Any kind of man-made or other disaster that affects planet Earth adversely may be viewed the opposite way for those who are trading the markets. Planet Finance I: Nature of the Beast, VPRO 2023
In the old days, say pre-1990s, capital was king or queen. You called the shots. Now capital is a burden. Planet Finance V: Catastrophe For Sale
On Planet Finance there is a market for nearly everything. Even for a future disaster. A disaster that hasn’t happened yet. A disaster that might never happen. There are people who spend all their time calculating the minimum chance of such a disaster happening. And above all, the extent of the damage. ibid.
Cat bonds that should cover the damage of future disasters. ibid.
On 22nd September 1934 at Gresford Colliery, Wales, an explosion killed 266 men & boys underground. 6 survived and only 11 bodies were ever recovered. The wages of all were docked by half a days pay by the owners because the men had ‘failed to complete their shift’. Ragged Trousered Philanderer, tweet 6 September 2023
‘It was the most luxurious way to transport passengers.’ Hindenburg: The Cover Up, man, Channel 4 2024
‘Both The Titanic and Hindenburg stories do share a certain sense of hubris.’ ibid.
May 6th 1937, minutes after the Hindenburg deadly disaster the colossal Nazi airship lies a smouldering hulk of twisted metal. Sirens blare as naval officers and first responders search for life amid the flames. ibid.
Joseph Spah, travelling with his dog Ullah, will become the focus of a sabotage investigation after the disaster. ibid.
Another Zeppelin Over London. ibid. Daily Sketch front page
‘It crashed on its 63rd flight.’ ibid. man
‘This thing was a symbol of Nazi pride.’ ibid.
‘You hear a pop and then it bursts into flames.’ ibid. investigator
For those inside the ship survival is a matter of chance. ibid.
The investigation board includes men loyal to the National Socialists. ibid.