Endless Ends

Huh. I was reading up on ITR Economics prediction of another Depression starting around 1930. The article says they've been predicting it for several years, but I can't find anything on when, specifically, they put this prediction out in public.

Long shot, I quite realize, but does anyone know?
 
Enny, if you really want to delve into the topic . . . :unsure:

"a book titled Prosperity in The Age of Decline, by Brian and Alan Beaulieu. This book came out 10 years ago, and in the book, they are predicting a Great Depression in the 2030s . . . Brian and Alan Beaulieu are principal economists at ITR Economics. This is the oldest privately-held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US, according to their website. They also say their predictive ability, or their historical track record in predicting economic events is close to 95% . . . "

"Many would like to know why we are forecasting another depression, so we put together a list of the top five causes of the 2030s Great Depression . . .

Demographics​

As we approach 2030, an aging population is a global issue that is a strong reason for the upcoming Great Depression. Many major countries, especially China, Germany, Russia, Japan, and Canada, are projected to have the highest percentages of population in the 40-64 age group, as well as the 65+ age group, starting in 2030.

The US hasn't dodged this bullet; we also have an aging population. This is bad news because the older generation won’t have as large of a younger base as in the past to support it by paying a larger share of taxes. Having fewer young people may also lead to significant labor problems heading into the 2030s.

Health Care Costs​

Growing old often isn't easy. With an aging population, the number of people needing and receiving Social Security benefits and health care increases. In fact, health care expenditures are rising faster than US GDP. In 2020, there were 62 million Medicare recipients. By 2030, it is expected there will be a staggering 80 million Medicare recipients. This increase will put a lot of pressure on the US government.

Along with the greater number of elderly people needing care, health care costs will continue to escalate with future inflation. The government will need more money to fund and support all of this, meaning more or higher taxes and more borrowing – both of which weigh heavily on economic growth.

Entitlements​

One way to potentially mitigate the impact of the upcoming Great Depression would be by cutting Social Security benefits and raising taxes, or by curtailing other popular entitlement programs. And any politician that proposed this would be heavily booed or laughed at, and likely both.

Looking toward the future, there just isn’t going to be enough funding for programs like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug assistance. Unfortunately, Social Security trustees see no new tax solutions that can rescue our underfunded Social Security program, as it is just too late to make a substantial difference.

If the millions of Americans who need those checks were to see their Social Security benefits cut, it would become common to see the elderly needing to move back in with their families and make hard spending choices.

Inflation​

Inflation is on everyone’s mind right now. We are currently experiencing a surge in inflation that has been frustrating for so many. While some are convinced the inflation will continue to rise, we believe that inflation will peak, and disinflation will be coming later this year.

As COVID-19 seemed to change the world as we knew it, the economic shutdowns had their own impact, and supply chains were disrupted. The government poured trillions of dollars into the economy to stimulate it, and supply chain issues are finally starting to become more manageable.

Federal deficit spending will likely be a common trend of the 2020s, with decline in the value of the US dollar a likely consequence. When the US dollar is weakened, we will experience higher inflation.

US National Debt​

The current US national debt is above $30 trillion. The less debt a country has, the better it will be positioned for the upcoming Great Depression.

Leading up to 2030, we project no changes in political power that would have a large impact on fixing our debt issues. In fact, neither party is solely to blame for the debt, and neither party is likely to fix it.

Remember, the upcoming Great Depression will be a global issue. No one knows if it will start in the US and expand outward, or if it will start thousands of miles away. Like the US, other nations such as China, the European nations, Mexico, Canada, and more will face issues. Japan is the nation with the highest government debt as a percentage of GDP and, with many other nations, is in for a world of hurt."
 
Enny, if you really want to delve into the topic . . . :unsure:

"a book titled Prosperity in The Age of Decline, by Brian and Alan Beaulieu. This book came out 10 years ago, and in the book, they are predicting a Great Depression in the 2030s . . . Brian and Alan Beaulieu are principal economists at ITR Economics. This is the oldest privately-held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US, according to their website. They also say their predictive ability, or their historical track record in predicting economic events is close to 95% . . . "

"Many would like to know why we are forecasting another depression, so we put together a list of the top five causes of the 2030s Great Depression . . .
Thank you!! I've been reading up, but simply could not find that piece of information.

Would you recommend the book?
 
Conversationally, I maintain that I would not marry or similar again. Nothing against my SO! He's great. We get along well and he puts up with me bossing him around, but marriage, or any long-term live-in arrangement, is made up of compromises. Too, the likelihood of being able to live with someone else amicably seems low. I need large chunks of time to myself.

Today I had to drive into town on short notice. Once in the car I realized I needed gas. This posed a small conundrum. I haven't put gas in my car in a least five years, possibly longer. Hmm. Okay. Started looking for a gas station and texted my SO as I had no idea what side of the car the little gas door thingy was on.

(Turns out there is an indicator arrow by the little gas pump on the bottom of the speedometer. :p)

Anyhoo, gave the car sustenance and went back to driving and thought about car stuff.

Things I have never done: Washed this car, cleaned the windshield, had it serviced, dealt with tires, had it inspected, bought new tags.

-If my SO is around and it's hot, he pre-starts the car and turns on the air conditioner.

-If it's cold, he starts the seat and steering wheel heaters. (I can never remember how to turn the latter off so then have to text.)

-He's been known to set up my navigation if I'm going somewhere I've never been before.


I am now questioning my ability to survive on my own in the wild. 🤔
 
Last edited:
Thank you!! I've been reading up, but simply could not find that piece of information.

Would you recommend the book?
I have not read the book . . . think I'll wait until 2029 to see what's going on . . . I'm a bit skeptical about a prediction for the 2030's that came out in 2015 (unless the author was named Nostradamus). :)
 
What a day. *thud*

* * *
Also, to add to the numerous things I do not know my about my vehicular apparatus, it turns out I don't know how to turn on my emergency flashers.

I know this, because I had to park illegally today and was asked - you guessed it - to turn them on.

Yup. No chance I could survive in the wild. 🙄
 
Don't you wow eyes me @hotwords229_A! 🤣


Okay. I must admit I hadn't realized quite how spoilt I've become. Eesh.
I guess I can’t make too much fun. I rented a Jeep and I couldn’t find the button for the windows for anything. It turned out they are on the center console.

Although, it was night and I couldn’t see, and I was driving, and feeling my hands all over the door like a virgin on Prom Night. 🤣
 
I guess I can’t make too much fun. I rented a Jeep and I couldn’t find the button for the windows for anything. It turned out they are on the center console.
See? I mean, my car could have been rented and it could have been night.

Imaginary context. :p

Although, it was night and I couldn’t see, and I was driving, and feeling my hands all over the door like a virgin on Prom Night. 🤣
Omg! 😳 🤣
 
You'd think the auto companies would put a manual in the glove box that provided instructions on how to operate things in the car ! . . . oh, wait . . . they do ! :unsure:
 
Wow. Another vehicular tidbit.

The SO is replacing the touchscreen on my infotainment system. (New word. 😝)

During the discussion that ensued, I learned that there are volume controls on the steering wheel! 😲


My world is too small. 🤣
 
I think the greater Houston area has a Driver's Training program for "Adult Drivers Who Need Driver's Training" . . . it begins with a day's session on "What all those thing-a-ma-dinges on the dashboard and steering wheel do". :D
 
Enny, just want to give you a heads up so you can avoid this convesation next time at the repair shop . . .

1743362892591-png.2520343
 
I think the greater Houston area has a Driver's Training program for "Adult Drivers Who Need Driver's Training" . . . it begins with a day's session on "What all those thing-a-ma-dinges on the dashboard and steering wheel do". :D
Great idea! Sadly, the information wouldn't stick. I've been told about the switch for the steering wheel heater a couple of dozen times. 🤷‍♀️
 
I get into food stuff. Like, ferments. Like making my own sauerkraut and kefir from raw Jersey milk. At one point I did double fermented kombucha, so that it fizzed. Or making ghee, or . . . you get the picture.

Other stuff. One year a cooked a goose for the holidays. As you must render the fat, it was an event. 🤣

Anyhoo, I've been watching season two of a series called Dark Winds. The antagonist does a scene where he makes Oeufs en gelée (Eggs in jelly) which not only looked delicious, but started me thinking about aspic.

Aspic is not something I have much experience with, but I know it was a huge thing in the 50s, even spilling over to the 60s. I've always been a smidge curious.

Something like this: Salmon and eggs in aspic with crème fraiche looks ah-mazing. I am planning to add this little number to my repertoire. 😎


https://www.australianeggs.org.au/assets/recipes/Aspic-Manu-4295__ScaleWidthWzEyMDBd_ExtRewriteWyJqcGciLCJhdmlmIl0_QualityWzYwXQ.avif

This, on the other hand, is one of the most disgusting food items I've ever seen. Gross. 🤢

People get so carried away.

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/vegetable-aspic-14789768.jpg
 
I was testing my earbuds earlier. I hopped on Vocaroo and somehow accessed a recording from a significant time back!!

(Don't ask me how. These things are a mystery. I'm doing good to get things to record. 🤷‍♀️)

Apparently I'd initiated a conversation on something to do with odd numbered leap years and how century marks were divisible by four. I have zero idea now why this was so fascinating.

Anyone who can supply me with information on why I went down this rabbit hole, feel free to elucidate.

Looking at you, @Apisto42 😂


For whatever reason, I find this unduly amusing. :p
 
Last edited:
Aquamation.

Alkaline Hydrolysis. A combination of water and chemicals that accelerates decomposition. Sort of an eco friendly form of cremation. I did not know cremation wasn't environmentally friendly, but it seems it requires a lot of energy and, of course, there is that little matter of emissions, which -

I mean . . . .

Think about Return of the Living Dead. 💁‍♀️
 
I was testing my earbuds earlier. I hopped on Vocaroo and somehow accessed a recording from a significant time back!!

(Don't ask me how. These things are a mystery. I'm doing good to get things to record. 🤷‍♀️)

Apparently I'd initiated a conversation on something to do with odd numbered leap years and how century marks were divisible by four. I have zero idea now why this was so fascinating.

Anyone who can supply me with information on why I went down this rabbit hole, feel free to elucidate.

Looking at you, @Apisto42 😂


For whatever reason, I find this unduly amusing. :p
I was listening to a book on audible around that time about why we focus our lives around a 7 day week, so maybe that influenced the conversation?
 
Back
Top