GOLDBUG: The allure of gold in a fiat currency world

Friday, May 15, 2015

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-05-09/russell-napier-explains-whats-store-gold-if-cash-outlawed

Russell Napier Explains What’s In Store For Gold If Cash Is Outlawed
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 05/09/2015 19:45 -0400

*** begin quote ***

However, in such a world, zero-yielding gold would be a high-yielding instrument. If the authorities ever sought to restrict access to banknotes, then gold would suddenly find itself enfranchised as money for the first time in many decades. So, given the scale of these competing forces, it is just too early to say what might happen to the gold price, but the allure of gold will grow the more it becomes clear that central bank fiat has failed and the age of government fiat is dawning.

The time is ever nearer when the price of gold will rise in an era of deflation. In due course, though no time soon, the full force of government fiat will engineer a reflation, albeit one replete with the misallocations of savings and capital so beloved by the bureaucrat. Then the PhD standard, in which the value of money is linked only to the words of the over-educated, will have ended. The gold price will rise even further, ‘And the words that are used for to get the ship confused will not be understood as they’re spoken, for the chains of the sea will have busted in the night’. And that’s ‘The hour when the ship comes in.’

*** end quote ***

Interesting change of the interest rate perception.

“Gold doesn’t earn interest.”

That was the common complaint. It just sits there. And, there is a negative opportunity cost.

Now for gold bugs like me, it’s insurance. 

The Gooferment can’t tax it when I die because it doesn’t exist.

The FED, the banking cartel’s, “man in the Gooferment”, can’t inflate it.

And, no one can track it.

With the FED’s zero interest rate policy — screw you senior citizens living on a pension and some savings —, there doesn’t seem to be quite the argument about not paying interest. Compare zero to, as Ric Edelman puts it, zero point nothing, doesn’t seem so bad now does it?

Also, when you think about Cyprus and their “bail in” solution that turns depositors into creditors of the bank, or worse shareholders with non-tradeable shares — think non-traded REITs, another of Ric Edelman’s “favorites” — gold doesn’t compare badly.

I go back to my two favorite … … examples.

  • In Roman times, two ounces of gold got a custom man’s outfit with cloak and sandals; today, those same two ounces translates to about 3,400 FRB “dollars”. Pretty equivalent.
     
  • And, in my yute, gas at the old Hess station was 30¢ a gallon with trading stamps, a glass, and the attendant pumped it — also cleaned the windshield; today those same three SILVER dimes could be sold for about 6 FRB “dollars”, which would buy more than TWO gallons of “better gas”, but no glass, stamps, or attendant (except in the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee). Pretty equivalent. 

SO WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

The value of the currency!

Argh!

I’ll keep my nonexistent gold, silver, and nickels. Thank you very much.

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Posted by reinkefj

RANT: ‘Deflategate’ is hot air. Fuhgeddaboudit!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

https://consortiumnews.com/2015/05/07/holes-in-nfls-deflategate-report/

Holes in NFL’s ‘Deflategate’ Report
May 7, 2015

Exclusive: A high-profile NFL probe into the champion New England Patriots concluded that “it is more probable than not” that quarterback Tom Brady’s footballs were intentionally deflated prior to a January playoff game, but the report sloughs off scientific evidence that undercuts the finding, writes Robert Parry.

By Robert Parry

*** begin quote ***

A key assertion by people accusing Brady was that it made no sense that the footballs used by the Patriots in the AFC championship game last January – when tested at halftime – would have lost significantly more air pressure than those used by their opponents, the Indianapolis Colts. But scientists hired by the NFL discovered that measurements varied sharply depending on when at halftime the balls were tested.

According to a study by Exponent, a California-based testing firm, footballs lose air pressure during games in chilly, rainy weather, the conditions that existed on Jan. 18, 2015, in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but when returned to the warmth of a climate-controlled room, their air pressure rapidly rises close to the original internal pressure.

*** and ***

At the end of the game, four balls from the Colts and four from the Patriots were tested again. Three of the four Colts’ balls were underinflated while none of the Pats’ balls were. In other words, while the Patriots’ footballs were deflated in the first half, the Colts’ balls were deflated in both the first half and second half.

Another possible factor why the Pats’ balls tested relatively lower in psi could have been the way the balls were prepared before the game. The Pats’ balls were rubbed down to remove any slickness while the Colts’ balls were left slicker or more water resistant. One of the findings by the Exponent scientists was that wetter balls recovered their psi more slowly than drier balls when brought into a climate-controlled environment.

*** end quote ***

I “have no dog in this fight”, BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), this seems like a lot of “hot air” with out “evidence”. (You know that stuff that fair minded people demand before anyone goes running their mouths off about stuff they have no knowledge of!)

As a baby fat old white guy injineering student in Brother Barry Austin’s “Measurements” class, we was taught that there are “errors and blunders”. But at no time do you get to just throw stuff away or throw stuff around. 

It appears that in this case, there were plenty of blunders to muck up any findings.

Two gauges — one is “not accurate”. So how does one certify that the gauge your using is correct and in proper working order?

And wet balls regain pressure due to temperature faster than dry ones.

And, the whole controversy over pressure in the locker room versus pressure in the game conditions.

It all sounds like there is a lot of opinionating going on and not much evidence or factual understanding.

Hence, imho, fuhgeddaboudit! (translation from the Brooklyn dialect: “forget about it” with a sneer.) 

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TINFOILHAT: “Jade Helm” is training for what?

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2015/05/brandon-smith/when-the-power-elite-wage-war-on-americans/

When The Elites Wage War On America, This Is How They Will Do It
By Brandon Smith Alt-Market.com
May 8, 2015

*** begin quote ***

I would further note that Jade Helm exercises are also joint exercises with domestic agencies like the FBI and the DEA.  Again, why include domestic law enforcement agencies in a military exercise merely meant to prepare troops for foreign operations?  I often hear the argument that the military would never go along with such a program, but people who take this rather presumptive position do not understand crisis psychology.  In the event of a national catastrophe many military personnel and government employees may determine that they will do what is “best for them and their families”.  And if following orders guarantees the security of their families (food security, shelter, etc), then they may very well follow any order, no matter how dubious.  Also, a large scale crisis could be used as a rationale for martial law; otherwise well meaning military men and women could be convinced that the loss of constitutional freedoms might be for the “greater good of the greater number”.  I believe some military will indeed resist such efforts, but of course, Jade Helm may also be a method for vetting such uncooperative people before any live operation occurs.

*** end quote ***

This stinks to high Heaven.

I wouldn’t believe anything that the Gooferment says. Or its politicians and bureaucrats.

This type of “training” makes no sense, UNLESS it is training for civil unrest like Baltimore on a much larger sale.

I think the Governor of Texas is correct to be concerned.

How often lately is the Gooferment doing un-Constitutional things?

The IRS is political. The DoJ is political. Everything is political.

And, as one who doesn’t care for either of our “political parties”, as if there was any difference between them, I have a feeling that Jade Helm is an attempt to intimidate me.

Molon labe!

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GOVEROTRAGEOUS: Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee “wins”

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/news/casinos-forfeit-12-000-in-winnings-by-underage-patrons-1.1326438

Casinos forfeit $12,000 in winnings by underage patrons
May 6, 2015, 1:01 PM    Last updated: Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 1:04 PM
By WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press

*** begin quote ***

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Four Atlantic City casinos have forfeited more than $12,000 won by underage gamblers.

The casinos seized the money from patrons found to be under the legal gambling age of 21. The state Gaming Enforcement Division ordered them to forfeit the winnings to a state fund for seniors and the disabled. The forfeitures were made public this week.

*** end quote ***

So why does the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee “win”.

Did they restore the money to the “underage gamblers”?

I remember a time when in Vegas there was no drinking age, no gambling age, no speed limits, and prostitution was legal.

How far we have fallen!

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Posted by reinkefj

SECURITY: Why not require photo id?

Monday, May 11, 2015

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20150506/NEWS03/150509580&source=RSS

Woman advocates vigilance after thieves took wallet and spent $20,507 in 2 hours
By CASSIDY SWANSON
Union Leader Correspondent

*** begin quote ***

BEDFORD — After having her wallet stolen out of her shopping cart at the Bedford Mall and more than $20,000 charged to her credit cards, a Manchester woman is cautioning women and seniors to be more vigilant about their belongings while out shopping.

*** and ***

“Why isn’t it mandatory to ask for an ID? You know, we’re talking 15 seconds here,” she said.

*** and ***

Fellbaum said at Best Buy, the thieves tried to use Fellbaum’s Chase Visa card for the two transactions. It was declined, so the store allowed them to use her Bank of America card.

The thieves also paid in two transactions at the Apple Store.

The Bank of America card was denied at the Apple Store, and that store allowed the thieves to use Fellbaum’s Citizens Bank card. On the second transaction, the thieves used her Sam’s Club MasterCard.

At Finish Line, Fellbaum’s Bank of America card was declined, but the store allowed the thieves to use her Citizens MasterCard.

“Nobody asked for ID,” she said. Fellbaum also said she was told by a manager at Best Buy that credit card companies prohibit the store from asking customers for identification when paying with a card.

“I don’t believe that’s true,” she said.

*** end quote ***

It would seem that this type of crime would immediately be reduce by requiring photo id.

Need it to get on a plane.

So why not to vote or to charge?

And, I’m sorry, after a decline, why not take some extra precautions.

Multiple declines?

Argh!

“Photo id required” goes on all my cards!

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Posted by reinkefj

INTERESTING: Does “diversity” include age?

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Doing more on diversity
Posted: 05 May 2015 02:00 PM PDT
When we released the composition of our workforce almost a year ago, it confirmed what many people suspected: the tech industry needs to do a lot more when it comes to diversity. Since then, the question I get asked most is—so what are you doing about it?

You may have heard about some of the work we’ve been doing: embedding engineers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities; partnering with Hollywood to inspire girls to pursue careers in computer science; building local initiatives to introduce coding to high school students from diverse communities; and expanding our employee unconscious bias training.

But these programs represent only a sampling of all the work that is going on behind the scenes. If we’re really going to make an impact, we need a holistic plan. Today, we want to share our diversity strategy, which is focused on four key areas:

Hire diverse Googlers: In the past, our university-focused hiring programs have relied heavily on a relatively small number of schools. But, we know those schools aren’t always the most diverse. For example, while 14% of Hispanic college enrollment is at 4-year schools, Hispanics make up just 7% at the 200 most selective schools. In the past two years, we’ve doubled the number of schools where we recruit, to promote student diversity. This year, nearly 20 percent of the hires we make from a university are from these new campuses.

Foster a fair and inclusive culture: We want to ensure that we have an environment where all Googlers can thrive. We’ve raised awareness around unconscious bias—half of all Googlers have participated in our unconscious bias workshops—and we’ve now rolled out a hands-on workshop that provides practical tips for addressing bias when we see it. We’re also drawing on the idea of 20 percent time to enable employees to use their time at work to focus on diversity projects. In 2015, more than 500 Googlers will participate in Diversity Core, a formal program in which employees contribute—as part of their job—to the company’s diversity efforts.

Expand the pool of technologists: Making computer science (CS) education accessible and available to everyone is one of our most important initiatives. Our CS First program is designed to help anyone—a teacher, a coach, or volunteer—teach kids the basics of coding. And since research tells us that to inspire more girls, we need to show them that computer science isn’t just for boys, we started Made with Code—and we’re working with the entertainment industry to change the perceptions around CS and what it means to be a computer scientist.

Bridge the digital divide: We also want more underrepresented communities, including women and minorities, to share the benefits of the web, and to have access to the economic engine it provides. The Accelerate with Google Academy helps business owners get online, grow and drive economic impact.

With an organization of our size, meaningful change will take time. From one year to the next, bit by bit, our progress will inch forward. More importantly, our industry will become more inclusive, and the opportunities for currently underrepresented groups will grow. We’ll share our updated diversity data for 2015 soon. We’re gradually making progress across these four areas, and we’re in it for the long term.

Posted by Nancy Lee, Vice President, People Operations

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Note bene: doesn’t say anything about us old people!

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Posted by reinkefj

GOVEROTRAGEOUS: “Memphis Belle” was not the first heavy bomber to survive 25 combat missions; she was the third.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/dispatches/0415.html#article5

Military Facts and Legends: First WW II Aircraft Crew to Reach 25 Missions 

*** begin quote ***

So why did the U.S. Army Air Force promote the “Memphis Belle” as the first heavy bomber to fly 25 combat missions?

According to Warbird News, our government was anxious to report uplifting and inspiring stories of the war that would capture the American public’s imagination. For the USAAF it was heavy bombers crews that successfully reached 25 combat mission in defiance of actuarial norms. Because the “Memphis Belle” hit that momentous milestone without a crewman’s death made her the likely candidate to be first to return home for a War Bond tour.

Americans, for better or worse are conditioned to respond to a happy ending, especially when it goes against all probability.

*** end quote ***

So, the Gooferment can’t even tell the truth in little things.

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INTERESTING: Maybe there’s some money to be made in solar after all?

Friday, May 8, 2015

http://readwrite.com/2015/05/01/tesla-energy-powerwall-backup-battery

Tesla‘s Powerwall: Why You Should Care Even If You Don’t Have Home Solar
Greater energy independence at a smaller cost.
BRIAN P. RUBIN MAY 1, 2015

*** begin quote ***

The U.S Energy Information Administration says that the average American home consumes about 11,000kWh per year, or about 30kWh per day. So if an average user wants to get completely off the grid, it would only take three 10kWh Powerwall units—at a total of $10,500, not counting the cost of installation, solar cells and a pricey DC/AC inverter—for that to become feasible. It may sound like a lot of money on paper, but considering the long term energy saving benefits, it’s a steal.

*** end quote ***

Interesting concept and idea.

Maybe for my shore house? 

Put the solar panels on the roof. It gets a lot of sun year round. If you can sell the power back to the township /JCPL, then maybe the old “white elephant” could pay for some of its “freight”.

Heaven forbid, maybe it could even show a profit?

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TINFOILHAT: Who is ‘John Doe No. 2’?

Thursday, May 7, 2015

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2708050/Did-Oklahoma-City-bomber-accomplice-How-one-mans-mystery-death-jail-cell-brothers-quest-justice-upend-understanding-domestic-terror-attack.html

Did the Oklahoma City bomber have another accomplice? One man’s mystery death in a jail cell and his brother’s 19-YEAR quest for justice that could reopen case of attack that killed 168

  • Jesse Trentadue believes his brother Kenneth was arrested by the FBI after the 1995 bombing in the belief he was Timothy McVeigh’s accomplice
  • Trentadue fit the description of the mysterious John Doe No. 2 and his brother believes he was killed by overzealous interrogators
  • Kenneth Trentadue was found dead in a federal holding cell after authorities say he hanged himself
  • Trentadue is suing the FBI to try to get them to reveal information he believes they’ve withheld from the public for nearly 20 years
  • The FBI now maintains McVeigh acted alone on the day of the bombing, but had an accomplice in Terry Nichols and confidante in Michael Fortier
  • Fortier was jailed for his role in the crime, which authorities say was failing to tell authorities what he knew

By BY TIM TALLEY AND BRADY MCCOMBS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
PUBLISHED: 23:54 EST, 27 July 2014 | UPDATED: 16:52 EST, 28 July 2014

*** begin quote ***

He says the agency won’t release security camera videos that show a second person was with Timothy McVeigh when he parked a truck outside the Oklahoma City federal building and detonated a bomb, killing 168 people. The government claims McVeigh was alone.

*** and ***

Unsatisfied by the FBI’s previous explanations, U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups has ordered the agency to explain why it can’t find videos from the bombing that are mentioned in evidence logs, citing the public importance of the tapes.

Trentadue believes the presence of a second suspect in the truck explains why his brother, Kenneth Trentadue, was flown to Oklahoma several months after the bombing, where he died in a federal holding cell in what was labeled a suicide. What do they know? The FBI claims Timothy McVeigh was alone when he planted the car bomb that killed 168 in 1995, but some conspiracy theorists believe Trentadue died as part of the agency’s investigation into a second man who was on the scene with 

His brother bore a striking resemblance to the police sketch that officials sent out after the bombing based on witness descriptions of the enigmatic suspect ‘John Doe No. 2,’ who was the same height, build and complexion. The suspect was never identified.

*** and ***

Going toe-to-toe with the federal government has come at a personal price for Jesse Trentadue, 67, who says he’s lost time with his children and wife that he can’t recover.But he has no regrets, fueled by his love for his brother. Just three years apart, the two shared a bed, hunted coons together and played on the same sports teams growing up in a coal camp in West Virginia.Their paths diverged as adults – Jesse becoming an attorney while Kenneth fell into drugs and crime – but the brotherly bond never broke. Before his death, Kenneth Trentadue had overcome his heroin addiction and had a newborn baby at home in San Diego, Jesse Trentadue said. The brothers spoke by phone from jail the night before his death, with the two discussing how he would soon be out.’What I learned growing up in the coal fields is that you fight even when you know you can’t win,’ he said. ‘Because you have to make a stand on some things. Justice for my brother is certainly one of them.’

*** end quote ***

Another case where the Gooferment is covering up?

I don’t know. But one has to ask the questions.

‘John Doe No. 2’? Clearly there is some smoke around this issue.

When the records say there is a video and the Gooferment can’t find it, isn’t that convenient.

Another case where we can’t find out the truth.

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RANT: I say “eliminate” the FDA and he talks about “reform”. Regulatory capture!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Dear Mr. Reinke,

Thank you for contacting me about U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform. In order to best represent you as your United States Senator, it is vital that I hear your views on this and other important matters.

I share your concerns about the need to reform the FDA. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congress’ investigative arm, reported that the FDA’s inability to oversee medical product and food safety would be added to its list of “high risk” government programs and practices. Reports like these are troubling and require us to take action. As we discuss FDA reform, we need to be honest about what works and what does not. This means establishing better, more robust results-oriented performance measures, aligning activities and resources to meet strategic goals, and enhancing the use of performance information. We must implement policies that adequately prepare the FDA to keep pace with changing demands.

Thank you again for contacting me. I will keep you thoughts in mind. Please continue to be in touch with your opinions and concerns as we move forward in the 113th Congress. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at http://warner.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator

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