Never Enough
Monday, March 3rd, 2025
World Events — Europe To Step Up to Defend Ukraine
The Economists
European leaders gathered for an emergency summit in London on March 2nd, 2025, to address the urgent need for defending Ukraine and securing a just peace deal. The meeting, attended by 15 countries along with NATO and EU representatives, came in response to the shocking confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who chaired the summit, outlined a four-pillar plan that includes continued military aid to Ukraine, increased economic pressure on Russia, Ukraine's involvement in peace talks, and the deployment of a European force to deter Russian aggression. However, the plan's success hinges on U.S. backing, which remains uncertain given Trump's unpredictable stance. European leaders are now grappling with the challenge of potentially shouldering more responsibility for Ukraine's defense, exploring options such as increased defense spending, tapping into frozen Russian assets, and boosting Ukraine's domestic arms production.
Tech — Honor to Join the AI Race
Bloomberg
Honor Device Co., a major Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has announced a bold $10 billion investment plan over the next five years to establish itself as a key player in the artificial intelligence industry. The company, which originated as a spinoff from Huawei Technologies Co., unveiled its new corporate strategy at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, focusing on building a device-centric AI ecosystem. This significant investment, sourced from the company and its investors, including local government entities, BOE Technology Group Co., and Chinese mobile carriers, aims to transform Honor from a conventional smartphone maker into a global AI terminal ecosystem company. The initiative includes plans to integrate AI into various hardware products, develop next-generation AI agents, and create a platform for diverse AI devices, with the goal of redefining user interactions with technology.
Economics — Preparing for Economic Slowdown
The Economists
The American economy is showing signs of strain as President Donald Trump's protectionist policies and erratic governance begin to take effect. Consumer confidence dropped sharply in February 2025, with the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index falling to 98.3, its lowest level since June 2024. This decline is attributed to growing pessimism about employment prospects, future business conditions, and concerns about trade and tariffs. The threat of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China has led to increased inflation expectations, with consumers anticipating a 6% inflation rate over the next year. Economic growth has slowed, with the GDP expanding at a 2.3% annual rate in the last quarter of 2024. Retail sales weakened unexpectedly in January, and unemployment claims have risen. The stock market has edged down 2% in the past month, reflecting investor unease. Analysts warn that Trump's tariffs could reduce America's growth rate by a percentage point, while his proposed government efficiency measures are causing disruptions without significant savings. These factors, combined with broader economic trends such as depleted pandemic savings and high mortgage rates, suggest a potential economic slowdown in the near future.
Health — Try Walking Meditation
Verywell Mind
Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice that involves being fully present and aware of one's body and surroundings while walking, aiming to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It's a simple activity that doesn't require special equipment and can be practiced anywhere, even for just 5-10 minutes daily, to improve mood, emotional regulation, focus, and memory. To get started, take slow, easy steps in a quiet area, focusing on your senses and acknowledging any judgments or thoughts that arise, gently guiding your attention back to the physical sensations of walking. Overcoming challenges involves reminding yourself that it takes time and practice, and that it's okay to get lost in thoughts, as long as you gently bring your awareness back to the present moment, focusing on the five senses when in doubt.
Cooking — Macha Crêpe Cake
This looks like pancake, but Japanese style. Check out the recipe here.
Sugi Moto Tea
Song Rec — Never Enough (From the Greatest Showman)
Quote of the Day
“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, Morrel, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.” ― Alexandre Dumas