Sign in with Facebook
Manny's Reviews > Le Père Goriot
Le Père Goriot
by
by
Manny's review
bookshelves: french, donalds-are-trumps, older-women-younger-men, older-men-younger-women, too-sexy-for-maiden-aunts, well-i-think-its-funny
Nov 27, 2008
bookshelves: french, donalds-are-trumps, older-women-younger-men, older-men-younger-women, too-sexy-for-maiden-aunts, well-i-think-its-funny
Read 2 times. Last read May 2, 2021 to May 12, 2021.
SCHMIDT: Last thing, if Mueller was looking at your finances and your family finances, unrelated to Russia � is that a red line?
HABERMAN: Would that be a breach of what his actual charge is?
TRUMP: I would say yeah. I would say yes. By the way, I would say, I don’t � I don’t � I mean, it’s possible there’s a condo or something, so, you know, I sell a lot of condo units, and somebody from Russia buys a condo, who knows? I don’t make money from Russia. In fact, I put out a letter saying that I don’t make � from one of the most highly respected law firms, accounting firms. I don’t have buildings in Russia. They said I own buildings in Russia. I don’t. They said I made money from Russia. I don’t. It’s not my thing. I don’t, I don’t do that. Over the years, I’ve looked at maybe doing a deal in Russia, but I never did one.
- Interview with Donald Trump, 2017
We have all the funding we need out of Russia. We've got some guys that really, really love golf, and they're really invested in our programs. We just go there all the time.
- Interview with Eric Trump, 2014
Le secret des grandes fortunes sans cause apparente est un crime oublié, parce qu’il a été proprement fait.
- Honoré de Balzac, Le père Goriot, 1835
___________________________
[But seriously...]
I just finished rereading Le Père Goriot. I first read it over twenty years ago, and whether it was due to insufficient French or insufficient understanding of La Comédie humaine, I didn't properly appreciate it. This time, having read ten Balzacs over the last year, I was blown away.
For other people who are thinking of getting into Balzac, here's a piece of practical advice that might be helpful. I am surprised this doesn't seem to be generally known, but the core of the series is the loose trilogy that starts with Le Père Goriot and then continues with Illusions perdues and Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes. Most of the other books feed into this story in one way or another (there are some standalones like Eugénie Grandet and Le Médecin de campagne). I read these books in the wrong order, but I'm pretty sure I would have made more rapid progress if I'd started off with the trilogy - all three books are really excellent novels - and then read others as backstory. Now that I've caught up, I'm going to continue with that program. Coming up next, L'Interdiction, La Duchesse de Langeais (again, read it before I understood its place in the series and need to reread), La Maison de Nucingen and Gobseck.
HABERMAN: Would that be a breach of what his actual charge is?
TRUMP: I would say yeah. I would say yes. By the way, I would say, I don’t � I don’t � I mean, it’s possible there’s a condo or something, so, you know, I sell a lot of condo units, and somebody from Russia buys a condo, who knows? I don’t make money from Russia. In fact, I put out a letter saying that I don’t make � from one of the most highly respected law firms, accounting firms. I don’t have buildings in Russia. They said I own buildings in Russia. I don’t. They said I made money from Russia. I don’t. It’s not my thing. I don’t, I don’t do that. Over the years, I’ve looked at maybe doing a deal in Russia, but I never did one.
- Interview with Donald Trump, 2017
We have all the funding we need out of Russia. We've got some guys that really, really love golf, and they're really invested in our programs. We just go there all the time.
- Interview with Eric Trump, 2014
Le secret des grandes fortunes sans cause apparente est un crime oublié, parce qu’il a été proprement fait.
- Honoré de Balzac, Le père Goriot, 1835
___________________________
[But seriously...]
I just finished rereading Le Père Goriot. I first read it over twenty years ago, and whether it was due to insufficient French or insufficient understanding of La Comédie humaine, I didn't properly appreciate it. This time, having read ten Balzacs over the last year, I was blown away.
For other people who are thinking of getting into Balzac, here's a piece of practical advice that might be helpful. I am surprised this doesn't seem to be generally known, but the core of the series is the loose trilogy that starts with Le Père Goriot and then continues with Illusions perdues and Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes. Most of the other books feed into this story in one way or another (there are some standalones like Eugénie Grandet and Le Médecin de campagne). I read these books in the wrong order, but I'm pretty sure I would have made more rapid progress if I'd started off with the trilogy - all three books are really excellent novels - and then read others as backstory. Now that I've caught up, I'm going to continue with that program. Coming up next, L'Interdiction, La Duchesse de Langeais (again, read it before I understood its place in the series and need to reread), La Maison de Nucingen and Gobseck.
Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read
Le Père Goriot.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
Started Reading
2001
–
Finished Reading
November 27, 2008
– Shelved
December 5, 2008
– Shelved as:
french
August 10, 2017
– Shelved as:
donalds-are-trumps
May 2, 2021
–
Started Reading
May 2, 2021
–
4.51%
"Still in the buildings, old dames and boring old farts (© Paul Bryant Productions PLC, all rights reserved)"
page
20
May 6, 2021
–
18.06%
"Eugène ignorait qu'on ne doit jamais se présenter chez qui que ce soit à Paris sans s'être fait conter pas des amis de la maison l'histoire du mari, celle de la femme ou des enfants, afin de n'y commettre aucune de ces balourdises dont on dit en Pologne : Attelez cinq bœufs à votre char ! sans doute pour vous tirer du mauvais pas où vous vous embourbez."
page
80
May 6, 2021
–
22.57%
"- Le monde est infâme et méchant, dit enfin la vicomtesse. Aussitôt qu'un malheur nous arrive, il se rencontre toujours un ami prêt à nous venir le dire, et à nous fouiller le cœur avec un poignard en nous en faisant admirer le manche."
page
100
May 7, 2021
–
30.47%
"Le secret des grandes fortunes sans cause apparente est un crime oublié, parce qu’il a été proprement fait."
page
135
May 11, 2021
–
57.56%
"The editor does not even seem to understand the concept of a spoiler. I've just read their third footnote explaining that [name of character redacted] is about to die of apoplexy. And earlier, I was told about a hundred and fifty pages ahead of time that [name of character redacted] would be killed in a duel."
page
255
May 12, 2021
–
100.0%
"Mon dieu, what an ending! All the comic relief in the first half just makes it that more powerful. I stayed up until 1 am to finish it, much to Not's annoyance, but I just couldn't put it down until I'd found how it all worked out."
page
443
May 12, 2021
– Shelved as:
older-women-younger-men
May 12, 2021
– Shelved as:
older-men-younger-women
May 12, 2021
– Shelved as:
too-sexy-for-maiden-aunts
May 12, 2021
– Shelved as:
well-i-think-its-funny
May 12, 2021
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 62 (62 new)
message 1:
by
Yaboimazz
(new)
Oct 20, 2014 06:50PM
lls u into ballsak bro?
reply
|
flag
I'm sorry, my fluency in your dialect is limited. Could you rephrase?
I know who Mueller is, but who are Schmidt & Haberman? The ?
I believe they are New York Times journalists.
Travelin wrote: "I don't know. This seems hurtful to Trump."It's entirely possible that the stories I've recently seen about the Trump empire's connections to Russian money-laundering operations are without foundation. But luckily the Mueller team contains numerous experts on large-scale financial crime... so if they don't find anything, I think we'll be able to say with some confidence that Trump is clean. The whole country will breathe a sigh of relief when they announce that Trump's links to the Organizatsiya are as mythical as Saddam's weapons of mass destruction. Well-spent taxpayer dollars, if you ask me!
PS You gotta admit Eric has an edgy sense of humor, winding up the journalist like that. Chip off the old block!
Travelin wrote: "I don't know. This seems hurtful to Trump."Let's hope he's soon writhing in pain....
I thought this was some satire of Trumpet at a hearing he was subpoenaed to in 2019 or so. One of those made up scripts. He's so stupid. He's a classic Dunning Kruger.
He has a few tells when he lies, and being tongue tied is the easiest to pick.
What is the French quote?
Adam wrote: "I thought this was some satire of Trumpet at a hearing he was subpoenaed to in 2019 or so. One of those made up scripts. He's so stupid. He's a classic Dunning Kruger.
He has a few tells when h..."
I'm afraid the Trump quotes are supposed to be genuine.
I would translate the Balzac as follows: "The secret behind a great fortune with no apparent cause is a crime which has been forgotten, because it has been committed carefully enough."
This is often misquoted as "Behind every great fortune lies a great crime".
Manny wrote: "Adam wrote: "I thought this was some satire of Trumpet at a hearing he was subpoenaed to in 2019 or so. One of those made up scripts. He's so stupid. He's a classic Dunning Kruger.
He has a few..."
Fortunately, trump isn't very careful, so his days are numbered
Manny wrote; "I would translate the Balzac as follows: "The secret behind a great fortune with no apparent cause is a crime which has been forgotten, because it has been committed carefully enough."
Love that quote. But I have to admit an admiration for something well done.
Love that quote. But I have to admit an admiration for something well done.
I'm looking forward to finding out whether this crime... er... alleged crime was committed carefully enough. If I were Eric Trump, I might consider hiring an extra bodyguard or two.
JohnnyS wrote: "Manny wrote; "I would translate the Balzac as follows: "The secret behind a great fortune with no apparent cause is a crime which has been forgotten, because it has been committed carefully enough...."Hey Johnny!
How are you doing with the N Korea situation? Are you still worried?
Jim wrote; "How are you doing with the N Korea situation? Are you still worried?"
Hey Jim. How did the performance art go?
On a serious level, yes I am worried, with the only caveat that I haven't looked into all the detail and nuances. On the surface it seems like Trump, as well as others are essentially daring Kim to say or do something. This flies in the face of any notion of professional diplomacy; and if Kim is as nutty as his public persona, he'll take the dare.
Ramifications seem many and are inclusive of strong Chinese disapproval. They hold tons of US debt obligations as well as now provide the US with a short term irreplacable portion of it's consumer goods.
While formerly I thought that I did recognize what I thought was the likely and calculable downside of a Trump presidency; it seems that the calculations are out the window; as we head toward an irrational; from the public's interest and casual observer POV; and probably unnecessary showdown.
If a good public poll was taken in the US, I doubt that the majority would be against a "get tough" policy.
Reviewed some learned opinions on the matter; and they are mixed; leaning somewhat toward "no problem." They do quote Kim differently.
I suppose there would be some humor in this, if the bottom line, on the part of both heads of state, boils down to what equates to a child's need for attention. While I don't doubt the possibility; I also suspect there is more to the story; and we'll probably never know what that is.
Aren't you sorry you sort of asked?
On a more interesting topic; did you think that Bush' paintings had any artistic merit whatsoever?
Hey Jim. How did the performance art go?
On a serious level, yes I am worried, with the only caveat that I haven't looked into all the detail and nuances. On the surface it seems like Trump, as well as others are essentially daring Kim to say or do something. This flies in the face of any notion of professional diplomacy; and if Kim is as nutty as his public persona, he'll take the dare.
Ramifications seem many and are inclusive of strong Chinese disapproval. They hold tons of US debt obligations as well as now provide the US with a short term irreplacable portion of it's consumer goods.
While formerly I thought that I did recognize what I thought was the likely and calculable downside of a Trump presidency; it seems that the calculations are out the window; as we head toward an irrational; from the public's interest and casual observer POV; and probably unnecessary showdown.
If a good public poll was taken in the US, I doubt that the majority would be against a "get tough" policy.
Reviewed some learned opinions on the matter; and they are mixed; leaning somewhat toward "no problem." They do quote Kim differently.
I suppose there would be some humor in this, if the bottom line, on the part of both heads of state, boils down to what equates to a child's need for attention. While I don't doubt the possibility; I also suspect there is more to the story; and we'll probably never know what that is.
Aren't you sorry you sort of asked?
On a more interesting topic; did you think that Bush' paintings had any artistic merit whatsoever?
Manny wrote; "I'm looking forward to finding out whether this crime... er... alleged crime was committed carefully enough. If I were Eric Trump, I might consider hiring an extra bodyguard or two."
Oh, yes; I had Balzak in mind.
As far as I understand it Eric has committed no crime yet; though what he did could be considered an impeachable offense for his father; had he authorized it.
But, yeah, with all the stuff going on and possibly more, personal protection would be my #1 priority too.
Sorry, a retraction. I confused Eric with Donald, Jr.; and have absolutely no idea what Eric has allegedly done or is capable of doing. But, were he alive, I think Kurosawa would tell everybody in the inner circle to watch their ass.
Oh, yes; I had Balzak in mind.
As far as I understand it Eric has committed no crime yet; though what he did could be considered an impeachable offense for his father; had he authorized it.
But, yeah, with all the stuff going on and possibly more, personal protection would be my #1 priority too.
Sorry, a retraction. I confused Eric with Donald, Jr.; and have absolutely no idea what Eric has allegedly done or is capable of doing. But, were he alive, I think Kurosawa would tell everybody in the inner circle to watch their ass.
JohnnyS wrote: "On a more interesting topic; did you think that Bush' paintings had any artistic merit whatsoever?..."I would call him an intermediate level amateur painter. If he wasn't a former president, there would be nothing to distinguish his work from any other non-professional.
Winston Churchill, on the other hand, was pretty good, and I'd label him an advanced non-professional.
RE: N Korea, all of his generals know they are outgunned by a ridiculously large ratio. Any act of war is an act of suicide. In the past Kim has ranted and raved and threatened, and "professional diplomacy" would just wait for it to blow over. The UN sanctions are a major buttfuck to their economy, so Kim has to decide to either enter some sort of talks about curbing and/or ending his nuclear program - or - risk significant loss of life, including his own, as well as having his country occupied for the foreseeable future. I'd bet on talks rather than suicide.
Trump is a lifelong bully, so he's drawn a line to let the Korean bully know who's really king of the playground. I'd sleep soundly at night - unless I was in Guam - because this kind of blustering is the act of blowhards who can't back up their threats. Kim has publicly declared his so-called attack plan in the hopes that he's given the US enough information to shoot down his four missiles long before they reach Guam. He knows his weapons aren't exactly reliable and precise, and he doesn't want to risk accidentally hitting any actual targets. He may have taken his cue from this scene...
Haha. That is actually the part of the movie I remember best; but far from perfectly.
If there is any weak point in your analysis, it is that it is logical. The weakpoint in my "scare" scenario is that it depends upon a lack of logic or some sort of undisclosed conspiracy.
Your analysis works as well as a movie I've forgotten the title of. But, in it a small country declares war on the US, in order to declare peace in return for a load of money officially called humanitarian aid.
Let's assume Kim is not delusional.
1) He knows that hIs country is going to get obliterated in a conflict with the US; and worse that if he doesn't personally get dead he'll get the Saddam Hussein treatment.
2) He knows that Trump will get a lot of flack if he fights back or threatens to fight back against a loudmouthed kitten.
3) For some reason I can't imagine he thinks this game will work better against Trump than Obama.
4) He can't imagine how it might be counter-productive to announce to the world that North Korea is capable of doing some damage; confusing public opinion with intelligence.
5) He knows that a "war" could fit well into Trump's agenda.
6) He knows Trump has no problem with irrationality.
It seems to me that if you don't assume that Kim is unbalanced or expecting protection and a load of money from his actions, that there is no way he wants any kind of altercation with the US.
So, the question becomes; "What's in it for Kim?"
1) While he can't win, he can hurt the US, and be remembered by many as a Bin-Laden type of principled hero.
2) He's doing a "macho" thing, and if it works right he can call Trump a pussy.
3) He's one of those weirdos who get off on watching fires.
4) He thinks he can win. His military advisors have told him the equivalent of what Hitler's people did; "It's a great idea to open up a fourth front in the Russian winter."
5) Under the table money, previously mentioned.
I guess I'm re-iterating my opinion that this is scary because it seems totally irrational.
And oh yeah. If Bush weren't Bush nobody would see his paintings. Still, I was impressed with some, but admit a lack of knowledge in the finer points. But hey, it's undeniable that he's a better painter than president.
If there is any weak point in your analysis, it is that it is logical. The weakpoint in my "scare" scenario is that it depends upon a lack of logic or some sort of undisclosed conspiracy.
Your analysis works as well as a movie I've forgotten the title of. But, in it a small country declares war on the US, in order to declare peace in return for a load of money officially called humanitarian aid.
Let's assume Kim is not delusional.
1) He knows that hIs country is going to get obliterated in a conflict with the US; and worse that if he doesn't personally get dead he'll get the Saddam Hussein treatment.
2) He knows that Trump will get a lot of flack if he fights back or threatens to fight back against a loudmouthed kitten.
3) For some reason I can't imagine he thinks this game will work better against Trump than Obama.
4) He can't imagine how it might be counter-productive to announce to the world that North Korea is capable of doing some damage; confusing public opinion with intelligence.
5) He knows that a "war" could fit well into Trump's agenda.
6) He knows Trump has no problem with irrationality.
It seems to me that if you don't assume that Kim is unbalanced or expecting protection and a load of money from his actions, that there is no way he wants any kind of altercation with the US.
So, the question becomes; "What's in it for Kim?"
1) While he can't win, he can hurt the US, and be remembered by many as a Bin-Laden type of principled hero.
2) He's doing a "macho" thing, and if it works right he can call Trump a pussy.
3) He's one of those weirdos who get off on watching fires.
4) He thinks he can win. His military advisors have told him the equivalent of what Hitler's people did; "It's a great idea to open up a fourth front in the Russian winter."
5) Under the table money, previously mentioned.
I guess I'm re-iterating my opinion that this is scary because it seems totally irrational.
And oh yeah. If Bush weren't Bush nobody would see his paintings. Still, I was impressed with some, but admit a lack of knowledge in the finer points. But hey, it's undeniable that he's a better painter than president.
JohnnyS wrote: "5) Under the table money, previously mentioned...."Yes! Trump paid him to start these troubles to divert attention from Russia. A nasty war begins, trump's legal team finagles a martial law declaration, special counsel team is shot on the white house lawn, the nukes start falling, and it's revealed that all of those secret underground bunkers we keep hearing about from infowars are actually Trump Luxury Underground Bunkers - available to an exclusive clientele - complete with casinos, underground golf courses, full facilities to service the rich and famous, and a social compact that allows for intimate relations with one's daughter..... now there's a movie for you!!
for those visiting Dallas this summer
It's true, Jim; that when a situation is totally irrational based on the known facts, there are either unknown ones or the leaders are sufficiently nuts to damage themselves to gain nothing they didn't already have. This does play into a theory I've heard called "the harvest" in which the evil tribe, reptiles, or aliens "win" their long term war by wiping out everyone else. Glad I'm a codger.
Saying that I'm no conspiracy fan; excepting the Kennedy assassination and 9-11.
Saying that I'm no conspiracy fan; excepting the Kennedy assassination and 9-11.
JohnnyS wrote: "It's true, Jim; that when a situation is totally irrational based on the known facts, there are either unknown ones or the leaders are sufficiently nuts to damage themselves to gain nothing they di..."The problem with alien reptilians is that they move too slow to keep our interest... or maybe they're like cats, playing with their prey before they kill it... or maybe there isn't enough CO2 in the air, hence trump's coal obsession....
A friend who's been investigating Robert Mercer thinks it's quite simple. Mercer is the guy pulling the strings. He makes his money (a great deal of it) from big-data-based speculation, which works best in turbulent markets. So he wants things to be as turbulent as possible.I hope this is all just wild speculation.
Manny wrote: "A friend who's been investigating Robert Mercer thinks it's quite simple. Mercer is the guy pulling the strings. He makes his money (a great deal of it) from big-data-based speculation, which works..."he's probably trying to out earn Bezos.... it's all connected Manny, it's all connected.....
Jim wrote; "The problem with alien reptilians is that they move too slow to keep our interest... or maybe they're like cats, playing with their prey before they kill it... or maybe there isn't enough CO2 in the air, hence trump's coal obsession.... '
I suspect you're joking, but the "harvest" theory says that the evil tribe, reptiles or aliens have been moving slowly because up until today's technology, they need people to perform certain tasks. The theory gets further complicated when one surmises that they are not 100% united, as like everyone else, individual members of the group seek things which will enhance their position in the group; just like ancient Roman ruling families.
At first I joked about much of this; but now it seems to me that the situation is truly serious. Today's news included a ramping up of the rhetoric, a violent pro-Nazi counter rally, and a sharp rise in the Trump approval rating since North Korea, but still only 45%.
I'm certainly not sure. But, if this was all being generated by financial manipulation, it still seems as if it could get out of hand. Some say WWII started that way. Have to google Robert Mercer. This is honestly the first time I've heard that name.
I suspect you're joking, but the "harvest" theory says that the evil tribe, reptiles or aliens have been moving slowly because up until today's technology, they need people to perform certain tasks. The theory gets further complicated when one surmises that they are not 100% united, as like everyone else, individual members of the group seek things which will enhance their position in the group; just like ancient Roman ruling families.
At first I joked about much of this; but now it seems to me that the situation is truly serious. Today's news included a ramping up of the rhetoric, a violent pro-Nazi counter rally, and a sharp rise in the Trump approval rating since North Korea, but still only 45%.
I'm certainly not sure. But, if this was all being generated by financial manipulation, it still seems as if it could get out of hand. Some say WWII started that way. Have to google Robert Mercer. This is honestly the first time I've heard that name.
Novice Robert Mercer observations;
1) Philosophically, he's a Nazi. He would say and probably did; "The value of a person is what they monetarily earn." "Nuclear accidents are no big deal." "The importance of the WWII Japan bombings are greatly overstated, as it actually made people nearby healthier." "I like cats better than people." We might safely conclude that, had he the ability to engineer and profit by the decimation of one segment of humanity, that it would be quite fine with him.
2) I saw no estimate of his substantial personal net worth. His level of contributions to politicians is markedly below that of corporate entities; yet some people say that Trump would not be President without him. His best known financial strength is in his co-management of the seventh largest hedge fund; which has $25billion in assets. The largest has $100billion. Wiki says that the fund has had an average annual return of 39% since the late eighties. This is unheard of. It is most likely mis-information or a long term buddy relationship with high level politicians.
So, using publicly known information could he pull something like this off? Not by himself. But, if his fund's performance is anywhere near as good as is stated, coupled with it's implied "meaningful" access to high level associates; that suggests that he could probably attract partners rather easily.
If something has been clandestinely worked out he has no qualms about the morality; in fact believes such things to be the height of morality.
There is a possible contradiction in his recent investments and I want to double check.
1) Philosophically, he's a Nazi. He would say and probably did; "The value of a person is what they monetarily earn." "Nuclear accidents are no big deal." "The importance of the WWII Japan bombings are greatly overstated, as it actually made people nearby healthier." "I like cats better than people." We might safely conclude that, had he the ability to engineer and profit by the decimation of one segment of humanity, that it would be quite fine with him.
2) I saw no estimate of his substantial personal net worth. His level of contributions to politicians is markedly below that of corporate entities; yet some people say that Trump would not be President without him. His best known financial strength is in his co-management of the seventh largest hedge fund; which has $25billion in assets. The largest has $100billion. Wiki says that the fund has had an average annual return of 39% since the late eighties. This is unheard of. It is most likely mis-information or a long term buddy relationship with high level politicians.
So, using publicly known information could he pull something like this off? Not by himself. But, if his fund's performance is anywhere near as good as is stated, coupled with it's implied "meaningful" access to high level associates; that suggests that he could probably attract partners rather easily.
If something has been clandestinely worked out he has no qualms about the morality; in fact believes such things to be the height of morality.
There is a possible contradiction in his recent investments and I want to double check.
I want to first note that my estimation of what he personally contributes to federal politicians is fully cognizant of the fact that he is rated the #1 personal contributor. However, the personal numbers are dwarved by PAC's, super PAC's and corporate entities.
He has been investing in American newspapers and magazines; not in controlling but in infleuntial degrees; most notably Time Magazine. These investments make zero sense in the context of a devastated world, but make perfect sense in a William Randolph Hearst, Rupert Murdoch way; as he is not only financial; he's an idealogue.
My unprovable overall impression is that he is not the type of threat one would easily associate with the current Trump- Kim fiasco. He actually supported Cruz heavily before Trump. His major money-influence comes from his unique program which can enable politicians to reach voters through the net. He's not one to want total devastation, though he finds small levels of it natural and even desirable. He's just very much another one who believes in the survival of the fittest. In this context the key word possibly survival.
I think we need another bad guy to explain this. George Soros, or now his kids, are the standardly usual suspects. And the kids are fuck-ups, necessitating poor old George's having to come out of retirement to fix things up a few times. Accidents happen, but incompetence is frequent.
He has been investing in American newspapers and magazines; not in controlling but in infleuntial degrees; most notably Time Magazine. These investments make zero sense in the context of a devastated world, but make perfect sense in a William Randolph Hearst, Rupert Murdoch way; as he is not only financial; he's an idealogue.
My unprovable overall impression is that he is not the type of threat one would easily associate with the current Trump- Kim fiasco. He actually supported Cruz heavily before Trump. His major money-influence comes from his unique program which can enable politicians to reach voters through the net. He's not one to want total devastation, though he finds small levels of it natural and even desirable. He's just very much another one who believes in the survival of the fittest. In this context the key word possibly survival.
I think we need another bad guy to explain this. George Soros, or now his kids, are the standardly usual suspects. And the kids are fuck-ups, necessitating poor old George's having to come out of retirement to fix things up a few times. Accidents happen, but incompetence is frequent.
Renaissance Technologies, Mercer's co-managed hedge fund is not what I expected at all. Their sophisticated black box" of algorithms and their disain for traditional Wall Street "wisdom" may sound new to some; it can also be accurately described as a long lived "chartist" and maybe contrarian approach which has always been an attempt to recognize repeating patterns in stock movements, with no interest whatsoever in the underlying company's financial performance. In effect put this on the steroid of overwhelming levels of information.
When I saw this long term 39, 35, or 70% annual long term return, I first pictured gimmicks which could have produced these results or the reporting of them, which have never been prviously neared.
I stand corrected, after having reviewed the Renaissance portfolio. I could provide the detail of my incorrect assumptions, but why bother and who wants the detail anyway?
One source now says that they have $70billion in assets. I'd have to research this further, but it seems that they are not required to make the standard SEC filings, which are the best sources of information. This could be explained by the small amount of shareholders, stated by one source to be the employees.
IDK. I just keep focussing on this as the numbers quoted are so far out of line.
It probably has nothing to do with Mercer's willingness or ability to be a player in the Trump-Kim game; but ........................
One unusual thing happened. SEC filings are done quarterly; in most cases as in this one March, June, September, December. So I saw a bit of June. But then there was a news article saying that the value of their investments plummeted in June and July, but I couldn't access it.
Another day on the shadow government trail.
When I saw this long term 39, 35, or 70% annual long term return, I first pictured gimmicks which could have produced these results or the reporting of them, which have never been prviously neared.
I stand corrected, after having reviewed the Renaissance portfolio. I could provide the detail of my incorrect assumptions, but why bother and who wants the detail anyway?
One source now says that they have $70billion in assets. I'd have to research this further, but it seems that they are not required to make the standard SEC filings, which are the best sources of information. This could be explained by the small amount of shareholders, stated by one source to be the employees.
IDK. I just keep focussing on this as the numbers quoted are so far out of line.
It probably has nothing to do with Mercer's willingness or ability to be a player in the Trump-Kim game; but ........................
One unusual thing happened. SEC filings are done quarterly; in most cases as in this one March, June, September, December. So I saw a bit of June. But then there was a news article saying that the value of their investments plummeted in June and July, but I couldn't access it.
Another day on the shadow government trail.
JohnnyS wrote: "I suspect you're joking, but the "harvest" theory says that the evil tribe, reptiles or aliens have been moving slowly because up until today's technology, they need people to perform certain tasks...."I'm joking, for sure...
I would say that conspiracy theories come from the same place as religious beliefs. What we don't understand frustrates and confuses us, so we create stories to help us cope with the unexplained. Reptilians and aliens and so on are created because we don't want to accept that a fellow human being could be such a shit heel. If they can be so despicable and evil, that means that we all have the potential to be evil. The reptilian/alien belief gives us some psychic breathing room to help us avoid crushing loads of self-loathing for our species and ourselves..... or something like that.....
I've been looking at Robert Mercer's cyber info. It is wildly different from different sources; basically because they're all guessing. Since both Renaissance and Medallion have high net worth clients, and not many of them if that also matters, they don't have to make a complete SEC report. Bloomberg tried to estimate his net worth, and was in the vicinity of $1billion, when they backed off, citing not enough hard information, too many estimates. Forbes also made no estimate. Some estimates I personally made suggested $3billion. But, he's not going to challenge Bezos.
1) Simon and at least one other person own more of Renaissance-Medallion than Mercer does.
2) Renaissance has only 11-25 clients; no individuals; all financial institutions, corporations, and pooled groups.
3) Renaissance MANAGES (does not own) about $970billion in assets, according to their owc SEC filing. Other sources estimated lower numbers, one $50million.
4) Estimates of the average annual rate of return range from 20%, which I believe, to 70%.
5) It is generally felt that their black box is the best in the industry, and an undisclosed Bloomberg confidante estimated the hedge fund to be worth $10billion; $500million Mercer's share. Companies have been using them since the 90's; so the value of theirs is a function of what number you believe. Their clients should know what that is.
6) Trump's campaign cost $975million and Hillary's $1.4billion; so Trump must be more beholden to others.
Anyone can draw their own conclusions; but it seems to me that Mercer does not have the financial wherewithall to pull off anything this big. I'm sure he can get an ear, but beyond that ........
I suppose he could fraudulently use some client's funds; that is if he'd like to forget about his yacht, and spend the rest of his life in jail.
Trump's "tough talk" is restoring his US popularity. Can't guess at Kim.
1) Simon and at least one other person own more of Renaissance-Medallion than Mercer does.
2) Renaissance has only 11-25 clients; no individuals; all financial institutions, corporations, and pooled groups.
3) Renaissance MANAGES (does not own) about $970billion in assets, according to their owc SEC filing. Other sources estimated lower numbers, one $50million.
4) Estimates of the average annual rate of return range from 20%, which I believe, to 70%.
5) It is generally felt that their black box is the best in the industry, and an undisclosed Bloomberg confidante estimated the hedge fund to be worth $10billion; $500million Mercer's share. Companies have been using them since the 90's; so the value of theirs is a function of what number you believe. Their clients should know what that is.
6) Trump's campaign cost $975million and Hillary's $1.4billion; so Trump must be more beholden to others.
Anyone can draw their own conclusions; but it seems to me that Mercer does not have the financial wherewithall to pull off anything this big. I'm sure he can get an ear, but beyond that ........
I suppose he could fraudulently use some client's funds; that is if he'd like to forget about his yacht, and spend the rest of his life in jail.
Trump's "tough talk" is restoring his US popularity. Can't guess at Kim.
Jim said; "I would say that conspiracy theories come from the same place as religious beliefs. What we don't understand frustrates and confuses us, so we create stories to help us cope with the unexplained."
I like the analogy. Never thought of it that way.
I like the analogy. Never thought of it that way.
On Mercer again. All that can be definitively said of him based on publicly available information is that he is a very rich man, whose main income likely comes from Renaissance (primarily fees paid by customers); that Renaissance is standardly believed to be the current best investment advisor, that he has ties to Trump, and his personal philosophy is misanthropy and Ayn Rand consistent. Without further information, the rest is very speculative. Sources of further information may be obtained through other owners of Renaissance, Chase Morgan, Deutsche Bank, or Renaissance' CPA firm; if one has access to a talkative confidante.
I'd just like to stress that when one says that Renaissance benefits from market volatility, the question is how volatile do you mean? Without nuclear engagements stock prices have normal trading ranges.
1) Does Mercer financially benefit from a nuclear exchange? Not any more than anyone with prior knowlege of the event, and perhaps less.
2) Does Renaissance benefit? If their estimated numbers are to be believed, they have generated outstanding performance in a relatively stable, and gradually rising market. So, why change the variables? Rational business likes stability.
3) Does Mercer control Renaissance? No. The largest owner is Simon, and he has a history of saying that he is a liberal to moderate Democrat.
4) What is Mercer's annual income? Can't be sure, but would bet $100 that his income from Renaissance alone has been in the $250-750million per annum range, and is on an upward trend. Not too shabby for a guy who started with computational linguistics.
I'd say the bigger risk to world peace is Trump's rising popularity coinciding with the tough talk.
P.S. There are other Mercer "facts" and probabilities I can state if anyone is interested. Most take a cursory knowlege of money and finance to appreciate, and really won't add anything meaningful.
I'd just like to stress that when one says that Renaissance benefits from market volatility, the question is how volatile do you mean? Without nuclear engagements stock prices have normal trading ranges.
1) Does Mercer financially benefit from a nuclear exchange? Not any more than anyone with prior knowlege of the event, and perhaps less.
2) Does Renaissance benefit? If their estimated numbers are to be believed, they have generated outstanding performance in a relatively stable, and gradually rising market. So, why change the variables? Rational business likes stability.
3) Does Mercer control Renaissance? No. The largest owner is Simon, and he has a history of saying that he is a liberal to moderate Democrat.
4) What is Mercer's annual income? Can't be sure, but would bet $100 that his income from Renaissance alone has been in the $250-750million per annum range, and is on an upward trend. Not too shabby for a guy who started with computational linguistics.
I'd say the bigger risk to world peace is Trump's rising popularity coinciding with the tough talk.
P.S. There are other Mercer "facts" and probabilities I can state if anyone is interested. Most take a cursory knowlege of money and finance to appreciate, and really won't add anything meaningful.
Here's a link to an Atlantic article about what they think the Mercers really want. In brief they say that the Mercers want power. Like his investment in very diversified Renaissance, he personally makes political donations which seem to be on both sides of the aisle; though that aisle is not the one on the left. He didn't support Trump until it was clear that Trump would get the nomination; previously having wasted some money on Cruz. Anyway ...................
JohnnyS wrote: "Here's a link to an Atlantic article about what they think the Mercers really want. In brief they say that the Mercers want power. Like his investment in very diversified Renaissance, he personally...""Money = Power" - Einstein
"First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the women." - Tony Montana
- Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford
Perfect, Jim. Love that song, especially as it comes from them. "Money don't get everything, it's true. But what it don't get, I can't use." And while they're singing that, a girl in the audience is mouthing the words.
Damn.
Damn.
JohnnyS wrote: "Perfect, Jim. Love that song, especially as it comes from them. "Money don't get everything, it's true. But what it don't get, I can't use." And while they're singing that, a girl in the audience i..."There are so many mercers all over the world, it's basically impossible to win. They compete with each other, they buy and sell politicians, they screw over anyone they want to, but in the end, we're all going to the same destination.... 'twas always thus....
The slim thread of hope that I cling to is the fact that the mercers of the world are dependent on the same physical conditions as everyone else and are vulnerable to the same forces of man and nature. I never think about nuclear holocaust because Dr, Strangelove mine shafts aside, there can't be any survivors, and so no reason to push the button....
Hi, Jim. My hope is that the Mercers of the world destroy each other. They seem so inclined. Here's a Wiki link to an Alan Rudolph movie I liked. It doesn't bear out what I'm saying, as I saw the main theme of it as being super wealthy people competing with each other based on who could get the most valuable work of art. When someone finally gets one which probably cannot be topped, one of his competitors attacks him and destroys the work.
IDK. That's about as optimistic as I can get.
IDK. That's about as optimistic as I can get.
JohnnyS wrote: "Hi, Jim. My hope is that the Mercers of the world destroy each other. They seem so inclined. Here's a Wiki link to an Alan Rudolph movie I liked. It doesn't bear out what I'm saying, as I saw the m..."So much striving for so little gain. Sad. Losers. Repeal and replace!!
maybe I am crazy, but how is a review of Balzac's Pere Goriot from 2008 then updated in 2017 and turned into stupid Trump spam - like we don't have enough political bullshit all day and every day, now it has to be stuffed in here too? Why? Have you even read Balzac? Have some damn respect and take your politicking somewhere it belongs. If you've gotta gripe w/ Amazon or Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, then fine - but don't make us suffer for it.
Um, I have read several books by Balzac in the original French.The passage I quoted is the most famous sentence in Le Père Goriot. If you don't understand what this could have to do with Donald Trump, you might want to read the review again.
Balzac wrote about every personality type - every archetype - of course you can find a quote to match up w/ trump - you could find a quote to match up with anyone - that doesn't change the fact that you have hijacked the page with spam.
I can see you also have great respect for Balzac. I'm just expressing mine in a different way. I don't think he'd necessarily object to what I wrote here, I'm just pointing out the relevance of his acute and memorably phrased observation. Why is that bad?
and for what it's worth, everyone knows how trump got his money, lost it and got it again - it's apparent and not forgotten, thus not properly done.
Well, I'm not so sure about that. If we all know what happened, why is he so very reluctant to release his tax returns? Why this interesting claim by his son in 2014? Seems to me that something has indeed been well forgotten here.
(but if it turns out that it was not properly done, I will be all the happier...)
Had I known what you were trying to do, then I would have let it pass without a comment. But you didn't set the context - no introduction - just jumped into a couple ny times questions and made us listen to trump's stupid voice playing out in our heads - and then his son's... we even got a mueller reminder up top - seems a bit inconsiderate to drag us thru that - violating... and then finally when you think it's over, you jump from english to french - creating a natural blind-spot for english readers - at best you make us work to translate it... you've established no trust at this point - why would I let you make me work? The solve would be to suck it up and show balzac's quote in english - otherwise it looks like you've created a giant trump party with a hidden claim to legitimacy that most of us will never find... I apologize and no longer consider this spam.
"Well, I'm not so sure about that. If we all know what happened, why is he so very reluctant to release his tax returns? Why this interesting claim by his son in 2014? Seems to me that something has indeed been well forgotten here."He's reluctant to release his taxes because he's a crook and he prefers not to be exposed when he can help it. He's a failed casino owner w/ over 30 yrs of russian mob ties... His sons are idiots and tell on themselves all the time. They commit their crimes right out in the open - they don't require us to forget.
I knew we were on the same side really :) Very happy to meet another admirer of the immortal Balzac! And I'm sorry for the mix of languages, we have been living in Geneva for several years now and it can be easy to forget that most people don't see French all the time.That reminds me, I was going to read Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes, having had Michel Houellebecq repeatedly recommend it in La possibilité d'une île, and I forgot to order it. I think I will do that now.
And oh, I do so hope that Trump has been sloppy and the bodies were not buried deep enough. His backers will really not be happy that the market has collapsed. His job was to keep taking money away from poor people and giving it to them, and now it's all gone wrong. In Mob movies, this is about when the bad guy tends to get his comeuppance.
agreed and sorry for the mixup - and splendeurs is one of my favorites - reading lost illusions into a harlot high and low (penguin title for it) is one of the strongest 1-2 punches of all time - I think about Vautrin (cheat death) all the time - love that guy.
if it were only just trump - the republicans are just as bad - they (and fox news) have their base thinking the liberals are the real enemy and a threat to national security - putin's a strategist and trump's been compromised - and the republican party is selfish and spineless - were it not for abortion and the gays, they would not have the evangelicals - a bunch of bullies and hypocrites that will do anything to get their way - so much for separation of church and state - the lines are drawn and guys like Bernie are ahead of their time - of course we're running out of time...anyhow, I am looking into the possibility of an island book - thx for mentioning it - from what I just read it sounds like Celine and I loved death on the installment plan...
for now I will follow you here - thx for the workout tonight
We are definitely on the same side here :) If you haven't read any Houellebecq, the later ones are excellent. Particularly recommend Soumission!
