Running 'Cause I Can't Fly 2

Friday, February 13, 2026

John Wilder, "Happiness, Desire, Whiskey, and Purpose"

"Happiness, Desire, Whiskey, and Purpose"

by John Wilder

“Happiness is all that it wants, and resembling the well-fed,

there shouldn’t be any hunger or thirst.”

– Epictetus

"Think back to the moment that you were really content. Happy. Maybe it was after a nice steak. Maybe it was after a draw on a good cigar. Maybe it was in on the bench seat of a 1978 GMC® truck on a warm summer night. Whenever it was, in moments of true contentment, true happiness, you don’t want or need anything. The moment is complete. It is as it is. I feel that way after I write a post I’m especially happy with. I feel that way most mornings after the first sip of coffee. In those moments, in those times, I simply don’t need anything more.

This is why I say that happiness is the easiest thing for most people, most of the time. It’s simple. Stop wanting what you don’t have. Done. Easy. Unless it’s air. I need that most of the time and get quite cross and panicky when I don’t have it. And water, yeah, I need that on occasion. Food? Not an issue. Like most people in current-day USA, I could skip a meal or a few dozen meals and still be physically fine.

So, happiness is easy. Why then, are most people unhappy? They want what they don’t have. In some cases, they want what they can never have. Some mid-tier 8 who spends a night banging Brad Pitt now wants a Brad Pitt type guy to love her. That’s simply not going to happen in this universe because Brad Pitt has all the twenty-year-old 10s he wants to have, and one of them might be a keeper.

So, our mid-tier 8 is unhappy. If she didn’t think she deserved Brad Pitt, well, she might have a chance to be happy. But, no, she’s made herself unhappy. And, she’s made herself unhappy in the stupidest way possible: she’s pining for something she will never ever be able to have. In her case, it’s confusing being Mrs. Right Now with being Mrs. Right.

This unhappiness didn’t come from outside her: she made it up. So, whenever I’m unhappy, it’s typically because of a really simple reason: reality isn’t conforming itself to the way I want it to be. You know, the post didn’t say what I wanted to say in the way I wanted to say it. The post is outside of me. It’s something I made. I can choose what I can do with it. I can abandon it. I’ve done that about five times, I think. I can decide, “You know what, good enough.” I’ve done that a few times. But most of the time, when I press the button that schedules the post, I’m happy. Very happy. I put in the effort on a cause that was worthy of my time.

If I’m unhappy with a post, it’s because I chose to be unhappy about it. I write because it is something that makes me, on balance, very happy. If it didn’t, I wouldn’t do it.

The problem, though, is happy people don’t get much done. That’s why weed and vidya games are bad. They give bliss without accomplishment. It’s the easy road to happy. But that sort of happiness, for me at least, is without meaning because it’s without accomplishment. I’m unhappy all the time, but I’m unhappy about (mostly) things I choose to be unhappy about. I rarely choose to be unhappy about things I can’t control. If I can’t control it, it’s just the way the world is. But if I’m unhappy, and I think it’s worth the effort, even if it’s big, I’ll choose to be unhappy to try to make it happen.

That’s the definition of purpose. It might be small, like mowing the lawn. It might be big, like changing the world. But I get to choose. It should fit my talents. And, as I’ve been prattling on about them, yeah, it should be in service of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. It needs to be worth it, and that defines what worth it is. Well, at least to me. YMMV.

I think so many people are unhappy because they simply don’t have a purpose, they don’t see a way that they can be of substance, be of consequence in a world where 8 to 10(!) billion people exist. It’s overwhelming. It makes one feel small, sometimes.

But me? I keep pushing. I’ve even distilled my purpose down to a sentence: “To make visible that which would otherwise not have been seen.” So, the writing is kinda core to a purpose like that, unless I want to sit in the backyard yelling at the squirrels on how they’re being inefficient with their nuts.

Purpose, then, is a double-edged sword. It provokes me to action, and leaves me with a fire inside. But this is one that I choose to carry. It’s one that I wish to have. I control (mostly) my emotions. Being happy means not wanting. Except when I choose what I want. And right now? I want elimination of Evil, a steak and a cigar. In that order. But I’ll work on getting rid of the Evil while I enjoy my steak and cigar."

- https://wilderwealthywise.com/

Thursday, February 12, 2026

"The Economic Collapse Is Coming – 25 Food Hacks You Need Now"

Full screen recommended.

A Homestead Journey, 2/12/26

"The Economic Collapse Is Coming –

25 Food Hacks You Need Now"

"The economic collapse is coming faster than most Americans realize – and if you’re not prepared, you could be left scrambling when shelves go bare and prices skyrocket. In today’s video, I’m sharing 25 food hacks that will help you build a pantry that actually lasts. From simple prepper tips to long-term food storage tricks, these hacks will save you money, keep your family fed, and give you peace of mind no matter what hits our economy next.Most people think they’re ready, but the truth is over 70% of Americans are completely unprepared for an emergency. Don’t be one of them. Learn how to store food the right way, prevent waste, and keep your pantry stocked for the hard times ahead. If you’re worried about rising costs and where this country is headed, this video is for you. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay strong."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

"Life in America Is About to Change in Ways No One Is Ready For… Including You"

Full screen recommended.

Finance Economist, 2/12/26

"Life in America Is About to Change in

Ways No One Is Ready For… Including You"

"Life in America is changing faster than most people realize. Rising costs, unstable jobs, frozen housing markets, and growing debt are quietly reshaping how Americans live, work, and survive. This video breaks down the real economic shifts happening right now and what they mean for you, your money, and your future."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

Dan, I Allegedly, "Housing Market Collapse, Buyers Disappear!"

Full screen recommended.

Dan, I Allegedly, 2/12/26

"Housing Market Collapse, Buyers Disappear!"

"Breaking news: The housing market is showing serious cracks. January existing home sales plunged 8.4% to their weakest pace in two years, while prices remain near record highs and affordability continues to crush buyers. Homes are sitting on the market longer, pending sales are falling, and only a handful of major metros are seeing any growth at all. Despite claims from the National Association of Realtors that conditions are improving, the numbers tell a very different story. With mortgage rates still near 6%, rising insurance costs, tighter lending standards, and job uncertainty growing, demand is evaporating. Is this the beginning of a full housing market correction? In this breaking news update, we break down the data, the conflicting narratives, and what it really means for buyers, sellers, investors, and anyone watching the economy. Real estate is shifting - and you need to understand what’s happening now."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

Gerald Celente, "Epstein Files = Criminality Of A Government/Corporate Crime Syndicate"

Strong language alert!

Gerald Celente, 2/12/26

"Epstein Files = Criminality Of A

Government/Corporate Crime Syndicate"

"The Trends Journal is a weekly magazine analyzing global current events forming future trends. Our mission is to present Facts and Truth over fear and propaganda to help subscribers prepare for What’s Next in these increasingly turbulent times."

- https://trendsjournal.com/subscribe

Comments here:

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"The Inevitable Collapse Of America Is Already Happening And People Are Freaking Out About It"

Full screen recommended.

Epic Economist, 2/12/26

"The Inevitable Collapse Of America Is Already

Happening And People Are Freaking Out About It"

"The signs of America's decline are everywhere, and people across the country are starting to speak up about what they're seeing and feeling. In this video, we take a closer look at what everyday Americans are going through right now as the economy weakens, jobs disappear, healthcare costs skyrocket, and the cost of living continues to spiral out of control. From people working full time who still can't afford to eat on vacation, to families relying on food boxes just to get through the week, the reality on the ground is getting harder to ignore. This isn't about politics or picking sides. This is about real people who are struggling and wondering why nobody seems to care enough to do anything about it.

One of the biggest shifts happening right now is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and how it's replacing jobs at a pace most people weren't prepared for. January 2025 marked the worst month for workers since 2009, and companies across the country are citing AI as a primary reason for mass layoffs. Meanwhile, there's been no serious conversation from leadership about how to protect workers who are being left behind. People are losing their livelihoods while corporations are posting record profits, and the gap between the wealthy and everyone else keeps growing wider every single day.

Even those who thought they were doing well are starting to feel the pressure. Studies now show that you need at least $131,000 a year just to live comfortably in America without being under constant financial stress. The median income sits at around $84,000, which means a huge portion of the population is falling short. People are skipping doctor visits, delaying dental work, and putting off medical procedures because they simply can't afford them. In the richest country in the world, that should never be the case, but it is, and it's getting worse.

On top of all of that, the healthcare system continues to baffle even the professionals who work inside it. Prescription drug prices make no sense, insurance companies are negotiating rates that are six times higher than what you'd pay out of pocket with a discount app, and proposed healthcare cost increases could push some families to pay $25,000 more per year. People are being squeezed from every direction, and the frustration is boiling over.

What makes this moment different is that people aren't staying quiet anymore. They're sharing their stories online, connecting with others who feel the same way, and demanding better from the systems and leaders that are supposed to serve them. Whether it's the economy, the job market, healthcare, or the overall direction of the country, Americans are waking up to the reality that something has gone seriously wrong. And the question everyone keeps asking is the same. What are we doing about it? If you're feeling this too, you're not alone. Watch the full video, share your thoughts in the comments, and let's have this conversation together."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

An Incredible, Heart-Touching Musical Interlude: Michael Bennett “After I Pass Away”; "Talking To The Wall"

Michael Bennett “After I Pass Away”

"Simon Cowell in tears experiencing a truly unforgettable performance by Michael Bennett on America’s Got Talent. In this moving rendition of “After I Pass Away”, Michael pours his heart and soul into every note, leaving the judges, audience, and viewers around the world in tears. From the first note to the final chord, the emotional depth of this song touches every heart. You will witness the raw power of music as it evokes deep emotions, creating a moment where everyone in the room, including the judges and audience members, is completely overwhelmed by the beauty and sorrow of this heartfelt performance. This video captures the intensity of a performance that proves why Michael Bennett is a truly extraordinary talent. Sit back, watch, and feel every emotion in this breathtaking performance."

Oh my God... feel that...

Michael Bennett, "Talking To The Wall"

"A 59-year-old homeless man named Michael Bennett steps onto the stage and shares his heartbreaking story before singing a song dedicated to his long-lost daughter. Once a family man, life took everything away - but music brought him back. Watch as silence fills the room and emotions take over in this powerful, soul-stirring moment. Sometimes, the broken have the most beautiful voices.”

Michael Bennett Playlist:

- https://www.youtube.com/

"A Look to the Heavens"

“Magnificent island universe NGC 2403 stands within the boundaries of the long-necked constellation Camelopardalis. Some 10 million light-years distant and about 50,000 light-years across, the spiral galaxy also seems to have more than its fair share of giant star forming HII regions, marked by the telltale reddish glow of atomic hydrogen gas. The giant HII regions are energized by clusters of hot, massive stars that explode as bright supernovae at the end of their short and furious lives.

A member of the M81 group of galaxies, NGC 2403 closely resembles another galaxy with an abundance of star forming regions that lies within our own local galaxy group, M33 the Triangulum Galaxy. Spiky in appearance, bright stars in this colorful galaxy portrait of NGC 2403 lie in the foreground, within our own Milky Way.”

- http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150327.html

Chet Raymo, “At Home In An Infinite Universe”

“At Home In An Infinite Universe”

by Chet Raymo

“They are questions that bedeviled thinkers for thousands of years: Is the universe infinite or finite, eternal or of a finite age? It is certainly hard to imagine a universe that extends without limit in every direction, or a universe without a beginning or end. It is equally difficult to imagine a finite universe; what is beyond the edge? Or a beginning or end in time; how can something come from nothing? How can what is cease to be?

The problems are so intractable philosophically that their resolution has generally been left to the theologians, which from a philosophical (or scientific) perspective offers no solution at all. Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for proposing a philosophical resolution (an infinite universe) that offended theology.

An escape from befuddlement is provided by Einstein's theory of general relativity, which- for example- can describe a finite universe without a boundary, as the "two-dimensional" surface of a sphere is finite and without an edge. Unfortunately, multi-dimensional curved space-time is so counterintuitive that it is difficult to get one's head around it without mastery of the mathematics. Given a choice between the ancient myths of your local preacher and the obtuse mathematics of the physics professor, it's not hard to guess what most folks will opt for.

Meanwhile, I'm reading a meditation on infinity by physics professor Anthony Aguirre, in a collection of essays called "Future Science." He discusses contemporary cosmological theories based on general relativity, and in particular the rehabilitation of the idea of an infinite and eternal universe, or, more precisely, that our universe might be just one of an infinity of infinite universes. He writes in conclusion: “What seems clear, however, is that infinity can no longer be safely ignored; beautifully constructed, empirically supported, self-consistent theories have brought infinity from idle curiosity to central player in contemporary cosmology. And if correct, the worldview these theories represent constitutes a perspective shift unlike any other: in comparison to the universe, we would be not just small but strictly zero. Well, I can't imagine many folks racing to embrace that conclusion.

Oh, but wait. Aguirre adds one final sentence: "Yet here we are, contemplating - if not quite understanding - it all.”

- http://blog.sciencemusings.com/

"Consider It..."

"We Are Doomed And Challenged..."

"The apple cannot be stuck back on the Tree of Knowledge;

once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged

to seek the strength to see more, not less."

- Arthur Miller

“There is No Safety You Dumb Bit*h”

“There is No Safety You Dumb Bit*h” -The Hound

By Joe Jarvis

"Take heed of The Hound’s warning, and let it free you. There is no guarantee of a job or safety net, there is no absolute security from evil doers, and there is only so much you can do to prevent accidents and illness. The silver lining is that recognizing this is the best way to cushion yourself from the vulnerabilities of an unpredictable world.

Brienne of Tarth, in "Game of Thrones", nobly intends to uphold an oath she swore to Lady Stark to keep her children safe. But she is also a bit naive about the nature of the world in which she lives. Brienne thinks she can bring Arya to a safe place, wherever that is. But as The Hound so eloquently reminds her: “There is no safety you dumb bit*h. And if you don’t know that by now, you’re the wrong one to watch over her.”

If Brienne thinks she can ever let her guard down, or relax, she will never be safe. There is no destination at which point she and Arya will be ultimately secure. It just does not exist. And Sandor Clegane - The Hound - is right; if Brienne of Tarth cannot understand this basic fact about the world, she is the wrong person to be watching over Arya.

The Hound’s negative view on the danger in the world actually leaves him less vulnerable. He never expects to be safe, and is therefore safer because he is alert to danger.

As rough as the Hound is, Arya was in fact safe the entire time she was with him. This was no guarantee, it’s just how it happened, mostly due to the fact that The Hound knows is being constantly vigilant against danger. And although Brienne’s goal is to make Arya even safer, she instead severely wounds the person protecting Arya. Brienne incorrectly judges The Hound to be a danger to Arya, and then fails to secure Arya, leaving her more defenseless than she had been previously.

Brienne’s actions actually prove The Hound’s point. Brienne’s belief that she could bring Arya to safety created a dangerous situation that could have been avoided if she only realized that safety is a constant effort, and not a destination.

But Should We Really Apply a Lesson From a Fake Story in a Mythical Setting? In the modern world we are much safer than humans were in the middle ages. And in the real world there are certain things we don’t have to worry about, like white-walkers and dragons. But unfortunately we do still have to contend with the likes of Cersi and the Lannisters, the Ramsy Boltons, and the treacherous Freys all playing their part in our world’s own “Game of Thrones”. In our lives, they are usually less murdery and slightly more subtle in their elitist desire for domination.

The lesson however remains: there is no guarantee of safety (you dumb bit*h). But before you think I am being gloomy and pessimistic, consider the gift of understanding this. In the pursuit of the ultimate goal of “safety” we expose ourselves and society to all sorts of dangers.

For instance, even assuming the US government had the best intentions over last two decades of drone bombing the Middle East, to supposedly make us more safe, all it really did was create more terrorists. When innocent civilians get murdered by the USA’s bombs, their friends and family become radicalized. Would there still be terrorists and crazy people without all that provocation? Yes, I’m sure. But the numbers would most likely be lower, and we could focus on actual defense.

And even if we assume, for example, that the PATRIOT Act and indefinite detainment clause in the NDAA were passed with the best intentions of targeting terrorists, they has made our own government a much greater threat with the powers they granted. The people who advocate gun control, strict Covid lockdowns, or a government safety net are like Brienne of Tarth, making us less safe because they misunderstand the inherent danger that life carries with it.

If other people take away our agency to respond decide what are the biggest threats facing us, or force us to respond to those threats in a particular way, they will inevitably put us in more danger. That is especially true if they suffer no consequences for their decisions. For example if the people who ban guns can afford to hire private security, then what difference does it make to them if you can’t protect yourself when your home is invaded?

We like to imagine a perfect society in which we are secure, safe, comfortable, and just generally all set, happily ever after. But the desire for a finish line is elusive. We can make ourselves robust against threats, or even anti-fragile so that we could gain from disorder, as Nicholas Nassim Taleb says. But even this requires maintenance and vigilance. You always have to be understanding new threats, and preparing more options which you can choose to exercise, depending on what happens next.

And this goes as much for economics as for physical safety. Don’t expect Social Security to be there for you, have a backup plan. There is no guarantee that any one currency will always stay stable, valuable, or even continue to exist. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, including streams of income, and the skills you have to earn a living.

At the end of the day, safety comes down to vigilance. Unless you are constantly on alert to those things which threaten your safety, you will be taken by surprise. It doesn’t really matter if the person making you less safe is the well meaning but naive Brienne of Tarth or the calculating power hungry Cersi Lannister.

Cersi, in a sense, is safer to be around, because you understand that she is dangerous, and can protect yourself. But how can you protect yourself from someone who thinks they have your best interests at heart, whether you like it or not?

Some people will have noble goals and try to force you into their “safe” world that they have flawlessly designed for security. Their ignorance makes you just as vulnerable as Cersi’s malevolence. Others will offer us safety, utopia, and ultimate security that we can just accept and then forget about. This will lead us down a path of vulnerability.

Whether those who lure you into the false sense of security are doing so because their goals are noble, or because their motives are nefarious hardly matters. We must each be at liberty to look after our own safety.

Arya, for example, had chosen to stick around The Hound and benefit from the safety he provided. When he was incapacitated, she could have chosen to be protected by Brienne, but instead she chose to go it alone, and protect herself. She ultimately became much more capable for it. And that is essentially the option we all need if we hope to make the world a safer place.

We should be able to choose our own government - and not just from the 200 or so very similar, subpar options currently available. And we should also be able to choose to go it alone, or create our own society, if we don’t like the options available. The ability to take our business elsewhere, without threat or force, will create a market for the best protection against various threats, which will improve the variety and quality of the services offered."

- https://www.thedailybell.com/

○

Strong language alert.

The Poet: James Baldwin, "Amen"

"Amen"

"No, I don't feel death coming.

I feel death going:

having thrown up his hands,

for the moment.

I feel like I know him

better than I did.

Those arms held me,

for a while,

and, when we meet again,

there will be that secret knowledge

between us."

- James Baldwin

"Why the Most Intelligent People Escape Social Life"

Full screen recommended.

The Psyche,

"Why the Most Intelligent People Escape Social Life"

"Why do the most perceptive minds often withdraw from social life - not out of fear or arrogance, but out of necessity? In this video, we explore a profound psychological and philosophical truth first articulated by Arthur Schopenhauer: intelligence naturally gravitates toward solitude. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, and modern psychology, this reflection reveals why deep thinkers often feel drained by social environments and why silence becomes essential for clarity, creativity, and self-understanding. This is not about antisocial behavior. It is about mental depth.

From Schopenhauer and Nietzsche to Jung, Kierkegaard, and modern neuroscience, this video explains why solitude has always been the silent companion of the world’s greatest thinkers. If you’ve ever felt out of place in crowds, exhausted by small talk, or more alive in silence than in noise, this video will help you understand why. Once you recognize this pattern, you’ll never see solitude the same way again."

Comments here:

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"The Mark Of Him..."

“The barbarian hopes, and that is the mark of him, that he can have his cake and eat it too. He will consume what civilization has slowly produced after generations of selection and effort, but he will not be at pains to replace such goods, nor indeed has he a comprehension of the virtue that has brought them into being. We sit by and watch the barbarian. We tolerate him in the long stretches of peace, we are not afraid. We are tickled by his irreverence; his comic inversion of our old certitudes; we laugh. But as we laugh we are watched by large and awful faces from beyond, and on these faces there are no smiles.“

- Hilaire Belloco

The Daily "Near You?"

Fernley, Nevada, USA. Thanks for stopping by!

"It Is Common To Assume..."

"It is common to assume that human progress affects everyone - that even the dullest man, in these bright days, knows more than any man of, say, the Eighteenth Century, and is far more civilized. This assumption is quite erroneous. The great masses of men, even in this inspired republic, are precisely where the mob was at the dawn of history. They are ignorant, they are dishonest, they are cowardly, they are ignoble. They know little if anything that is worth knowing, and there is not the slightest sign of a natural desire among them to increase their knowledge."

- H. L. Mencken, 1929

○

"It is extraordinary how we go through life with eyes half shut,

with dull ears, with dormant thoughts. Perhaps it's just as well;

and it may be that it is this very dullness that makes

life to the incalculable majority so supportable and so welcome."

-Joseph Conrad, "Lord Jim"

"Major Cities On High Alert, US Airspace Shutdown"

Full screen recommended.

Snyder Reports, 2/12/26

"Major Cities On High Alert, US Airspace Shutdown"

Comments here:

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"The 'Painful Betrayal' That Made Russia Give Up on Trump"

Judge Andrew Napolitano, 2/12/26

"The 'Painful Betrayal' That Made Russia Give Up on Trump"

"In a stunning and detailed analysis, former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter joins Judge Andrew Napolitano to dismantle the official narratives surrounding US foreign policy towards both Russia and Iran. Ritter reveals the deep bitterness in the Kremlin following Trump's abandonment of a hard-won agreement in Alaska, and argues that the US is not a trustworthy or serious negotiating partner. He further contends that, contrary to popular belief, Benjamin Netanyahu's primary goal is to stop Trump from launching a premature war with Iran that Israel knows it cannot survive."

Comments here:

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Scott Ritter, 2/12/26

"How U.S.- Israel Pressure Could Ignite World War III"

"This interview examines rising tensions as Israeli leaders meet U.S. officials in Washington and media narratives frame Iran as weak. The guest argues the 12-day war did not end in Israeli victory, claiming Iran restored control quickly and strengthened its deterrence through missile power. He says U.S. policy is focused on regime change, not diplomacy, and that real de-escalation would require shifts on Palestine and regional occupations. The discussion also explores Iran’s military capabilities and its evolving ties with Russia and China."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

Full screen recommended.

Judge Andrew Napolitano, 2/12/26

"Prof. Jeffrey Sachs:

US & Israel are Rejecting Peace to Plot War with Iran"

"In this bombshell analysis, Professor Jeffrey Sachs joins Judge Andrew Napolitano to reveal how the United States and Israel may be actively ignoring and sabotaging Iran's repeated offers for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. Professor Sachs breaks down an "intelligent, coherent" speech by Iran's foreign minister that laid out a clear path to peace - including a two-state solution for Palestine - which was met with a complete media blackout in the West. He argues this is part of a "bloody-minded" determination by Israel and the US to reject diplomacy in favor of conflict."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

Dialogue Works, 2/12/26

"Alex Krainer: Iran Vows to Open The Gates Of Hell

Going On ‘Offensive Air Defense’"

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

Douglas Macgregor, "To All Americans: They Stole Our Lives!"

Douglas Macgregor, 2/12/26

"To All Americans: They Stole Our Lives!"

Comments here:

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Freely download "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers:

Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000," by Paul Kennedy, here:

- https://cheirif.wordpress.com/

Freely download "Stalin’s War: A New History of World War II", here:

- https://oceanofpdf.com/

"How It Really Is"

"They Almost Repossessed the Police Cars! But “The Economy Is Great”

Full screen recommended.

Dan, I Allegedly, 2/12/26

"They Almost Repossessed the Police Cars!

But “The Economy Is Great”

"Police cars in an Ohio county were nearly repossessed over just $57,000 in missed payments - a shocking sign of how fragile local government finances have become. If sheriff departments can’t manage basic bills, what does that say about the broader economy? In this episode of i Allegedly, Dan breaks down government debt, business closures, rising utility costs, EV losses, corporate shutdowns, data breaches, and the growing financial strain hitting everyday Americans. The headlines say everything is fine - but the warning signs are everywhere."

Comments here:

- https://www.youtube.com/

"Breaking Point: A Million Jobs Suddenly Disappear, Foreclosures Rise 32 Percent, And Some Americans Are Now Facing $1,000 Power Bills"

by Michael Snyder

"I feel quite exasperated right now. Everyone knows that the economic numbers that federal bureaucrats in Washington are feeding us each month are fraudulent. It has been that way for a very long time. The employment numbers are a perfect example of this. Every month they give us a headline number that looks pretty good, and then months later they revise it much lower when nobody is paying attention. That is the game they want to play, and many of us understand that. But this latest stunt that they have pulled is absolutely astounding. More than a million U.S. jobs suddenly disappeared from the numbers, and they would like us to believe that this is perfectly normal. How are we supposed to have any faith in the numbers that the BLS releases each month if they are off by this much?

As Zero Hedge has reported, nonfarm employment in the United States as of December 31st, 2025 was revised down from 159.546 million to 158.497 million…"Starting at the top, total US payrolls were revised dramatically lower starting with the Jan 2021 data and every month since, and net of the cumulative changes December 31, 2025 total nonfarm employment was revised lower by 1.029 million from 159.546 million to 158.497 million.

As expected, the bulk of the negative revisions took place in 2025, with negative revisions to 2024 amounting to -413K, 2023 was just -73K while 2021 and 2021 were revised modestly higher. Focusing on 2025, the negative revisions to both the year and previous years, meant that the change in total jobs for 2025 was revised from an already low +584,000 to a shockingly low +181,000."

How can over a million jobs suddenly disappear? Well, the truth is that they never actually existed in the first place. It was all smoke and mirrors. Let’s take a look at the January numbers. We are being told that the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January…"The Labor Department on Wednesday reported that employers added 130,000 jobs in January. That figure was above the expectations of economists polled by LSEG, who estimated the economy would add 70,000 jobs. The unemployment rate was 4.3%, slightly lower than economists’ expectations of 4.4%. But the “unadjusted” figure for January was actually a loss of 2.6 million jobs…"

There is another reason why today’s report will be revised away: while the seasonally adjusted change was a stronger than expected 130K, the unadjusted was a negative 2.649 million. That means that the entire delta in today’s “surprise beat” was due to seasonal adjustments. Isn’t that fun? Everyone is running around talking about the “130,000 jobs” the U.S. added last month, knowing that the “adjusted” number will almost certainly be revised down multiple times later on. But the “unadjusted” number shows that the U.S. economy lost 2.6 million jobs in January. Yes, mass layoffs really are happening all over the nation. In January, the number of job cut announcements was the highest that we have seen for that month since 2009. And even though 2.6 million jobs were actually lost last month, the government is telling us that 130,000 were gained.

What a joke. Meanwhile, more bad news about the housing market continues to roll in. In January 2026, the number of foreclosure filings in the United States was 32 percent higher than it was in January 2025…With the number of Americans losing their homes to banks rising for an eleventh straight month, it’s clear the housing crisis is getting worse rather than better. US foreclosure activity jumped again in January 2026, with a total of 40,534 properties facing foreclosure filings – a 32 percent increase from the same time last year. Foreclosure filings cover every stage of the process, from the moment a lender issues a legal warning to the point a home is formally seized after missed mortgage payments.

It is starting to feel like 2008 all over again. We are off to such a bad start in 2026, and this comes on the heels of a year in which foreclosure filings were 14 percent higher than the previous year… The bleak start to 2026 follows an already brutal 2025, when 367,460 US properties faced foreclosure filings – up 14 percent from the year before, according to a previus report from ATTOM. Foreclosures are clearly trending in the wrong direction. And the outlook for the months ahead is not promising at all, because mortgage delinquencies among low-income households have been steadily increasing…"90-day delinquency rates have skyrocketed among borrowers in the lowest-income ZIP codes, rising to 3% in the fourth quarter from 0.5% in 2021." We are now at the highest level that we have seen in about a decade.

At the same time, electricity bills are rising to unprecedented heights. Some are complaining that their monthly electricity bills now exceed $800, and others are complaining that their electricity bills now exceed $1,000…On Reddit, one user in the r/homeowners group shared that their electric bill in Pittsburgh topped $800. Others weighed in with their experiences, and suggested making modifications to save money. “Everyone needs to take quicker showers, don’t leave hot water run, and turn the heat down to 68 and wear clothes and warm pajamas and use blankets at night,” one comment advised.

On TikTok, user MamaSelena shared that her January electric bill in Ohio was $1,013, cutting into her grocery budget. She contacted local representatives in hopes they would advocate for lower costs, and encouraged others to do the same.

It is easy to tell people that they should just move to a state where the cost of living is lower. Well, Alabama has a very low cost of living, but even some residents of that state are now facing electricity bills that are close to $1,000…"Alabama Power customer Miessha Reed is one of many customers who has seen a jump in their electric bills. Reed said her monthly bill during last year’s summer months ranged between $300 to $400, but she can’t say the same about her latest power bill. “It did a rapid increase. June was like $674, July was like $777, and I got an August bill for $963,” said Reed."

Soaring heating and cooling costs are one of the primary reasons why power bills are rising so much. In fact, it is being projected that the average U.S. household will spend $995 just on heating their homes this winter…A new report this week estimates that U.S. households could spend an average of $995 on home heating alone from mid-November to March, which is $84 more than they spent last winter. The report is from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), a policy organization that represents state governments seeking federal funds for low-income home energy programs. It predicts that heating costs will rise by an average of 9.2% over the next three months."

Of course it isn’t just power bills that are going up. Just about everything is steadily becoming more expensive, but the bureaucrats in Washington would like us to believe that the inflation rate is in the low single digits. Give me a break.

If a major conflict with Iran erupts in the Middle East, our power bills will experience another huge spike. On Tuesday night, President Trump issued a very ominous warning to Iran…"The President on Tuesday night said he is considering ordering a second aircraft carrier strike group to position itself outside Iran. US diplomats and Iranian officials met last Friday in Oman to discuss ending the ayatollah’s nuclear program. This is the first time the two countries have engaged diplomatic talks since the 12-day war with Israel in June. ‘Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,’ Trump told Axios."

I have been warning about a final showdown with Iran for a very long time. Once the missiles start flying, nothing will ever be the same again. But for the moment, much of the population continues to believe that everything will work out just fine somehow. There is nothing wrong with being optimistic, but right now our economy is crumbling all around us and there are very dark clouds on the horizon."

- https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/

Joel Bowman, "The Age Of Empires"

"The Consummation of Empire," by Thomas Cole, 1836.

"The Age Of Empires"

by Joel Bowman

“The place and the object gave ample scope for moralizing on the vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave; and it was agreed, that in proportion to her former greatness, the fall of Rome was the more awful and deplorable.”

~ Edward Gibbon, from "The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire" (1776)

Tokyo, Japan - "We are up in the air this week, dear reader, traveling through space and time, from one End of the World to the other. From such great heights, we watch the earth turn beneath us, same as it always has, and we wonder… where to from here? From great heights fall great empires. Ancient Egyptians to Akkadians... Assyrians to Babylonians... Hittites to Spartans to Parthians... and down on through the ages. Rise and fall. Sunrise and sunset.

In the east and in the west, all across time, political power congeals around a centralizing idea, a unifying mythology. Inwardly focused at first, a critical mass is formed, often spontaneously. Order emerges out of chaos. The core is hardened, refined, made resilient, as in a crucible. Pressure builds, intensifying to the point of implosion. With nowhere to go, the direction changes. Centripetal forces turn centrifugal... political power projects outward... in search of new energy, new resources, new horizons. And new people and lands to conquer. Whether through trade and commerce, spear and sword, or a combination of them both, the sphere of influence is expanded. Until the core comes to depend on expansion itself as a form of sustaining energy…

Age of Empire: On average, the great empires of the world – across the east and west – stand for about 250 years. (Remember that figure…) The Qin dynasty, the very first dynasty of imperial China, might have expected to exceed the average when, having conquered its surrounding rival states, founder Ying Zheng abandoned the title of king and declared himself China’s first ever emperor. The year was 221 BC.

The Qin harbored grand ambitions under Zheng’s leadership, including the creation of a centralized government, standardizing weights, currency and measurements and even the introduction of a uniform system of writing. The Qin also embarked on a massive roads and infrastructure program, including connecting various walls along the northern border (which would eventually become the Great Wall we know today).

But despite its bold aspirations, the Qin proved to be the shortest lived of all the major Chinese dynasties, with just two emperors. The enterprise ended in a bloodbath of usurpation, execution, betrayal and rebellion. The Qin’s 15 years (221-206 BC) puts it roughly on par with the little known Nanda Empire of the northern Indian subcontinent and various breakaway states from the Roman Empire, such as the Gallic Empire (260-274) and the Palmyrene Empire (260-273).

On the other end of the scale, there are a handful of empires which endured beyond the millennial mark. The Kingdom of Kush (780 BC - 350; 1,129 years) of the Nile Valley, the Chera Dynasty (200 BC - 1100; 1,300 years) of southern India, and the aforementioned Assyrians (2025-609 BC; 1,461 years) of ancient Mesopotamia, managed such unusual longevity. Only the mighty Pandyan Dynasty, one of the four great dynasties of southern India, qualifies for the multi-millennia club (300 BC - 1759; 2,059 years).

Fast-forward to our own fleeting blink in history, the term “empire” has fallen somewhat out of fashion. The world’s preeminent superpower, the United States of America, may not consider itself an empire... and yet, the US maintains between 750 and 800 military bases in some 80 countries around the world, enough to make poor old Genghis Khan bend the knee, if not kiss the ring.

That’s more than three times as many military bases as the US has embassies and consulates, leaving little doubt as to whether Washington prefers diplomacy or militancy. The cost of maintaining such a presence around the world means the US spends more on its military than the next nine countries – China, Russia, Germany, India, the UK, Saudia Arabia, Ukraine, France, and Japan... combined.

Countries with the highest military spending worldwide in 2024

(in billion U.S. dollars)

- https://joelbowman.substack.com/

Freely download ""The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire",

by Edward Gibbon, here:

- https://www.ccel.org/

Greg Hunter, "Big Losses for Banks Coming in 2026"

"Big Losses for Banks Coming in 2026"

By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com

"Last April, renowned geopolitical and financial cycle expert Charles Nenner predicted a depression cycle starting at the end of 2025 into 2026. The economy is clearly slowing down, and the latest “1 million plus” negative jobs revision that came out Wednesday (2/11/26) certainly points to a tanking economy. Nenner says, “I have to adjust for all the immigrants let into the country, but we will soon see unemployment numbers go up.”

The next big downward surprise for the economy is big losses for the banks. Nenner predicts, “The institutions I work with that are selling real estate in New York are telling me a lot of banks are already negative. If you look in their books in California, they already had these big losses. They did not get out of their bonds because they thought interest rates would never go up. There are a lot of things that are already wrong, but it has not come out yet. I don’t know if there are going to be failures, but it will come out, and they will have big losses when they have to show the books.”

So, what is Nenner predicting will happen with the troubled banks? Nenner says, “I guess the Fed will step in or the government will step in because if you are a banker and you lose a fortune, then you are always bailed out with tax money. This is why they never improve.”

With gold and silver, there is good news and bad news. First comes the bad news. I asked Nenner if he would be a buyer of silver and gold now? Nenner says, “No, not right now because the cycle is down for the moment. It is the same thing for gold. The cycle is down. If we close below $4,700, we will get some downside price targets. Usually, things that go up fast also go down fast. It’s not over for gold and silver; it’s just a correction.”

Nenner put his clients in gold at $1,600 an ounce, and he bought silver at $29 per ounce. Now comes the good news, as Nenner points out, “The bull market for gold and silver will continue to the end of 2027. By then, we can do some fine tuning.”

On the war cycle, good news—for now. In the Middle East, Nenner says, “Right now, the war cycle is not going to heat up.” How about the war cycle for Europe and Russia? Nenner says, “No, they are not going to heat up either. The war cycles are topping right now. It’s not going to heat up for the short term.” Nenner is still worried about China and Taiwan at some point in the future. The really bad news on the war cycle comes in the 2030 to 2032 time frame. Nenner says, “The 2030 to 2032 war cycle is going to be very bad. There are going to be a lot of casualties. They start shooting rockets, and how many people are going to die? I think it will be in the billions of people, and that is what the numbers show.”

Nenner warns of terrorists let into the country by the Biden Administration that could set off bombs in the US “on a big scale.” Nenner contends this will be part of the war cycle that comes at the end of this decade. Nenner also said Trump could help cushion the financial fall of the USA, but he could not stop the down financial cycle. Nenner pointed out, “You cannot stop winter, but you can get a winter coat, and Trump is a winter coat.” Now, Nenner says, “There was so much damage done to America that Trump can’t fix it. The cycle is turning down, and you can’t do anything about it.” Nenner also predicted in January of 2024 that President Trump “would be coming back.” So, let’s all pray to God the Father for divine help. There is much more in the 49-minute interview."

Join Greg Hunter on Rumble as he goes One-on-One

with renowned cycle analyst and financial expert Charles Nenner:

- https://rumble.com/

Bill Bonner, "Broken Rules for Fools"

"Broken Rules for Fools"

by Bill Bonner

Normandy, France - "First, came the bad news. The Wall Street Journal: "Job growth last year was far worse than we thought. The government has dramatically lowered its estimates for how many jobs the economy generated over the past two years. The Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday said that the U.S. added just 1.5 million jobs in 2024, well below the previously estimated 2 million. In 2025, it said the labor market added only 181,000 jobs, versus the previously estimated 584,000."

Then came the good news, also from the WSJ: "The US adds 130,000 jobs in January, starting year off on stronger footing." More jobs? Fewer jobs? But our focus today is on gold.

In what was said to be the most memorable event at Davos this year, Mark Carney, former central banker and current Prime Minister of Canada, told the world that the ‘rules-based order’ was over, because the major rule maker has turned into the major rule breaker. And one of the first, and most important rules it broke, was the one that concerned the world’s money.

Context…Gold is, first and foremost, a naturally occurring metal - Au 79 in the periodic table, with 79 protons and 79 electrons in each atom. Most everything in nature finds a use and for thousands of years gold has been useful as “money.” It fulfills Aristotle’s requirements. It is trustworthy, portable, and divisible.

It is also mostly useless. This is important. Because a useful metal would be priced on the basis of its usefulness. Iron ore, copper, aluminum - there are markets for each, and prices set by users. Ideally, real money shouldn’t have any purpose or value other than as money; it is meant to keep track of the values for other things, not to have a value of its own.

Another key attribute of gold is that it is relatively rare. You can’t add to the quantity of above-ground gold without digging into the ground and hauling it out. In a sense, the value of gold is a measure of the time and energy that goes into mining and refining it. It’s a natural limitation. You won’t spend $1,000 mining an ounce of gold that sells for only $100. But when the ‘price’ (that is, the value of the goods and services that it will ‘buy’) rises to $2,000, you might spend as much as $1,900 looking for it, adding to the above-ground supply and thus keeping prices more or less stable.

All of which is to say that gold makes good money. Pieces of paper with ink on them do not. They are portable, divisible, and reasonably durable. Alas, they are not rare or limited. As Ben Bernanke explained, above, the feds can produce as many as they want at ‘essentially no cost.’ But pieces of paper proved as attractive as a hand grenade on a playground. Early banks printed up pieces of paper saying, in effect, that they could be used to claim the gold in their vaults.

The paper could also be exchanged for goods and services, just like gold. Then, of course, banks saw that they didn’t actually need to keep all of that gold in their vaults. They could use a ‘fractional reserve’ system. Customers were unlikely to claim all the gold at once. All the bank needed was half as much gold...or 25%...or even 10%...or less, just enough to cover the usual demand for it. What this did, in effect, was to enable the bank to lend money it didn’t have and earn interest on it. It made the banks complicit in counterfeiting...‘printing’ pieces of paper and calling them ‘money’ that was ‘backed by gold reserves’ that weren’t there.

Economist Murray Rothbard argued that this practice was criminal fraud and should be outlawed. But it caught on. And today, everybody does it. The US imposes no reserve requirement (in March of 2020 the Fed set reserve requirements to 0% for all depository institutions in the US and has left them there since). Thus did this ‘credit money’ - fake money coming out of nowhere - come to dominate the US economy.

Fake money proved to be an even more effective scam in the hands of government. People were wary of banks’ gold certificates - effectively limiting the supply of them. Banks sometimes went broke. In the Great Depression, for example, some 9,000 of them were judged insolvent. But a government “can’t go broke” because it can always “print up” lawful money.

After WWII, the US led the world in trying to create a ‘rules based’ rather than brute force based, order. There were rules for war...for trade...and rules for money too. The Bretton Woods agreement set up the dollar as the world’s go-to currency. At the time, the dollar was ‘as good as gold’ because the US pledged to exchange its dollars for gold at any time.

But remember, the key requirement of gold-backed paper is that it be actually limited. Another key requirement, barely mentioned, but which will play a big role in our story, is neutrality. Gold didn’t care where it came from or whose hands it passed through. Was it mined by child labor? Did it pass through the central bank of an enemy country? Did it come from a country with a positive trade account with the US? Gold didn’t give a damn. But the Biden and Trump administrations did! More to come, on how the US broke the rules…and how the broken rules will now cause the US to go broke."

- https://www.bonnerprivateresearch.com/

Annual US government deficits will rise from $1.9 trillion in 2026 to $3.1 trillion in 2036, according to new 10-year projections reached by the Congressional Budget Office. Total public debt, as a percentage of GDP, will reach 175% by 2056 - well past the historical point at which a nation has a currency or bond market collapse.