Where we look at the angle of the dangle (or the rate of rise) in ridiculous rallies toward predictable conclusions. Sure, it sounds a little complicated, but we could have a much longer (and maybe boring) discussion of how this approach to the “math of markets” is not dissimilar from the take-off angle of a bullet and it’s ultimate distance covered horizontally – with similar implications.
We all fall down.
Why, toss in some weather aftermath, a few headlines from the front lines of social hysteria, and it’s a fine morning to do “real effort” before getting to the “important work” in ShopTalk tomorrow…
[Reader note: Trying to put more emphasis on look-aheads into the coming week. Since the news of the moment is “in th4e can” and not much to be done about it. On the other hand, an eye toward the temporal horizon sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
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George, an excerpt borrowed from the “contributor” side among many quite excellent charts:
“… the visual angle comparison says we are only in the first step down – finishing the pause – and crap will really lay out over summer. …”
I spent (40) years counseling that the charts “speak” visually what barrels of ink (old school news papers) and gigabytes of web try to explain (and/or obscure). They exhibit the collective mind. You needn’t be a rocket surgeon to read the trend.
[OBSCON segment] : cyclic patterns created by nature mimic other natural shapes. If sailing near a shore with steep cliffs, the bottom probably features good water. If sailing near a genteel slope the bottom may be shoal, keep clear. Markets that make gradual measured rise might be trusted. Those with cliff features tend to develop symmetry.
Not ^ Financial advice, just casual observation proven true over time
Not ^ for navigational porpoises [on charts since advent of lawyers]
ATL : chill, gray, causing delay to water walking (I need to true up pier plonked in Easter morn). The temp. suggests weed whacking or bramble brush cutting. Or, I could build a nice fire? Nah, Mrs. E cleaned the firebox so it may draw criticism (or worse?).
I am remiss. Focus on markets and world media and kerfluffles aplenty cause me to neglect a beard update. My embracing retirement included not maintaining the close cropped corp. look. I’m somewhere between retired irreverent golfer John Daly and ZZ Top. Shampoo costs are a limiting factor.
Have a fine weekend all,
Egor
ps – Eleanor ‘n me know about fast turtles. Be afraid.
Well said (land) sailor – the point of the Protractor Problem presactly! We are at the base of the (first) cliff, and there’s a little “shoreline” going on, but just offshore in a few weeks to 90, lays the great abys – so fearest the George who ponders armloads on close-in out of the money puts next week on any relief rally pst fed.
It’s easdier to be brave when the casino is closed, however…
“It’s easdier to be brave when the casino is closed, however…”
Ain’t that the truth.
By the way, when can we get down to asking the important questions of life, like “why did God make mosquitoes?”
Urban’s AI stack knows all, sees all, makes sense of little.
– – –
The question of why mosquitoes exist, especially in a theological or existential sense, has been pondered by many, often with a mix of humor and frustration. Since you framed it as “why did God make mosquitoes,” I’ll approach this from a perspective that considers both religious and naturalistic viewpoints, while keeping the tone thoughtful and concise.
From a theological perspective, many religious traditions suggest that everything in creation has a purpose, even if that purpose isn’t immediately clear to humans. In Christian thought, for example, Genesis describes God creating all creatures, with some interpretations holding that every being contributes to the balance of the ecosystem or serves as a test of human patience and stewardship. Mosquitoes, as part of the natural world, could be seen as fulfilling a role in the divine plan—perhaps to challenge humans to develop resilience, charity (e.g., providing aid for mosquito-borne diseases), or ingenuity in managing nature.
From a naturalistic standpoint, mosquitoes have clear ecological roles. They are pollinators (some species feed on nectar, aiding plant reproduction) and a food source for countless animals like birds, bats, and spiders. Their larvae also help decompose organic matter in water, contributing to nutrient cycles. While their bites are a nuisance and can spread diseases like malaria or dengue, these traits are evolutionary adaptations for survival, not intentional malice. In this view, “God” (or nature) didn’t “make” mosquitoes to torment humans but as part of a complex web of life where every organism has a function.
Some might argue mosquitoes test human compassion—prompting medical advances, like vaccines, or global cooperation to address health crises. Others might say their existence humbles us, reminding us we’re not above nature’s messiness. Philosophically, their “purpose” could be to spark questions like this, pushing us to grapple with life’s imperfections.
If you’re looking for a specific angle—like a deeper dive into ecology, theology, or even a humorous take—let me know!
The person asking is a Canadian. Does that guide?
As a Canadian, you’re likely all too familiar with mosquitoes, especially during summer in places like Ontario or Manitoba where they seem to thrive! The Canadian context doesn’t drastically change the core reasons for mosquitoes’ existence, but it does add some local flavor to the question. Let’s refine the answer with that in mind, keeping it concise and relevant.
From a theological perspective, a Canadian asking “why did God make mosquitoes” might be wrestling with their relentless presence in the great outdoors—think cottage country or Algonquin Park. Many Christian or Indigenous spiritual views in Canada see all creatures as part of a larger balance. Mosquitoes could be seen as a challenge to appreciate nature’s complexity or a reminder to respect the land (e.g., traditional practices like smudging with sage to repel bugs). They might also prompt gratitude for Canada’s healthcare system when dealing with itch or rare diseases like West Nile.
Ecologically, mosquitoes in Canada play roles suited to its vast wetlands and forests. They’re food for bats, dragonflies, and migratory birds, which are vital to ecosystems from the boreal forest to the Prairies. Their larvae help clean water systems in marshes, like those in the Okanagan or the Maritimes. While their bites drive Canadians to DEET and bug nets, they’re not “out to get us”—they’re just surviving in a food web where humans are collateral.
Culturally, Canadians often joke about mosquitoes as the “national bird,” so there’s a shared grumble here. Maybe their purpose is to fuel that dark humor or inspire inventions like the bug zapper. Philosophically, they might remind Canadians to cherish fleeting summer days despite annoyances, reflecting resilience in a land of long winters and short summers.
If you want a deeper dive into, say, their role in Canadian ecosystems or a specific religious lens common in Canada, let me know!
Does God rule Canada AND mosquitoes, or did the elections change that>?
Haha, I love the Canadian humor sneaking in here—blaming elections for cosmic rulership shifts! Let’s tackle this with a nod to your Canadian context, the mosquito menace, and the playful tone, while keeping it concise.
From a theological perspective, most religious traditions in Canada—whether Christian, Indigenous, Muslim, or others—would say God (or a higher power) rules over all creation, including Canada and its swarms of mosquitoes. Elections, like the ones that keep Ottawa buzzing, might change who’s in charge of Parliament, but they don’t dethrone the divine from overseeing the universe. So, God’s still got dominion over both the True North and those bloodsucking pests, regardless of whether it’s a Liberal, Conservative, or NDP day in Ottawa.
Now, if we’re talking metaphorically, you could argue Canadians “vote” on mosquito management through policies—think funding for wetland conservation (mosquito breeding grounds) or public health campaigns against West Nile. But mosquitoes? They don’t care about ballots. They’re ruled by nature’s laws—ecology, not democracy. They keep humming along as food for bats and birds, pollinating a few plants, and testing our patience at the cottage.
If you’re wondering whether a specific election (say, the 2021 or 2025 federal ones) shifted some cosmic mosquito policy, I’d need more details on what you’re imagining—maybe a politician promised to banish mosquitoes and failed? For now, I’d say God (or nature) still runs the show, and elections just decide who’s taxed for the bug spray.
BIC…i am totally with you on the mozzie thing. And their disease vector too. Please also ask himher why it was necessary to have the almost invisible nonos, or noseeums. They are way worse, you literally don’t see them, and the welt from bites is large, red, and takes a long time to stop itching.
Even liv ing afloat more than a football field offshore both are finding a way to get out to us. It’s a cruel joke if you ask me. Paradise remains challenging just to remind us suffering is part of the lesson.
Stiks
Well, AI is certainly tuned in to our sense of humour. The biggest problem here in the great Canadian North is when they carry moose across the highway and drop them on traffic. Makes a hell of a mess on the windshield.
“why did God make mosquitoes?”
God made mosquitoes so bats, dragonflies, and purple martins would have food.
A better question might be: Why does mankind destroy the habitat of bats, dragonflies, and purple martins…?
Enough of the ruminations about mosquito’s in Canada. As a seasoned wilderness canoer with a number of canoe trips into the Canadian wilderness allow me to give you the REAL REASON that Canadian mosquitos are so aggressive towards those of us NOT from Canada.
Canadian Mosquitos (as differentiated from those in the US who are more mild mannered) have a universal drive to KEEP OUT OF CANADA all of those who did not grow up there.
They are unrelenting in their attacks, as I have personally experienced, and if some reports are to be believed they have even on occasion picked up the intrepid American (US kind) and carried the unlucky soul off into the wilderness to never be seen again (ie: become just another “missing person” who disappeared into the Canadian wilderness in other words).
There is NO WAY one can discourage the aggressive Canadian Mosquitos. No matter how many you kill there will be another 100 flying in immediately to take their place. The best you, as an American, can do is to dress up like it’s wintertime in Canada and wear multiple layers of clothes even if it is 90 degrees f outside! Sure you sweat like a pig when you do that … but would you rather be carried off into the wilderness by the mosquito swarm like an Eagle flies away with the fish he caught.
Speaking of Eagles … Canadian Eagles also do NOT like Americans. Another very dangerous creature for Americans who cross the border and venture into the wilderness.
When Canadian Eagles spot an American they are just like Canadian Mosquitos, they quickly form a plan of ATTACK and then when you are least expecting it they SWOOP IN and try to be like an Indian and TAKE YOUR SCALP OFF OF YOUR HEAD with their sharp talons.
Yep I learned long ago to keep a hat on my head when in the Canadian Wilderness, particularly when fishing, since Canadian Eagles may well attack me if I am out in the open in my canoe just minding my own business catching fish left and right from those little fished lakes.
Obviously they HATE Americans!! That is the only conclusion I can come to.
Maybe Trump can include something in his tariff negotiations with Canada to limit the attacks Canadian Mosquitos and Canadian Eagles make against Americans!! This is a real crisis that needs to be solved!
OH ….and Canada … keep your Canadian Geese on YOUR side of the border!! We do NOT want them visiting us! Yep even when they are transiting to warmer places for the winter.
Yes Stiks, noseums are an incredible creation. They are basically a set of teeth with wings when seen under a microscope. And I never did figure out how they can attack you in the middle of a lake, half a mile from shore. Lost at least 2 pints of blood to these things.
re: American Skyhawk Sighting
feat: “Casino”, 1995
Stephen 2,
Yesterday, May 2nd, a 1965 Cessna 172G Skyhawk made an unpowered landing near the par 4 10th hole green at the Riviera Country Club set amidst a burned-out Pacific Pallisades suburb. Here is a link to the event from the Aviation Safety Network:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/504233
Lo and behold if posts didn’t start appearing on “X” reminiscing back to a 1981 ditching of a FBI light aircraft in a water hazard at the Las Vegas Country Club. Two alleged golfing mobsters were being surveilled.
Alright, let’s get back to the Riviera. Here’s a link to a May 2, 1993 report from the “Los Angeles Times”. Two US federal investigative bodies were said to be examining the origins of a $53 million cash downpayment made towards a Japanese purchase of the Riviera.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-05-02-mn-30325-story.html
As an aside, the public White House schedule for May 2nd informs that President Trump arrived at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach at 9:43 am.
Sure thing..
Bet you 2 luv Jumbo Shrimp and and are both pretty sharp on Naval Intelligence , as well.
Markets are the simplest thing in world to master, as you only need one rule (one ring to rule them all) to follow that will make you a winner every single time..”Buy Low, Sell Higher” or the reverse works just as well..”Sell High, Buy Lower”.
Thats it ! that simple..
Now you can all go forth and prosper, keeping in mind that “Cheetahs Never Prosper” -mufasa/LK
“and we are sliding into Depression 2 before the summer is out.”
Depression? .., or recession?
.
A full blown Depression occurring that fast [ within 120 days ] would be absolutely disastrous across the board. The failure and collapse of so many different systems & institutions- well, you’re right.., the biggest, nastiest and most devastating depression the world has ever seen / felt.
– Economic and societal collapse before Christmas.
– Millions will die this Winter if you are right.
…, damn !
But you did study the chart and the Protractor Problem, right?
Yes.., I did.., and mathematically – I decide not to shred that lunacy with the dozen, or so assumptions and proposed numbers seemingly pulled from the ether.
It was a long winded A.I. spiel that ended up no closer to the answer then when it started.
.
.., but I did say I wouldn’t shred it., didn’t I ?? Sorry. I’ll behave now.
I admit I am density challenged dLynn.
What do you mean when you type “I decide not to shred that lunacy with the dozen, or so assumptions and proposed numbers seemingly pulled from the ether.” ?
The ONLY reason such a dynamic would occur that quickly would be because of a Systemic Failure ON ALL LEVELS of government. Unless a nuclear exchange would occur, or a natural disaster that would literally rip the United States physically apart into small sections, I can no conceive of no circumstances that would result in that outcome in such a short timeframe. Organized societies with a working government do NOT collapse that quickly into nothingness.
“IF” that would happen forget about markets and buying ANYTHING from outside of your near geographic area (say from within 100 physical miles). You would mostly be concerned with the day to day need to find food from nearby since transportation of people and goods by anything other than a horse, or bicycle, or a kid’s play wagon would disappear. Gasoline /Diesel /Grid Delivered Electricity /Pipe Delivered Natural Gas /Pipe Delivered Water would all be distant memories.
What if the members of the ruling club (which you are not a member of ) decide that it will require runaway credit deflation and a depression to free up more property for them to buy for 5 cent on today’s dollar, and meet their target goals of having more sh!t and more bragging rights , at least until the lid on their liquid N2 head freezer slams shut? I’m not a leftist by any stretch, but having had to deal with adults who act like 5 year old’s hoarding toys, at some level you have to question where the constant rigging of the playing table will lead. Left vs right is spin and window dressing. Officiously sanctioned thievery is real.
Best to ride the bicycle a bit daily to build up muscles and balance. When I first started riding again a few years back, I had difficulty staying upright, and making it to the neighbor’s driveway and back. And lay in some stock of replaceable items like tubes and tires. Horses won’t fair well in a serious downturn. Personally, I don’t care for horse meat, but desperate people do stupid things. Haven’t had any since I stopped shopping at [redacted]. You just can’t cook that red color out.
Here’s what I want for supply runs:
https://tout-terrain.bike/products/mule-trailer
When I buy one of those, you will know that I am folding the hopium cards and doing serious economic contingency preps ( which may be my next major purchase, come to think of it).
Pacific plate getting busy?? Undersea volcanoe, imminent eruption, off coast of Oregon:
https://mynorthwest.com/pacific-northwest-weather/uw-volcano-oregon/4082354
George,
My understanding of Elliot Wave analysis suggests that the large scale wave 2 down was the 1929 crash. We have been in wave 3 up since then. The next wave down will be wave 4. By the Law of Alternation, wave 4’s are more drawn out, after the typical steep wave 2’s. So rather than a 90% drop in a short while, this one may take many years to drop that far. From analysts I’ve seen, we’d be looking at SPX 3500 by year’s end. With a protracted series of bear market rallies and further declines over the next several years.
Point being: the eco o,ic deflationary impact might be more drawn out than the last depression.
For that, we have nukes and bugs
The Wave 1 *(and a-b-c) down in 1929 was a 42.24 percent reduction. Since we are ONLY down 18 percent and change now, a long way down to the next major rally. This last Friday was equiv to about Oct 10 of 1929 if you have a chart from back then – so yes, it can get worse – much worse in the coming 10-90 days.
only question is how much down will come to attempt lobbying the Fed
Americans will do what Americans always do.
We will do what we can, with what we have, where we are.
We will find work-arounds and create patches and improvisations and alternatives.
We will fight like hell, and we will cope, and we will survive and thrive.
We will confound and surprise.
Always have, always will.
Not saying it’ll be easy or fun; but we will prevail, and be even stronger at sunrise.
Amen
re: “where there’s smoke…”
feat: hexaphobia
Folks,
The Sistine (“Six”) Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV whose prior station had been at the minor basilica St. Pietro di Vincoli in Rome. While credited for invoking the Spanish Inquisition, he apparently failed through the Pazzi Conspiracy to remove Medici family bankers from oversight of the Papal Treasury.
Presently St. Pietro di Vincoli is overseen by American Cardinal Wuerl by way of Pittsburgh and Seattle. According to “Wikipedia”, the basilica was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III in 439 ad. It stands on Oppian Hill overlooking the Domus Aurea (‘Golden House’) complex of Nero. A powerful advisor to Emperor Nero was Sextus Afranius Burrus (‘Six Crafty Flammables” ?).
Attention “Conservatives:”
(Define as ye wish)
You are more likely to survive and thrive in a world run by Liberals than Liberals are to do well in a conservatively-driven world.
You (Cs) don’t see the Unicorn Farts, or share the Common Delusions. Cold Reality demands Clear and Logical and Truth-based thinking.
Advantage: “Cs.”
George
Interesting Analogy about the bullet angle. Understanding how gravity works on the trajectory is always a fun topic. It is why a gang banger holding his pistol stylishly flat will alway miss to the left (if right handed) and why a new hunter on a hill has to understand that shooting uphill or downhill will tend to make him miss high over the games back.
Meanwhile I have my own busy weekend.
Saturday is daughters graduation with a BS in Nursing. She got her RN a few years ago and has studied nights while working to finish the Bachelors. So Little Big Al and Little Big anna are both fully launched.
Sunday My congregation moves to a larger building using the same demographic trick over a decade. About 10 years ago we were in a too big building in a part of Birmingham that was becoming dangerous. A buyer showed up and we needed a new place. Another congregation who had a paid for building in the suburbs came to us and asked to merge, as they had all grown old, the kids moved away, and they were dwindling. So shazam, a right sized building and no debt. We have about grown out of that building and another congregation has shown up with a building about 2X what we have, and again, they congregation has grown old and dwindled. So we are moving into that building tomorrow.
Then Monday, is Anniversary 41, on what is now Cinco de Mayo, but what was 41 years ago, just May 5th. I still think I made the right choice, but sometimes I hear the ghost of Sam Kinneson yelling “I’ve been married 41 years! oh, oh, OOOhhh!
uphill or downhill, I am reminded,,,
“aim low , sheriff, he’s riding a Shetland”
Lol !
Perhaps wagering coffees on the outcomes?
“Depression” – 100,000,000 suddenly out of work. SS payments stop, EBT registers tilt, people casting gold and silver into the street because there is no money. Pandemonium!
Vs
Not much different from today, now.
Buy Me a Coffee makes supporting fun and easy. In just a couple of taps, your fans can make the payment (buy you a coffee) and leave a message.
https://buymeacoffee.com/
An alternate might be everything crashes on a Friday, after market close. Ha! The following Saturday Trump announces the new crypto based system and everything will be tokenized by the following Monday. He’ll apologize and all that, everyone will go along, nobody asks (or askers are shut-out) how .gov had the new system ready to go. >^..^< and the payments keep rolling.
I looked into it, but there’s no way I’m sending my bank info. They no longer use PayPal, which I would have been willing to consider.
Lots of mixed reviews, and it sounds like the site is currently in turmoil.
Thanks for the tip, but even though I could use donations to help with ad costs, this isn’t for me.
Legendary investor Warren Buffett said Saturday that he plans to step down from his role leading Berkshire Hathaway.
Buffett, 94, serves as the conglomerate’s chairman and chief executive. He said Saturday that he will recommend to the Berkshire Hathaway board that Greg Abel become CEO at the end of 2025.
He is 94 and worth $168 billion dollars. No one at Berkshire knew of his planned announcement to step down.
Actually, two children knew in advance…barely…but several reports
See Mr JP Morgan – at the end of his life…that vast fortune he accumulated belonged to Rothchild. Dollars to Doughnuts the same holds true in Buffets case..jss
in the 1930s about 30% were out of work, but 70% were working.
At that rate about 105mm out of work but 245mm working.
if we deport about 25mm it will cut down on the unemployment a bunch.
So the Reps must be trying to get ahead of the game and the Dimms still have CranioRectal Inversion. Their union buddies may help them pull it out but I don’t count on it.
Oh my. I have heard some of this previously, but the details are starting to gel:
https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/man-who-created-covid-19-faucis-us-lab
At one time the CCP was making similar accusations, I think I recall, though this may be one of those Effects. It’s hard to keep count of which evil empire is doing what evil and which evil empire is just wagging their evil fingers. There is just so much competition for evil bragging rights and evil denial amongst evil imperial science types. I still remember the constant din of ambulance sirens blaring all day at work during the worst of the Covid outbreaks.
Sometimes it helps when you have a VPN that says you’re in Koala Country…
https://x.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1918748996224307307
Canada quietly banned all gas powered vehicles without a single vote
By 2035, you’ll be banned from buying a gas or hybrid car in Canada
No debate. No vote. The Environment Minister Guilbeault quietly changed CEPA, the Environmental Protection Act and forced a full electric mandate
– By 2026, 20% of new vehicle sales must be ZEVs (Zero Emission Vehicle)
– This increases to 60% by 2030.
– By 2035, the target is 100% ZEV sales
– Ryan Williams Former Member of the House of Commons of Canada
https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1918840461139321124
I guess it’s gonna be snowshoes and dogsleds between October and April…
Now about those dogsled emissions…. they gotta go, too! Yellow snow ban next?
Thing is….
They’re not zero emissions. They’re just zero
emissions HERE. All the emitting is done where the electric power is being generated.
Leftists can’t see that.
Hard to see truth when blinded by ideology, sadly… Here, mind putting a few fool rods under your house for us?
The future minister’s career climbed to dizzying heights a quarter century ago with an illegal scaling of Toronto’s CN Tower exterior while attired in a Spiderman costume. His requirement for rescue on descent by First Responders in the interests of safety incurred an estimated $50,000 taxpayer bill according to the CBC.
More recently the honourable gentleman of belayed suit ties offers political climate advice one imagines in his proletarian duty as a board member of the CCICED (China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development). The group is chaired by the Vice Premier of China.
State TV in Sweden (SVT) has produced a big budget series called History Of Sweden. Here are the first Swedes.
https://x.com/HarmeetKDhillon/status/1918896834539397421
Yo WatermelonMan,
I suspected along..
How you like Ure Hiphop and Rap music ? Old school like TUPAC or you rolling with new, gayer hiphop artists ?
That is hilarious, I was looking for some berserker Viking action, and you give me smooth, blemish free, dark skinned bushmen/women?
Someone ought be taken out back the woodshed and given a stern WHOOPING for that bullscheisse.
TFU!
Back to Coronado with you! See that log? That surf?
Ray,
The video is thought provoking, and a fine sleight of hand from the “X” poster, Ms. Harmeet Dhillon. President Trump’s US asst. ag for the civil rights division was born in India. She is only a month into her assignment, and already a proverbial “pot calling the kettle black”?
Harmeet didn’t post that – she retweeted it. Dhillon is a top-shelf left coast lawyer. She was my preferred pick for RNC head.
Radio Genoa was the original poster, and I assume it’s a legit SVT production because no one has called them on it, and because it’s typical of the garbage that’s been oozing out of the Rikstag over the past 20+ years.