“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The data centers run 24 hours a day, humming along with power from Bonneville Dam. The systems are kept cool using outdoor air on cold days and nights, when insufficient there is water.

People and communities need to communicate with each other. Large data centers assist in the broad goals of efficiency and monitoring.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

As we watch avenues for social commentary and protest opportunities become more restricted are there other possibilities if these disappear. Fiction has been used successfully in the past, often the stories end up as traditional childhood tales. Not sure if an attempt to teach future generations or to trivialize the message.

Last week we looked at The Wizard of Oz as an allegory for the financial system. Mother Goose rhymes became popular in the 17th century as alternative commentary for English government and Royalty. The 1800's was Charles Dickens writings on plight of the poor. The tipping point was in 1843 the publication of The Christmas Carol.

Watching so many variation in film has made it part of the invisible background of our culture. It become simply another version of be nice at Christmas. Never actually read the original. After watching this Townsends video on the changes in English and American society after its publication it is one the reading list. Along with American Notes for General Circulation by Dickens. The book was a little too critical of America and sales of his books plummeted after its publication.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Life sometimes feels as if one is living in a fairy tale or other work of fiction. Maybe because some of our favorite stories growing up were actually more complex than simply skipping down the yellow brick road.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

In the midst of the potential dramatic changes in the worlds financial order decided to revisit a three part series on the history of China's interaction with the world since Europeans taking to the oceans for conquest. The saga covers ups and downs of 2 dynasties and modern Chinese governments.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso
Winter is officially over - chickens have started laying. Fresh egg omelets are back on the menu. Crocuses are blooming. Tis the season for dreaming of bountiful harvests from the seeds being planted and warmer days.

Reality check. Uncertainty is in the air. Prices up, armed conflict in another part of the world, fuel disruptions, drought warnings. Is this a repeat of the 1970's which ended with 12 years of a Republican in the presidency. Spontaneous events or a push with propaganda?

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Complicated week - war, supply chains disruptions, propaganda overload might need some low cost comfort food popularized before the last World War before this is over.

The recipe.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

It appears one of my favorite authors on contemporary and historical relationships between nations is no longer publishing new articles at Asia Times. Authors change homes and the website appears to be changing its editorial tone. Pepe Escobar is publishing new work is at The Cradle in addition to other sites.

My surprise was when performing a quick check on Wikipedia bio for information on how long he had published at Asia Times (answer 2003) and found this notice at the top of the page -

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Using money to modify behavior is a common theme of modern society. Parents and guardians use an allowance teach responsibility to children to reinforce positive behavior or withholding when necessary as punishment for unacceptable behavior. It doesn't always stop in childhood, it becomes more complicated when used by governments towards their citizens and other nations. 2022 is starting off brisk with new levels of financial punishments.