Tariffs
Longing for the days of Infrastructure Week
Well, he did it. The man who I absolutely guarantee cannot spell “tariffs” has implemented an absolutely absurd level of tariffs that will, almost certainly, spell disaster for the US economy and individual consumers. This Vox article is the best explainer I have come across so far.
This is definitely going to hurt, and I hope no one reading this needs to buy a car any time soon, but I have decided to use this as an opportunity to seriously reevaluate and tighten up my spending. I am a bit of a personal finance nerd, because I seriously want to avoid being a WalMart greeter when I am 96, but I know that I can be a lot better about my relationship with money. And what better time to practice seriously considering whether or not I need that sharp cheddar on my charcoot board when I already have a perfectly fine Mahón and triple creme brie? Do I really need that new variegated Monstera or do I have enough plants? Does my dog absolutely have to have the new Star Wars puppy toys? Now is the time to tighten our belts and cut back on our soft cheeses.
Today’s Choose the Bear guest is the perfect guy to help with this. Dr. Jay Zigmont, author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money has some unique ways of breaking down your budget and planning for the future. They may even, dare I say it, be useful for people with children, but don’t hold me to that, I don’t know your life. Given the new tariffs, and the situation we’re in generally, I’ll be thinking a lot about how I can protect myself financially. It’s scary but important, because we will get through this and come out better on the other side, but while we are getting through it we will need money for gin and prosciutto.
What to do with yourself
Watch
Con Mum (Netflix)- I have seen a lot of con shows but this one had a twist at the end that truly shocked me. Also, what percentage of humanity is scammers? 90%? 95%? Are YOU a scammer? Probably.
Ludwig (BritBox)- It’s adorable British Monk! This show is so cute and fun and features the dude who plays Shakespeare in Upstart Crow, my all time favorite Shakespeare comedy sitcom. Also the only one I am aware of.
Mid Century Modern (Hulu)- If you’re in the mood for a throwback slightly over-acted gay Golden Girls, this is the show for you. I have found it really fun for a light hearted 30 minutes while cooking dinner.
Listen
Dark Winter, Kevin Olusola- Apparently this guy is in Pentatonix which… is a… band? I don’t know but this hip hop take on Vivaldi is a blast. The video is fun too.
Scam Factory (Podcast)- You know the ten million fake job recruitment texts you’ve been getting? Well prepared to be extremely bummed out about who is actually texting you and what they are going through.
Read
The NY Times decided on their best movies since 2000. Do you agree? Why or why not? Your exam is due in 72 hours.
There is a lot going on but the erasure of all non-white male history from every government website is something that cannot be ignored.