The Governor is right, as usual.

2 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

The Governor is right, as usual.

Love his crown. No Kings huh LOL

11 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Love his crown. No Kings huh LOL

So another thing you don't get. Got it!

Yes, Mr. President, the whole world misses you.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Iran propaganda spouted on Social Media, all it is

You must be seriously beginning to doubt your great cult leader,

negotiation with himself , blowing a Billion dollars so a French

company WONT build windmills ,as he calls them , a war without

plans , asking if he could take Elvis Presley in a fight ,i am sorry

but he has gone nuts....

regards worgeordie

Tik tok tik tok - fail to plan - plan to fail etc etc

ANDREW NEIL: Being caught in Iran’s trap is the biggest mistake of Trump’s presidency. I don’t see how he can recover

By ANDREW NEIL, DAILY MAIL COLUMNIST

https://archive.ph/PbJVC

It would take months for America to assemble enough forces to subdue a country of 90 million, bigger than Britain, France, Germany and Spain combined. There is no guarantee of success, no stomach for such an open-ended intervention on any part of the US political spectrum.

So is it worth even contemplating? With all that prolonged conflict would mean for the global economy? In a year of crucial mid-term elections in which private Republican Party polling indicates both the House and the Senate are at risk for the President? Just to ask these questions is to answer them.

The five-day hiatus comes to an end on Friday night. What happens then is anybody’s guess. Trump is trapped in a conundrum of his own making. For the tyrants of Tehran, not losing is a victory that guarantees survival. For America, not losing is a defeat.

Ending up in this trap is the biggest mistake of Trump’s presidency. I have no idea how he can escape – and I’m starting to think he might never recover from it.

19 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

So another thing you don't get. Got it!

Some Bluesky Social Media thing no doubt

Posts with content from unapproved social media sources have been removed @BLMFem :

General approach and policy.

We maintain a strict policy of accepting links or content only from mainstream and recognized media sources to ensure that information posted by members is both verifiable and trustworthy. We strive to remain impartial, prioritizing content that meets these standards and removing content that, in our opinion, does not.

 

Consequently, we do not accept content from social media platforms unless it originates from a credible, professional, and qualified source. This approach is essential for upholding the integrity and credibility of the information shared within our community."

9 hours ago, bannork said:

According to AI:

The

United States

is currently not fully self-sufficient in helium, despite being the world's largest producer. While the U.S. has historically been a major exporter, it now faces a "tight balance" between supply and demand.

Current Status of U.S. Helium

• The Federal Helium Reserve (FHR): The U.S. government has recently privatised the national stockpile, which once provided about 30% of the world's helium. In June 2024, the Bureau of Land Management sold the last of its federal helium to a private German supplier, Messer.

• Production vs. Consumption: The U.S. remains a top global supplier alongside Qatar, Russia, and Algeria. However, domestic production is in decline as major fields in the Texas Panhandle and Kansas deplete.

Yes, the United States is actively being affected by the disruptions to Qatar's helium production following military attacks in March 2026. While the U.S. is the world's largest helium producer, it still relies on global supply chains that have been severely tightened by the loss of Qatari output.

is the us affected by the attack on qatar's helium production facility? - Google Search

The last sentence sums it up. The US relies on global supply chains for helium so there are inevitable consequences when the Qatar facility ( providing over 30% of the world's supply) is damaged.

The weakness of AI is that it is easily manipulated and subject to misinformation when biased question is asked. There is no current helium shortage in the USA. Your misrepresentation of the. current situation ignores the significant changes that occurred in 2024 to date. Developments like the discovery of the massive natural helium belt in Babbitt, MN. AI can give any answer one wants. It all depends on being honest and asking a fair question. Anwsers like this;

• Long-Term Outlook: While periodic volatility exists, the US possesses significant domestic reserves, with roughly 80 to 100 years' worth of helium known to exist in Wyoming alone.

There was a helium shortage in 2025 accompanied by price hikes. Once again, Russia was implicated as it has cut back on supply forcing up the market price. The resource price was being manipulated. The USA and Canada have managed their supply to address their supply chain shortages and the issue was resolved after a few months. If ever there is a shortage, the USA can prohibit exports.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

The weakness of AI is that it is easily manipulated and subject to misinformation when biased question is asked. There is no current helium shortage in the USA. Your misrepresentation of the. current situation ignores the significant changes that occurred in 2024 to date. Developments like the discovery of the massive natural helium belt in Babbitt, MN. AI can give any answer one wants. It all depends on being honest and asking a fair question. Anwsers like this;

• Long-Term Outlook: While periodic volatility exists, the US possesses significant domestic reserves, with roughly 80 to 100 years' worth of helium known to exist in Wyoming alone.

There was a helium shortage in 2025 accompanied by price hikes. Once again, Russia was implicated as it has cut back on supply forcing up the market price. The resource price was being manipulated. The USA and Canada have managed their supply to address their supply chain shortages and the issue was resolved after a few months. If ever there is a shortage, the USA can prohibit exports.

We're talking about the present. Hopefully in the long term there will not be a shortage of helium but at present due to the war in the Middle East there is a shortage.

The massive helium belt in Babbitt, MN is not due to come online until at least 2028 so it has no effect on current prices.

Spot prices for helium doubled within days of the Iranian strike on the Qatar facility, and contract prices rose too as suppliers passed on the increased costs to consumers worldwide, including the US.

With the supply constraints affecting the US , prices of helium there v are expected to increase between 25-50%.

11 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Tik tok tik tok - fail to plan - plan to fail etc etc

ANDREW NEIL: Being caught in Iran’s trap is the biggest mistake of Trump’s presidency. I don’t see how he can recover

By ANDREW NEIL, DAILY MAIL COLUMNIST

https://archive.ph/PbJVC

It would take months for America to assemble enough forces to subdue a country of 90 million, bigger than Britain, France, Germany and Spain combined. There is no guarantee of success, no stomach for such an open-ended intervention on any part of the US political spectrum.

So is it worth even contemplating? With all that prolonged conflict would mean for the global economy? In a year of crucial mid-term elections in which private Republican Party polling indicates both the House and the Senate are at risk for the President? Just to ask these questions is to answer them.

The five-day hiatus comes to an end on Friday night. What happens then is anybody’s guess. Trump is trapped in a conundrum of his own making. For the tyrants of Tehran, not losing is a victory that guarantees survival. For America, not losing is a defeat.

Ending up in this trap is the biggest mistake of Trump’s presidency. I have no idea how he can escape – and I’m starting to think he might never recover from it.

"The five-day hiatus comes to an end on Friday night"

Meaning, after the stock market closes for the weekend.

Bad news: Friday night after the close

Good news: Monday morning before the open.

5 hours ago, blaze master said:

I see you have very little idea about the market. Such a pretty little snap of a small time frame to reinforce your attempt at a troll comment.

Wow! The stock market really loved Biden.

Coattails Donny is doing his level best to ruin that.

Just now, Wingate said:

Wow! The stock market really loved Biden.

Coattails Donny is doing his level best to ruin that.

Ok if you say so wall street guy.

9 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

You got any actual evidence to back up your claim about increased tanker traffic through the Suez Canal?

The Suez Canal had been in a state of decline since 2024 due to costs and an erosion of transit demand in part because of Houthi terroriosm. Demand started to increase in 2025. When the AI question is asked about transit volumes, the answer that is returned is based upon historic values, not recent trends.

Your information is stale dated It was scraped from sources like this which actually state;

• Global routing patterns show early signs of stabilization, with increased traffic through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.

Other published reports show;.

Beyond the Gulf, maritime traffic patterns indicate early signs of global rebalancing. Increased transit volumes through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal, alongside continued traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, suggest that shipping is adapting through alternative corridors.

The daily transit values show an increase in Tanker traffic. If I was. given to hyperbole and exaggeration I would announce a 200% increase in recent transits. However, when small numbers increase they make for large percentage increases. Unlike others on this forum I do not take values out of context to mislead people.

The daily Suez transits are posted here

https://en.macromicro.me/charts/94483/imf-suez-canal-number-number-of-ships-and-transit-volume

The reality is that there is traffic in the Gulf of Hormuz too. Tankers and bulk carriers are moving through. They have turned off their trackers. During the week period you referenced;

Only 16 AIS-visible crossings recorded over a seven -day period and one full day with zero AIS-confirmed crossings in either direction.

• Eight large vessels were detected operating without AIS in the Strait, indicating concentrated dark activity among high-capacity assets.

• Bulk carriers continue routing through Iranian territorial waters, reinforcing a permission-based transit model.

• Iranian crude exports remain active, with ongoing loading operations and vessel buildup at Kharg Island.

We are told that the strait is closed, but that is not the case. Traffic is disrupted, and volumes are down. However, customers in India, Pakistan, China and now Japan will be getting their oil and gas.

It is not as bad as circulated on social media. Obviously not good, but IMO supplies are being played with and prices are being manipulated for profit.

Typical of Trumps MO, always have a fall guy ,in this case could not have happened to a lower scumbag then hegseth.

I heard a new book is coning out soon by an unamed author

How To Survive Multi Bankrupcies and go on to

Begger a Whole Nation !

17 hours ago, BLMFem said:

US ground forces are approaching the SOH, and Iran's reply is "come closer". This is exactly what they've been preparing for for decades, and even though they've been hit so hard there's little doubt that a ground invasion will be staggeringly costly.

And for what??

'‘Come Closer’: Iran To Kick Off ‘CRUSH AMERICA’ Mission As Trump Plans US Boots On Ground'

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/come-closer-iran-to-kick-off-crush-america-mission-as-trump-plans-us-boots-on-ground/videoshow/129792059.cms

"Iran has revealed its long-prepared asymmetrical warfare strategy, warning US forces against any ground invasion. A senior defense official claims Tehran has trained for decades to counter American military power using unconventional tactics. As reports emerge of possible US “boots on the ground” plans targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, tensions are rapidly escalating."

Apparently, last June, orders were given to disperse missile capabilities around the country and the authority to select and fire at targets was delegated to relatively low level ranks in the military structure.

They have been planning this for almost a year.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

The Suez Canal had been in a state of decline since 2024 due to costs and an erosion of transit demand in part because of Houthi terroriosm. Demand started to increase in 2025. When the AI question is asked about transit volumes, the answer that is returned is based upon historic values, not recent trends.

Your information is stale dated It was scraped from sources like this which actually state;

• Global routing patterns show early signs of stabilization, with increased traffic through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.

Other published reports show;.

Beyond the Gulf, maritime traffic patterns indicate early signs of global rebalancing. Increased transit volumes through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal, alongside continued traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, suggest that shipping is adapting through alternative corridors.

The daily transit values show an increase in Tanker traffic. If I was. given to hyperbole and exaggeration I would announce a 200% increase in recent transits. However, when small numbers increase they make for large percentage increases. Unlike others on this forum I do not take values out of context to mislead people.

The daily Suez transits are posted here

https://en.macromicro.me/charts/94483/imf-suez-canal-number-number-of-ships-and-transit-volume

The reality is that there is traffic in the Gulf of Hormuz too. Tankers and bulk carriers are moving through. They have turned off their trackers. During the week period you referenced;

Only 16 AIS-visible crossings recorded over a seven -day period and one full day with zero AIS-confirmed crossings in either direction.

• Eight large vessels were detected operating without AIS in the Strait, indicating concentrated dark activity among high-capacity assets.

• Bulk carriers continue routing through Iranian territorial waters, reinforcing a permission-based transit model.

• Iranian crude exports remain active, with ongoing loading operations and vessel buildup at Kharg Island.

We are told that the strait is closed, but that is not the case. Traffic is disrupted, and volumes are down. However, customers in India, Pakistan, China and now Japan will be getting their oil and gas.

It is not as bad as circulated on social media. Obviously not good, but IMO supplies are being played with and prices are being manipulated for profit.

• Market: Freight, LPG

• 24/03/26

• US president Donald Trump's sudden shift from threats to talks with Iran has done little to revive tanker traffic through the strait of Hormuz.

Only two notable crossings were recorded in the past 24 hours, according to MarineTraffic data.The Gas Lucky, an LPG carrier, transited the channel between Qeshm and Larak islands at around 08:00 GMT on Tuesday. The Jasmin, a small tanker carrying fuel oil, sailed westbound into the Mideast Gulf on Monday evening.

Traffic through Hormuz remains 95pc below pre-war levels, shipbroker Clarksons said today, averaging four crossings a day over the past week compared with around 125 before the conflict began on 28 February.

https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2805185-trump-s-shift-in-tone-fails-to-revive-hormuz-traffic?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About 300 vessels would normally have passed through the Strait.

Shipping companies divert vessels around Cape of Good Hope after strikes on Iran

Shipping companies Maersk (MAERSKb.CO), opens new tab, Hapag-Lloyd (HLAG.DE), opens new tab and CMA CGM are rerouting vessels around Africa, away from the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided...to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being," Danish container shipping group Maersk said in a statement on Sunday.

The company last month announced a gradual return of some services to the Suez route, seen as a key step towards ending two years of global trade disruption caused by attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

https://archive.ph/vxkAf

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

The Suez Canal had been in a state of decline since 2024 due to costs and an erosion of transit demand in part because of Houthi terroriosm. Demand started to increase in 2025. When the AI question is asked about transit volumes, the answer that is returned is based upon historic values, not recent trends.

Your information is stale dated It was scraped from sources like this which actually state;

• Global routing patterns show early signs of stabilization, with increased traffic through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.

Other published reports show;.

Beyond the Gulf, maritime traffic patterns indicate early signs of global rebalancing. Increased transit volumes through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal, alongside continued traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, suggest that shipping is adapting through alternative corridors.

The daily transit values show an increase in Tanker traffic. If I was. given to hyperbole and exaggeration I would announce a 200% increase in recent transits. However, when small numbers increase they make for large percentage increases. Unlike others on this forum I do not take values out of context to mislead people.

The daily Suez transits are posted here

https://en.macromicro.me/charts/94483/imf-suez-canal-number-number-of-ships-and-transit-volume

The reality is that there is traffic in the Gulf of Hormuz too. Tankers and bulk carriers are moving through. They have turned off their trackers. During the week period you referenced;

Only 16 AIS-visible crossings recorded over a seven -day period and one full day with zero AIS-confirmed crossings in either direction.

• Eight large vessels were detected operating without AIS in the Strait, indicating concentrated dark activity among high-capacity assets.

• Bulk carriers continue routing through Iranian territorial waters, reinforcing a permission-based transit model.

• Iranian crude exports remain active, with ongoing loading operations and vessel buildup at Kharg Island.

We are told that the strait is closed, but that is not the case. Traffic is disrupted, and volumes are down. However, customers in India, Pakistan, China and now Japan will be getting their oil and gas.

It is not as bad as circulated on social media. Obviously not good, but IMO supplies are being played with and prices are being manipulated for profit.

No doubt prices are being manipulated for profit. But don't forget risks have to be factored in along with supply and demand. Right now the risks are running extremely high with a major disruption looming on the horizon if Trump get his way. Seizing, or any attempt to seize, Kharg Island will definitely do it.

It's no surprise that Trump is confused about what the repercussions of his "excursion" might be when he even contradicts himself on what's going on, from one minute to the next.

Here's the timeline of various statements he made during a recent press conference.

At 12:03 PM, President Trump told reporters he wanted a ceasefire with Iran.

At 12:05 he declared victory.

At 12:07 he announced he was sending Marines.

At 12:08 he said no boots on the ground.

At 12:11 he said he did not want a ceasefire.

At 12:16 he declared victory again.

At 12:17 he asked for a ceasefire.

At 12:23 he told NATO they were cowards.

At 12:29 he said Iran was begging for a ceasefire.

At 12:31 he said everything was perfect.

At 12:36 he said $500 oil was a good thing.

At 12:37 he demanded Iran open Hormuz.

At 12:39 he said Hormuz was never closed.

At 12:41 he said the US was not at war with Iran.

At 12:42 he declared victory in Iran.

30 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

It's no surprise that Trump is confused about what the repercussions of his "excursion" might be when he even contradicts himself on what's going on, from one minute to the next.

Here's the timeline of various statements he made during a recent press conference.

At 12:03 PM, President Trump told reporters he wanted a ceasefire with Iran.

At 12:05 he declared victory.

At 12:07 he announced he was sending Marines.

At 12:08 he said no boots on the ground.

At 12:11 he said he did not want a ceasefire.

At 12:16 he declared victory again.

At 12:17 he asked for a ceasefire.

At 12:23 he told NATO they were cowards.

At 12:29 he said Iran was begging for a ceasefire.

At 12:31 he said everything was perfect.

At 12:36 he said $500 oil was a good thing.

At 12:37 he demanded Iran open Hormuz.

At 12:39 he said Hormuz was never closed.

At 12:41 he said the US was not at war with Iran.

At 12:42 he declared victory in Iran.

Don't ya just love it.........the most powerful nation in the world, being run by a nutjob. You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried! Although the US Administration and its nonsense would make a good few episodes of "The Muppets"!!

10 minutes ago, xylophone said:

You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried! Although the US Administration and its nonsense would make a good few episodes of "The Muppets"!!

Movie already in the works

2 hours ago, Hawaiian said:

No doubt prices are being manipulated for profit. But don't forget risks have to be factored in along with supply and demand. Right now the risks are running extremely high with a major disruption looming on the horizon if Trump get his way. Seizing, or any attempt to seize, Kharg Island will definitely do it.

All valid conclusions, and with a lot worse in store if the UAE and Saudis lose patience and intervene.

On 3/25/2026 at 2:01 PM, BLMFem said:

I'm with Jesse on this. Barron to the SOH, lessgo! Heck, send Uday and Qusay as well!

I've been advocating for a long time that any candidate for the presidency who have offspring of fighting age, that they sign a pledge to send their kids to the front line if they declare war on any nation, where boots are required on the ground.

It shows a sense of patriotism commitment and sacrifice. How much does this war really mean to you is it worth losing a son or a daughter over? How about two sons and a daughter? Send the entire Trump Clan over there, all four of them.

2 hours ago, johng said:

Movie already in the works

It the newly minted Three Stooges. Don, JD, and Mike.

2 hours ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

It's no surprise that Trump is confused about what the repercussions of his "excursion" might be when he even contradicts himself on what's going on, from one minute to the next.

Here's the timeline of various statements he made during a recent press conference.

At 12:03 PM, President Trump told reporters he wanted a ceasefire with Iran.

At 12:05 he declared victory.

At 12:07 he announced he was sending Marines.

At 12:08 he said no boots on the ground.

At 12:11 he said he did not want a ceasefire.

At 12:16 he declared victory again.

At 12:17 he asked for a ceasefire.

At 12:23 he told NATO they were cowards.

At 12:29 he said Iran was begging for a ceasefire.

At 12:31 he said everything was perfect.

At 12:36 he said $500 oil was a good thing.

At 12:37 he demanded Iran open Hormuz.

At 12:39 he said Hormuz was never closed.

At 12:41 he said the US was not at war with Iran.

At 12:42 he declared victory in Iran.

Trump likely doesn't have any problems that serious psychiatric medications wouldn't help with, in addition to 10,000 hours of therapy with a very talented shrink. There's no denying that the man is completely insane, totally unhinged, dim as a one watt bulb, and very unstable.

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Trump likely doesn't have any problems that serious psychiatric medications wouldn't help with, in addition to 10,000 hours of therapy with a very talented shrink. There's no denying that the man is completely insane, totally unhinged, dim as a one watt bulb, and very unstable.

And those are his good points

3 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

• Market: Freight, LPG

• 24/03/26

• US president Donald Trump's sudden shift from threats to talks with Iran has done little to revive tanker traffic through the strait of Hormuz.

Only two notable crossings were recorded in the past 24 hours, according to MarineTraffic data.The Gas Lucky, an LPG carrier, transited the channel between Qeshm and Larak islands at around 08:00 GMT on Tuesday. The Jasmin, a small tanker carrying fuel oil, sailed westbound into the Mideast Gulf on Monday evening.

Traffic through Hormuz remains 95pc below pre-war levels, shipbroker Clarksons said today, averaging four crossings a day over the past week compared with around 125 before the conflict began on 28 February.

https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2805185-trump-s-shift-in-tone-fails-to-revive-hormuz-traffic?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About 300 vessels would normally have passed through the Strait.

Shipping companies divert vessels around Cape of Good Hope after strikes on Iran

Shipping companies Maersk (MAERSKb.CO), opens new tab, Hapag-Lloyd (HLAG.DE), opens new tab and CMA CGM are rerouting vessels around Africa, away from the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided...to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being," Danish container shipping group Maersk said in a statement on Sunday.

The company last month announced a gradual return of some services to the Suez route, seen as a key step towards ending two years of global trade disruption caused by attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

https://archive.ph/vxkAf

That's because no talks are taking place, Trump is simply lying his way through another crisis, attempting to calm the markets and avoid a slaughter in the midterms.

3 hours ago, theshu25 said:

Typical of Trumps MO, always have a fall guy ,in this case could not have happened to a lower scumbag then hegseth.

I wonder what Petie will do once he gets fired? He could likely get a job as a pool cleaner or the manager of a grocery store. Maybe. But most of the members of the administration are likely doing illegal insider trading, so he'll probably be financially secure.

13 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

The weakness of AI is that it is easily manipulated and subject to misinformation when biased question is asked. There is no current helium shortage in the USA. Your misrepresentation of the. current situation ignores the significant changes that occurred in 2024 to date. Developments like the discovery of the massive natural helium belt in Babbitt, MN. AI can give any answer one wants. It all depends on being honest and asking a fair question. Anwsers like this;

• Long-Term Outlook: While periodic volatility exists, the US possesses significant domestic reserves, with roughly 80 to 100 years' worth of helium known to exist in Wyoming alone.

There was a helium shortage in 2025 accompanied by price hikes. Once again, Russia was implicated as it has cut back on supply forcing up the market price. The resource price was being manipulated. The USA and Canada have managed their supply to address their supply chain shortages and the issue was resolved after a few months. If ever there is a shortage, the USA can prohibit exports.

I find ChatGPT pushes back in pursuit of the truth whearas Gemini will go along with you into the rabbit hole if you nudge it along the way. But Gemini gives you the longest run of the free tier of any of them.

22 hours ago, Wingate said:

Let's give Trump the benefit of the doubt and assume his claimed negotiations are not only real, but they will end this conflict, pending Netanyahu's compliance.