The shaking of the world system, something I first marked in mid-2006, has been documented here for the past eighteen months. There appears to be no end in sight. By my judgment, the trends continue toward more dysfunction.

When trend lines go vertical--and today's profusion curve is hyper-expo... read more »

Looking at our besieged globe, it's difficult to know if we're dealing with a tragedy or a comedy. Whatever your viewpoint, it certainly smells a lot like my Chicago Cubs. Win a few games, then strike out--again!--with the bases loaded. Aargh. Collectively, we are like wounded exhausted soldiers trying to... read more »

Well, suddenly, here we are. I guess there's always a first time.

The credit ratings agency, Standard & Poor's, just (Friday at 8 PM) issued a credit rating downgrade for the United States, from AAA to AA+. (The other two ratings agencies, Moody's and Fitch, have not yet downgraded but have issued warnings.... read more »

When people talk about the future, I don't fear hyperbole as much as I fear complacency. Many exhausted people yawn, roll over, and hit the snooze alarm. "Life's always been crazy, and it always will be." Case closed. Discussion over.

It's a mistake to underestimate the drama of our current situation--un... read more »