Friday, August 16th, 2024
Your Daily Americano
Friday, August 16th, 2024
World Events and Geopolitics
Reuters
Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand's new prime minister on Friday, making her the third member of her family to hold the position after parliament approved her appointment. This change followed the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin due to an ethics violation. At 37, Paetongtarn is the youngest and second female prime minister, following her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who was ousted by the military in 2014. As the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a controversial figure overthrown in 2006, her leadership may be complicated by her father's ongoing influence in the Pheu Thai Party and his legal troubles, including charges of lèse-majesté.
In a campaign speech in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, outlined her economic policies, emphasizing her vision for an “opportunity economy.” Harris pledged to implement a federal ban on price gouging by grocery stores and to create assistance programs for first-time homebuyers, including a $25,000 down payment credit. She criticized former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imports, labeling them a “Trump tax” that would burden American families. Her economic populism aims to build on President Biden's legacy while addressing the concerns of voters who feel left behind, as she seeks to distinguish her agenda from the current administration's record amid ongoing inflation challenges.
Technology and Science — Rinsed
Reuters
On June 2nd, Bill Guan, CFO of The Epoch Times, was arrested in New York for allegedly laundering $67 million through cryptocurrency, a charge he denies. This case highlights a growing trend noted by journalist Geoff White in his book “Rinsed,” which reveals that in 2023, $22.2 billion in illicit funds were laundered globally using digital currencies. Despite Western sanctions, countries like Iran and North Korea exploit these systems. White explains that technology, particularly cryptocurrency mixers, complicates law enforcement efforts, as seen in the dark web site “Welcome to Video,” where investigators struggled to trace payments back to its operator.
Business, Economics and Finance — Home Building Slows in the U.S.
Home building in the United States has dropped to its lowest level since May 2020. In July, the number of new homes constructed fell by 6.8% compared to the previous year, totaling just 1.2 million units. The construction pace was particularly slow in the South, where Hurricane Beryl caused delays. This year, the construction industry has faced challenges due to high interest rates, making mortgages more expensive and discouraging potential buyers. As a result, many builders are reducing their construction efforts to cope with high inventory levels of unsold homes.
Health and Wellness — FDA Aim to Reduce Sodium Content
Bloomberg
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new voluntary sodium reduction targets aimed at decreasing sodium levels in packaged and processed foods by approximately 20% over the next three years. This initiative builds on previous efforts initiated in October 2021, which sought to lower average sodium intake from 3,400 mg to 3,000 mg per day. The FDA's goal is to further reduce consumption to an average of 2,750 mg daily, still above the recommended limit of 2,300 mg. This move comes as part of a broader public health strategy to combat diet-related chronic diseases, with FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones emphasizing the potential impact of sodium reduction on public health. Major food manufacturers, including PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz, are expected to comply, although they have not yet commented on the new targets.
Cooking and Dining — Watermelon and Mango Smoothie
Eatingwell
A summer splash! This delicious fruit smoothie recipe features just four ingredients, making it a quick and easy option for a healthy breakfast on the go.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped watermelon
1 cup frozen mango chunks
½ frozen medium banana
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
For the full recipe: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/254613/watermelon-mango-smoothie
Recommendation — Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes released his emotional ballad “It'll Be Okay” on December 1, 2021, just two weeks after announcing his split from longtime girlfriend Camila Cabello. The piano-driven song reflects on the pain of a breakup while reassuring that everything will ultimately be alright.
“Are we gonna make it?
Is this gonna hurt?
Oh, we can try to debate it
But that never works…
I start to imagine a world where we don’t collide
It’ls making me sick, but we’ll heal and the sun will rise
If you tell me you’re leaving, I’ll make it easy
It’ll be okay
If we can’t stop the bleeding
We don’t have to fix it, we don’t have to stay
I will love you either way…
Oh, if the future we’ve dreamed of is fading to black
I will love you either way…”
To listen to the full song:
To Do in Toronto — Maison Selby
“Inspired by the bistro and café genre, Maison Selby presents a stylish yet warm & welcoming setting in which to snack and sip the day away.” A perfect place for a Sunday brunch, a Weekday lunch, or a drink in the evening.
Maison Shelby’s Indigo Negroni
Cocktail recommendation: Pineapple Honey Gimlet (Dillon’s Selby pineapple honey gin, lime, honey); Spicy Mararita (Dejado tequila blanc, Blos tripe sec, lime, sugar, Addition jalapeno tincture); Raspberry Pepper Mojito (rasperry juice, raspberry pepper syrup, lime juice, mint, soda water).
To visit the menu: https://www.maisonselby.com/menus/
21-min walking from University of Toronto, King’s Circle.
Quote of the Day — Picasso on Becoming Artist
“Every child is an artist: the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” Pablo Picasso.
Picture of Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for co-founding the Cubist movement. His most famous work, “Guernica,” powerfully depicts the horrors of war and remains a poignant anti-war symbol. Picasso’s styles evolved over his career, including periods like the Blue Period, Rose Period, and his pioneering work in Cubism and Surrealism.
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