Electile Dysfunction - The inability to become aroused over any candidate for POTUS, put forth by either party...

Submitted by Charles Hugh-Smith of OfTwoMinds blog,

The next few years will strip away the illusions of "growth" and reveal which dominates our society and economy: privilege or social mobility.

Among the many lessons of empires is one shared by virtually every empire: once the privileged few limit the rise of those from humble origins (i.e. social mobility), the empire is doomed to rising instability and collapse.

Marina Lonina, an 18-year-old in Ohio, is charged in connection with the rape of her friend; she didn’t try to help her friend, but rather livestreamed the assault online. Excerpts:

Mr. O’Brien, the prosecutor, said Ms. Lonina had apparently hoped that live-streaming the attack would help to stop it, but that she became enthralled by positive feedback online.

“She got caught up in the likes,” he said.

British prime minister David Cameron has come under renewed pressure to reveal details of possible UK military action in Libya after it emerged that a number of British special forces troops had already been operating in the country since January. EU ministers are holding a special meeting on Monday evening to discuss sending police and border forces to the North African country. The British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also paid an apparent unannounced visit to Tripoli in a show of support for the country’s new UN-backed government.

Was it ever in doubt?

Oh just one thing...

Earnings expectations have plunged over 6% since the last time The Dow was here.

Chart: Bloomberg