caucus99percent

free-range politics, organic community

I don't believe in getting my panties in a bunch over Donald Trump and his sponsors. The world is going to hell in the proverbial hand basket and Trump and his irrational deeds are symptoms of exploding global chaos rather than its engineers.

Whatever his real role in history is, whether as tool or dictator in command of capitalism, he is turning himself into a joke that even his most ardent MAGA fan boys and fan girls can get:

Round and round we go. Are silver and gold once again going to be the basis of money and exchange? After all, they have served that purpose for most of the last five thousand years. The US began with that concept at our origin. Article I, Section 10, Clause 1:
No State shall ... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin as Tender in Payment of Debts.
In this century, Texas is first out of the block, and plans to produce and sell one ounce silver and gold coins soon. However, the primary scuttlebutt about the changing world economic order came from Xi in China recently with his announcement that the renminbi (yuan) is to become a reserve currency. He said China was the world's manufacturing and technological leader, and needs to become the financial leader as well. A gold-backed yuan refers to China's strategic initiative to link its currency (renminbi/yuan) to physical gold reserves...This strategy involves establishing gold-backed trade settlement options, expanding gold trading platforms, and gradually positioning the yuan as an alternative to the US dollar in international transactions. Much more on gold, silver, war, and the economy below the fold.

Afternoon folks!

This week among other things, there are a handful of great live albums. Starting off is a live album from Chicago blues guitarist Lonnie Brooks, followed by a studio album from another Chicago blues guitarist Otis Rush. After that it's another live album, this time from harmonica player and singer Junior Wells backed by one of Chicago's tightest backing bands, The Aces. Then we have a compilation album of Washboard Sam, backed by Roosevelt Sykes and Big Bill Broonzy. Following that we get more modern with an album from New Orleans musician Trombone Shorty and then yet another live album from blues rock guitar legend Roy Buchanan. Finishing up in the diversity department is a fun album from a bunch of Canadian folkies, Moxy Fruvous.

Enjoy the tunes and have a great weekend!

Good morning, good people!I hope this Valentine's Day is full of candy, roses, and love for each and every one of you.

Happy Friday everyone. Welcome to Friday Night Photos your once a week escape from the day to day insanity of the world we live in. Post any photos, memes, music or whatever else you find of interest that helps tune out the madness.

I made my annual winter pilgrimage to La Jolla Cove last Saturday morning to photograph the marine life and the surfers. It was a beautiful warm sunny day. The number of critters hanging out at the cove varies from year to year. This year the numbers were about half of what's there in a good year. The only disappointment on the day was there was some good size, well formed waves and not a single surfer.
Tonight I have the pinnipeds. Next Friday will be the sea and shore birds.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinniped

He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Morning.

Exploring local issues today.

If you have the time the full article below is worth a read and the New Yorker writer has the quirky humor often found in the publication. Oregon is a trend setter, historically slipping into economic downturns before other parts of the country. Might see some additional trends which are showing up in your local area or maybe just the opposite.