READING THE TEA LEAVES 7A

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 7A We can go back to talking about the human mind and thinking from 6A at a later time. A new government is about to take over on the 20th of January. Good thing that our worst fears didn't come into play. All the talk about the lefty mobs burning down the towns didn't come to fruition, certainly thankful for that. So far, as watch the possible cabinet take shape, the out look is not so rosy, but you really have to understand how the economy works. Stock market seems to be doing great, but interest rate dependent stocks not so much. Bonds are not doing well either. Companies that cater to the low income customers are tanking too, consumer goods and low end fast food companies are down. Gold is dropping like a rock, predicting higher interest rates. If government actually decides to cut spending, the first impact will be felt by low income citizens ( including those on Social Security). What does it all mean for the economy, since we care so much about it. Since our future depends on the "economy" we think anyway. It is not that simple at all. The future direction of prices, of food, housing, fuel jobs (employment), wages, healthcare, government services, defense and more all make up the "economy" and all are interconnected, not separated one from the others. If defense spending is cut, the first thing you will notice is the stagnation of contractor wages and employment cuts, that will lower the housing prices near contractor factory sites, and bases, lower employment in food service and grocery stores and so on. If the crop subsidies are reduced the prices of crops will go up to make up the difference, add that to the losses due to drought and farm labor shortage and you begin to understand why I said that food prices will double in the next two years, ( or maybe just 50% so as not to scare you). If we cut social security and Medicare the elderly will be hurt , as well as those that take care of them, nurse's aids, nursing homes, hospices and so on. As the markets have shown already, interest rates are not coming down or atleast as fast as we hoped for, and wishful thinking is not a strategy. I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 16 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES 6A

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 6A It is difficult to understand the world around us when, ourselves, don't know what we want. We confuse our desires with our needs and hurt ourselves. Sometimes we try to help others only to be accused of being selfish. Philosophers have already said that our desire to be helpful can be selfish, even to the extreme. We can even get our feelings (ego, really,) when our help is refused. And we get blamed for being selfish in reality. On the other hand though, it would be naive, even foolish, to think that many of those that pretend to be helpful have no ulterior motives, conmen and hustlers abound, everywhere and in all walks of life, snake oil salesmen, pimps, preachers, politicians and the police and the lawyers of all color. That is why we must be vigilant, must be careful, be informed and educated. Who we are, and what side we are on is an individual decision, it is based on our self knowledge, self awareness and our own motives. We can't ever say that our decisions are purely altruistic. I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 12 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES 5!

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 5! There is a song by Leonard Cohen, "Everybody Knows", a beautiful and haunting song, you should listen to it, again, or maybe for the first time. Or just Google the lyrics. We are all stars, we always wanted to be the favorite, or marry that quarterback or that cheerleader. We too wanted a "long stem rose". Back in my poetry days I wrote a poem, I called it "Yesterday", I'll post it again soon. We are convinced that we know everything about everything, and we also love to be on the winning side, it makes up for our other shortcomings. Don't take it personally, I am only making general statements. Life is complicated, it is hard to see how things actually work, look at the computer screen, or an airplane, how it works, the worker in China putting that computer together doesn't know anymore that I do as to how the thing works, but it does. What makes it go? You and I don't have to wonder or to understand, all we know is that it works. As does our body. Generally speaking, we eat, we sleep, we breathe, we don't have to worry. As I said previously, we can know all the history yet it is no help in predicting the future, future will get here and then become the past, whether we plan for it or we don't, it will happen even if are here or we are not. Sadly though, just as 1+2 equals 3, everytime, ( unless you happen to be Terrence Howard), history can guide us to what will the future hold if certain patterns of the past are followed. So when we say that "history repeats itself", what we mean is that certain results can be expected when the same certain patterns are followed. One of the reasons the democrats lost is that cater to every little whim of the outliers and shun the average American. They didn't actually do anything for the middle classes. Even though it is said that Biden was somehow great legislative genius but no one saw it. Yes, the democrats did pass the infrastructure bill, but at the state and city level the local politicians took the the credit for it all. Life is complicated, economy is complicated, and when we talk about a booming economy that does not help the average citizen, it doesn't matter. Because we really don't understand the economy, no one in DC explained how it was working, and they couldn't convince anyone, only thing that could have helped was an increase in the minimum wage. How? I'll explain. I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 09 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES 4

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 4 it is past 1 AM, I am not sleepy yet, aa a retiree I have nothing much to do all day but to read, think and drink coffee. I still smoke, but had to give up drinking due to high blood pressure, and two strokes. Back in 1980 a friend ( in the army) died of a stroke after being told to quit drinking, he didn't, he was 39 only, a father of 5. Any way, it was still a long day. "Anyway" is a historic phrase now, if you remember, Biden used it every time he lost his train of thought. Anyway, if you go back and read my posts, one month ago, I had said that the Wall Street was predicting a Trump win. Back in 2016, I had used the Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", to state that we, (the average citizens) are only seeing what is in front of us, and what see is the shadows that we consider reality. My friend called today. " We have people that know a lot of history, but how can they help us arrange the future"? I asked. Same is true about people, how does an "average person" affect the course of the nation when his or her thinking is limited, resources are limited and the reach is limited? For myself, all I can do is to take care of myself and myself and my loved ones and try my best to protect them. Physically as well as economically. But what can those people do that are living hand to mouth already and have no clue as to where the train is headed? It is the American hubris that everyone of us thinks that they not only know everything, but also can survive anything. Too much optimism can be deadly. We are all okay till the proverbial "stuff hits the fan". Yet, we are like the rats ( my example from 2008 elections) following the Pied Piper, it is the human nature in us. Always looking for that savior, be it Elon Musk or a David Koresh even. How often do we get fooled? Democrats lost, big deal, they overplayed their hand, like those in the cave, they couldn't see the reality. While they presented Trump as a criminal, half the guys wished they could get away with what he got away with, even the Latinos, we are awful humans, it is our nature. Dems thought the college protestors will forgive them for the heavy handedness at the protests, the college kids sat it out instead. So many miscalculations. Where do we go from here? America is about to change, change in the ways we didn't imagine and in the ways we are not ready for. It is like a JDAM, it is impressive to look at all, but you wouldn't want to be close to one when it goes off. And even you think you won, you may not like it when your wishes do come true. I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 07 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES 3

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 3 Trump may or may not keep his promises, but democrats failed to take care of the country. Biden was too engaged in managing his wars, that he failed to pay attention to the people, he alienated everyone that he needed to get reelected. Americans that were fully supportive of the war in Ukraine couldn't pay for the war any longer as prices kept going up along with the cost of war. Fewer supported the unlimited war in Gaza, MSM that was all in on the war no matter what failed to understand what the people on the street were noticing. The liberals, the neo-cons were happy focusing full time on the wars while ignoring any and all domestic problems. Maybe trump was right that this will be the last time you'll have to vote. Now with the presidency, the House, the Senate along with the Supreme Court in in one party's hands that may become a "prophecy". Which will mean the end of the "American Experiment ". Not to say that Biden, the democrats and the media couldn't have seen it coming. This just may have been the biggest conspiracy itself. MORE TO FOLLOW M. N. R. 06 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES 2

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES 2 If and when, Trump wins and Kamala loses, it will not be a fault of anyone but Biden, Biden was more pig headed than most other politicians ( with one certain other exception). His continued support of Ukraine, his support of Bibi, him ignoring the immigration crisis and total disregard of the economy has cost this election. All the topics Trump appears to be interested in. Even before the 7th of October crisis happened he had been out of touch. Why he was not 25thed out. I have no clue! The Constitution was not followed by those that take an oath to follow the Constitution! But, here we are. What the future holds for the American people? Trump may have been running since 2015, we have no clue what "new" plans or policies he has up his sleeve. His promises of the 2016 campaign didn't bear many fruits, we didn't get a healthcare plan, the border wall was only partially built, Mexico didn't pay for the wall, and with some draconian measures in place immigration was only slightly slowed. We did make deal to get out of Afghanistan but we also released 5,000 Taliban in the deal ( before the withdrawal). With the new tariffs promised, the prices of most items will definitely rise, and as the foriegn countries impose tariffs on American goods in retaliation our exports will suffer costing American jobs. If the regulations on businesses are dropped, the pollution will increase, the job site safety will suffer, and worker protections will go away. No more job security either. MORE WILL FOLLOW M. N. R. 06 NOVEMBER 2024

READING THE TEA LEAVES!

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE READING THE TEA LEAVES! Hang in there, it is almost over. Really, right now no one knows the final outcome, as predicted. But it could be clear by the time I wake up. (That depends upon if I go to sleep in the first place). I will be going to sleep soon, I am at ease, my conscience is clear, I am at peace, aren't you? I chided Biden over the Afghanistan withdrawal, I chastised the government for creating the war in Ukraine, I low key called out the destruction in Gaza, so if Trump wins tomorrow or the next week it will be Biden's fault. ( and his advisors). The US foreign policy has been run by the three letter agencies, as it is by the "military industrial complex", which in turn is run by the same bankers that own the FED, the IMF and the World Bank, which runs the UN and also promotes the "New World Order ". Oh you thought the US was a democracy, you know like " government of the people, by the people, for the people", o my goodness , how foolish. On the economy, Biden was really not interested, by the time he was pushed out, it was too late, it was too late two years ago when the corporations started making record profits, jacked up CEO pay and dividends and stock buy back. But the consumers do care about all of that, all they know is that prices are higher, how or why are no factors in the equation. MORE TO FOLLOW M. N. R. 05 NOVEMBER 2024

A BIG DAY!

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE A BIG DAY! So it is finally here, the day the world will stop, people in power around the globe are holding their breath, poor across the world know their lives will still suck. Governments around the world wonder who will be toppled by the CIA, others worry if they will be next on the list to be bombed. But here in America, on the 1st Teusday after the first Monday in the month of November, and in the year of the Lord 2024 our concerns are more mundane. Not about the quality or the character of the candidates, not about the Constitution or the rule of law, not about our own morals, or justice or fairness, but what party we belong to. We don't need a brain, we don't need to ponder, we don't need to evaluate, it is no different than watching a football game, we already know which team is "ours" and no matter what, our team should always win. It is 1235 in the morning (or very late at night), I'll be up at 8 AM, ( I am retired) shower, drink coffee and go stand in line to "do my civic duty", like it will make a difference. We don't really have a democracy, I don't think we even need a national election. We have red states and we have blue states. Results are already known, but the masquerade goes on, it is great entertainment and keeps the people busy. And yes, we love our "busy"! Billionaires, bankers and the industrialists want us "involved". Even though the finance bothsides and own the politicians of whatever party you vote for, not even joking. But go on, it is good for you to feel wanted. I tried to get excited, but it is boring really. People that have more work than they can handle complain about how bad the economy is, people that can't find qualified help for the low wages they offer complain that people don't want to work, and people that hire illegal immigrants complain about migration. People on SNAP and section-8 (rental assistance) complain about government helping "others", and landlords raise rents as people on assistance can get "free money ". We are just not that honest. We are facing real crises, the inflation has not gone away ( no matter who wins), we are facing an economic downturn, (no matter who wins), we are closest to a WW3 since the Cuban missile crisis, ( no matter who wins), but what, "ME Worry" ? It is no time to worry about who wins, we have bigger fish to fry. The worst thing we can do is to assume that if the "stuff" hits the fan, we will make it, it is a delusion we cannot afford. Even if we have 5, 10, 30 acres and a lot of ammo it will be difficult, very difficult, in a country where gas is no longer available, refineries are shut down, roadways are blocked, produce can't be moved, tractors can't be repaired, parts are no longer available. Not only! If Russia takes Ukraine then Latvia, Lithuania and Poland? What about Europe, If NATO is not there? If we impose tariffs the other countries will also. Stagflation is not just another word. It maybe worse. Good luck America, I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 05 NOVEMBER 2024

A BIG DAY?

LIFE IS A GAME OF CONNECT THE DOTS, IF YOU DON'T CONNECT ALL THE DOTS OR DON'T CONNECT THEM IN THE RIGHT ORDER YOU NEVER GET THE PICTURE A BIG DAY ? 1. So finally, it is here, tomorrow is the big day. Well, aren't you excited? I am not. In my 72 years, I have seen many of these "big days". Nothing much changes, really, nothing that really matters. We get excited over little things, only because we are supposed to, and that only because we are told to, we are told to be excited, we are programmed to be excited. Pavlov called this " conditioning" . As children we are told about "Santa Claus", Christmas comes, for months we have heard about Santa, we look forward to Christmas, and the presents and even as we grow older and we know for a fact now that there is no Santa, still we can't get away from the drama, the excitement, we are "conditioned". Literally! 2. Our lives are not about to change much in the ways that we believe they will. If the immigrants are deported, the prices of some goods may go up, the housing construction may slow down, the price of chicken, lettuce, beef, eggs may go way up, but who cares? If the abortion is banned it will not change my life, it may change the life of my granddaughters, but I don't have any, yet. So me worry? Why? We don't think, even when we are thinking. Most of us that "follow" the news have no idea. Facts are malleable, we create our own facts, we are thus programmed. I know, you want to say that you know the difference between truth and a lie, and I will never argue. Yet! We are conditioned to "believe" that our fantasies are real, more so than even reality itself. We cry at the movies, we get scared, we get upset, we "think" that reality shows are real, that no matter what news we watch tells us the "truth". None of which is true. But we are sure we can not be fooled. Worse, we even believe that that our "opinions" are not influenced when the news we watch is playing to our preferences and even on the internet the algorithms design what we watch only to reinforce our thoughts. No wonder we all believe we are "right in the absolute " and are even willing to fight to defend our "programming"! And we are being programmed every minute of every day. And the people making $16 an hour believe that the people making $11 an hour are being paid too much. A farmer raises sheep, he has a couple of sheepdogs, the dogs guards the sheep all day and all night, the keep the wolves and the coyotes away and fight them if the need be. Morning and night the farmer feeds the dogs some scraps, and the dogs are happy, they are fed, they have a place to stay. The dogs don't care why the farmer keeps them around or how much money the farmer is making, how rich the farmer is, how comfortable the farmer is, and if someone were to come to take the farmer's property, the dogs will fight them, even unto death. The dogs are conditioned to take care of the farmer. Always. Anyway. I WILL WRITE MORE SOON M. N. R. 04 NOVEMBER 2024