The Saturday Morning Blend
V.4 - February 1, 2025
It’s a new weekend and today I’m in a different city - Los Angeles.
I’m here as I look to become the Father of the Year (more on this in the future). Nevertheless, the world keeps coming at us lightning fast. It’s a new Saturday and with it comes a new version of your favorite newsletter. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Stories of the Week
Looking to pay for higher prices, well then, its look like you are in luck! According to this article in The Wall Street Journal, the Trump Administration is looking to impose tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada, and China. Specifically, the U.S. “will impose tariffs on computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, copper, oil and gas imports as soon as mid-February, President Trump said Friday, opening a new front in his looming second-term trade wars.”
As someone who is involved in the construction industry on a daily basis where my clients buy a lot of lumber, steel, aluminum, and copper (and items made with these products), I can tell you their margins are going to get squeezed. Oh, and in case you don’t understand this yet, the companies exporting the products don’t pay a dime in tariffs! The firms importing the products do - and they pass on the costs to you, the consumer.
One of the basic tenants of any functioning democracy is the Rule of Law. In short, we all should have confidence that the rules are applied to everyone, and that no one is above the law. Well, according to this recent article in The Washington Post, the Trump Administration “has launched a sweeping effort to potentially fire a large number of FBI agents across the country who worked on investigations targeting the president and his supporters.”
As someone who aspired to become a Special Agent for the FBI ever since I was 16 years old (why else would I want to be a CPA?), I found this story chilling. Not only would it weaken the Rule of Law in this country, but would immediately threaten our national security (e.g., counterintelligence, counter terrorism, etc.) since there would be a lot less G-Men around to do the work needed. Listen my fellow citizens, this sh#t ain’t funny!
Speaking of not funny and the FBI, looks like the nominee for Director of the FBI, Kash Patel, has got one helluva conflict of interest. As reported in Politico, “President Donald Trump’s social media startup gifted more than $800,000 worth of stock” to Mr. Patel.
So just to put this in perspective, the potential Director of the FBI (who would head the nation’s top law enforcement agency) would have seen his personal net worth grow by close to $1 million due the direct actions of Donald Trump. What could wrong?
Finally, here is an interesting (and lighter) article in The Economist on how backpacks are now in style. Funny thing is that I can personally testify to this trend. About a year ago or so, my leather laptop bag finally gave out, so I needed to replace it. I went shopping for a new bag, and instead I came across a Samsonite backpack. It was love at first site. What can I say? Its durable, highly versatile, and it looks good.
Podcast of the Week
As you know, I’m a big fan of Scott Galloway (aka Prof G) and will listen and read just about everything he puts out. Recently, he has partnered with Ed Elson to create the “Prof G Markets” podcast which is a twice-weekly show that focuses on the financial markets and investing. In this episode, they focus on the impacts that DeepSeek could have on the AI sector. In addition, they talk with Robert Armstrong who is the U.S. financial commentator for the Financial Times (great newspaper by the way).
If you want to get a better sense of the financial markets so you can gain confidence in your investment decisions, then I would suggest you subscribe to this podcast. I always learn something from these shows, which I think is kind of the point in selecting a podcast.
Movie of the Week
I enjoy going to the movies, but I haven’t been in a while. Not sure why - just sort fell out of my groove. Anyway, I went to my local Alamo Drafthouse with my wife and youngest daughter to see “Companion”. I really didn’t know what to expect since the ladies in my house picked the film, but I’m glad about their choice.
Directed by Drew Hancock, "Companion" is a wild ride of a horror-comedy that explores the complexities of relationships in the age of AI. The film follows Iris, a humanoid companion bot, and her boyfriend Josh as their weekend getaway with friends takes a dark and violent turn. With a blend of dark humor and thrilling moments, the film delves into themes of control, misogyny, and the potential consequences of technology. Sophie Thatcher delivers a standout performance as Iris, capturing the nuances of her character's evolving sentience. While the film may not fully explore its deeper themes, it offers an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience that will leave you pondering the future of human connection.
I definitely enjoyed it. While I prefer to see my movies in a darkened theater with great seats and quality sound, you could probably stream this one at home and still enjoy the film.
Beer of the Week
When it comes to “adult beverages” I’m pretty simple: craft beers and bourbon. With respects to beer, I’ve been drinking craft beer ever since Samuel Adams Boston Lager hit the scene in 1985. In recent years, the Boston Beer Company has been rolling out various, new styles of beer each season (they make a great non-acholic IPA these days). Most recently, they have a new concoction called Breakaway Blonde.
This selection is a refreshing and approachable blonde ale with a subtle sweetness. Light cereal and biscuit notes are balanced by a touch of citrus, making it a clean and easy-drinking option. It's not overly complex, but that's part of its charm - a straightforward, enjoyable beer that's perfect for casual gatherings or relaxing after a long day. I had my first yesterday afternoon after a long week at work. Needless, to say I was pleased with my choice.
That’s All Folks!
So that’s it for this edition of “The Saturday Morning Blend.” I hope you liked it. If so, please spread the word and repost this link on your favorite social media websites. Also, please provide any feedback on what you liked and don’t like.
Until next week!