45 Comments
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Dave Groom's avatar

Thank you for your writing, JJ. Like others here, MV makes my day complete not only for market commentary, but the general cultural vibe. I made my way here about one year ago and have been a dedicated follower ever since (stories like “Crazy Lucky” got me hooked https://open.substack.com/pub/jj745/p/crazy-lucky). Glad to count myself as one of your dedicated readers.

Alyosha's avatar

Gm Sir, And I am glad to have earned you friendship through our shared love of music and your bon vivant insights. Crazy Lucky! Wow... what f-king a tale. I hadn't planned on it... Maybe I'll republish it on New year's eve.

Scott Gates's avatar

i came here for the investment insight but and and happened upon the excellent writing... the Ring Lardner of finance.

Alyosha's avatar

Ty Scott, that... is high priaise

Petra Kehr's avatar

Well, maybe, but well deserved.

HPB's avatar

One of the most beautiful paragraphs I’ve ever read. Worthy of Hemingway.

“I think when there are no other options everyone is brave. God gives you that when you need it. I listened to a wife leaving a message for her husband in a v-mail recording a few days later on the BBC. It really stuck with me, and it was as fresh in my thoughts today, as it was when I heard it years ago. I found it on YouTube this morning. “Sean it’s me I just want to tell you that I love you and I’m stuck in this building in New York. There’s lots of smoke and I just wanted you know that I will love you always.” So brave.  “

Alyosha's avatar

Gm sir, I had forgotten I'd written it. What a day...

HPB's avatar

I thought of your words when reading about some of the Hero’s at Bondi Beach.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Victor Adair's avatar

JJ: Tony Greer mentioned you when we met in Vancouver in February 2025, and then I saw your interview with Tony and Jared and became a subscriber and read a bunch of your old stories. Anybody who quotes Leonard Cohen is a friend of mine. Best wishes for good health and happiness, enjoy your conference with Tony and Doomberg and Grant in Nashville!

Alyosha's avatar

ha. That's a proper standard for trust, Victor. Sort of like the dog lover litmus with an artful flair. Cheers & Happy Holidays!

Leslie Philipp's avatar

We are all much the wiser for your efforts. Thank you.

Best wishes and Happy New Year.

Alyosha's avatar

same here leslie. Happy New Year

Petra Kehr's avatar

Subscribed to BPR in mid 24 and after some good insights, delivered by Dan and a bit of input of Tom I became more and more disappointed (to put it soft and polite) by the ranting of Mr Bonner. So in all, the biggest achievement of reading BPR was the hint of some kind fellow reader to JJ's

Substack. So here I am and hope for a continuation of this enlightenment, on so many levels. Thanks a lot John. Feel truely gifted.

Alyosha's avatar

I might say exactly the same in reply, Petra. Your thoughtful insights and curious demeanor are a real addition to the daily ideas we're all trying to glean in markets ( and life). I have to say, I really didn't expect such an expression of respect from readers this morning.

The backstory for today's "Stories from 2025" started with Doomberg, who has been urging me to republish a few pieces, one in particular slated for tomorrow.

For a writer whose use of words is an extension being, I find it hard to adequately say how much I appreciate these kind words. Thank you.

Petra Kehr's avatar

You´re never short of words, much different than me. But let me repeat that one glimpse of a good idea I feel I once had when I said:

"Thought about an appropiate way to describe the author of this substack and this came to my mind:

He´s a Gentleman Writer"

Good night from Asia, it´s exactly 12 hours advance here....

PUG's avatar

Someone I read daily, AMZ at RJO, turned me onto your writings several months ago. You’ve since cracked my daily rotation, and you were one of my few cheats that I checked into daily while on vacation last week after I swore I’d disconnect. Thanks for your writings!

Alyosha's avatar

you are so welcome PUG... I'm assuming those are initials or are you Irish? Happy Holidays, sir.

PUG's avatar

They had nothing available with my initials when I became a member at CBOT, I like boxing (and am Irish) and PUG was available. So now it’s what I go by in trading circles

Alyosha's avatar

JJ was my alpha badge 745 my numeric ...

Jim Miller's avatar

You had me at the Williamstown story.

Thank you for sharing. Reading your pieces brings me great joy.

Alyosha's avatar

Ty Jim... it brings me great joy to write them for your pleasure...

Nestor's avatar

Thank you. I literally just subscribed a few days ago after reading your previews for months. Would love to have you pick a few of your better pieces so i can start reading.

Alyosha's avatar

Welcome to market vibes sir. I shall be happy to oblige!

Brian Clavin's avatar

“ . The smallest or flintiest spark… and art will come to life with a gentle breath”

Love You Man.

Keep Going & Keep the Faith.

Alyosha's avatar

ty Brian… love you, too sir

manesse's avatar

dishing out bottles of fine wine for my boss doesn't look like much of a career, but it makes me think of you, JJ for your missives. Always looking forward reading your take on the world, it's the joy and anticipation that i find while exchanging quick words with those who eagerly anticipate opening these bottles. It's good you do what you best, I grealy enjoy it everytime.

Michael Hughes's avatar

All the best for Christmas and the New Year to you and your family, JJ. My days would not be the same without enjoying the privilege of reading your thoughts, humour and wisdom.

Alyosha's avatar

Thank you, Michael. Merry Christmas and happy New year to you and your family as well.

Jim Lane's avatar

JJ, I will share the same praise that I recently did on the Doomberg chain- I look forward to you stuff with the same passion that I felt for the latest Sports Illustrated issue back in middle school. That passion lacks for most things today. Keep cranking & and have a Merry Christmas

Alyosha's avatar

Lol, you've given me an idea if I dare to write it! Merry Christmas Jim!

James's avatar

Cheers!

Alyosha's avatar

Cheers, James.

Louis's avatar

Don’t even remember how I found you, but sure glad that I did. I look forward to your posts every day. Hope your Holidays are wonderful.

Alyosha's avatar

Ty Louis, me too you!

Stillwell888's avatar

Always a pleasure to read both your market insights and stories. Your discipline and insights are admirable. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2026.