Never Rat on Your Friends...

...and always keep your mouth shut. BlackRock should make Good Fellas required viewing [The Rude Awakening] June 21, 2023 [WEBSITE]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Never Rat on Your Friends… - Serge Varlay of BlackRock should’ve watched Good Fellas. - He’d have known not to speak of the things he did. - Now, his career is over, and BlackRock is in the spotlight. [Beginning of the largest stock run in history?]( A tiny stock is trading for around $1 and could potentially double overnight... ...and hand early investors a shot at one of the fastest gains of their lives. A run so massive it could turn every $10,000 invested into a shot at over $1,000,000 in the coming decades. If you do one thing today, take five minutes to see [this.]( Because with news of this story already starting to break… And shares of [this company]( have already up 20% in just the last 5 days… Come tomorrow, you’ll be very happy you did. [Click Here To Learn More]( [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Dear Reader, Happy Hump Day from a gloriously sunny Northern Italy! There are some things I see on Twitter I can scarcely believe. Like when a BlackRock recruiter brags about being someone who “decides people’s fates.” And, sure, to a certain extent, recruiters do. They’re the ones who get out and find good people to work for their firms. But to act like a recruiter controls every part of the hiring process is overegging the pudding. However, our newest best bud, Serge, has created such a social media shitstorm for BlackRock, I’m not quite sure how they’ll get out of it. To be clear, I’ve worked in Talent Development for a large investment bank. Adjacent to our desks was the recruiting team. And honestly, they were the nicest bunch of people I worked with. That’s why I laughed so hard when this nincompoop from BlackRock got caught. I couldn’t imagine my former recruiting colleagues bragging about controlling people’s fates or some such nonsense. They just wanted to get good people in the door (which isn’t easy for Swiss banks bleeding deposits). But this Serge guy believes he works for Emperor Palpatine. And maybe he does. Let me time you the story of an egomaniacal recruiter from the world’s largest asset manager. But first, we go back in time… Villanova, Mid-1990s When I was at Nova in the 90s, my buddies and I watched three movies over and over again. They were Animal House, Tombstone, and Good Fellas. At least once a week, we watched one of these three films. We never seemed to tire of them. To this day, I can quote chapter and verse from each of these films. Of course, the most critical lesson from Good Fellas is to “never rat on your friends, and always keep your mouth shut.” Being an Italian-American from Joisey, that made immediate sense to me. I don’t know why so many of this generation spill their guts anywhere they can. In public. On social media. In their blogs. Did they never watch Good Fellas? Didn’t anyone lavish them with affection and attention? Why do they whine (or boast) so publicly? James O’Keefe and Project Veritas According to the organization's mission statement, James O'Keefe founded Project Veritas in 2010 to investigate and expose corruption, dishonesty, self-dealing, waste, fraud, and other misconduct in public and private institutions. O'Keefe is a conservative political activist who first rose to prominence with undercover videos showing unethical behavior by organizations such as ACORN, Planned Parenthood, and NPR. His founding of Project Veritas was driven by a belief in the necessity for citizen-led investigative journalism to hold institutions accountable. He and his team used undercover tactics to reveal "hard truths" about corruption and misconduct, making their investigations public through videos and reports. Of course, as with all non-profits, the Board didn’t like that the head honcho was getting all the credit, so they forced him out. At the time, [Daily Reckoning colleague Jeff Tucker wrote for The Epoch Times]( Without knowing any of the details in the complaint against him, this episode has all the earmarks of a terrible institutional problem in nonprofits that we’ve seen many times before. All it takes is a remarkable public relations success and a big infusion of funds, plus a weak, jealous, and confused board using disgruntled employees as shields for their misdeeds. The board develops a backward-looking focus, taking apart whatever the success was. Why did management take such huge risks with money and reputation? Why didn’t the head of the organization consult with the board before going ahead? Why didn’t the head follow industry-established best practices? How come the organization’s president didn’t do something different that would supposedly better establish long-term success? Above all, why is this guy getting all the attention and the rest of us none? Other jealous insiders within the company start consulting with the board and the plot is hatched. All it takes is a fake investigation, some claim that the guy at the top is making everyone work too hard and that this creates a burned-out staff or really any other kind of malarkey you can dream up. You can fill in the blanks with fake complaints and there are always and everywhere there. The scheme usually involves fake claims of financial improprieties, such as drawing attention to office-party expenses or chartered flights—anything to make management look like bums and robbers who need to be monitored and controlled by committees hand-picked by the board. Once the decision is made to oust the guy, he really has no chance. All that remains is the need to find a pretext. Next thing you know, the unthinkable happens: The hardest working, most innovative, and most effective person at the top is out. The board gets to keep the money. The disgruntled employees get their pound of flesh. Everyone who stabbed the guy in the back gets a raise. Project Veritas looks like a spent force. But luckily for us, O’Keefe recovered and formed the O’Keefe Media Group (OMG - really…). And he’s just taken his biggest scalp yet. [Over 62 And Collect Social Security? Take Action Immediately!]( [Click here to learn more]( [If you’re over the age of 62 and currently collect Social Security, you need to prepare now](. Because Biden has given our country the worst inflation in decades – and many warn things will only get worse from here. Worse yet, the Social Security check you receive now may not keep pace with inflation… [Which is why, if you don’t act now, you could fall behind in the months ahead](. Is your retirement at immediate risk? [Click here now to get the simple, step-by-step actions to survive inflation](. [Click Here To Learn More]( Sir Serge of the BlackRock Now to the main bit. Serge Varlay is (or was?) a recruiter for BlackRock. Obviously, Serge was trying to impress his date when he spewed some of these choice quotes (from [OMG]( You can take this big f*** ton of money and buy people, I work for a company called BlackRock…It’s not who is the president it’s who is controlling the wallet of the president. You could buy your candidates. First, there is the senators these guys are fuckin cheap. Got 10 grand you can buy a senator I’ll give you 500k right now It doesn’t matter who wins they’re in my pocket. Ukraine is good for business, you know that right? Russia blows up Ukraine’s grain silos and the price of wheat is going to go mad up. The Ukrainian economy is the wheat market. The price of bread goes up, this is fantastic if you’re trading. Volatility creates opportunity for profit. And this doozy from the article: Despite the fact that Varlay literally asked the OMG journalist if she was “undercover” based on the nature of her questioning, Varlay didn’t know he was being recorded when he was sharing his thoughts. He was skeptical of the reporter’s questioning because “normal people don’t give a s***” about these harsh realities. “It’s beyond them,” says Varlay. [Twitter]( and [Zero Hedge]( are having a field day with this. Listen, I get it. You’re at lunch with a hottie and want to impress her. You think, if she knows you “control people’s fates,” you can get in her drawers. But I think a bit of mystery would’ve worked out better here. “I work for BlackRock. It’s incredibly important to our financial system, and my discretion is paramount. Shall we order another bottle of rosé?” Since she works for OMG, he had no chance to begin with. So there’s no harm in keeping one’s mouth shut, but enormous damage in opening it. And he even had an inkling she was an undercover reporter! He should’ve trusted his instincts. Now he’ll indeed be fired, and Larry Fink will have a shitstorm on his hands… for a few days, at least. Wrap Up Gentlemen, if you keep your mouths shut, you’ll never have to worry about this kind of idiocy. Discretion is one of the great virtues, especially regarding your business. Not only are great things done in secret, but your colleagues will trust you, and you’ll never have to worry about your mug getting splashed across the Twitterverse. French fabulist Jean de la Fontaine once said, “Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.” Have a great day! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( In Case You Missed It… I Would Ride 1,000 Miles [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Dear Reader, Good morning on this cloudy Tuesday in Northern Italy. First, last week I forgot to wish all the Dads out there a Happy Father’s Day. That’s because Italy celebrates Father’s Day in March, and I just didn’t have my eye on the US calendar. So a big, heartfelt, and belated “Happy Father’s Day!” to all of you who perform the most important job a man can do. Second, let’s take a break from all the doom and gloom to celebrate some of the most fabulous curves on earth: those of a well-crafted automobile. I’m not a petrolhead, as they call motor racing fanatics in England. Sure, I’ll check out what’s going on in Formula One from time to time. But I don’t support any one team. However, when gorgeous car after gorgeous car comes through your town, things change. Heck, even things changed for my wife… Now Pam wants a Ferrari, herself! Last Friday, the most beautiful race in the world passed through my new hometown. It was an incredible treat! What’s the 1,000 Miglia? The 1,000 Miglia, often called the Mille Miglia, is an Italian term that translates to "1,000 Miles" in English. It was an endurance race for automobiles held initially in Italy from 1927 to 1957. [SJN] The race covered approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) in a round trip from Brescia to Rome and back, passing through various cities and towns in Italy. [SJN] Credit: [1,000 Miglia]( The Mille Miglia is considered one of motorsport's most prestigious and legendary races. What Happened After 1957? After the original Mille Miglia race was discontinued in 1957 due to a tragic accident, it remained dormant for a couple of decades. Then, in 1977, the Mille Miglia was revived as a regularity rally. Regularity rallies are competitions where participants aim to maintain a set average speed throughout the race, rather than trying to complete it in the shortest time possible. The new Mille Miglia became an event that celebrated the rich history and heritage of the original race. The route was modified to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, and it typically covered a distance of around 1,000 miles, following a circular or point-to-point route through scenic landscapes in Italy. The revived Mille Miglia allowed vintage and classic cars that had participated in the original race to take part, as well as other historic and valuable automobiles. The race is a microcosm of automotive history, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and spectators worldwide. The new Mille Miglia retains the spirit of the original race, combining the passion for automobiles with the beauty of the Italian countryside. It has become a prestigious event, with strict eligibility criteria for participating cars and limited entries. Since its revival, the Mille Miglia has been held annually, attracting participants and spectators from all over the world. It continues to be a highly regarded event in the classic car racing and vintage car communities, celebrating the golden era of motorsport and the enduring allure of the original Mille Miglia. This Year in Asti This past Friday, for the first time in 75 years, the 1,000 Miglia returned to the city of Truffles (Tartufo) and Barbera. Italian automobile history began on May 18, 1895, with the Turin-Asti-Turin race. Over the years, racing continued on the roads of Monferrato. Time trials, regularity races, and city circuits thrilled the people of Asti. On June 22, 1947, the Mille Miglia passed through. The leg passed through Asti coming from Piacenza and headed for Turin. It was remembered for the bad weather. In fact, there were 155 at the start, and only 55 saw the chequered flag at the finish line in Brescia. Clemente Biondetti won in an Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B coupé Touring ahead of Tazio Nuvolari in a Cisitalia 202 SMM spider. Biondetti would return in ’48 and win again, but at the wheel of the Ferrari 166 S coupé Allemano. Seventy-five years later, the cars returned in an exclusive parade through the streets of the historic center of Asti, rediscovering the city known worldwide for its top-quality wine and gastronomy. From the fragrant white truffle to agnolotti pasta accompanied by Barbera, Asti is a city where good eating and good drinking are one with its rich history. [Secret Gold Back currency RUINING Biden’s plans for a digital dollar?]( [Click here to learn more]( What I’m holding in my hand is a completely new form of money… As we speak, it's being used as an alternative currency across the U.S. minting in places like Utah, New Hampshire and Nevada… And since it’s made out of a thinly printed sheet of REAL gold... It may be the single best way to protect your wealth from Biden’s plan for a government controlled digital dollar. That’s why, I want to offer to send one to you today. But since I have a limited number I need you to respond to [this message]( by Wednesday at midnight. [I’ve recorded a short 2 minute message that explains everything here.]( [Click Here To Learn More]( Homemade Pictures [SJN] Ferrari F8 Spider, Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] Foreground: Ferrari 812 GTS, Background: Ferrari Portofino, Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] Foreground: 812 GTS, Background: SF90 Stradale, Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] 812 GTS, Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] Ferrari SF90 Spider, Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] 2022 Ferrari Roma (My Favorite!), Credit: Sean Ring [SJN] Mrs. Ring, standing behind a 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB, Credit: Sean Ring Why the Prancing Horse? In The Lord of the Rings, when the Hobbits first set out from the Shire, they’re meant to meet Gandalf at The Prancing Pony in Bree. I thought perhaps there was a connection between Tolkien’s pub and Ferrari’s symbol. But there’s no such evidence, alas. But, the origin story of Ferrari’s Prancing Horse is even better than that! First, Ferrari pays an annual tribute to the Mille Miglia. As Ferrari represents Italian automotive perfection, this is proper and correct. (And an excellent opportunity to show itself off!) But here’s how the Prancing Horse became Ferrari’s symbol, from [motor1.com]( One day, Ferrari met the parents of the famed World War One pilot Francesco Baracca whose plane donned a prancing horse on its fuselage. They asked him to put the stallion on his cars for good luck. Enzo obliged and added a yellow backing, a color symbolic of Maranello, to create his emblem. In 1932, a yellow shield featuring a black prancing horse appeared on the Alfa Romeos of Enzo’s Scuderia at the Spa Grand Prix. The lucky charm worked with the two cars entered, coming first and second. When Alfa found itself in financial difficulty in 1933, it withdrew from racing, leaving Scuderia Ferrari as the acting racing team. The historic logo then became more prominent, even featuring on the grille of the 1935 Alfa Romeo Bimotore. Alfa Romeo later bought up shares in Scuderia Ferrari and went on to develop it into Alfa Corse. When motor racing stopped due to World War Two, Enzo left Alfa Romeo for good in order to build his own racing cars. It was agreed that he couldn’t put the Ferrari name on his creations for four years. His business began making machinery, but his passion for motorsport didn’t leave him during the war years — even after his new headquarters in Maranello had been bombed. The “S F” on the Ferrari logo stands for Scuderia Ferrari, which means Ferrari Racing Team. [SJN] Credit: Ferrari Wrap Up Sometimes we need some escapism in the Rude. I hope you enjoyed some motorsport history. Those pictures belong on a vision board. You never know… one of those Ferraris can be yours one day! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( [Paradigm]( ☰ ⊗ [ARCHIVE]( [ABOUT]( [Contact Us]( © 2023 Paradigm Press, LLC. 808 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21202. 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