Bible Teaching, GSM, Jesus

TEACHING HOSEA

The following is yet another excerpt of a book which we have recently completed about teaching the Bible which focuses on some techniques that may be little known and are certainly seldom practiced today.  Here we present “Teaching Hosea,”  Enjoy!

Taken from “Hosea: A teacher’s guide for those who are lead to teach the book of Hosea”

TEACHING HOSEA

With these teaching tools in your tool belt, it is now time to approach Hosea.  The following sections are tools designed to acquaint you with the prophet and the world in which he lived.  It is by no means exhaustive and is no substitute for your own investigation on the subject.

Keep in mind that teaching the Word of God is not a journalistic exercise, nor is it similar to writing an academic paper.  As such, there are no formal rules with regards to citing your sources or using previous academic work to support your statements.  In fact, citing sources in an attempt to gain credibility with your class may have just the opposite effect.

The Word of God is its own authority, and you, who have humbly submitted yourself to guide the class through the Word of God, will speak on its authority to the degree that you allow the Holy Spirit to operate both in your life and in the class that you are guiding.

An 18th century Russian icon of the prophet Hosea located in the Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Northern Russia, painted by an unidentified artist during the first quarter of the 18th century.

It will be obvious to all when you state an opinion that is purely your own, and you should not be afraid to speak into the class that which you are lead to say simply because you cannot find it cited somewhere else.  For what you are to speak is something new, and many may be healed by what you say at the Lord’s direction. Again I say, do not be afraid to speak it.

The setting and character development which will greatly enrich the class can and must be investigated both inside and outside of the Bible.  The Bible did not take place in a vacuum, and neither should your teaching of the Bible take place in a vacuum.  There is a wealth of information being discovered today which is serving to support the Biblical narrative as God’s creation bears witness to His Word.  It is your job as the teacher to investigate and bring what is required of this information to your class.

The balance of this book is a summary of my own investigation into Hosea, and I pray that it will supplement your own study of Hosea.  You are free to use of it what you deem appropriate for your specific audience.

Stay tuned for more teaching tips and purchase the book itself here.  Trust Jesus and stay fresh!

Bible Teaching, GSM, Jesus

The Bible Play – Getting to Know the People of the Bible

The following is another excerpt of a book which we have recently completed about teaching the Bible which focuses on some techniques that may be little known and are certainly seldom practiced today.  Here we present “Getting to Know the People of the Bible,” a wonderful way to deeply explore the Biblical text in a participatory Group setting.  Enjoy!

Taken from “Hosea: A teacher’s guide for those who are lead to teach the book of Hosea”

Getting to Know the People of the Bible

While reading the Bible is a great discipline, it is at least equally important that the Bible be understood through the eyes of the characters who are both explicitly and implicitly a part of the story. Many of the characters in the Bible are unnamed, such as the soldiers who guarded the tomb of Jesus.

While it is possible to read the Bible and focus on the main characters, there is a tremendous amount to be learned from a study of the Bible through the eyes of all of those who were actually present at the event.

How can this be accomplished? It is possible to read any number of commentaries, speak with pastors, friends, and read related histories with the goal of accomplishing a complete understanding of the event and the eternal truth that God is trying to teach.

However, there is a superior and much less time consuming way to intimately know the characters of the Bible. That is, to role play, or become them for a time, if you will, for yourself. This miracle can be accomplished by what we call a “Bible Play.”

The Bible Play is to be accomplished in a class or other type of group setting. The teacher or the group will decide which part of the Bible that they are to act for the play. This is usually done by the teacher, but in a smaller group can be done by prayerful consensus.

Once the part of the Bible to be explored has been decided, the teacher is to read the story once through, stopping each time a new character is introduced and acknowledging the character by name to the class. At this point, it is important to mention that characters can include animals and inanimate objects as well.

After the first reading, the teacher calls for a time of prayer, in which everyone, the teacher included, is to choose which character in that they are to become. The Holy Spirit will guide this process, for each person present has something unique to learn and be healed of in this exercise.

During the time of prayer, the Lord may reveal characters which are not explicitly mentioned in the Biblical text as being present as being there. This is completely valid as long as the group unanimously agrees to the inclusion of the up until now unmentioned character.

Once EVERYONE has a character (for none may be simply observers to this exercise), the teacher will identify the physical space in which the play will take place. The characters are to take their initial places in the physical space, collaborating with everyone in the group until there is agreement upon the basic starting places and areas for interactions amongst the characters as called for in the Biblical text. This does not have to be done in exhaustive detail, but there must be agreement as to the areas described to enable the interactions amongst characters in the Biblical text to occur.

If the story calls for two or more physical locations, such as Jonah on the boat, in the belly of the whale, and then in Nineveh, it is important to understand that these physical spaces should be completely separate from each other. You are not simply setting scenes on a stage, the entire Bible play and all involved must become alive.

After the characters and spaces are chosen, the play is to begin. Everyone must participate and there is no rehearsal. In the Bible there were no rehearsals, and to fully understand the character through the activity of the Bible play the events must be encountered naturally, without preparation or prior coordination other than the agreement as to spaces mentioned above.

An 18th century Russian icon of the prophet Hosea located in the Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Northern Russia, painted by an unidentified artist during the first quarter of the 18th century.

The teacher or assigned narrator (which is also a valid and required character) begins to read the story and the action begins. If a character is to speak, the narrator may give the line to the character, but the person playing the character must speak it aloud. This detail is powerful and adds much to the play.

Once a character is completely done with their action, they may follow along with the narrator and watch what unfolds unless their character is specifically called to stay with the story. In many cases, the participant may find what their character did after the interaction called for by the Biblical text. This knowledge may be important and cannot be discounted. The participant is to be the character until the reading of the Biblical text is complete.

At this point it is important to mention that no one, not the teacher nor the narrator are to assume the role of a director, for it is the Holy Spirit who directs the play.

After the story is complete, all participants are to share what they learned about their character during the Bible Play. Much healing is accomplished by during this time of reflection.

The Bible Play is the best method by which to know the characters of the Bible, for during the play, they are truly there with us. There is cannot be accomplished any other way. One may read 1,000 books about Hosea but until you have actually seen, heard, or been him, you will never truly know him.

Stay tuned for more teaching tips and click here to purchase the book.  Trust Jesus and stay fresh!

Portland, Uncategorized

Buskers Flourish as Spring Approaches in Portland

Strolling down the street in Downtown Portland, one is as likely to encounter a busker as they are a plea to support a generically named non-profit group by an aspiring model.  At times these encounters seem to take place on nearly every corner.  Their presence is a reminder that the City is alive, and that there is more to life than hurriedly shuffling along from one appointment to the next.

Portland’s buskers come in every shape and size and those who perform music play a great variety of instruments and an even greater variety of musical styles and genres.  As spring approaches and weather becomes less of a barrier, the City is blessed by the increased presence of bucket tinged dance beats and sidewalk serenades.

According to the Willamette Week, a recent forum was held to explore possible changes in Portland’s Street Musicians and Performers Partnership Agreement.  While there was apparently a lively debate, it appears that there will be no changes to the current agreement.  While not perfect, the agreement appears to acknowledge the concerns of and offer remedies to all parties involved, whether willingly or otherwise, in a busker musical performance.

Buskers Negotiate for Prime Locations in Downtown Portland

Busking has its origins in antiquity and in many cultures is alternately enjoyed or tolerated, depending upon the quality of the performance, as a part of urban life.  While some cities have attempted to regulate busking via the use of permits and performance scheduling, Portland busking’s current self regulation is for the most part acknowledged in the Agreement.

Permits, scheduling, and agreements aside, a majority of busking takes place within the bounds of what can best be described as an unspoken busker code of conduct involving numerous tacit and express agreements amongst the buskers, local shop owners, and inhabitants.

How well will this unspoken code of conduct hold up in Portland this summer?  With an increasing amount of buskers performing and a majority of them unaware of the Portland Agreement, there are bound to be disagreements.  Asking a busker to keep his melodies with 100 feet of his person is like asking the wind to blow at a set speed.  A limited number of prime performance spots in the City makes competition for those spots increasingly intense.

To the credit of buskers everywhere, they have always found a way to resolve these inherent conflicts and at times even work in harmony to provide Portland with an abundance of music in the air.  So the next time you see a busker, show your appreciation by stopping and, if you are able, tip them something for their trouble.  By doing so you are supporting the arts in their purest form, whatever that form may be.

Portland, Uncategorized

Tattoos: A sure sign of spring

Spring is just around the corner in Portland and residents of the Bridge City will soon arise from their collective hibernation to partake in the five months of sun that is our annual allotment at these latitudes.

Portlanders will step out the door to a number of sure signs of spring, flowers blooming, preparations for the Rose Festival, the Timbers opening kicks, and tattoos of every shape and design proudly displayed on bodies of all shapes and sizes.

It is no secret that Portland is somewhat of a nexus of tattoo culture.  Tattoos here are as common as bicycles and tattoo parlors as numerous as coffee shops (well, almost).  Shops such as the Sea Tramp Tattoo Company have honed their craft over many years and in the process have become the stuff of legend.

Here are a few interesting statistics about tattooing in America courtesy of a survey conducted in 2008 by Harris Interactive:

  • One in five (20%) of people living in the West have at least one tattoo
  • 32% of persons aged 25-29 have at least one tattoo
  • Only 16% of those surveyed regretted getting a tattoo
  • Over half of the population, both the tattooed and un-tattooed, perceive that someone who has a tattoo is more rebellious
  • 19% of those who have a tattoo say that it makes them feel attractive and strong

Being a resident of Portland gives you a front row seat to a city wide living and breathing art gallery that few metro areas (save Miami) can boast.  With some of the finest tattoo artists in the world calling Portland home, it is safe to say that this seasonal exhibit of body art will be on-going on the streets of our fair city.

The thought of it all may give you the “inkling” to put a masterpiece on your canvas.

Full Disclosure:  Your author does not have a tattoo.

Bible Teaching, GSM, Jesus

Setting

The following is another excerpt of a book which we have recently completed about teaching the Bible which focuses on some techniques that may be little known and are certainly seldom practiced today.  Here we present the all important element which we call the “Setting,” which, as you can imagine, is not what it seems.  Enjoy!

Taken from “Hosea: A teacher’s guide for those who are lead to teach the book of Hosea”

Setting

As we alluded to earlier, there is a power that is unleashed by simply reading the Word of God as if you have never read it before.  A key to this power being released is the teacher’s ability to bring the class into the setting of the Biblical text.

An 18th century Russian icon of the prophet Hosea located in the Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Northern Russia, painted by an unidentified artist during the first quarter of the 18th century.

Setting, in this sense, is more than historical facts and data. It is more than an understanding of the people, places, economic, religious, and geopolitical circumstances which are present at the time the text is taking place in.  All of these are important elements of setting and can be aids to the class’s understanding of the text, however, for the Power of The Living God to be released into the room, something more is required.

The class must miraculously be transported to the time and place of Biblical account to be transformed.  The teacher guides the class to this place by humble submission to the power of God at work in the room.  In this place, all of the class’s previously formed conclusions about the Biblical text are shattered as they are transported to the place and time where the Biblical text takes place.  It is no longer a story or lesson, the room is alive as each person through supernatural selection assumes their place in the Biblical account as it is actually taking place around them.

Each person in the class is healed as the Spirit of The Living God teaches through each one of us as we experience the text as is written, not as it is interpreted by the teacher, but as it is spoken aloud to the class.

The teacher must balance elements of timing, relationship, and content as the healing presence of the Holy Spirit moves through the room.  The setting is given by The Lord and communicated through the teacher to bring healing as we open the Bible as if we have never opened it before.

Stay tuned for more teaching tips and purchase a copy of the book itself here.  Trust Jesus and stay fresh!

Portland, Uncategorized

Coffee Culture: Thoughts on Coffee Consumption in Portland Continue reading on Examiner.com Coffee Culture: Thoughts on Coffee Consumption in Portland

A familiar sight in Portland on a Saturday afternoon.  Students, friends, families, empty nesters, foreigners, the among the things that many of them have in common are the need for a good cup of coffee, companionship, ambiance, and maybe even a little peace and quiet.  As winter gives way to spring, they will grab their cups and populate the cafe patios and occupy the parks to soak in the short season of natural vitamin D, otherwise known as sunshine, here in our fine city.

Coffee drinking is called by some a cheap luxury.  Even with the increasing threat of higher coffee bean prices being passed on to coffee house patrons, it is still a relatively cheap way to pass the time.  If you are truly concerned about rising coffee prices, you can effectively hedge against the rising cost of your caffeine addiction by placing a portion of your portfolio in an Exchange Traded Fund like the iPath Dow Jones-UBS Coffee ETN, whose stick ticker symbol JO must have been cleverly devised by some brilliant marketing mind.

Fortunate Patrons at a Portland Cafe

A familiar sight in Portland on a Saturday afternoon.  Students, friends, families, empty nesters, foreigners, the among the things that many of them have in common are the need for a good cup of coffee, companionship, ambiance, and maybe even a little peace and quiet.  As winter gives way to spring, they will grab their cups and populate the cafe patios and occupy the parks to soak in the short season of natural vitamin D, otherwise known as sunshine, here in our fine city.

Coffee drinking is called by some a cheap luxury.  Even with the increasing threat of higher coffee bean prices being passed on to coffee house patrons, it is still a relatively cheap way to pass the time.  If you are truly concerned about rising coffee prices, you can effectively hedge against the rising cost of your caffeine addiction by placing a portion of your portfolio in an Exchange Traded Fund like the iPath Dow Jones-UBS Coffee ETN, whose stick ticker symbol JO must have been cleverly devised by some brilliant marketing mind.

Advertisement

For years, it had been accepted that Starbucks’ wild success had cemented Seattle’s place as the coffee capital of the world.  If the average coffee drinker were to partake of his or her 3.1 cups per day in Seattle, they were considered privileged.

As Starbucks, which now pours 1 out of every 100 cups of coffee served on the planet each day, struggles to find a place to expand in the northwest that is not within five blocks of one of their existing locations, coffee connoisseurs are quietly speaking of Portland as the new Mecca of coffee culture.  As Starbucks continues to go global, local Portland roasters like Stumptown continue to develop what just may be the best coffee in the world.

So wrap your hands around a cup of locally brewed coffee and know that not only will you make it through another seemingly endless winter, you are one of the privileged 500,000 to live in what will soon be recognized as the coffee capital of the world.  After athletic shoes and coffee, could the movie and tech industries be next to defect to Portlandia?

Economics, Mint Classics, The Mint

G7 Meet to Stop Yen’s Dramatic Rise and the BLS Calls BS on its Broad CPI Measure – A Mint Classic

Over the past year, the Bank of Japan has tried numerous times to Kamikaze its currency and has failed miserably.  As of the writing of this classic Mint, the USDJPY exchange stood at about 80:1.  Check today to see how the Bank of Japan has fared.
 
As for the other theme, if anyone still believes in the BLS’ headline inflation number, they probably work at the Federal Reserve and watch I-Pad prices for signs of inflation!

Enjoy!
 
3/18/2011 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…
 
The G7 Central Bankers have called an emergency meeting to “do something” about the “skyrocketing Japanese Yen.”  This meeting is simply their latest attempt to combat reality.  The reality of the situation in Japan is that they are dealing with a catastrophe.  When one is dealing with a catastrophe, the next prudent step, after all of the immediate crises have been contained, is to take stock of the situation.  By taking stock, we mean that one takes note of what was lost and, more importantly, what one will need in order to restore things to an acceptable level of comfort.Comforts cost money.  In Japan, to replace these comforts the average person needs Yen.  They will either get this Yen by making a claim with their insurance company or selling assets to raise cash.  With damages of nearly $15 Trillion Yen (roughly 3% of Japan’s GDP) and counting you can imagine how the demand for Yen is, well, about to skyrocket.

 
The Japanese people are still dealing with the catastrophe.  Speculators in the currency markets are, as always, one step ahead of what must happen and are sapping liquidity, in terms of Yen, at a rapid pace.  This activity, taken at face value, will presumably wreak havoc for Japanese Government Bond prices, the prices of stocks traded on the Nikkei, and the US Dollar.
 
These three markets will crash if nature is allowed to take its course.  You see, in the tipsy turvy world of currencies, to buy a yen more often than not means that a US dollar, a JGB, or a stock listed on the Nikkei is sold on the other side of the trade.
 
The most sought after currency in the world, at least until the G7 meet tomorrow
 
The accelerated selling of dollars, as Jim Rogers points out, could cause the endgame scenario for the US currency to swiftly come upon the world.  Mr. Rogers goes so far as to call this a “Moment of Truth for the dollar.”
You can see the brief interview by clicking here.
 
Of course, as Mr. Rogers points out, it may be time to buy the dollar, if for some reason it is to survive as a top tier currency.  We have lived just long enough to know that anything is possible.
 
The G7 meeting today is VERY IMPORTANT.  It should not be, if only the world had not left the embrace of sound money 40 years ago, but unfortunately, it is.  For the G7 will essentially decide whether to keep the Dollar on life support or to pull the plug.
 
What will they do?
 
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the legion of bureaucrats who are charged with cranking out data in order to support FED policy, appears to be starting its own form of political protest against the loose dollar policies followed by the Federal Reserve.  After faithfully cranking out the core CPI, a key statistic here at The Mint, for years and watching it slowly become distorted into the puppet statistic that it now is, they came out with a data point in 2002 called the “Chained Consumer Price Index” which takes into account a rolling average of food and fuel costs, which the core CPI now blatantly ignores.
 
This index hit a record high in February, confirming what most average Americans already know:  It has never been more expensive to live in the Land of the Free.
 
Will we be Brave enough to return to sound money?  You, fellow taxpayer, can take a step in that direction with just a few simple keystrokes.  APMEX, our affiliate, is running a contest.  They are giving away one 1 oz gold eagle coin each month.  All you have to do to enter is register by clicking this link and filling in the blanks.  You can register to win once per month.  If you so desire, click here and Register at APMEX.com Today!
 
By definition, the black hole of debt will always grow at a more rapid pace than the worthless currency that is printed in an attempt to fill it.  If the black hole collapses (i.e. widespread default occurs), hyperinflation will occur quickly.  If currency becomes scarce, people will find another medium of exchange, likely gold and/or silver.
 
Either way, the world will be out of this mess before long, so hold on to your hats, it is bound to be a wild ride to the other side!
 
Stay Fresh!
 
 
 
P.S.  If you enjoy or at least tolerate The Mint please share us with your friends, family, and associates!
 
Key Indicators for Friday, March 18th, 2011
 
Portland, Uncategorized

The 511 Federal Building: From Post Office to Prison to Art Parthenon Continue reading on Examiner.com The 511 Federal Building: From Post Office to Prison to Art Parthenon

The 511 Federal Building located at 511 NW Broadway is eerily one of the more impressive examples of turn of the Century Architecture that we have in Portland.  It is also an example of how far the Federal Government feels that it must go to protect itself after the attacks of September 11th.

The building is currently home to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices.  This one time Post Office is located at what may be considered the gateway between the upscale Pearl District and the less attractive Old Town Chinatown neighborhood.  It stands as a testament to the dichotomy of its surroundings, altogether grisly and glorious.

Built during World War I, as many of the older Federal Buildings in Portland were, its adornments of Eagles, buttressed columns, and men and women dressed to compete in the ancient Greek version of the Olympics are examples of an architectural style called Neo-Classical or Classical Revival.  The 511 Federal Building was deservedly placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The 511 Federal Building located at 511 NW Broadway is eerily one of the more impressive examples of turn of the Century Architecture that we have in Portland.  It is also an example of how far the Federal Government feels that it must go to protect itself after the attacks of September 11th.

The building is currently home to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices.  This one time Post Office is located at what may be considered the gateway between the upscale Pearl District and the less attractive Old Town Chinatown neighborhood.  It stands as a testament to the dichotomy of its surroundings, altogether grisly and glorious.

Built during World War I, as many of the older Federal Buildings in Portland were, its adornments of Eagles, buttressed columns, and men and women dressed to compete in the ancient Greek version of the Olympics are examples of an architectural style called Neo-Classical or Classical Revival.  The 511 Federal Building was deservedly placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The 511 Federal Building in Portland, Oregon

This scene outside of the 511 stands in stark contrast to the open arms of Bud Clark Commons which is currently being constructed across Broadway.  The building’s once proud architecture is obscured by additional adornments of security cameras, chain link fences, and mirrored windows.  These security enhancements apparently keep the Federal Employees safe from the outside world and to keep the world safe from any unfortunate immigrants who may be awaiting deportation inside one of the building’s three holding cells.

What was once a symbol of a rising Empire, the 511 Federal Building circa 2011 appears now as a symbol of an Empire in decline.  More precisely, it looks like a prison.  This image was further confirmed on Tuesday with the presence of two Geo Transport buses.  Geo Transport is in the business of prisoner transportation and these buses are often used to transport immigrants who do not have legal status to the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Center in Tacoma, Washington.

Fortunately, this once proud building will get a new lease on life.  While the City of Portland begins to squabble about where to move the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Offices, waiting in the wings to occupy the 511 is the Pacific Northwest College of Art.  The College of Art will enter the 511 like a warm breeze on a cool day, and the presence of hundreds of art students alone will go a long way towards restoring this treasure to its previous glory.

Economics, Mint Classics, Politics, The Mint

US Debt Ceiling Vote to Ignite Armageddon in Bond Markets? Key Indicators all Point to Inflation – A Mint Classic

Today we are taking a break en route to Bolivia.  Breathing in La Paz is hard enough, let alone attempting to dissect what is occurring in the World economy.  As such, we offer a look at things which we wrote about 14 short months ago which came to pass just 8 short months ago.  A much ignored number which is peculiar to America, the debt ceiling.
 
Today, the number is mostly ceremonial but it is important to remember that the US is likely to breach the $16.2 trillion symbolic limit in the near future.  Will we have  repeat of the events we described?  Enjoy!
 
1/18/2011 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…
 
For some months now we have been wrestling with the notion that there will be a major collapse in the Bond Markets.  We have speculated as to the causes and possible effects in these chronicles, comparing the coming events to the battle of Armageddon, famously prophesied by John in the book of Revelation, Chapter 16.  Bondholders have been lured into a valley, and our guess is that they are about to get slaughtered.
 
When and how will this occur?  This is the subject of our speculation today.  Be forewarned, fellow Gambler, that we do not have any sort of inside information.  Rather, we rely on our own wild imagination and questionable powers of deduction.  Actual events may differ dramatically from what we imagine, and we pray that they will!
 
Our current speculation has its origin in digesting the reality of the upcoming Congressional vote as to whether or not to raise the debt ceiling.  In the past, this would barely have been news.  The government almost always, without fail, spends more money than it takes in. This is one of the few things that you can count on a democratically elected government to do.  To cover the deficit, the government must issue debt.  Since there is almost always a deficit and there is almost always interest to be paid on existing debt, the amount of debt owed by the government must always increase.  This is the basis of our current insane monetary system.
 
 But wait!  Along comes a group of Congressmen and women that either don’t understand the game or are unwilling to play along any longer.  They appear, at least from their rhetoric, to be set to vote AGAINST raising the debt ceiling (the total amount of debt that the US Government can officially borrow).  In theory, this would mean that Government expenditures would have to be immediately reduced by $1 Trillion, the projected deficit for current fiscal year, and further reduced to give them the ability to roll over the roughly $3 Trillion dollars worth of US Treasury debt that is set to mature in 2011, even assuming that it can be rolled over at 0% interest.  Both of these are plausible but highly unlikely scenarios.
 
 
As an aside, you can watch all of the dizzying US Debt statistics here.  We advise you to take some Dramamine beforehand.
 
However, a “NO” vote on raising the debt ceiling would make these highly unlikely scenarios not only likely but absolutely necessary.  A “NO” vote would likely trigger a sell-off not only in the US Treasury Debt Markets but also in every fixed income and equity market on the planet.  This sell-off would lead to an unprecedented amount of cash chasing around a finite number of real goods.  
 
In short, the end result of a “NO” vote would be a paralyzed Government and hyperinflation.
 
On the other hand, a “YES” vote is no picnic either.  Many of these Congressmen and women were around the last time they had to vote on a measure with such broad reaching financial implications.  Does the TARP Fiasco of 2008 ring a bell?
 
On the bright side, a “NO” vote would bring an abrupt end to the insanity of the present world monetary system.  A system that is based on debt, not real money, which causes the productive forces of mankind to cannibalize themselves.  After the initial shock, a “NO” vote would be a great thing for mankind.  Do today’s politicians have the backbone to do this?  Only time will tell, but here at The Mint, we believe that at this point a “NO” vote or a stall tactic (which is practically the same thing) may in fact be likely to occur this spring.  We are not alone in this boat, as back in November former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin alluded to this vote as a possible “trigger“ for a “rout in the Treasury Market.”
 
While all signs in the Bond Markets point to an implosion, either this spring or at some unspecified date in the future, all of our Key Indicators here at The Mint are continuing to point to Inflation.  It is for this very reason that we observe them daily, to ensure that our hypothesis is correct.  These are the “cards” the we hold as gamblers.  Each one merits in depth study as to its economic significance but we will spare our fellow gamblers this depth for now and jump directly to the practical application. 
 
At the end of every Mint, we present the Key Indicators.  We encourage you to compare them with the Key Indicators from previous Mints.  If the Key Indicators are generally higher (with three exceptions) than they have been in the past, we expect inflation, maybe a lot of it.  If they are lower, we would expect deflation.  The magnitude of the inflation or deflation depends upon the magnitude of the changes in the numbers.
The three exceptions, of course, are the “FED Target Rate”, the “MINT Perceived Target Rate”, and the “Inflation Rate (CPI).”  In the case of these three indicators, if the number is lower than it has been in the past, we can expect inflation.  If they are higher, we would expect deflation.   
 
You may also click on each data point below for a link to its source to better perform trend analysis.
The timing of what is to come is a mystery.  Based on recent data, inflation is walking up the drive but still a ways from the door.  If we had to guess, we would expect inflation in full force by January 2012.  If Congress pulls the trigger with a “NO” vote this spring, it could arrive quite a bit sooner.
 
As Kenny Rogers wisely said, “Know when to walk away and know when to run!”
 
Stay Fresh!
 
 
 
 
P.S.  If you enjoy or at least tolerate The Mint please share us with your friends, family, and associates!
 
Key Indicators for Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
 
MINT Perceived Target Rate*:  4.5%
Unemployment Rate:  9.4%
Inflation Rate (CPI):  0.5%
Dow Jones Industrial Average:  11,787
M1 Monetary Base:  $1,954,500,000,000
M2 Monetary Base:  $8,881,000,000,000 (this numbers stands roughly $2 trillion higher today, about the same amount that the debt ceiling was ceremoniously increased back in August.  Coincidence?  we think not!)
Events

Watch “Prime Minister of Israel Binyamin Netanyahu at AIPAC 2012” on YouTube

A decent speech from Mr. Netanyahu at the AIPAC 2012, and unfortunately there is much prophecy that would be fulfilled were Israel to strike Iran, or vice versa.  It is a difficult situation, and Mr. Netanyahu may be admired for not skirting around the issue, as the Western nations have done until now, for it is gravely serious.

Yet for all of his wonderful discourse, the most moving of which starts at minute 22:30 of the below video, Mr Netanyahu, like most of us, misses the point. 

Jesus came so that the world would be forgiven, and to overcome death and live abundantly.  Resorting to the “Might Makes Right,” “Strike them before they strike us mentality,” to which Mr. Netanyahu appeals in this address, is what leads all nations to espouse war and violence as a response to their fragile surroundings.  Followed to its logical end, mankind would exterminate itself in a very short period of time. 

While a preemptive strike against a country which is going to annihate your nation may seem like the best response, or the least amongst evils, what is even more necessary is a need for understanding and ultimately the abandonment of the nation state, especially the religious nation state, so that people can deal with each other without the unnecessary prejudices which the mask of the nation state paints on its adversaries. 

With that in mind, enjoy the speech and, as you ponder its obvious consequences, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Tehran, and your own city.

Economics, Freedom, Politics, True Capitalism

You Might be a Socialist if…

3/5/2012 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…

Nearly 20 years ago, Jeff Foxworthy topped the comedy charts when he released his now famous album “You Might be a Redneck if…”  While we have no illusions that today’s musings will attain the fame that Mr. Foxworthy’s have, today’s Mint is an entirely accidental homage to Mr. Foxworthy in which we present a series of one-liners which we hope will provide an invaluable service to the American public.

Namely, we aim to provide the public with comical assistance in helping one properly identify whether or not they are a Socialist.  It is a handy, self convicting exercise which is meant to help all of us to identify and perhaps deal with our latent Socialist tendencies.

In other words, you may laugh heartily, knowing that the laughter, like the accumulated loss of capital in a Socialist society, is at the expense of the proletariat.  Enjoy:

You might be a Socialist if… (with apologies to Mr. Foxworthy):

You default to the government when asked who should solve a social problem

You get a measure of self righteous gratification when passing through a body scanner

You believe in economic equality

You have attempted to define economic equality

You make special exceptions for yourself when defining your concept of economic equality

You still believe in economic equality after attempting to define it

You are a member of a labor union

You wish you were a member of a labor union

You wish you were an unemployed member of a labor union

You believe that tariffs save jobs

You believe that limitations on immigration save jobs

You believe that taxes create jobs

You believe that regulations create jobs

You vote for tax increases

You vote for a representative government which asserts authority over those who are not permitted to vote

You are entirely comfortable living in a world where the “end justifies the means”

You regularly give unsolicited advice to strangers

You get angry when such advice is ignored

You use a central bank issued currency as a savings instrument

You have attempted to describe the economic benefit of homogenized interest rates

You prefer a higher national GDP to a higher personal income

You believe that certain projects are so big that only the government is qualified to do them

You can say “government efficiency” with a straight face

You have ever defended TARP on the grounds that a nebulous “greater disaster” was averted

You’ve referred to “Cash for Clunkers” as good for the environment

You’ve referred to “Cash for Clunkers” as good for the economy

You’ve referred to war as good for the economy

You’ve referred to a natural disaster as good for the economy

You believe that there is a universally fair price for certain goods or services

You believe that said universally fair price should be a dictated by the government

You would feel guilty paying less than said universally fair price

You think you are saving money because an expense is tax deductible

You have uttered the words “necessary evil” as an explanation for a moral contradiction

You have uttered the words “the lesser of two evils” to explain an unpopular decision

You use the words “quality” and “equality” interchangeably

And finally, the last one we can think of for today, which, as you can see, if far from qualifying as a punch line:

Your list of inalienable rights extends beyond or excludes life, liberty, and property

If you have said “that’s me” to one or more of the above, you might be a socialist.  If you find that you truly are a Socialist, take comfort in the fact that you form part of a large and vocal majority.  The most logical response, if this is the case, is to fully embrace one’s socialist identity and to leave behind the inherent contradictions of calling oneself a “liberal” or “conservative.”

There is absolutely no shame in identifying as a Socialist.  As Polonius urged his son so we urge you, fellow taxpayer, “To thine own self be true.”

However, if it disturbs you to have identified with any of the above statements, please continue to peruse The Mint, as all of us can aspire towards embracing True Capitalism, and move towards creating a future full of the blessings of real freedom for our children.

Stay tuned and Trust Jesus.

Stay Fresh!

David Mint

Email: davidminteconomics@gmail.com

 

Key Indicators for March 5, 2012

Copper Price per Lb: $3.84

Oil Price per Barrel:  $106.97

Corn Price per Bushel:  $6.66

10 Yr US Treasury Bond:  2.01%

FED Target Rate:  0.11%  ON AUTOPILOT, THE FED IS DEAD!

Gold Price Per Ounce:  $1,705

MINT Perceived Target Rate*:  1.00% AWAY WE GO!

Unemployment Rate:  8.3%

Inflation Rate (CPI):  0.2%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 12,964

M1 Monetary Base:  $2,199,000,000,000

M2 Monetary Base:  $9,759,800,000,000

The Mint, Uncategorized

A default that isn’t a default and a sale that isn’t a sale | The Wall Street Examiner

A great piece on the absurdities which are now the norm in high finance. The rules of the game can no longer be relied upon, and operating in debt markets will be more like playing in the NBA.
Except that for many peoples retirements, the debt markets are far from sport. Enjoy:

http://wallstreetexaminer.com/2012/03/03/a-default-that-isnt-a-default-and-a-sale-that-isnt-a-sale/

Freedom, Jesus

On the Importance of Religion: The Guard Rail Analogy

2/29/2012 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…

This past weekend our Pastor, Fred Cason of True Life Fellowship in Beaverton, delivered a profound message.  As are many great metaphors in the modern west, it was came disguised as a vehicle metaphor.

What’s up with all the guard rails?

As each of us careen down the highways and canyons in life, from time to time we will observe to our left or right, a man made construction which, at a glance, appears to have little practical purpose.

In fact, it seems like a hindrance, an unnecessary distraction or limitation on an otherwise scenic drive.  If one dwells on it too long, its very existence may become quite bothersome indeed.

Yet guard rails serve an extremely important purpose.  For, if well placed, they can save a life.  They have the power to turn what would have been a deadly accident into a mere fender bender.  Fender benders are unpleasant, but they are much easier to repair and recover from than a fatality.

In some cases, guard rails are erected by those who have planned and built the road.  In other cases, they have been erected only after those whom have traveled down the road numerous times came to a tacit or explicit agreement as to where they are necessary.  While there may have been discussion as to exactly where to place them, their necessity was, at one point, obvious to all.

Regardless of how they got there, guardrails are set at places where the yellow painted lines were simply not enough to keep people from running off the road.

How are the guard rails in your life?

For guard rails which are carefully thought out are placed locations along the road where, were the driver to suffer a brief lapse in judgment or some sort of mechanical failure, the consequences for running off the road are the gravest.  Conversely, at places in the road where no such danger exists, it would be foolish to erect guard rails for the sake of erecting them.

A curiosity about guard rails, especially along the most scenic and well-traveled roads, is that they are often placed where the view is the best, which can make their existence extremely frustrating.

Yet they are there precisely because the very places where the view is spectacular are often where there is an extreme correlation between the level of distraction of the driver and the catastrophic consequences of running off the road into an abyss.

Do you see where this is going?

It is probably clear to most that a peculiar set of rules, commonly known as religion, determines the placement of the guard rails (the rules themselves in this metaphor) in one’s life.

The road is one’s life, their chosen path, the road where they have either intentionally traveled or via some obligatory detour, find themselves on.

Some roads are more dangerous than others, and require a careful placement of rules along the way in order to avoid hurtling one’s life towards disaster.  In this lies the benefit of religion.

Yet no one, save perhaps the guard rail contractor, chooses their road based solely on the guard rails placed along the way.

So, then, it is clear that the guard rail is not an end in and of itself.  In fact, when one is in control, focused on the road, and their vehicle is in good operating condition, they may not even notice the guard rails in their midst.

Guard rails will never provide one with focus or control of their vehicle, as rules will never provide one with focus or control of their life.  Only the Living God can provide this.

Ironically, the guardrail serves absolutely no purpose for the coherent, sober, focused driver.  It is the driver who, from time to time, gets distracted or willing takes their hands off the wheel (read, everyone on the planet) which to benefit the most from the guard rails’ (rules’) existence.

A final note, if you happen to find yourself on a road without any guard rails, it may be time to look for a different road.

Stay tuned and Trust Jesus.

Stay Fresh!

David Mint

Email: davidminteconomics@gmail.com

Bible Teaching, Economics, Jesus, Monetary Theory, Of Money and Metals

The Bible Clearly Explains the Consequences of a Debt based Monetary System

2/28/2012 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…

Yesterday we took our fellow taxpayers for a detour which is leading us into what, for some, may be uncharted waters.  These waters are commonly known as the Bible, or the Word of God.  While seemingly unrelated to the discipline of economics and specifically monetary theory, it is important to gain an understanding of the Bible for two reasons:

  1. It is the most widely read book in the history of the world to date
  2. In its labyrinth of narratives, poetry, song, and prophecy, it provides the only coherent framework within which humans, who have been given the gift of reasoning, can understand the world in which they inhabit and what they are to do with their time here.

If only for these reasons alone, it is of the utmost importance that the Bible be understood if we are to gain any meaningful understanding of what is called the “economy” and our specific area of interest, monetary theory, as these disciplines make absolutely no sense without an understanding of the framework in which they operate.

Regardless of one’s preconceived judgments about the Bible’s ability to provide this framework, it is important to understand that a number of one’s fellow humans believe that the Bible provides this framework.  With this given, it can be inferred that this belief is, in whole or in part, is driving their choice of actions. 

A Bible Handwritten in Latin in Malmesbury Abbey, Wilshire, England. Transcribed in Belgium in the year 1407

However, if you remain unconvinced or simply do not have time or motivation to undertake a careful study of the Bible, we will relate what we understand, it is in no way a substitute for one’s personal and corporate study of the Bible, but we appreciate your confidence.

The lessons of the Bible are important and we reiterate, without an understanding of the framework of the Bible, nothing that is going to take place in the future will make sense but will appear to simply occur at random:

Truly we tell you, the events to come have been foretold.  The Kingdom of God is advancing.

What does it have to do with money?  Why is a proper understanding of what we use as money important?

We are glad you asked, allow us to explain:

The current monetary system which most of the Western world uses to each day is built on debt.  Debt, at its essence, is built a faith that persons will perform certain actions in the future.  Performance of these actions from the debtor’s perspective is homogenized as being able to order delivery of the debts of others to the creditor in order to satisfy the debt.

This activity and its consequences are conveniently summed up in Bible as the parable of the Unforgiving Debtor, which can be found in the Bible in the book of Matthew, Chapter  18, verses 21-35.

Wrapped up in a narrative which will take under two minutes to read, the final consequences of using debt as money have never been more clearly stated.  Please give it a read, it is important.

Stay tuned and Trust Jesus.

Stay Fresh!

David Mint

Email: davidminteconomics@gmail.com

 

Key Indicators for February 28, 2012

Copper Price per Lb: $3.86

Oil Price per Barrel:  $106.55

Corn Price per Bushel:  $6.53

10 Yr US Treasury Bond:  1.93%

FED Target Rate:  0.10%  ON AUTOPILOT, THE FED IS DEAD!

Gold Price Per Ounce:  $1,784

MINT Perceived Target Rate*:  1.00% AWAY WE GO!

Unemployment Rate:  8.3%

Inflation Rate (CPI):  0.2%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 13,005

M1 Monetary Base:  $2,137,600,000,000

M2 Monetary Base:  $9,763,200,000,000

GSM, Jesus, The Mint

The Importance of the Bible, A Foray into E-Book publishing

2/27/2012 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…

We have been busy here at The Mint publishing our first of what we hope will be many E-books.  To the surprise of many, it has nothing to do with Monetary Theory.  For Monetary Theory to have any coherence, a proper understanding of the world must first be established.  This E-Book is a humble attempt to begin this process for our dear fellow taxpayers.

Regardless of whether you believe that the Words of the Bible are true or if you are of the opinion that the Bible has nothing of relevance to say to the modern world, it is extremely urgent that you examine the Bible soon for it will provide the only coherent explanation for the events which are unfolding.

This particular E book deals with teaching the Bible, specifically the book of the prophet Hosea.  Fellow taxpayers who have an interest in the Bible are encouraged to take a peek at it here.  The book presents a method which is entirely different than any other teaching method which we have encountered, for it permits the Word of God to speak for itself, free of man’s distorted and too often self interested interpretations.

A book which teaches one to study the Bible may not be what one would expect from The Mint.  On the other hand, given that the Bible is our only hope of grasping a coherent, consistent truth from which all other events can be understood and put into perspective, there could perhaps be no more urgent or noble undertaking to which we must dedicate our lives

In the Bible, God did 10 amazing things: 

  1. He gave us a concrete understanding of our origins in a way so simple that a child can understand it.
  2. He gave us a historical narrative that can be archeologically corroborated should we have doubts that the events actually took place.
  3. He gave us 10 rules to live by which, if observed, would eradicate every social and many physical and mental ailments.
  4. He provided a number of other tips and suggestions which would further improve the general welfare.
  5. He gave us a brief summary so that we would not have to memorize the rules, tips, and suggestions in order to observe them.
  6. He gave us the choice whether to live by the rules and suggestions or not.
  7. He sent His Son to accept all of the natural consequences for failing to observe the rules and suggestions and in the process He vanquished the inevitability of death.
  8. He gave examples of every problem imaginable with regards to family and other human relationships, and then some.
  9. He laid down the division between good and evil which had nothing to do with observed behavior and everything to do with intent.
  10. He gave us a promise the He would physically return to dwell with us.

It should come as no surprise, then, that a correct understanding of the present state of the economy and of cause and effect can only be achieved by first understanding the essence of life, the world in which we live, and most importantly, who is ultimately in charge.

There is a need for understanding that can only be found in the Bible.  While reading the Bible is a good way to start, listening to the spoken word of the Bible in the presence of others is a much better way to gain the aforementioned understanding of life itself.

This E Book is an attempt to open the Word of God to be understood by many.  There is a deep need for people to take the hard assignments that are given to them as they gain this aforementioned understanding for themselves.

Are you ready, fellow taxpayer?

Stay tuned and Trust Jesus.

Stay Fresh!

David Mint

Email: davidminteconomics@gmail.com

 

Key Indicators for February 27, 2012

Copper Price per Lb: $3.84

Oil Price per Barrel:  $107.96

Corn Price per Bushel:  $6.44

10 Yr US Treasury Bond:  1.92%

FED Target Rate:  0.08%  ON AUTOPILOT, THE FED IS DEAD!

Gold Price Per Ounce:  $1,768

MINT Perceived Target Rate*:  1.00% AWAY WE GO!

Unemployment Rate:  8.3%

Inflation Rate (CPI):  0.2%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 12,981

M1 Monetary Base:  $2,137,600,000,000

M2 Monetary Base:  $9,763,200,000,000

Events

Watch “‘Greece doomed, economy total farce & fiction!'” on YouTube

Patrick Young, an investment advisor, gives a sobering account of the current state of the Greek economy and the future of the EU. In short, Greece will default within 8 weeks and it will be chaotic.
We are not sure what is more shocking, Mr Young’s assessment or the footage of the riots in Athens running in the background. About 5 minutes and well worth a view:

Economics, The Mint

No Love for Greece, The latest casualty of central planning

2/15/2012 Portland, Oregon – Pop in your mints…

The fruits of Central Planning, via the socialized monetary and credit system which is currently managed by the World’s Central Banks, are beginning to ripen, and the whole world is witnessing the latest social harvest of this doomed philosophy in Greece.

From the Associated Press:

“Tensions between Athens and other European capitals have hit new highs this week. While the European Union is officially still warning of the far-reaching dangers of a disorderly default by Greece, some politicians have in recent weeks downplayed the effects of such an event.

… While the Parliament in Athens faced down violent protests over the weekend to approve a far-reaching new austerity package, the cabinet of ministers remained locked in talks Tuesday evening over how to save an extra euro325 million demanded last week by the eurozone.”

It seems that the Greeks are having trouble accepting the well intended budgetary advice which their credit “counselors” (read overlords) in the north are so generously imposing upon them.  Now that the Greeks appear to be balking at their inevitable slide towards a vassal state, the folks in the north are getting restless as their banking syndicates have quite a bit riding on the events unfolding on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Will the Hellenic Republic submit?

On the other side of the Atlantic, it appears that the similarly indebted US government will escape the fate of externally imposed austerity which Greece is now suffering.  The Federal Reserve has made it clear that it will print money to monetize the deficits of the US Government for as long as necessary, and the Republican budget hawks have had their wings clipped with their latest capitulation on the extension of the Payroll tax holiday.

These two events, taken together, indicate that the US intends to go for broke and fully embrace the Keynesian dream of printing its way to full employment.

The obvious solution, then, would be for the Greeks to reject the Euro in favor of not the Drachma, but the infinitely flexible US Dollar.

Unfortunately for the US, and the Greeks, should they choose to join them, the Keynesian dream is quickly becoming a nightmare as the folly of central economic planning begins to express itself in the form of runaway inflation.  The policy tools used in the past have succeeded only in stripping the earth and its people of the ability to make productive economic decisions.  What now awaits the world is the inevitable adjustment which is likely to lead to a lower standard of living.

At this prospect, Athns burned on Sunday night, and it appears that the last bastions of austerity in the US capital threw in the towel and, for the moment, Washington is not burning.

The tragedy unfolding in Europe is a painful reminder that the power to mint money was never meant to be given, by edict, to an elect few. 

Will the rest of the world learn this valuable lesson before it is too late?

Stay tuned and Trust Jesus.

Stay Fresh!

David Mint

Email: davidminteconomics@gmail.com 

Key Indicators for February 15, 2012

Copper Price per Lb: $3.80
Oil Price per Barrel:  $101.93

Corn Price per Bushel:  $6.27 
10 Yr US Treasury Bond:  1.93%
FED Target Rate:  0.12%  ON AUTOPILOT, THE FED IS DEAD!

Gold Price Per Ounce:  $1,721

MINT Perceived Target Rate*:  1.00% AWAY WE GO!
Unemployment Rate:  8.3%
Inflation Rate (CPI):  0.0%
Dow Jones Industrial Average: 12,781

M1 Monetary Base:  $2,274,500,000,000
M2 Monetary Base:  $9,653,000,000,000

Fresh ideas on Economics, Monetary Theory, Politics, and Less Pressing but Equally Entertaining Matters for the English and Spanish speaking worlds