Record sale of new Machine Learning software enables logic and algorithms for real-time data processing and operation of models, including output events and predictions VANCOUVER, BC, May 30, 2023 /CNW/ - infinitii ai inc. ("infinitii ai" or the "Company") (CSE:IAI) (FSE: 7C5) (OTC:CDTAF), a leader in AI-driven predictive analytics software for Smart City water and Smart Industry infrastructure applications that rely on time-series data, today released its financial and operational highlights for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. All results are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. A complete set of Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the quarter has been filed at www.sedar.com. Management commentary "infinitii ai made more solid progress in Q3 with the largest sale in our history to the Region of Peel," stated CEO Jean Charles Phaneuf. "This sale was in partnership with SCG Flowmetrix, a company we've worked with since 2016 starting with the City of Toronto. This was also the first sale of infinitii flowworks pro Machine Learning software that we officially launched last Fall." Streaming analytics and advanced calculation capabilities included in infinitii flowworks pro enables users at The Region of Peel to add logic and algorithms for real-time data processing and operation of models, including output events and predictions – a significant strategic advantage offered by infinitii ai's technology. Over one billion points of data will be captured and analyzed over the life of this 33-month project. The region listed the award for its Consulting Services for Flow and Rainfall Data Delivery contract at a value of $9,180,046, making it, according to SCG Flowmetrix, one of Canada's largest flow and rainfall data delivery projects. Over the 33-month lifespan of the project, which is renewable, infinitii ai estimates it will realize at least 15% of the contract's total value based on software options that can be exercised by the customer. Financial highlights and year-over-year results for Q3 – 2023 Monthly average revenue from contracted and subscription customers increased ...Full story available on Benzinga.com.....»»

CALGARY, AB, May 30, 2023 /CNW/ - CVW CleanTech Inc. (the "Company" or "CVW CleanTech") (TSXV: CVW)  is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2023. For complete details,  please refer to the Condensed Interim Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the first quarter of 2023, available on SEDAR: (www.sedar.com) or on the Company's website:  www.CVWCleanTech.com. Highlights Cash on hand as at March 31, 2023 was $6.9 million. The Company's capital position and liquidity has remained consistent with Q4 2022. A net increase in cash and cash equivalents was achieved primarily by maintaining financial prudence with operating expenses and cash generated through the exercise of stock options. Net loss for the period was $1,047,000 and the net loss per share was $0.01 (basic and diluted). Non-cash charges recognized for stock-based compensation expense totaled $553,000 in Q1 2023. A key priority for the business and a continuing focus is to ensure that commercial scale deployment of CVWTM technologies in the oil sands mining sector moves ahead in a timely fashion and delivers value to CVW CleanTech's shareholders. CVW CleanTech is also actively reviewing diversification opportunities to enhance our technology portfolio and identify additional value add opportunities. These include examining how the Company's technologies and resources could be more broadly applied in the clean technology industry. Diversifying in this fashion, while retaining a focus on clean technology and the role it plays within decarbonization and the circular economy, has the potential to accelerate the growth of the business across multiple sectors and geographies while transforming the company into a leader in the clean technology space. CVW CleanTech's CEO, Akshay Dubey said: "Our Company continues to progress towards commercialization of CVWTM technologies and we are actively engaged in discussions with the major mining oil sands operators. We are excited at the prospect of deploying our ...Full story available on Benzinga.com.....»»

Four financial experts share which items are worth every penny and the mistakes you should avoid. CEOs of startups are taking a pay cut this year due to a slump in venture capital funding.nicoletaionescu/Getty Images Financial experts say there are eight things worth every penny that you shouldn't stop spending on. During a recession, don't skimp on mental healthcare, insurance coverage, and medical expenses. You should also prioritize building up your emergency fund and paying down debt. One of the biggest financial worries that's on the top of people's mind this year is the threat of a looming recession. According to a recent survey, there's a 61% chance that a recession will happen in 2023. As people are planning their budgets and setting up financial goals for the coming months, they might start looking into different areas of their life where they can limit spending and stockpile cash in case of an emergency.If you're starting to plan what items you should cut back on, take a look at what these financial experts say are worth every penny — even during a recession. 1. Internet and phone serviceAs you're sorting through your monthly fixed expenses, you might get tempted to call up your phone or internet provider and cancel or downgrade your plan to save money. However, certified financial planner Gabriel Lalonde told Insider doing that might end up costing you in the future."With the increased reliance on technology and the internet for communication and access to information, it is essential to have reliable internet and phone service," Lalonde said. "Plus, not having this can also limit your access to job opportunities and other resources."If you're struggling to afford your internet or phone service during a recession, Lalonde recommends calling your current provider and asking for discounts or looking for lower-cost options with other providers out there. 2. Medical expenses and healthcareIf you're trying to find ways to cut costs, you might decide to postpone or skip doctor visits or prescription medications in an effort to avoid any out-of-pocket costs or pay for your insurance monthly premium. Lalonde said investing in your health is always worthwhile, even during a recession, since skipping treatments or appointments could lead to the progression of an illness or injury, and make it more expensive or difficult to treat later on."Even with possible financial difficulties, you should still try to maintain your insurance coverage and look for ways to minimize costs, like asking for generic drugs or shopping around for better prices," Lalonde said. To prepare for a looming recession, Lalonde recommends making sure your coverage is up-to-date and researching if there are any government or community programs that can assist you with the cost of healthcare costs. 3. Mental healthcareCertified financial planner Stephanie Genkin adds that mental healthcare should also not be neglected during a recession. "There's a reason why a person sought out therapy," Genkin told Insider. "An economic downturn can magnify those reasons."If your current therapist doesn't accept insurance, Genkin recommends finding a different mental health professional who does so that if you need to cut spending, this isn't a cost that you have to worry about paying for.4. Certain types of insurance coverageAs you audit your expenses, you might notice you're paying for a handful of different types of insurances. Before you cut back on any, certified financial planner Marcus Miller suggests keeping the policies that cover rare and costly occurrences and not ones that cover low-dollar expenses.For example, Miller recommends keeping health insurance to cover unexpected medical bills or treatments, life insurance to ensure financial security for loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death, homeowners or renters insurance to cover personal property and liability from any injury or damages, and auto insurance so that you're covered in case of an accident. If you want to cut back on insurance costs, he does suggest that you can cut pet insurance, home warranty, travel insurance, and identity theft insurance, since the costs might not be worth the limited benefits you receive. 5. Food and groceries If you're someone who spends a lot of their budget on food, certified financial planner Jay Nelson said rather than cutting back in this area, become more strategic about the food you're buying.He says you can cut back on eating out or grabbing fast food, but when it comes to grocery shopping, he recommends stocking up on the basics and staples of what you need for meals at home, especially when discounts or deals are available on those items.Other tips he recommends for saving money on groceries, without limiting how much you're buying, is grabbing store-brand items over name brands, purchasing what you know you'll eat that week, and getting frozen items that won't spoil or expire. 6. TransportationIf you're noticing that you're spending a lot of money trying to get around your city, for work or errands, Nelson said this might not be something you can realistically cut completely out of your budget during a recession. Whether you have recurring expenses related to your vehicle, auto insurance, gas, or you use ride sharing services or public transportation, Nelson recommends finding ways to plan ahead so that you can still use that mode of transportation without overspending.He recommends doing a few things, like being mindful of where you're going and how often you can make multiple stops in one trip, and also filling up your car with the lowest-priced gas in your neighborhood. Also, if it's an option, Nelson said to find ways to carpool to work with a coworker to reduce expenses when needed.7. Emergency Fund While a recession might make it tempting to want to switch around your financial planning and pause contributions to your retirement account, Nelson says that if it's not fully funded with up to six months worth of expenses, it's important to prioritize this savings account."Cut other expenses, like clothing and coffee, and put that money into an emergency fund so you have the freedom to pay for life's unexpected events, rather than taking on debt," he said. 8. Debt payments Another financial mistake that Nelson often sees in a recession are clients who stop making payments on outstanding debt that they have. He said that this isn't a cost to cut back on during an economic downturn because you might end up getting hit with more interest and penalties, making those payments heftier in the future.If you're prioritizing what to cut back on, Nelson recommends cutting spending elsewhere to ensure debts are being paid off first.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Mkango releases Q1 2023 financial statements and awards share options and RSUs.....»»

Q1 2023 revenue of $26.1 million compared to $25.9 million in Q4 2022 Q1 2023 gross profit margin1 of 36.1%, 130 bps improvement from the previous quarter Q1 2023 Adjusted EBITDA2 loss of $1.6 million, $0.9 million improvement from the previous quarter. Net loss of $7.1 million in Q1 2023. Cash and cash equivalents of $18.8 million at the end of Q1 2023 Multi year contract signings of $2.9 million in annual recurring revenue in Q1 2023 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CloudMD Software & Services Inc. (TSXV:DOC, OTCQX:DOCRF, Frankfurt: 6PH)) (the "Company" or "CloudMD"), an innovative health services company transforming the delivery of care, is pleased to announce its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. All financial information is presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. "We had strong performance in our Employer Health and Wellness services with new partnerships with Benefits Alliance, Mohawk Medbuy, and XTM. This will bring our Kii service offering to potentially hundreds of thousands of new users these organizations represent," said Karen Adams, CEO of CloudMD "Our pipeline in the United States in our Health Productivity Solutions division continues to grow with focus on remote patient monitoring which includes our life and health application technology. The combination of organic growth, operational improvement and cost efficiencies in both divisions is driving our performance in this quarter." "We are starting to see the improvement in our financial results because of cost optimization efforts in 2022. In Q1 2023, we saw our financial KPIs trend in the right direction with revenue growth, lower operating expenses, and improvement in Adjusted EBITDA," said John Plunkett, CFO of CloudMD. "We are focused on continuing to drive organic growth and identifying further cost efficiencies with the target of reaching Adjusted EBITDA positive in the fourth quarter of this year." First Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights Q1 2023 revenue of $26.1 million, compared to $31.0 million in Q1 2022 and $25.9 million in the previous quarter. Compared to Q4 2022, revenue was up by $0.2 million, driven by organic growth from the start of previously announced annual recurring revenue contracts offset by lower revenues in VisionPros and some attrition in the Occupational Health business. Q1 2023 gross profit margin3 was 36.1% compared to 34.8% in Q4 2022, and lower compared to 36.7% in Q1 2022. Changes are due to the revenue mix in the respective periods. Adjusted EBITDA4 for the first quarter was ($1.6) million, in-line with the prior year comparative period. Adjusted EBITDA4 improved by $0.9 million from Q4 2022. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA4 from Q4 2022 is due to the continued cost optimization efforts. Net loss in Q1 2023 was $7.1 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to a loss of $5.6 million or $0.02 per share in Q1, 2022. The Company identified and actioned approximately $1.0 million of annualized cost reductions in the first quarter, the impact of which was realized in part in the first quarter with the full run-rate impact expected in Q2 2023. Subsequent to the first quarter of 2023, the Company has identified approximately $4.0 million annually of cost reductions that will be realized in the second and third quarter of 2023. Cash outflow5 in the fourth quarter was $5.3 million. Normalized cash outflow6 for the first quarter was $3.9 million. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $18.8 million of cash and cash equivalents. _________________1,2,3,4 Adjusted EBITDA and Gross profit margin are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this news release for further information and the detailed reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under IFRS set out above. Fourth Quarter & Subsequent Corporate Highlights On February 13, 2023, CloudMD announced the launch Spanish language TAiCBT in the United States. On March 27, 2023, CloudMD announced that Bram Lowsky had joined the Company as the new Head of Health and Wellness Services. On April 3, 2023, CloudMD announced the launch of its online prescription renewal in the United States. On April 4, 2023, CloudMD announced its partnership with Mohawk Medbuy to offer its full suite of services to hospitals across Canada. On April 10, 2023, CloudMD announced that Dhruv Chandra had joined the Company as the new Chief Technology Officer. On April 12, 2023, CloudMD announced an expanded partnership with Benefits Alliance to offer its full suite of Kii services to employee benefits plans across Canada. On May 11, 2023, CloudMD announced a partnership with XTM to bring EAP and Telemedicine to service industry workers. Outlook 2022 was a year of transition as the Company focused on operationalizing, aligning, and rationalizing the large number of acquisitions completed over the preceding two years. The Company has been focused on the integration of its previous acquisitions and products to create an innovative market leadership position and deliver profitable results. During Q1 2023, the Company started to see positive trends in its financial KPIs, with revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and normalized cash flow all improving. The Company expects low double digit revenue growth in 2023 from the fourth quarter 2022 baseline. The Company sold $2.9 million in multi-year contracts in Q1 2023 and has a robust growing pipeline that will continue to drive revenue growth in 2023. During the first quarter, the Company identified and actioned approximately $1.0 million in annual cost reductions. In addition, the Company is expecting to action another $4.0 million of annual net cost savings between the second and third quarter of 2023. These synergies will come with a cost of severance, or working notice, which will impact cash flows in the first three quarters of 2023. The cost savings achieved in the fourth quarter of 2022, in addition to the savings realized in the first quarter of 2023 and expected reductions in the second and third quarter of 2023, will bring the Company closer to adjusted EBITDA breakeven. The Company expects to achieve this milestone in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company believes its cash position of $18.8 million, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund its obligations and organic growth. The Company will continue to prudently manage expenditures and seek further efficiencies in its cost structure. _________________4,5,6 Adjusted EBITDA, Cash outflow and Normalized cash outflow are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this news release for further information.  Management Update The Company announces the resignation of Chief Commercial Officer, Adam Kelly, effective June 23, 2023. Mr. Kelly's responsibilities will be divided between Bram Lowsky, Head of Health and Wellness Services and Nathan Lane, Head of Health and Productivity Solutions. The Company also announces the granting of stock options to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price equal to the 5-day VWAP as of June 7, 2023 per share for a five year term. The stock options were granted pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan to certain officers of the Company. Select Financial Information All results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Selected Financial Information (unaudited) Three months endedMarch 31     2023   2022(2)   Revenue $ 26,139   $ 31,048   Cost of sales   16,701     19,643   Gross profit(1) $ 9,438   $ 11,405   Gross profit %   36.1 %   36.7 % Indirect Expenses     Sales and marketing   1,480     2,205   Research and development   590     992   General and administrative   9,175     10,012   Share-based compensation   30     490   Depreciation and amortization   3,421     2,605   Acquisition and divestiture-related, integration and restructuring costs   950     2,474   Operating loss $ (6,208 ) $ (7,373 ) Other income   160    .....»»

The rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical issues have driven-up demand for financial advice by 21.2% over the ... Read more The rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical issues have driven-up demand for financial advice by 21.2% over the last year, according to one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations. As the figures from deVere Group, which are based on enquiries from new and existing clients, are released, the company’s Regional Director shares questions you should ask when seeking a financial advisor. Rising Demand For Financial Advice Of the jump in demand, James Green comments: “As these findings underscore, more and more people are recognising the value of independent advice to secure their long-term financial goals. “The overwhelming majority of new enquiries, our consultants report, are fuelled by concerns over the rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, and/or geopolitical issues.” He continues: “Although it now seems to be easing somewhat, the cost-of-living is still rising. “Last year’s cost-of-living crisis brought into sharp focus the need for people to manage their finances effectively. “With a growing number struggling to successfully balance their income with expenses, save for goals such as homeownership, education, investments or retirement, or deal with rising debt burdens, they sensibly sought professional advice.” Economic uncertainties have also acted as a catalyst. “Volatility in and disparities between stock markets and bond markets, the looming threats of a recession, longer-term inflation issues, and interest rate agendas, have prompted a growing number of individuals to better understand the market conditions, evaluate their investment portfolios, and make informed decisions about their personal financial situation,” notes James Green. In addition, geopolitical issues, such as the US debt ceiling and possible default crisis, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and rising tensions between China and the US, among others, have played their part. “Major geopolitical matters such as these both directly and indirectly affect investment portfolios. As such they can knock you off track, financially.  It’s critical to consistently review and, where necessary, adapt financial strategies to the changing economic landscape.” The deVere Director also says that technology is a likely contributing factor to the significant surge in demand for financial advice as it becomes more accessible to a broader audience. “Fintech apps, online platforms, and other financial planning tools have made it easier for individuals to connect with advisors and receive guidance remotely. We believe this increased accessibility has contributed to the growing demand for financial advice over the last year.” Questions To Ask Your New Financial Advisor With demand jumping by almost a quarter in just 12 months, James Green says there are certain questions you should ask when looking to work with a new financial advisor. Here’s what you should ask: Is your company authorised to give financial advice by the appropriate regulatory authority? “All advice should be completed by a company and an individual registered with the jurisdiction’s appropriate authority. This can be checked immediately on that body’s website.” Does your company have a global presence? “It makes sense to work with a company that’s located worldwide to make sure you receive continuity of service should you ever relocate. If long term service is required be sure to check the company has offices in your potential future destinations. The company should also be regulated in all the markets in which it operates where required.” Do you have more than one option for the financial advice given? “An independent advisory firm should be able to offer a range of trust services, product services and investment options. Ask them to show you several different options to give you peace of mind when agreeing to the advice.” How long has your company been in operation? “You should choose a company that has been operating in the marketplace for more than five years. This will provide a more accurate, longer-term gauge of the firm’s quality of advice, service and compliance history. What is the total value of your company’s assets under management? “Assets under management that total in excess of $10bn would suggest some degree of critical mass in the industry, a significant share of the market, longevity in the industry and a robust organisational structure.” Do you offer full disclosure? “All negotiations should be upfront and transparent from the start. Any agreements you enter into should disclose how charges are made, how much will be charged, service expectations and levels of protection.” He adds that you must also be able to “build rapport and trust to successfully forge a long-term relationship with your advisor.” Conclusion James Green concludes: “Soaring demand for advice must be championed across the board as it helps people to make better financial decisions, improves their financial literacy, and gives them the best chance of achieving their goals and building a more secure financial future.”.....»»

Want to save $50 on the best noise-canceling earbuds around? Then don't miss out on this Memorial Day AirPods Pro 2 deal. Apple / InsiderWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.We've been covering the Memorial Day sales highlights in detail today, but this might just be the pick of the bunch as it bring the AirPods Pro 2 down to their lowest price at $199.99. We've seen this deal come and go a few times this year, but with so many sales ending at midnight tonight when the holidays comes to an end, we wouldn't bank on this one sticking around much longer.   For context, Amazon often bounces the price back up to the full $250, but we also see it drop to around $230, so $199.99 is an excellent biting point for those wanting to avoid buyer's remorse. Sure, the Prime Day deals are just around the corner in July, but Apple deals can be a bit hit and miss in the summer. An extra $10 might come off for Black Friday in November. The older 1st-gen AirPod Pros dropped to $159 late last year, although they were two years old by that point, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 only came out last September, so there's no chance they'll drop that low this year.Also, those distant sales events aren't helpful if you want a fantastic set of earbuds right now. As a recent buyer myself and a daily user, I'd urge you to dive in at this price rather than go without for six months in the hope you might save ten bucks. And I don't even use an iPhone.Today's best AirPods Pro 2 dealSee all of today's Memorial Day salesNo iPhone? No problem. I do use a MacBook Air for work and an iPad for occasional personal use, but I'm happy sticking with Android for mobile. And these are still the best earbuds I've ever had, and I use them with my Samsung phone daily. I usually struggle to get a good fit with in-ear options even with multiple tips (I had to return Sony's WF-1000XM3 as they kept falling out), but the 2nd gen AirPods Pro 2 are a perfect fit straight out of the box, and there are three more optional tip sets included.Audio is crystal clear across the range on multiple devices, and the noise-canceling is the best I've ever had on a pair of buds - over-ear headphones are still superior for pure noise-canceling. I've drowned out noisy AC units, rumbling laundry, traffic, cafe background noise, and more with no issue. Higher-pitched sounds and voices sometimes creep through (but muted enough so you can't hear what they're saying), but once the music's playing, you're very much in your own little world.If you do want to be aware of your surroundings, when running outdoors perhaps, the transparency mode is excellent at feeding outside noise in. It's also handy in office environments if you want to be on the lookout for colleagues trying to get your attention. It's essential when pausing music really as the snug design does a solid job of blocking outside noise, so this mode will stop you from accidentally shouting your order at a cafe. I also recently started using them on my TV for late-night viewing when I don't want to put on a bulky pair of over-ear headphones and have been seriously impressed. Kevin Costner's grumbling in Yellowstone still requires subtitles though - they're not miracle workers. They're pretty damn good for gaming too and offer way more immersive sound than I'd expect for in-ear buds. Mic quality is good in quiet rooms and does a good job of blocking out outside noise in busier environments. The shorter stems take the mic further from your mouth, but the trade-off in convenience and single-solution for calls/music when working on your travels far outweigh having to pack another headset.Want to learn more? Be sure to take a look at Antonio's AirPods Pro 2 review. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

It's the final day of the Memorial Day sales and we're rounding up a selection of the best deals from the top stores to check out today. Brendan Griffiths/Insider/Leesa/AppleWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.The Memorial Day sales have entered their final day, so don't miss out on your chance to grab an early summer bargain on a range of items. There certainly is a sun-kissed theme to much of what we're seeing on offer right now with garden furniture, outdoor grills, summer fashions, and more.Head inside the home though, and you'll find this is one of the best times of year to pick up a new mattress, as all the top brands are knocking huge percentages off their top products. Most sites are actually offering discounts on everything they sell. Don't worry if you're looking for some tech deals instead though. As highlighted in our dedicated Memorial Day TV sales guide, you'll see what might be the best selection of TV deals this side of Black Friday. We're also seeing steep price drops on various gaming, audio, and computing products. Directly below are some of our own favorite deals we've spotted in the sales today. We'll be adding fresh ones throughout this final day of the sale. Look further down the page and you'll find extensive lists across a range of categories of which retailers are having noteworthy sales right now.Rare Hydro Flask dealsAmazonHydro Flask Lunch Bag - $45 $33 at AmazonHydro Flask is synonymous with keeping your food and beverages at their proper temperature, whether it's with an insulated cup, bottle, or in this case, lunch bag. Not only does it help keep your food fresh for hours, but the Hydro Flask Lunch Bag is also fully lined with welded seams so in case of a spill or leak, it's easy to wipe clean. Down to $34, this is a very rare deal. If you're after some deals on the flasks themselves, a range of them have decent-looking discounts at Amazon today too. Loads of stylish colors available on offerWild OneWild One Walk Kit - $115 $78Wild One's Walk Kit is more than just a super-cute matching set of essentials for your pup — it's also an investment that's a step above your average leash and harness. The harness is comfy and lightweight with three leash-attachment points to choose from, and the leash is dirt- and odor-resistant. A handful of colors are on sale now, which is a rare chance to save.$600 off one of our top-rated mattresses todayTempur-PedicTempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress - $2,000 $1,400No matter what position you sleep in, the Tempur-Cloud has contouring foam that you can trust to cradle you. It's our pick in our guide to the best mattresses for combination sleepers and couples for precisely this reason. Now through Memorial Day, it's $600 off, an exceptional deal.Epic Xbox memory card dealSeagate / InsiderSeagate memory card for Xbox Series X/S - $220 $150 at AmazonDown to an all-time low of $150, this is the best deal we've seen yet on a memory card that is a real game-changer when you combine it with the ever-growing Game Pass library. After years of use, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card still holds up as an essential item on the Series X/S. It loads games just as fast as the internal SSD and this 1TB model is the sweet spot for value per GB.$100 off one of the best ever action camerasGoProGoPro Hero11 Black - $500 $400 at GoProDespite its similar exterior, GoPro's Hero 11 tops all that came before it by having a bigger sensor and the strongest camera stabilization yet. It's a worthy companion for recording all of your adventures for smooth and high-quality footage. Right now you can find it on sale for only $400 from GoPro and Amazon. A super smart outdoor cooking beastBioLite Firepit+AmazonBioLite FirePit+ - $300 $225Fan-powered, app-controlled, Bluetooth-ready, and rechargeable, the BioLite FirePit+ puts outdoor cooking fully in your control. You can use either charcoal or wood to cook just about anything with this masterfully engineered contraption. Right now you can get one for only $225 during BioLite's Memorial Day sale. MadewellMadewell Curvy Stovepipe Jeans- $138 $97 (with code WARMUP)One of our picks for the best places to buy jeans is having a huge sale right now. Madewell's denim is great for wearers of all sizes, whether you're looking for regular, tall, or petite sizing. You can also choose from a range of inseams to help you confidently buy jeans online that you know will fit. The Curvy Stovepipe Jeans are a pair designed for hourglass shapes in particular with a straight leg that's not too skinny and not too wide.Apple Watch 8 has never been cheaper!AmazonApple Watch 8 - $399 $329 at AmazonApple's latest smartwatch is very tempting at $70 off today, especially as as cheap as it's ever been. Sometimes when these deals come along it's limited to one color, but you have options in black, silver, and "starlight" today. This deal is for the 41mm display version, but two wrist stap sizes are available covering small through large. More than just a panini pressCuisinart Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode/Williams Sonoma, Tyler Le/InsiderCuisinart Contact Griddler - $119 $80Crispy bread, melty cheese, and warm fillings can all be yours whenever you want when you get your own panini press. If your countertop has space for one more appliance, we recommend the Cuisinart Contact Griddler as the best panini press you can buy; it can be used to grill or griddle just about anything and has a user-friendly interface. Usually $120, it's had a few discounts recently, as it was $100 last week, but is basically a must-buy today at $80. Save $300 on the best 4K TV out thereThe Samsung S95B delivers impressive color and contrast peformance.Best BuySamsung S95B 65-inch OLED TV - $2,000 $1,700 at Best BuyThe S95B is our top pick for the best 4K TV you can buy right now. The display was Samsung's first 4K OLED TV when it hit stores in 2022, and one of the first to feature quantum dots to produce a wider range of colors. Down to $1,700, this is a stunning deal. 20% off Casper mattressesCasperCasper Nova Hybrid Mattress - $2,295 $1,836It's not uncommon to find the Casper Nova Hybrid on sale, but it's rare to find it discounted this deeply. Down to $1,836 during the brand's Memorial Day sale, this is an excellent time to save on a bed we recommend as the best mattress for side sleepers. Despite being especially plush, the Nova Hybrid has good edge support and excellent heat dissipation, also making it our favorite soft mattress. Save 20% on quality bed framesFloydFloyd The Bed Frame (Queen + headboard) - $1,625 $1,300Don't be fooled by its simplicity — Floyd's Bed Frame is a modest yet endlessly customizable addition to fit into your bedroom. It's one of our picks for the best bed frames you can buy. Floyd lets you choose your wooden finish, the hardware color, and the addition of storage drawers, all with a 20% discount during Floyd's Memorial Day sale.Similar discounts are available on various sizes today. Time's almost up though.A small, yet mighty, Mac for $500The new Mac Mini uses M2 for faster and more powerful performance than its predecessors.AppleApple Mac Mini with M2 - $600 $500 at AmazonApple's newest Mac Mini is both faster and cheaper than the last generation model. With speedy performance even when using programs like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, this computer is a promising investment for content creators. Now down to $500, this matches the previous all-time low the Mac Mini with M2 (256 GB) has seen. If you're looking for an affordable way to check out the Mac ecosystem, this is the perfect way as it's considerably cheaper than a MacBook. Yes, you'll need to sort out your own monitor and keyboard, but with the money saved vs a MacBook, you'll have plenty left over for that.Affordable portable camping cookingColemanColeman Gas Camping Stove - $89.99 $73.99 at AmazonLooking to pick up a double burner camping stove without spending too much if it's only going to be used a few days a year? This is a great affordable option and one you'll appreciate in the mornings when you want to have a few pans on the go at once or enjoy the smell of fresh brewing coffee and sizzling bacon at the same time. And if you don't, are you even camping?Save $190 on a robo vaciRobotiRobot Roomba i4 EVO robo vacuum - $399.99 $209.99 at AmazonRoomba is the default brand most of us think about when it comes to great robot vacuum cleaners, but they're usually pretty damn expensive. So we're really surprised to see this model drop to its lowest-ever price in today's Memorial Day sale. Seriously, $190 off for this robo vac with smart mapping features that will roam hard floors and pull up pet hair from carpets feels like a great opportunity to ditch one of the home's most boring tasks.   A huge discount on our favorite sneakersAllbirdsAllbirds Women's Tree Flyers - $160 $89It's no secret that we love Allbirds. The brand's footwear is sustainably made, affordable, and good-looking to boot. The Tree Flyers are currently down to $89 in all available colors for women, an excellent and rare deal. These shoes are designed for long-distance running with a technical design featuring a lightweight and airy upper. 20% off this top-rated pizza ovenOoniOoni Koda 16 Pizza Oven - $599 $479The Ooni Koda 16 is a pizza oven for foodies with a love for all things pizza. Now on sale for only $479, this tool can help you make restaurant-quality artisanal pizzas or even great desserts whenever you want. It requires little setup and can be used in just about any outdoor location. Check out our full Ooni Koda 16 review for a full rundown of why we think it's a great buy.AmazonSony Linkbuds S - $199.99 $129.99 at Best BuyWant some really good noise-canceling earbuds but without the high-end price tag from Sony's Xm4 line or AirPods Pro from Apple? Then you should seriously consider these little wonders from Sony as they're $70 off today and have had critics raving about their exceptional value-to-quality ratio.An HD TV for just $69.99!Best BuyInsignia F20 Series 24-inch HD Smart TV - $119.99 $69.99 at Best BuyThis is the cheapest price we've seen on this always-affordable TV line. As a TV for a guest room or young children, this is a great deal, especially with a 4.7 customer rating from over a thousand reviews at Best Buy. It's only 720p HD rather than 1080p, but that's fine for the price. You're also getting the Amazon Fire TV smart TV features built-in along with a Fire TV remote. That's a huge selection of streaming apps to enjoy right off the bat and the remote is basic, but also fantastically simple and has nice tactile buttons.  Save over $500 on this mattressAmazonLeesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - $1,900 $1,546Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, back, or head, the Leesa Sapira is our top pick for the best mattress to offer every kind of sleeper the comfort and support you need for a good night's rest. You'll be sleeping especially well knowing you've saved hundreds of dollars by buying this Memorial Day — pay some extra and you can get two pillows added on when you buy direct from Leesa.Save $50 on AirPods Pro 2AppleApple AirPods Pro 2 - $249 $199 at Amazon$50 off these excellent noise-canceling earbuds is a must-buy for music fans on the move. This matches the lowest-ever price and is great for users of other Apple products, but they can also be paired with Android phones too. Memorial Day fashion salesAllbirds: Up to 40 off % select styles. Andrew Marc: Get an extra 40% off sitewide with code: AMSUMMER.Baublebar: Save 20% off custom bracelets with code: STACKING20.Calpak: Get up to 45% off all luggage.Crocs: Get up to 40% off select styles.eBags: Get 35% off bags and luggage right now.Everlane: Save up to 70% on today's sale on summer styles.Express: 2 for $40 on jewelry, and 'buy 1, get 50% off 1' sales throughout. EyeBuyDirect: Get 30% off all eyewear with code: HOORAY30Gap: Fresh additions in the new summer sale.GlassesUSA: Get 30% off frames with code: SAVE30.J.Crew: Get an extra 50% off sale styles with code: SHOPEARLY. Janie and Jack: Save up to 60% on children's clothing.Kate Spade: Big savings across the site, especially on handbags and shoes.Koio: Get 50% off select styles through May 29.Lands' End: Get up to 60% off via coupon code: HELM.Lo and Sons: Get up to 50% off handbags, backpacks, and more. Lucky Brand: Get up to 30% off select denim styles. Macy's: Get up to 40% off select apparel, furniture, and more. Madewell: Get 30% off the summer countdown sale with code: WARMUP.MeUndies: Get 30% off deals on underwear.Mitchell & Ness: Big savings on the finest team-based apparel. Naadam: Get 25% off with the promo code: MDW25.Nike: Up to 40% off footwear and clothing.Nordstrom: Up to 60% off today.Outdoor Voices: Get up to 50% off OV Extra apparel.Reebok: Get up to 50% off select apparel and trainers.Rent the Runway: Save $40 monthly on a 10-item plan with code SUMERSTYLE23.Sephora: Get up to 50% off skincare, lip color, and more. Soko Glam: Get 30% off select products and double rewards.Soma: Get up to 70% off select styles.Sunski: Get 25% off on Sunski's affordable range of sunglasses. Taylor Stitch: Save 30% off sitewide. UnderArmour: Save up to 50% today, with no coupon code required.Urban Outfitters: Get up to 50% off shorts, tanks, and summer essentials.White and Warren: Big savings on a range of cashmere clothing.Memorial Day outdoor salesBackcountry: Get up to 50% off camping gear.BioLite: Get 25% off sitewide on the brand's stoves, fire pits, and lighting.Charge Bikes: Buy two eBikes and save $200 with code: BUYTWO. Hydro Flask: Get 25% off select bottles and tumblers.Huckberry: Get up to 35% off on select outdoor gear. Icemule: Get 25% off sitewide once you get to checkout.Moosejaw: Get 25% off select styles and 20% off a full-priced item with code: CHEESEBURGER. Poler Stuff: Various discounts across the camping gear site.REI: Get up to 30% off in their 'biggest sale of the year.' Rumpl: Get 25% off specialist blankets in the summer sale. Sea to Summit: Get 25% off bestselling outdoor sleeping gear.Smith Optics: Get up to 50% off outdoor eyewear.Memorial Day home and furniture sales1-800-Flowers.com: Get up to 40% off select flowers and gifts.Apt2B: Get up to 35% off sitewide in their biggest-ever sale.Ashley Furniture: Up to 50% off and extended financing options available.BioBidet: Save hundreds on select bidets.Burrow: Up to 60% off sofas and seating.CB2: Up to 50% off indoor and outdoor furniture and double Rewards Dollars.Chewy: Get up to 30% off select items, including pet food and toys. Floyd Home: Save 30% on all sectionals and up to 30% sitewide.Home Depot: Save on grills, patio furniture, gardening, tools, and more.Inside Weather: 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping on $1,500+ orders with code: MEMORIALDAY.Lowes: Save on appliances, furniture, grills, tools, and more. Maytag: Save up to 30% on all major appliances.Outer: Get up to 30% off outdoor furniture.Overstock: Over a million items on sale.Pottery Barn: Get up to 50% off outdoor, furniture, bedding, and more.Raymour & Flanigan: Get up to 30% off everything. Saatchi Art: Save up to 15% on originals with code: SUMMERTIME10.Society6: Get 50% off sitewide through Memorial Day.Wayfair: Get up to 60% off in the clearout sale.Wild One: Save 20% on stylish colors in the dog leash collection.Woot: Big savings on a huge range of categories.Memorial Day food salesButcher Box: Get free ground beef for a year with new signups.Chicago Steak Company: Get four free filet mignons and free shipping with promo code: MEMORIAL.Great Jones: Save up to $120 on cookware sets.HelloFresh: Check out the latest Hello Fresh coupons.Made In: Big discounts on outdoor grilling kits. Omaha Steaks: Save up to 55% on large steak collection packs. Ooni: Get up to 30% off pizza ovens.Solo Stove: Free Mesa with select orders with code: FREEMESA.VSSL: Get up to 50% off the last-chance items in camping supplies.Memorial Day tech salesAdorama: Save on photo gear, computers, video, gaming, and more.Amazon: Big discounts across the boardBest Buy: Save on TVs, laptops, desktops, accessories, and more.Codecademy: Get 50% off Pro annual memberships with the promo code MAY2023. GoPro: Save $100 on the Hero 11 action camera. Newegg: Get up to 55% off select components, desktops, and more.Samsung: Save on select Samsung appliances, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and earbuds.Tile: Save up to 35% on select Tile tracker bundles.Walmart: Grills, clothing, dining, parties, patios, etc.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Facts Vs. Fed-Speak: A Comical History With Tragic Consequences Authored by Matthew Piepenburg via GoldSwitzerland.com, Below, we look at simple facts in the context of complex markets to underscore the dangerous direction of Fed-Speak and Fed policy. Keep It Simple, Stupid It’s true that, “the Devil is in the details.” Anyone familiar with Wall Street in general, or market math in particular, for example, can wax poetic on acronym jargon, Greek math symbols, sigma moves in bond yields, chart contango or derivative market lingo. Notwithstanding all those “details,” however, is a more fitting phrase for our times, namely: “Keep it simple, stupid.” The Simple and the Stupid The simple facts are clear to almost anyone who wishes to see them. With US debt, for example, at greater than 120% of its GDP, Uncle Sam has a problem. That is, he’s broke, and not just debt-ceiling broke, but I mean broke, broke. It’s just THAT simple. Consequently, no one wants his IOUs, confirmed by the simple/stupid fact that in 2014, foreign Central Banks stopped buying US Treasuries on net, something not seen in five decades. In short, the US, and its sacred bonds, just aren’t what they used to be. To fill this gap, that creature from Jekyll Island otherwise known as the Federal Reserve, which is neither Federal nor a reserve, has to mouse-click money to pay the deficit spending of short-sighted and opportunistic administrations (left and right) year after year after year. Uncle Fed, along with its TBTF nephews, have thus become the largest marginal financiers of US deficits for the last 8 years. In short, the Fed and big banks are literally drinking Uncle Sam’s debt-laced Kool aide. The Fed’s money printer has thus become central to keeping credit markets alive despite the equal fact (paradox) that its rate hikes are simultaneously gutting bonds, banks and small businesses to fight inflation despite the stubborn fact that such inflation is still here. The Inflation Narrative: Form Over Substance My view, of course, is that the Fed’s war on inflation is a headline optic rather than policy fact. Like all debt-soaked and failing regimes, the Fed secretly wants inflation to outpace rates (i.e., it wants “negative real rates”) in order to inflate away some of that aforementioned and embarrassing debt. But admitting that is akin to political suicide, and the Fed is political, not “independent.” Thus, the Fed will seek inflation while simultaneously mis/under-reporting CPI inflation by at least 50%. I’ve described this as “having your cake and eating it too.” All that said, inflation, which was supposed to be transitory, is clearly sticky (as we warned from the beginning), and even its under-reported 6% range has the experts in a tizzy of comical proportions. Neel Kashkari, for example, is thinking the US may need to get rates to at least 6% to “beat” inflation. James Bullard is asking for more rate hikes too. But what these “go higher, longer” folks are failing to mention is that rate hikes make Uncle Sam’s bar tab (i.e., debt) even more expensive, a fact which deepens rather than alleviates the US deficit nightmare. The War on Inflation is a Policy that Actually Adds to Inflation Ironically, however, few (including Kashkari, Bullard, Powell or just about any economic midget in the House of Representatives) are recognizing the additional paradox that greater deficits only add to (rather than “combat”) the inflation problem, as deficit spending (an economy on debt respirator) keeps artificial demand (and hence) prices rising rather than falling. Furthermore, these deficits will ultimately be paid for with more fiat fake money created out of thin air at the Eccles building, a policy which is inherently (and by definition): INFLATIONARY. In short, and as even Warren B. Mosler recently tweeted, “the Fed is chasing its own tail.” Inflation, in other words, is not only here to stay, the Fed’s “anti-inflationary” rate hike policies are actually making it worse. Even party-line economists are forecasting higher core inflation this year: The Real Solution to Inflation? Scorched Earth. In fact, the only way to truly dis-inflate the inflation problem is to raise rates high enough to destroy the bond market and the economy. Afterall, major recessions/depressions do “beat” inflation—along with just about everything and everyone else. The current Fed’s answer to combatting the inflation problem is in many ways the equivalent of combatting a kitchen rodent problem by placing dynamite in the sink. Meanwhile, the Rate Hikes Keep Blowing Things Up Buried beneath the headlines of one failing bank (and tax-payer-funded depositor bailout) after the next, is the equally dark picture of US small businesses, all of which rely on loans to stay afloat. But according to the U.S. Small Business Association, loan rates for the “little guys” have reached double digit levels. Needless to say, such debt costs don’t just hurt small enterprises, they destroy them. This credit crunch is only just beginning, as small enterprises borrow less in the face of rising rates. Real estate, of course, is just another sector for which the “war on inflation” rate hikes are creating collateral damage. Homeowners enjoying the fixed low rates of days past are naturally remiss to sell current homes only to face the pain of buying a newer one at much higher mortgage rates. This means the re-sale inventory for older homes is shrinking, which means the market (as well as price) for new construction homes is spiking—serving as yet another and ironic example of how the Fed’s alleged war on inflation is actually adding to price inflation… In short, Fed rate hikes can make inflation rise, and equally tragic, is that Fed rate cuts can also make inflation rise, as cheaper money only means greater velocity of the same, which, alas, is inflationary… See the Paradox? And that, folks, is the paradox, conundrum, corner or trap in which our central planners have placed us and themselves. As I’ve warned countless times, we must eventually pick our poison: It’s either a depression or an inflation crisis. Ultimately, Powell’s rate hikes, having already murdered bonds, stocks and banks, will also murder the economy. Save the System or the Currency? At that inevitable moment when the financial and social rubble of a national and then global recession is too impossible to ignore, the central planners will have to take a long and hard look at the glowing red buttons on their money printers and decide which is worthing saving: The “system” or the currency? The answer is simple. They’ll push the red button while swallowing the blue pill. Ultimately, and not too far off in our horizon, the central planners will “save” the system (bonds and TBTF banks) by mouse-clicking trillions of more USDs. This simply means that the deflationary recession ahead will be followed by a hyper-inflationary “solution.” Again, and worth repeating, history confirms in debt crisis after debt crisis, and failed regime after failed regime, that the last bubble to “pop” is always the currency. A Long History of Stupid In my ever-growing data base of things Fed-Chairs have said that turned out to be completely and utterly, well…100% WRONG, one of my favorites was Ben Bernanke’s 2010 assertion that QE would be “temporary” and with “no consequence” to the USD. According to this false idol, QE was safe because the Fed was merely paying out dollars to purchase Treasuries is an even swap of contractually even values. What Bernanke failed to foresee or consider, however, is that such an elegant “swap” is anything but elegant when the Fed is marred by an operating loss in which its Treasuries are tanking in value. That is, the “swap” is now a swindle. As deficits rise, the TBTF banks will require more mouse-clicked (i.e., inflationary) dollars to meet Uncle Sam’s interest expense promise to the banks (“Interest on Excess Reserves”). In the early days of standard QE operations, at least the Fed’s printed money was “balanced” by its purchased USTs which the TBTF banks then removed from the market and parked “safely” at the Fed. But today, given the operating losses in play, the Fed’s raw money printing will be like like raw sewage with nowhere to go but straight into the economy with an inflationary odor. Bad Options, Fluffy Words Again, the cornered Fed’s options are simple/stupid: It can continue to hawkishly raise rates higher for longer and send the economy into a depression and the markets into a spiral while declaring victory over inflation, or it can print trillions more fiat dollars to prop the system and neuter/debase the dollar. And for this wonderful set of options, Bernanke won a Nobel Prize? The ironies do abound… But as a famous French moralist once said, the highest offices are rarely, if ever, held by the highest minds. Gold, of course, is not something the Fed (nor anyone else) can print or mouse-click, and gold’s ultimate role as a currency-insurer is not a matter of debate, but a matter of cycles, history and simple/stupid common sense. (See below). Markets Are Prepping In the interim, the markets are slowly catching on to the fact that protecting purchasing power is now more of a priority than looking for safety in grossly and un-naturally inflated “fixed income” or “risk-free-return” bonds. Why? Because those bonds are now (thanks to Uncle Fed) empirically and mathematically nothing more than “no-income” and “return-free-risk.” Meanwhile, hedge funds are building their net short positions in S&P futures at levels not seen since 2007 for the simple reason that they foresee a Powell-induced market implosion off the American bow. Once that foreseeable implosion occurs, get ready for the Fed’s only pathetic tools left: Lower rates and trillions of instant liquidity—the kind that kills a currency. In Gold We Trust The case for gold as insurance against such a backdrop of debt, financial fragility and openly dying currencies is, well: Simple stupid and plain to see. Few on this round earth see the simple among the complex better than our advisor and friend, Ronni Stoeferle, whose most recent In Gold We Trust Report has just been released. Co-produced with his Incrementum AG colleague, Mark Valek, this annual report has become the seminal report in the precious metal space. The 2023 edition is replete with not only the most sobering and clear data points and contextual common sense, but also a litany of entertaining quotations from Churchill and the Austrian School to The Grateful Dead and Anchorman … Ronni and Mark unpack the consequences of a Fed that has raised rates too high, too fast and too late, which is, again a fact plain to see: Needless to say, hiking rates into an economic setting already historically “debt fragile” tends to break things (from USTs to regional banks) and portends far more pain ahead, as both history and math also plainly confirm: In a debt-soaked world fully addicted to years of instant liquidity from a central bank near you, Powell’s sudden (but again too late, too much) hiking policies will not “softly” restrain market exuberance nor contain inflation without unleashing the mother of all recessions. Instead, the subsequent and sudden negative growth of money supply will only hasten a recession as opposed to a “softish” landing: As the foregoing report warns, the looming approach of this recession is already (and further) confirmed by such basic indicators as the Conference Board of Leading Indicators, an inverted yield curve and the alarming spread between 10Y and 2Y yields.  Self-Inflicted Geopolitical Risks The report further examines the geopolitical shifts of which we have been warning(and writing) since March of 2022, when Western sanctions against Russia unleashed a watershed trend by the BRICS and other nations to seek settlement payments outside of the weaponized USD. One would be unwise to ignore the significance of this shift or underestimate the growing power of these BRICS (and BRICS “plus”) alliances, as their combined share of global GDP is rising not falling… As interest in (and trust for) the now weaponized USD as a payment system declines alongside a weakening faith in Uncle Sam’s IOUs, the world, and its central banks (especially out East) are turning away from USTs and turning toward physical gold. Again, I give credit to the In Gold We Trust Report: See a trend? See why? It’s fairly simple, and for this we can thank the fairly stupid policies of the Fed in particular and the declining faith in their prowess in general: Myths Are Stubborn Things Many, of course, find it hard to imagine that a Federal Reserve based in DC and within the land of the Great American dream (and world reserve currency) could be anything but wise, efficient and stabilizing, despite an embarrassing Fed track record that is empirically unwise, inefficient and consistently destabilizing… Myths are hard to break, despite the fact the myth of MMT and QE on demand has been a failed experiment and is sending the US, as well as the global, economy toward a reckoning of historical proportions. But the messaging of “Keep calm and carry on” from Powell is calming in spirit despite the fact that it hides terrifying math and historically confirmed consequences for the fiat money by which investors still wrongly measure their wealth. But as Brian Fantana of Anchorman would tell us, trust the central planners. “They’ve done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works every time.” As for us, we trust the kind of data Ronni and Mark have gathered and that barbarous relic of gold far more than calming words and debased, fiat currencies. As history reminds, when currencies die within a backdrop of unsustainable debt, gold in fact does work—and every time. Tyler Durden Mon, 05/29/2023 - 07:30.....»»

Over the past few months, hundreds of tech workers have taken to social media to discuss low-stress job options. Some say they're burnt out. Some burnt-out tech workers say they're searching for lower-stress jobs.Getty stock illustration Tech workers on Blind are discussing ways to find "low pressure" jobs. Some tech workers said they'd be willing to take lower pay in exchange for less stress. The golden era of tech is on its way out as tech workers continue to face mass layoffs. It could be a sign that tech's rise-and-grind era is coming to an end: Over the past few months, hundreds of tech workers have taken to social media to discuss low-stress job options, with some saying they're burnt out.Earlier this week, a Meta worker posted on the anonymous job site Blind asking peers if they had any ideas for "low-pressure jobs." The post generated 100 responses. It was just one of more than a dozen separate posts on the issue across Blind and Reddit over the past few months."I think I am burnt out. I have no motivation left," the Meta worker wrote. "I feel like I need a low pressure job where I am not constantly worried about if what I am doing is enough to avoid PIP," or a performance-improvement plan.Blind allows its users to post anonymously, but requires them to verify their status as an employee of a particular company by requiring the use of their work email address. Insider did not independently verify the employment of the users cited in this story.The Meta worker said that while they don't mind 50-hour work weeks, the stress of performance-improvement plans "eats me up" and that they've had difficulty finding the motivation to keep going after having kids.Performance-improvement plan typically come after companies put workers on notice. The plans offer paths to improvement after lackluster performance reviews or act as a form of discipline, and are often considered precursors to termination. The use of PIPs has become increasingly common at Big Tech companies like Meta that have initiated mass layoffs. Meta reportedly handed out thousands of low performance reviews earlier this year.A Meta spokesperson told Insider earlier this year that the performance reviews are intended to incentivize employees, while also giving them actionable feedback.A Snap worker who says they used to work at Meta said that they "felt a lot better after leaving Meta culture" in response to the post."I'm still not quite all the way healed, but I've gone from completely hopeless and ready to give up, to at least hopeful and enjoying time with the family again," the Snap worker wrote.A Meta spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment from Insider ahead of publication, but the company addressed reports of worker burn out in 2021. At the time, a company spokesperson said that "addressing challenges and building for the future requires us to develop teams, systems and technologies that have never existed before. We value and support the people doing this difficult and complex work."Other workers on Blind expressed similar anxieties, and several tech workers said they'd be willing to accept much lower pay to work in a less stressful environment.Some tech workers on Blind suggested the only way to escape a high-pressure job was to leave the industry entirely, advising workers to consider government work, the auto industry, or project management roles."No such thing as high pay low stress job in tech," an Amazon worker said in a separate post.The Blind posts echo a Reddit thread from earlier this month in which thousands of workers weighed in on low-stress jobs that could pay over $100,000.Hustle culture has always been a big part of the corporate work environment, particularly in Silicon Valley where pulling all-nighters at the office has become something of a rite of passage. But amid mass layoffs, concerns over AI replacing software engineers, and a shift away from Big Tech perks and salaries, the golden era of tech appears to be on its way out.What's more, the idea of going above and beyond at work appears to be losing its luster for younger generations. Insider's Kali Hays previously reported that students and young engineers have grown fed up with Big Tech companies.Earlier this week, NYU Stern School of Business professor Suzy Welch told CNBC she's seen a "generational shift" in how younger workers are approaching employment. They are moving away from trusting their employers, she said, and prioritizing work-life balance over pay.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

It's the final day of the Memorial Day sales and we're rounding up a selection of the best deals from the top stores to check out today. Brendan Griffiths/Insider/Leesa/AppleWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.The Memorial Day sales have entered their final day, so don't miss out on your chance to grab an early summer bargain on a range of items. There certainly is a sun-kissed theme to much of what we're seeing on offer right now with garden furniture, outdoor grills, summer fashions, and more.Head inside the home though, and you'll find this is one of the best times of year to pick up a new mattress, as all the top brands are knocking huge percentages off their top products. Most sites are actually offering discounts on everything they sell. Don't worry if you're looking for some tech deals instead though. As highlighted in our dedicated Memorial Day TV sales guide, you'll see what might be the best selection of TV deals this side of Black Friday. We're also seeing steep price drops on various gaming, audio, and computing products. The below stores have sales right now. Look further down the page and you'll find our live blog, where we'll highlight special deals that catch our eye throughout the day.  Memorial Day fashion salesAllbirds: Up to 40 off % select styles. Andrew Marc: Get an extra 40% off sitewide with code: AMSUMMER.Baublebar: Save 20% off custom bracelets with code: STACKING20.Calpak: Get up to 45% off all luggage.Crocs: Get up to 40% off select styles.eBags: Get 35% off bags and luggage right now.Everlane: Save up to 70% on today's sale on summer styles.Express: 2 for $40 on jewelry, and 'buy 1, get 50% off 1' sales throughout. EyeBuyDirect: Get 30% off all eyewear with code: HOORAY30Gap: Fresh additions in the new summer sale.GlassesUSA: Get 30% off frames with code: SAVE30.J.Crew: Get an extra 50% off sale styles with code: SHOPEARLY. Janie and Jack: Save up to 60% on children's clothing.Kate Spade: Big savings across the site, especially on handbags and shoes.Koio: Get 50% off select styles through May 29.Lands' End: Get up to 60% off via coupon code: HELM.Lo and Sons: Get up to 50% off handbags, backpacks, and more. Lucky Brand: Get up to 30% off select denim styles. Macy's: Get up to 40% off select apparel, furniture, and more. Madewell: Get 30% off the summer countdown sale with code: WARMUP.MeUndies: Get 30% off deals on underwear.Mitchell & Ness: Big savings on the finest team-based apparel. Naadam: Get 25% off with the promo code: MDW25.Nike: Up to 40% off footwear and clothing.Nordstrom: Extensive discounts across the whole site.Outdoor Voices: Get up to 50% off OV Extra apparel.Reebok: Get up to 50% off select apparel and trainers.Rent the Runway: Save $40 monthly on a 10-item plan with code SUMERSTYLE23.Sephora: Get up to 50% off skincare, lip color, and more. Soko Glam: Get 30% off select products and double rewards.Soma: Get up to 70% off select styles.Sunski: Get 25% off on Sunski's affordable range of sunglasses. Taylor Stitch: Save 30% off sitewide. UnderArmour: Save up to 50% today, with no coupon code required.Urban Outfitters: Get up to 50% off shorts, tanks, and summer essentials.White and Warren: Big savings on a range of cashmere clothing.Memorial Day outdoor salesBackcountry: Get up to 50% off camping gear.BioLite: Get 25% off sitewide on the brand's stoves, fire pits, and lighting.Charge Bikes: Buy two eBikes and save $200 with code: BUYTWO. Hydro Flask: Get 25% off select bottles and tumblers.Huckberry: Get up to 35% off on select outdoor gear. Icemule: Get 25% off sitewide once you get to checkout.Moosejaw: Get 25% off select styles and 20% off a full-priced item with code: CHEESEBURGER. Poler Stuff: Various discounts across the camping gear site.REI: Get up to 30% off in their 'biggest sale of the year.' Rumpl: Get 25% off specialist blankets in the summer sale. Sea to Summit: Get 25% off bestselling outdoor sleeping gear.Smith Optics: Get up to 50% off outdoor eyewear.Memorial Day food dealsButcher Box: Get free ground beef for a year with new signups.Chicago Steak Company: Get four free filet mignons and free shipping with promo code: MEMORIAL.Great Jones: Save up to $120 on cookware sets.HelloFresh: Check out the latest Hello Fresh coupons.Made In: Big discounts on outdoor grilling kits. Omaha Steaks: Save up to 55% on large steak collection packs. Ooni: Get up to 30% off pizza ovens.Solo Stove: Free Mesa with select orders with code: FREEMESA.VSSL: Get up to 50% off the last-chance items in camping supplies.Memorial Day home and furniture sales1-800-Flowers.com: Get up to 40% off select flowers and gifts.Apt2B: Get up to 35% off sitewide in their biggest-ever sale.Ashley Furniture: Up to 50% off and extended financing options available.BioBidet: Save hundreds on select bidets.Burrow: Up to 60% off sofas and seating.CB2: Up to 50% off indoor and outdoor furniture and double Rewards Dollars.Chewy: Get up to 30% off select items, including pet food and toys. Floyd Home: Save 30% on all sectionals and up to 30% sitewide.Home Depot: Save on grills, patio furniture, gardening, tools, and more.Inside Weather: 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping on $1,500+ orders with code: MEMORIALDAY.Lowes: Save on appliances, furniture, grills, tools, and more. Maytag: Save up to 30% on all major appliances.Outer: Get up to 30% off outdoor furniture.Overstock: Over a million items on sale.Pottery Barn: Get up to 50% off outdoor, furniture, bedding, and more.Raymour & Flanigan: Get up to 30% off everything. Saatchi Art: Save up to 15% on originals with code: SUMMERTIME10.Society6: Get 50% off sitewide through Memorial Day.Wayfair: Get up to 60% off in the clearout sale.Wild One: Save 20% on stylish colors in the dog leash collection.Woot: Big savings on a huge range of categories.Memorial Day mattress salesAvocado Mattress: Get 10% off mattresses with code: HONOR.Bear Mattress: Get 35% off sitewide.Beautyrest: Get up to $900 off select mattresses.Casper: 20% off all mattresses and pillows.Cocoon by Sealy: Get 35% off all mattresses today.Dreamcloud: 40% off all mattresses; prices start at $499.Helix: Save up to $1000 with code: MEMORIALDAY25.Leesa: Get up to $700 off mattresses and two free pillows.Mattress Firm: Get up to 25% off select mattresses. Nectar: Save 33% off everything on the site.Nolah: 30% off all mattresses and two free pillows.Purple: Get up to $800 off a mattress set.Saatva: Get up to $600 off mattresses.Serta: Save up to $900 off select mattresses and adjustable bases.Sit'n Sleep: Queens start at $299.Sleep Number: Save 50% and get 48-month financing.Tempur-pedic: Get up to $500 off and $300 of free accessories.Tuft & Needle: Get up to $750 off mattresses.Vaya: Get $300 off any mattress with promo code: VAYA300.Zoma: Get up to $150 off all mattresses.Memorial Day tech salesAdorama: Save on photo gear, computers, video, gaming, and more.Amazon: Big discounts across the boardBest Buy: Save on TVs, laptops, desktops, accessories, and more.Codecademy: Get 50% off Pro annual memberships with the promo code MAY2023. GoPro: Save $100 on the Hero 11 action camera. Newegg: Get up to 55% off select components, desktops, and more.Samsung: Save on select Samsung appliances, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and earbuds.Tile: Save up to 35% on select Tile tracker bundles.Walmart: Grills, clothing, dining, parties, patios, etc.Memorial Day sales live updates:Affordable portable camping cookingColemanColeman Gas Camping Stove - $89.99 $73.99 at AmazonLooking to pick up a double burner camping stove without spending too much if it's only going to be used a few days a year? This is a great affordable option and one you'll appreciate in the mornings when you want to have a few pans on the go at once or enjoy the smell of fresh brewing coffee and sizzling bacon at the same time. And if you don't, are you even camping?Save $190 on a robo vaciRobotiRobot Roomba i4 EVO robo vacuum - $399.99 $209.99 at AmazonRoomba is the default brand most of us think about when it comes to great robot vacuum cleaners, but they're usually pretty damn expensive. So we're really surprised to see this model drop to its lowest-ever price in today's Memorial Day sale. Seriously, $190 off for this robo vac with smart mapping features that will roam hard floors and pull up pet hair from carpets feels like a great opportunity to ditch one of the home's most boring tasks.   A huge discount on our favorite sneakersAllbirdsAllbirds Women's Tree Flyers - $160 $89It's no secret that we love Allbirds. The brand's footwear is sustainably made, affordable, and good-looking to boot. The Tree Flyers are currently down to $89 in all available colors for women, an excellent and rare deal. These shoes are designed for long-distance running with a technical design featuring a lightweight and airy upper. 20% off this top-rated pizza ovenOoniOoni Koda 16 Pizza Oven - $599 $479The Ooni Koda 16 is a pizza oven for foodies with a love for all things pizza. Now on sale for only $479, this tool can help you make restaurant-quality artisanal pizzas or even great desserts whenever you want. It requires little setup and can be used in just about any outdoor location. Check out our full Ooni Koda 16 review for a full rundown of why we think it's a great buy.AmazonSony Linkbuds S - $199.99 $129.99 at Best BuyWant some really good noise-canceling earbuds but without the high-end price tag from Sony's Xm4 line or AirPods Pro from Apple? Then you should seriously consider these little wonders from Sony as they're $70 off today and have had critics raving about their exceptional value-to-quality ratio.An HD TV for just $69.99!Best BuyInsignia F20 Series 24-inch HD Smart TV - $119.99 $69.99 at Best BuyThis is the cheapest price we've seen on this always-affordable TV line. As a TV for a guest room or young children, this is a great deal, especially with a 4.7 customer rating from over a thousand reviews at Best Buy. It's only 720p HD rather than 1080p, but that's fine for the price. You're also getting the Amazon Fire TV smart TV features built-in along with a Fire TV remote. That's a huge selection of streaming apps to enjoy right off the bat and the remote is basic, but also fantastically simple and has nice tactile buttons.  Save over $500 on this mattressAmazonLeesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - $1,900 $1,546Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, back, or head, the Leesa Sapira is our top pick for the best mattress to offer every kind of sleeper the comfort and support you need for a good night's rest. You'll be sleeping especially well knowing you've saved hundreds of dollars by buying this Memorial Day — pay some extra and you can get two pillows added on when you buy direct from Leesa.Save $50 on AirPods Pro 2AppleApple AirPods Pro 2 - $249 $199 at Amazon$50 off these excellent noise-canceling earbuds is a must-buy for music fans on the move. This matches the lowest-ever price and is great for users of other Apple products, but they can also be paired with Android phones too. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Rachel Garlinghouse, a former college teacher, said parents should realize there are a lot of other options beyond college. Every student doesn't need to go to college, a former teacher says.Brad Doherty/AP ImagesSome high-school graduates don't want to go to college, and that's scary for parents.I'm a former college teacher, and I tell parents they shouldn't force their kids into college.Instead, parents should do research and brainstorm alternatives.While most high schoolers are expected to take the SAT, apply to colleges, and enroll in a two- or four-year school, some students just aren't interested in the college experience.In fact, between 2019 and 2022, the number of undergraduate students at colleges has dropped 8% around the country. Many cite high tuition costs, but others are turning to part-time work or trade schools.For many parents, a child who is not interested in attending college can be scary. I'm a former college teacher, and during my nine years of teaching, countless students came through my classroom and said they wish they didn't enroll.Instead of forcing students into college, here's what I recommend parents do instead.First, you need to respect your child's reasons for not wanting to go to collegeAs your high-school graduate moves from their teen to young-adult years, it's time to place some boundaries — on yourself.If your child is mature enough to come to you and express why they aren't interested in attending college, listen to them. Their reasons might be problems you can solve together, and college may still be in their future.But their concerns may be reasonable. No matter how ridiculous you feel your child is being, by offering them your support, you can build trust and respect.Start by doing a lot of researchThrough your research, you will likely learn a new reality: A four-year degree may earn your kid a diploma, but they'll also likely earn a mountain of debt.A diploma also doesn't mean your adult child will automatically land a sustainable, fulfilling job in their trained field. To get anywhere in some fields, your child will have to go to grad school — which means more time and more money.Insider recently reported that some college degrees are more likely to be deemed "useless," including theater, history, communications, and psychology.Through your research, you may learn that times have changed, and many younger adults are landing rewarding jobs without a college degree.Make a list of pros for both skipping and attending collegeAs a parent, your mind probably drifted toward a few — or many — reasons why your child is wrong about not going to college. But there are also pros if your child decides that college isn't for them right now.By not going, they'd be saving a whole lot of money, conserving their intelligence and talents for a different path, and giving this major life decision more time.Then lay out the pros of attending college. Seeing all of this spelled out on paper may help your confused student.You can also brainstorm some alternatives to college with your studentParents often joke that they don't want their kids living in the basement and playing video games all day. That's a valid concern. If college is no longer on the table, you may both wonder what's next.You can work together to come up with alternative options. Look into trade or technical schools. Your child might want to go straight into the workforce, picking up a part-time or full-time job that's of interest to them. Sometimes young adults are intimidated by a university, but they might consider taking classes at a community college instead.Don't forget to enjoy the extra time you have togetherDon't be surprised if your child needs more time to grow into adulthood. Just because your kid graduated high school, it doesn't mean your influence and guidance ends; it can shift into more of a teamwork approach.If they're not in college, don't forget to relish the holidays, evenings, and weekends together — and use that time to strengthen your relationship, especially after those tumultuous teen years.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Top 10 Cheapest Beach Homes In America The 30yr fixed mortgage rate is back above 7% for the first time since early March. Housing affordability is the worst in decades. Those still searching for a beach home but don't want to pay Hamptons or South Florida prices have other options that are still considered "affordable."  A new report via Realtor.com reveals the top ten most affordable beach towns for homebuyers this summer. To find these affordable homes, Realtor analysts used listing data for every home put on the market in the past year located within a one-mile radius of each beach."  "We then selected the most affordable beach towns by price per square foot. Only locations with at least 50 properties within a mile of the water in the past year were included," they said.  Topping the list as the most affordable beach home community in the US is Gulfport, Mississippi, with an average median home price of around $225,000 within 1 mile of the beach. The median price per square footage within 1 mile of the beach was $144.  Second on the list is Newport News, Virginia, with average home prices within 1 mile of a beach around $220,000 and the median price per square foot around $150.  "The city is perched on the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula, where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay near its mouth to the Atlantic Ocean," Realtor said.  The rest of the list includes: 3. New London, Conn. 4. Grand Isle, La. 5. Corpus Christi, Texas 6. Atlantic City, NJ. 7. Navarre, Fla. 8. North Beach, Md. 9. Crescent City, Calif. 10. Shirley, N.Y. Most of the affordable beach towns can be found in the South, Mid-Atlantic, or Northeast regions. However, Northern California also has one reasonably priced beach town.  Affordability challenges persist, with the mortgage rates back above 7%.  The beach towns listed above are gems of affordability.  Tyler Durden Sun, 05/28/2023 - 20:30.....»»

Can A Soldier Come Home From War? Authored by John Waters via RealClear Wire, It has been said that a lifestyle arose after 20 years of the war on terror. People lived in the war long enough that it became an alternative to everything else. Better than a video game. Better than boredom. Going to war “was the only thing for a man to do, easily and naturally, when he might have done something else,” as Hemingway wrote. But the portal to war’s mystery closed once the fighting stopped. You feel the need to talk but there's no one who can listen. People have heard “too many atrocity stories" to be entertained by the simple truth that you liked it, that war magnified who you were. Once you lose the quality that made you vital, you discover the hardest part of going to war is coming home to face yourself. For combat veterans, the process of resuming normal life has meant a series of abstract labels and diagnoses. It began with post-traumatic stress disorder. Then came anxiety disorders. "Moral injury," discussed among mental health professionals if not operationalized for diagnosis, appeared somewhere along the way, but there have been many others. Daniel Swift, a Navy SEAL who died fighting in Ukraine earlier this year, had been diagnosed with something called "adjustment disorder." Evidently, it's a term encompassing feelings of hopelessness and anxiety experienced after a complex, stressful life event. For Swift, that event was coming home from war and attempting re-entry into civilian life.  Though war is among the hardest things a person can survive, it's not the only hard thing. Countless events unrelated to combat trauma can trigger dark feelings. Love, loss, and death form parts of everyone's experience, and the totality of their effect on our psychology and behavior can change who we are. When combat infantryman Bill Bee wrote about holding a Marine's hand as he died of a gunshot wound to the head during a tour in Helmand, most of us could imagine how it might feel (or remember how it felt) to be similarly helpless, holding a parent's hand as life fades away.   In her new book Night Vision: Seeing Ourselves Through Dark Moods (Princeton, 2023), philosophy professor Mariana Alessandri argues persuasively that so-called "dark moods" should not be shamed and covered in stigma. She frames these moods as natural responses to the skin-of-your-teeth, emotionally rich experience of living. "[In life], I don't think suffering is optional," she told me by telephone. Life, especially one that includes combat, will inevitably agitate and stir our "arsenal of feelings," and wanting constant positivity and success creates unhealthy expectations. Though her book does not contemplate how and why veterans deal with "dark moods" as they reassimilate to life after war, Alessandri was quick to acknowledge how cold the world can feel when a person is open about sadness, grief, and suffering. Perhaps medical health professionals and "superstar bloggers" have claimed too much responsibility for "narrating our psychic lives," she writes. It is okay to feel sad; the world has always been full of tragedy. We spoke about her book and inspiration, and how this brand of philosophy might apply to combat veterans. What follows is a lightly edited transcript of our conversation. Why did you write Night Vision? My book is getting categorized as self-help but that’s not my cause. I want to reserve a space to let people be themselves. I want to help people create spaces to allow one another to be truthful in their moods. I’m not telling people that you need to share your pain, but I am saying that if you want to share the pain, it gives other people an opportunity to love you. We’re not yet in a world of “night vision,” and so people might squander that opportunity and make it worse. Personally, my father passed away three months ago. Instead of hiding it, I just emailed all of my colleagues and told them my father passed away. It was a low-stakes touch. I saw the most beautiful outpouring of love from colleagues. People were volunteering themselves to me in ways that were beautiful and also surprising. When we choose to share (with eyes open, of course), we might find that people are waiting for an opportunity to care and respond well. It’s totally the individual’s choice. Do you believe we've developed a formula for living badly? We’ve developed a formula for living emotionally impoverished lives. In terms of how we treat ourselves and how we treat our emotions, and how we treat others, too. There is an emotional anemia. Emotional nyctophobia. I don’t think we’re good at handling people’s darker moods. We have been trained to celebrate being well, and we treat people better when everyone is doing well. As a philosopher, I’m very influenced by Plato’s Cave. I think the world is full of walls, that society is just walls with writing on them. The posters, pillows, coffee mugs—they all tell us messages. I’m getting my ideas from reading the world. I think philosophers ought to look closely at the world and read what it’s telling us. For example, my son’s soccer coach has a t-shirt that says #NoBadDays. Or, consider the poster in my local airport that shows a man in a dark tunnel with a small light at the end. The poster reads “It will get better.” You see book titles like “Eliminate Anxiety.” For all these signs, I read them and think: “Well, people must believe that these things are actually possible.” And so, though it’s well-intentioned, there is a focus on the bright side and not knowing what to do when we’re dark. The word “toxic positivity” is being used and it’s quite helpful. You write that “sooner or later, we pay the price of living […] No medicine is so powerful it can turn off pain.” How does the price manifest? The price manifests in suffering. Loving is the number one thing that invites suffering. Because everything you love will die or end, and that attachment when it breaks is what causes disappointment and pain. I don’t think suffering is optional. There is no getting rid of suffering, and my point in the book about pharmaceuticals is saying that there’s no way to get rid of something that is a part of the human condition. My idea is that we have to live with suffering in a way that honors the pain and honors the person or the love behind the pain. But you say the pain manifests in particular moods, no? Grief. Depression. Anxiety. Tell me about them. Yes, and some of the moods run into each other. For my purposes, grief is when a loved one has died and depression is taken to be a state without a cause, like an uncaused grief. I’m dubious of that explanation because we might be looking for causes when depression might be caused by a big success, such as when the author William Styron won a literary award and then fell into a state of depression. The point in the chapter on depression is that we don’t have to only medicalize these moods. I’m not trying to redeem the mood of depression or grief, but I’m trying to redeem the person. I don’t think you’re broken because you suffer depression. Anxiety, meanwhile, is a different beast. It’s the voice that will not stop. It’s so loud that you cannot stop hearing it. I’ll note that I use other languages in the book because using English only elicits reactions. Pain doesn’t just mean skinning your knee. There is pain of the heart, too. English-speaking readers might get hung up on the word itself and what they think it means when I want the thing to mean more. I find readers are more passive and open to listening when I use dolor or another word from a foreign language—it frees them up to understand. Are your views on dealing with grief, depression, and anxiety at odds with those of the medical community? I think before writing this book, I was leaning more on the side of being super suspicious of the medical-industrial complex that makes so much money off the suffering of others. But it’s a difficult question to answer. Therapies, diagnoses, medical treatments—they do a lot of good. Depression is the one that makes it very, very challenging to say “go on without medication,” though. The book Noonday Demon was a very good book on this. It’s dangerous to be completely anti-medical—depression can be a real force. But even medicated people are still living with depression, and so we need to understand the underlying emotion without casting ourselves or others as broken. There was a book in the 80’s called “Plato, not Prozac.” I would be happy if my book were called “Plato and Prozac.” My book is about seeing these moods and understanding them, rather than how to resolve them or treat them. Military experience teaches us that life is going to be hard. Troops train so rigorously to prepare themselves for inevitable hardships. Then, once service ends, we send them back home as civilians to lead lives that society says should be fun, happy, effortless, and free of inconvenience. When life isn’t immediately any of those things, there is confusion and suffering. What is this suffering trying to teach us? I’m struck that veterans have a potential understanding with each other that goes beyond the rest of society. If you can assume that people in your position have experienced something similar to you, then you don’t have to pretend. The world you come back to might be too light to understand you, and people want you to leave that behind and not have that hardship or combat continue to be a part of your life. I can imagine that the sort of connection among veterans can be profound. The Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno writes that suffering can unite us in a way that is joyous. Bodies are joined by pleasure but souls are joined by pain. Instead of trying to cheer each other up, people who share pain together have an ability to connect with one another that others cannot really touch. We don’t get to choose whether we do or don’t have suffering, but the suffering allows us to see other people in a new, profound way.    Your passages on anxiety made me think about how veterans struggle to find a new mission. Sometimes this struggle plays out in dramatic changes to their personal lives or professions. Divorce. Job-hopping. Is it possible that we have too many choices to make? Maybe. Classic existentialists think that we spend a lot of our time denying death. Kierkegaard calls anxiety a feeling of dizziness. When you tell a young person that they can do anything, you may think that you’re giving them hope and possibility but you’re also messing up their life. Freedom is a double-edged sword because it means you have the freedom to mess up your life. We take measures to tie ourselves down to reduce the options. For example, think about the midlife crisis. The midlife crisis is the time at which our bodies stop letting us fool ourselves and say, “Could it actually be different?” I see my students with their heads down and gently try to suggest that they’re not always going to be able to stay inside there, that something will eventually give. Psychologists call it drift, going with the non-controversial or least difficult option rather than sitting with it and figuring out what you want, probably trying different things. Why would we want to go through life sleeping? It’s easier, yes, but we don’t really stay asleep. I believe that philosophy is a discipline of awakening, not letting people sleep through life.  Intense experiences have a way of stretching our emotions. Many combat veterans relate experiencing extreme emotions after returning home from war, and how the expression of these emotions shocked their family, friends, or co-workers. Has it become unacceptable to express chaotic emotions? I don’t know. Some of my students tell me there’s funny social media outlets where they try to cry or look like they’re crying, like a feigned emotion. That seems strange to me, but professional society is different because the goal is not to look chaotic. I would love for the world to go down a few notches and not panic. It’s not cause for alarm. I think the more pressure we have to keep it under, the more harm that’s done to ourselves and the more opportunities are missed. Do you think a soldier ever comes home from war? The metaphor of coming home is very beautiful, but it’s not like home doesn’t have suffering, too, and so a lot depends on people’s attitudes. You cannot just advise people coming home from war to leave themselves behind. You will have grief with you and you need to be allowed to keep that. You have to have a family or community that’s willing to take you as you are, people who are not demanding that you just be happy already. I find that the phrase “adjustment disorder” is really funny. It shows that the adjustment is about how you need to adjust to the world, that the world doesn’t adjust to you, that society is fixed and unbending and that you’re going to have to change yourself to live here. But who should adjust to whom? Ultimately, I think the answer to your question depends on who is around him. I can picture it going very well or very badly. John Waters is a writer in Nebraska. His novel River City One publishes this fall.  Tyler Durden Sun, 05/28/2023 - 12:00.....»»

It's the most famous race on the sporting calendar. We've got everything you need on how to watch the Monaco F1 live stream for free from anywhere too. Monaco Grand PrixANP via Getty ImagesWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.The most prestigious event of the world's racing calendar is just hours away, so don't miss out on today's free F1 Monaco live stream. We've listed various Formula 1 streaming options to watch the Monaco GP online from anywhere.Don't like the look of your local option, or maybe your country isn't showing the race? We can help hook you up via a VPN to get free coverage from elsewhere. And don't worry if you're not free when the race is happening, as there's an extended highlights show a few hours later. Or you could tune in at your leisure via an on-demand service - all free.Monaco F1 live stream quick links:US: ESPN - Sling TV Orange (save $10 on your first month) | FuboTV (free trial)Access free live streams below via: ExpressVPN (save 49% + get 3 extra months free)Austria: Servus TV (free)Belgium: RTBF (free)Luxembourg: RTL Zwee (free)UK: Sky TV (various paid bundles) | Now TV (£11.98) |  Channel 4 extended highlights (free)Race start: Sunday, 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. CETExtended highlights: Channel 4 - 1:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 p.m. CET (or watch on-demand the day after)Watch a free Monaco F1 live streamThis weekend's simplest option for a free F1 live stream is using a VPN to tune into one of the free European streams mentioned above. You won't get English commentary, but the data at the side of the screen provides a narrative in any language. You could always use an online text commentary site to keep up with events behind the scenes. Live driver comms are usually in English too.Our preferred option of all the best VPN providers is ExpressVPN, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied. Better yet, you can currently get an extra three months for free and also save 49% on a subscription.If you insist on English commentary, you could always take advantage of Fubo's 7-day free trial in the US. If you're outside the US and want to try this option, you'll need a VPN.The UK service, Now TV, is another option for English commentary, although that service will cost £12. You can access it outside the UK with a VPN.How to watch the Monaco F1 live stream with a VPNSign up for a VPN if you don't have one.Install it on the device you're using to watch the race.Turn it on and set it to a country with a free live stream.Head over to Servus TV (Austria) | RTBF (Belgium) | RTL (Luxembourg).Watch on the live sections of the sites.Race start: Sunday, 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. CETAre there extended highlights later?In the UK, Channel 4 will show an extended highlights show a few hours after the race at 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET). Coverage lasts for two and a half hours, so it effectively feels like you're seeing the whole race. Plus, if there are any delays, they'll be greatly reduced with a few edits. You can tune in on the Channel 4 website online and use a VPN as outlined above to watch from outside the UK. If you're not free to watch it at this time, it will be available on-demand for free on the site, probably the day after. Although, the on-demand option is usually a shortened version lasting just over an hour. How to watch an F1 live stream in the USESPN carries coverage of Formula 1 racing throughout the season, and there's plenty of it left to enjoy too. If you don't already have access to the channel, there are a couple of cord-cutting options for you to consider. Sling TV's Orange tier is usually $40 a month, but a special offer now sees that first month's price slashed to just $20. Fubo TV also has ESPN, but it is much more expensive at $74.99 monthly. It's very packed though, and is a favorite amongst cord-cutting sports fans. Better yet, you can get a 7-day free trial, so enjoy the race for free and cancel your sub before the week is up if you don't want to keep it.Note: Using VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Whether you're a long-time car owner, or a first-time driver, there is plenty you need to know about your vehicle. Car owners might have a number of misconceptions about their vehicles and the buying process.AP Photo/David Zalubowski Whether you're a long-time car owner, or a first-time driver, there is plenty you need to know.  Many drivers have misconceptions about maintenance for their car, or other aspects of ownership. Here are 9 things you're probably wrong about when it comes to your car. Whether you're a long-time car owner or first-time driver, there is plenty you need to know about your vehicle. There is a complex buying or leasing process, chock-full of complicated financing talk, interest rates, and other terms to navigate. There are a lot of brands, models, types of vehicles, moving parts, and changing technologies to stay on top of. There are maintenance and service needs that are important to know. Thought: You'll get a good deal buying a car at the end of the month.Toyota dealership.ToyotaA lot of car buyers think that if they walk into a dealership at the end of the month, they're likely to get a better deal than they might have gotten a week or two earlier. They assume a dealer will want to get rid of as much inventory as possible to cap off that month's sales.That might have been somewhat true... before the pandemic. But all aspects of car buying are never going back to normal post-COVID, and that includes finding those types of deals.What is probably more fruitful to watch as an indicator of a good deal, instead, is automaker and dealer inventory. The more cars sitting on dealership lots, the more likely they may be willing to work with you.Thought: You'll get an even better deal buying at the end of the year.Kekyalyaynen / Shutterstock.comFor similar reasons, many car shoppers think the very best car-buying deals come at the end of the calendar year. But again, with how car buying has changed so much since the pandemic, that's not necessarily the case. We know that dealers aren't necessarily bringing back those holiday blowout sales like they used to. Part of that is because dealers know they don't need to anymore. Consumer behaviors throughout the pandemic taught automakers and their dealers that customers are actually willing to wait longer and pay more for the vehicles they really want. That's shifting a bit as macroeconomic uncertainties weigh on consumers, but for the most part, there isn't much incentivizing the industry to reintroduce those major holiday sales.Thought: Pricing is likely to get better as economic concerns continue.Used car pricing is especially volatile right now.PeopleImages/Getty ImagesThe answer is somewhat simple: Not necessarily. New and used vehicle prices have gone down pretty significantly from their pandemic highs. During that time, new vehicles were going for well over sticker price, and used vehicles were selling for far more than they were worth. Cars are finally going for below sticker price for the first time in years, but the average transaction price for a new car was still $48,275 in April, according to Kelley Blue Book. For used vehicles, it was $26,799.Even as the economy remains uncertain, there are several dynamics at play.The pandemic-induced supply-and-demand crunch is still ongoing, affecting certain brands and vehicle models — and thus the pricing of those cars — more than others.Meanwhile, automakers and their dealers aren't really incentivized to drop prices substantially, and they're even fighting with each other to hold off on doing so. In the end, the customer might win, but it won't necessarily be a direct result of just economic pressures.The point is, buying a car might not ever truly get better, so you might as well buy one now.Thought: Electric vehicles are going to be worse to maintain than gas-powered cars.Tesla vehicles plugged in and charging at a Supercharger fast charging station.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesThere's a yes and no to this one. Electric vehicles generally need less service. We put together a guide on the key differences between an EV and a gas-powered one. This includes no oil changes and other common gas-drivetrain maintenance. But it might include something like more frequent tire replacements, and there's always the battery to think about.The cost, and potentially even wait times, associated with servicing and repairing an EV could be greater than that with an internal combustion engine vehicle. The repairing aspect is especially key.One Kelley Blue Book analysis estimates EVs have maintenance costs of $4,246 over 5 years of ownership, lower than the $4,583 estimate for gas-powered cars. At the same time, EVs have $1,712 in repair costs over that period, higher than drivers looking at $1,695 in repair costs for gas-powered vehicles.So it depends how you look at it: Overall, less maintenance — but if you do get in a fender-bender, it's likely going to cost you.Thought: Premium gas is better for my vehicle, and will make it go faster.Drivers should fuel their vehicles up with the gas their cars call for.(Photo by Allison Dinner/Getty Images)Drivers might assume that filling their gas-powered vehicle up with premium could boost their car's acceleration or fuel economy. That's really not the case, according to Cars.com.Experts suggest that, if you fill up a car that calls for regular gasoline with premium, the opposite impact might occur. Certain vehicles call for higher-octane fuel because, when used in the appropriate engine, it results in more power and better overall performance. But a vehicle that calls for lower-octane fuel operates as it should when fed that fuel. In return, a vehicle that does call for premium gas should be given premium. Otherwise, there's a risk of damaging the engine over time. Thought: I don't actually need to rotate my tires.It's important to properly maintain your tires for best results.REUTERS/Regis DuvignauSkipping your annual tire rotation is not a good idea. Rotating your tires is important for optimal wear performance and overall maintenance, according to tire supplier Bridgestone.With optimal vehicle alignment, tires still need to be rotated to counteract uneven wear patterns and maintain an even tread wear. This can help improve traction and fuel efficiency and save gas mileage, and ultimately aids the lifespan of your tires, according to Firestone. It depends on the type of vehicle and tires, but ideally a replacement is done roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and many drivers do it at the time of their oil change. It also depends on whether you have front, rear, all, or four-wheel drive for which pattern of rotation you should do, whether front to back or side to side. The Tire and Rim Association offers specific guidelines on these patterns. It's also a safety factor: Rotating your tires reduces the risk of failures or blowouts. Thought: I don't really need winter tires.Winter tires bring specific benefits.Jared C. Tilton/NASCAR via Getty ImagesDrivers might not want to spend money on what they perceive as an added expense by having two sets of tires — an all-season set and a winter set — but having a winter set of tires, if you live in certain environments, could have a lot of benefits. Winter tires are specifically designed to have tread patterns that can more easily navigate and have better traction on ice and in snow. But they're also not just for inclement winter weather; Road & Track suggests that winter tires are advantageous in cold environments even without wet or icy roads because of the way the rubber interacts within lower temperature ranges. Drivers specifically do not want to drive on winter tires throughout the year because their tread could wear more in warmer weather, reducing their lifespan.An all-season tire can compromise a bit and handle both worlds. But where an all-season tire might not provide enough of the right grip to drive in the cold, but they could be more optimal for dry, warm temperatures. Having two sets of tires doesn't necessarily mean a second investment, it just means each wears half as fast.Thought: You need an SUV or pickup.SUVs and pickups dominate US roads, and they're getting bigger.FordIt's a controversial one, but perhaps not everyone needs to drive a pickup or an SUV. SUVs, especially, and pickups, too, dominate US roads. But many experts would argue that a number of those vehicle owners don't use those cars to their full extent.There are plenty of people across the country who do drive pickup trucks and use them for hauling, towing, and more. Those vehicles have a distinct purpose for certain lifestyles, careers, and needs. The same can be said for SUVs — whether a driver has a big family, needs to haul a lot on the weekends, or even finds that vehicle to be more accessible, those personal vehicle requirements are valid and it's important to have affordable options that accommodate everyone and all uses. Others might be able to assess whether they do need that large vehicle. Sedans have largely gone by the wayside, and now cars are just getting bigger (and arguably less safe). Many Americans tend to buy their vehicles for a once-a-year situation — that one road trip or that one move — rather than for their needs a majority of the time, but there may be smaller, and more efficient, options.Thought: Better fuel economy must mean lower emissions.Hyundai SUVs at a car dealership.AP Photo/David ZalubowskiIt's no surprise that internal combustion engine vehicles account for a lot of CO2 emissions — about 8% of them globally in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency. The agency notes fuel economy has increased from engine, powertrain, and vehicle tech improvements, but more efforts are necessary to meet broader decarbonization targets worldwide. Part of that has to do with the above — big vehicles are getting bigger and more popular. Heavier, less efficient SUV sales have skyrocketed across the globe while EVs only account for a small percent of the total fleet. A long-term trend on increasing power has also slowed progress, per the IEA. Just because you're buying a more efficient vehicle, doesn't necessarily mean it contributes to broader progress. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

You love the flexibility of working from home but hate your job. Lots of remote workers would quit in a second if they could find another WFH gig. Given the choice of a different job that offered the same remote setup, some WFHers would quit in a hot second.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images There are many unhappy remote workers who wish they could quit and get another remote job.  But options are limited amid economic uncertainty and a time when WFH jobs are in short supply. The upshot: Remote workers who want to stay that way are handcuffed to their jobs. If anyone's living their best life as a remote worker, it's Anna, a 23-year-old travel publicist who recently spent a month and a half living in Bali and Thailand while working full time for a New York PR agency. The 12-hour time difference was grueling, she said, though the weekend beach excursions more than compensated. But now that she's back working from home in her native Brazil, she's feeling antsy. Anna, who asked that her last name be withheld for privacy, wants a promotion, but knows it's unlikely. She's also aware that if she returns to New York, where the company hired her as a remote employee during the pandemic, she'd have to be in the office. "I can't imagine losing the freedom this job gives me," she told Insider. "I'm scared I'll never be able to find another one that gives me this much flexibility."Anna is one of the unhappy workers happily working from home who, given the choice of a different job that offered the same remote setup, would quit in a hot second. But amid economic uncertainty and at a time when remote-job opportunities are in short supply, their options are limited.The upshot: Remote workers who want to stay that way are handcuffed to their jobs.The golden handcuffs phenomenon is an obvious parallel, Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, told Insider. Jobs that are highly paid feel impossible to leave if you can't command the same salary elsewhere. In academic literature, these shackled workers have what's known as a continuance commitment, Rousseau said. "They stay because they have something they don't want to lose, as opposed to staying because there's something that's attractive about their jobs, such as great colleagues or learning opportunities," she said. These situations don't bode well for personal or professional satisfaction, she said. "If you're remaining in a job for purely extrinsic reasons — your working conditions are hard to replace — you're going to have more stress."Feeling lucky to WFH, but also stuckMore than three years into a pandemic that's shifted people's priorities and fueled a greater desire for flexible jobs, many employers have lost patience with remote work, and some bosses — cough, cough, Elon Musk — have become downright hostile to it.Many high-profile companies are fixated on getting their employees back in the office — with the risk of termination as a threat. Others are putting the kibosh on remote work for new hires. In March 2022, roughly 20% of job listings on LinkedIn offered remote work; last month, such listings dwindled to 10%. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of job seekers on the platform are looking for remote and hybrid opportunities."I would love to get a different remote gig — I just can't find one," Kristina Alexandra, the head of strategic partnerships at a fintech company, told Insider.She's worked at her remote job for about seven months. She loved it at first. Lately, though, she's felt pressure from her boss to spend time in the office, and she's resisting."I've gotten used to working from home: I have my standup desk and I'm a lot more productive," she said. "But now that things have become so unpleasant at my job and I'm being treated like a second-class citizen, I'm actively looking for another one."The trouble is that every company she interviews with wants her to work at least a hybrid schedule. "I'm stuck," she said.Research by Julia Pollak, the chief economist at ZipRecruiter, shows that the share of remote-job postings has either stabilized or declined in most industries in recent months, yet the number of applicants has remained elevated. "There's a major imbalance in the labor market," she told Insider in an email.David Bakke works from home in Georgia and said that while he doesn't "completely hate" his position, he'd quit if he could find another remote job. "But honestly, looking for one takes a long time," he told Insider. In the meantime, he's grateful for his schedule flexibility. "I have an intense next 10 weeks of travel baseball with my son," he said. "If I wasn't set up remotely, I'd never be able to pull all of that off."Rousseau said that there's hope that some unhappy workers will be able to land similar setups elsewhere."You need to show a new company what you can do. 'Here's what I produced, the people I managed, and the money I made and saved for my employer.' Show that you stand out," she said.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

One user wrote that the game "lacks more torture options," a Brazilian federal lawmaker alleged in a complaint against Google. Google Play Store logoPavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images An app that simulated colonial Brazil in the 17th century allowed users to be slave masters. The game was called "Slavery Simulator" and was available in Brazil for about a month. A Brazilian lawmaker filed a complaint against Google and alleged that some users praised the app. A game available on Google Play that allowed users to act as slave masters in 17th-century colonial Brazil has sparked outrage with some Brazilian lawmakers, The Washington Post reported.The game — called "Simulador de Escravidão" or "Slavery Simulator" — was available to Google Play users in Brazil starting April 20 before it was taken down on Wednesday, according to The Post.A Google spokesperson confirmed to Insider that the app was removed and that the game's developer, Magnus Games, has been banned from the app store platform.Based on the game's description, users could "become a wealthy slave owner or achieve the abolition of slavery." As a slave owner, players could amass wealth and buy, sell, punish, or sexualize enslaved people, The Post reported.Orlando Silva de Jesus Junior, a federal lawmaker in the Chamber of Deputies, raised concerns about the app on Twitter and joined Unegro, a racial justice advocacy nonprofit, to file a complaint against Google with Brazil's Public Prosecutor's Office.The complaint accuses Google of violating an anti-discrimination law in Brazil.—Orlando Silva (@orlandosilva) May 24, 2023 "It's something unbelievable that in a country where racism is a crime, a country that lived through the wounds of slavery, a digital platform makes a macabre and barbaric game like this one," Silva said during a congressional debate, according to The Post.The complaint reviewed by The Post said some people praised the app. One user, the complaint alleged, wrote that the app was a "great game to pass the time, but it lacks more torture options."Another user said the game portrayed "well what I would like to do in real life," according to the complaint.A Google spokesperson told Insider that Google Play has a "robust set of polices aimed at keeping users safe and which all developers must follow.""We don't allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, or that depict or promote gratuitous violence or other dangerous activities," the spokesperson said. "Anyone who believes they have found an app that violates our rules can report it to Google Play. When violations are found, we take appropriate action. And in egregious cases we may take stricter action, including banning the developer from publishing any app on Google Play."The game was downloaded more than 1,000 times before it was removed from the digital store, the Post reported.A few other lawmakers, including Ivan Valente, another member of the Chamber of Deputies, filed their own complaints.Developer Magnus Games has other simulation-style games such as "Mafia Offline Killer Simulator," CNN reported.A spokesperson for the game studio did not respond to a request for comment.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

How To Face Risk In An Uncertain World Authored by MN Gordon via EconomicPrism.com, Managing risk.  Mitigating uncertainty.  Is attempting to crack this unsolvable puzzle all just a waste of time and energy? The Popocatépetl volcano erupted last week.  It was an impressive sight.  Smoke and ash, in addition to 1,500-foot-high lava fountains, spewed from the volcano’s conical, crater top. El Popo, as the locals call it, is about 45 miles southeast of Mexico City.  Roughly 25 million people live within a 60-mile radius. The eruption prompted the Mexican government to raise the warning level to “yellow phase three.”  This means residents should be prepared to evacuate. With a little luck, the volcanic activity will subside – for now.  In reality, there’s no good way to evacuate 25 million people from a single area. For example, when panicked residents attempted to flee Los Angeles during the 1992 riots the highways quickly grinded to a halt.  Enterprising vendors traversed the immobile onramps on foot, selling bottled water and canned soda pop at a hefty premium. Thirsty evacuees had little choice.  They were trapped.  They had to pay up.  There was no way out of the LA Basin. About 15 years ago we rode a bus from Mexico City to the municipality of Amecameca to visit our wife’s aunt and uncle.  Amecameca is about 15-miles from El Popo.  The views are extraordinary. The volcano’s peak is about 17,800 feet above sea level.  By comparison, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. is Mount Whitney, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which is about 14,500 feet.  The highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome, stands at a humble 6,643 feet. El Popo is, in a word, colossal. Acceptance The name Popocatépetl comes from two Nahuatl Aztec words.  They generally translate to ‘smoking mountain.’ From a third story rooftop patio, many years ago, we gazed at the towering steep slopes and ultimate summit.  We pondered what seemed a likely and looming catastrophe. Yet Tío Miguel showed little concern of the potential for fiery lava to rain down from the sky.  Like residents of Portland, Oregon, with Mount Saint Helens in the distance, El Popo is warmly admired for the unique topographic relief it offers. Perhaps it’s better to accept the dangers of life when there’s nothing you can do to prevent them – if and when they happen.  In the case of El Popo, you could always move away.  However, you would soon discover a different host of dangers. Then what?  Do you move again…and encounter some other uncertain danger? Still, there are times when it’s wise to take a clue from the gods and get out of Dodge. On the morning of August 24, 79 AD, residents of Pompeii, a Roman trading town, woke up with hardly a worry in the world.  Why wouldn’t they? Pompeii had experienced nearly 700 years of uninterrupted advancement.  Residents lived in large homes with elegant courtyard gardens and all the modern conveniences. Rooms were heated by hot air flowing through cavity walls and spaces under the floors.  Running water was provided to the city from a great reservoir and conveyed through underground pipelines to houses and public buildings. Fresh fish from the Bay of Naples were readily available in the Macellum (food market) and countless cauponae (small restaurants).  Entertainment was on hand at the large amphitheatre. Life was agreeable, pleasant, and idyllic for all – and it was only getting better. Against the Gods Yet, just when things couldn’t have seemed more certain for Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius blew.  A cloud of gas and ash spewed down, instantly killing its inhabitants and burying the city under 60 feet of ash and pumice. Nineteen hours later, where there had been life and a thriving civilization, there was silence for the next 1,669 years. “You could hear women lamenting, children crying, men shouting,” was the account by Pliny the Younger, 61 AD – 112 AD.   “There were some so afraid of death that they prayed for death.  Many raised their hands to the gods, and even more believed that there were no gods any longer and that this was one unending night for the world.” Hindsight is always 20/20.  In the case of Pompeii, the warning signs were evident to those who bothered to heed them. Seventeen years before Mount Vesuvius erupted there was a massive earthquake that damaged many of the structures within the city.  Then, leading up to 79 AD, frequent, but smaller quakes occurred.  Soon no one seemed to pay them any concern. In the end, the gods had their say.  One day after the Vulcanalia – the festival of the Roman god of fire – Mount Vesuvius erupted. Today in America, as in most developed economies, another Vesuvius of sorts is releasing warning ash into the atmosphere.  But most of its caution goes unheeded. Investors, with both eyes firmly fixed on interest rates and the major stock market indexes, are blinded by the politics of the moment.  Partisan squabbles over a ridiculous statutory debt limit. At the same time, all the cool and hip investors are keen for a debt limit deal so they can get on with bidding up another bubble in technology stocks – filled with the hot air of AI. Are they missing something? How to Face Risk in an Uncertain World From our perspective, the debt limit and a burgeoning AI boom are mere distractions.  Decades of bad decisions have stacked up in ways that make a pain-free reckoning impossible. With a little study and contemplation one can see the facets leading to a mega economic collapse, financial crash, and complete societal breakdown coming into alignment. Many American cities are already unlivable hellholes.  Homeless drug addicts are ubiquitous, flapping their arms and flailing about on the asphalt.  Youth flash mobs load up on five finger discounts with little consequences. What chaos will there be when prices double and the unemployment rate tops 15 percent? Still, what can you really do about it? You can tie yourself into knots trying to manage your risk.  You can buy put options.  Regardless, there’s always uncertainty you cannot account for.  So, why not keep things simple? Perhaps an equal mix of gold, cash, shares of good businesses, and property will do the trick.  Maybe, for kicks, set aside a few bucks to speculate on the elegant mirage of AI. Then, with some spiritual guidance, you can get on with enjoying the good things in life. Ultimately, you never know how it will all turn out.  Sometimes winning is losing and losing is winning. Consider Thomas Douglas Allsup.  He passed away on January 11, 2017.  But, if he hadn’t lost a coin toss, he would have perished on February 3, 1959 – the day the music died. Instead, Ritchie Valens won the coin toss for the remaining seat on the fateful flight.  Legend has it, he remarked, “That’s the first time I’ve ever won anything in my life.” Soon after, the airplane Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper were flying in fell from the sky and crashed.  They all died.  Portfolio diversification couldn’t save them. What’s the point? The world is full of uncertainty and there’s nothing you can do to stop whatever it is that’s going to happen.  So, to face risk in an uncertain world, make the best preparation you can, with the means available to you. After that, enjoy the time you have and the people you have to spend it with. As Lord William Rees-Mogg once remarked, “even our happiest moments are picnics on the slopes of Vesuvius.” *  *  * Like this article?  If so, please Subscribe to the Economic Prism. Tyler Durden Sat, 05/27/2023 - 12:30.....»»

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate. REITs provide investors with an opportunity to invest in real estate without directly owning properties, offering advantages such as regular income through dividends, portfolio diversification, potential tax benefits, professional management, and liquidity through publicly traded shares. While the REIT industry has struggled since the 2020 Covid pandemic, underperforming the stock market, the three REITs I talk about here have outperformed the industry and the broad market. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP), EastGroup Properties (NYSE: EGP), and Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) all have high Zacks Ranks, and market-beating performances. Additionally, they are from three different industries within the REIT sector offering a diverse range of investment options. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates a diversified portfolio of high-quality infrastructure assets. With a focus on sectors such as utilities, transportation, energy, and data infrastructure, the partnership aims to deliver long-term, stable cash flows and attractive returns to its investors. Leveraging its expertise in asset management, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners actively seeks investment opportunities that offer growth potential and contribute to the essential infrastructure needs of societies around the world. BIP annual revenue has exploded since 2016, growing from $2.1 billion to over $15 billion today. Brookfield's reputation as an asset manager has grown to be one of the most respected in the industry, and rightfully so. This strong reputation has allowed them to grow AUM and purchase new infrastructure assets. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research One of the best aspects of owning ...Full story available on Benzinga.com.....»»