The Fall of the American Empire, Part I

“Why do people say 'grow some balls'? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding.”

-Betty White

 “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

-Socrates

In our last moments of 2021 as a global community, given the Pacific on the side of California is the final greeting to the New Year, I wanted to simply ramble about a couple of things informally.  Please excuse the grammatical errors.  I typically come to polish my writings up shortly after.  In the case I don't, sorry for the mess.  

Ok, long story short, we're fucking up.  Not "they" are fucking up over "there" or even "here".  No WE are!  If we share 99.9% of our collective DNA, why are we being little bitches to one another?  To go even more microcosm, why are we even doing that kind of shit amongst our own family?  It's bullshit, if you ask me.  Don't like what I'm saying, I have a solution for you.  Heed the famous words of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, "Get your own show!" 

I won't be reading what you have to say, because I don't care to.  If you consider me "close minded", then so be it.  It's my blog and I can write whatever I damn well want!  That being said, let's talk about something less petty.

We are in a state of emergency.  The Earth has long ago decided that humans are the problem to the ecosystem.  Those that don't sincerely believe this must have reincarnated into an ostrich and have buried their heads in the sand or up their ass.  Take it out and look the fuck around!  We are fucking up and now we are about to be extinct, unless we make amends to our home Earth.  It's not just in words, but in actions.  Much of our distress lies in our beef with each other.  

With American politics a worldwide joke, a possible WWIII afoot and the pandemic continuing its surge, it's no wonder our gracious host Earth wants to kick us out like a bad roommate that never fucking washes the dishes, is highly opinionated, and feels entitled to stay.  I don't know about you, but maybe seeking to understand others even before being understood might not be a bad idea, yeah?  This might be beyond the scope of this blog entry and may be discussed later.  

In the meantime, let's celebrate New Years as civilized as possible.  Yes, it is a tall order, I know.  I may add stuff to this blog.  You are welcome to check back later for that, should it happen.  

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

Happy Owen Chang Day!

 Thank you, Everyone for the birthday wishes!  This year is particularly significant, since it is also my Lunar Zodiac Year (Year of the Ox), for which I am Grand Duke.  The next time this will happen for me is when I'm 60 years young.  Let's hope I make it.  

Trivia: I have the same birthday as 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Jimmy Kim (Taekwondo, Men's Heavyweight, Team USA). We also went to the same school around the same time (UC Berkeley).

I know I keep saying that I will correct all those grammatical errors in the last few blogs, including this one; just haven't gotten around to it yet.  I intend to though.

What I've learned is that don't expect people to treat you how you'd like to be treated.  This holds true even if you treat people well.  

While we would like good treatment and ought to speak up when we are treated poorly and unfairly (provided we pick our battles wisely), feeling entitled to it in a juvenile manner will lead to disappointment and even anger.  It's best to expect little to nothing positive out of others and the best we can out of ourselves.  After all, our thoughts, emotions and actions are all we can truly control.  Knowing this will make us feel just a little bit easier, living in a chaotic world.  :-)

Happy Lunar New Year of the Metal Ox!

I know I've been pretty negligent with this website lately; having to still correct my grammatical errors for the last three of four blog entries (including this one).  It sucks sometimes having to juggle all that's in my life right now.  On the flip side of it, it is a labor of love.  I do enjoy finding more ideas and structures to work with, that will lead to more eventual progress in all areas of my existence.

The main thing that's taking the majority of my time is learning two new methodologies of trading for two different asset classes.  I came to the conclusion at the close of last year that I needed to booster my income.  While taking things to the next level is hard work and sacrifices are in the making, I think it is well worth it.  Not to say what I was doing was wrong or anything.  Think of it like expanding my tool box, adding power tools at my disposal.

Enough boring folks with my stuff.  Let's give a quick thing about the New Year ahead, shall we?

Now, I'm no expert when it comes to these empirical studies of astrology and zodiacs.  I know for a fact it doesn't predict the future or pave any type of destiny, as many believe.  For that reason, much of the talk about this subject often takes a backseat in the mainstream; often dismissed as some hocus pocus shit.  I'm here to tell you, it's far from that.  Much of the layout is just a roadmap with a guided GPS in which one could choose to do what one wishes.  It goes without saying, don't buy everything you see and hear.  Some of the stuff out there is garbage.  But isn't that the same with everything (e.g. news)?

In short, the Year of the Ox (which is my zodiac sign, by the way), offers stability, solidified plans and sure-footed execution toward a common good.  Does this mean it's going to actually happen?  I'm betting that it will more likely happen than not happen.  What about turmoil and chaos, will that subside?  I don't think so; however, at least if there are plans and a clear direction for positive change, actionable steps are more likely going to be taken, if not done so already.  The ball is rolling.  Either we are on top running that allows us to move forward, or we are rolled under, crushed like a tomato; splattered all over the place!

If I am to offer one word this year, it is RESILIENCE!  

I know this blog is extra long.  All the same, I hope it is enjoyed.

Happy Lunar New Year!  :-)