Here's how I describe algorithmic trading to a beginner. Instead of hearing about a company on the news or liking their products and buying the stock that way, you look at the numbers. You write programs that look at data, learn what causes stock prices to go up or down, and then decide when to buy and sell. We're using Python mainly, plus libraries inside it.

I ran a hedge fund three years ago. I did AI on Wall Street way before it was cool. And then I had the opportunity to teach this class.

The opening line

On day one I tell the students this:

“I'll be teaching some techniques. The key thing is that none of them work, of course, because if it was as easy as taking a two-week class, you could beat the market. The market is a big computing machine that is there to make sure that doesn't happen.”

The class is still worth taking. Python is useful, the techniques are interesting, and understanding why these strategies fail is a real piece of education.

Backtesting fools you

The second thing I teach is how to test a strategy. You have to be very careful about testing the strategy, because it's very, very easy to fool yourself.

Typically what people will do is test a strategy over a 10-year period and see that it performs really well. But if the strategy was optimized on that same data, of course it's going to do well. You have to test it on data it hasn't seen.

What's very common is that during the period the strategy has seen, it performs brilliantly, and then in the next five years it loses money. It's very, very easy to fool yourself.

So when you see those ads on television where some guy bought a stock and made a thousand percent, watch out. On historical data it's very easy to make money. The hard part is figuring out what's going to happen in the future. Things are changing all the time, and because conditions aren't stable, it's very difficult to build trading strategies that work over time.

What I actually do with my money

What I do is invest in a very broadly diversified mutual fund that owns 10,000 stocks from around the world. It owns a little bit of NVIDIA, and it owns a little bit of some company in Indonesia that no one has ever heard of, and et cetera, et cetera.

No matter what happens, I basically get the average return that everyone else around the world gets. That turns out to be better than 90 to 95% of what people get, because people will do things like trade and then incur transaction costs and lose money. The technique actually outperforms most people.

Why a 20-year-old invests differently than an 80-year-old

The third thing I teach is risk. Everyone is taught that you reduce your risk as you age, but most people don't know why that is.

Everyone knows a 20-year-old invests differently than an 80-year-old. The 80-year-old invests at a much lower risk. When you ask people why, they say something like, well, 80-year-olds are more conservative, or they want to make sure they have income.

The actual reason is different. The 20-year-old still has a long life ahead of them of getting income from a job. That income is steady. It's not as volatile as the stock market. If you think about it as a whole portfolio, the 20-year-old can afford to be aggressive in stocks because the income side is stable.

The 80-year-old is retired and has no income coming in. There's no steady thing on the other side. If they're aggressive in the stock market, the whole portfolio swings up and down. That's why they need to reduce risk. The math gets harder when the job market on the income side isn't as steady as the textbooks assume.

The real lesson

So that's what the class comes down to.

The most important thing to learn is that you can't beat the stock market, and so you should just decide on your asset allocation and then move forward.

I'll teach Python and the techniques, and I'll show you why backtests lie. By the end of two weeks, the students who were paying attention will understand that you can't beat the market. You just have to decide on your asset allocation and move forward.

Stock Prices

Tech company stock prices are at all-time highs and yet they don't need employees!

Wealth Inequality

So the wealth is getting concentrated in fewer and fewer hands.

But it's even worse than that.

Virtually all stock held by individuals in the US is held by the top 10% so 90% of the population is not directly benefiting from the record stock market, further increasing wealth inequality.

But it's even worse than that.

Future Work

If companies can increase revenue without hiring new employees, what are people going to do for work?

Uh oh.

Conclusion

The key takeaways are clear: tech layoffs persist despite high stock prices, wealth inequality is growing, and the future of work is uncertain. It's a troubling combination of factors.

These trends underscore the need to understand how technology is reshaping the economy and impacting employment. Perhaps it's time to consider the ai employment crisis.

What can be done about it? That's the million-dollar question.

The Appeal

As Fortune notes, men want maximum control and zero rejection. They can't get that with real women. But they can get it with AI women.

Even better, they can customize the appearance and tone of the AI women. Every detail, tailored to their preferences.

The Problem

If men can get everything they want from AI girlfriends, what need do they have for real women?

This issue is serious now and will become even more serious as AI improves. We're already seeing the AI employment crisis reshape how we work. Now it's starting to reshape how we relate to each other.

What's Next

The technology will only get better. The relationships will only feel more real. And the consequences for society are something we're just beginning to understand.

This is one of many ways AI is disrupting life as we know it. From the silent job market disruption to the way we form connections, nothing is off limits.

Good luck!

What Happened

According to MSN:

The home of the US Air Force's nuclear bomber fleet was repeatedly invaded by a swarm of mysterious drones that could not be stopped by the military's jamming technology.

Air & Space Forces Magazine confirmed:

Unauthorized drones flew over Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, home of a B-52 bomber wing, multiple times the week of March 9.

And ABC reported:

A drone sighting that temporarily raised alarms at one of the United States Air Force's largest and most strategic airfields earlier this month was more extensive, and potentially more dangerous, than first reported, according to a confidential internal briefing document reviewed by ABC News.

Not Prepared

We're absolutely not prepared for this. Fly 10 drones down the main street of any city in the US and the city shuts down for days.

This incident echoes broader concerns about the rise of security vulnerabilities that our systems struggle to address. And when you consider America's broader strategic miscalculations, incidents like this reveal deeper gaps in our preparedness.

Final Thoughts

Mysterious drones invaded one of America's most secure nuclear bomber bases. The military's jamming technology couldn't stop them. And we still don't know who was behind it.

This isn't just a one-off incident. It's a warning about how vulnerable critical infrastructure really is to drone technology.

Good luck!

Portfolio Breakdown

Our model portfolio is 40% stocks, 10% gold/bitcoin, and 50% cash.

The goal of the portfolio is capital preservation and, really, preservation of "pelt."

If you are a trader or want rapid capital appreciation, this portfolio is not for you.

Built for Comfort

The portfolio is comfortable in most situations:

• If stocks soar, that is fine because 40% of the portfolio is in stocks.
• If stocks plummet, that is fine because 50% of the portfolio is in cash.
• If the government goes crazy, that is fine because 10% of the portfolio is in gold/bitcoin.

The portfolio will not make money in every situation, of course.

Exact Holdings

Here is the exact portfolio we punch into a portfolio analyzer:

• 40% VTWAX: This is a Vanguard fund that invests in 10,000 stocks from around the world. I do not recommend investing only in US stocks.
• 5% GBTC: A bitcoin fund.
• 5% GLD: A gold fund.
• 40% SGOV: Cash.

We compare this against the standard 60% Stock (VTWAX) / 40% Bond (VBTLX) portfolio.

The Results

Here is how our model portfolio stacks up over the period Jan 21 - Mar 26:

• Better return: 9.6% vs 5.9%
• Better drawdown: -15% vs -21%
• Better Sharpe ratio: 0.76 vs 0.3 (a measure of risk adjusted return)

As you can see, our model portfolio outperforms the standard 60%/40% portfolio with lower risk!

The Real Goal

But better returns are not the goal. The goal is to sleep at night, confident that you are well positioned for whatever happens. With all the uncertainty we're seeing, including America's trade war miscalculation, having a portfolio built for stability matters more than ever.

Capital preservation means staying positioned regardless of what unfolds. Whether stocks rally, crash, or government instability shakes markets, this approach keeps you grounded.

The numbers speak for themselves: better returns, lower drawdowns, and improved risk-adjusted performance.

Let's roll.

You'll see that this sad job market hasn't created any jobs for the last 12 months or so.

Tariffs Hit

What happened about 12 months ago? Tariffs!

Since the highest tariffs in 90 years were instituted by the administration, the sad job market hasn't produced jobs. This is consistent with what we've seen in America's trade war miscalculation.

The Response

The administration, in its infinite wisdom, dealt with this situation in the only way it knows how: by firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics which produces the unemployment report.

But this wasn't enough to turn the sad job market around.

Things Get Worse

And with oil now at the highest levels in over two years, things are likely to get worse. The ongoing challenges mirror what we're seeing in the AI employment crisis as well.

The Takeaway

The job market is sad. No one can get job.

When tariffs stall job creation and leadership responds by firing statisticians rather than addressing root causes, we're left with a market that can't recover.

Watch the data closely and prepare accordingly.

The Athenaeum

The Boston Athenaeum is a beautiful library and cultural center. It is a stunning building with art all over the walls and thousands of books. There are multiple reading rooms filled with very comfortable chairs. It is centrally located in Boston and offers some truly beautiful views of the city.

Click here to see their location on Google Maps.

Weekly Tradition

I discovered this place a couple of years ago after a friend told me about it. I was amazed that I didn't know it existed sooner. Now, my wife and I go there almost every week. It has become a staple of our routine. I usually spend my time there reading the latest newspapers and magazines.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Athenaeum is perfect for focus. It is rarely crowded, so there is always plenty of space to find a seat. Unlike many libraries, you can even bring a snack in with you while you read. I do not usually interact with the other people there, I just check in and head off to a quiet corner. It is a very comfortable and welcoming environment.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Athenaeum is a hidden gem that excels at providing a comfortable atmosphere for reading and thinking. It has become my primary go-to spot whenever I need to feel inspired or simply want to catch up on the news in a beautiful setting.

If you are ever in Boston, I highly recommend stopping by. It is one of the oldest and most interesting libraries in the country.

Visit the Boston Athenaeum website to see how you can become a member or visit for the day.

I am currently based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and there are a few local gems that I always suggest to people looking for great food and a unique atmosphere.

Pagu

This is a Japanese-Spanish fusion restaurant. It is actually a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, so the quality is very high.

It is a tapas style place, which makes it a lot of fun for groups. They also have excellent homemade kombucha. If you go, I highly recommend trying the duck paella. It is a great meal at a good price.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

If you want a more casual experience, I recommend the Alamo Drafthouse. It is technically a movie theater, but they serve you a full lunch or dinner right at your seat. By the time the movie starts, you have your food in front of you.

My favorite thing to order there is the pizza. It is priced very reasonably, just like any other pizza place, and it makes the movie experience much more enjoyable.

Kin Thai Sushi

For sushi lovers, Kin Thai Sushi is a fantastic choice. It is right around the corner from where I live.

They have a great selection of sashimi, which I often order when I want a healthy option without the rice. If I am looking for something a bit more indulgent, I always go for the cooked eel.

Wusong Road

Wusong Road is a tiki bar located in Harvard Square. It is a very cool spot with a great atmosphere.

One of the best parts about it is the crazy cocktail cups you can get. If you really like the cup your drink comes in, you even have the option to buy it. It is reasonably priced, but it is very popular. You usually need to book a reservation quite far in advance.

Conclusion

These four spots represent the best of what the Cambridge and Boston area has to offer. If you want a high-end fusion experience, a meal during a movie, or a fun night at a tiki bar, these are my top picks.

I hope you get a chance to visit these places and enjoy them as much as I do. Each one offers something special that keeps me coming back.

Simple Mechanics

The mechanics are simple.

There is a good with a (more or less) fixed supply like electricity.

AI Wants

An AI billionaire wants all of it and outbids regular people.

So regular people either get to freeze to death because they can't heat their house or they have to pay through the nose for electricity. In exchange, they get better AI.

Sounds like a good deal to me.

Agree?

Conclusion

The AI boom is causing shortages due to the increased demand for resources like electricity. This leads to situations where AI billionaires outbid regular people, potentially leaving them in difficult situations.

This dynamic raises questions about the distribution of resources and the potential consequences of prioritizing AI development over the basic needs of individuals. It's a complex issue with no easy answers.

What do you think about this? Let's discuss the AI employment crisis.

Remember that our model portfolio is 40% global stocks, 10% bitcoin or gold, and 50% cash. This is for a person who makes $100K per year and has a portfolio of $500K (so they would invest $200K in stocks, $50K in gold or bitcoin, and $250K in cash).

The Allocations

To be precise, here are the funds and allocations that we enter into a portfolio analysis tool:

• 40% VTWAX (Vanguard Total World Stock Index Admiral). This is a low cost, passively managed fund that holds 10,000 stocks of companies from around the world.
• 5% GBTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Trust). This tracks bitcoin.
• 5% GLD (SPDR Gold Shares). This tracks gold.
• 50% SGOV (iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond). Cash.

Performance Results

The right benchmark for this portfolio is the standard 60% stocks/40% bonds allocation which we will model with BGPIX (Blackrock 60/40 Target).

According to the Morningstar portfolio analysis tool, over the five year Jan 21 - Jan 26 period, our model portfolio outperformed the benchmark along every dimension:

• It has a higher annual return (10.5% vs 7.3%)
• It has a lower drawdown (15% vs 20.8%)
• It has a higher Sharpe ratio (0.87 vs 0.42)

But the higher returns are not the point. The point of this portfolio is to greatly reduce risk (which it does, as you can see from the 5 year stats) while maintaining some upside.

About VTWAX

Four important comments about VTWAX:

• It's very important to invest in stocks from around the world, not just the stocks of the US or one country.
• In my view, it's very important to stay invested in the stock market. Think of it this way: it is the best hedge against losing your job. When you lose your job (to AI or anything else), public companies benefit. This relates to the AI employment crisis many workers are facing today.
• It's very important in today's economy to be an owner of financial assets. Buying stocks is the easiest way for most people to do that.
• It is totally fine to use a fund other than VTWAX. Just make sure that it is low cost, passively managed, and owns global stocks (not just US).

Gold and Bitcoin

One comment about gold/bitcoin: This is a hedge against government stupidity and political turbulence. This is at 50+ year highs and is unlikely to get better in the near future. You can see how America's trade war miscalculation is contributing to this volatility.

About Cash

Two comments about cash (SGOV):

• The standard advice is to keep six months of salary in an emergency fund. Because the current situation is so volatile, our model portfolio keeps 2.5 years in cash. You will need this cash in case AI takes your job and you need to move to another country. It is totally fine to look for alternatives to SGOV: CDs, a CMA, a savings account with a high interest rate, etc.
• The 50% in cash can be compared to the 40% in bonds in the benchmark portfolio. The cash in our model portfolio will have much lower risk in exchange for a lower return compared to the bond portfolio.

Key Takeaways

This model portfolio (40% global stocks, 10% gold/bitcoin, 50% cash) is designed to greatly reduce risk while maintaining some upside. Over the five year period from Jan 2021 to Jan 2026, it delivered higher returns, lower drawdown, and a better Sharpe ratio than the standard 60/40 benchmark.

The large cash allocation reflects the volatile nature of today's economy and provides a safety net if you need to make major life changes.

Consider reviewing your own portfolio allocation to ensure it matches your risk tolerance and financial situation.

Job Displacement

AI could replace 50% of entry level white collar jobs within 5 years. This represents a massive shift in the AI employment crisis that many workers are unprepared for.

Wealth Inequality

AI could create extreme wealth inequality with a few people owning a substantial share of GDP. The concentration of power in the hands of those who control AI systems poses significant risks to economic balance.

Security Threats

AI could enable bad actors to create bioweapons. This security concern highlights the dual-use nature of powerful AI technologies.

Autonomy Risk

AI could become autonomous and interfere with human existence. As non-engineers are building the impossible with AI tools, the question of control becomes increasingly urgent.

Conclusion

Things will get worse and worse according to Amodei's assessment. The scenarios he outlines point to a future where AI's impact on jobs, wealth distribution, security, and human autonomy could create serious challenges.

These warnings from the CEO of one of the leading AI companies carry significant weight. When someone building this technology sounds the alarm, it deserves attention.

Be prepared.

But I had my reasons: I wanted to improve my brain and cognitive health, and I also wanted to help my hearing.

Why Piano?

The research on learning musical instruments and brain health is compelling. Piano seemed like the perfect challenge—it requires coordination, pattern recognition, and sustained focus. Plus, training my ear to distinguish notes and melodies could only benefit my overall hearing. Even though I had no natural interest in music, I was interested in what it could do for my mind.

I've written more about this in AI Boom Shortages.

My Approach

I did some research into keyboards and visited Guitar Center. The staff recommended I buy a full keyboard with 88 keys, which would cost around $300 to $500. I understood their reasoning, but I always like to start small with new ventures.

Instead, I bought a tiny keyboard with just 37 keys. It’s not quite a kids’ keyboard, but it’s compact and felt like the right entry point. This way, I could test whether I’d actually stick with it before making a larger investment.

Playground Sessions

I tested a whole bunch of different apps to help me learn. After trying several options, I found one called Playground Sessions, created by the music legend Quincy Jones.

What makes this app so useful is that you connect your keyboard directly to it. The app knows exactly what you’re playing in real time. It shows you the notes on the screen, and then you play them. It’s like having a teacher who never gets tired or impatient.

Immediate Feedback

Coming from track and field, I’ve learned that I thrive on frequent, immediate feedback. In running, you know instantly if your form is off or if you’re hitting your splits. Playground Sessions gives me that same kind of instant response. The system is beautifully simple: if I play a note correctly, it shows up green on the screen. If I play it incorrectly, it shows up red. At the end of each lesson, the app gives me a percentage score. It’s gamified learning, and it keeps me motivated to improve.

This kind of instant, adaptive feedback is fascinating to me. I explore how technology and data can solve problems in my Machine Learning Sprint.

My Current Progress

Right now, I’m learning how to play “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin. I’m not finished with the training yet, but I’m enjoying it immensely. There’s something satisfying about hearing a recognizable melody come together under your own fingers, even if it’s still a work in progress. It’s a lot of fun.

Conclusion

Learning the piano has been a great way to challenge my brain. I found a tool that works for my learning style because it gives me immediate results and helps me see exactly where I’m improving. Even without a natural love of music, I’ve discovered that the process of learning an instrument can be deeply rewarding.

If you’re thinking about picking up a new hobby to keep your mind sharp, I recommend trying something that gives you clear feedback and measurable progress.

Here are the three best books I’ve read recently that I think you should check out.

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space

The best book I’ve read recently is Challenger by Adam Higginbotham. It’s an extremely exciting read about the actual event where the space shuttle exploded in 1986. Obviously, people died, and there was a lot of blame to go around, but what makes this book remarkable is how Higginbotham discusses what happened in such a compelling way that you feel like you’re watching a Hollywood movie.

It reads like a thriller or fiction, but it’s actually non-fiction. The author weaves together the technical failures, organizational culture at NASA, and human stories in a way that keeps you turning pages even though you know how it ends. It’s an amazing achievement in narrative nonfiction writing. If you appreciate books that make real events feel cinematic and immediate, this is essential reading.

Click here to view on Amazon.

Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Restacks the Knowledge Economy

Another book I’d highly recommend is Reshuffle by Sangeet Paul Choudary. This book is incredibly timely given everything happening with artificial intelligence right now. It explores what knowledge work will survive AI and helps you understand how to position yourself in this rapidly changing landscape.

If you’re focused on your career and wondering how to stay relevant as AI transforms entire industries, this book helps you reorient yourself. Choudary provides a framework for thinking about which skills and types of work will remain valuable and which are most vulnerable to automation. It’s practical guidance for anyone navigating the future of work.

Click here to view on Amazon.

Decode Your Diagnosis: A Clear Compass For Chronic Illness

Finally, I’m currently reading Decode Your Diagnosis by Paul Cobbin. I’ve been dealing with headaches recently, so I sometimes turn to books on how to get healthier and better understand what’s happening with my body. This is the most recent addition to that list.

The book offers a framework for understanding chronic health issues and navigating the often confusing world of medical diagnoses. If you’re dealing with persistent health concerns and want a clearer path forward, this might be worth exploring.

Click here to view on Amazon.

Conclusion

These three books have given me a mix of entertainment, career guidance, and health insights. What I appreciate most is that each one takes complex topics and makes them accessible and actionable.

I’m always looking for my next great read, especially books that read like thrillers even when they’re non-fiction. Do you have any recommendations? Connect with me and let me know what you’re reading.

Cognac is the world’s first photorealistic metaverse game.

But that is not what matters here.

https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7391089388312760320?compact=1

What Matters

Cognac was built entirely by one person.

That person is not a software engineer.

The New Reality

This is the type of software that anyone with persistence and creativity can build today.

You do not need a computer science degree.

You do not need years of technical training.

You need determination and imagination.

Your Future

You know that the job market is going to be disrupted.

The question is not if, but when.

How will you survive and thrive?

Conclusion

The barriers to building sophisticated software have collapsed, and non-engineers are now creating what was once impossible.

Your success in the disrupted job market will depend on your willingness to embrace these new creative tools.

Follow me on LinkedIn and X for more.

The New Normal

Companies are not just experimenting with AI anymore. They are treating it exactly like they would treat a human employee.

The approach is surprisingly straightforward: they are taking tasks traditionally assigned to humans and giving them to AI systems with identical instructions.

Real-World Example

Let me share a recent experience with one of my consulting clients in the legal recruitment industry.

This company’s primary function was matching lawyers with law firms.

For two decades, they employed humans to categorize lawyers’ resumes based on specializations like IP law or employment law, along with industry experience.

The AI Transition

Then came the pivotal moment: they simply fed the same instructions to an AI:

• Review the resume taxonomy
• Analyze the lawyer’s resume
• Match it to the appropriate category
• Identify the primary specialization when multiple areas exist

The Results

The outcome was striking: the AI matched human accuracy almost perfectly.

But here is the crucial difference: it performed the task exponentially faster and at a fraction of the cost.

Just like that, dozens of jobs were eliminated.

Conclusion

This is not an isolated incident; it is becoming the new standard across industries. Companies are discovering that AI can handle many traditional human tasks with remarkable efficiency and accuracy.

Follow me on LinkedIn and X for more content like this.

Everyone is wondering which local spots will earn a coveted star or recognition.

Here are some top guesses for what restaurants might make the first-ever Boston list.

One Star

These restaurants are strong contenders for receiving a prestigious one-star rating:

• O Ya
• Uni
• Deuxave
• Sarma

Bib Gourmand

The Bib Gourmand award recognizes great food at a great value.

Here are a couple of spots that fit the bill:

• Neptune Oyster
• Mamma Maria

Recommended Restaurants

Beyond the stars and Bib Gourmand, many excellent restaurants simply get recommended in the guide.

Here are a few predictions for that list:

• Giulia
• Oleana
• Grill 23
• Mistral

Conclusion

This list covers some of the most talked about restaurants that could be featured in Boston’s first Michelin Guide. From potential one-star winners to Bib Gourmand recipients and other recommended spots, these are the names to watch.

The final results remain to be seen, but the anticipation highlights the incredible quality and diversity of Boston’s culinary landscape.

What are your predictions for the Boston Michelin Guide?

This is not a long-term engagement. It’s a focused, high-intensity week to test an idea, validate a dataset, or get a second opinion.

One-Week Process

Day 1: Kick-off and Data Discussion
We meet to define your core business question and review your dataset. Your dataset can be:

• Tabular (classification or regression)
• Time series
• Up to 1M rows and 20 attributes

Days 2–6: Multi-Model Analysis
I run your dataset through a suite of powerful models:

• Decision Trees
• Gradient Boosting
• Neural Networks
• And more

Day 7: Results
You get a clear presentation with the findings and a Python notebook you can keep working with.

Who It’s For

This sprint works best for companies with 50 or more employees.

Tier 1:

• Directors or VPs of Analytics, Data Science, or Business Intelligence

Tier 2:

• Directors or VPs of Engineering, Marketing Analytics, or Product Analytics

There are two main use cases:

• Proof of concept: Create the first machine learning model on your dataset
• Second opinion: Validate or double check an existing model already in production

What’s Not Included

To keep the focus tight and deliver results in a week, the sprint does not include:

• Work with unstructured data (text, images, or video)
• Reinforcement learning
• Long-term implementation or integration

Key Questions

Before we start, here are the questions that qualify the fit:

• Are you working with structured/tabular datasets or time series data?
• Are you looking for a proof of concept (not a production-quality model)?
• Can you prepare a dataset that I can work with?
• Are you open to me exploring your dataset and presenting results in a week?

Conclusion

The Machine Learning Sprint is the fastest way to turn structured data into insights. In one week, you get a clear answer to your business question, backed by models and a Python notebook you can continue to use.

If you need to validate an idea or double check existing work, this sprint gives you results fast.

Interested in running a one-week machine learning proof of concept? Get in touch with me today.

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The Process

Take pictures of everything in your fridge and pantry and upload them to ChatGPT with this prompt:

“See attached for photos of my fridge, freezer, and pantry. Please examine them carefully and suggest easy, delicious meals I can make using only those ingredients plus standard kitchen staples (oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, flour, etc.). I am especially interested in creative but simple ideas that don’t require buying extra items. Please include both main meal suggestions and at least one drink or smoothie idea I can make in my Vitamix blender. Assume I am open to any cuisine. If any of the items in my photos aren’t clear, ask clarifying questions before answering.”

The Result

I recently gave this prompt to ChatGPT and it responded with this delicious soup recipe:

Hearty Black Bean & Salsa Soup

This is a warm, comforting meal that comes together quickly.

• Start by sautéing the onions and garlic you have in your freezer in a large pot.
• Add in the black beans, a can of diced tomatoes (if you have them), and some vegetable broth.
• Season the soup with chili powder and cumin (if you have them) from your pantry, and add a few dollops of the salsa.
• Simmer everything for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
• Serve the soup warm with a dollop of cottage cheese or sour cream (if you have it) and some crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Conclusion

By simply taking photos of your ingredients and using a clear prompt, you can get creative and simple meal ideas without buying extra items.

This process can help you discover new recipes, like this hearty black bean soup, using only what you already have.

This is a fantastic way to tackle the daily question of what to make for dinner while also reducing food waste.

Try this prompt tonight and see what delicious meals you can create from your own kitchen.

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Our conversation reinforced a core truth that I believe is fundamental to any real success, in sports or in life. No one is entitled to good health—you have to earn it. It’s literally a matter of life and death.

For anyone serious about improving their fitness, it comes down to mastering the basics. Here are the three non-negotiable pillars of my training.

Lift Heavy

This is about building the absolute strength necessary for explosive power. Foundational, multi-joint movements like squats and deadlifts form the bedrock of any serious athletic program and are essential for developing true force.

Jump

This is how you train your central nervous system to be explosive. Plyometric exercises bridge the gap between the strength you build in the weight room and the speed you need on the track, teaching your body to apply force as rapidly as possible.

Sprint

Sprinting is the ultimate expression of power and a full-body conditioning tool. There is no faking it when you’re running at maximum velocity; it demands everything you have and forges a level of resilience you can’t get any other way.

Key Takeaways

• Fitness is Earned: Your health and physical capabilities are a direct result of the work you put in.
• Build Your Foundation: Incorporate heavy lifting to develop the raw strength required for any athletic goal.
• Translate Strength to Power: Use jumping and plyometrics to teach your body to be explosive.

Test Your Limits: All-out sprints are a crucial tool for developing top-end speed and peak physical condition.

Follow me on LinkedIn or Patron View for more content like this.

While technological progress promises innovation and efficiency, it also threatens to displace millions of workers—a reality that current political leadership appears unwilling to address.

The convergence of unchecked AI development and weakened worker protections may be setting the stage for an economic crisis of unprecedented scale.

The Unemployment Crisis on the Horizon

Unemployment is set to skyrocket as AI takes over many jobs. I have been warning about this for quite some time.

This wouldn't be so bad if the US had an administration that wanted to do something about it.

But the administration is doing the exact opposite: eliminating all AI regulation and reducing worker protections.

As I've said before, advances in technology and political turbulence will combine to create a fireball that will burn many Americans.

Industry Leaders Sound the Alarm

Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, makers of Claude, is warning that unemployment in the US could spike to 20% in the next 1 to 5 years, a level not seen since the Great Depression.

He says, "it's eerie the extent to which the broader public and politicians, legislators, I don't think, are fully aware of what's going on."

Almost everyone is clueless on this issue, which isn't helping either.

Conclusion

The warning signs are clear, yet the response from both the public and policymakers remains inadequate.

With industry leaders predicting unemployment levels reminiscent of the Great Depression, the time for action is now—not after millions of Americans have lost their livelihoods.

The question isn't whether AI will transform the job market, but whether we'll be prepared for the consequences.

The clock is ticking, and our collective response will determine whether technological advancement becomes a catalyst for prosperity or economic devastation.

Corruption and state violence are the hallmarks of low-performing countries. It's not socialism vs. capitalism, as many people believe. All successful countries have elements of socialism and capitalism.

In sharp contrast, there are no high-performing countries that have significant levels of corruption and state violence.

An examination of recent developments in the United States suggests a troubling shift away from the principles that have traditionally underpinned successful governance.

America's Current Trajectory

In which direction is the United States trending? Let's see...

Rising Corruption

The evidence of increasing corruption is becoming increasingly apparent:

I explore this further in AI Boom Shortages.

• The administration accepted a $400 million plane
• The administration held a dinner for top holders of its memecoin
• The administration advertised a Tesla car from the White House steps after Elon Musk spent $250+ million getting the administration elected

Escalating State Violence

When it comes to state violence, people are being rounded up by masked police and sent to foreign prisons.

Judges are being persecuted.

War criminals are being pardoned.

The Accelerating Decline

So, by increasing corruption and state violence, the United States is trending from being a high-performance country to being low-performance.

And since the administration has no meaningful opposition, this trend will accelerate. Things will get worse and worse and worse and worse.

Conclusion

The historical pattern is clear: nations that allow corruption and state violence to flourish inevitably see their performance decline.

The United States appears to be following this well-documented path, with recent actions demonstrating a departure from the governance principles that characterize successful countries.

Without meaningful checks on these trends, the trajectory suggests continued deterioration in national performance, moving America further from the standards that define high-performing nations and closer to those that characterize failing states.

Whether it's a business opportunity, a favor, or even something as simple as understanding what's included in a service you've already paid for, asking the right questions can transform your experience entirely.

The difference between those who thrive and those who settle often comes down to this fundamental willingness to speak up and inquire.

Golden Rule of Opportunity

Ask and you may receive. Don't ask and you'll definitely not receive.

I'll share two stories to illustrate this important message.

The Shaquille O'Neal Story

The first involves Shaquille O'Neal, the famous NBA player and television personality. Whenever Shaq goes to a restaurant, he asks the server, "How much do you want for a tip?" Whatever they say, he gives it to them.

The biggest tip someone's asked for? $4,000. And he paid it.

But why not ask for $40,000 or $4 million? He might pay it.

The Cruise Ship Story

The second story is a well-known story that involves a frugal couple who want to take a cruise.

They save up until they have enough money to buy the ticket, but they pack a suitcase full of cheese and crackers and other snacks so they don't need to buy food on the cruise. Throughout the cruise, they watch others enjoy lavish buffets while they nibble on their snacks.

Finally, they can't stand it anymore, and on the last day, they ask a crew member, "How much does the buffet cost?"

The answer? "It's included in your ticket."

They could've been enjoying the sumptuous buffet all along if only they'd asked.

Moral of the story: Ask for what you want. It may be included.

Conclusion

These two stories serve as powerful reminders that asking questions isn't just about gathering information—it's about unlocking possibilities.

The cruise couple's experience shows us that we might already have access to more than we realize, while Shaq's tipping philosophy demonstrates that people are often willing to give more than we dare to request.

The next time you find yourself wondering about an opportunity, a service, or a possibility, remember these stories.

Don't let assumptions or hesitation keep you from asking. The worst that can happen is you'll receive a "no"—but you might just be surprised by how often the answer is "yes," or even better, "it's already yours."

What began as an aggressive policy initiative has evolved into a strategic miscalculation with far-reaching consequences for America's global position and economic stability.

As I predicted, the US is losing the trade war. It's sad to lose a war. It's even sadder to lose a war that was started for no good reason.

The Fundamental Imbalance

As I said at the time, the US needs China a lot more than China needs the US. The US buys a lot of stuff made in China, including 50% of our Christmas presents.

China does not need much made in the US.

The Current Impasse

The current situation is hilarious, with the administration trying to walk back the tariffs while China refuses to play along.

All of this is destroying America's global standing and is contributing to capital flight (lower dollar, lower stocks, higher bond yields).

The Deeper Problem

But it gets worse. What the trade war fiasco illustrates is that the administration has no ability to craft grand strategy or implement policy.

This lacuna will show up again and again in issue after issue. Adversaries will take advantage of the administration again and again.

That's why things will get worse and worse and worse.

Conclusion

This trade war represents more than just failed economic policy—it reveals a fundamental weakness in strategic thinking and policy execution.

As other global challenges emerge, this pattern of poor planning and implementation threatens to compound America's difficulties on the world stage.

The question now is whether lessons will be learned before further damage is done to US interests and credibility.

1. 
   Unemployment Is Rising and Nobody Wants to Hire
   
2. 
   Job Cuts Hit Historic Highs as Hiring Freezes
   
3. 
   Why Companies Have Stopped Hiring Right Now
   

Job creation is poor and unemployment is the highest it has been in several years.

I will be putting out 2026 predictions within a few weeks but here is an easy one for you: unemployment will rise.

The Hiring Freeze

The administration's hijinks are freezing decision making at companies.

No one wants to hire when inputs, both employees and goods, are changing so quickly.

Historic Job Cuts

153,000 jobs were cut in October.

According to Challenger, a job placement firm, this is the highest total for October in over 20 years.

This is also the highest total for a single month in the fourth quarter since 2008.

Conclusion

The data is clear: job creation has fallen off a cliff and unemployment is climbing. Companies are paralyzed by uncertainty and refusing to hire until the situation stabilizes.

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I'm not worried about an AI bubble.

I am worried about the private credit bubble.

The next financial crash might come from shadow banks.

The Rise

Shadow banks have greatly increased since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2010 because commercial banks have seen their activities curtailed by regulation.

Shadow banks have taken up the slack.

The Problem

As a result, shadow banks now traffic in many risky deals and they are only lightly regulated.

Playing It

A clean way to play this idea is to short XLF or underweight financial stocks.

You could short Apollo and Blue Owl, which just inked a ridiculous deal with Facebook, but that is probably overthinking it.

Conclusion

Shadow banking has grown substantially since 2008, filling the void left by regulated commercial banks. The sector now handles significant risky activity with minimal oversight, creating potential for the next financial crisis.

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The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted something I think we all feel: things are great for the 10% of the population that owns stocks and bad for everyone else.

Let me put some numbers on this to make it concrete.

The Numbers

Let us say that a person has 1 million dollars in stocks.

This year that portfolio is up 15% to 20% or 150 thousand dollars to 200 thousand dollars.

That is about twice the median family income.

In addition, this person is benefiting from the administration's tax cuts.

The Other Side

In contrast, the 50% of the population that has virtually no money in stocks is experiencing rising unemployment and increasing inflation.

This group is seeing benefits, like food assistance and healthcare, cut by the federal government.

The Reality

That is why just about everyone in the United States is very sad right now.

We have an economy that works incredibly well for a small percentage of people while the majority struggles with basic necessities.

The gap between those two experiences could not be wider.

Conclusion

The current economy is producing vastly different outcomes depending on whether you own stocks or not. While investors enjoy gains that exceed most family incomes, half the population faces unemployment, inflation, and benefit cuts. This divide explains the widespread dissatisfaction across the country.

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