Don't Ask--It's Magic

Any sufficiently advanced cartel's actions are indistinguishable from magic.

You may be surprised to learn that a marginalized, lowly blogger (me) has magical powers. It's not something I display in public, for self-evident reasons, but when two young friends, M.K. and K.K., expressed extreme skepticism, well, I was forced to display some wushu magic. Oh ye of little faith....




Don't ask--it's magic. The technique will be familiar to anyone who has practiced the esoteric Taoist arts, and after much pleading and cajoling, I revealed one basic technique to the young ladies.

To my chagrin, they both quickly mastered what had taken me years of arduous effort. M.K. shows me how it feels to be on the receiving end--ouch:



K.K. blasts her sister big-time:

OK, it's not quite magic. Like many other cutting-edge fads, such as money-printing to infinity, this type of faux manga-style martial arts began in Japan:

Latest Japanese Schoolgirl Trend: Fake Dragon Ball Attacks.

But let's talk a bit about real magic. Science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke's Three Laws famously include this one:

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

As evidence, I present the S&P 500 from January 1, 2013 to the present, April 12, 2013:

Don't ask--it's magic. Some of the potions and incantations have been leaked, of course, for example POMO and the pre-open purchase of E-Mini contracts, but like any good magic, the real techniques are secret.

As a result of the stupendous rally in the SPX, I propose a Fourth Law:

Any sufficiently advanced cartel's actions are indistinguishable from magic. 

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Things are falling apart--that is obvious. But why are they falling apart? The reasons are complex and global. Our economy and society have structural problems that cannot be solved by adding debt to debt. We are becoming poorer, not just from financial over-reach, but from fundamental forces that are not easy to identify or understand. We will cover the five core reasons why things are falling apart:

1. Debt and financialization
2. Crony capitalism and the elimination of accountability
3. Diminishing returns
4. Centralization
5. Technological, financial and demographic changes in our economy

Complex systems weakened by diminishing returns collapse under their own weight and are replaced by systems that are simpler, faster and affordable. If we cling to the old ways, our system will disintegrate. If we want sustainable prosperity rather than collapse, we must embrace a new model that is Decentralized, Adaptive, Transparent and Accountable (DATA).

We are not powerless. Not accepting responsibility and being powerless are two sides of the same coin: once we accept responsibility, we become powerful.

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To receive a 20% discount on the print edition: $19.20 (retail $24), follow the link, open a Createspace account and enter discount code SJRGPLAB. (This is the only way I can offer a discount.)

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Thank you, David C. ($20), for yet another splendidly generous contribution to this site -- I am greatly honored by your steadfast support and readership.