Hi Bart.
Well, I must confess, I think my right-brain is bigger than my left, which explains why I walk at a slight tilt (smile). As a result of this unfortunate genetic predisposition, I am naturally drawn towards piecing together "patterns", and can't seem to muster up too much energy to crunch a lot of numbers. But in the end, the quality of one's insights is only as good as the data that supports it - which is why I so value someone like yourself who does the serious forensic data work of gathering and deciphering the numbers.
It was actually Russ, on this board, that hammered home the importance to me of paying close attention to the underlying data, of observing the reality of what the data is telling you "in real time", rather than simply forming opinions about what "should" be happening according to one's particular view of the world, and then interpreting the data to support one's predetermined view.
In fact, I remember a couple years ago on this board Russ and Mish going head-to-head around the whole inflation-deflation analysis. Mish very much had a "world view", and tried to argue for the eventuality of his paradigm playing out. Meanwhile, Russ would say essentially, "Good god man, LOOK at the data". First Russ would provide the data, and THEN he would provide an analytical framework that would explain the data - at the time, very much drawing on von Mises' "crack up boom" thesis.
You very much follow in the fine tradition that Russ first revealed to me on this board (and he continues to expertly wield on his Wall Street Examiner blog).
Oh, and one more thing. I frickin' HATE being lied to. And I hate lazy analysis (i.e. most of what passes for analysis in the mainstream media). I LOVE when someone does their homework, and reveals - or even gets close - to some of the underlying machinations that transpire behind the scenes, and provides insights that challenge conventional interpretation.
So, well, kudos to ya', and keep up the fine work. It's obviously a labor of love.
Regards,
Glenn |
