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.

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.

Ring Cam Doggie Rescue???

A couple of days ago Lee Camp wrote an article called ‘A Super Bowl Ad Accidentally Showed The Horrific Future of America’ for his substack. I didn’t watch the Super Bowl, even though it featured the Seattle Seahawks and was close to my old home town (Los Gatos, CA), and very close to where I went to college as an undergraduate (University of Santa Clara). So, I never saw this ad. But after reading this article, I’m determined, I am NEVER going to see this ad. And I’m not getting a Ring Camera. And I’ll find my dog, if he gets lost, the old fashioned way, by going out there and searching for him and calling for him and getting neighbors to help…

One of the old fashioned ways of finding your dog – calling it, being outside with it, walking with it… So darned old fashioned! From image.freepik.com