The G Manifesto

When in Commodities, Do what China does

Buy The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market is Down by Peter Schiff

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If China is increasing protein in their diets and buying more soybeans, then maybe you should be long soybeans. If China is stockpiling copper to have an ample supply for building an infrastructure, then maybe you should be long copper. If rumors circulate that China is diversifying their reserves from US dollars by buying precious metals, then maybe precious metals should be in your portfolio. China has become a major energy user so there is a logical potential for energies to bid higher for years to come. The moral of the story here is to view what China does as to what the smart money is doing and maybe investors should follow their lead.

To find out exactly how we are positioning our clients in commodity futures and options,
Contact us today at 1-888-920-9997. Don’t forget to tell them The G Manifesto sent you.

Energies

July crude oil advanced $3.85 to trade at 6 month highs. Resistance is seen between 62.25 and 62.50 with support at 60.00 followed by 57.50. July heating oil gained 10.71 cents last week but has been unable to trade above 1.57 after multiple attempts. The last time prices were above those levels was mid-January. On a move thru 1.57 look for an additional 7-10 cents. Support is eyed between 1.50/1.51. Prices could retrace 10-15 cents with no long-term chart damage. The Memorial Day holiday marks the beginning of the summer driving season. July RBOB gained 13.27 cents last week to trade to its highest level in 09’. Resistance is at 1.8150/1.8300, support is seen at 1.75 followed by 1.70. On setbacks we’ll be entertaining 20 cent call spreads in August. OPEC will meet on May 28th and so far, the consensus seems to be that they will not change production levels.

Buy The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market is Down by Peter Schiff

Click Here for Pit Bull: Lessons from Wall Street’s Champion Day Trader

July natural gas fell 58 cents last week, down 14%. In the first 2 weeks of May prices advanced over $1 and now in the last 2 weeks prices have reversed and we are back to where prices were 4 weeks ago. Support is seen at the contract low at 3.40. Once a low is determined, start scaling into mini futures but until then we have an option play. Sell the $3 or $3.25 August puts while simultaneously buying the September $8 calls. As of Friday’s close, for virtually no debit one could sell 1 August $3.25 put and purchase 8 September $8 calls.

Financials

Stocks: Last week the Dow, S&P and NASDAQ all registered slight gains but we have not changed our view that a 10-15% correction is in the very near future. This week being a shortened trading week and light on volume may be an opportune time for the shorts to begin the move lower. The recent dollar drop signals that investors are willing to put risk back in their portfolio and being that prices have advanced 35% more or less, the Johnny came late investor, may have entered at an interim top. On a setback in the Dow we are looking for a move to 7750 then 7250 and for the S&P 830 then 765. A move above 8500 and 915 respectively would most likely mean that traders have bought themselves more time before we get the unavoidable correction.

Bonds: S&P lowered its outlook for the UK economy, saying that government debt may increase to 100% of GDP in the next few years and lose its AAA credit rating. US Treasury Secretary Geithner tried to ease investors’ concerns, saying that he is committed to bringing down the budget deficit over time so that the US’s high credit rating is preserved but based on market movement, not everyone is a believer. The trend remains down in treasuries as June 30-yr bonds were lower by 3’16.5 points to trade at their lowest level in 09’. Support is seen at 118’10 followed by 117’20, mild resistance comes in at 120’16 followed by more significant at 122’00. June 10-yr notes were lower by 2’08.5 points, also to new 09’ lows. Resistance is seen at 120’10 while support comes in at 118’00. After 12 consecutive positive days March 10’ Euro-dollars finally ran out of gas. Resistance is seen at the contract high at 99.095 while support is seen at the 20 day moving average at 98.81. We suggest your current short position to be 25-40% of the ultimate position you want to own. For every $10k you should be short 3 to 4 contracts; $750K-$1M in leverage.

Continue Reading about Grains

To view our full commentary which includes the sectors of energies, livestock, currencies, financials, grains, softs, and metals, subscribe to our 4 week free trial by visiting this link: http://mbwealth.com/subscribe.html.
_____________________________________________________________________________________Risk Disclosure: The risk of loss in trading commodity futures and options can be substantial. Before trading MB Wealth recommends that you should carefully consider your financial position to determine if commodity trading is appropriate for you. All funds committed should be purely risk capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future trading results. There are no guarantees of market outcome stated, everything stated above are our opinions. Calculations of profit and loss have not factored in commissions and fees.

Nicholas Alfonso Mason: Deeper Than Rap

Click Here for Del Mar Racetrack

Check out the rick ross album on youtube. Production is pretty nice throughout. Hooks are trashy autotune mostly though.

Rick Ross – Magnificent Ft. John Legend

cool special ed interpolation, flips same angela bofill as this prodigy:

prodigy of mobb deep – You Can Never Feel My Pain – H.N.I.C.

OG track the sample comes from:

Angela Bofill-“Gotta Make It Up To You”

I kind of feel bad Rick Ross got exposed so hard because it sounds like he’s trying to make good music. Oh well, he won’t have the $$ for this kind of production ever again.

The more i think about it, this is like song of the year so far (in the weakest hip-hop year ever).

– Nicholas Alfonso Mason AKA The Jaguar

Agreed. The video Rick Ross feat. John Legend – Magnificent is pretty dope with the Gulfstream footage.

Looking forward to The Del Mar Racetrack.

Click Here for Surf and Turf: The Race Track
Click Here for The Del Mar Racetrack Part II
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Click Here for The Del Mar Race Track: Dope Style, Wack Style
Click Here for Opening Day Del Mar Race Track Pictures

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The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA GFK, Jr.
AKA The Sly, Slick and the Wicked
AKA The Voodoo Child
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Guest Manifesto: Your World Don’t Stop

By: Your Favorite Writer’s Favorite Writer

“Pistol Whip a Priest for his cross piece”

Click Here for Guest Manifesto: I’m from the Place where Hardcore is Beautiful

At any given Cipriani benefit ball, midtown, soho, downtown, I perform like Michael, MPM, Tyson, Jordan, or Jackson. Suited down, pocket squared, no mobb boss but I’ve been performing hits since I stepped on the scene. Long Vol, Short Vol, you can try to understand the Greeks but I bet you are still beta. They say Kanye ‘you keeps it too real boy’.

Like stone crab claws at Lure Fish Bar on Prince Street. I’m dishing at chicks like the point guard on your favorite team. Late night at White Star on Essex on the DL. Like new cash bond issuance in the credit markets, high grade priced 8 Bill, it was all good just a week ago. High Yields on the rise, the bifurcation was so February. I’m trading single B’s off the break like E tabs at a rave. If you’re long credit, watch the DIP or you’ll get crammed down harder than secured lenders in Chrysler by Uncle Sam. Pimp Cadillac population excluded.

Buy The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market is Down by Peter Schiff

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I’ve respected the game since my first dice roll Timberland booted down. Summertime is around the corner. Gucci loafers, no socks, Eric Ripert dinners. Girls at Da Silvano. Bisteca next door. I’m fam at the Waverly. For the futures market non fluent, trade the VXX as hedge. Thank me later. Euro dollar futures. Spooz futures. Treasury futures. Curves steep now. Its cross asset class but same school.

Stocks at 1, you can’t short it that much more. I see your 100 shares front running me. Monaco. Marbella. Mauritius. Go long the Kiwi and AUD when inflation hits and it will. The funeral of CDO. RIP Equity tranche 2006. Synthetic CDO was an infant death. The rebirth of cash. The ailing of CDS. Non-Financial Hybrids pricing in 21% at call but then again capital structure arb wasn’t you. I forgive your weak ass, hustling just ain’t you. I’m still seen at Masa.

Az – Your World Don’t Stop

Notorious: The Rise of American Gangster Chic

Guest Manifesto by Alpha Dominance

Post Soundtrack: Wolves at the Door ~ Outlaw Bones

Audio Source: Wolves at the Door ~ Main Street Is Empty

You have to admit: American’s love their gangsters. Robin Hood, Billy the Kid, Bonnie & Clyde, Al Capone, “Lucky” Luciano, Snoop Dog and La Cosa Nostra all speak to some part of the American Ethos. We love the celebrity Outlaws and Gangster stories and follow their exploits with rapt attention. We emulate them with Gangster Chic. We celebrate this archetype in movies like The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, American Gangster and Natural Born Killers. Yet these individuals are criminals, murderers and all around not so admirable individuals, so why is this?

I believe it is an outgrowth of the rugged individualist ethic combined with our penchant for celebrity worship and the populist American Dream of the little guy making it big. Think about it for a moment. The Outlaw/Gangster is his own man. He bows to no authority and does for himself. His exploits make for great media copy and he become infamous thereby. He’s the natural bootstrapper, rising from ignominious origins to attain wealth and respect, albeit often by way of the gun. He’s unapologetic seeking the approval of no-one, yet he gets it in spades and when he goes out, he goes out big in a blaze of glory. He has a taste for the finer things in life and he’s going to get them by hook or by crook. He is the everyman with a dream writ large. He is the American Bad-Boy seasoned with the Hickory smoke of danger. We men all want to be him and the gals all want to do him. This den of thieves, of players and pimps, of hustlers and outlaws each personifies the darker side of American Alphas, and like the battered wife, we keep coming back for more.

This article describes three American archetypes, the Star, the Born-Again Sinner and the Gangster. I think it makes a good case:

Most interesting of all, however, is to speculate about what a contemporary version of Rourke’s book might include. If a Rourke of 2031 were to use popular culture to identify our most common archetypes, what would she find? First of all, I think, would be the Star, a type unknown in 1830 but absolutely central today. The Star is our secular, consumerist version of the Greek god: The pinnacle of aspiration and the focus of fantasy, he or she gets to enjoy what the rest of us only dream about. The Star—whether he is an actor or singer or sports figure—is not simply admired for what he is done; he is worshipped for who he is, gratuitously. The intensity of our worship and need also gives rise to the subcategory of the Fallen Star, from Marilyn Monroe to Kurt Cobain. The Fallen Star allows us to mix pity with our envy, reassuring us that, while we may dream of becoming one, the Star is best seen from a distance.

If the Star is the American triumphant, the Born-Again Sinner is the American repentant. The Sinner can be born again in the literal, Christian sense—this has been a common American experience ever since the 1820s, though Rourke only touches on religion in American Humor. But the posture of repentance, with the corresponding expectation of forgiveness, has transcended its evangelical origin, and today it shows up just about every time an American does something wrong. Bill Clinton’s lip-quivering apology for the Monica Lewinsky affair is the most famous recent example. On the other hand, Martha Stewart was widely blamed, after her conviction, for not giving a better performance as the Sinner—for failing to break down and ask forgiveness, as the archetype demands. Whether such contrition is genuine hardly matters; the archetype is so powerful that simply to act like a Born-Again Sinner is almost a guarantee of absolution.

Finally, there is the latest incarnation of an ancient American trope: the Gangster, whose ancestors are the backwoodsman, the cowboy, and the pirate. What defines him is not just his criminality or his violence, but the way he puts these things at the service of his own defiant moral code. The Gangster exalts personal loyalty and masculine power, in opposition to what he sees as an inhumane and hypocritical mainstream culture. Americans like to see the Gangster punished, in the end. But we want him to be killed, not imprisoned—his ending should be as outsized as his life. The Star, the Born-Again Sinner, and the Gangster account for a great deal of today’s American culture. But they are notably less comic than the archetypes Rourke found in our national psyche; after 200 years, perhaps America’s youthful high spirits have turned into something darker and more resigned.

The author also recognizes that the Outlaw/Gangster exudes masculinity. Power, danger, wealth, intrigue, loyalty, competence, intelligence, charisma and individually-determined morality: these are the traits that make men great. Interestingly these masculine traits naturally occured in Sicilian immigrants due to their unique history:

Just as the founders of our nation united to throw off the oppression of a parent government, the original Mafia was formed in medieval Italy and Sicily by peasant groups, “families” whose efforts were aimed at subverting the despotic and repressive rule of the Bourbon regime’s overlords, corrupt politicians, and land barons. Their code of ‘Omerta’ signified “manliness,” which included non-cooperation with authorities, self control in the face of adversity, and the vendetta in which any offense or slight to family must be avenged, no matter what the consequences or how long (it might take to avenge the victim)”

Frank Richard Prassel details the American penchant for the Outlaw in his book “The Great American Outlaw” as follows:

Deep within American folklore rides a mysterious and significant figure. He comes to us through mists of fact and fiction, an incarnate mixture of right and wrong. On the one hand, this ever-changing image represents crime, violence, and fear. On the other, it represents fearlessness, independence, and dedication. The figure poses a number of contradictions, including the true meanings of justice and freedom. Surrounded by legend, the outlaw endures as an enigma in our heritage

Click Here for The Great American Outlaw: A Legacy of Fact and Fiction

Like a moth to a flame we both love and hate the power and independence that defines a man’s man. As men in America have lost much of their former independence and so many have succumbed to the civilizing influence of PC culture, his Outlaw nature has been subsumed by a material culture where the affectation of hardness and steely resolve has supplanted action in at least suburban America. The decline of man has left a void in young men everywhere and given rise to the widespread acceptance of street culture and music, safely filtered through the corporate apparatus: the rise of the pretender. Lacking any expression of their own masculinity, legion angst ridden youth have co-opted street culture with the aid of their corporate handlers, mindlessly aping what they see on MTV. An industry rose up to satisfy this new need with expensive sneakers and jerseys becoming the haberdashery of choice and Gangster Chic was born.

This attire however is based on the corporate logo-splashed bastardized version of the Original Gangster Chic. Look back to the real deal and you come to a startling realization. These men were men of refined tastes. No teenager gear for them, they indulged in the finest suits and Italian shoes as befits an adult man of means. So strong is this association that Pinstripe suits have been forever branded Gangster Pinstripes. These men knew that intimidation lies not in outrageous appearance, but ability and will. Their appearance was impeccable, and their substance enforced their will. They had no need for pretense and putting on costumes. They took themselves seriously and conveyed this in their dress. Nowhere in their ensemble could a logo be seen. Modern Gangsters, when they mature, also frequently assume more upscale attire, with Air Force Ones replaced by Gators. Pimp culture has always recognized the value of a sharp appearance. They are forged in the mean streets and have no need to pretend at being bad-asses. The confidence rolls off of them in waves and like the heat shimmer on hot pavement; it is almost visible.

Being sharply dressed and well-groomed will take your game to an entirely new level as the indubitable G-Manifesto has maintained here. Building the internal confidence to handle your business no matter what will make you into more than a stuffed suit. Remember the traits that make the Outlaw and the Gangster unforgettable: Power, danger, wealth, intrigue, loyalty, competence, intelligence, charisma and individually-determined morality. Cultivate these in your life and integrate them into your being. They will serve you well. Become genuinely Gangster Chic.

Alpha Dominance ~ The Outlaw’s Son

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Bulls, Bears, Pigs and Sheep

For May18th– May 22nd 2009
By: Matthew Bradbard

Buy The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market is Down by Peter Schiff

Click Here for Pit Bull: Lessons from Wall Street’s Champion Day Trader

You don’t need to go to the zoo to see animals, rather look at the common investor and how they maneuver within their portfolio. I’m not talking about giraffes and elephants but rather bulls, bears, pigs and sheep. Bulls make money in a bull market, bears make money in a bear market, pigs are greedy and will lose money in the long run, while sheep are led to the slaughter as they fail to do their own research and just follow the masses. It is crucial to one’s investment success to be able to maneuver and recognize changes in trends, to be disciplined, to eliminate fear and greed and to think outside the box. The current market dynamic is challenging and will remain this way for quarters and perhaps years. We suggest investors seek the help of professionals and if they truly are animal lovers watch the discovery channel, go to the zoo or get a pet, but do not invest like an animal.

To find out exactly how we are positioning our clients in commodity futures and options,
Contact us today at 1-888-920-9997. Don’t forget to tell them The G Manifesto sent you.

Energies

DOE reported crude oil supplies were down for the first time since February, but before energy bulls get excited, the rationale is less supply rather than more demand. July crude oil closed down 2.74 closing lower on the week after 3 positive weeks. We expect prices to move lower from over bought levels. Resistance is seen between $58.50 and $59 with support first at $56.30 followed by the 20 day moving average at $54.95. July heating oil lost 11.74 cents last week closing just above the 20 day moving average. Resistance comes in at 1.52 with support at 1.36, on a breach of that level prices should retrace to levels from 3 weeks ago near 1.31. July RBOB gave up 3.30 cents but did remain within a 10 cent trading range. Resistance is seen at 1.71 with support at 1.63 followed by 1.56. If crude is down $4-6 look for a trade to $1.40/1.45.

DOE reported underground supplies of natural gas were up 95 billion cubic feet last week to 2.013 trillion cubic feet. Supplies are now up 33% from a year ago. July natural gas ended down 22 cents after reaching a 6 week high. After the impressive $1.30 advance we would expect some back and fill action. We will be exploring mini futures and selling puts and buying calls for clients. Resistance is seen at $4.50 with support at $4.05 followed by $3.85. On July an ideal entry would be between 3.70 and 3.85.

Livestock

The USDA estimated the week’s beef production at 516.0 million pounds, down 5.7% from a year ago. The USDA expects beef production to be down slightly in 09’ and down 2% in 10’. Their average price estimate for choice steers is 86.5 cents per pound in 09’ and 90.5 cents per pound in 10’. June live cattle were lower by .325 last week. Support at .8100 with resistance at .8400. We would be a buyer/seller on a move out of that range. August feeder cattle were up 100 last week. Resistance at 102.25, support at 100.50.

Pork production was estimated at 424.4 million pounds, up 2.5% from a year ago. The USDA estimated that pork production will be down 3% in 09’ and down 0.5% in 10’. Their average price estimate for barrows and gilts is 45.5 cents/lb. (61.5 cents lean) in 09’ and 50 cents/lb. (67.5 cents lean) in 10’. June hogs closed down 1.775 last week. Support comes in between 65.25 and 65.75 while resistance is at 68.90. We’re still looking for 71+ and own 72 calls for clients; put limits to exit at 170 points, paid 90 points.

Financials

Stocks: The Dow suffered its second loss in 10 weeks to lose just over 300 points or 3.6% to 8269. The S&P had its worst week since early March giving up nearly 50 points or 5% to 883. The NASDAQ snapped a 9 week winning streak to lose 59 points or 3.4% to 1680. The media reports “green shoots”, I report “brown sh-ts” in terms of what is to come. We have cautioned investors about becoming too enamored with the most recent 35%+ rally and feel it has now run its course with more down to come. As consumers continue to spend less, as seen with last weeks’ retail sales and credit card defaults, increased fear will return to the marketplace. When a governor throws out the idea to sell off icons too raise money, you know things are rough. 900 should serve as resistance on the S&P and 8400 in the Dow, support at the 20 day moving average at 880 and 8200 respectively. On a breach of those levels 830 and 7800 would be our objectives.

Continue Reading about Bonds, Currencies and Grains

To view our full commentary which includes the sectors of energies, livestock, currencies, financials, grains, softs, and metals, subscribe to our 4 week free trial by visiting this link: http://mbwealth.com/subscribe.html.
_____________________________________________________________________________________Risk Disclosure: The risk of loss in trading commodity futures and options can be substantial. Before trading MB Wealth recommends that you should carefully consider your financial position to determine if commodity trading is appropriate for you. All funds committed should be purely risk capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future trading results. There are no guarantees of market outcome stated, everything stated above are our opinions. Calculations of profit and loss have not factored in commissions and fees.

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