twilight zone

Wednedsay April 9th, 2025

World Events — Why China Thinks It Might a Trade War With Trump

The Economists

China believes it could prevail in a trade war with Trump due to several strategic advantages: it views U.S. tariffs as politically motivated and unsustainable, betting that domestic inflation and economic discontent will force Trump to negotiate. Chinese officials highlight their ability to leverage key U.S. vulnerabilities, including Tesla’s reliance on the Chinese market and TikTok’s political sensitivity in America, while also considering measures like yuan devaluation, export subsidies, and targeted agricultural tariffs to mitigate economic pain. Additionally, China’s state-backed interventions, such as stock market stabilization and potential stimulus packages, aim to cushion the impact of decoupling, while its willingness to restrict U.S. services and cultural imports signals readiness for prolonged conflict.

Tech — Trump Believes iPhone Can Be Made in the US 

The Verge

President Trump’s administration has repeatedly asserted that iPhones could be manufactured in the U.S., citing Apple’s $500 billion domestic investment as evidence of feasibility, though this claim conflates unrelated initiatives focused on AI, semiconductors, and data centers rather than iPhone assembly. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s belief in American labor and resources to achieve this shift, despite industry experts and Apple’s leadership—including Tim Cook and Steve Jobs—historically noting the U.S. lacks the specialized engineering workforce and supply chain infrastructure required for mass-scale iPhone production. While the administration frames tariffs as leverage to repatriate manufacturing, analysts argue Apple’s investment aligns with existing spending patterns and does not address the logistical challenges of relocating complex, China-centric supply chains.

Trade — More Tariff on China, Why Not?

Bloomberg

President Trump is advancing 104% tariffs on Chinese imports while pursuing tailored trade negotiations with allies like Japan, South Korea, and Italy, framing the punitive measures as leverage to secure deals that reduce U.S. trade deficits and boost domestic industries. Despite China’s pledge to retaliate and warnings of economic fallout, Trump insists Beijing is eager to negotiate but “doesn’t know how to start,” even as White House officials dismiss concessions and emphasize his “spine of steel” in confronting perceived unfair trade practices. While markets initially rallied on hopes of de-escalation, optimism faded as the administration confirmed tariffs would take effect, risking inflation and supply chain disruptions. The strategy hinges on using tariffs to extract broader concessions, including non-trade issues like military cooperation and drug policy, though skepticism persists over China’s willingness to engage and the long-term feasibility of decoupling critical manufacturing hubs.

Running — Recovering From Ankle Pain 

Cleveland Clinic 

Ankle pain, typically caused by injuries (sprains, fractures), arthritis, or overuse, often resolves with at-home treatments like the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and over-the-counter NSAIDs. For persistent or severe cases, healthcare providers may recommend physical therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory injections, or surgery (e.g., ligament reconstruction, joint fusion). Chronic pain may stem from unresolved injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, or structural issues like flat feet, requiring tailored interventions such as braces, customized exercises, or corticosteroid injections. Immediate medical attention is advised if pain worsens, involves inability to bear weight, or follows trauma.

Baking Recipe — Puff Pastry

This simplified puff pastry recipe uses a "rough puff" method to create flaky layers without laminating butter or yeast: start by cutting cold butter into flour until pea-sized, then gradually hydrate the dough with ice water to form a shaggy mass. Roll the dough into a rectangle, fold it into thirds (like a letter), rotate 90 degrees, and repeat the roll-fold process 4-6 times to develop buttery strata. Rest the dough between folds to relax gluten and maintain distinct layers, resulting in a versatile pastry that bakes into crisp, airy sheets ideal for savory turnovers, sweet palmiers, or decorative tart shells.

Song Rec - twilight zone (Arianna Grande)

Absolutely love this song, fire album

Quote of the Day 

“Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not. ” ― Pablo Picasso