Chatter

 1.  I sat and read over a social media comment today....which suggested that Putin was in effect....the 'capo' (mafia boss) of the Russian crime/state syndicate.  

So yeah.....when you look over the Oligarch crew (inner circle and the outer circle)....it's probably not a false comparison.  

But the problem here....European leaders will drag the 'capo' over to the legit lineup and pretend that they can deal with him in the real world (when they can't).  So which is worse....the Macon/Scholz crowd, or the 'capo' himself?

2.  This week.....on Wednesday.....gas prices  are supposed to drop by 32 cents (E10 fuel) because of the 90 day 'recess'.  Some chatter going on that the paperwork isn't there yet to ensure at opening time on Wed....the prices drop.  

A fair number of Germans have not bought fuel (my wife is one) and is timing her next fill-up for Wed morning.  I expect a huge crowd that morning to be making an effort to refuel (wouldn't surprise me if 50-perent of all car-owners are in this chaotic morning effort).

3.  Some chatter starting up that the retirement/pension age (set now for 2029....to be age 67)....might have to be raised again in five to ten years....to age 70.

Yeah, that has freaked a few Germans out who are in their 40s.  

The Labor Minister has come out and said 'no'....it's not on his dream list.  

Why bring this up?  Well....there's chatter of a labor shortage likely to grow, because of the birth rate, and that some folks might be dragged into this longer work situation.  

4.  German police now under a criminal investigation?  Well....this story leads back to the ZDF (public TV, Channel Two) comedy show....'ZDF Magazine Royale'.

The Royale has done some stories that irked various folks, and 'threats' via social media have been made.  So the Royale 'boss' (Bohmermann) said 'enough', and took complaints to the police.  

The police action?  Bohmermann believes they aren't taking him serious and the investigation has been slow-rolled.  So, now there's a criminal investigation of police actions.  

A case?  Hard to say.....but here's one odd twist....this is a comedy show, and the police might be looking at this and asking part of this....is a comedy act itself.  It might all be legit on threats.