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<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 1" data-quote="MJ DeMarco" data-source="post: 1167002" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167002" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167002">MJ DeMarco said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I forgot #6, 7, and 8 -- I can fall asleep in under 10 minutes.<br /> <br /> #6: Darkening sleep mask...<br /> #7: Ear plugs<br /> #8, which also takes care of 6 and 7, listen to a fiction audiobook with auto-shut off (15-30m) to center the brain to prevent &quot;squirrel!&quot; thinking.<br /> <br /> This focuses my mind and prevents me from thinking about the next day, goals, problems, issues.<br /> <br /> If one has issues with an overactive mind while sleeping, the audiobook takes 1000 random thoughts and narrows it to simply 1 ... the story being told. I recommend stories that don&#039;t overengage the mind ... no horror, no non-fiction, etc.<br /> <br /> Here is what I use for 6,7, and 8...<br /> <br /> <div> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-Bluetooth-LC-dolida-Ultra-Thin-Meditation/dp/B07T6FNLQV/" class="link link--external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" data-proxy-href=""> https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-Bluetooth-LC-dolida-Ultra-Thin-Meditation/dp/B07T6FNLQV/ </a> </div> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>I would always take hours to fall asleep because of squirrel thinking. Ever since I started listening to a fiction audiobook like the Dune series, or a podcast with one ear pods in, I&#039;m asleep in 15 minutes nearly every time. Has been a game changer for me.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 34918" data-quote="MattR82" data-source="post: 1167048" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167048" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167048">MattR82 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> podcast with one ear pods in </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Podcasts are great too as they are slow moving.<br /> <br /> For anyone considering the strategy, the key is the content can&#039;t be TOO engaging, otherwise it can keep you up, instead of putting you to sleep.<br /> <br /> I almost wonder if this is accessing something genetic ... remember when mom would read a story to their children at bedtime to get them asleep?</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 31790" data-quote="Supa" data-source="post: 1167046" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167046" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167046">Supa said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> My Apple Watch says that my heart rate was at 89 on average during the night. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Yikes, my heart rate at sleep is around 45, nearly half. If I have a lot of food in my stomach it will go into the 50s.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/1745591328922-webp.65588/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/data/attachments/59/59678-22a78aad332b0fbafd9daa7580e55ffc.jpg?hash=OMe6sDIOdI" class="bbImage " style="" alt="1745591328922.webp" title="1745591328922.webp" width="271" height="200" loading="lazy" /></a> <br /> <br /> BTW: Data compliments of Whoop, which I recommend to monitor your biometric data.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 125185" data-quote="skyflare" data-source="post: 1167037" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167037" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167037">skyflare said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> <div class="bbOembed bbMediaJustifier" data-media-site-id="twitter" data-media-key="1915484527541280955" data-xf-init="oembed" data-provider="twitter" data-id="1915484527541280955"> <a href="https://twitter.com/x/status/1915484527541280955" rel="external" target="_blank"><i class="fa--xf fab fa-twitter fa-twitter-square "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/community/data/local/icons/brands.svg?v=1749395433#twitter"></use></svg></i> https://twitter.com/x/status/1915484527541280955</a> </div> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> This is dumb.<br /> <br /> They didn’t test made in America - they tested the price.<br /> <br /> This guy gets it…<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/img_5971-webp.65590/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/data/attachments/59/59679-bae1acf1214d4c1cedb6d6f13eb00638.jpg?hash=iEXF9VPxiT" class="bbImage " style="" alt="IMG_5971.webp" title="IMG_5971.webp" width="380" height="200" loading="lazy" /></a><br /> <br /> If you want to test “made in America” then that needs to be a main selling point and it needs a compelling argument to go with it.<br /> <br /> The goal is a better product that last longer and delivers stronger on its promises.<br /> <br /> People pay more for Swiss watches, Italian sports cars, Irish jumpers, Canadian maple syrup all the time.<br /> <br /> (I’m sure there are better examples, I’m tired lol)<br /> <br /> It has to mean something.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 33771" data-quote="Fox" data-source="post: 1167075" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167075" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167075">Fox said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> This is dumb.<br /> <br /> They didn’t test made in America - they tested the price.<br /> <br /> This guy gets it…<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/65590/" target="_blank">View attachment 65590</a><br /> <br /> If you want to test “made in America” then that needs to be a main selling point and it needs a compelling argument to go with it.<br /> <br /> The goal is a better product that last longer and delivers stronger on its promises.<br /> <br /> People pay more for Swiss watches, Italian sports cars, Irish jumpers, Canadian maple syrup all the time.<br /> <br /> (I’m sure there are better examples, I’m tired lol)<br /> <br /> It has to mean something. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Unless it’s some established brand name, I think people are skeptical to pay for more for higher quality just because the sellers say so.<br /> <br /> Building such brand name takes times and it takes time to build reputation, trust and referrals.<br /> <br /> I am a huge skeptics for new businesses claiming to charge more for higher quality.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 64612" data-quote="Kevin88660" data-source="post: 1167076" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167076" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167076">Kevin88660 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Unless it’s some established brand name, I think people are skeptical to pay for more for higher quality just because the sellers say so.<br /> <br /> Building such brand name takes times and it takes time to build reputation, trust and referrals.<br /> <br /> I am a huge skeptics for new businesses claiming to charge more for higher quality. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Ya 100%.<br /> <br /> If it’s “coming home” the goal shouldn’t be to try compete on the same things.<br /> <br /> China does cheap best and always will.<br /> <br /> Make it better, explain how it’s better, or ya… sales go down.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 64612" data-quote="Kevin88660" data-source="post: 1167076" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167076" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167076">Kevin88660 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Unless it’s some established brand name, I think people are skeptical to pay for more for higher quality just because the sellers say so.<br /> <br /> Building such brand name takes times and it takes time to build reputation, trust and referrals.<br /> <br /> I am a huge skeptics for new businesses claiming to charge more for higher quality. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> This.<br /> <br /> Especially now, everyone will know that you most likely only do it, because importing parts is too expensive.<br /> <br /> And another thing is, that made in the US first has to become a definition of high standard for products. All stuff that takes quite some time to develop.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 1" data-quote="MJ DeMarco" data-source="post: 1167058" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167058" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167058">MJ DeMarco said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Podcasts are great too as they are slow moving.<br /> <br /> For anyone considering the strategy, the key is the content can&#039;t be TOO engaging, otherwise it can keep you up, instead of putting you to sleep.<br /> <br /> I almost wonder if this is accessing something genetic ... remember when mom would read a story to their children at bedtime to get them asleep? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Mine is usually something weird like Nazi&#039;s searching for the holy grail or something about UFO&#039;s and disclosure so I suppose they are more like a story as well lol.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 33771" data-quote="Fox" data-source="post: 1167075" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167075" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167075">Fox said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> This is dumb.<br /> <br /> They didn’t test made in America - they tested the price.<br /> <br /> This guy gets it…<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/65590/" target="_blank">View attachment 65590</a><br /> <br /> If you want to test “made in America” then that needs to be a main selling point and it needs a compelling argument to go with it.<br /> <br /> The goal is a better product that last longer and delivers stronger on its promises.<br /> <br /> People pay more for Swiss watches, Italian sports cars, Irish jumpers, Canadian maple syrup all the time.<br /> <br /> (I’m sure there are better examples, I’m tired lol)<br /> <br /> It has to mean something. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>The problem is made in the USA will be basically the same as made in China, if not worse.<br /> <br /> When making something in the USA now, you get the materials from China. You get the machines from China. So the only new variable is American labor vs Chinese labor. This is for the material handling to construction to QC.<br /> <br /> Will the quality actually be better than when the new labor has no experience vs. years of experience?</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 1" data-quote="MJ DeMarco" data-source="post: 1167059" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167059" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167059">MJ DeMarco said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Yikes, my heart rate at sleep is around 45, nearly half. If I have a lot of food in my stomach it will go into the 50s.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/65588/" target="_blank">View attachment 65588</a><br /> <br /> BTW: Data compliments of Whoop, which I recommend to monitor your biometric data. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>You could make a flf whoop leaderboard group? <br /> <br /> Unfortunately I have Garmin and wouldn’t be able to join but that would be cool</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 23" data-quote="biophase" data-source="post: 1167113" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167113" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167113">biophase said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> The problem is made in the USA will be basically the same as made in China, if not worse.<br /> <br /> When making something in the USA now, you get the materials from China. You get the machines from China. So the only new variable is American labor vs Chinese labor. This is for the material handling to construction to QC.<br /> <br /> Will the quality actually be better than when the new labor has no experience vs. years of experience? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Do you see any way in it reversing?</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 33771" data-quote="Fox" data-source="post: 1167123" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167123" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167123">Fox said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Do you see any way in it reversing? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>It would be nice to think so but I think the issue isn’t the manufacturing or anything like that, it’s consumer demand<br /> <br /> They’d rather buy the cheapest thing<br /> <br /> They’d rather throw something out than fix it<br /> <br /> Unless you’re making something that the quality really matters to the person buying it, then no it will never change, there’s no demand for change<br /> <br /> It even applies to china, the issue isn’t that they are retarded and lazy and have worse technology and suck at making things, they can make the same or better quality than other countries can, just look at Apple products, it’s just that no one is asking them to or paying them to make quality products, they’re asking them for the cheapest products so that’s what they’re making</div>
 
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<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 23" data-quote="biophase" data-source="post: 1167113" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167113" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167113">biophase said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> The problem is made in the USA will be basically the same as made in China, if not worse.<br /> <br /> When making something in the USA now, you get the materials from China. You get the machines from China. So the only new variable is American labor vs Chinese labor. This is for the material handling to construction to QC.<br /> <br /> Will the quality actually be better than when the new labor has no experience vs. years of experience? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 12657" data-quote="GPM" data-source="post: 1167121" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167121" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167121">GPM said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> American Made very often means &quot;made by people who don&#039;t give a crap and want a raise anyway&quot;.<br /> <br /> Not always, but much of the time. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Yep. When I hear American made, I hear union communists demanding 3x the pay (a number that is totally unrealistic and completely eliminates 150%+ of marginal profit from every product line) or they’re going to strike.<br /> <br /> America isn’t a manufacturing country anymore. It’s not something we are good at. It’s not something anyone really wants to do. The ones that end up there are literally programmed by unions to be thankless and bitter.<br /> <br /> USA made, to me, says needlessly expensive and a valueless tax on retarded “patriot” bootlickers.<br /> <br /> I perceive Japanese products as the top build quality on earth irrespective of price.<br /> <br /> German is good if it’s a tough item like a tool. I’ve had enough of their fragile cars though.<br /> <br /> Try to find a TV, computer, phone, or tablet not made in China.<br /> <br /> Trade is good for variety, competition, and specialization. Specialization, even across borders, enriches all parties of a transaction.<br /> <br /> The fact of the matter is that Americans have chosen Chinese manufacturing. That’s why the world is the way it is. Why did we choose it? Because weighing all options, we all perceived it as the best value for our money.<br /> <br /> I want the best deal. Russian and Venezuelan oil. Sure. If the pumps sold $.99 gas and it said EVIL RUSSIA GAS right on the pump, you better believe 90% or more would have that nozzle in their car over the “boot chewer approved trade partner $4 gas.”<br /> <br /> It would be a fun experiment. Most would argue they wouldn’t want Russian or Venezuelan oil, but put it as one of the three options on the pump, and with a price advantage, I bet they sell nothing but Russia all day long. Which begs the question… How much disingenuous, collectivist, virtue signaling is currently making life more expensive for everyone in this country? In theory they all suck boot and rally behind “the thing,” but in practice they will absolutely choose the best value.<br /> <br /> What about nuclear energy? Why can’t we have that? Collectivist virtue signaling idiocy is blocking it. The same idiots aGaiNst nuclear, given the individual choice, will take the half price energy bill every single time.<br /> <br /> Build crap here? We’ve been free to try that for years. It isn’t worth it. Somehow we still have a 96% employment rate. How? Americans already did find their sustainable, and higher paying, places in the global economy.<br /> <br /> In contrast, protectionism and tariffs keeping your competition at bay just makes your government welfare check look like a business.</div>
 
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<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 34918" data-quote="MattR82" data-source="post: 1167047" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167047" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167047">MattR82 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> My Uncle who has never run a business in his life, saw an opportunity for making clear visors for sandblasting helmets. Not sure how much the machine was that he bought, but over the last few years it turned into a really nice little biz for him. I don&#039;t know for sure but he probably makes something like 50 to 100k a year and has a kid running it for him.<br /> <br /> I&#039;m going to ask him for more info and post it here one day soon. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Don&#039;t post enough so others copycat his business.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 51608" data-quote="WJK" data-source="post: 1166923" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1166923" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1166923">WJK said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I own it all. But, I tell people that I&#039;ll have to ask my husband. (He married into my dog and pony show.) If necessary, I play my dumb blond act. People who know me, just about fall apart laughing. I am a senior citizen and people take me for the secretary. I go out and pick up trash around my property just to enjoy a pretty day. Then others think I&#039;m the hired help. Oh well. What they don&#039;t know, won&#039;t hurt. Then when I do use my power, some people are SO shocked. I like to be the person behind the chair rather than out front. There&#039;s a lot more power there. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> That’s a brilliant, time-tested strategy that always works!<br /> <br /> <br /> Years ago, I focused on projecting success with expensive clothes and a leased car. As our wealth grew, my approach flipped. Just last week, I called my wife from a business trip: “Honey, I need some cheap clothes - let’s go shopping.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Why? In my work, I meet and negotiate with all kinds of people. Looking too polished can make you seem out of touch; people are less likely to give you a break if you don’t seem like “one of them.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Like you cleverly using your husband as an excuse (hilarious, by the way), I blame “my Board” for decisions - even though we don’t have a formal one. As CEO, I avoid seeming like I have the final say; it keeps negotiations flexible. It’s my duty to my partners and investors to get the best outcomes.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 31790" data-quote="Supa" data-source="post: 1167046" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167046" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167046">Supa said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Yesterday we were too tired to cook and ordered some food from an Italian restaurant. It was quite a lot and quite fatty. After eating I already felt, that it was too much. My Apple Watch says that my heart rate was at 89 on average during the night. Really makes you realize how much your body has to work after a big and fatty meal not too long before sleeping, and how that will most likely also impact your sleep quality. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> 89 seems high. What’s your typical resting HR?<br /> <br /> I find endurance type of exercises (running, cycling) lowers resting HR the best.<br /> <br /> And yes, I 100% can confirm that if I eat right before sleeping, my deep sleep will be ruined and overall quality will suffer.<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 34918" data-quote="MattR82" data-source="post: 1167048" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167048" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167048">MattR82 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I would always take hours to fall asleep because of squirrel thinking. Ever since I started listening to a fiction audiobook like the Dune series, or a podcast with one ear pods in, I&#039;m asleep in 15 minutes nearly every time. Has been a game changer for me. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Have you tried meditation?<br /> <br /> Get the squirrel brain to calm the hell down for me. And you know that other “you” the annoying voice that keeps yapping - that quiets down too.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167138" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167138" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167138">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> That’s a brilliant, time-tested strategy that always works!<br /> <br /> <br /> Years ago, I focused on projecting success with expensive clothes and a leased car. As our wealth grew, my approach flipped. Just last week, I called my wife from a business trip: “Honey, I need some cheap clothes - let’s go shopping.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Why? In my work, I meet and negotiate with all kinds of people. Looking too polished can make you seem out of touch; people are less likely to give you a break if you don’t seem like “one of them.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Like you cleverly using your husband as an excuse (hilarious, by the way), I blame “my Board” for decisions - even though we don’t have a formal one. As CEO, I avoid seeming like I have the final say; it keeps negotiations flexible. It’s my duty to my partners and investors to get the best outcomes. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Did you write this with AI?<br /> I know you said that you&#039;re using it to enhance and learn writing better texts, and I&#039;m probably the only one here, but I&#039;m having a stroke reading your text when I feel like an AI has written it.<br /> No judgement, just observation.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 114054" data-quote="piano" data-source="post: 1167140" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167140" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167140">piano said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Did you write this with AI?<br /> I know you said that you&#039;re using it to enhance and learn writing better texts, and I&#039;m probably the only one here, but I&#039;m having a stroke reading your text when I feel like an AI has written it.<br /> No judgement, just observation. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> good eye. Here is the input vs output <br /> <br /> I don’t ever use AI to write for me, but I do ask AI to edit my texts. Not always necessary or well done. <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/img_8057-webp.65602/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/data/attachments/59/59686-9f773a463640a340f9571d9466bedb25.jpg?hash=K90gELQ9Ij" class="bbImage " style="" alt="IMG_8057.webp" title="IMG_8057.webp" width="200" height="391" loading="lazy" /></a></div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167139" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167139" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167139">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 89 seems high. What’s your typical resting HR? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Last night it was at 69 on average, usually I‘m somewhere between 60 and 70.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167141" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167141" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167141">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> good eye. Here is the input vs output <br /> <br /> I don’t ever use AI to write for me, but I do ask AI to edit my texts. Not always necessary or well done. <br /> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/attachments/65602/" target="_blank">View attachment 65602</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Obviously do what you think works best for you, but in my eyes it doesn&#039;t look like you&#039;ll be benefiting much from this.<br /> The text feels super bland and forced (also kind of like you&#039;re trying to sell me something, because the text grammar and punctuation-wise is &quot;too perfect&quot;).<br /> If you want to improve your writing, I&#039;d recommend picking a role model writer, analyse him and think about it deeply.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167138" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167138" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167138">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Looking too polished can make you seem out of touch; people are less likely to give you a break if you don’t seem like “one of them.” </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote> ; )</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 48368" data-quote="WillHurtDontCare" data-source="post: 1167023" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167023" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167023">WillHurtDontCare said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Effort and intensity are skills. There are a lot of hardworking people who don&#039;t realize that they can push themselves much harder because they just didn&#039;t realize there is another level beyond what they&#039;re doing. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>I&#039;ve just had an experience like this. Met someone with loads of experience in my area and they showed me another vista of how I need to be thinking and what I need to be working on. I thought I was doing well, but there&#039;s way more out there, things I just hadn&#039;t considered or perceived. They pointed out a number of flaws in whst Im doing. I thanked them for their time doing this.<br /> <br /> In the past I&#039;ve got tense and defensive if something like this happened, but this time was different psychologically, if felt more like a revelation and I kind of put ego to the side.( Hope this makes sense)</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 4862" data-quote="Kak" data-source="post: 1167129" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167129" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167129">Kak said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Yep. When I hear American made, I hear union communists demanding 3x the pay (a number that is totally unrealistic and completely eliminates 150%+ of marginal profit from every product line) or they’re going to strike.<br /> <br /> America isn’t a manufacturing country anymore. It’s not something we are good at. It’s not something anyone really wants to do. The ones that end up there are literally programmed by unions to be thankless and bitter.<br /> <br /> USA made, to me, says needlessly expensive and a valueless tax on retarded “patriot” bootlickers.<br /> <br /> I perceive Japanese products as the top build quality on earth irrespective of price.<br /> <br /> German is good if it’s a tough item like a tool. I’ve had enough of their fragile cars though.<br /> <br /> Try to find a TV, computer, phone, or tablet not made in China.<br /> <br /> Trade is good for variety, competition, and specialization. Specialization, even across borders, enriches all parties of a transaction.<br /> <br /> The fact of the matter is that Americans have chosen Chinese manufacturing. That’s why the world is the way it is. Why did we choose it? Because weighing all options, we all perceived it as the best value for our money.<br /> <br /> I want the best deal. Russian and Venezuelan oil. Sure. If the pumps sold $.99 gas and it said EVIL RUSSIA GAS right on the pump, you better believe 90% or more would have that nozzle in their car over the “boot chewer approved trade partner $4 gas.”<br /> <br /> It would be a fun experiment. Most would argue they wouldn’t want Russian or Venezuelan oil, but put it as one of the three options on the pump, and with a price advantage, I bet they sell nothing but Russia all day long. Which begs the question… How much disingenuous, collectivist, virtue signaling is currently making life more expensive for everyone in this country? In theory they all suck boot and rally behind “the thing,” but in practice they will absolutely choose the best value.<br /> <br /> What about nuclear energy? Why can’t we have that? Collectivist virtue signaling idiocy is blocking it. The same idiots aGaiNst nuclear, given the individual choice, will take the half price energy bill every single time.<br /> <br /> Build crap here? We’ve been free to try that for years. It isn’t worth it. Somehow we still have a 96% employment rate. How? Americans already did find their sustainable, and higher paying, places in the global economy.<br /> <br /> In contrast, protectionism and tariffs keeping your competition at bay just makes your government welfare check look like a business. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>I don&#039;t share your pessimism. <br /> <br /> I think that with robotics and AI, we can rebuild our manufacturing base and easily compete with China&#039;s slave labor. And it will take a lot fewer people in the labor force. Most of the jobs will be high-tech to keep things running. No one is going to be sitting on a production line adding the same screw to the parts as they come down the conveyor belt. Those types of mindless jobs will be replaced by robots that don&#039;t require vacation and overtime pay -- just some maintenance.<br /> <br /> China&#039;s manufacturing plants are for the most part not all that high-tech. We have the advantage here of starting from scratch now when all this tech is available and their slave labor system is not.<br /> <br /> We also have some other advantages. One of our biggest is in our banking system and the other is that we allow businesses to fail. They have a lot of bad loans on their books in the Chinese banking system. We cleaned our up in the 2008 crash through write-offs. China is rolling over bad paper rather than writing it off. This has to do with the fact that lots of the bad loans are from government-owned businesses that they are still supporting through loans and subsidies. Those &quot;zombie&quot; businesses live on when they should have been shuttered years ago and their government keeps throwing in good money after bad. The current government has one foot on an ice cube and the other on a banana peel politically. That&#039;s why they are talking so tough right now. The fact that China has not cleaned up their house is our biggest advantage. <br /> <br /> Also, they have done their trading partners wrong and have lost the &quot;trust&quot; factor. Trump has been responsible for a lot of that change in attitude by pointing out their bad behavior. And a lot of people have had really bad experiences. It&#039;s all for the Chinese and none for anyone else in the world. They don&#039;t care who they hurt or how bad as long as there is an income stream for them. They see themselves as the center of the Universe.<br /> <br /> Your idea for nuclear energy is a good one. The biggest problem we&#039;ve had is what to do with the nuclear waste. There is some new technology that will allow for small plants for specific needs -- like the AI plants that are going to be built. We&#039;ll see if they can solve the waste problem and streamline the permitting process.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper">People who speak languages other than English, does your language experience the phenomenon of popular names having multiple spellings? I&#039;ve seen 10+ spellings of names like Colleen and Katy and I&#039;m curious if this happens in other languages.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167138" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167138" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167138">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> That’s a brilliant, time-tested strategy that always works!<br /> <br /> <br /> Years ago, I focused on projecting success with expensive clothes and a leased car. As our wealth grew, my approach flipped. Just last week, I called my wife from a business trip: “Honey, I need some cheap clothes - let’s go shopping.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Why? In my work, I meet and negotiate with all kinds of people. Looking too polished can make you seem out of touch; people are less likely to give you a break if you don’t seem like “one of them.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Like you cleverly using your husband as an excuse (hilarious, by the way), I blame “my Board” for decisions - even though we don’t have a formal one. As CEO, I avoid seeming like I have the final say; it keeps negotiations flexible. It’s my duty to my partners and investors to get the best outcomes. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Good for you!<br /> <br /> I too dress down all the time. I try to blend in with others around me and it works. I&#039;m a senior citizen. Who am I gonna, or must, impress at my age and station in life? Being financially independent has its perks and choices.<br /> <br /> My husband and I often play &quot;good cop -- bad cop&quot;. And my husband jokes with me about the fact that he has to play the &quot;bad cop&quot; role again. We laugh about it. We decide in advance what we&#039;re going to do and then he delivers our decision on the matter with great authority. It&#039;s my property and my decision so I can assert myself anytime I want -- but we are a very tight couple and best friends. He&#039;s very protective and proud of me. He knows who butters his bread and he is grateful to have me and my assets in his life. We married when I was 50 years old and that&#039;s been over 20 years ago. We&#039;re still walking around holding hands...</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 48368" data-quote="WillHurtDontCare" data-source="post: 1167154" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167154" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167154">WillHurtDontCare said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> People who speak languages other than English, does your language experience the phenomenon of popular names having multiple spellings? I&#039;ve seen 10+ spellings of names like Colleen and Katy and I&#039;m curious if this happens in other languages. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Can only speak for German, but we definitely have that to some extent. For example there are some variations in how names are written (like Philipp, Phillip, Phillipp, or Dominik, Domenik, Dominic), some names that start with a K can also be written with a C (like Karo and Caro) sometimes there’s an H somewhere and sometimes there‘s not (like Katharina or Katarina). What‘s interesting to me is how in the US there seem to be so many abbreviations or nick names for names (like Jim, Joe, Phil, Jay, and so on), we don‘t really have that here, or at least not to this extent. What we usually do is just shorten the name or put an „i“ at its end (that is pretty much our version of the English „y“ at the end, though we sometimes also do the „y“ and pronounce it in an English way), so for example Dominik becomes Dom or Domi, Andreas (Andrew in English) becomes Andi or Andy, and so on.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 51608" data-quote="WJK" data-source="post: 1167151" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167151" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167151">WJK said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I don&#039;t share your pessimism. <br /> <br /> I think that with robotics and AI, we can rebuild our manufacturing base and easily compete with China&#039;s slave labor. And it will take a lot fewer people in the labor force. Most of the jobs will be high-tech to keep things running. No one is going to be sitting on a production line adding the same screw to the parts as they come down the conveyor belt. Those types of mindless jobs will be replaced by robots that don&#039;t require vacation and overtime pay -- just some maintenance.<br /> <br /> China&#039;s manufacturing plants are for the most part not all that high-tech. We have the advantage here of starting from scratch now when all this tech is available and their slave labor system is not.<br /> <br /> We also have some other advantages. One of our biggest is in our banking system and the other is that we allow businesses to fail. They have a lot of bad loans on their books in the Chinese banking system. We cleaned our up in the 2008 crash through write-offs. China is rolling over bad paper rather than writing it off. This has to do with the fact that lots of the bad loans are from government-owned businesses that they are still supporting through loans and subsidies. Those &quot;zombie&quot; businesses live on when they should have been shuttered years ago and their government keeps throwing in good money after bad. The current government has one foot on an ice cube and the other on a banana peel politically. That&#039;s why they are talking so tough right now. The fact that China has not cleaned up their house is our biggest advantage. <br /> <br /> Also, they have done their trading partners wrong and have lost the &quot;trust&quot; factor. Trump has been responsible for a lot of that change in attitude by pointing out their bad behavior. And a lot of people have had really bad experiences. It&#039;s all for the Chinese and none for anyone else in the world. They don&#039;t care who they hurt or how bad as long as there is an income stream for them. They see themselves as the center of the Universe.<br /> <br /> Your idea for nuclear energy is a good one. The biggest problem we&#039;ve had is what to do with the nuclear waste. There is some new technology that will allow for small plants for specific needs -- like the AI plants that are going to be built. We&#039;ll see if they can solve the waste problem and streamline the permitting process. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>China has dark factories AI powered manufacturing now and it’s killing all the local competitors in South East Asia. All the small factories in these region are shutting down. <br /> <br /> Experts + AI and automation are still leading in the game.<br /> <br /> Don’t confuse China with Vietnam or Bangladesh where key advantage is truly only labor cost.<br /> <br /> The problem for China is overcapacity in production, they can satisfy the entire world’s normal consumer demand I believe at least 2 times over…They can produce to bankrupt everyone and eventually bankrupt themselves if left unchecked.<br /> <br /> The suffering in their housing sector is deliberate. They did not want to do a 2008 U.S. style bail out but wants to focus on technological upgrade, in AI, renewable energy and chips. Time will tell.<br /> <br /> The danger to global capitalism is that they keep on producing, keep on getting more productive, and ironically killing everyone in every business and including themselves. It will be consumers’ paradise but the consumers become jobless.<br /> <br /> China needs to be a more balanced economy where their people consume more, rather than just produce and accumulate wealth. They will become more likable when they give other countries a chance to make money from them.</div>
 
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<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 55234" data-quote="Antifragile" data-source="post: 1167139" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167139" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167139">Antifragile said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Have you tried meditation?<br /> <br /> Get the squirrel brain to calm the hell down for me. And you know that other “you” the annoying voice that keeps yapping - that quiets down too. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Yeah, doesn&#039;t work as well for me for sleep. Doesn&#039;t work at all actually. But an easy podcast or audiobook puts me straight out.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 114054" data-quote="piano" data-source="post: 1167145" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167145" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167145">piano said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Obviously do what you think works best for you, but in my eyes it doesn&#039;t look like you&#039;ll be benefiting much from this.<br /> The text feels super bland and forced (also kind of like you&#039;re trying to sell me something, because the text grammar and punctuation-wise is &quot;too perfect&quot;).<br /> If you want to improve your writing, I&#039;d recommend picking a role model writer, analyse him and think about it deeply.<br /> <br /> <br /> ; ) </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> I appreciate it.<br /> <br /> An internet forum with zero downside is a perfect place for experiments.<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 34918" data-quote="MattR82" data-source="post: 1167164" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167164" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167164">MattR82 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Yeah, doesn&#039;t work as well for me for sleep. Doesn&#039;t work at all actually. But an easy podcast or audiobook puts me straight out. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> That’s surprising. But meditation is not for everyone contrary to guru YT nonsense. <br /> <br /> I used to be like that. Only after I tried Transcendental Meditation that it worked for me. Not for sleep, but to calm the squirrels in my brain.</div>
 
<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 51608" data-quote="WJK" data-source="post: 1167151" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1167151" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1167151">WJK said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I don&#039;t share your pessimism.<br /> <br /> I think that with robotics and AI, we can rebuild our manufacturing base and easily compete with China&#039;s slave labor. And it will take a lot fewer people in the labor force. Most of the jobs will be high-tech to keep things running. No one is going to be sitting on a production line adding the same screw to the parts as they come down the conveyor belt. Those types of mindless jobs will be replaced by robots that don&#039;t require vacation and overtime pay -- just some maintenance.<br /> <br /> China&#039;s manufacturing plants are for the most part not all that high-tech. We have the advantage here of starting from scratch now when all this tech is available and their slave labor system is not.<br /> <br /> We also have some other advantages. One of our biggest is in our banking system and the other is that we allow businesses to fail. They have a lot of bad loans on their books in the Chinese banking system. We cleaned our up in the 2008 crash through write-offs. China is rolling over bad paper rather than writing it off. This has to do with the fact that lots of the bad loans are from government-owned businesses that they are still supporting through loans and subsidies. Those &quot;zombie&quot; businesses live on when they should have been shuttered years ago and their government keeps throwing in good money after bad. The current government has one foot on an ice cube and the other on a banana peel politically. That&#039;s why they are talking so tough right now. The fact that China has not cleaned up their house is our biggest advantage.<br /> <br /> Also, they have done their trading partners wrong and have lost the &quot;trust&quot; factor. Trump has been responsible for a lot of that change in attitude by pointing out their bad behavior. And a lot of people have had really bad experiences. It&#039;s all for the Chinese and none for anyone else in the world. They don&#039;t care who they hurt or how bad as long as there is an income stream for them. They see themselves as the center of the Universe.<br /> <br /> Your idea for nuclear energy is a good one. The biggest problem we&#039;ve had is what to do with the nuclear waste. There is some new technology that will allow for small plants for specific needs -- like the AI plants that are going to be built. We&#039;ll see if they can solve the waste problem and streamline the permitting process. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>For the most part we agree. We COULD become a manufacturing hub again, and I would be all for it if the market called for it. But again I point to our current employment rate. Manufacturing in the USA needs to be very elevated to make sense.<br /> <br /> For all the “China is economically taking advantage of us” talk going around, our standard of living is somehow a lot better here. Who is really taking advantage of who? We sell them debt denominated in our money and devalue the currency. We send them our Monopoly money for their hard goods and labor. We literally export a considerable amount of our inflation to them.<br /> <br /> We obviously have a lot of chemical and steel plants and whatnot in the US. That seems to have a nice geographical advantage and work well.<br /> <br /> My issue is trying to will more of it to happen with punitive policy.<br /> <br /> The so called patriots need to put up or shut up about the “rah rah America is the best ever” nonsense. If that’s what they say, they should make it so. Attract. Don’t punish.<br /> <br /> My stance has always been to make America the land of most opportunity by encouraging all trade and business at the highest level. In other words, we need to be the bar-none most attractive country to do business in, in the entire world. We should be #1 on the index of economic freedom BY FAR. We should have the lowest tax burden in the world, BY FAR. We should be offering massive permanent tax breaks for foreign firms moving any productive process here, not just manufacturing. And let the cards fall where they may.<br /> <br /> The problem people have is that they conflate manufacturing and value creation. Value creation is the big umbrella and manufacturing is just one part of what could be considered value creation.<br /> <br /> Also. American made is a farce. Anyone who understands supply verticals knows that my Ford Expedition that was “built in Kentucky” used parts from all around the world. Even the parts built here are made with raw materials from all around the world. And even the raw materials from here are retrieved, processed and shipped by machinery and chemicals produced all around the world.<br /> <br /> The government showed their cards with the interstate commerce clause. It used to be ONLY for companies doing business between states. But slowly they used it to regulate all commerce. Why? Because they determined no one business is wholly dependent on one state and even in the very unlikely event that it truly was, they assuredly had a competitor somewhere that wasn’t, and therefore, are engaging in business that affects interstate commerce anyway.<br /> <br /> Much of that can be expanded to discuss international trade as well.</div>
 
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