Cataclastic sangfroid
@catasangfroid.bsky.social
Buckled up for interesting times, imperfectly chronicling just a smidgeon of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Pinned
Richard Mottram - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Mottram's quote succinctly sums up the prospects for 2026 -
"We're all fucked. I'm fucked. You're fucked.... We're all completely fucked."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard....
"We're all fucked. I'm fucked. You're fucked.... We're all completely fucked."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard....
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
"We are four years into a war that was announced by Russia to be won in three days. They have been five hundred times mistaken."
Oana Țoiu Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Watch the event➡️ https://bit.ly/4qtpMvL
Oana Țoiu Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Watch the event➡️ https://bit.ly/4qtpMvL
February 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM
"We are four years into a war that was announced by Russia to be won in three days. They have been five hundred times mistaken."
Oana Țoiu Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Watch the event➡️ https://bit.ly/4qtpMvL
Oana Țoiu Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Watch the event➡️ https://bit.ly/4qtpMvL
The "going it alone" survival gambit playing out and warning of job losses in the brave new AI world.
Mustafa Suleyman plots AI ‘self-sufficiency’ as Microsoft loosens OpenAI ties ft.trib.al/UbXBpIB
Mustafa Suleyman plots AI ‘self-sufficiency’ as Microsoft loosens OpenAI ties
Big Tech group’s AI chief predicts white-collar work could be automated within 18 months
ft.trib.al
February 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM
The "going it alone" survival gambit playing out and warning of job losses in the brave new AI world.
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
Microsoft, Google, Meta and Amazon paying influencers $400k-$600k to post months of AI hype content. Absolutely busted, failed industry, embarrassing era
www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/g...
www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/g...
Google and Microsoft offer lucrative deals to promote AI, but even $500,000 won't sway some creators
Tech companies including Google and Microsoft are paying influencers hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote AI products.
www.cnbc.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Microsoft, Google, Meta and Amazon paying influencers $400k-$600k to post months of AI hype content. Absolutely busted, failed industry, embarrassing era
www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/g...
www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/g...
AI apocalypse update - $1 trillion wiped from shares
🔊 Shares in software giants sank amid fears of competition from chatbots, implying pain for private equity’s bet on the industry. In this Viewsroom podcast, @Breakingviews columnists discuss how asset managers may take a hit whether AI fails or succeeds reut.rs/4cpCacP
IT bloodbath is double whammy for buyout barons: podcast
Shares in software giants like Salesforce sank amid fears of competition from chatbots, implying pain for private equity’s bet on the industry. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists disc...
reut.rs
February 12, 2026 at 6:03 AM
AI apocalypse update - $1 trillion wiped from shares
Heartening to see the Swiss military ditch Palantir.
"Switzerland’s military has terminated its contract with Palantir… following a security audit… concluded that U.S. intelligence agencies could potentially access sensitive Swiss defense data… significant reputational warning for the data analytics firm"
www.newscase.com/palantirs-sw...
#R4Today
www.newscase.com/palantirs-sw...
#R4Today
Palantir's Swiss Exit Highlights Global Data Sovereignty Challenge | NewsCase
Switzerland's military has terminated its contract with Palantir Technologies Inc. following a security audit. The review concluded that U.S. intelligence ag
www.newscase.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Heartening to see the Swiss military ditch Palantir.
An interesting paper on the malign actors & useful idiots associated with opaquely funded right-wing lobbying orgs - "Despite maintaining an appearance of legitimacy, toxic experts exploit public trust by disseminating unsubstantiated, misleading, or harmful claims for personal and commercial gain."
February 11, 2026 at 11:20 AM
An interesting paper on the malign actors & useful idiots associated with opaquely funded right-wing lobbying orgs - "Despite maintaining an appearance of legitimacy, toxic experts exploit public trust by disseminating unsubstantiated, misleading, or harmful claims for personal and commercial gain."
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
🔴 Global corruption is worsening.
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 global average is at its worst in more than a decade, threatening trust and democratic stability.
Full results here ⬇️ www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 global average is at its worst in more than a decade, threatening trust and democratic stability.
Full results here ⬇️ www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
Corruption Perceptions Index 2025
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 ranks 182 countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Find out the scores and read our analysis.
www.transparency.org
February 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🔴 Global corruption is worsening.
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 global average is at its worst in more than a decade, threatening trust and democratic stability.
Full results here ⬇️ www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 global average is at its worst in more than a decade, threatening trust and democratic stability.
Full results here ⬇️ www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
SAD!
Trump-promised crypto boom, investor bust. #econsky
"Crypto is a lot like MAGA. There's a lot of grift, and then there's a lot of bag holders."
President Trump promised a crypto boom. But for most investors, it's turning out to be a bust. Dan Nathan and @brookeamasters.ft.com join @stephruhle.bsky.social to dig into the latest on the #11thHour.
President Trump promised a crypto boom. But for most investors, it's turning out to be a bust. Dan Nathan and @brookeamasters.ft.com join @stephruhle.bsky.social to dig into the latest on the #11thHour.
February 10, 2026 at 6:13 AM
SAD!
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
Grazalema, Spain, received over 2,000 mm (78 inches) of rain in just the last 20 days.
Over a year’s worth of rain — and it’s only early February. This is hydrologically absurd.
Over a year’s worth of rain — and it’s only early February. This is hydrologically absurd.
February 9, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Grazalema, Spain, received over 2,000 mm (78 inches) of rain in just the last 20 days.
Over a year’s worth of rain — and it’s only early February. This is hydrologically absurd.
Over a year’s worth of rain — and it’s only early February. This is hydrologically absurd.
The machinations of a new global trading order.
From the WSJ article, “Squeezed by U.S. and China, the World’s Middle Powers Are Teaming Up: Nations are increasingly seeking to bypass the bigger players on trade, supply chains and security.”
My take: History suggests that Middle Powers may find it easy to agree...
1 of 3
My take: History suggests that Middle Powers may find it easy to agree...
1 of 3
February 9, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The machinations of a new global trading order.
Another dead Canary in the metaphorical US economic coal mine.
BREAKING 🚨: Commercial Real Estate
Office CMBS Delinquency Rate hits 11.7%, the highest level in history 👀
Office CMBS Delinquency Rate hits 11.7%, the highest level in history 👀
February 8, 2026 at 4:39 AM
Another dead Canary in the metaphorical US economic coal mine.
Thoughts & prayers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGo...
Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman Calls Bitcoin 'Total Bust'
YouTube video by Bloomberg Podcasts
www.youtube.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Thoughts & prayers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGo...
Oh
This is an immensely significant document that continues to get virtually no attention in US media—but lots abroad. In Jul 2015, Epstein arranged a meeting between a known highest-level Russian intel operative, Sergey Belyakov and Peter Thiel,
February 6, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Oh
👀
This is MAGA ideological imperialism.
It's disguised as a "free speech" crusade. In reality, the Trump admin seeks to coerce Europe into deregulating digital environments to enable unimpeded extremist content that radicalises voters into supporting far-right populists.
www.ft.com/content/f869...
It's disguised as a "free speech" crusade. In reality, the Trump admin seeks to coerce Europe into deregulating digital environments to enable unimpeded extremist content that radicalises voters into supporting far-right populists.
www.ft.com/content/f869...
US government to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities in Europe
State department grants to spread ‘American values’ are part of Washington’s 250th anniversary celebrations
www.ft.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:45 PM
👀
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
A little bear figurine carved out of amber some 6,000 years ago 🐻❤️
A hole runs through the bear’s torso suggesting it was threaded on a cord, perhaps worn or carried as a protective charm.
Found in a peat bog near Słupsk, Poland, in 1887.
📷 National Museum in Szczecin
#FindsFriday
#Archaeology
A hole runs through the bear’s torso suggesting it was threaded on a cord, perhaps worn or carried as a protective charm.
Found in a peat bog near Słupsk, Poland, in 1887.
📷 National Museum in Szczecin
#FindsFriday
#Archaeology
February 6, 2026 at 8:04 AM
A little bear figurine carved out of amber some 6,000 years ago 🐻❤️
A hole runs through the bear’s torso suggesting it was threaded on a cord, perhaps worn or carried as a protective charm.
Found in a peat bog near Słupsk, Poland, in 1887.
📷 National Museum in Szczecin
#FindsFriday
#Archaeology
A hole runs through the bear’s torso suggesting it was threaded on a cord, perhaps worn or carried as a protective charm.
Found in a peat bog near Słupsk, Poland, in 1887.
📷 National Museum in Szczecin
#FindsFriday
#Archaeology
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
GOLDMAN DESK: “.. this is a simple basket of US software stocks. .. the cycle highs were as recent as September; in the time since, around $2tr of market cap has been erased.”
February 5, 2026 at 1:20 PM
GOLDMAN DESK: “.. this is a simple basket of US software stocks. .. the cycle highs were as recent as September; in the time since, around $2tr of market cap has been erased.”
👀
"According to CoinGecko, which tracks the performance of thousands of cryptocurrencies, the market has lost over $1 trillion in value in the last month alone and $2 trillion in value since the market peaked in October."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"According to CoinGecko, which tracks the performance of thousands of cryptocurrencies, the market has lost over $1 trillion in value in the last month alone and $2 trillion in value since the market peaked in October."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bitcoin price hits lowest level since Trump took office
The price of the digital currency has dropped significantly despite President Donald Trump’s public support.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 7:59 AM
👀
"According to CoinGecko, which tracks the performance of thousands of cryptocurrencies, the market has lost over $1 trillion in value in the last month alone and $2 trillion in value since the market peaked in October."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"According to CoinGecko, which tracks the performance of thousands of cryptocurrencies, the market has lost over $1 trillion in value in the last month alone and $2 trillion in value since the market peaked in October."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Ugly times for HODLers and absolute scenes in the cryptocurrency derivatives market.
February 6, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Ugly times for HODLers and absolute scenes in the cryptocurrency derivatives market.
SAD!
“.. Our BTC price target is 0.0. That’s not just for shock factor. It’s where the math takes us,” the strategist said, noting that Bitcoin has failed to function as a dollar hedge and instead operates as “a speculative instrument correlated to the Nasdaq.”
#Bitcoin
seekingalpha.com/news/4547997...
#Bitcoin
seekingalpha.com/news/4547997...
February 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM
SAD!
'micro-hysteria' might be a euphemism for eye-watering wipe out of market capital valuation.
Arm CEO says AI software sell-off a ‘micro-hysteria’ ft.trib.al/ex9fyp3
Arm CEO says AI software sell-off a ‘micro-hysteria’
SoftBank-owned chip group forecasts strong growth in data centre business but shares slide amid wider tech stock rout
ft.trib.al
February 4, 2026 at 9:52 PM
'micro-hysteria' might be a euphemism for eye-watering wipe out of market capital valuation.
A Golden Age of boycotting US brands.
www.ft.com/content/3276...
www.ft.com/content/3276...
American brands have lost their cool
As boycotts spread, the US is discovering the price of being politically unpopular
www.ft.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:09 PM
A Golden Age of boycotting US brands.
www.ft.com/content/3276...
www.ft.com/content/3276...
The BBC are blissfully unaware of market manipulation by major finance institutions with convictions for market manipulation.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Warning for sellers amid rollercoaster gold and silver prices
Experts say there are things to consider before selling off your gold or silver.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 6:05 PM
The BBC are blissfully unaware of market manipulation by major finance institutions with convictions for market manipulation.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Cataclastic sangfroid
Its #RomanSiteSaturday & how about a short thread on Viroconium Cornoviorum, at its height likely the 4th largest settlement in Roman Britain
Nowadays, this is Wroxeter
🧵👇
Nowadays, this is Wroxeter
🧵👇
January 31, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Its #RomanSiteSaturday & how about a short thread on Viroconium Cornoviorum, at its height likely the 4th largest settlement in Roman Britain
Nowadays, this is Wroxeter
🧵👇
Nowadays, this is Wroxeter
🧵👇
Oh dear
Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI has stalled, WSJ reports reut.rs/4bpeMvC
Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI has stalled, WSJ reports
Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI to help it train and run its latest artificial-intelligence models has stalled after some inside the chip giant expressed doubts about the deal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
reut.rs
January 31, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Oh dear