In My Crystal Ball

📌 Short-Term Outlook (Next Few Days)

More ICE raids ahead
Federal officials have warned of 30 days of ICE activity in L.A., meaning more local raids and resulting friction for at least the next month. Every new operation will likely trigger fresh protests, which is exactly what Trump wants — an excuse to send in combat troops to rather freely and without consequence, kill many American citizens who are protesting lawfully and peacefully.

Federal forces to hold line
With 2,000 National Guard troops on the ground and 500 active-duty Marines on standby, federal authorities are prepared to maintain a tough posture, similar to the attitude taken by Hitler in 1933.

Protest escalation risk
Demonstrators are increasingly resolute. If there are new ICE raids—and there surely will  be—there’s almost certain to be a response. That makes the situation volatile, especially around raids, and makes everyone, including 3rd and 4th generation and Native American citizens more or less permanently nervous.

I’m third-generation American, born in USA of American parents, so where are they going to deport me to? Watch the video:

🧩 Medium-Term (Through June)

Legal showdown brewing
Governor Newsom has vowed to sue the administration over the unilateral National Guard deployment—claiming it violates state sovereignty. Expect serious courtroom clashes similar to the Scopes “Monkey” trial in July of 1925, in which the teaching of evolution was made a crime against the state.

Local strategies stress peace
Los Angeles Mayor, Bass, and other city leaders are urging calm while trying to shield immigrant communities and separate peaceful demonstrators from agitators.

Solidarity protests spreading
Demonstrations are starting to appear in other cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. If the crackdown continues, expect protests and riots in other cities across the nation.

🔮 Prognosis Summary

This week
Ongoing protests tied to ICE raids; possible flare-ups during each new operation

Mid-month
Federal vs state legal battles; court rulings may shape troop deployments

Longer term
If raids let up or are better coordinated, tensions may ease. But fallout from arrests, lawsuits, and political drama could persist

Escalation or de-escalation?
Right now, it’s a pressing mix of street-level confrontation, political jostling, and legal contention. If raids continue aggressively, unrest likely continues. But legal intervention could temporarily limit deployments, reduce violence, and force strategy adjustments.

Keep an eye on

1. Next few ICE operation dates (raids = flashpoints)

2. Court rulings on troop deployment legality

3. City/state strategies to calm the streets while protecting protester and immigrant safety

TL;DR

“TL;DR” stands for “Too Long; Didn’t Read.” It’s internet shorthand for a quick summary, especially after a long article or post. Think of it like this: TL;DR = the short version of the story.

That’s what all the Republicans including MTG who voted for the spending bill said. “Too long, didn’t read.”. Oh, well, neither will Trump read it, or anything else for that matter, and you can take that to the horses.

Expect a tense few weeks. Raids plus federal troops equals recurring clashes. But legal pressure and political negotiation may shape a more managed outcome. It’s unstable—but not hopeless. The real question: how widely will this resistance spread, and will the courts slow down federal force?

Always a good day when you pick up a new bit of lingo. Next up: “ICYMI,” “smol,” and “based” — or we can go straight to random gibberish.

But hey, how about a spate of just plain international street slang, while we’re waiting for the next attack by Trump’s Storm Troopers?

You may need to revert to Parisien street slang if the troopers do blast through your hull hatch. They won’t understand, but that’s okay, because they aren’t listening.

🗼 Common Parisien Street Slang (Argot)

1. Mec – guy / dude
“C’est un mec cool.” = He’s a cool dude.

2. Meuf – woman / girl (from “femme” reversed = verlan)
“Cette meuf est trop stylée.” = That girl is super stylish.

3. Ouf – crazy / wild (from “fou” = verlan)
“C’est ouf ici !” = It’s crazy here!

4. Teuf – party (from “fête” = verlan)
“On va à une teuf ce soir.” = We’re going to a party tonight.

5. Bled – village or dumpy place (often used for “the boonies”)
“Il vit dans un bled paumé.” = He lives in the middle of nowhere.

6. Taff – job / work
“J’ai trop de taff.” = I’ve got too much work.

7. Baraque – house or bulky guy
“Il a une baraque en banlieue.” = He’s got a house in the suburbs.

8. Frangin / Frangine – brother / sister (like “sibs”)
“Mon frangin est à Marseille.” = My brother’s in Marseille.

9. Keuf – cop (again, verlan of “flic” = slang for cop)
“Les keufs sont partout.” = The cops are everywhere.

10. Relou – annoying / lame (from “lourd” = heavy, via verlan)
“Ce mec est relou.” = That guy’s a drag.

🔄 Verlan — The Secret Sauce

This is France’s beloved wordplay style: reversing syllables. It’s like Pig Latin with attitude.

• Fou → ouf (crazy)

• Femme → meuf (girl)

• Lourd → relou (heavy/annoying)

• Arabe → beur (Arab)

• Beur → rebeu (more modern version)

They even verlan-ed the word verlan — it comes from “l’envers” (reverse).

🧀 Patois — The Regional Flavor

“Patois” refers to local dialects—you’ll find flavors in Corsica, Brittany, Occitanie, and the banlieues (suburbs) with lots of Arabic, Portuguese, Wolof, and Lingala blended in. In street slang, some of these mix into Parisien argot:

• Wesh – Yo / What’s up? (from North African Arabic)

• Zarbi – Weird (from “bizarre” → verlan)

• Yomb – Easy (from Wolof)

• Zarma – Yeah right! (mocking disbelief)

• Hagra – Abuse of power / Trumpian oppression (Maghreb Arabic origin)

===========================================================================

🎵 “Take It to the Horses”

[VERSE 1]
Well I heard it from a mec on the corner by the Seine
Said the world’s gone fou, but it spins just the same
He lit a Gauloise, tipped his hat like a king
Whispered, “Truth is a teuf, baby, never wears a ring”

[CALL]
What’d he mean?
[RESPONSE]
Only the frangin knows
He said it’s all patois in the city of ghosts

[CHORUS]
Take it to the horses, they don’t judge or lie
They’ve seen every promise fade under that sky
Take it to the horses, yeah, you know they’ve heard worse
They’ll stomp out your nonsense and bless you with verse

[VERSE 2]
Down in L.A. the boots hit the street
While ICE rolls in like a hot backbeat
Newsom’s shoutin’, Trump’s got troops
And the streets are buzzin’ like electric soup

[CALL]
Where’s the truth?
[RESPONSE]
Keuf got it in a jar
Said you’ll find it somewhere between the raid and the bar

[CHORUS]
Take it to the horses, out behind the shed
They’ve carried more secrets than the feds ever said
Take it to the horses, where the world gets thin
If they nod once, that’s a holy amen

[BRIDGE – SPOKEN with echo FX]
Relou, zarbi, ouf, meuf —
It’s all verlan gospel, baby, spun in reverse
And if you still got questions?
Talk to the hay-bale philosopher, third from the left.

[CHORUS – FULL CHOIR]
Take it to the horses, don’t take it to the bank
You’ll get more sense from a hoof than a tank
Take it to the horses, let ‘em chew it real slow
They’ll spit out the truth like a sunrise glow

[OUTRO – FADE WITH CALL & RESPONSE]
[CALL]
What if it’s all just noise and rain?
[RESPONSE]
Take it to the horses — they don’t complain.
[CALL]
Can I trust what the newscaster said?
[RESPONSE]
Take it to the horses — or go back to bed.

===================================================================

So I considered a song about a Democratic Hero:

🎵 “Somebody’s Gotta Swing”

[VERSE 1]
He came outta nowhere, boots scuffed and bold
(SCENE SETTIN’)
Suit a little wrinkled, heart lined in gold
Didn’t ask for fame, didn’t come for the show
But he’s got one thing for sure — a punch locked and ready to go

[CALL]
What’s he say?
[RESPONSE]
Democracy don’t flinch!
Truth in his pocket — and a spine like a winch!

[CHORUS]
He’s the hero of the moment — got that liberty swing
Gonna punch that tyrant in the nose — let freedom ring!
Ain’t lookin’ for applause — just aiming real true
(Somebody’s gotta swing)
And it might as well be you!

[VERSE 2]
He don’t tweet rage, he don’t storm no halls
(Just walks calm through the wreckin’ balls)
Got the people behind him, tired of the game
And a big ol’ Constitution — not afraid to name

[CALL]
What’s he packin’?
[RESPONSE]
Justice, guts, and light!
He’s votin’ with thunder — and marchin’ through the night!

[CHORUS]
He’s the hero of the moment — got that justice glow
Gonna bop that bully where the fake flags blow
Ain’t waitin’ on a savior — he’s walkin’ on through
(Somebody’s gotta swing)
And it might as well be you!

[BRIDGE – SPOKEN & SUNG COMBO]
Now don’t get me wrong — we want peace on the ground
But now and then, ya gotta stand and be sound
It ain’t about fists — it’s a symbolic jab
With a ballot-box uppercut — democracy’s lab!

[CALL]
What’s the plan?
[RESPONSE – CROWD]
Vote, rise, and sing!
Truth’s on our shoulders — and justice has wings!

[CHORUS – BUILDING GOSPEL]
He’s the hero of the moment — got that liberty swing
Gonna punch that madness back where it came slinking
He’s the quiet storm rollin’ — breaking right through
(Somebody’s gotta swing)
And it might as well be you!

[OUTRO – CROWD CHANT WITH CLAPS]
(Somebody’s gotta swing!)
Might as well be you!
(Somebody’s gotta swing!)
Might as well be me too!
(Somebody’s gotta swing!)
Yeah, we’re breakin’ through!
(Somebody’s gotta swing…)
We’re countin’ on YOU!

==========================================================================

What to do???

So what should you do, while you’re waiting for the inevitable knock on the door???

1. Stay Rooted in Reality

Don’t let all that gaslighting knock you off balance. Keep checking the facts, holding the line of truth, and remembering what actually happened. The noise is designed to confuse you and your clarity is the best resistance.
Sanity is a quiet act of defiance.

2. Guard Your Inner Space

They want your attention, your outrage, your despair. Take back your mind. Turn off the news when it burns you out. Meditate, garden, chant, walk barefoot, paint signs, write songs — whatever brings you home to yourself.
You don’t have to carry it all — just carry your own part with integrity.

3. Act, Don’t Just React

Vote. Help someone else vote. Volunteer. Create. Speak truth. Build alternatives. If the system’s glitching, patch it, mock it, or sidestep it with beauty and courage.
Don’t just curse the darkness — light bonfires and memes.
This is a marathon with jazz solos along the way.

4. Find Your Circle

These are not solo battles. Connect with those who hold the light when yours flickers. Circles matter more than followers. Share food. Share skills. Share soul.
Even the smallest village can outlast an empire.

5. Take it to the Horses

When it gets too absurd, too surreal — just laugh, sing, and tell it to the horses. They’ve seen worse, and they remind us: the earth is still solid underfoot, and the sky ain’t falling yet.
Humor is armor. So is music. So is love. So is harmony. Stay with the program. Don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal — transformation.

That’s what’s in today’s “Advice Column”…let’s take a look at the prospects for gold mining…

===========================================================================

Gold Panning Notes for Today:

===========================================================================

🪙 Historical & Modern Gold in Sierra County

Sierra County is still gold country. You can pan, sluice, metal detect, and more in historic spots today — though you’ve got to respect active claims and public lands.

Sierra City & North Yuba River area

• Hard‐rock mines like Colombo, Independence, Monumental, and notably the Sierra Buttes Mine all produced large gold nuggets (one weighed 106 lbs in 1869).

• Placer mining along the North Yuba River is still permitted and practiced.

District-wide production, Sierra and Downieville districts brought out more than 2 million ounces from 1880–1959, plus millions earlier.

Record finds:

• A 25‑lb nugget and an 11‑lb nugget were discovered along the North Yuba between Sierra City and Downieville.

🔎 Where to Prospect & Learn More

• Recreational gold panning areas exist county-wide — check maps and local regulations with BLM or county offices first.

• Big Mountain Mining Supply in Sierra City is a local outfitter for gear and info.

• Kentucky Mine Museum just east of town offers guided tours of a historic stamp-mill mine and a rich background in hard-rock operations.

✅ Tips for Prospecting in Sierra City Area

1. Scout the North Yuba River – that stretch has yielded large nuggets historically and remains promising.

2. Watch for active claims – stay legal. Recreational panners only in open areas.

3. Gear up local – Big Mountain Mining Supply is your best bet for gear and current intelligence — meaning you can find out stuff about local panning there.

4. Start at Kentucky Mine Museum – learn the mining legacy and catch early-season tour dates.

5. Drive down Route 49 – lots of historic sluice spots and visitor accommodations along the way. Our mining claim is accessible directly from Highway 49.

You might be interested to know that amateur prospector Alec Ostrom recovered an 8-ounce placer nugget while working along the North Yuba right near Sierra City, where we are located.

• The current placer ground—river bends, riffles, gravel bars around that 4,150-ft elevation—remains a solid target for gold, especially in winter/spring when high flows may expose fresh deposits .

• The rich legacy comes straight from the North Yuba Watershed assessment, which notes both placer and lode operations in the Sierra City High Drainage area.

gold has definitely been found, from ounces to pounds, right around Sierra City’s elevation of ~4,150 ft along the North Yuba. The ground there is still primed for a serious prospector.

Sierra City’s veins run deep with gold—big nuggets aplenty, many super large gold boulders were found in the 1800s. Today, small-scale panning and metal detecting in public areas like the North Yuba River remains viable, and there’s plenty of gold still to be found.

Claim-check your access and get gear from local prospecting supply shop, “Big Mountain” or the museum is your best bet. It’s still gold country — but you gotta know exactly where to dig, and how to follow the rules!

🪙 Field Guide: Prospecting Gold Around Sierra City, CA

📍 WHERE TO LOOK

1. North Yuba River & Tributaries

• Classic placer zone: check slow bends, gravel bars, and exposed bedrock.

• Best after storms — gold moves!

• Try Oregon Creek, Loganville Creek, and Lavezzola Creek for quieter spots.

2. Dry Washes & Old Tailings

• Explore the margins of old diggings — not all gold was recovered.

• Look for black sands and rust-stained rocks.

3. Above Sierra City: Sierra Buttes & Monumental Ridge

• Quartz float on trails may lead to vein outcroppings.

• Follow iron-stained ridges; gold often rides shotgun with iron and quartz.

===========================================================================

Hey, here’s our battered old Bardo bus, to take us on our daily video journey! All aboard!

===========================================================================

See You At The Top!!!

gorby