The fifth in the incentivized animal series where we examine the dark side of incentives. How greed, corruption and ignorance can all distort the markets and lead to very poor outcomes. Full of cautionary tales of how manipulated incentives can bring individuals, groups, companies and countries down.

FRB takes a cue from Great Big Sea and their anthem celebrating the End of the World as we know it. The lists of infected and life disruption is coming fast and furious as the mathematical reality of exponential growth takes over. The NBA season is suspended. Cruise ships are off-limits. Italy is under quarantine. Tom Hanks! Tom Hanks has Covid-19. What is going on! Don't panic. Be thoughtful. Be deliberate. Move with a sense of urgency.

Through personal incentives, capitalism is able to create efficiencies that were previously considered impossible. Capitalism, a system based on self-interest, counter-intuitively has lifted more people out of abject poverty than any charity or aid program.

The United Nations, Financial Markets including the big trading houses, as well as the Financial advising media are all calling for the end of Hydrocarbon investment. This looks to be a pied-piper of false-virture as our society is not as ready for a transition to the alternative fuels. Moreover, the lack of investment in hydrocarbon may cause a dramatic and long-term decline in production and in-turn a massive increase in energy costs overturning the entire debate.

A discussion of the concept that everybody and EVERYONE wants to rule the world. To have an honest look at yourself and how in your secret heart you want to rule over others. However, that path is one of empty success.

In Part 3 we discuss the power and 'truth' of the markets. From the public spaces set aside for exchange of goods and services, to the creation of corporations to pool resources and deal with risk, to the hyper markets of today allowing for efficiencies and ability to predict future developments the markets are among the most powerful of human creations.

We examine what is the "human animal"? What are those aspects of our humanity that drive us and compel us beyond and at times override our reason?

This is the first part in a 5 part series examining the fundamentals of what underpins our economy and our society- Incentives!

A review of Ronald Reagan's innaugural address in 1981 where the new president stakes out his position on reigning in deficit spending. Is this still applicable today? With low cost of money financial discipline is no longer in vogue.

The first episode of Free Range Buffalo and the first episode of the "Standing on Shoulder of Giants" series.

The Standing on the Shoulder of Giants takes a look at the giants who best articulated and defended western values and ideals.

Winston Churchill, the Lion of Great Britain, girds his nation and the English speaking world for against the storm of totalitarianism.