about the calculated efforts to deliver gay marriage into California public school classrooms, against the wishes of the people of that state. Voters may differ about how they feel about gay marriage, but there is no disputing that the organizations funding and leading the No on Proposition 8 campaign have already revealed, in their own words, their desire to impose this subject on children in the public schools — “whether you like it or not.”

Source: Protect Marriage campaign update emails. See also Preserving Marriage website.

Daniel Speaks in Sacrament Meeting

October 19, 2008 by rickety 3 Comments

Daniel leaves the chapel after his talk

Today Daniel spoke in sacrament meeting on the subject of the Holy Ghost. He leaves for his mission this month and family and friends were in attendance. Here are some highlights of his talk:

Mission Call

When my mission call came I carefully opened the envelope and began reading the letter. I wasn’t able to pronounce the name of the mission at first, which had five A’s, a B, and a U in it. It looked more like a report card than a mission name. When my mother heard me say I was going to the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission she asked, “No, tell us where are you are really going.”

The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a gift from God which comforts, protects, answers questions, and reveals truth. It is the way that God communicates with us. After baptism we receive the Holy Ghost:

Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 2 Nephi 32:2-3

Everyone has the light of Christ, or conscience, to help guide them. Those possessing the Gift of the Holy Ghost can come to a greater light and understanding. The Holy Ghost can calm our worries and give comfort when we are sad.

Daniel with a few of his friends

The Rest Stop

A boy got his favorite drink from the store. He liked it so much that he drank all 64 fluid ounces of it straight away. Immediately his parents took him on a trip. After awhile on the road he realized his favorite drink might not stay with him. This caused him great discomfort and he was really worried. But then up ahead he saw a sign that said “Rest Stop 1 mile.” The comfort that the boy received from seeing the sign can be like the peace we get from the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost Protects Us

The Holy Ghost protects us from physical and spiritual danger. The gift of the Holy Ghost will prompt us to resist temptation by reminding us of the gospel law in the very moment of temptation. Daniel shared a short story of how he was protected on his scooter from being hit by a car.

The Holy Ghost Reveals Truth

The Holy Ghost reveals the truth of all things. He helps us have a sure knowledge of truth. The way we get this knowledge is found in Moroni:

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Moroni 10:4-5

Daniel said that he tried this for himself and he received the answer that the Church was true. This quote by Elder Bednar added additional insight:

Please notice how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart…. Ultimately,…the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrates into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter. David A. Bednar, “Seek Learning by Faith,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 60–68

Here is a quote that Daniel didn’t have time to read but is worth including here:

I believe the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world. It can be more mind-expanding and can make us have a better sense of well-being than any chemicals or other earthly substance. It will calm nerves; it will breathe peace to our souls. This Comforter can be with us as we seek to improve. It can function as a source of revelation to warn us of impending danger and also help keep us from making mistakes. It can enhance our natural senses so that we can see more clearly, hear more keenly, and remember what we should remember. It is a way of maximizing our happiness. James E. Faust, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass,” Ensign, Apr 1996, 2.

Daniel with Rachel, Amy, Adri, Joni, and Katie

Lending Club Open for Loans, Prosper in Quiet Period

October 18, 2008 by rickety 3 Comments

Prosper Quiet Period

Prosper will not accept new lender registrations or allow new commitments from existing lenders. This is called a quiet period. During this time they can register with securities authorities promissory notes that may be offered and sold to lenders through Prosper in the future. I wrote about my Prosper experiences in August. Currently I have 35 loans with three of them a little rickety at less than 15 days late. I am earning 17.34% with a goal to earn 10%, hence I have allowed for several defaults. I have been reinvesting the principal and interest back into new $50 loans. Now that I cannot make new loans I will move the cash from the repayments over to Lending Club.

Lending Club

Lending Club opened up to lenders again at just the right time now that lending at Prosper is temporarily closed. According to the Lending Club blog, Utah, where I live, has already been added:

We were delighted to open our doors to lenders again on Tuesday this week and see hundreds of lenders signing up for the new program in just a few days. In addition to the federal filing with the SEC, we have made a coordinated “blue sky” filing in all 50 states, and state clearances have been trickling in all week, with four new states already added: Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

What I am most interested in trying is the Note Trading Platform. This is how it works:

If you are a Lending Club lender and wish to sell some of your Notes, or buy Notes currently held by other lenders, you can now use the Note Trading Platform operated by FOLIOfn, member FINRA/SIPC. You will need to open an account with FOLIOfn but you can use the funds available in your Lending Club account to buy Notes through the Trading Platform, and receive the proceeds of any sale of Notes (minus a 1% trading fee) directly into your Lending Club account. Only Notes that were issued after October 12, 2008 can be traded on the Trading Platform.

A benefit of trading Notes is that you can review loan payment history and credit score trends since the date the loan was issued. You can buy Notes that have a shorter maturity. You may identify Notes that are priced below their fair value. Notes can be sold to obtain liquidity. I may try this just to see how it works.

Lending Club statistics are reasonable. Since 1 June 2007 Lending Club has issued 2,447 loans worth $19,541,150 and has declined 18,802 loans valued at $151,626,494. There have been $577,586 (2.96%) in late loans (31-120 days) and $970,225 (4.97%) prepaid. Defaults (120+ days) are $327,862 (1.68%).

Utah Temples Tour: Manti and St George

October 17, 2008 by rickety 5 Comments

Manti Temple

With eleven temples visited during Day1, Day 2, and Day 3 it is time to visit the two remaining temples. Day 4 of the Utah Temples Tour began, as you may have guessed, at a rickety 4am. We left the Wayside Motor Inn in Monticello at 4:50am bound for Manti but hunting for breakfast on the way.

The Manti Temple

Manti Temple tower

We traveled all the way to Manti before we found breakfast. We passed up the 8:30am session so as to eat and then we just managed to catch the 9:30am session. This is an awesome temple. Every room is big. The celestial room is the largest of all the Utah temples. This is a real pioneer structure with ornate ceilings and wooden bench seating. A temple worker showed us the sealing rooms. Very beautiful. Daniel and Spencer hung back and were shown the spiral staircase that goes to the top of the tower. This is a temple built on hill. Walking around the grounds meant some steep climbs to get some great photographs. If I were to choose two Utah temples to visit, other than the Salt Lake temple, it would be the Vernal and Manti temples.

The St. George Temple

Leaving Manti we drove to St. George and took some photographs in the temple grounds before attending the 4pm session. The temple is the first completed by the Church after the Nauvoo exodus and is similar in its design to the Nauvoo Temple. It is the oldest LDS temple still actively used by the members of the Church. There are three ordinance rooms and 18 sealing rooms, and a total floor area of 110,000 feet. In the 1970s the temple was closed and underwent extensive remodeling. The temple has an all white exterior and quiet grounds with some very old trees. When we left we ate at Subway before leaving St. George and arriving home at 10:45pm.

Reflections

On this tour I have enjoyed seeing the interior of eleven Utah temples and working for the dead in all of them. Eight of those temples I have never entered before. Jake and Daniel saw nine new temples. Paul seven new temples. Spencer six new temples. And of course we also visited the construction sites of two temples. But most importantly we have helped to provide saving ordinances for the dead.

A thank you to Andrew for joining us for a day and kisses to Jill for providing the snacks and participating with us at the Ogden temple. What I will remember most is the time spent traveling and being in the temples with three of my sons.

St. George Temple

Utah Temples Tour: Vernal, Monticello

October 15, 2008 by rickety 6 Comments

Vernal Temple

After a successful Day 1 and Day 2, Day 3 of the Utah Temples Tour began at the usual 4am. Some of us are a little rickety at this hour but we had roads to drive and temples to see.

Daniel outside the Vernal Temple

The Vernal Temple

We left Kaysville at 5:15am arriving in Vernal in time for the 8:30am session. Like the Logan temple we moved to a terrestrial room half way through the session. The celestial room was beautiful. It was quite large, bigger than Ogden. It had a high ceiling and a large painting of Jesus Christ — what one would expect in a celestial room. There was a comfortable feeling about the temple. Beautiful brown woods communicated warmth and added to the “You’re at home” effect. Originally, the building served as the Uintah Stake Tabernacle for eastern Utah. The building was built with donated labor and was dedicated on August 24, 1907 by LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith. Smith reportedly said he would not be surprised if a temple was built there some day.

The Monticello Temple

In Vernal we ate at Subway before leaving for Monticello. We arrived in time to take all our photographs and then attended the 5pm session. As with Vernal, half way through the session we relocated to a terrestrial room. The celestial room was smaller than the one at Vernal but still very beautiful and peaceful. A temple worker showed us one of the sealing rooms. It was about the same size as the Bountiful sealing rooms that I have attended for weddings. She said there was another sealing room and just one endowment room if you don’t count the terrestrial room. The temple has few buildings around it and a local told us that a herd of deer will sometimes come through on the land across the street from the temple. This was a very friendly temple with the temple workers shaking our hands, asking where we were from, and insisting that we come back again.

Tomorrow will bring Day 4 of the tour and the remaining temples: St. George and Manti.

Monticello Temple