Coping: With “Made-up” History?

My buddy Oilman2 sent me a link this week.  He was excited to find a long discussion of how the Iroquois band had a “Great Nation” centuries ago and how the Native American traditions were largely borrowed-from by the Framer’s of America’s Constitution. It’s an interesting theory, plain enough, so I put it on my … Read More

How 12% of Your Lifestyle was Stolen

It’s all in the numbers this morning as we behold one of the most interesting spectacles of human history.  We have been screwed out of 12 percent of our real lifestyle and it takes some clever work in statistics to see it and understand how it’s been pulled-off.Before we get you straightened out on that, … Read More

War and Water-Cut, Where to Stack Cash?

Headlines today suggest the rest of this week will be exceptionally busy for the one-percent.  The world is “trying to break” out from under them. The headlines deal with two topics and one if an “oldie but goodie” that keeps everything in context.  Perhaps, it is best to start there. We go back to Matthew … Read More

Coping: Android Pets

Elaine finally decoded our “Great Topic” note for today’s report. As explained Monday, the note didn’t make much sense Monday, but after several hours thinking back on it, things came into focus for Elaine. We’re planning to come out with a new kind of “Android Pet.” (Continues below)   The idea is simple:  Our forthcoming Android Pet will … Read More

Three Novels from the Future

It may sound odd for what is nominally an economics website to mention Monday morning news in terms of three novels.  However, these are odd times, and anything goes. Novel #1 involves the present Trump trip. As yourself the following question:  What you really know:  If Robert Mueller were to convince a grand jury that president … Read More

Coping: With Incomprehensible Notes

I know what’s wrong with America now:  We don’t make useful notes. A short story to illustrate the point. As promised, I baked bread Saturday.  While it was on the wire rack cooling, Elaine and I stepped into the “180-room.”  That’s our room, made out of mostly recycled windows, where we can see at least … Read More

How to Fix Hollywood

This morning we go through a review of what has gone wrong in Hollywood.  Long list.  And, as our contribution to “public service” we also offer some free consulting advice on how to fix what ails the silver screen crowd. Except, in mid-report a mystery pops up and it leads to the underworld… After charts … Read More

Yesinia pestis and Markets

In the event you’re wondering why the whole market was being painted (again) Thursday, the answer is simple:  There was a new fed boss (Jerome “Jay” Powell) being named.  It’s typical for markets to put on a good showing when the Street wants suck-points down the road. The alert reader will note that we hinted at … Read More

Coping: With 10-ways You’ve Been Virtualized

Being old is entertaining as hell.  As you slide, however unwillingly, toward The Big Sleep, the folly of humans comes every more clearly into focus. Take this stuff we have convinced ourselves is “Progress,” for instance.  There was a time when people physically did things themselves.  However, in order to “make-up an economy” we had … Read More

Reading Between the Fed. Bitcoin Breaks $7K

Sorry you missed out Peoplenomics.com report Wednesday (if you did) because in it, my “deflationist pal” Jas Jain made a very interesting point. Earnings are essentially unchanged from where they were three years ago, yet prices are up 40 percent.  A damn fine observation and one that speaks volumes about the HS&J (hype, shuck, and … Read More

Coping: The $215 Loaf of Bread Adventure

My late father started baking bread when he was in his 60’s, so it’s now time for me to again get serious about taking up a family tradition.  Something that fits with fall. I’m going to make another $215 dollar loaf of bread this weekend. I know….how can you spend $215 on a single loaf … Read More

SML: Electronic Thought Templates

Some years back I developed “The Substitution Method of Learning” or SML for short. The idea is that you can generalize the form of knowledge by simply replacing terms to come up with new, and often very useful, approach to problems.  Today, we focus on electronics which, as it turns out, provides an excellent tool … Read More

PTB Messaging Trump, Myth of America

The scariest thing today is not Halloween.  It’s the larger-context truth-leak that lobbying firms run America, not we the people.  Let’s walk through it, shall we? Start with the story in the NY Times this morning about how why a rock star among lobbyist has resigned:  “Under Mueller Scrutiny, Democratic Donor Tony Podesta Resigns From Lobbying … Read More