Durables, GDP, & Trade – Quickie Intel School – Car-ifying Future

by

We have to start off this morning by “running the numbers.”  Because, like it or not, this is one way of trying to out-guess where the future is leading.  IF, that is, you believe the “perfect pricing model” of trading.  Which holes that all known information is already in the markets at some level.

We ain’t so sure that’s True, however.  Because in our Peoplenomics ChartPack – which is updated twice weekly (Wed preopen and Saturday with markets closed for the weekend) we have been tracing a very strange anomaly for some weeks now.  I won’t go through the charts with you (figuring if you cared, you’d pop the $40/year to get to the box seats).

The basic thing is this:  In our view, there is a great deal to be learned about “future” by looking at three simple numbers.

  • First you look at the current price because that’s the “right-now reality” proxy.
  • Second stop is a short-term moving average.  This is “fast consensus outlook’s” view.
  • Third? Consider a longer-term moving average.  This is the  “slow consensus.”
  • Two wrap, look at either our 85-Day or the popular 200-Day moving averages.

The anomaly for several weeks now in analysis of the Bull and Bear camps is disturbing.  For the bears, we see the spread as relatively consistent. Slow Bears are down in the buying bargain basement levels near those of December 2024.

Our analytical problem?  It’s those damn Bulls. There’s a case that the market could scream higher in October 2023 kind of play.  But there’s almost no spread.  In other words, there’s very little delta between “fast bull sentiment” and “slow bull sentiment.”

Two or three reasons come to mind which might explain this odd behavior.

  • First is that the Fed, via offshore proxies, may have been buying some limited amount of shares in order to keep the GHC (Global House of Cards) from blowing up this year.  The case is argued by the proximity of modes.  Imagining here that the Fed isn’t trying to move markets, but rather has been forced into a position where they need to maintain appearances.  
  • The second possibility is that there may be information leakage to a certain select group of investors who are trying to keep out of the public eye. Imagine some group of investors getting inside advance warning of a “news event” but trying to “play it on the low beam, so as not to be noticed.”
  • The third possibility is that this may be a phenomenon of long-term bullish market exhaustion.  In which case (though it’s a far smaller data set from the 1920s), it would be an interesting analytical problem to consider when we run out of things to do around here.

Sadly (or not really), I am splitting time between tree farm outdoor power tools and proofreading the pre-release version of “Downsizing: Missing Collapse of Empire” that I’m trying to get done in time for Peoplenomics subscribers to read over the 4-th which is just 8-days away…

]You didn’t ask, but the book – which you can think of as a companion to my earlier The 100-Year Toaster – which was all about planned obsolescence in order to jack up “sales revenue” (and keep the bonfire of equities at bay) – is three sub-arcs in a single book.

  • A discussion of how people can voluntarily downsize their lives.
  • More on the “intractable problem” that arises from prioritizing Product over People.
  • And then it lays out a path to transition to a consciousness-directed world (where what’s between our ears is the product, not “what’s in your wallet – or storage unit” kinds of thinking.

It’s not a manifesto, so much as a roadmap.

The “Numbers Racket”

My consigliere will no doubt be reaching for his calculator to run Velocity of Money at M2 because that drops out (with Fed data) as the rate osf “money turnover.” Thus, he will have a first look, first shoot at where next.  Me, being considerably lazier, and doing MBA school (instead of Law School) I will just click over to the St. Louis Fed’s FRED data pages (this one) and refresh later in the day, realizing there’s not enough ROI on knowing first. The “offishul” numbers assess quarterly, you can divide M2 by GDP on your own more often. Just be aware people hate reality and live lives of denial.

BUT, with all that “out there” here’s what just landed…

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025 (January, February, and March), according to the third estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2024, real GDP increased 2.4 percent. The decrease in real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and a decrease in government spending. These movements were partly offset by increases in investment and consumer spending.

The second data set evolving is Trade Data.  But, before you go getting all worked up, pause, take a deep breath, and consider all the noise around on-again, off-again, on-again Tariff changes.

And then Durable goods…

“New Orders
New orders for manufactured durable goods in May, up five of the last six months, increased $48.3 billion or 16.4 percent to $343.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. This followed a 6.6 percent April decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.5 percent. Excluding defense, new orders increased 15.5 percent. Transportation equipment, also up five of the last six months, led the increase, $47.4 billion or 48.3 percent to $145.4 billion.

This is the kind of thing that leaves me wondering whether to seek a “multivariate” or a margarita.

Last dribble is the snapshot of New Unemployment filings for the week.  I assume you will be able to read this well enough to draw some kind of inference?

Pour yourself another cup, we’re just getting started.

Intel School

Here we are – just a few days away from July.  Imagine you’re sitting at a desk looking at the piles of papers and news reports.  Here’s the problem:

The next step is to have at least an overview of how modern military intelligence works.  My A.I. stack has prepared a short read-in for you here….

Military Intelligence Analysis Processes for Assessing Damage in Iran (PDF)

Looking for something a little more alarming?  Putin’s ‘Doomsday Radio’ spews out weird coded messages as NATO leaders meet.  Peachy.

Why this matters:

Our small intel circle is looking for truth verification about actual damage at Isfahan – which is the main disputed point.  Since some stories on “damage” cast doubt as to the Iranian nuke program, tit raises odds that Israel will – in the interest of national self-preservation – find a reason to preemptively and decisively end Iran (not just it’s uranium enrichment).

Two things I mentioned to my colleagues who are deeply tracking:

  1. “My money’s on Jackowski outlook of possible renting cruise ships to move people back to Europe, though southern Brazil is getting traction, following an attack on Iran. Resolution? Surely before year end. But before or after the Taiwan game isn’t clear” *(There’s data coalescing around the October period.)
  2. “Yes, we know DIA was the claimed source, but it would not be the first time that a certain nation, whose home defense goes genocidal at times (ask a Gazan) might wish to create ‘reasonable suspicions’ in order to advance an agenda.  One first used against them in WW II, if I recall.”

In our view – and I already regret writing this – nothing would fit the “narrative staging” at this point like a dirty bomb incident which, it would be claimed almost immediately, could be pinned on Iran and that, in turn might be used to justify an Israeli nuclear attack.  The most-awful scenario we have been referencing for a couple of weeks.

That could set off the chain-reaction; Attack, fallout drifting northeast from Iran, three Arab States joining militaries to counterstrike Israel. Following? An Israeli evacuation to the southern Poland area (as Jackowski sees it) soon thereafter.  And Stu’s got the King of Terrors in one of the July’s to be along, so there’s a rough template fit. for coming weeks.

We watch, we worry, we see a possible future-fit among the data points and pray it isn’t so. A reread of Post-Attack Assessment of the First 12 Days of Israeli and U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities | ISIS Reports | Institute For Science And International Security may be in order. Along with the latest bash-on:  Trump’s latest rejection of intelligence assessments reflects a long distrust of spy agencies.

If you can’t trust the wet work department, who can you trust? Hmm….

Distractomat Suds

Keep people from thinking – it make’s ’em easier to manage, doesn’t it?

Oh look! Law-faring works both ways! Trump administration sues all of Maryland’s federal judges over deportation order.

There may not be enough alcohol in the world to read this one: Zohran Mamdani’s upset over Andrew Cuomo fuels AOC 2028 buzz.  (Doing the Downsizing book next week on Peoplenomics and Death of ther City-States – like NYC & LA) the following week because it fits so well… AOC running should do marvels for triple-filtered vodka sales…

Going through “war withdrawals” are you?  Just wait, another one’s in the wings: Thailand’s Border Conflict With Cambodia Raises Fear of Another Coup | Council on Foreign Relations… So, gaming China’s BRI or what’s the plan, here?

Then there’s the “war among the retailers” to keep watch over: Amazon Prime Day prompts big sale at rival retail chain.

Watching for the AI Bubble to pop? Micron CEO Cautions AI Boom May Not Be Fully Sustainable, Flags Tariff-Driven Demand Pull-In – Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) – Benzinga

Around the Ranch: A Good Coincidence

Went into town Wednesday.  Needed a blood draw to see how a new ticker-med was doing – and all fine on that front. But two things you may want to be aware of.

First, even though my doc’s place got the order in, seems like Walgreens doesn’t have a common allergy med (Albutero; HFA) readily in stock at their local dispensary.  Near as I could figure it Walgreens looks like they may be going to some kind of ‘centralized” scrip filling profile.

We have mixed feelings on this: On the one hand, having local inventory in a pharmacy costs more money (since a b-school axiom is “inventory sitting idle” is an unnecessary expense.  BUT, in the event of a HGD (hard grid down) condition, there’s no local fallback.  Allows for (pardon me for suggesting this) but a much wider “kill switch” from a grid attack.  Something to think about.

I’ve mentioned the tendency for “no in-store inventory” is a big trend in retailers, too.  On my Wednesday trip to town, Walmart’s “fresh Italian bread” was baked on the 22nd and it was sold (tell me if this is fresh, right?) to us on the 25th.  Yeah, three-day old bread at fresh bread prices.  We ain’t amused.

But let me get to the coincidence before I forget (which could be any second, now).

Pulled into the Walmart pickup (lane 6, 10:07 AM) and I noticed the car next to me.  I was driving Elaine’s 2005 Lexus ES-330 and – with only a scattering of other cars around, it turned out to be a 2006 Lexus ES-330.  Only a minor change on the taillights and a minor grill change. The last year of the Lexus ES 330 was 2006. It was part of the fourth generation of the Lexus ES, and was replaced by the ES 350 in 2007.

More recent ES350’s have been made in Kentucky (since 2015).

Back to the point:  I asked the woman driver how they liked their 2006.  “We have 245,000 miles on it now and we haven’t done anything other than brakes, tires, and fluids the whole time.  How about yours?”

When I told her it was “About 115,000 miles now” she smiled and said “So about broken in.”

I thought that was a pretty cool conincidence.  Looking back, I suppose I should have gone immediately to the gas station up the street to buy Texas Lotto and PowerBall tickets.

But the prospect of a 100-thousand miles to go left me with much to think about.  If we only put on 85,000 miles since 2006 or 2007 when we bought the car, will I be able to live long enough to wear it out?

Wine time in the 180-room last night, Elaine asked “How long do you figure before we could get an affordable self-driving car?”

Well, that set off a whole next level of pondering.  At what point will self-driving cars be good enough that you won’t need a driver’s license to be in one by yourself?  Made a note to see if passengers in a Waymo need a license…

(I had never gotten around to building out that particular thought stub – so here’s the dope:)

  • No license needed for a Waymo:
  • FullyAutonomous Operation: Waymo One vehicles are designed to operate without a human driver in the front seat, acting like a self-driving taxi service. Waymo CEO John Krafcik has stated that if a driver’s license is required to use a vehicle, it cannot be considered truly self-driving.
  • Passenger, Not Driver: As a rider, you are simply a passenger, similar to taking a traditional taxi or riding a bus.
  • Age Requirement: However, Waymo requires riders to be 18 years or older to ride alone.
  • Guest Riding: You can bring guests, including minors under 18, but you must be with them during the ride and ensure they follow the rules. “

Not sure how long before Waymo gets out to our remote part of Anderson County, Texas. But we assume (idiotic L.A. rioters burning Waymos aside) that the future is now on autopilot.

Except in places like Isfahan..Where it may be in someone’s GPS destination list….um….

Write if you flash on something,

George@Ure.net

50 thoughts on “Durables, GDP, & Trade – Quickie Intel School – Car-ifying Future”

  1. I wonder when Waymo will able to navigate my curvey, steep, sometimes rutted, overhung with foliage, 1/3 mi partially graveled driveway?

    Reply

    • Humph… double humph… I can tell you my wife has had a backseat drivers license for over thirty years..lol lol lol ..going to fast..now your going to slow.. to far left to far right.. did you see the speed limit sign your five miles an hour below it.. lol lol lol.. this concept of a riders license isn’t anything new at all..heck my mother had one lol lol

      Reply

  4. Skew eyed & Cattywhompus .

    “Dirty nukes” = nuclear attack/violations . Depleted Uranium enriched munitions’ = nuclear attack/violationS.

    Grounds for Nuclear Destruction by offended Party = current & recently stated/updated Russian doctrine.

    Reports out of Iran – loads of depleted uranium all over attack sites. This in conjunction with Iran officially cancelling any and all cooperation with traitorous IAEA & its “leader ” dundundun

    I refer back to the old Iranian saying about israHELL – “Ure Ass is Glass”

    You wanted it, voted for it – and now IT shouldnt be much longer..but youse still l got time for one more MRNA booster, for Ure summer covid scare . Hurry Now, while supplies last!

    Reply

  5. The narrative of political interference against other party members, goes back to the early formation of America. Late 1790 to 1864. These were difficult years for policing the spoils era, in which the motto ” to the victor go the spoils ” meant gross political interference. The winning party felt that its members should be immune from arrest, given special privileges in naming favorites for promotion, and assisted in vendetta’s against there political opponents. This reference is noted in the introduction to law enforcement and criminal justice.
    In our modern era we tend to look at this trend as something new and profound, possibly not everyone, it certainly fits today’s model of human behavior.

    Reply

  6. Homemade White Chocolate
    Ingredients:

    1.4 oz (40g) cocoa butter (also called cacao butter)

    1.4 oz (40g) milk powder ( now you can use whole milk but it is a tad trickier with how firm the chocolate is and flavoring)

    0.7 oz (20g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste) this is up to your taste buds

    Optional: a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, or even citrus zest for a twist or a touch of rum wine etc..
    Instructions:
    Shred or chop the cocoa butter into small pieces for even melting. I use a grater

    Set up a double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water).

    Melt the cocoa butter gently, stirring often to avoid scorching.

    Add powdered sugar and stir until dissolved.

    Add milk powder and mix until smooth. You can blend it for extra silkiness.

    Pour into molds and refrigerate or freeze until set.

    Once it’s firm, you’ve got your own white chocolate bars! You can even infuse it with flavors like cardamom, yuzu, or coconut

    For dark chocolate you use the cocoa from roasting the beans..
    1 cup cocoa butter, chopped

    1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ( this is flexible to your taste buds..)

    (Milk powdered or whole can be added to make your chocolate bar creamy or known as milk chocolate )

    ? cup maple syrup or raw honey (adjust to taste)( sugar or powdered sugar agave syrup your the boss you know what you like)

    1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) you can add a variety of flavors to match your taste buds

    Pinch of sea salt

    Reply

  7. Homemade White Chocolate
    Ingredients:

    1.4 oz (40g) cocoa butter (also called cacao butter)

    1.4 oz (40g) milk powder ( now you can use whole milk but it is a tad trickier with how firm the chocolate is and flavoring)

    0.7 oz (20g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste) this is up to your taste buds

    Optional: a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, or even citrus zest for a twist or a touch of rum wine etc..
    Instructions:
    Shred or chop the cocoa butter into small pieces for even melting. I use a grater

    Set up a double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water).

    Melt the cocoa butter gently, stirring often to avoid scorching.

    Add powdered sugar and stir until dissolved.

    Add milk powder and mix until smooth. You can blend it for extra silkiness.

    Pour into molds and refrigerate or freeze until set.

    Once it’s firm, you’ve got your own white chocolate bars! You can even infuse it with flavors like cardamom, yuzu, or coconut

    For dark chocolate you use the cocoa from roasting the beans..
    1 cup cocoa butter, chopped

    1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ( this is flexible to your taste buds..)

    (Milk powdered or whole can be added to make your chocolate bar creamy or known as milk chocolate )

    ? cup maple syrup or raw honey (adjust to taste)( sugar or powdered sugar agave syrup your the boss you know what you like)

    1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) you can add a variety of flavors to match your taste buds

    Pinch of sea salt

    Reply

  8. I bought a used 1999 Acura TL in 2008 with about 90,000 miles on her from a neighbor, drove her all over Northern CA doing sales/support before Zoom meetings, had to replace transmission with a rebuilt one, she needed a paint job, I was too cheap to do it. Ended up getting rid of her with about 230,000 miles on her, donated her to a Christian charity.
    Our mechanic told me I could get easily get 300,000 miles out of the engine.

    I love that car, I was most grateful to replace her with 2022 Toyota Highlander AWD Hybrid XLE.

    Reply

    • looking at wrapping my daily beater, 2010 Frontier, in matte black (155K mi.). should have quote today from local sign store..got a banged up right rear fender, and couple spots missing paint/surface rust and brand new set all weather Conty’s..but least it aint a Pinto..Give it to me Baby -https://youtu.be/QtTR-_Klcq8?si=WkbAOJt8LdMjjazX

      What ever happen Earl Sheib painting any car for $199 ?

      Reply

  9. Chocolate arrived in Belgium in the 17th century during Spanish rule, initially consumed as a luxury drink by the elite.
    Colonial Influence: In the early 20th century, Belgium’s access to cocoa from the Congo fueled mass production.
    Belgium chocolate has more cocoa added than cacao 60% by average
    Daniel Peter added condensed milk (from his neighbor Henri Nestlé) in 1875, creating the creamy Swiss signature as Swiss milk chocolate we can use whole milk half and half or cream with added sweetners.
    to make a beautiful Homemade Swiss-Style Milk Chocolate here is what you will need..
    1 cup (200g) cocoa butter, finely chopped
    ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for smoothness)
    ½ cup (60g) powdered milk (whole milk powder preferred)
    ? cup (80ml) sweetened condensed milk (adds that creamy Swiss richness) (cream sweetened, milk or half and half )
    ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar or maple sugar
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    Pinch of sea salt you can add fruit nuts etc to this rice crispness for a crackle bar..your the boss..
    for a great DIY sweetened condensed milk..
    2 cups whole milk
    ¾ cup granulated sugar
    4 tbsp unsalted butter
    1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but lovely)
    In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar over medium-low heat.
    Stir frequently and bring to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil.
    Simmer for about 30–35 minutes, whisking often, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens slightly. ( you can use your sousvide immersion cooking wand for this)
    Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
    Let it cool completely, then store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week

    Reply

    • Nice one Loobster ! Thx.

      Being a lazy, weed smoking retiree that does not like working over a hot stove in Summertime, AND, seeing as how I live within 1.5 hours of Hersey, PA and Hersey Park/Chocolate World, I cannot expense all that effort to make it – when I can “fake it” like.
      Not only is Hersey within driving distance – but my fav local Chocolatier is only 10-15 minutes away @ https://eclatchocolate.com/

      Eclat is the bomb dot com for Chocolate – I shit thee not, as Owner is legit Expert in everything Chocolate.

      PS – Third Generation Chocoholic – if my Genes could talk..

      Reply

        • I wish I could grow the cacao plant..to far in the cold regions.. I have to know how its made…for those at the bottom of the pyramid struggling to keep a quality of life its important to know how its made. been down this road more than most not as much as others..
          its easy enough and cheaper ..here the sinful chocolate is at three bucks a bar and more here .. for those struggling at keeping a quality of life without the finances to afford their kids a treat its pennies a bar.
          https://youtu.be/JN1SaBPYo0A?si=MwMblnMK_RZETpAE
          now here’s one without cocoa butter..Using regular butter..
          https://youtu.be/Jw0DXZIywdI?si=P4XVGugZw29IfR97
          Years ago I seen the sorrow in a child’s eyes.we had 20 dollars for xmas gifts..I had to be creative..the same with Easter and other holidays.. now I realize I’m sharing these recipes with some that the cost of a chocolate bar isn’t that big of a deal. for those that find it hard or just like home made gifts..this is a creative way to maintain a quality of life for anyone going through difficult times..
          https://youtu.be/gmndEZA6XiI?si=zq0Qak-9Ier4n1qQ
          Here’s a favorite of mine..
          https://youtu.be/PUHwdXo–D4?si=3mcvCFFyZxlnyWdZ
          when I was 21 I was faced with some pretty devastating events periodically I have face similar events.. each taught me the importance of being thankful for what we all take for granted..and forced to either do without or learn how to adapt and overcome.. as long as you can buy them do.. I buy a lot of the things I know how to do..when the day comes where I cannot I once again will have the knowledge to do it or direct someone else how.. my mother inlaw taught lacemaking.. share the old world ways..A big three dollar and something probably costs around a Nicole a bar by ma!ing it..just like wine..the cost is in the bottle cork and label..the blue lotus wine was probably the most expensive..I can only guess what the same wine would cost if one bought it..
          I learned how to make that the year we went without an income.. every once in a while my wife would say.. god I wish I had a cup of wine.. tgat brought back memories of reroasting coffee grounds and other grains to make a crude coffee substitute.. ( dandelion roots dried and ground roasted) so I learned how..I make the rarer wines just to try them..after making wine for what close to twenty years now..I feel I can make a decent beverage..
          its a little bit of knowledge to know just in case..

  10. A friend called this morning and said he heard from a good source that Magellan just went back into the tulip market all in on margin and is backing his brokerage account with every meme coin he had just in case. If all the Iranian Uranium sites were fully destroyed why is there no radiation detected.

    Reply

    • “Uranium sites were fully destroyed why is there no radiation detected.”

      Fuzzy ‘spectacular success’. F-Bomb for emphasis. Double F-Bomb for effect. The target audience eats it up.

      Reply

  11. https://theageofdesolation.com/nostradamus/2025/06/23/trump-attacks-iran-the-timeline-part-i/

    “The detonation of this nuclear device may be blamed on Iran to justify Israel’s attack on its nuclear program.”

    THE FIRST BLOW OF STEEL

    Nostradamus Sixain XXXI (28)
    He who has overcome the hazards,
    Who has never feared sword, fire, water,
    And of a country close to Toulouse,
    By a blow of steel the entire world astonished,
    Strangely given by the Crocodile,
    People delighted to see such a spectacle.

    A SECOND BLOW OF STEEL

    Nostradamus Sixain XLV (43)
    The entire world astonished by a blow of steel,
    Strangely given by the Crocodile [Egypt],
    To a very great one, relative of the leech [Palestinians],
    And shortly after there will be another blow
    By foul play, committed against the wolf [Italy],
    And of such deeds one will not see the issue [Cause/Terrorism].

    I have always believed that Sixain XIX is connected to The First Blow of Steel. A nuclear device may be allowed into Gaza from Egypt, thus the line in Sixain XXXIV “The Princes of Jerusalem very agreeable, To committing the heinous and execrable deed.“

    The Age of Desolation, G. A. Stewart, 2010, Page 235
    If they can throw rocks at tanks, that qualifies as not fearing the sword, fire, and the water guns that often breakup Palestinian demonstrations. This also hints that it might be Palestinian lands where the “blow of steel” is delivered.

    It will be interesting to see what happens in Toulouse after Israel begins its invasion of Gaza.

    Nostradamus and The Age of Desolation, G. A. Stewart, 2013, Page 485
    “And of such deeds one will not see the result” certainly implies that two notable terrorist incidents using a nuclear weapon will occur against the Relative of the Leech and the wolf. Of course, the wolf is an allusion to Romulus and Remus, the mythological twin brothers who founded Rome and who were both raised by a she-wolf.

    Now I infer the use of nuclear weapons in Italy from another prediction that certain areas of northern Italy will be forbidden lands, and also from Sixain XIX above, which outlines the years and mentions the “incendiary.”

    Here is how I derive the metaphor for one target being somewhere in Palestinian held land. I have considered and offered in all the editions of this book that it might be in the West Bank or Gaza.

    We know from the Epistle to Henri and the book of Matthew that a nuclear type of explosion will happen near “The sepulcher” and “Then let them which be in Judea flee to the mountains” because “a calamitous affliction will befall pregnant women”, “And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!”

    Will it be a dirty bomb that contaminates a large area of Jerusalem with radioactivity? There is another terrorist incident that will occur in Italy shortly after the nuclear explosion near East Jerusalem. “And shortly after there will be another blow, By foul play, committed against the wolf, And of such deeds one will not see the result.”

    The question is, what is Nostradamus’ idea of “shortly after”? Quatrain II-15 tells us that Turin will be a “forbidden area”.

    Reply

      • Once again, quoting Master Yoda when asked by young Luke about future events, Yoda replies: “Difficult to see! Always in motion is the future.”

        While I respect and admire Stu’s work, I’m not a fatalist. I truly believe that prophets see future ‘probabilities,’ but because mankind has been gifted with free will, we are free to choose our individual paths along with our collective destiny.

        Put another way, if we consider that our universe is but one in a multitude of alternative quantum universes, then Nostradamus’ prophecies may play out in one or more alternate universes, while each of our individual ‘free will’ choices may lead to other results and ultimately, other universes. This is where Marvel gets it right with their ‘multiverse’ theme.

        So IMO, we are free to choose our individual realities. If it falls within that reality foreseen by Nostradamus, then the seer’s visions rings true. But we have the power to alter that reality – a power granted by the Almighty at the moment of creation, a power Lucifer surreptitiously exploited in order to lead mankind astray by enticing him to choose disobedience over compliance.

        I personally believe that the ‘powers that be’ are fighting for control of our minds, our decisions, our destinies, which if they are successful, will lead to their ascendence and our subservience. AI is part and parcel to this control, thinking ‘for us’ instead of encouraging us to further evolve our rational capabilities. Instead, we surrender our gift of creativity and free choice. Together, it all gives the Revolutionary War phrase “live free or die” a particulary significance.

        Reply

  12. re: “Seekers of Happiness”, 1930
    feat: Star’s End; 2nd Foundation

    Folks,
    Is the three score seventeen year sojourn in Zion reaching a crossroad of moving averages? Stalin’s regime produced a 1930’s movie “Seekers of Happiness”. Part of its purpose apparently was to attract Jewish settlers to agrarian lands in the Russian Far East as opposed to them pounding desert sands of Palestine. Yiddish remains an official language in the still existing Jewish Autonomous Oblast served by the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Next stop is Birobidzhan?

    All Aboard!

    Reply

    • re: The Honeybee Gates
      feat: Windsor Castle Canary

      Folks,
      Further to lands of milk and honey, a meeting yesterday at Windsor Castle is unaccounted for in the Court Circular pages of The Firm’s website. However UK msm outlets such as “Hello”, “Mirror”, and “Daily Mail” published reports of an unphotographed meeting sourced from the Court Circular.

      The reported sticky matter has the Prince and Princess of Wales allegedly having met at Windsor Castle yesterday with Melinda (“Beautiful Honeybee”) French-Gates. Discussions apparently revolved about their respective foundations. If you hear a buzz, don’t get stung?

      Reply

  14. Prices for Waymo are more expensive than Uber. I think I read on $15 Uber ride. Waymo will charge $20. But no tip on Waymo.

    I guess you are paying extra so you can say you rode in no driver car.

    Reply

  15. (“Looking for something a little more alarming? Putin’s ‘Doomsday Radio’ spews out weird coded messages as NATO leaders meet. Peachy.”)

    What’s disturbing is..Yeah, the symbolism is chilling. As NATO leaders gathered in The Hague, Russia’s infamous UVB-76 “Doomsday Radio”—also known as The Buzzer—erupted with a flurry of cryptic transmissions, its most active day since the Cold War. Words like “Narcissus,” “Caviar,” and “Otniatiye” (Russian for “taking away”) were broadcast—eerily poetic, and possibly ominous.the real alarm bell might not be the static-laced codes. It’s the complacency of dominant powers assuming their supremacy is unshakable, even as the geopolitical chessboard shifts beneath them. Smaller nations—many of which have endured exploitation for their resources—are quietly forging mutual defense pacts and strategic alliances, preparing for a world where the old rules no longer apply..This isn’t just about military posturing. It’s about a global reckoning with asymmetry—where the so-called “untouchables” may find themselves outmaneuvered not by brute force, but by the collective will of those they underestimated.While the headlines focus on superpower theatrics, a quieter but profound shift is happening beneath the surface. Many smaller nations, long treated as pawns in global resource games, are now banding together—not just for survival, but for strategic leverage.Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed a mutual defense pact to resist external interference and reclaim sovereignty over their resources. Franco-Greek Defense Agreement (2021): A bold move by Greece to secure support outside of NATO’s shadow..scary huh…North Korea–Russia Treaty (2024): A signal that even pariah states are finding new patrons in a shifting world order…They reflect a growing distrust of Western-led security frameworks and a desire to build parallel systems of protection and influence.
    Oh hey…dam that looks just like the…what’s it called..poison pawn trap…then targeting the FIAT currency systems on the opposite side..a dual attack..devalue the currency of those that feel they are in defeat able.. or at the bottom of the pyramid..there’s a shitshow coming at us like a freight train..collapsed and devalued money and well we can’t be everywhere all the time.. there was a general that made these mistakes his cruelty and arrogance ..what was his name again..oh yeah… Custer..

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  16. Biggest problem down here begins with fuel, fuel for everything… generating power, local transportation both on land and water. Of course money, in this case the Euro, which is the basis for the local currency is the root of all the struggles. No changing $ for local without a bank account so unless you have you are pretty much broke if the CC system packs up because fiat slips away. Now when we shop we always buy lots of stuff we normally wouldn’t, like canned and dry goods. Lots of rice, beans as well.
    It’s an odd situation to imagine a sort of waterworld scenario where there is no friendly land.
    Doing research on the truly uninhabited places. There are still some, some that have been abandoned but are viable.
    Hey, what fun would life be if there wasn’t some challenge. Like rowing ashore this morning in windy rain. Beep beep said the road runner!
    Stiks
    Still far from the mutant strain in the northern hemisphere. Something up there has the crazy gene on full.

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  17. Ran across a TV ad on cable last night offering Morgan Dollars, “BU thru Fine” (meaning they’re circulated) for $39ea. (Limit 5). With silver at $36 and rising, I quickly placed an order for 5. With shipping, cost was $41.20ea. Still a damn bargain! That’s the PCGS price for a ‘Fine 40’ Morgan. I’m sure I will now be flooded with junk mail to ‘buy more’ at only $99ea., but that’s OK.

    Reply

    • I have a couple of silver bullion..but I only got those to make colloidal silver..
      for a silver wound jell..
      ½ cup colloidal silver (10–20 ppm is typical)

      1–2 teaspoons xanthan gum or carbomer (for thickening)

      A few drops of glycerin or aloe vera gel (optional, for skin-soothing)

      1–2 drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil (optional, for added antimicrobial effect)

      Sterile glass jar for storage or you an make these bandages ahead and individually package each one..
      Warm the colloidal silver slightly (not hot—just lukewarm) to help dissolve the thickener.
      Slowly whisk in the xanthan gum or carbomer until it reaches a gel-like consistency. Start small—you can always add more.
      For more common thickness you can use.
      Cornstarch: Readily available and forms a smooth gel when heated with water. Best for short-term use, as it can spoil without preservatives.
      Arrowroot powder: A natural starch that creates a silky texture. It’s gentle on skin and works well in cooling gels.
      Gelatin: Derived from collagen, it forms a firm gel when cooled. Not vegan, but effective for thicker applications.
      Agar-agar: A seaweed-based alternative to gelatin. It sets at room temperature and is shelf-stable.
      Chia seeds: When soaked, they form a mucilaginous gel. Great for rustic, natural formulations, though a bit grainy.
      then there is..Aloe vera gel: Already thick and soothing—can be used as a base with colloidal silver mixed in.
      Beeswax: Adds thickness and a protective barrier. Best for salves or ointments rather than clear gels.
      Guar gum: Similar to xanthan gum, but often easier to find in natural food stores.
      Each thickener has its own texture and shelf life, so the best choice depends on whether you’re aiming for a clear gel, creamy balm, or firm salve.
      Add glycerin or aloe vera if desired for moisture retention.
      Stir in essential oils if using.
      if you plan on using it as a salve
      2 tablespoons Vaseline or cocoa butter
      1 tablespoon colloidal silver (10–20 ppm)
      Optional: ½ teaspoon beeswax (for firmer texture)
      Optional: a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil (for added antimicrobial and soothing effects)
      Melt the base: In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water, gently melt the Vaseline or cocoa butter. Add beeswax if using.
      Cool slightly, then stir in the colloidal silver. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
      Add essential oils if desired.
      Pour into a sterilized jar and let it cool completely before sealing.
      as an additive both garlic oil and honey are time-tested natural remedies with powerful antimicrobial and healing properties, and they can absolutely enhance a colloidal silver salve.
      Garlic Oil Contains allicin, a sulfur compound with strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects.
      Can help fight infections and reduce inflammation when applied topically.
      Works synergistically with colloidal silver to target bacteria through multiple mechanisms—silver disrupts cell membranes, while allicin interferes with microbial metabolism.
      It’s especially helpful for infected wounds, boils, or fungal skin issues.
      Honey (especially raw or Manuka)
      Naturally high in enzymes, flavonoids, and hydrogen peroxide, which promote healing and prevent infection.
      Creates a moist wound environment that supports tissue regeneration.
      When combined with colloidal silver, it may offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage.
      helps with burns, ulcers, and dry, cracked skin.

      Reply

    • Hi Hank,

      Not a bad purchase on the Morgan’s, as long as they are real. A magnet will not pick them up… just a hint. I started collecting coins, mainly silver, right at 30 years ago. As silver spot price keeps going up, it is a nice way to have something when/if the dollar devalues. I have heard talk of anywhere from $300 to $4,000 an ounce. I’m not giving advice, just saying, I think it was an okay price. I buy Morgan’s and Peace Dollars at the local pawn shops for $31, and buy newer Silver Eagles at spot + $6. I found the same type of deal in pawn shops in Crystal River, Florida a few weeks ago. Again, nice find.

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  18. George
    Looking at the three articles inserted mid way down:
    3 is the Ayatollah beating his chest (yawn)
    2 is Leon Panetta telling us how it is (from HIS POV). Since he is one of the 51 DIMM IC management that signed Mark Morrells false letter, he has no credibility on anything to MY POV. I didn’t read the whole thing because (consider the source).
    1 from the Guardian I read through, but especially looked at the pictures of the 16 truck convoy.
    Chem Demil program used transport casks very similar to the Nuclear program to transport Chemical Weapons from the earth bermed storage Igloos on site to the processing buildings. These are not meant to prevent harm to a Nuclear or chemical munition even if hit by a train at a crossing (film of which exists). They are just made so the door stays closed and the contents stay contained. They probably won’t contain a nuclear explosion, they will contain a chem munition, but the point is to contain radiation or chemical agents.
    These photw are high altitude, and hard to see, but several trucks at the front have trailers that may not be full 53′ highway length but are transport freight sized. The others are short length loads. These sure look like the containment casks to me. This is very concerning, because if these are not declared and their location know Trump can’t take them out with conventional munitions. He may not be able to take them out anyway. Like I said a train hit just sends them tumbling down the track. I don’t know it a 21klb MOAB or 15KLb Daisy Cutter would do the trick. So this might attract Israel and a small nuke.
    A WG54 is our smallest and is from 10 to 1000 tons. (do math 1000 tons is one kiloton. So from 0.01 to 1 Kilotones. a kiloton is 1000 tons, 2,000,000 lbs tnt. The MOP is 30,000 lb (5600 lbs explosive). The Hiroshima bomb was If I remember correctly, 8KT. WG54 ought to be able to do the job, since it is 67x a MOP) The WG 54 is a manpad and capable of being delivered by a howitzer, or in a small daypack.
    I don’t know if Israel has anything that small but It would be big enough to start WWIII.
    I was most interested in MIL-Intel.
    Like I said all the Civilian Intel is SEIU Corrupt in my opinion and deserves no consideration.

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  19. The name Cuomo is dirt in the eyes of every New Yorker I know. Many absolutely hate him and want to see him sidelined. He didn’t help things by forcing his dad’s name onto the new Tappan Zee Bridge. While I hate the idea of a socialist contender in the NYC mayor’s race, I celebrate the removal of the Cuomo name as a candidate.

    I’m not even a New Yorker, but did anyone notice that AOC is getting fat? That may reduce the “hot” vote for her, though it may encourage older female democrats.

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    • “socialist contender”

      NYC doesn’t have any means of production. The last of the markets went on cloud servers.

      – famous NYC hotels get .gov contracts to house illegals
      – billionaires row get subsidies and tax breaks
      – autonomous drivers pay congestion charges to support the subway

      We should focus on the family farm and needed bailouts in that sector. The breadbasket is starving.

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    • “I celebrate the removal of the Cuomo name as a candidate.”

      You might be premature. Rumor has it he’s going to deal himself into the General Election as an “Independent.” I personally believe NYC’s only chance for survival is if he and Adams take enough votes away from Mamdani that Curtis Sliwa slips in.

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  20. Oh my goodness… I k st found the greatest cardboard box..I had been thinking on making an Aereoponic potato planter but couldn’t find a box that fit my thoughts.. then the box sitting in plain sight.. now how lucky is that..

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  21. “Trump and Hegseth admit doubts about level of damage to Iranian nuclear sites.”

    No, they commented honestly.

    The Guardian? Really, George? You pan others for using The singularly-unreliable and neocomm Guardian as a source.

    “Old (democrat) loyalists are puffing it up, too. See ‘I ran the CIA – these are Trump’s mistakes and why they’re so scary’.”

    Leon Panetta is the top (living) Clintonista and was their principal lapdog for steering President Obama. He was also one of the 51. He KNOWS nothing, and His opinion is worthless.

    It takes between 2-6 weeks, and site access to form a thorough military damage assessment. WE don’t have access. The Iranians and (likely) the Mossad do. I guarantee the Iranians will not provide a true and accurate damage assessment. Are you all willing to accept intel provided by Mossad?

    BTW, is anyone here (with the possible exception of BAB) aware that the MOP was specifically designed to take out Fordow. We watched Iran build it. We knew how it was constructed, and with what specific building materials, in what order. There’s no radiation because all the radioactive stuff is sealed, hundreds of feet underground — Most of it is not at Fordow anyway, but at Isfahan, which maintained their enriched uranium storage facility. Uh, it is sealed, hundreds of feet underground, also. Ya can’t just shove that stuff in a warehouse, y’know. We (and likely the Russians) track every radiation blip on Earth, via satellite, which sniff 24/7/365.

    It is possible to move radioactive material undetected, but it’s highly unlikely that Iran could do so. I’m inclined to believe there’s no chance of either an Iranian nuke or an Iranian dirty bomb in the foreseeable future, although there may be a chance that some yellow-cake couriers will die unexpectedly, somewhere in East Africa, in the not too distant future…

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  22. “Oh look! Law-faring works both ways! Trump administration sues all of Maryland’s federal judges over deportation order.”

    So, fighting against illegal and improper judicial actions (lawfair) is now also lawfair? Does that make defense of a criminal charge also lawfair?

    “There may not be enough alcohol in the world to read this one: Zohran Mamdani’s upset over Andrew Cuomo fuels AOC 2028 buzz.”

    Likely an AOC-2028 buzz regarding Schumer’s Senate seat, NOT a Presidential run. All Out Crazy is getting fat. Every day she more-closely resembles “Flounder,” Stephen Furst’s character from “Animal House” (“Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life…” unless you’re financed by George Soros.) She’s got those great eyes, and I don’t see obesity taking them away from her, but has zero other positive physical or mental attributes, her voice is like nails on a chalkboard, and she has zero functioning brain cells. If she boots Chucky, that’d likely be a step up for New York. She’s Soros’ bitch and a communist, but is far less duplicitous than Schumer, and New York, from Albany south, is irredeemable anyway.

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    • Yes ! beautiful big round eyes.

      Voice like nails on chalkboard – not a problem, will be fully occupied and unable to speak clearly anyway
      .
      Dont really need braincells, just a will and desire to do better.

      FD and AU means I wont even see the Eyes, just Asses and Elbows..

      Gets any chubbier might have to roll Her in powdered sugar first, jeeze

      Reply

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