Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Know Thyself

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The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle spoke about  the importance of self-knowledge and self-understanding as the foundation for wisdom and good judgment.

Some key points about this quote:

– Self-knowledge is the starting point for wisdom. When you understand yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, biases, motivations, etc. – you are better equipped to make sound decisions and live a fulfilling life.

– Wisdom involves the ability to apply knowledge and make good judgments, especially in complex or ambiguous situations. Self-awareness is crucial for developing this practical wisdom.

– By looking inward and cultivating self-understanding, you lay the foundation for becoming wiser and making a positive impact on the world.

The transformative power of self-knowledge is the basis for living a life of greater clarity, purpose, and wisdom.

Gratitude is a Superpower and the foundation of all great success!

Carried Interest Lower Tax Rate

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Carried interest is a share of profits from a private equity, venture capital, or hedge fund paid as incentive compensation to the fund’s general partner.

Carried interest typically is only paid if a fund achieves a specified minimum return.

In most cases, carried interest is considered a return on investment and taxed as a capital gain rather than ordinary income, usually at a lower rate.

Because carried interest is typically distributed after a period of years, it defers taxes in the manner of an unrealized capital gains.

Carried interest on investments held longer than three years is subject to a long-term capital gains tax with a top rate of 20%, compared with the 37% top rate on ordinary income.

Critics argue taxing carried interest as long-term capital gains allows some of the richest Americans to unfairly defer and lower taxes on the bulk of their income.

Defenders of the status quo contend the tax code’s treatment of carried interest is comparable to its handling of “sweat equity” business investments.

Source:  https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/carriedinterest.asp

Take Responsibility and Own Your Story

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Oner thing you must learn, understand and accept:

You can either keep making excuses for why your life isn’t perfect, or you can admit it’s not perfect and still try to make it better.

You can focus on what youcan change and stop worrying about what you can’t. Life keeps moving forward.

Take it upon yourself to be happy and build wealth. Stop worrying about distractions and what other people think.

Other peopl only know your name, not your story. People will always have different opinion about you. And that’s okay. What matters is how you see yourself as a person. No on can tell your story better than you.

Gratitude is a Superpower and the foundation of all success.  

Extraordinary Fiscal Spending a Threat to Economy

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Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase, says “government fiscal spending has been “so extraordinary” in the past five years he’s bracing for an economy of high inflation and unemployment.”

Dimon expressed concern that unchecked government spending could lead to stagflation – a dreaded combination of high inflation, high unemployment, and low growth1.

Dimon’s perspective is rooted in the massive fiscal and monetary stimulus that has occurred over the last five years. He questions whether this unprecedented level of intervention will eventually result in stagflation. He also believes that inflation may be stickier than many people assume, given the lingering effects of fiscal and monetary stimulus in the system.

In summary, Dimon’s cautionary stance underscores the need for prudent fiscal policies and a careful balance between economic stimulus and potential consequences.

Source:  https://fortune.com/2024/05/29/jamie-dimon-stagflation-fiscal-monetary-stimulus-government-spending-american-economy/

U.S. Economy Showing Signs of Slowing

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The U.S. economy continues to lose momentum, writes the Wall Street Journal. It finally seems that the cumulative impact of years of inflation is finally catching up with U.S. consumers and eroding their savings cushion—something that companies selling discretionary goods from Starbucks to Kohl’s are saying in their public quarterly financial reports.

In short, signs of an U.S. economic slowdown are becoming hard to ignore.

Labor market are a lagging indicator, meaning they show up later than other signs when an economic shift occurs. The early signals are already here.

Gettysburg Address

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Delivered at Gettysburg, PA, on November 19, 1863.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

“But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us,that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln

Mindfulness Matters

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Mindfulness encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions and your body.

Mindfulness is an ancient practice that is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you.

Mindfulness means not living your life on “autopilot.” Instead, you experience life as it unfolds moment to moment, good and bad, and without judgment or preconceived notions.

“Many of us go through our lives without really being present in the moment,” says Dr. Margaret Chesney of the University of California, San Francisco.

Dr. Chesney’s studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem.

One National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the brain regions involved in memory, learning and emotion. Another NIH-funded researcher reported that mindfulness practices may reduce anxiety and hostility among urban youth and lead to reduced stress, fewer fights and better relationships.

A major benefit of mindfulness is that it encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions and your body. For example, studies have shown that mindfulness can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. “It is so common for people to watch TV and eat snack food out of the box without really attending to how much they are eating,” says Chesney. “With mindful eating, you eat when you’re hungry, focus on each bite, enjoy your food more and stop when you’re full.”

Finding time for mindfulness in our culture, however, can be a challenge. We tend to place great value on how much we can do at once and how fast. Still, being more mindful is within anyone’s reach.

You can practice mindfulness throughout the day, even while answering e-mails, sitting in traffic or waiting in line. All you have to do is become more aware—of your breath, of your feet on the ground, of your fingers typing, of the people and voices around you.

Source: Harrison Wein, Ph.D., Mindfulness Matters, Can Living in the Moment Improve Your Health?, National Institutes of Health News in Health, January 2012. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/mindfulness-matters

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Cabo San Lucas is an excellent destination with adventure, relaxation, and romance.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

  • Land’s End (El Arco): A stunning rock formation at the tip of Cabo San Lucas. It’s particularly impressive at sunset, so consider a boat trip or dinner cruise during this time.
  • Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach): Nestled next to El Arco, this beach is perfect for couples and offers a romantic setting for watching the sunset.
  • San José del Cabo: Often referred to as the “Old Town,” it exudes traditional Mexican charm and offers a quieter atmosphere with beautiful resorts, a lovely plaza, and excellent dining options.

For those seeking wellness and tranquility, Los Cabos provides a serene escape with its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting desert landscapes. There are also events like rooftop live shows, morning Ayurvedic sessions, and candlelight yoga that you might find rejuvenating.

Cabo San Lucas considers themselves the shrimp capital and is renowned for its delicious seafood, including shrimp.

The region’s restaurants offer a variety of shrimp dishes that are a favorite among visitors and locals.

One notable place is Maro’s Shrimp House, which is highly rated and known for its seafood offerings, especially shrimp. They offer a variety of shrimp dishes that are highly rated by visitors

While Cabo San Lucas may not hold the official title of shrimp capital, it certainly is a place where you can enjoy some of the best shrimp dishes.