U.S. Gold Purchases from Australia: $272.09 Million Over 17 Years With the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) poised to audit Fort Knox, the U.S. Mint’s $272.09 million in gold and silver purchases from Australia’s Gold Corporation over the past 17 years has thrust the nation’s bullion reserves into the spotlight. Spanning 2007 to 2024, this hefty sum prompts a burning question: if DOGE finds Fort Knox lacking, could this Australian gold have been onsold—or stolen—to hide a shortfall? Adding to the intrigue, Australia’s own gold reserves, stored overseas and unaudited, raise parallel doubts about the security of precious metals worldwide. Fort Knox: A Vault Shrouded in Mystery Fort Knox, Kentucky, purportedly safeguards 147.3 million troy ounces of U.S. gold, a claim unverified by a full public audit since 1953. Decades of secrecy have stoked skepticism, and DOGE—spearheaded by efficiency advocates like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy—may soon force transparency. Meanwhile, the U.S. Mint’s $272.09 million reliance on Australia’s Gold Corporation, operator of the Perth Mint, hints at a deeper story—one complicated by Australia’s own murky gold situation. $272.09 Million Over 17 Years: The U.S.-Australia Link Since 2007, the U.S. Mint has obligated $272.09 million to Gold Corporation for precious metals, primarily for coin production. The trail begins with a $5.77 million order for raw silver on December 11, 2007 (Award ID: TMHQ08P0159), followed by gold purchases like $2.56 million in 2023 (Award ID: 2031JG23F62008) for 22-karat, 1-ounce blanks and $2.45 million in 2024 (Award ID: 2031JG24F62009) for 22-karat and 24-karat blanks. Silver leads the charge, with peaks like $12.66 million in 2013 (Award ID: TMHQ13P0351), totaling over $150 million, while gold blanks account for roughly $50 million. This $272.09 million over 17 years fuels speculation: why import so much when Fort Knox sits on a supposed gold trove? The answer might lie in practicality—or in something more clandestine. Australia’s Gold: Overseas and Unaudited The plot thickens when considering Australia’s own gold reserves. Managed by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), these total approximately 80 tonnes—about 2.57 million troy ounces. Yet, 99.9% of this gold resides overseas at the Bank of England (BoE) in the United Kingdom, with only a token amount—reportedly four gold bars—kept at the RBA’s Sydney headquarters. Far from safe, this stash hasn’t faced a public audit, leaving its status as uncertain as Fort Knox’s. If the U.S. has been buying Australian-mined gold while Australia’s reserves languish unaudited abroad, the global chain of trust in precious metals grows shakier. Missing Gold? Scenarios Multiply If DOGE uncovers a shortfall at Fort Knox, the $272.09 million Australian connection—and Australia’s own opaque reserves—could amplify the mystery. Three possibilities loom: Onselling: The U.S. might have sold Fort Knox gold—perhaps to steady markets or fund secret projects—then used Australian imports to replenish or redirect supplies. Australia’s unaudited BoE stockpile could similarly mask discrepancies. Theft or Loss: Gold could have vanishied from Fort Knox through corruption or theft, with Australian purchases papering over the gap. Likewise, Australia’s overseas hoard might be vulnerable, its unaudited state a potential blind spot. Routine Operations: The $272.09 million might reflect pragmatic Mint sourcing, leaving Fort Knox intact as a reserve. Australia’s BoE storage could be equally benign—though its lack of audits invites doubt. Transparency on Trial As of February 22, 2025, the U.S. teeters on the edge of clarity or chaos. A full Fort Knox audit could dismiss the $272.09 million in purchases—from 2007’s $5.77 million silver order to 2024’s $2.45 million gold haul—as routine. But if gold is missing, Australia’s role as supplier and its own unaudited, overseas reserves will fuel scrutiny. Is Fort Knox gold onsold, pilfered, or mismanaged? Is Australia’s 80 tonnes truly secure at the BoE? With DOGE at the helm, the answers could reshape trust in both nations’ golden legacies. The Bank Of England's Gold Vaults

Vaxine Pty Ltd: An Overview Vaxine Pty Ltd, an Australian biotechnology company headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, specializes in developing vaccines and immunotherapies. Founded in 2002 by Professor Nikolai Petrovsky, a prominent immunologist at Flinders University, Vaxine spun off from the National Health Sciences Centre in Canberra. Based within the Flinders Medical Centre/Flinders University precinct in Bedford Park, it employs 11-50 staff and generates an estimated $6.3M in annual revenue (2024). Core Focus and Technology Vaxine is renowned for its proprietary Advax™ adjuvant platform, a polysaccharide-based technology that enhances vaccine effectiveness without relying on traditional adjuvants like aluminum. This platform drives its pipeline, targeting infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19), allergies, and cancers. The company leverages cutting-edge methods, including artificial intelligence, in drug design and clinical evaluation—a standout example being CpG55.2, one of the first AI-designed molecules to enter human trials (2019) and gain vaccine approval (2021, outside the U.S.). Over $32.7M in funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008 has been instrumental in advancing Advax™, supporting basic research, adjuvant discovery, and vaccine development across four major awards. Swine Flu Vaccine (2009) Vaxine gained global recognition as the first company to launch human trials for a swine flu (H1N1) vaccine during the 2009 pandemic, partnering with U.S.-based Protein Sciences. This milestone, underpinned by early Advax™ work, earned Vaxine the “Coolest Company” title at the 2010 Anthill Cool Company Awards and a 2011 Vaccine Industry Excellence Award. The NIH’s $8.39M award (2008–2013, HHSN272200800039C) for basic biomedical research likely supported this effort, refining Advax™ ahead of and during the trials. COVID-19 Vaccine (SpikoGen®) SpikoGen®, the commercial name for Vaxine’s COVID-19 vaccine, uses a spike protein antigen produced via i cell expression systems, combined with the Advax™ adjuvant featuring CpG55.2. This polysaccharide-based immune enhancer boosts efficacy without traditional adjuvants like aluminum, distinguishing it in the vaccine landscape. Authorized for emergency use in Iran in October 2021 for adults (later extended to children 5+), SpikoGen® also received a provisional determination from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in June 2022, pending full approval. NIH funding was pivotal: the $11.28M Adjuvant Discovery Program (2014–2021, HHSN272201400053C) included $500,000 for COVID-19 in 2020, while the $6.37M vaccine candidate award (2018–2023, 75N93018C00024) provided $4.15M in outlays, aligning with SpikoGen®’s development for emerging infectious diseases. Pipeline Beyond influenza and COVID-19, Vaxine’s pipeline includes vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, malaria, HIV, rabies, and more. The NIH’s $6.69M Adjuvant Development Program (2018–2025, 75N93018C00044), with $3.95M outlayed to date, sustains this work, building on earlier awards to optimize Advax™ for diverse applications. Funding and Partnerships Vaxine’s funding blends Australian and international support: Australian Government: Seed funding from AusIndustry’s Biotechnology Innovation Fund and $1M from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) in 2020–2021 for COVID-19 work, matched by $4.8M from partners (e.g., Pall, Oracle, University of Sydney). U.S. NIH: Over $32.7M across four awards: $8.39M (2008–2013) for basic biomedical research, likely foundational to Advax™ and the swine flu vaccine. $11.28M (2014–2021) for the Adjuvant Discovery Program, advancing CpG55.2 and SpikoGen®. $6.69M (2018–2025) for ongoing adjuvant development, with $3.95M outlayed. $6.37M (2018–2023) for vaccine candidates, with $4.15M outlayed, targeting biodefense and emerging diseases like COVID-19. Philanthropy: No direct ties to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Foundation, or Wellcome Trust are evident. Context and Current Status While not rivaling Biota’s $95.6M HHS contract, Vaxine’s $32.7M+ from NIH underscores its global relevance. SpikoGen®’s rollout in Iran and TGA eligibility highlight Advax™’s impact, though a $13,320 TGA fine in June 2022 for unapproved vaccine advertising signals regulatory challenges. The ongoing NIH award (to 2025) positions Vaxine as a key player in Australia’s biotech scene, leveraging Flinders University ties and international collaboration. The Fine Vaxine Pty Ltd was fined $13,320 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in June 2022 for allegedly advertising an unapproved COVID-19 vaccine, in breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This penalty stemmed from promotional content posted on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, related to its vaccine candidate, SpikoGen® (also known as COVAX-19), which at the time had not been approved for use in Australia. The TGA prohibits advertising unapproved therapeutic goods to the public, including those under clinical trial, unless the information is strictly factual, balanced, and doesn’t promote use or supply—a line Vaxine apparently crossed. Conclusion Vaxine Pty Ltd represents a notable presence in Australian biotechnology, with its Advax™ platform supported by over $32.7M in NIH funding since 2008. This investment has contributed to projects such as the 2009 swine flu vaccine and SpikoGen®, alongside the development of AI-driven CpG55.2 and a pipeline targeting various diseases. Operating from Adelaide with ties to Flinders University, Vaxine combines local foundations with international partnerships, distinct from philanthropy-driven initiatives like CEPI. Its trajectory prompts consideration of how Australia manages biotech talent in the context of foreign funding. Sources: CONTRACT to VAXINE PTY LTD | USAspending Federal Awards | Advanced Search | USAspending

Weather Modification in Australia - Snowy Hydro Limited CEO: Dennis Barnes Details: Dennis Barnes became Managing Director and CEO on February 1, 2023, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, previously leading Contact Energy in New Zealand. Owner: Australian Government Method: Snowy Hydro uses ground-based aerosol generators to release silver iodide (AgI) into the atmosphere. Unlike aircraft-based seeding common elsewhere, their approach relies on stationary units positioned in the Snowy Mountains. These generators burn a solution containing silver iodide, producing a fine aerosol that rises into clouds via natural updrafts. Silver iodide acts as an ice-nucleating agent. Its crystal structure mimics ice, encouraging supercooled water droplets (liquid water below 0°C) in clouds to freeze into ice crystals. These crystals grow by attracting more water vapor, eventually falling as snow when heavy enough—a process tied to the Bergeron-Findeisen effect. - Australian Rain Technologies (ART) CEO: Not publicly specified Details: As a private company, ART does not publicly disclose its current CEO. Leadership information is scarce, and no specific name is tied to the role in recent records. Owners: Matt and Clare Handbury (note: Matt Handbury is a prominent Australian businessman, nephew of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and executive chairman of Murdoch Media, which he founded after selling his stake in Murdoch Magazines (including Marie Claire Australia) decades ago. ART secured a $10 million federal grant in 2007 under Malcolm Turnbull to trial ionization in southeast Queensland) Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Method: ART employs ground-based devices that emit ions—electrically charged particles—into the atmosphere. These ions are generated by high-voltage systems and released via a network of towers or units placed strategically in target areas. - Hydro Tasmania CEO: Ian Brooksbank (stepping down October 3, 2025; Rachel Watson appointed as successor)** Details: Ian Brooksbank has been CEO since March 2022 but will step down in October 2025. Rachel Watson has been announced as the incoming CEO, though her official start date aligns with Brooksbank’s departure. Brooksbank has guided the company through its renewable energy and cloud seeding efforts. Owner: Tasmanian Government Method: Hydro Tasmania uses aircraft to release silver iodide (a chemical compound with a crystal structure similar to ice) into clouds. This is a form of glaciogenic seeding, which encourages the formation of ice crystals in supercooled water droplets within clouds. These crystals then grow and fall as precipitation—either rain or snow, depending on temperature. Delivery: Small planes, typically equipped with wing-mounted flares or burners, disperse the silver iodide into suitable cloud formations. The aircraft target specific catchments, like those feeding into dams such as Great Lake or Lake Echo, key to Tasmania’s hydropower system. - CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) CEO: Doug Hilton Details: Doug Hilton took over as Chief Executive in 2023, succeeding Larry Marshall. A molecular biologist, he oversees CSIRO’s extensive research portfolio, including historical weather modification work. Owner: Australian Government Method: CSIRO primarily used cloud seeding to enhance rainfall, employing both silver iodide (AgI) and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, CO₂) as seeding agents. Silver Iodide: Released as a fine aerosol, silver iodide acts as an ice-nucleating agent in supercooled clouds (below 0°C but still liquid). Its ice-like crystal structure triggers water droplets to freeze into ice crystals, which grow and fall as precipitation (rain or snow). Dry Ice: Dropped into clouds, dry ice rapidly cools the surrounding air (to -78°C), causing spontaneous freezing of supercooled droplets into ice crystals without needing a nucleating particle. This was used early on for its dramatic effect on cloud dynamics. For the Queensland Government’s 2008 cloud seeding project, it was a state-led initiative rather than a company, so there’s no CEO or private owner to list—funding and oversight came from the Queensland Government, with operational support from research partners. Silver iodide Toxicity Silver iodide has low solubility in water (about 3 × 10⁻⁸ g/L), meaning it doesn’t dissolve or absorb easily into the body if ingested or inhaled in small amounts. Prolonged exposure to silver compounds can cause argyria—a rare condition where skin turns blue-gray due to silver buildup. Dry Ice Toxicity Dry ice is pure carbon dioxide (CO₂) frozen into a solid state at -78.5°C (-109.3°F). It’s made by compressing and cooling gaseous CO₂, a naturally occurring compound in the atmosphere (about 0.0407% of air). O₂ is a normal part of respiration (we exhale it), and dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, which disperses quickly outdoors. Atlant Ionization Technology Concerns ART’s ground-based ionization method, using high-voltage towers to emit ions, carries potential safety concerns around electrical hazards, EMF exposure, atmospheric effects, lightning, public access, and fire risks. Australian Rain Technologies’ Atlant Ionization Technology, which uses high-voltage towers to emit ions for rainfall enhancement, could pose dangers to bee and bat populations. For bees, the technology’s ion emissions might disrupt natural electric fields they use for navigation and foraging, potentially confusing them and reducing their efficiency or hive returns. It could also subtly stress hives by altering air quality or microclimates, especially when combined with other environmental pressures. Additionally, bees might be drawn to the towers’ fields, mistaking them for flowers, leading to disorientation or energy loss. For bats, the strong ion emissions near roosts or flight paths could interfere with their navigation, particularly for species sensitive to electric fields, though evidence is limited. Towers placed near bat habitats might alter local air charge, affecting prey distribution or deterring bats from roosting areas. Comparable ionization systems (e.g., WeatherTec or Ionogenics) suggest operational voltages of 10-100 kilovolts (kV). For a small emitter (assume a 1-meter radius), the electric field near the tip could reach 10,000–100,000 V/m to initiate ionization, akin to lab corona discharge thresholds (around 30 kV/cm or 3,000,000 V/m for air at STP, but practical systems use lower gradients over larger gaps). Near-Field (0-5 meters): Likely 1,000–10,000 V/m, dropping sharply as ions disperse and the field spreads. Far-Field (50-100 meters): Possibly 10–100 V/m, comparable to fields under low-voltage power lines (e.g., 11 kV lines produce ~50 V/m at 30 meters). Beyond this, levels approach natural background (100-150 V/m in fair weather). Australian Rain Technologies (ART) Owners: Matt and Clare Handbury Snowy Hydro Limited CEO: Dennis Barnes Sources: Services — Australian Rain Technology Australian Rain Technologies website (australianrain.com.au, 2025 archives) Journal of the Royal Statistical Society (Series C, 2022), University of Wollongong (uniwollongong.edu.au) ABC News, “$10m granted to explore rainmaking tech” (July 24, 2007,abc.net.au) The Sydney Morning Herald (August 1, 2007,smh.com.au) Snowy Hydro website (snowyhydro.com.au), “Cloud Seeding” section, 2024) Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act 2004 (legislation.nsw.gov.au) Hydro Tasmania sustainability reports (hydrotas.com.au, 2023-24) CSIRO, Australian Meteorological Magazine (1970,bom.gov.au) Hydro Tasmania press release (October 2024,hydrotas.com.au) “Rainmaking Experiments in Australia,” E.G. Bowen, Weather (1952, Wiley) CSIROpedia entry (csiropedia.csiro.au, 2025) CSIRO website (csiro.au, 2025) Queensland Government media release (February 27, 2008,statements.qld.gov.au) Minister Meaghan Scanlon statement (2023,qnews.com.au) Southern Cross University updates (scu.edu.au, 2025) New Scientist (January 2025,newscientist.com) Stanwell website (stanwell.com.au, 2025) ARENA funding announcement (February 2024,arena.gov.au) pv magazine Australia (February 2025,pv-magazine-australia.com)

Ericsson and the Red Cross Ericsson has a long history of supporting the Red Cross. The company's first major contribution was in 1914, when it donated a radio station to the Swedish Red Cross. This station was used to communicate with field hospitals and other relief organizations during World War I. In the years since, Ericsson has continued to support the Red Cross in a variety of ways. The company has donated telecommunications equipment, financial assistance, and technical expertise to help the Red Cross respond to disasters and emergencies around the world. Donated Equipment from Ericsson Radio stations: Ericsson has donated a variety of radio stations to the Red Cross, including base stations, repeaters, and hand-held radios. These radios can be used to communicate over long distances, even in areas with no cell phone coverage. Mobile phones: Ericsson has donated a variety of mobile phones to the Red Cross, including smartphones and feature phones. These phones can be used to stay in touch with loved ones, coordinate relief efforts, and access information. Satellite phones: Ericsson has donated satellite phones to the Red Cross, which can be used to communicate in remote areas where there is no cell phone coverage. These phones can also be used to send and receive text messages, emails, and even make voice calls. Laptop computers: Ericsson has donated laptop computers to the Red Cross, which can be used to access information, create reports, and communicate with others. These computers are also often used to run specialized software that is needed for disaster relief efforts. Telecommunications equipment: Ericsson has donated a variety of telecommunications equipment to the Red Cross, including routers, switches, and antennas. This equipment is used to set up temporary communication networks in disaster areas. Financial assistance: Ericsson has also provided financial assistance to the Red Cross to help with its disaster relief efforts. This assistance can be used to purchase equipment, hire staff, and cover other expenses. Technical expertise: Ericsson has also provided technical expertise to the Red Cross to help with its disaster relief efforts. This expertise can be used to set up and maintain telecommunications networks, develop disaster response plans, and train staff. Ericsson Partnerships Disaster Management Tool: A mobile app that helps volunteers to quickly and easily identify and register displaced people. Red Cross Innovation Lab: A lab that develops new ways to use telecommunications to improve disaster response. Red Cross Innovation Lab: A lab that develops new ways to use telecommunications to improve disaster response. 5G for Good: A project to explore how 5G can be used to improve disaster response and preparedness. - Climate Action: A project to address the climate crisis by using telecommunications to help communities adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. - Digital Inclusion: A project to improve digital inclusion by providing access to telecommunications services to people in underserved communities. - Health: A project to improve health outcomes by using telecommunications to connect patients with doctors and nurses, provide remote care, and track health data. - Education: A project to improve education outcomes by using telecommunications to provide access to online learning, connect students with teachers, and track student progress. - Migration: A project to help migrants and refugees by providing access to telecommunications services, connecting them with family and friends, and providing information about their rights. - Migration: A project to help migrants and refugees by providing access to telecommunications services, connecting them with family and friends, and providing information about their rights. - Women's Empowerment: A project to empower women by providing access to telecommunications services, connecting them with resources and support networks, and providing information about their rights. The Red Cross Missing Children's Network Telecommunications companies: Telecommunications companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile provide data about the location of mobile phones. This data can be used to track the location of missing children who have their phones with them. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all customers of Ericsson. Ericsson is a telecommunications company that provides equipment and services to mobile operators around the world. The companies use Ericsson's equipment to build and operate their networks. Facial recognition companies: Facial recognition companies such as Clearview AI and Palantir provide technology that can be used to identify missing children in public places. This technology can be used to scan images from security cameras or social media. Data analytics companies: Data analytics companies such as Palantir and Recorded Future provide technology that can be used to analyze data from social media, telecommunications networks, and other sources to identify potential missing children. Mobile app companies: Mobile app companies such as Amber Alert and Child Rescue Alert provide mobile apps that can be used to report missing children. These apps also allow people to share information about missing children and to receive updates on the search. The companies typically provide these apps for free to users. Website companies: Website companies such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) provide websites that provide information about missing children and how to report them. Ericsson has partnered with NCMEC to develop and deploy Amber Alert and Child Rescue Alert technology in countries around the world. The company has provided telecommunications equipment and services to support the systems, and it has also worked with NCMEC to train law enforcement agencies on how to use the systems. Red Cross Scandals - Haiti Earthquake Funds Controversy (2010): Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the American Red Cross raised nearly half a billion dollars. However, there were significant criticisms regarding how the money was spent. Reports emerged suggesting that much of the money did not reach the Haitian people as promised, with issues like mismanagement, overhead costs, and ineffective aid projects. NPR and ProPublica did an extensive investigation that highlighted these issues. - Blood Donation Scandals: Canada's Tainted Blood Scandal (1980s-1990s): Though not directly the Red Cross's fault, the Canadian Red Cross was heavily criticized for its role in what became one of Canada's worst health disasters when thousands were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood. The Red Cross was responsible for blood services at the time. - American Red Cross Fines: The American Red Cross has been fined multiple times by the FDA for violations in blood safety protocols, including issues with proper screening for diseases and improper handling of blood products. - Hurricane Katrina and Sandy Response: The American Red Cross faced criticism for its response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. There were allegations of slow response, inefficient distribution of resources, and prioritization of PR over actual aid. - Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Over the years, various branches of the Red Cross have been criticized for a lack of transparency in how funds are used. This includes general overhead costs, salaries, and the specific use of donations intended for particular disasters. - Misuse of Funds in Liberia (2014 Ebola Crisis): During the Ebola outbreak, an internal investigation by the Red Cross revealed that in Liberia, an estimated $2.7 million disappeared in fraudulently overpriced supplies, or in salaries for nonexistent aid workers. - PRC (Philippine Red Cross) Senatorial Election Controversy: There was a controversy when Senator Richard Gordon, who was also the Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, used the organization's visibility and resources in ways that critics argued were intended to bolster his political campaigns. Conclusion Ericsson's alliance with the Red Cross, while enhancing disaster response through technology, inadvertently highlights the Red Cross's persistent issues with transparency and efficiency. This partnership, though technologically empowering, underscores a critical need for Ericsson to push for greater accountability in how its contributions are utilized, given both Ericsson's and the Red Cross's history of mismanagement and ethical lapses.

The Kornilov Affair In August 1917, General Lavr Kornilov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army, was perceived as a threat by Alexander Kerensky's Provisional Government. There were fears that Kornilov aimed to seize power and establish a military dictatorship. The details of the Kornilov Affair are complex, with miscommunication, misunderstandings, and perhaps intentional disinformation playing roles in escalating tensions. There's some debate about the true nature of Kornilov's actions and whether he intended to overthrow the Provisional Government or was merely attempting to restore order in Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg). It's also debated whether Kerensky might have initially tried to use Kornilov to his advantage before turning against him. In any case, the situation spiraled out of control. Kerensky's government spread rumors of an impending counter-revolutionary move by Kornilov. The Provisional Government then armed the Petrograd workers, including the Bolshevik Red Guards, to defend the city. Kornilov's troops never reached Petrograd. The revolt failed, partly due to the efforts of railway workers who disrupted the movement of Kornilov's troops and partly due to Bolshevik agitators who successfully convinced many of Kornilov's troops to desert. The Kornilov Affair had two significant outcomes: - Weakening of the Provisional Government: Kerensky's position became much weaker after the affair. His decision to arm the Bolsheviks and other leftist groups in Petrograd essentially gave them the means to later lead an armed uprising against his government. - Strengthening of the Bolsheviks: The Bolsheviks emerged as the primary defenders of Petrograd against Kornilov's perceived threat. This boosted their popularity and credibility among the masses, setting the stage for their successful seizure of power in the October Revolution. The Kornilov Affair and the QAnon movement are both characterized by the propagation and belief in conspiracy theories or rumors, which fueled political and social mobilization. In each case, these narratives emerged from a backdrop of deep mistrust in official accounts or mainstream understandings, causing significant shifts in the political landscape. While the Kornilov Affair led to the weakening of the Provisional Government and the strengthening of the Bolsheviks, the Q movement influenced political discourse and actions within certain segments of U.S. society. Moreover, both instances demonstrate the tangible real-world effects of beliefs based on unsubstantiated claims, be it the arming of groups in 1917 Russia or the real-world protests and incidents inspired by Q. These episodes also underscore the role of ambiguities and misunderstandings in shaping events, as the true intentions behind Kornilov's actions and the evolving claims of Q are both subjects of debate and interpretation.