Disconnect between physical and paper gold prices in full swing

10:46 AM futures, gold, gold price, spot price 13 Comments

With the economic slowdown (some may say collapse) entering its second month, few asset classes are coming out unscathed in the financial destruction.  Yet as expected, the single commodity that is exploding upward is of course gold.

But with this in mind there is an even bigger scenario in play beyond simply the price of gold going up, and that is not only the disconnect between physical and paper gold, but also between the futures price and the spot price.

April 13 2020:  Gold prices for paper and physical

Spot Price: $1716

Futures Price:  $1761

Physical Price:  $1864

As you can see, there is nearly a $50 difference ($45) between the current spot price and the June futures price, and a $100 (Futures) and $150 (Spot) premium between the physical and paper prices.

As the demand for gold continues to accelerate, the disconnect between the paper and physical markets will only increase.  And it is now likely that the physical price will surpass its all-time high in dollar terms long before the end of the year.

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Russia uses America's own weapon against them as new oil gambit may be the key to collapsing the Western financial system

12:04 PM cold war, financial collapse, global financial system, oil, oil price, oil production, opec, russia 6 Comments

For those who do not remember details of the Cold War between the U.S. and former Soviet Union, it was a combination of a military buildup under President Reagan coupled with a depressing of the price of oil that eventually led to the Communist regime's demise.  Yet like a pendulum that swings to the opposite side when there is enough inertia, just 30 years later Russia has set themselves up to use the very same weapons that were used against them in order to bring harm or even destroy the financial systems of their adversaries.

This drop in oil price made it become much less profitable to drill new oil wells. Also, the Soviet Union was an oil exporter, and at a lower price, it earned less profit for the oil it exported. Given these headwinds, oil production stopped rising, and by 1988, began to fall. Oil production did not start rising again until the early 2000s, when oil prices began rising again and a different political system was in power. 

As oil production dropped in the 1988-1991 period, FSU oil exports plummeted. Given the combination of a low quantity of oil exported, and low sales price of oil exports, the FSU found itself in financial difficulty where it could not afford to pay for food imports, which it badly needed, and the country collapsed. - Oilprice.com

Fast forward 29 years.

In a move that few could see coming, Russia on Thursday voted against OPEC's desire to reduce production and appears very ready to see the price fall even lower than Friday's market close of $42.

OPEC needs this cut to remain relevant. The cartel is dying. It’s been dying for years, kept on life support by Russia’s willingness to trade favors to achieve other geostrategic goals. 

I’ve said before that OPEC production cuts are not bullish for oil just like rate cuts are not inflationary during crisis periods. 

But finally Russia said No. And they didn’t equivocate. They told everyone they are prepared for lower oil prices. - Gold, Goats, and Guns

Yet this move did not come in a vacuum, as Russia's announcement comes when both the U.S. and Europe are at their most vulnerable... as in having to deal with crashing bond and equity markets, an escalating war within NATO between members Greece and Turkey, and a global pandemic labeled as the Coronavirus.

Invariably the foundation for this gambit opened itself up since OPEC was already on the way out, as seen just a few years ago when the Middle Eastern cartel willingly accepted Russian aid and guidance in what would become known as OPEC+1.  But thanks to a number of chaotic events such as the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Syria, economic sanctions against Iran, and Qatar leaving OPEC completely last year, what was once a coalition dominated by Saudi Arabia and Iran had almost overnight shifted to one being directed from offices located in Moscow.

In addition to all of this, we cannot forget the incredible growth of America's shale industry which by 2019 had overtaken even Russia in producing the most barrels of oil in a given day.  However in doing so, the U.S. leveraged the industry way too much as bank subsidization coupled with higher production costs put America too close to the edge if prices declined too much.

And with all of these black swans and white albatrosses circling the globe, a perfect storm emerged for Moscow to use now as the time in which they could exact revenge on Washington by using the very weapon (oil prices) that was a catalyst for their own collapse in 1991 and flip it towards bringing down the already tenuous global financial system.

When dealing with a more-powerful enemy you have to target where they are most vulnerable to inflict the most damage. 

For the West that place is in the financial markets. 

Remember, the first basic fact of economics.  Prices are set at the margin. The only price that matters is the last one recorded.  

That price sets the cost for the next unit of that good, in this case a barrel of oil, up for sale. 

In a world of cartelized markets the world over, where prices are set by external actors, it is easy to forget that in the real economy (regardless of your political persuasion) the world is an auction and everything is up for bid.
High bid wins. 

So, the most important geostrategic question is, “Who produces the marginal barrel of oil?” 

For more than three years now, President Trump has supported his policy of Energy Dominance in a Quixotic quest for the U.S. to become that supplier.  Trillions of dollars have been spent on building up domestic production to their current, unsustainable levels. 

This policy pre-dates Trump, certainly, but he has been its most ardent pursuer of it, sanctioning and embargoing everyone he can to keep them off the bid.
What he could never do, however, was push Russia off that bid. 

The reason U.S. production rates are unsustainable is because their costs are higher per barrel than the marginal price especially when all other prices are deflating.  Simple, straightforward economics.  

All of this adds up to Russia holding the whip hand over the global market for oil.
The ability to say, “No.” 

And they will have it for years to come as U.S. production implodes.  Because they can and do produce the marginal barrel of oil.   

That is why oil prices plunged as much as 10% into today’s close on the news they would not cut production. 

There is a cascade lurking beneath this market. There is a lot of bank and pension fund exposure in the U.S. to what is now soon-to-be non-performing fracking debt.
Liquidations will begin in earnest later this year.

And like clockwork, it appears that repercussions have already begun to emerge just three days after Moscow laid down the law over production cuts.

Veteran oil trader Mark Fisher tells CNBC's Scott Wapner that oil is indicated to open below $32 per barrel - nearly $10 less than where it closed on Friday, and about $15 per barrel below where it closed on Thursday.

— Danielle DiMartino Booth (@DiMartinoBooth) March 8, 2020

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Millennials find a ray of light as Judge opens crack into being able to discharge student loans through bankruptcy

9:27 AM bankruptcy, court ruling, millennials, obama administration, obamacare, sallie mae, student loan debt, student loans 4 Comments

It doesn't take biblical wisdom to realize that debtors are always slaves to the lenders.  And when the Federal Government took control over nationalizing the student loans process back under the Obama Administration, it set in motion the potential for an entire generation of Americans to become indentured servants to Washington.

Diabolically as well, one of the primary reasons President Obama wanted his administration to seize control over the student loan program was to be able to provide unlimited money to millennials at a time when the nation was deep in recession following the 2008 financial crash.  Because by providing an outlet for young Americans to 'hide out' on campuses instead of potentially protesting in the streets because there were few available jobs, Obama was able to easily make it through any potential crisis that might have taken place while the central bank was infusing the financial system with tens of trillions of dollars in QE.

Unfortunately, the natural laws of artificially expanding the money supply this way (via the Fed and the Federal budget) had some very real repercussions in two areas of the economy.  First, because the student loan program suddenly expanded in scope to individuals to be able to borrow much more than in the past, universities seized upon this government underwriting by escalating tuition's and fees to astronomical levels.  Thus where a decade prior a student may have left college with less than $30,000 in debt, that number skyrocketed to well over $100,000.

Secondly, the advent of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) precipitated the same thing in the medical industry as costs also skyrocketed, and premiums for Obamacare insurance took nearly 20% of many Americans paychecks.

However at least for those Americans who's debt was tied to overwhelming medical costs, there was always the option of bankruptcy to be able to get out from under the burden of their massive obligations.  But for those who's debts were tied to student loans, there was little recourse as Congress had skewed the laws against them to be able to use bankruptcy as a viable safety net.

Until now?

But on January 7, 2020, a New York judge ruled that the $221,385.49 in student loan debt owed by Rosenberg as of November 2019 was dischargeable under chapter 7 bankruptcy. 

“I have a chance now to have a life,” the 46-year-old Rosenberg told Yahoo Finance in an interview. 

A bankruptcy expert told Yahoo Finance that Rosenberg’s case is a watershed in that it dispels the notion that student loans were not dischargeable in bankruptcy. – Yahoo Finance

For what appears to be a first in the more than 40 years of government intrusion over bankruptcy laws, a judge has ruled against that the legislative branch by putting a crack into a system that has 'enslaved' a generation of Americans under the weight of nearly unpayable debts.

Sadly for most millennials, knowledge of how their student loan debts have hampered their abilities to experience the American Dream has been understood for more than a decade by the very same government who helped create their situations.  And while some Democratic Presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren pander to millennials by promising that the government will erase their debts if they get voted into office, the reality is that most political promises never manifest the way they think, and instead their best option may be in this small innocuous court ruling early here in 2020.

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Discounts and Free Offers Available on Veteran's Day 2019

9:30 PM 2019, free, haircut, meal, nov. 11, veterans day 2 Comments

Veteran's Day seems to be more than any other holiday outside of Thanksgiving and Christmas the one where Americans rush to the front of the line to give.  And this is no more apparent in how many businesses offer discounts or even free stuff on Nov. 11.

Free or discounted meals:

7-Eleven: Veterans with a Veterans Advantage account can link their account to the convenience store chain's 7Rewards loyalty program to get special offers including a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day. Learn more at www.7-eleven.com.

54th Street Grill: Free meal up to $12 Monday.

Ahipoki Bowl: 50% off poke bowls Monday.

Another Broken Egg Cafe: Free patriot French toast combo and coffee Monday.

Applebee's: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Back Yard Burgers: Free Classic Burger Monday

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Free Bad Daddy’s All American Burger and side Monday.

Bakers Square: Free Rise & Shine meal Monday.

Bar Louie: Free burger or flatbread up to $15 Monday.

Bartaco: 20% off food Saturday through Monday for veterans.

Beef 'O' Brady's: Buy-one-get-one free meal for veterans up to $10 Monday.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill: Free bowl Monday.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal up to $14.95 and free Dr. Pepper beverage Monday.

Black Angus Steakhouse: "All American Steak Plate" for $9.99 Monday for veterans and active-duty military.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Bonefish Grill: Free appetizer Monday.

Boston's Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar: Participating locations offering discounts or freebies to veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service. 

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free bagel and cream cheese Monday, no purchase necessary. 

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 20% off food and retail purchases Monday.

Buffalo Wings & Rings: Free “Pick 2” Lunch Combo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of boneless wings and fries Monday.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Free order of calamari with any purchase to all veterans, active military, police officers and firefighters with a valid ID Friday through Monday. The chain also has an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Buy-one-get-one free Monday, in-restaurant only. 

Chuck E. Cheese: Free personal one-topping pizza Monday. 

Cicis: Free adult buffet for veterans with military ID and coupon.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Monday. Also, vets and active military will get an American flag pin and the restaurant is introducing an ongoing 10% military discount.

Country Pride: Free meal Monday.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or Pumpkin Pie Latte.

Cumberland Farms: Free hot or iced coffee Monday. 

Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies: Free solo "one-item pizza and regular pop" Monday for dine-in or take-out.

Denny's: Free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to noon Monday. Dine-in only.

Dunkin’: Free doughnut Monday.

East Coast Wings + Grill: Free meal from select menu Monday.

El Fenix: Free taco and enchilada plates for veterans Monday. 

Famous Dave's: Free two-meat lunch combo with side and corn muffin Monday.

Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese Cheeseburger Monday. In-store only, mention offer and show proof of service when ordering. 

Fazoli’s: Free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce Monday. 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Buy-one-get-one free meal for lunch or dinner Monday.

Fogo de Chão: 50% off meal Veterans’ Day weekend Friday through Monday and 10% off for up to three guests’ meals.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active military who visit a Freddy’s restaurant Monday get a free combo meal card good through Nov. 30.

Friendly's: Free meal from special menu Monday. 

Giant Eagle's GetGo: Free coffee, cappuccino or fountain beverage Monday. Offer also extended to police, firemen and emergency medical service personnel.

Giordano's: Ongoing 20% discount on food orders for veterans and military personnel with valid military ID card. 

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet and beverage from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday. 

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: Free meal up to $14, dine-in only. The chain also has a 15% everyday military discount on meals.

Grimaldi’s: 25% off purchase for veterans Monday with military ID.

Hickory Tavern: Free "‘Merica’s Burger" Monday.

HMSHost airport restaurants: Free pimento cheeseburger meal Monday. Also, HMSHost has an ongoing 15% military discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hooters: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes Friday through Monday.

Hurricane Grill & Wings:  Free meal from special menu Monday.

Hy-Vee: Free breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. Monday.

IHOP: Free red, white and blueberry pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Ikea: Free meal for veterans through Monday. Choose an entree with either soup or salad and a fountain drink from the Ikea restaurant.

Inchin's Bamboo Garden: 15% off Veterans Day with a military ID. 

Insomnia Cookies: Free traditional cookie Monday through 3 a.m. Nov. 18. 

Iron Skillet: Free meal Monday.

Jet’s Pizza: 50% off any menu-priced pizza with military ID. Pickup only, not for online orders.

Jimboy’s Tacos: Free meal up to $10 Monday.

Joe’s Crab Shack: 20% discount Monday. Applies to tables of four or less and does not include alcoholic beverages.

Juice It Up!: Free medium Classic Smoothie Monday.

Kolache Factory: Free sausage and cheese kolache and a free coffee Monday.

LaMar’s Donuts: Free doughnut and 12-ounce coffee Monday.

Lion’s Choice: Free original roast beef sandwich Monday.

Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Free meal from a special menu from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday. 

LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off meal and a free appetizer or dessert Monday, according to restaurant's Facebook page.

Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Free dessert and 20% off meal Monday.

Luna Grill: Buy-one-get-one free signature plate, wrap or salad Saturday through Monday. 

Main Event: Free $10 in arcade play and free meal Monday. 

Manhattan Bagel: Free bagel and cream cheese Monday for veterans. 

Marco's Pizza: 50% off all menu price pizzas Monday with promo code HONOR50 for veterans.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants: Veterans and active military get two free entrees Monday – one for themselves and one for a guest.

Max & Erma’s: Free cheeseburger, fries and fountain drink Monday.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Free lunch or dinner from a special menu Sunday for vets and Gold Star Honorees, including parents and spouse.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt Monday.

Metro Diner: 50% off Monday. 

Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery: Free meal from special menu for veterans Monday with purchase of a beverage.

Mission BBQ: Free sandwiches and cake from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

MOD Pizza: Buy-one get-one free MOD-size pizza or salad Monday.

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill: Ongoing discount. Active, retired military personnel and first responders including police, fire and paramedic get 15% off with a valid ID. 

Native Grill & Wings: Free menu item up to $11.99 for veterans Monday.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Free meal from special menu with purchase of another entree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Noodles & Company: Ongoing 15% discount for veterans daily. 

O'Charley's: Free meal Monday from special menu.

Olive Garden: Free entree from a select menu Monday. 

On The Border: Free combo meal Monday.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: Free small cup of frozen yogurt at set price cup locations or up to $3.30 off a cup at Weigh and Pay locations Monday. A coupon posted at www.orangeleafyogurt.com is required.

Outback Steakhouse: Through Monday, Outback has a 20% heroes discount for military members, police officers, firefighters and first responders. There’s also a 10% everyday Heroes Discount for servicemen and women, police officers and firefighters.

Ovation Brands: Free buffet plus a non-bottled beverage Monday.

Paisano's Pizza: Free large one-topping pizza Monday.

Panera Bread Florida: Free You Pick Two Monday at locations owned and operated by Covelli Family Limited Partnership.

Papa Murphy’s: According to the company’s website, a “limited number of our stores offer various discounts, including senior and military discounts. Please inquire at your local store as this discount is not offered or required at all locations.”

Peet’s: Free drip coffee or tea for veterans Monday.

Pie Five Pizza: Free personal pizza Monday. In-store only.

Pilot Flying J: Free breakfast and coffee offer for veterans and military on the Pilot Flying J app.

P.J. Whelihan's: 15% off Monday.

Pluckers Wing Bar: Free entree, meal and non-alcoholic beverage Monday.

Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse: Offers vary. Some locations will promote either a free buffet or 50% off buffet to veterans Monday. Veterans also will get a coupon for 20% off their meal on their next visit.

Primanti Bros.: Free sandwich Monday.

Quaker Steak & Lube: Free meal Monday.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Monday for dining in and takeout orders picked up in-restaurant Monday.

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with fries Monday.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti entrée Monday.

Roy Rogers: Active military get a 10% discount daily.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Buy-one-get-one free adult entree with military ID and coupon posted at www.rubios.com.

Scooter’s Coffee: Free drink any size Monday. 

Sheetz: Free six-inch turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink Monday. Plus, locations with car washes also providing free car washes.

Shoney’s: Free breakfast bar from open to 11 a.m. Monday.

Smashburger: Free Double Burger Monday with any purchase. 

Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce smoothie with proof of military ID when using the Healthy Rewards app Monday. 

Snarf's: Free 7-inch non-specialty sandwich, in-store only.

Sonny's BBQ: Free pulled or sliced pork Big Deal combo Monday, dine-in only.

Starbucks: Veterans, active service members and their spouses receive a free cup of coffee Monday.

Taco Cabana: Free chicken fajita, steak fajita or brisket taco Saturday through Monday. 

TCBY: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt Monday.

Texas de Brazil: 50% off regular dinner pricing Monday for up to eight veterans and active military personnel per table.

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from special menu 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Tim Hortons: Free small hot coffee Monday.

TooJay’s Deli: Free meal from a special menu Monday. Dine-in only.

Twin Peaks: Free select meal Monday. 

Village Inn: Free breakfast item from four choices Monday.

Villa Italian Kitchen: Free slice of pizza Monday.

Wawa: Free coffee of any size to veterans, active military members and their families Monday. No military ID required and all locations are participating.

White Castle: Free combo meal Monday. 

Wienerschnitzel: Free meal and drink Monday.

Willy's Mexicana Grill: 10% off a meal throughout November.

Yard House: Free appetizer Monday.

Zaxby's: Free Southern TLC Fillet Sandwich Monday. 

Free or Discounted Services:

AMC Theaters: Free large popcorn with the purchase of a military-priced ticket through Monday. This offer is for AMC Stubs members.

American Family Care: Free flu shots Monday. Find locations at www.afcurgentcare.com.

Car wash: Veterans and active military can get a free car wash at participating locations nationwide Sunday. Find locations at www.graceforvets.org.

Goodyear Auto Service: Free "Checks for Vets" through Nov. 16 but appointments must be scheduled by Monday. Car care checks include free inspections on alignment, battery, brakes, shocks, struts, tires and wiper blades. Vets also get free tire installation with tire purchase. Learn more at www.goodyearautoservice.com/military.

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty get a free haircut on Monday or pick up a free haircut card to use through Dec. 31. Also non-veterans who get a haircut Monday get a free haircut card to give to a veteran. The cards can be redeemed Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.

Just Tires: Free "Checks for Vets" through Nov. 16 but appointments must be scheduled by Monday. Car care checks include free inspections on alignment, battery, brakes, shocks, struts, tires and wiper blades. Vets also get free tire installation with tire purchase. Learn more at www.justtires.com/military.

Monster Mini Golf: Free golf for veterans Monday. Many locations also are expanding the offer to include active military. Proof of service is required. Ask at the register for the discount to be applied at time of purchase.

Planet Fitness: Free workouts through Nov. 15 for active military and veterans who can bring a friend at no charge. Also relax after with a free HydroMassage and chair massages.

Sports Clips: Free haircut Monday. Search for participating stores and hours at www.sportclips.com.

Academy Sports + Outdoors: Through Monday, all active military, military veterans and first responders will receive 10% off their entire purchase.

Albertsons: 10% off Monday.

Amazon Prime: Through Monday, veterans and active military can get a year of Prime for $79, a $40 savings. New and existing Prime members may apply.

Bashas' Supermarket: 10% off groceries for veterans Monday with ID.

Bed Bath & Beyond: 25% off entire purchase through Monday, in-store only.

buybuy Baby: 25% off entire purchase through Monday, in-store only.

Dollar General: 11% off purchase in-store or online Monday with promo code MILITARY11.

Eyemart Express: Through Nov. 16, save 20% off prescription eyewear purchases. Also applies to family members.

Food Lion: 10% discount Monday.

Friar Tux: 30% discount on tuxedo and suits sale and rental orders for veterans and current military who order in person Monday. Discount applies to suits and tuxedos for entire wedding party including groom, groomsmen and all other event officiants. The Veterans Day discount is instead of the ongoing 5% military discount. 

Kmart: 10% in-store discount for veterans, first responders and teachers through Monday.

Kohl's: 30% off to active and former military personnel, veterans and their families through Monday, double the regular Military Monday discount.

Leslie’s Pool Supplies: Through Monday, the veterans discount is 10% instead of the usual 5% on all in-store purchases.

Lids: With a military ID, get free customization.

L.L. Bean: 25% off through Monday.

Publix: 10% off groceries Monday for veterans, active military personnel and their families.

Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy: 50% off single Restore services and Tier 1 IV’s for all veterans.

Southeastern Grocers: BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores are offering 11% discount Monday on qualify grocery purchases.

Spartan Race: Free registration to Spartan events across the country for active duty military, law enforcement, first responders, veterans and retirees.

Staples: 25% off discount Sunday through Nov. 16 for active-duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. 

Target: Through Monday, all military personnel, veterans and their families get a 10% discount on one purchase in store and online. To get verified and learn more, go to Target.com/military.

TCC Verizon: Between Saturday and Monday, around 550 TCC stores nationwide will host a Veterans Appreciation Event to honor veterans for their service. Each veteran who attends the event will receive a TCC water bottle and there will be other giveaways. For a list of participating TCC stores, go to www.tccrocks.com/locations.

Walgreens: Through Monday, vets, active duty and their families get 20% off regular price items with a free store loyalty card and valid military ID or proof of service.

Academy Sports & Outdoor
Oct. 27 – Nov. 11, 2019 get 10% off at Academy. All active duty and reserve military members, retired or discharged veterans (discharged includes honorable, under honorable condition, or general, dishonorably discharged will be excluded), and immediate family members (spouse and/or dependent children up to 18 years old) are eligible.

Alpine Rings
They are doubling their year-round veteran discount to 30%. Orders must be placed between November 7-12 and proof of service must be verified.

American Family Care
Free flu shots for veterans on November 11.

Amtrak
20% off travel to veteran and active military service members between Aug. 25 and Jan.31, 2021.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Get Veterans Day deals on many items, including TVs, laptops, washer-dryers, jewelry and more, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14. Use your Military Star card to get discounts on Exchange fuels, 15% off at restaurants and $10 off mall vendor purchases of $25 or more.

Army Corps of Engineers
They are waiving day use fees at 2,800 USACE recreation areas nationwide in observance on Veterans Day, November 11 and 12. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is waiving all day use fees at more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide this Veterans Day. This waiver is available to all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families. Only verbal confirmation of service is required.

Bed and Breakfast Inns in the U.S. and Canada
Get a free stay with the 9th Annual B&Bs for Vets military specials. Get a free stay on or around Veterans Day. See site for participating B & Bs.

Bed Bath and Beyond
25% off, valid 11/9-11/11, veterans, active military, and military spouses.

Big Al’s
Free bowling to all Veterans and Active Military Monday, November 11th.

Brenden Theatres
On November 11th, veterans get into one movie for free. Must present a valid military ID or DD Form 214.

Brides Across America Free Wedding Gown Events
During the month of November Brides Across America is partnering with bridal salons across the nation to giveaway wedding dresses to qualified military brides. All military brides must pre-register online.

Buckle
Free shipping November 4-18 for Veterans Day. Active Duty and veteran shoppers can receive 10% off their purchase at Buckle.com after completing verification through SheerID.

Cabela’s Hometown Heroes
There is a 5% discount is for Military Personnel (active and retired military, active reservists and VA recipients) plus Law-Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel (EMS) with proof of service. Cabela’s is hosting Hometown Heroes events. Check individual store events for Veterans Day activities and possible additional discounts.

Caesars Hotels
Get up to 40% off Caeser’s hotels across the US from November 7 – 11.

Choice Hotels and Operation Homefront
Between Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 travelers will receive 15% off stays through December 30, and a portion of the proceeds from reservations made will go to Operation Homefront to help serve America’s military families.

Christmas Tree Shops
25% off, valid 11/9-11/11, veterans, active military, and military spouses.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies
Get a free bag of treats on Nov. 11 when you show a valid military ID at checkout.

Dash In/Splash In ECO Car Wash
Free sandwiches and car washes at all locations across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia on 11/11/2019.

Dell

Military members save an extra 15% on select PCs and Dell electronics with exclusive coupon. Offer ends Nov. 12 at 7 a.m. ET.

Delta Sonic Car Wash

Veterans and Military Personnel: Free Super Kiss Car Wash & Semi-Synthetic Oil Change on Veterans Day.

Divi Resorts
Divi Resorts is offering military families up to 50% off all resorts on Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados and St. Maarten. This limited-time offer runs from now until November 27, 2019 for travel through December 20, 2019.

Dollar General 11% Discount
11% off total purchase in-store or online on Veterans Day for veterans and active military and their family members. Valid for participating locations and on qualifying purchases.

Duane Reade
Offering a 20% discount to all Veterans, Active duty military Nov. 8 through Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11. Must present a Balance® Rewards card and valid Military ID or proof of service to receive discount on eligible items.

Enterprise Car Sales
November 1 – 30, 2019, all active U.S. military, veterans and dependents, will have included in their used vehicle purchase from Enterprise Car Sales, a Firestone prepaid maintenance package valued at $300.

Eyemart Express
Thru November 16th, all individuals who have served our country and their families will receive 20 percent off their eyewear purchase when they visit an Eyemart Express, Vision4Less, Visionmart Express, or Eyewear Express store.

Food Lion
Veterans, active military members and their families receive a 10% MVP discount on Monday, November 11th, 2019.

Free Car Wash
All veterans and service personnel get a free car wash at participating locations. Every year Grace For Vets, a non-profit organization, unites the car wash industry in 4 countries (U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia) with this program.

Free Hair Cut
While too many to list, many local hair clip and barber shops offer free hair cuts on Veterans Day to Veterans and active duty armed forces members. Call stores in your local area to confirm.

Free Oil Change
Oil changes are free to Veterans and active duty armed forces members at many participating local oil change centers including participating name brand oil service centers. Call stores in your local area to confirm. Many are offering the free oil change for several days around Veterans Day.

Friar Tux
Veterans and active military who order their suit or tuxedo in person at any of the 31 Friar Tux stores in Southern California and Las Vegas on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, will receive a 30% discount on their entire order. The deal is an extension of Friar Tux’s 5% everyday discount

Galaxy Theatres
Free medium popcorn for veterans and active military from 11/8 – 11/11.

GM Military Discount
General Motors is recognizing veterans every day of November with offers from Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. 11.1.19 – 12.2.19.

Home Depot
A 10% discount is also offered to all other military veterans on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

iPic Theaters
Free movie ticket on 11/11 for veterans and active duty. Visit guest servcies to book your ticket.

Jefferson Lines
Book your ticket between November 1-11 at your local depot, and receive a free one-way or round-trip travel with proof of military ID/personal ID. Free tickets are available for travel departing on Nov. 11th through Nov. 27th for both one-way and round-trip tickets.

Jiffy Lube Utah/Idaho/Tusla
On Monday 11/11, Veterans and Active Duty Military receive a free oil change at Jiffy Lube locations in Utah, Idaho and Tulsa, OK.

Kohl’s

From Nov. 7 to Nov. 11 Kohl’s is doubling it’s 15% discount to 30% for active and former military. Valid in store.

Lenovo
From November 7-17th, Military discounts are raised to 12% on virtually all Lenovo products.

LL Bean
Get 25% off. Now through Veterans Day, LL Bean giving your everyday 10% discount a boost , online and in stores. Ends Monday, 11/11.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
Lowe’s offers 10% off to all veterans and active duty service members every day by signing up for a MyLowes card (not a credit card).

Main Event Bowling
On Monday, November 11th all active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel can enjoy a free entrée from a special menu. Plus, all military personnel will receive 30 minutes of game play.

MetroRock Climbing Gym –
Free climbing and gear rentals for all veterans, active military, and their families on 11/11.

Movie Scoop
On 11/11/19, enjoy a free medium popcorn and medium beverage at all #MovieScoop Cinemas.

Pandora
Enjoy 25% off your total PANDORA purchase with military I.D on 11/11/19. Must be active or retired military or spouse/domestic partner/dependent ID. Valid at participating locations, not available online.

Planet Fitness
November 8-15, 2019 all veterans and active military personnel are invited to work out. Bring a workout buddy at no additional charge, and relax after your workout with free HydroMassage and chair massages. Plus, honor the Veterans in your life with 20% off in at Harry & David or Simply Chocolates through 11/11/19. Use promo code PLANET20.

Progressive Keys to Progress
On Nov. 7 at over 60 locations nationwide over 100 veterans will be given keys to newly refurbished vehicles.

Publix
Active and retired military personnel and family members receive a 10% percent discount on Veteran’s Day. Proof of service required.

Rack Room Shoes
Military personnel and dependents get 10% off their entire purchase on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and 4th of July.

Safeway
Show a valid Military ID at checkout and veterans save 10% off groceries on 11/11/19.

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment Veterans Discount
Veterans and Active Duty military receive location-based discounts or free admission. Veterans promotion includes SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Sesame Place Langhorne.  The program does not include Discovery Cove® in Orlando or Aquatica, SeaWorld’s WaterparkTM.

Sheetz
On Monday, November 11, veterans and active duty military get a free car wash plus a 6 inch turkey sub and a fountain drink.

Sleep Number Military Discount
Sleep Number is providing exclusive offers for current and past military personnel through 11/17.

SpartanNash
On Nov. 10 and 11, all active duty, Reserve, National Guard and veterans who present proper identification at any SpartanNash company-owned store will receive an 11 percent discount. Participating SpartanNash stores include Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarket, Dillonvale IGA, Econofoods, Family Fare, Family Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods, No Frills, Pick’n Save, SunMart, Supermercado Nuestra Familia, ValuLand and VG’s.

Sport Clips Free Haircut
During the annual Sport Clips Haircuts Help A Hero campaign from Oct. 14 – Veterans Day, November 11, 2019, participating locations offer free haircuts to service members and veterans with valid military identification. Many participating locations also offer veterans preferential pricing on haircuts throughout the year.

Sprint
On Nov. 8, Sprint will launch Sprint Perks to members of the military. Veterans, active duty and reserves of the U.S. Armed Forces, are eligible for the added value of Sprint Perks. Visit a Sprint store Nov. 8 through Nov. 14 and enter to win a free tablet with a year of service included. There will be 100 lucky winners nationwide!

Stargazer Cast Iron
Their discount doubles to 30% over Veterans Day weekend.

Super 8
This Veterans Day, Super 8 will increase the discount it provides to members of the military and their families to 20 percent off its best available rate for stays through Dec. 6, 2019.

Target
A Veterans Day military discount is available at Target stores and Target.com from Nov. 3-11, 2019. all military personnel, veterans and their families in stores and online. are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Guests can visit target.com/military for more information and to get verified for the offer.

TOPS Market
This Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, TOPS will honor an 11% discount off of a total order to all veterans and active military personnel who shop at any of their locations.

Tuft & Needle
Veterans get $175 off Mint and Hybrid Mattresses through 11/11/19.

Under Armour 20% off
Get 20% off site wide & in all Under Armour stores. Offer valid for Military, Veterans & First Responders Click for Details. Normally 10% off year round. The 20% off is valid from from 11/4 to 11/11.

US National Park Service Free Veterans Day Admission
The U.S. National Park Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend. Go online to find a national forest or grassland near you.

VCS PatriotStore
VCS operates over 200 PatriotStores in Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers nationwide that offer discounts on merchandise and café items from Oct 24 – Nov 11, 2019. Not all promotions will be available at all locations.

Verizon

Active Military Members, Reservists, Cadets, Gold Star Families and Veterans with valid ID can receive a 1-year membership of Amazon Prime, a $119 value, from Verizon with qualifying plan and new phone purchase

Vineyard Vines
On 11/11/19 Vineyard Vines will increase their everyday military discount from 15% to 30%.

Vons
Veterans save 10% off groceries with a valid Military ID November 9 – 11.

Walgreens
Offering a 20% discount to all Veterans, Active duty military Nov. 8 through Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11. Must present a Balance® Rewards card and valid Military ID or proof of service to receive discount on eligible items.

Westgate Resorts
Westgate Resorts is giving away free vacations on Veterans Day. The first 1,500 eligible service members who complete the online military appreciation form will receive a complimentary vacation to either Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Eligible military members can enjoy 15% or more off their Best Available Rate at participating Wyndham Rewards Hotels across the U.S. and Canada. Plus, Wyndham Rewards members receive 500 bonus points. Book by December 5 and complete your stay by December 6, 2019. Plus, confirm your military status and you’ll be automatically upgraded to a Wyndham Rewards GOLD level membership. After completing your first qualifying stay, you’ll receive 1,000 bonus points.

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Are the new consequences of Fed Repo Madness a return of the failed US banks as the fourth one of 2019 takes place on Nov. 1

4:23 PM bank, bank closure, bank failure, fdic, new jersey 2 Comments

Perhaps it is just coincidence, but ever since the Fed began initiating its Repo Facility back in September, a slew of bank failures have taken place over the past couple of months.  And while these three banks aren't particularly large in scope, today's newest bank failure on Nov. 1 marks the fourth financial institution to shutter its doors in a short period of time after seeing no failures in over 18 months.

If you were banking at City National Bank of New Jersey located in the city of Newark, you are now banking at Industrial Bank.

Costs to the FDIC DIF (Deposit Insurance Fund) are $2.5 million.

During, and again over the following four years after the Financial Crisis, an average of 40 banks per year closed their doors.  And while there have only been four bank failures since December of 2017, the question remains on whether this is simply an anomaly, or if the liquidity problems in the Credit Markets will lead once again to a run of future bank failures.

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Russian alternative to SWIFT ready to connect over 40 percent of the worlds population to a non-dollar financial system

1:21 PM china, dollar, economic sanctions, india, russia, spfs, swit 2 Comments

When President Barack Obama decided to use economic warfare against Russia as cover for their regime change war in Ukraine, the outcome was like a checkers novice playing against a chess grandmaster.  And this is because in the five years since the U.S. began cutting off Russia from the SWIFT system, the Eurasian power has created its own new standard that is now fully online.

And in a report announced on October 28, Russia's SWIFT alternative (SPFS) is ready to connect with both India and China and create a system that will contain over 40% of the world's population in trade that functions outside the dollar.

Members of the BRICS trade bloc Russia, India, and China have decided to connect their financial messaging systems to bypass the SWIFT international money transfer network. 

Russia’s financial messaging system SPFS will be linked with the Chinese cross-border interbank payment system CIPS. While India does not have a domestic financial messaging system yet, it plans to combine the Central Bank of Russia’s platform with a domestic service that is in development. 

The new system is expected to work as a “gateway” model when messages on payments are transcoded in accordance with a certain financial system. - RT

Welcome to the Brave New non-dollar World.

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New York turning into California as JP Morgan prepares to leave high tax state for the business friendly confines of Texas

1:11 PM bankrupt, california, connecticut, insolvent, jp morgan, liberals, new york, tax the rich, wall street 1 Comment

If you want to see a microcosm of what happens when liberals seek to tax the hell out of the rich, all you have to do is look at the six month tragedy that is the state of Connecticut.  And this is because in just a short period of time after deciding to increase taxes on millionaires and hedge funds, the capital city went completely insolvent after the very businesses they were targeting up and left town.

Gov. Dannel Malloy is waging a bare-knuckle budget battle with state legislators in Hartford, even as that capital city teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. Both sides are trying to staunch the projected $2.7 billion deficit for the new fiscal year beginning July 1 without raising personal income taxes, already among the highest in the nation. 

And while still smarting after General Electric moved its corporate headquarters from Stamford to Boston last year, the Nutmeg State suffered another body slam in early June when insurance behemoth Aetna announced it’s leaving its home office in Hartford after 164 years for new HQ digs in Manhattan (although about 5,000 employees will remain in Connecticut). 

Connecticut is hardly alone among states that have seen corporate residents flee, but marquee names like GE and Aetna make for bad PR, not to mention a deleterious decline in tax revenues. Besides those two exits, several of the state’s high-earning hedge funds have relocated to Florida, causing a steep drop in receipts. - CNBC

Yet sleepy Connecticut is by far not the biggest state to see an outflow of companies once their taxation policies began to focus on the rich.  Illinois, New York, and especially California have seen massive migrations to tax friendly states, and it looks like even Wall Street is getting into the act in the coming months.

A new report via Bloomberg details how JPMorgan Chase & Co. is preparing for the next economic downturn by weighing the option to relocate its Manhattan headquarters to lower-cost financial hubs such as ones in Plano, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Wilmington, Delaware. 

JPM spokesman Joe Evangelisti told Bloomberg the bank's new headquarters (likely to be in Texas), will house twice the number of employees than its Manhattan office.
Sources told Bloomberg that hundreds of credit-risk employees have already transferred to Texas. Other sources have said Manhattan will no longer be the location for the bank's compliance. 

Bloomberg noted that other large financial institutions had been exiting NYC for lower-cost commercial hubs across the country. 

Deutsche Bank expanded operations in Jacksonville, Florida; Goldman Sachs has built officers in Salt Lake City; and AllianceBernstein Holding LP announced plans to move its headquarters to Nashville, Tennessee. - Zerohedge

The demographical shifts should be a warning sign to Democrats and Liberals who think they can continue in their 'policy of envy' by promising to tax the rich into oblivion.  But as we saw a few years ago in France when President Hollande instituted his own tax the rich scheme, wealthy companies and individuals will simply pack up and leave town, and make matters far worse for already insolvent states and countries.

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Welfare State now complete as takers outdo producers in the fact that government issues more benefits than it takes in from taxes

11:38 AM benefits, nanny state, tax revenues, taxes, war on poverty, welfare 1 Comment

When former President Lyndon Bains Johnson in 1964 issued his proclamation that the government was ready to go full bore in a 'War on Poverty', very few realized it would be the beginning of the end for the American system, economy, and culture.  And sadly this transition would only take about 55 years as on Oct. 24 we have finally reached the point where the government spends more on welfare than it does receiving tax revenues.

The takers in America have now outdone the producers.

Without government largesse, many individuals would literally be living on the street. The chart above shows all the government “welfare” programs and current levels to date. While unemployment insurance has hit record lows following the financial crisis, social security, medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and other social benefits have continued to rise and have surged sharply over the last few months. 

With 1/5 of incomes dependent on government transfers, it is not surprising that the economy continues to struggle as recycled tax dollars used for consumption purposes have virtually no impact on the overall economy. 

In fact, in the ongoing saga of the demise of the American economy U.S. households are now getting more in cash handouts from the government than they are paying in taxes for the first time since the Great Depression. This, of course, at a time when the current administration is more enthralled with trying to find some universe where cutting taxes actually increases tax revenues as a percent of GDP rather than actually cutting spending. 

In 2018, households received $2.2 trillion in some form of government transfer payments, which was more than the $1.7 trillion paid in personal income taxes. – Real Investment Advice

Welcome to the nanny state of Socialism... and thy name is America.

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Trump impeachment farce appears to be desperate act by Democrats to protect Biden, Schiff, and even Pelosi from their own Ukraine dealings

9:00 AM adam schiff, corruption, impeachment, joe biden, nancy pelosi, president trump, Ukraine 1 Comment

Make no mistake, Democrats and the Deep State bureaucracy have sought to negate the results of the 2016 election even before Donald Trump was inaugurated into office.  And when the Russiagate Hoax failed following the release of the Mueller Report, House Democrats began feverishly looking for their next Quixotic windmill to use to try to impeach the President.

But perhaps what many like Pelosi, Schiff, and Biden did not plan for was the ouster of their Ukrainian puppet Petro Poroshenko, who had helped facilitate schemes that enriched these politicians with fraudulent jobs for their children, and cash contributions for their coffers.

Joe Biden:

Among the documents, as Fox News reported Wednesday, are notes from an interview Trump attorney Giuliani conducted with fired Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin earlier this year, in which he claimed he was told by former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey R. Pyatt to back off an investigation involving that firm, Burisma Holdings, and its founder. According to interview notes, Shokin claimed Pyatt -- currently the ambassador to Greece -- told him to handle that investigation “with white gloves.” 

In that interview, Shokin also claimed that former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told him he should not investigate Burisma, “as it was not in the interest of Joe and/or Hunter Biden.” Shokin claimed Poroshenko told him that due to his investigation, Joe Biden held “up to one billion dollars in U.S. aid to Ukraine.” Poroshenko eventually removed Shokin. – Fox News

Adan Schiff:

In  2013, Pasternak hosted a fundraiser in Washington for Schiff, who later came to embrace a strong stance in support of the United States sending military aid to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. 

“Before this time, Schiff rarely, if ever, mentioned Ukraine,” Fox News’ Laura Ingraham said on her show Thursday night, after detailing Schiff’s connection to Pasternak. “But after the fundraiser, he used multiple television appearances to basically demand that we send money and arms to them.” – Fox News

Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s son Paul Pelosi Jr. visited Ukraine in 2017 to meet with government officials in connection to a business initiative. Now, unearthed records reveal that Paul Pelosi Jr. was an executive of a gas industry company that did business in Ukraine – and his mother Nancy Pelosi was featured in one of the company’s promotional videos. – National File

Then of course there is Paul Manafort, who following his conviction for acting as a foreign agent to and with Ukrainian oligarchs was outed as a Democratic operative working within the Trump campaign.

Ironically it appears that President Trump is the only politician actually following the law when it comes to Ukraine and his seeking their assistance in investigating corruption of American agents.  And that is because the American people do not know of, and the Democrats have conveniently forgotten, that in 1999 President Bill Clinton established an agreement between the US and Ukraine to aid one another in any and all criminal investigations, meaning everything Trump did in his phone calls and discussions was completely and utterly above board.

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