🌞 Can Cringe be a SEC Violation?

Daily Upsider - Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

Good Morning! 🌞 

In today’s newsletter we feature a story about a bold new economic plan for Argentina, CEO’s dancing like Taylor Swift and a stunning mosaic found, depicting life in ancient Rome!

Today’s Upside

Entertainment

Can Cringe be a SEC Violation?

Blackstone, (not to be confused with BlackRock) one of the world's largest investment firms, has once again released its annual holiday video, and this year, they've gone all-in on their love for Taylor Swift. The video, titled "The Alternatives Era Tour," is a parody of Swift's highly successful "The Eras Tour."

The video features Blackstone executives showcasing their humor while paying homage to the pop sensation. The video has certainly garnered attention. But the question remains: is it cringy or funny?

Opinions on the video have been mixed. Some find it to be a lighthearted and entertaining way for the company to celebrate the holiday season, while others believe it to be a cringe-worthy attempt at corporate humor.

Blackstone's holiday video tradition began in 2018 and has become an annual event for the company. Each year, the video is themed and allows the executives to showcase their comedic side. This year's Taylor Swift theme certainly seems to have made an impression.

One thing I am sure of, it looks like the team at Blackstone had a lot of fun making the video. Whether you find it cringy or funny, it's hard not to appreciate the effort that went into creating a unique and memorable holiday video.

Economy

A New Hope for Argentina?

In a surprising turn of events, Argentina's new president, Javier Milei, has taken the reins of the country with a bold plan to address its economic issues. Known for his unconventional (and controversial) approach, Milei has promised to implement a series of reforms aimed at improving the country's financial situation and, ultimately, leading to positive changes in the future.

One of the main points of Milei's plan is to tackle the fiscal deficit that has plagued Argentina for over a century. To do this, he has proposed a drastic devaluation of the peso, cutting government ministries in half, and suspending public works that are not already in progress. Additionally, he plans to increase taxes on imported goods and extend a tax on exports to raise revenue. These measures, while potentially painful in the short term, are intended to lower the annual deficit and eventually lead to a balanced budget.

In contrast to his previous campaign promises, such as dollarization and shutting down the central bank, Milei has recently adopted a more pragmatic approach. He has filled his cabinet with technocrats from the main center-right coalition, Together for Change, and has put his more radical ideas on hold. This shift in strategy has been met with approval from the IMF, which praised the "bold initial actions" and promised to work "expeditiously" with the new government.

While these changes may cause some short-term pain for the people of Argentina, the long-term benefits could be substantial. A more stable and balanced economy could lead to increased foreign investment, job creation, and a higher standard of living for the country's citizens. It remains to be seen how successful Milei's plan will be, but if he can navigate the challenges ahead, Argentina may be on the path to a brighter future.

World News

Roman Home Reveals Unmatched Mosaic in Italy

© Handout / ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURE/AFP

Italian archaeologists uncover a Roman home near the Colosseum with an 'unparalleled' mosaic from 2,000 years ago. The building, considered an authentic treasure, belonged to a nobleman, most likely a senator. Ongoing excavation, started in 2018, reveals a banquet hall with lead pipes for water games—something he used to entertain his guests with. What makes this discovery is “an extraordinary wall covered with a so-called 'rustic' mosaic unmatched in terms of the chronology and the complexity of the scenes portrayed,"

The discovery includes depictions of war victories, warships, and a coastal city, hinting at aristocratic ownership. Plans to make this historically rich site accessible to the public are underway, shedding light on early Roman life.
Watch a video of the beautiful mosaic here.

Sports

USA's Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes

  1. Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns Secure $56.1M Deal with the Star Player!

  2. Karl Anthony Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves strike $56.1M Deal with Towns!

  3. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets Invest $54.5M in NBA MVP!

  4. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors Extend $53.8M Contract!

  5. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami Seals $53.7M Deal for Football Legend!

  6. Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers secure Embiid with $52.5M Contract!

  7. Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens: Ravens Commit $52M to Keep Star QB!

  8. Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles Lock in QB with $51M Deal!

  9. Aaron Rodgers - New York Jets: $50.3M Contract Swap to New York Jets!

  10. Bradley Beal - Washington Wizards Pay $50.2M for 5 Years!


Looking for a weekend read? Check out “The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest!

The book is about stopping self-sabotage. It explains why we do it and how to quit for good. It breaks down the practical steps, like understanding our bad habits, dealing with our past, and growing instead of looking for excuses. Think of it like climbing a mountain – we need to tackle our internal issues to overcome big challenges. In the end, it's about mastering ourselves, not the mountain.

Mind Stretchers

The person who makes it, sells it. The person who buys it never uses it. The person who uses it never knows they're using it. What is it?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Wind 🌬️ 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

From the Community

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