Decline of the Empire

2016 — Off To A Good Start

I couldn't help but notice that my own start to 2016 mirrored the situation in global financial markets. I have visions of hedge fund guys huddled around two space heaters in a single room as markets (my house) crash (freeze).

Is this 2008 all over again? George Soros hinted that it might be, and The Economist took issue with his evaluation. It seems that "investors" have finally woken up to the fact that China's economy is profoundly fucked up.

The Rumor Is...

The rumor is that I may have heat in my building tomorrow. Ah, the virtues of gas-driven central heating. I won't be taking that for granted anymore.

I just wanted to let you know that I haven't frozen to death. Let this be an open thread. I'm too fed up and disgusted to actually talk about anything. Lately I've seen too much human incompetence up close and personal. Why anyone would think this global civilization will be intact by the end of this century remains the central mystery to be explained.

— Dave