• GOVERNMENT-RUN DIGITAL CURRENCIES ARE THE “NEXT GREAT EXPERIMENT IN FINANCE,” with day-trading now the latest major technology disruption to both conventional banking and to internet platforms already serving over three-billion payment app and e-wallet users. “Over 50 monetary authorities representing the bulk of global GDP are currently exploring digital currencies… motivated by fear of losing control as payments/deposits/loans migrate from banks into privately run realms… Beyond interference with management of economic cycles, potential to become a ‘Wild West’ of fraud and privacy abuses, ‘GovCoins’ could result in bureaucrats influencing credit allocation, controlling citizens, and/or alter geopolitics by providing a conduit for cross-border payments & alternative to the Dollar as world Reserve Currency and a linchpin of American influence.” China has already rolled out its program to over a half-million people and EU has set a 2025 implementation target, so virtual currencies are certainly coming.  [ECONOMIST – 5/8/21]
  • A TESLA IS ESSENTIALLY JUST A BIG MOBILE COMPUTER designed by a Silicon Valley software company and, like any gadget, just waiting to get hacked. Cybersecurity testers have now been able to hack into parked Tesla vehicles, from a drone over 300 feet above, enabling control over WIFI of systems including door/trunk unlock, steering & acceleration modes, seat positions & infotainment systems – “in short, pretty much what a driver pressing various buttons on the console can do.”  [FOX BUSINESS – 5/10/21]
  • “GENERATIONAL POWER IS NOT STAGNANT, it ebbs & flows over time and we’re now on the cusp of one of the most impactful generational shifts in history… Timing plays a big role and so-called Baby Boomers (now 57 – 75ish), who grew up in post-WW2 relatively stable & prosperous economy, hold proportionately more power and influence than younger generations. Comprising below 22% of the U.S. population, Boomers hold some 53% of household wealth, control over 43% of Economic and 47% of Political power, including ¾ of S&P 500 companies and a majority of government positions… But in terms of Cultural power, the dominant generation is now Gen X (age 41 – 56), especially in print & news Media, leading over half of America’s largest news corporations and with majority of the most influential personalities. While in Social Media, the Digital Realm, Millennials (age 25-40) dominate when it comes to both users and content creators… With youngest Boomers close to retirement and millions leaving the workforce yearly, the torch is being passed.” [ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/ranking-us-generations-their-power-and-influence-over-society ]
  • HOMELESS UPDATE: Last week, a Los Angeles park which had become a 170-tent homeless encampment was closed for a “deep cleaning – some 70,000 pounds (35 tons) of garbage, including180 pounds of feces & 564 pounds of urine (not counting restrooms), 300 pounds of needles, gas & kerosene – just ONE of the city’s hundreds of homeless tent-cities.” [LA TIMES & ZEROHEDGE – 5/9/21]
  • THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEKEND:   

      “It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong… One of the consequences of such notions as ‘Entitlements’ is that people who have contributed nothing to society feel that society owes them something, apparently just for being nice enough to grace us with their presence.” – Thomas Sowell

     Geezer Guidance Update: (1) Getting expert advice is always sensible, so it’s okay to talk to yourself; (2) You don’t need Anger Management, only more tolerance for idiots and people to stop pissing you off; (3) You do need to stop telling yourself ‘I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it’ ; (4) Noticing that other people your age look so much older than you is normal; (4) Ignore others perception of ‘fashion’ – being ‘in style’ are the clothes that still fit; (5) Remember that even duct tape can’t fix stupid, but it sure does muffle the sound…

     Tactics of predators; quick video on avoiding attacks in public places: https://biggeekdad.com/2021/05/stay-safe-out-there/