When You Love Someone

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

World Events — Tariff Retaliation 

The Economists

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, President Donald Trump has imposed significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, marking a potential new era of protectionism. Starting February 4th, these countries face substantial tariffs: 25% on Canadian and Mexican exports (except oil at 10%), and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, with additional restrictions on e-commerce imports. Each country has adopted a nuanced retaliation strategy, balancing tough rhetoric with calculated economic responses. Canada has implemented targeted tariffs on specific goods like citrus fruit and bourbon, while delaying more severe measures. Mexico has verbally challenged Trump's accusations and is exploring retaliatory tariffs, and China has so far responded minimally, reserving more potent economic weapons. Despite their different approaches, all three nations share a common goal: minimizing economic damage while seeking potential pathways for de-escalation.

Tech — Huawei’s Harmony OS

Bloomberg

Huawei's HarmonyOS Next, launched alongside the Mate 70 smartphone in December 2024, represents a significant step in the company's efforts to create a viable alternative to Android and iOS. This Google-free operating system, born out of necessity due to U.S. trade restrictions, aims to power a wide range of devices beyond smartphones, including in-car systems, wearables, and smart home appliances. While the new OS borrows design elements from iOS and offers a familiar user experience, its success hinges on third-party app support. Huawei has made impressive progress in ensuring key Chinese apps are available and function smoothly, but gaps remain, particularly in work-related tools and some popular games. The company acknowledges that HarmonyOS Next is still developing, with a target of 100,000 fully customized apps to be considered mature, up from the 15,000 reported in October 2024.

Business — Factory Activity Slows In Asia 

Factory activity across Asia showed signs of slowing in January 2025, according to the latest S&P Global purchasing managers index data, just before President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on major trading partners. The manufacturing PMI for Southeast Asia fell to an 11-month low of 50.4, with five major economies including Japan showing overall deterioration. Vietnam's index contracted to 48.9, while South Korea saw a slight improvement to 50.3. China's manufacturing growth eased to a four-month low, falling below economists' expectations. The data revealed weakening demand, particularly in export orders, which declined in Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan. This slowdown in Asian factory activity preceded Trump's weekend announcement of tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, which are expected to significantly disrupt global trade patterns and potentially shift production demand across Asia as firms seek to avoid the new levies.

Health — What is Dementia? 

Alz.org

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills. These symptoms are caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly but often include problems with memory, communication, focus, reasoning, and visual perception. While age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it is not a normal part of aging. There is currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected.

Food — Overnight Blueberry Bun 

Foodnetworks 

These make-ahead blueberry breakfast treats are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just 20 minutes of hands-on effort. While they might seem intricate, they're an effortless morning meal option. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider creating a quick glaze by combining powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a splash of warm milk to drizzle over the top.

Song Rec — When You Love Someone (James TW)

Quote of the Day 

“Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There’s no better rule.” - Charles Dickens 

Have a good start to your week