The World
Globe /
(Oct) University Scientists and Osmo have developed a molecular ‘odor map’ to digitize and transport smell.
Europe /
(Oct) Russian support from North Korean troops and Iran drones, draws in South Korea and Israel to Ukraine.
Asia /
(Oct) Chinese-India relations thaw as Modi-Xi settle border disputes, signaling future economic opportunity.
North America /
(Oct) Cuba’s power grid has failed due fuel supply disruptions from Venezuela and aged oil-fired plant technology.
Africa & the Middle East /
(Oct) The Sahara Desert has flooded in Morocco, yet previously in the grips of a 40-year drought.
Forecast
A Libertarian dream or a Republican nightmare.
Donald Trump’s re-election presents a fascinating chapter in the democratic republic that is America.
Trump enters 2025 with a strong economy left by Biden, inflation at 2.5% and a performing stock market. By winning the popular vote, Trump is given a mandate to roll out campaign promises, and he is supported by a Republican controlled House, Senate, and some may say the Supreme Court.
The platforms and rally messages were clear, but many wonder if some themes were just rhetoric or if they will become formed policy. Based on his previous term Trump did manage to accomplish more than half of his objectives, and without much pushback what can we expect from his next term.
Apply 20% tariffs on imports (up to 60% on Chinese imports) to generate Government revenue.
Renegotiate the USMCA Free Trade Agreement
Extend TCJA Tax Cuts and drop corporate taxes to 15%, down from 21%.
Negotiate Peace in Middle East and Eastern Europe to prevent World War III
Placing Executive controls on monetary policy currently managed by Federal Reserve
Deportation of millions(+) of Illegal Migrants, Immigrant Criminals, and Pro-Hamas “radicals”.
Close Department of Education returning control to the States, while pushing for ‘universal school choice’
Remove Critical Race Theory, Gender Studies, and Political Content in Schools.
Appoint Vivek Ramaswamy to new minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
To address $2T in waste, fraud, abuse and fire unnecessary roles from the largest U.S. employer.
Appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge Department of Health and Human Services
Decoupling Big Pharma and Agra’s influence over FDA (e.g. remove carcinogenic dyes from food)
Re-locate Federal Agencies throughout the U.S. and not siloed in Washington, D.C.
End Inflation – October 2024 rate is 2.6% (although this has been completed)
World’s Largest Oil Producer – in 2024 U.S led with 14B /day (although this has been completed)
Keep the U.S Dollar as the World’s Reserve Currency (although this has been completed)
See BRICS session in Kazan, Russia where U.S. Dollar was used as hard currency by all foreigner’s
Our Postion
From an investment standpoint, we are bullish on Crypto (1-2 years), bullish on gold (4-8 years), and divest out of the S&P, DOW, and NASDAQ.
Deregulation of the financial system will have medium term impact on stock market and banking institutions, while political oversight of the Fed will drive the U.S. currency evaluation down.
Masterscape
The Way of Art
The practice is often applied to Shodō書道 (calligraphy) or Sadō 茶道 (tea ceremonies) but applies to almost any practice requiring a skilled hand. The geidō way does not focus on the end product of the art, but studies the etiquette, the ethics, and the path to get there.
To best understand geidō, it helps to root it within the frame of the Japanese culture; the importance of duty in every role, not taking short cuts, and the respect of one’s bow to their community.
From this vantage point, if you are inclined to devote yourself to a craft, or any practice, then here are some guiding principles to help you reach fulfillment.
Stages of Mastery
I. Commit to the Craft (Determination)
At the onset of any new game, activity, or responsibility is expected to be hard. By embracing the difficulties, you will tone your senses and learn your way. The earliest stages can take years to acknowledge the prescribed motions, the Kata, of the art form.
II. Mimicry of a Master in that Craft (Humility)
A student must be humble enough to respect their craft and be introduced to its secrets through the skills of their chosen Iemoto 家元(master). The experience shall challenge the student to forgo ego and open themselves to heartfelt critique of technique.
III. Expression of that Craft (Courage)
As a seasoned expert, identifying themselves with the way of their craft, the motions of technique become mindlessness. In this phase, one can allow themselves to embrace their expression of the craft, and in Japanese tradition this would consider the wabi 侘 (calmness), sabi 寂(simplicity), and Yūgen 幽玄(mysterious or profound grace) of your expression.
“As he caught his footing, his head fell back, and the Milky Way flowed down inside him with a roar.”
Yasunari Kawabata, 雪国 (Snow Country)
Derived from thousands of years of tradition, the appreciation for the creation and experience of art resulted in its own defined way. The path demands as much of the craftsperson’s humility as it does their talent; to become an artisan you must respect the nature of the art.
