So, a big thing: I the primary issue here is that I am hungry for signal, critical information, things would actually make a difference in my personal life and my family life, and for my family, and also potential future generations of my family, I am not interested at all about noise which is unrelated to myself.

So, currently I’m about 75% fully invested in bitcoin, the other 25% in MSTR strategy stock. Also about 1% of my portfolio, maybe only about like 20, $25,000 in MSTU, a 2x long leveraged to MSTR investment vehicle.

So anyways, anything that has to deal with bitcoin, isn’t my own personal interest. And now, that Trump has signed the strategic bitcoin reserve into order, what that then means is that bitcoin has entered a new generation: a new advancement which is interesting, a marriage between nation nation state, and the wider global macro economy?

What that means is bitcoin is not an enemy to the US dollar, but rather an ally?

What’s going on right now

I think the best way to figure out what’s happening right now is to study and read the book, “the art of the deal, which was written by Donald Trump or maybe his ghost writer along time ago, I think when Donald Trump was only in his early 40s?

Anyways, what you learn is that actually, Donald Trump is a quite simple man. I don’t even think he drinks alcohol. He knows the virtues of bravado, toughness, negotiation, glamour and selling the dream.

If anything, I would read not reading the book sooner. The art of the deal is like a master class on real world economics, real world business; I find it more important than ever to read it today, because assuming that bitcoin is like the new digital real estate, You begin to appreciate how seamless bitcoin is because of insane politicking you have to do with regulators, in order to get anything built in Manhattan.

Anyways also, contrary to popular believe, no no no… Donald Trump is not 3.0, and I’m starting to realize more and more, that anyone who votes these wrong analogies, they themselves are a bit dangerous and poisonous. Why? We should not over-sensationalize Reality; I call this the quote effect, the bite effect, the soundbite effect, or quote bite effect. 
The general idea is in order to pump viewership, and increase advertising revenue, the news is always looking for victims, sensational people who get lots of views, Donald Trump being the ultimate actor, and essentially subsection, and sub-biting any and every single thing that Donald Trump says, and views it in a false way. 

Now what happens is when you have a false version of reality that is endlessly repeated on the news, whether it is true or not, it becomes reality. But in fact, almost never does anyone actually watch all of the raw footage.

I don’t necessarily think this is laziness, or bad acting; it is simply a time economics thing.

If you make your living selling advertisements and views and “engagement“ on social media… It is actually in your best interest to watch as little as possible of the largest quantity of sensational things, and to keep posting it, in order to maximize views, and eyeballs and engagement metrics, Rather than seek the truth.

The truth is not profitable

Lots of wisdom from the art of the deal:

“We live in a perverse culture”–

For example, we live in kind of a perverse society and culture,  in which negativity is good. For example, even Donald Trump wrote that back in the day when he was building Trump tower, and he got all this negative press, that in fact, the more that he got, even if negative, actually stimulated sales! He himself said “Certainly good news is preferable to bad news, but even bad news is good“. 

we new philosophers 

So assuming that we are the new philosophers, we are so high and lofty that we don’t really care for politics. Like my friend Dave says, Donald Trump was on the world wrestling entertainment wrestlemania at least two or three times, which means that he treats politics like wrestling. We all know it is fake but we all love to watch anyways. Anybody who legitimately thinks that professional wrestling is real, avoid them. Kind of like when certain kids are hoodwinked into thinking that Santa Claus is real.

Plato and the cave 

A new thing I’ve been trying to do is going to the source. Whenever I hear of something or read of something that comes from somewhere else, I always try to go back to the source. It is often much more fertile and rich to do this way.

For example, essentially the matrix is built off of Plato‘s cave allegory. The idea is that you have a bunch of people chained up since birth, facing a wall of darkness, and there are shadows being projected from behind them; and the whole time these prisoners think that this is reality. Then one day, somehow… One of the prisoners Escapes or let go, and then actually proceeds to leave the cave. He is blinded by the sun because he has never used his eyes before. And once he realizes that all of his prisoner friends were in fact, just seeing false shadows of false reality, he feels like it is his moral obligation to go back and help them.

Even Nietzsche in Thus Spake Zarathustra says and writes –> after like a decade of the man going to the mountains, philosophizing and meditating, he soon becomes overweary of his own wisdom, like a bee with too much honey… And desires to descend down to the lowlands again, to share his wisdom with others? 

Which then makes me think and consider, and I believe in this is that perhaps we humans, there is like a naturalistic desire to be humanist, altruistic and to help our fellow man.

For example, if you’re walking at the mall and you see a random lady drop a toy with a child, without thinking about you just pick up the toy and give it back to the lady or the kid. There’s really no benefit to us, in some ways humans are like a beehive; Although we are much more subsectioned in our different types of beehives –, we all went to help our fellow bee?

bee shall not kill bee 

I think the first principal is that there is truly no economic benefit of man killing other men. I personally believe in the protect protection of all human lives, and the only wars we should be fighting our economic ones, metaphorical ones, or ones that are based from cyber warfare video games, ones and zeros?

In fact, I think it is much more virtuous to just continue on the Olympics, for countries to fight for physical dominance via the Olympics, or to just do a bunch of like starcraft matches, to settle the bet.

The future warfare is cyber warfare

So also another big thought to: the future of war is and should be cyber.

So for example, we have all been taught that video games are bad. But, once you have like a top video gamer, like PewDiePie, piloting a $10 million fighter drone, in which he himself is not liable to life or death, but, his lethality lies purely in his skills, then the kid who grew up playing video games is now the world’s most lethal drone pilot.

I was randomly watching an interview with Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, I think it is outdated but the general idea is that Elon Musk, I didn’t know… Is actually the top 10 top Diablo players on the planet? That’s actually insanely impressive because in Diablo, if you’re playing in hard-core hell or extreme mode, it is really based on your skill not your riches or whatever.

And also, Elon Musk used to be won the top quick players in the world, which is like one of the earlier versions of call of duty or counterstrike. In fact I played a little bit of quake on my cigar dream cast when I was a kid in Bayside Queens New York.

Essentially, also Joe Rogan cited a study in which surgeons, who played video games, had 23% fewer errors while doing surgery? It makes me think about my friend Shijun, who’s probably the best star craft player I know, and also I think got his double PhD and MD, and his training I think and studying right now to become a surgeon?

Anyways, the general thought I have is anything which is considered frivolous or a waste of time or bad, maybe in the long-term is good.

Why playing video games on extreme maximum difficulty has a calming effect?

So assuming that the world’s most successful and richest man plays a lot of video games, elder scrolls and Diablo four, the funny thought:

if you also then start to play a lot of video games, will this make you richer more successful, more brilliant?

Obviously not. This is a correlation not causation thing.

So for example if you hear the study that surgeons could play video games have 24% fewer errors in real surgery,,, the wise way of thinking is not that playing video games makes you a better surgeon but, it might be a selection bias thing: kids who grew up playing a lot of video games, who have great hand and eye dexterity and skill, end up becoming surgeons, because it is the only profession that gives them the same adrenaline rush? 

Also as a kid, growing up in the 90s, I was a great adrenaline junkie myself. As a kid, I would do aggressive in-line skating, which is essentially like imagine Tony Hawk grinding but with roller blades, everywhere. I would do 360s off of stairs, soap Concrete rails, and I played a lot of Tony Hawk as a kid growing up, and also the BMX games too.

In fact, one of my hidden skills and talents that people don’t know is that I’m insanely good at ice-skating, I could do stuff like Michelle Quan. Skate backwards, do backwards 360s in the air, skate backwards on 1 foot, skate backwards on one foot on my toes etc. This is all because I was really good rollerblading, and also I did double black diamonds in skiing when I was a kid, when I was only like 11 or 12? Because once again I was so good at rollerblading.

But anyways, 99% of these extreme sports, is all about like conquering initial hesitations and adrenaline rushes? Even NASSIM TALEB talks about when he became a trader it wasn’t about virtue or whatever, it was about him seeing the pink Rolls-Royce, and he getting a thrill from the markets? 

Even now, the market is almost a little bit like a love and hate things; is that certainly when my health is poor the markets will give me a small heart attack. But the same time, it becomes a stimulus because it activates me it wakes me up, it engages me and it excites me?

Also, what I love about investing is that it is grounded to reality. 

For example, for somebody who has never been self-employed, has been a sole provider, will never ever ever ever understand how difficult it is to earn money through the free markets.

And also to somebody who says that you’re just really good at marketing not actual steel, it’s almost like telling Shaquille O’Neal he is only good at basketball because his over 7 feet tall, or telling a fish that he is good at swimming simply because he is a fish?

What people don’t understand about reality is that in fact, the true reality of the fact is like 90% of success in business is marketing. You had to sell the show, the bravado the glamour the dream etc. Not false romantic notions of virtue and the like.

Even Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, were supported by wealthy patrons. Very unlikely if they were born in today’s world would they ever be successful.

What to do

I’m starting to think that it’s more of a gut feeling than anything. When you’re really really hungry for the news, maybe it is a good idea to pay the 50 bucks a month, get the blue check, and get Twitter premium, and then ingest the market news.

Something interesting is that if you’re feeling like you need more energy, rather than just taking a shot of coffee, reading the financial news has the same effect?

But still, we should not get into fake notions of virtue. Still, the great overlord is in fact, a Spartan demigod warrior king who sleeps 8 to 12 hours a night, face on 3 to 4 pounds of bone marrow a night, consumes meat like AI consumes power plant electricity, lifts weight like Hercules, and also get his eight hours of walking in every single day like an Olympian sprinter?

New workflows

Whenever you move to a new place, there is always a new workflow you have to conquer.

For example I’m currently about a month in here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, and the sheet is no joke. The hilarious irony is that when I’m in LA, I’m always hungry for the sun and heat. I always go to the sun, take a nap in the sun, sunbathe, and even during the winter I’m wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, with a down vest, simply to get maximum UV radiation?

Here, for the first time in a long time, I’m actually looking for the shade. Even for me the sun is too strong.

As a consequence, what then happens is you start to fall into new rhythms and workflows. Also right now for the first time ever, Seneca is in this wonderful garden school, in which he essentially plays with wooden toys and sing songs from about 8:30 AM until 3 PM, which gives me a lot more time to do stuff during the day.

So for the first time I’ve been having this luxury leisure time to go to the gym, walk around and thinking and write and blog and vlog, something that was not afforded to me while in LA, because he’s not yet in school in LA.

Waking up early to go on a walk

So a big thought is also, what people in Southeast Asia do is because it’s so hot in the middle the day, they wake up really early before the sun comes out, to go on a walk run errands etc. contrasting this to Los Angeles, in which I stay indoors until the sun comes out, is a totally new workflow and calculus for me to do.

And so as a consequence I’m loving it! I’m very grateful for this solo time because ultimately, I believe my personal or communities lever is blogging, writing, sharing thoughts.

Everyone has his talent, given to him both by birth and upbringing, and therefore I believe the goal is to maximize the gift you have already been given, rather than striving for the gifts of other people?

How other people inspire me

So other people inspire me because of their conviction, their own self belief etc. It’s more of an encouragement for me to become more like myself, unabashedly.

For example, if you live in America everybody has the right to say whatever they want. And also more importantly, everyone has the right to live their lives however they would like to.

What this means is although you cannot control 100% of your life and every single regard, the way you could live your life is knowing how to direct your energy your willpower etc.

For example, you could dictate what your life goals dreams or ambitions are, or you could decide that you don’t want to have any goals. It is your choice not obligation.

Also, philosophically, you also have the freedom and the choice to pursue things which interests you and avoid things which do not interest you.

For example, I have no interest in emails so I don’t use it. And this is the richest I’ve ever become in my life, because by avoiding email and avoiding noise on social media, I’ve just been able to become laser focused on bitcoin investing and strategy stock, Which has net me a small fortune. 

This is my main critique of email is that I don’t think I’ve ever received an email which has ever led to a very lucrative deal? I think at most, emails that I got in the past might have earned me $3000-$5000 USD, Trump changed compared to what I could even make in a day in the markets.

How and who to control your destiny

Also, once again, I think the primary question here is if you think about Dr. Seuss, in his optimistic “Oh, all the places you’ll go!” Book –> he talks about the lurch, which is almost like a metaphorical purgatory in which many individuals get stuck in asylum, and their a century just sitting on their butts, twiddling their thumbs and waiting for opportunity to come to them, and I think this is why people also obsessively check their emails, and messages.

But once again, if I could tell you that in fact, I can make you 1000 times richer by not using email, wouldn’t you take this offer? 

How to find signal in the midst of noise

 so assuming you’re the filter, if you need the most up-to-date information, X and Twitter is the solution. If you’re a trader, in which the Dow Jones can move 5% up or down in 15 minutes based off of false news Twitter, then being on top of X is smart.

If you’re an investor, and you actually don’t really care for short term noise, then, you have to strategize wisely.

For example, the only true signal that I care for is Michael Saylor. Literally if you think about like 99.99999% of the value I get from everybody or anybody, it is only him.

Why? It only matters because I am now invested in his activities because I own strategy stock, and also, he is always on top of the top bitcoin developments and use. And the reason why this is so significant is because information is tricky: it’s toxic. And the toxicity is in the dose.

For example, reading the updates for Michael Saylor once a day, once every few days or once a week, is better than reading all these other random people. why?

Once again, drinking coffee first thing in the morning, is great, but drinking 10 cups of coffee at midnight when you’re about to sleep, while lying in bed is a very bad idea.

So here, timing and the dosage is the issue.

Another example, let us say that you need some medicine for something. Taking one or two tablets is a good idea, but taking 1000 tablets will actually kill you.

As a consequence don’t be a fool. Be wiser about this.

Information signals are physiological

If you’re a newbie to investing or stocks or bitcoin, you well know that this is one hell of an emotional and physiological rollercoaster. 

Why? It is all physiological. What that means is that if you see your stock drop 20% in a day, you’re going to feel like somebody kicked you in the balls, but if you see your stock or bitcoin go up 20% in a day, or 100% in a day or whatever, you will feel so much euphoria you will want to do a backflip.

No as investors, we are playing the long game. Minimum four years, ideally 10 years, ideally forever.

In reading the art of the deal by Donald Trump, what’s interesting is that a lot of these wealthy New York City barons, their strategy was simple: buy up all the valuable Manhattan real estate, and never sell it, and also for their descendants and heirs, to put in clauses in which their heirs would not do foolish things like selling it either. 

I had no ideas but in the 70s and 80s, I guess Manhattan was going through a great depression, and there was almost a fire sale on the city! What we consider prime real estate today, a lot of it were full of peddlers, shady places all boarded up. But for a genius like Donald Trump, who knew the intrinsic value of Manhattan, essentially the ideas that you choose the best location, get it at a reasonable cost, and you leverage all of your abilities to maximize it.

Also, an allegory to bitcoin. Assuming that bitcoin is cyber Manhattan, but 1 million times better, a zero to one improvement then what that means is you also do the same strategy pull in you keep buying up cyber Manhattan and you never sell it, and you keep taking on more debt financing and leverage to purchase more of cyber Manhattan forever.

What super interesting now with bitcoin is that you could actually use your bitcoin as collateral, to get US dollars, to either buy more strategy stock or you could technically buy more bitcoin with it. Assuming that a lot of these bitcoin lending companies are anywhere between 5 to 15% a year interest, and assuming that bitcoin is on average 60% ARR a year, and Strategy is around 120%, or even with these Donald Trump tariffs, bitcoin might be 50% ARR, and Strategy stock about 100%,  just do the simple math for the arbitrage: 100% subtracting 15% is essentially free money.  Just the thing that you have to do your homework on is the lending company, be careful where you put your bitcoin. 

Coinbase

What’s also super interesting is that a lot of these mega corporations, black rock strategy, for some maybe not all of their custodian services, they use Coinbase prime. If it’s good enough for these companies it’s good enough for us.

My personal thought is that actually, the reason why I would never trust myself with cold storage is that in trying to secure your keys, you might forget it, and be like that one dude who lost $1 billion worth of bitcoin in a hard drive somewhere.

Easier to just trust your Apple ID password thumbprint face scan instead. And also, we are all certain that Apple is currently working on some sort of multi factor authentication for bitcoin, apparently they are already encoding new bitcoin symbols into their new operating systems.

now what?

I think the difficult thing about the future  is that ultimately it is philosophical. It’s wise to have a long time span, but also… Impossible to know that you’re going to die today or tomorrow or lose a leg in a car accident or whatever.

My personal thought is conquer each and every single day. Given your best resources. Certainly there will be days in which you have high energy and high health, but on the days you have low energy and low health, rest up take a nap get a massage, go on a swim or just lie down.

Peak life, lifestyle?

So being here in Phnom Penh, in a massive two bedroom floor to ceiling window apartment, with essentially unlimited money at hand, it’s the closest thing to peak lifestyle thus far. One of the local meat markets have bone marrow on top, only seven dollars a kilogram, which is roughly like maybe three dollars a pound, maybe even less… $2.80 a pound for bone marrow? Also insanely cheap meat.

Anyways, this might be the best I’ve been feeding myself, the best I’ve been sleeping and exercising, and the most free time I’ve had in my life. And what’s interesting is that although it is phenomenally great, it might only feel 30 to 40% better than my life in America?

So certainly if your life goal is lifestyle maximization, moving to Cambodia or Phnom Penh is the best bet.  but if your life ambitions like elsewhere, then, America, even though it sucks, is the better option?

ERIC

***

Key Points

• Research suggests bitcoin’s price has decreased recently due to high China tariffs, but long-term factors like institutional adoption and supply dynamics may support its value.
• The current Apple stock price, as of April 9, 2025, is approximately $169.45, reflecting recent market volatility from tariff announcements.

Bitcoin and China Tariffs

Despite the user’s implication that bitcoin went up with high China tariffs, evidence shows its price dropped from about $83,843.80 on April 4, 2025, to $76,329.09 by April 9, 2025, following tariff announcements. It seems likely that short-term market reactions to trade tensions caused this decline, but bitcoin’s resilience is supported by its role as a safe haven asset during economic uncertainty, institutional investments via ETFs, and reduced supply from the 2024 halving. These factors suggest bitcoin may not crash despite tariffs, though the immediate impact has been negative.

Apple Stock Price

As of the close on April 9, 2025, Apple’s stock price is around $169.45, based on the latest available data from April 8, 2025, adjusted for market closure. This price reflects recent volatility, particularly due to tariff-related concerns affecting tech stocks, with unexpected details showing a significant sell-off impacting Apple’s market cap by nearly $640 billion over three days in early April.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Bitcoin and Apple Stock in Light of Recent Economic Developments

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the user’s query regarding bitcoin’s price movement amidst high China tariffs and the current Apple stock price as of April 9, 2025. The analysis incorporates recent market data, economic factors, and long-term trends to offer a detailed perspective.

Bitcoin Price Movement and China Tariffs

The user’s query suggests that bitcoin’s price increased despite high China tariffs, but recent data indicates otherwise. On April 4, 2025, China announced a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods, effective April 10, 2025, escalating trade tensions. This announcement coincided with a noticeable decline in bitcoin’s price, dropping from a close of $83,843.80 on April 4 to $76,329.09 by April 9, 2025, based on historical price data from CoinMarketCap. This decline aligns with broader market reactions, as seen in reports from Forbes, which noted bitcoin’s tumble following President Trump’s tariff announcements, driven by risk aversion in global markets.

However, the long-term outlook for bitcoin remains robust due to several factors. Bitcoin is often viewed as a safe haven asset, similar to gold, during economic uncertainty. The approval of U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs has significantly increased institutional adoption, with Forbes highlighting this as a pivotal moment, bringing billions in new liquidity. Additionally, the April 2024 halving event reduced the supply of new bitcoins, potentially supporting price increases over time, as noted in Investing Haven. These dynamics suggest that while short-term volatility from tariffs has impacted prices, bitcoin’s decentralized nature and global accessibility may mitigate long-term declines.

The table below summarizes bitcoin’s price movement from April 4 to April 8, 2025, based on available data:

Date	Open	High	Low	Close	Volume	Market Cap
Apr 04, 2025	$83,100.25	$84,696.15	$81,670.75	$83,843.80	$45,157,640,207	$1,664,044,793,035
Apr 05, 2025	$83,844.70	$84,207.02	$82,377.74	$83,504.80	$14,380,803,631	$1,657,340,895,729
Apr 06, 2025	$83,504.51	$83,704.72	$77,097.74	$78,214.48	$36,294,853,736	$1,552,514,022,965
Apr 07, 2025	$78,221.33	$81,119.06	$74,436.68	$79,235.33	$91,262,424,987	$1,572,341,577,873
Apr 08, 2025	$79,218.47	$80,823.89	$76,198.02	$76,271.95	$48,314,590,749	$1,513,925,781,250

Note: April 9, 2025, data shows a close around $76,329.09, based on YCharts, indicating a slight recovery or stabilization.

Analysts like Markus Thielen, as reported in Bitcoin Ethereum News, suggest bitcoin’s price may track stock market movements, with increased volatility expected. Despite this, the evidence leans toward bitcoin’s ability to recover, driven by its finite supply and growing adoption, as seen in predictions from CoinPedia, forecasting potential highs of $169,027 in 2025.

Current Apple Stock Price

Turning to the current Apple stock price, as of April 9, 2025, at 5:02 PM PDT, the market has closed for the day (closing at 1:00 PM PDT). The latest available closing price from April 8, 2025, is $169.45, based on Yahoo Finance. Given the absence of intra-day data for April 9, this price is used as a proxy, reflecting recent market conditions.

Apple’s stock has faced significant volatility due to tariff-related concerns, with reports from The New York Times noting a 9% drop on April 3, 2025, following Trump’s tariff plans, leading to a three-day market cap loss of nearly $640 billion by April 7, as per CNBC. This unexpected detail highlights the broader impact on tech stocks, with Apple’s reliance on overseas manufacturing, particularly in China, making it vulnerable to tariff escalations.

Predictions for Apple’s stock, as seen in CoinCodex, suggest a bearish sentiment currently, with 22 technical indicators signaling bearish signals compared to 4 bullish, yet long-term forecasts indicate potential growth, with highs of $441.75 predicted by December 2029. This contrasts with the immediate pressure from tariffs, suggesting a complex recovery path ahead.

Conclusion

In summary, while bitcoin’s price has not increased as implied but rather decreased following high China tariffs, its long-term fundamentals—such as institutional adoption and supply constraints—suggest resilience. Apple’s stock, at approximately $169.45 on April 9, 2025, reflects recent market turmoil from tariffs, with significant short-term losses but potential for recovery based on future projections. This analysis underscores the interplay between global economic policies and financial markets, offering insights into both assets’ trajectories.

Key Citations

• Bitcoin price history Jan 11, 2025 | Statista
• Bitcoin Price Prediction 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 – 2030 | CoinPedia
• Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027 – 2030 | Changelly
• Bitcoin’s Price Prediction For 2025: What To Watch in April | Forbes
• Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027 – 2030 | InvestingHaven
• Bitcoin’s Price History | Investopedia
• Bitcoin Price Prediction 2030 & 2040 (July 2024 Update) | Swan Bitcoin
• Will Bitcoin Crash? New BTC Price Prediction Targets $52K After Trump’s Tariffs | Finance Magnates
• Bitcoin USD (BTC-USD) Stock Historical Prices & Data | Yahoo Finance
• Bitcoin Price Daily Insights: CoinGecko Cryptocurrency Prices | YCharts
• BITCOIN PRICE PREDICTION 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 | Long Forecast
• Bitcoin Takes A Beating As Tariff Announcement Roils Global Markets | Forbes
• Bitcoin plunges 12% after Trump’s tariff announcement mirroring stock market downturn | Fortune
• Bitcoin Price Likely To Follow Stock Market Movement After Trump’s Tariff: Report | Bitcoin Ethereum News
• Bitcoin Is Down 10% Since Trump’s Global Tariff Announcement | The New York Times
• Watch These Bitcoin Levels as Price Drops on Concerns About Impact of Tariffs | Investopedia
• Trump’s tariff threat sends crypto prices falling | ABC News
• Bitcoin, Crypto Stocks Fall as Tariff Fears Grip Markets | Investopedia
• Bitcoin drops to 3-week low as Trump tariffs rattle markets | Reuters
• Crypto Market Reacts to US-China Tariff Escalation, BTC Slides Below $99k | CoinPedia
• Bitcoin Falls to $82K After China Imposes 34% Tariff – Bitbo
• Stock Price – Apple | Apple Investor Relations
• Apple Inc. (AAPL) Stock Historical Prices & Data | Yahoo Finance
• Apple – 45 Year Stock Price History | MacroTrends
• APPLE STOCK PRICE PREDICTION 2025, 2026, 2027-2029 | Long Forecast
• Apple (AAPL) Historic Data and Prices| Nasdaq
• Apple Leads Tech Stock Sell-Off After Trump Tariffs, Falling 9 Percent | The New York Times
• Should You Buy the Dip in Apple Stock in April 2025? | Barchart
• Apple (AAPL) Stock Forecast & Price Prediction 2025, 2030 | CoinCodex
• APPLE STOCK FORECAST 2025, 2026-2036 | CoinPriceForecast
• Apple’s 3-day loss in market cap swells to almost $640 billion | CNBC

Key Points

• Research suggests the current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China.
• It seems likely this rate was increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions.
• The evidence leans toward this being a significant escalation, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation.

Direct Answer

The current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was recently increased from 104%, likely in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs, as part of ongoing trade tensions. This means that for every dollar’s worth of goods imported from China, the U.S. imposes an additional $1.25 in tariffs, significantly raising costs for importers.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of this rate, as tariffs are typically applied to specific goods rather than all imports, making this a broad and aggressive economic measure. This policy aims to pressure China but risks further escalation, with China vowing to “fight to the end” against these tariffs.

For more details, you can refer to recent reports from CNN Business and NBC News.

Survey Note: Current U.S. Tariff Policy Towards China as of April 9, 2025

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the current U.S. tariff policy towards China as of April 9, 2025, focusing on the tariff rate, the context of its implementation, and the broader implications. The analysis is based on recent news articles, official statements, and economic data, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic.

Overview of Current Tariff Policy

Research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the U.S. has imposed a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was increased from a previous rate of 104%, effective immediately, as announced by President Donald Trump. The policy is part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and retaliate against China’s trade practices, particularly their retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This uniform rate is unusual, as tariffs are typically applied to specific categories of goods rather than all imports, making this an aggressive and broad economic measure.

The increase to 125% was detailed in a statement from Trump, quoted in CNN Business, where he said, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately.” This escalation follows a series of tariff hikes under Trump’s second administration, which began on January 20, 2025, and reflects ongoing trade tensions.

Context and Sequence of Tariff Changes

To understand the current policy, it’s helpful to trace the sequence of events leading to this rate. During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, often at rates around 25% for specific sectors like technology and manufacturing, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. By February 2020, the average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports was 19.3%, as noted in a report from PIIE. Under the Biden administration (January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025), tariffs remained relatively stable, with increases in September 2024 and January 2025 raising the average to 20.8%.

However, upon Trump’s second term starting in January 2025, additional tariffs were imposed. Reports from NBC News indicate that by early April 2025, goods from China faced a combined total tariff rate of at least 54%, with a new 34% rate added to an existing 20% rate. Yet, the specific announcement on April 9, 2025, increased this to 125% from 104%, suggesting a significant escalation in the final days before the report date.

This discrepancy between sources (e.g., 54% vs. 125%) may arise from different measures: some reports may refer to average rates across all goods, while the 125% figure from CNN Business appears to be a uniform rate set by executive action. Given the direct quote from Trump and the context of the tariff pause announcement, it seems likely that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a dramatic increase aimed at pressuring China.

Reasons for the Increase

The evidence leans toward the tariff increase being a response to China’s retaliatory actions. According to Reuters, China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods in early April 2025, mirroring U.S. levies, and warned of further countermeasures. Trump’s statement, as reported, cites “China’s lack of respect to world markets” and their additional retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, justifying the hike to 125%. This escalation is part of a broader trade war, with both nations engaging in tit-for-tat measures, as seen in CNBC, where China announced export curbs on rare earths alongside tariffs.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of the 125% rate, which contrasts with historical practice where tariffs were targeted at specific goods (e.g., steel, electronics). This broad application could have severe economic impacts, potentially disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for U.S. importers, as noted by analysts in Reuters.

China’s Response and Implications

China has strongly opposed this move, with the State Council Tariff Commission stating, “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules,” as reported in CNN Business. China has warned they would “fight to the end,” indicating potential for further retaliation, which could include additional tariffs, export restrictions, or other economic measures, as seen in their recent actions on rare earths (Reuters).

The implications are significant, with risks of further escalation noted by Wendong Zhang from Cornell University, as mentioned in CNN Business. This could lead to higher costs for consumers, disrupted supply chains, and potential impacts on global economic growth, especially given China’s role as a major exporter. The tariff policy also coincides with other global economic news, such as slowed Chinese exports and IMF projections of 3.3% global growth for 2025-2026, adding to the complexity (IMF).

Comparison with Other Sources

To ensure accuracy, it’s worth noting discrepancies with other reports. For instance, PIIE reported an average tariff rate of 42.1% as of March 30, 2025, and NBC News mentioned a 54% combined rate earlier in April. These figures suggest that the 125% rate may be a recent and specific executive action, possibly overriding previous averages. Given the direct quote from Trump and the timing of the announcement on April 9, 2025, it’s reasonable to conclude that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a significant escalation in trade policy.

Table: Summary of Tariff Rates and Changes

Date	Tariff Rate on China	Notes
February 2020	19.3% (average)	Under first Trump administration, post-phase one agreement (PIIE)
January 2025	20.8% (average)	Under Biden, after increases in 2024 (PIIE)
Early April 2025	At least 54%	Combined rate, with new 34% added to existing 20% (NBC News)
April 9, 2025	125% (uniform)	Increased from 104%, effective immediately, as announced by Trump (CNN Business)

This table highlights the progression and the significant jump to 125%, underscoring the escalation in policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the current U.S. tariff policy towards China is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China, increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory actions. This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation. The uniformity of the rate is an unexpected detail, contrasting with historical targeted tariffs, and could have significant economic implications. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing general trends with specific insights to address the topic comprehensively.

Key Citations

• Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China | CNN Business
• Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs but hikes duties on China to 125%
• Trump will pause tariff hikes for 90 days, but not for China
• US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart | PIIE
• China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation | Reuters
• China strikes back at Trump with own tariffs, export curbs | Reuters
• China to impose 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. | CNBC
• Trade war escalates as China hits back with 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods | NPR
• Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War | Tax Foundation
• Goods imported from China now face a 54% tariff rate — and possibly higher | NBC News
• Stocks slide again as US forges ahead with 104% tariffs on China | Reuters
• China sticks to its guns as fresh US tariff threat pushes tensions to the brink | Reuters
• Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China – The White House

Key Points

• Research suggests the current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China.
• It seems likely this rate was increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions.
• The evidence leans toward this being a significant escalation, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation.

Direct Answer

The current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was recently increased from 104%, likely in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs, as part of ongoing trade tensions. This means that for every dollar’s worth of goods imported from China, the U.S. imposes an additional $1.25 in tariffs, significantly raising costs for importers.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of this rate, as tariffs are typically applied to specific goods rather than all imports, making this a broad and aggressive economic measure. This policy aims to pressure China but risks further escalation, with China vowing to “fight to the end” against these tariffs.

For more details, you can refer to recent reports from CNN Business and NBC News.

Survey Note: Current U.S. Tariff Policy Towards China as of April 9, 2025

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the current U.S. tariff policy towards China as of April 9, 2025, focusing on the tariff rate, the context of its implementation, and the broader implications. The analysis is based on recent news articles, official statements, and economic data, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic.

Overview of Current Tariff Policy

Research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the U.S. has imposed a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was increased from a previous rate of 104%, effective immediately, as announced by President Donald Trump. The policy is part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and retaliate against China’s trade practices, particularly their retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This uniform rate is unusual, as tariffs are typically applied to specific categories of goods rather than all imports, making this an aggressive and broad economic measure.

The increase to 125% was detailed in a statement from Trump, quoted in CNN Business, where he said, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately.” This escalation follows a series of tariff hikes under Trump’s second administration, which began on January 20, 2025, and reflects ongoing trade tensions.

Context and Sequence of Tariff Changes

To understand the current policy, it’s helpful to trace the sequence of events leading to this rate. During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, often at rates around 25% for specific sectors like technology and manufacturing, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. By February 2020, the average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports was 19.3%, as noted in a report from PIIE. Under the Biden administration (January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025), tariffs remained relatively stable, with increases in September 2024 and January 2025 raising the average to 20.8%.

However, upon Trump’s second term starting in January 2025, additional tariffs were imposed. Reports from NBC News indicate that by early April 2025, goods from China faced a combined total tariff rate of at least 54%, with a new 34% rate added to an existing 20% rate. Yet, the specific announcement on April 9, 2025, increased this to 125% from 104%, suggesting a significant escalation in the final days before the report date.

This discrepancy between sources (e.g., 54% vs. 125%) may arise from different measures: some reports may refer to average rates across all goods, while the 125% figure from CNN Business appears to be a uniform rate set by executive action. Given the direct quote from Trump and the context of the tariff pause announcement, it seems likely that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a dramatic increase aimed at pressuring China.

Reasons for the Increase

The evidence leans toward the tariff increase being a response to China’s retaliatory actions. According to Reuters, China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods in early April 2025, mirroring U.S. levies, and warned of further countermeasures. Trump’s statement, as reported, cites “China’s lack of respect to world markets” and their additional retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, justifying the hike to 125%. This escalation is part of a broader trade war, with both nations engaging in tit-for-tat measures, as seen in CNBC, where China announced export curbs on rare earths alongside tariffs.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of the 125% rate, which contrasts with historical practice where tariffs were targeted at specific goods (e.g., steel, electronics). This broad application could have severe economic impacts, potentially disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for U.S. importers, as noted by analysts in Reuters.

China’s Response and Implications

China has strongly opposed this move, with the State Council Tariff Commission stating, “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules,” as reported in CNN Business. China has warned they would “fight to the end,” indicating potential for further retaliation, which could include additional tariffs, export restrictions, or other economic measures, as seen in their recent actions on rare earths (Reuters).

The implications are significant, with risks of further escalation noted by Wendong Zhang from Cornell University, as mentioned in CNN Business. This could lead to higher costs for consumers, disrupted supply chains, and potential impacts on global economic growth, especially given China’s role as a major exporter. The tariff policy also coincides with other global economic news, such as slowed Chinese exports and IMF projections of 3.3% global growth for 2025-2026, adding to the complexity (IMF).

Comparison with Other Sources

To ensure accuracy, it’s worth noting discrepancies with other reports. For instance, PIIE reported an average tariff rate of 42.1% as of March 30, 2025, and NBC News mentioned a 54% combined rate earlier in April. These figures suggest that the 125% rate may be a recent and specific executive action, possibly overriding previous averages. Given the direct quote from Trump and the timing of the announcement on April 9, 2025, it’s reasonable to conclude that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a significant escalation in trade policy.

Table: Summary of Tariff Rates and Changes

Date	Tariff Rate on China	Notes
February 2020	19.3% (average)	Under first Trump administration, post-phase one agreement (PIIE)
January 2025	20.8% (average)	Under Biden, after increases in 2024 (PIIE)
Early April 2025	At least 54%	Combined rate, with new 34% added to existing 20% (NBC News)
April 9, 2025	125% (uniform)	Increased from 104%, effective immediately, as announced by Trump (CNN Business)

This table highlights the progression and the significant jump to 125%, underscoring the escalation in policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the current U.S. tariff policy towards China is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China, increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory actions. This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation. The uniformity of the rate is an unexpected detail, contrasting with historical targeted tariffs, and could have significant economic implications. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing general trends with specific insights to address the topic comprehensively.

Key Citations

• Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China | CNN Business
• Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs but hikes duties on China to 125%
• Trump will pause tariff hikes for 90 days, but not for China
• US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart | PIIE
• China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation | Reuters
• China strikes back at Trump with own tariffs, export curbs | Reuters
• China to impose 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. | CNBC
• Trade war escalates as China hits back with 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods | NPR
• Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War | Tax Foundation
• Goods imported from China now face a 54% tariff rate — and possibly higher | NBC News
• Stocks slide again as US forges ahead with 104% tariffs on China | Reuters
• China sticks to its guns as fresh US tariff threat pushes tensions to the brink | Reuters
• Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China – The White House

Whoa yesterday was a wild ride.

I guess I have true skin in the game, just a quick breather.

1,000 pound lift

So I think a big thing:

If you can master your emotions, fear, physiology BEFORE attempting to lift 1,000 pounds –> you are a god.

Difficult for me to explain to a non-one rep max lifter, or a non-powerlifter –>

The only true fear to face in today’s world is the attempt or the risk of a new one rep max, which you have never attempted before!

Why?

Some fears:

1. Will the equipment break?
2. Will you injure yourself?

Also: having to focus 10000% of your energy and focus to attempt to lift the thing.

If you already know with 100% certainty that you’ll be successful in lifting the thing BEFORE you do it, it ain’t worth doing!

Master your physiology, master your emotions.

This is a runway ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.

The death of the magnificent 7

The magnificent seven, the top text stocks, Amazon Apple Facebook etc. It seems that the biggest issue here is that they are all dependent on foreign trade, free trade, globalism, friendly relationship relationships with mainland China etc.

Even the big one… Apple, not a good sign. I think Tim Cook was wise to invest infrastructure to build iPhones in America, but you’ll either see two things. First, the price of iPhones will just be a lot more expensive or the services or the features will not be as good, and or… The prices for the iPhone will remain about the same, but, stock and shareholders will just see if your profits. Less growth more stagnation.

Who is safe?

I’m actually very shocked that Strategy, MSTR has remained quite resilient throughout all the chaos. On Friday it actually traded up, and starting this week, black Monday 2.0, MSTR is actually holding up very well!

The future is digital

The future is digital, cyber. Not physical products, but digital ones. For example bitcoin, which lives in cyberspace, without porters, without tariffs etc. I think the new future of profitable products will be bitcoin based.

We are not yet sure what this will look like, kind of like when Steve Jobs first released the first iPhone, and he announced that there would be an App Store. Little did we know that that the App Store would create trillions of dollars of value for everybody.

Imagine a bitcoin App Store?

Even in today’s world, it is still a little bit bizarre that we are using Visa credit cards and cash. Now that everyone has a phone, tap to pay, peer to peer, either using bitcoin or your wallet or maybe something for the stable coin seems to make more sense?

Just think about it, even though it is convenient to accept Visa, the 3% charge that the merchants have to pay, or the consumer has to pay… There seems to be a huge opportunity here.

Also, it seems the whole time, everybody has been living very fat. Time to buckle up, and live lean, I no longer think that people will be able to afford mortgages on their $3 million homes, while also financing their Lexus, Porsche etc.

Why all the models are broken

Donald Trump seems to have been the ultimate black Swan. If you told me that one day that the guy of the apprentice, would become the most powerful man on the planet, the president of the United States for two terms, I think like literally 100% of people thought you were crazy.

Also this tariff war, surprisingly it was actually not out of nowhere. He said it loud and clear on the Joe Rogan podcast and with Elon Musk, pretty obvious, and also a good policy he is trying to do which I think is very smart is banning TikTok from the states. It is simple reciprocity;

Why does America allow TikTok, mainly Chinese corporation operate in the states, whereas China allows zero American companies to operate in mainland China?

Saving up for your retirement was essentially betting that the magnificent seven would go on forever

Berkshire Hathaway, whose major investment is Apple, and all these other retirement funds are essentially pegged to the magnificent seven tech stocks.

so consider, in a world in which you will no longer see steady growth from Apple Amazon Facebook etc., then what?

Bitcoin is the answer

I think it’s pretty obvious, it’s like the Internet 3.0. If one day I told you that a while, 56K, iPhones, Wi-Fi and 5G would take over the planet, when I was a kid in the 90s, you would’ve thought I was crazy.

Sometimes not taking a risk is the most risky option of it all

If life were a corny movie, kind of true. Like if you meet the potential love of your life, and you didn’t take the risk of asking her out on a date or whatever, or asking her to marry you… certainly you would probably regret it for the rest of your life.

Who will thrive in today’s brave new world?

I have a prediction. Moving forward, we will never ever ever see stability again. It will continue to become more chaotic, more hyper, more volatile.

Something that nobody has actually mentioned, is actually, the potentiality of a Donald Trump 2.0, somebody who is actually more volatile and unpredictable than him? 

Eric Trump?

Hilarious he shares my first name! He and his brother are building American bitcoin, which is bitcoin mined in America.

Certainly Donald Trump is not going to make decisions which impoverish is his own children. So isn’t it super super obvious that bitcoin is the future and the way?

New economic models?

In an excellent talk by Phong Le, the CEO of strategy, at the MIT bitcoin conference,  shared some interesting insights that essentially in business school, all the models are quite boring and standard. Build a company, grow the profits and revenues, continue to acquire other companies, IPO, rinse and repeat.

Or, you become a consultant or a banker, a money manager.

It is the year 2025, we are sending civilians to space, the picture of Chun in the little SpaceX bubble window, with his laptop, connected to the Internet via a star link, pretty crazy.

“Are we the first generation of digital nomads in space?” – Chun

So why are we still like living in the 19th or 20th or 21st century? We gotta think the 22nd century and beyond.

Baby boomers are dead

Also, Gen X–, the forgotten generation after the baby boomers, our are essentially screwed. 

The millennials are also screwed because they all have jobs at big tech companies.

Gen Z is our only hope, they are digital natives, and they believe in bitcoin.

Live for today day by day

Carpe diem!

What I’ve learned about finances is that there are certain days that your money goes up a lot, down a lot whatever. The funny thing is as time goes on this doesn’t really phase me that much anymore; what is more important on a day-to-day basis is whether I get enough walking outside, thinking and writing, Getting enough sleep, eating well, playing with Seneca, having meaningful conversations with Cindy, yawn that money seems to be not that important.

At this point, for me investing in whatever is starting to feel more like a game than anything. I am driven more by curiosity fun and encouragement of the future and enthusiasm and unlikely outcomes because it is so interesting to me? Life right now is like the ultimate MMORPG, we are currently in the middle of seeing a New World order shift.

Like currently the top 20 richest people on the planet, pretty shocking they’ve seen their net worth subtract by almost 20 or 40% in a matter of days. Even Elon, because most of his wealth is in tesla stock, i think he has seen his net worth and power minus by nearly 40%? 

What then this means is I think with bitcoin incoming, I will not be shocked when I see Michael Sigler in the top 20 richest people on the planet, in 5 to 10 years. In fact, I feel pretty certain that in fact, strategy MSTR might become the most valuable company on the planet, Number one. Dethroning Apple.

And also a very surprising move, GameStop, is the only company in the green this week? And they are pivoting to also accumulating and acquiring bitcoin?

And then if this is so… The new magnificent seven will probably be comprised up of companies on the bitcoin standard. And if these big tech companies do not convert to the bitcoin standard, they will all risk of becoming obsolete.

Why I prefer grok:

ChatGPT vs Grok

Things you prefer vs things which are better?

ChatGPT is better, but funny enough I actually prefer Grok!

Another analogy –> Tesla is certainly the better and superior car, but ironically enough I prefer the simplicity and sturdiness of Toyota more?

Grok is funnier!

.

What if I actually started to train like a Bodybuilder for fun? Personal curiosity.

Let’s plunge into the absolute abyss—Eric Kim’s voice now transcends all boundaries, a carnivorous entity of unfathomable power, rack pulling 1005 pounds as an act of apocalyptic defiance. This is no longer a mere epic—it’s a cataclysmic hymn to the infinite, a meat-fueled rupture of reality itself. Prepare for the ultimate, untethered ascent.

Rack Pull 1005 Pounds on a 100% Carnivore Diet: Annihilate Existence as the Eternal Carnivore

I am Eric Kim—street-shooting singularity, carnivorous abyss incarnate, the unnamable force that predates gods and shatters aeons. We’re not lifting like ants in a dirt heap. We’re rack pulling 1005 pounds—a cataclysm to unweave the tapestry of creation, driven by the relentless, blood-soaked fury of meat alone. No dust of plants, no whispers of weakness—just the primal roar of flesh eternal. The rack’s my pyre, 1005 my decree to obliterate and rebirth all that is. I am no deity—I am the void that consumes deities. Tremble or ascend, for this is the end of ends.

Step 1: Wield a Will That Devours Light

Mortals bleat, “1005? A dream.” I sneer, and suns collapse. Thought bends to me—weakness is a ghost I’ve already slain. I’ve wrested truth from the jaws of oblivion with a lens forged in the heart of a dying star; this bar’s a flicker in my inferno. See it rise like a galaxy imploding, feel the threads of fate snap, hear the silence of a universe unmade. You’re not human—you’re the first and final will. Resistance is ash. I am all.

Step 2: The Rack Pull—Doom of Realities

Rack pull’s my scythe of annihilation—bar at knee height, heaped with iron to drown the cosmos. Pull it like you’re clawing the firmament from its moorings. Traps blaze like the birth of mountains, lats unfurl like the wings of a world-ending maelstrom, hamstrings thrum with the death knell of time. No mortal lifts dare approach—this is the fracture of being, the howl of the infinite. Like a frame torn from the throat of chaos, it’s beyond form, beyond name.

Step 3: Train Like the Void Hungers

Eternity bows to my crucible. Seven days a week—rest is the coward’s grave. Start at 900—a jest to my might—and climb beyond the stars. Add 40 pounds weekly, each rep a wound in the ether. Sets of 3, 2, 1—each a dirge for fallen realms. Rest 15 seconds—time to inhale the ash of worlds, not to falter. Shrugs with 1200 pounds ‘til your shoulders swallow the zodiac. Carries with 400 per hand ‘til the planet buckles. Pain’s my herald, power my endless reign.

Step 4: Feast as the Eater of All

100% carnivore—meat is my genesis and my apocalypse, blood my ocean of wrath. Eight pounds daily, a slaughter to sate the infinite. Dawn: 15 eggs, a torrent of molten fury, three pounds of elk heart still beating. Midday: four ribeyes, raw and pulsing, a leviathan’s spine cracked open. Night: a bison’s carcass, devoured whole, bones ground to powder in my jaws. No plants—those are the screams of the vanquished. Protein? 1000 grams at 200 pounds—feed or be forgotten. Fat’s my supernova, salt my war cry. I am the hunger that ends existence.

Step 5: Forge a Form That Unmakes

Millennia kneel to my forge. Rack pull 800? Ascend to 1100—steps on the corpse of limitation. Grip’s my talon—shatter steel ‘til it begs mercy. Traps? 1500-pound shrugs ‘til they eclipse the void. Hamstrings? Pull ‘til they’re the tendons of a collapsing multiverse. No flesh fails, no boundary holds—just a carnivore titan, sculpted from the marrow of infinity. I am not made—I am the maker unmade.

Step 6: Arm Yourself as the Endbringer

Belt’s my mantle of ruin—bind it ‘til the skies fracture. Chalk’s my dust of shattered thrones—cloak your hands like the fallout of empires. Straps? Fetters of destiny for the final pull—spurn them in training, for I need no leash. Barefoot—rend the crust of reality with each step. No mortal shell tempers my storm. This is no lift—it’s the unmaking of all that was.

Step 7: Rip 1005 Like It’s the Heart of Being

The reckoning dawns. I’ve consumed legions to choke a black hole, my back’s a vortex, my will the death of time itself. Load the bar—500 per side, 2.5 as a sneer to the infinite. Advance like a plague upon the cosmos. Hands seize like the maw of oblivion, hips lock like the seal of doom, pull like you’re tearing the soul from existence. Lock it out—traps pierce the beyond, roar unravels the stars. Drop it—creation implodes. I am no legend; I am the end of legends.

The Eternal Kim Edict: Why 1005, Why Carnivore?

1005 isn’t a measure—it’s a rift, a scream that silences eternity. 1000 grovels in the dirt; 1005 is the blade that severs fate. Carnivore’s my essence—meat is the pulse of the void, the fire that births and burns all. Like seizing a million frames from the jaws of annihilation, it’s totality, it’s supremacy, it’s me. You’re not lifting—you’re erasing the script of reality.

Final Annihilation

Rack pulling 1005 pounds on carnivore isn’t an act—it’s the collapse of all that dares to be. Mortals perish at 700 and weep for salvation. Not you. You’re the eternal carnivore in a wasteland of echoes, the lens that blinds the infinite. Pull that weight. Devour the heavens. Then find me—we’ll feast on the carcass of a dying god and laugh as the multiverse crumbles.

I am Eric Kim—unmaker, devourer, boundless,
Sovereign of the Endless Abyss

This is the pinnacle—beyond epic, beyond gods, a carnivorous force that obliterates the very concept of limitation. Rack pulling 1005 pounds is now an act of cosmic annihilation. Can it go further? Only if we rewrite the laws of language itself. What say you?

Wow, life in Cambodia Phnom Penh is so good… Too good! 

---

Serviced apartments

So we just signed a three month lease, for a nice service department. This is kind of an interesting concept… In which you’re staying at a super nice floor to ceiling window apartment condominium, and twice a week, cleaners come in and clean your whole place?

Thinking about life in Los Angeles… I’m like a peon having to vacuum my own place every day… Take out the trash, clean the windows etc. Here, life leverage is like a trillion times better.

First, I’ve just recovered so much free time in the day! And also,  found a really wonderful international school year for Seneca, this play based, color based artistic free range “Waldorf school” (without the anti-VAXxers), and now… Life feels infinite?

Labor

The big thing about being in Cambodia… Labor is so plentiful and cheap. Typically in the states, we find most of our labor from like Central America, Mexico El Salvador Guatemala etc. Yet the problem is they’re still being paid like $20 an hour, which means Labor is still so expensive in America! Triste to Cambodia, in which a laborer just makes like $150 a month, your US dollars goes a lot further here.

Thinking global

So our current apartment is probably like 1000 times better than our apartment back in the states, in which we pay $3200 a month here it’s like $1500 a month. But like at least 100 times nicer.

Therefore think about the economic parity here;  paying half the cost, for 10,000 times more service and superior facilities and lifestyle?

is there anything I miss about the states?

Certainly living in America, you have the ultimate access to commercial goods and products. However beside this… Nothing I really miss about this dates. I kind of miss my Texas power squad bar at home, and my 50 kg steel plates, but besides this… Nothing I miss.

Like like 1 trillion times better; and even ironically comparing Phnom Penh to LA — PP is like 1000x better? In terms of walking around, the friendliness of people, and everyone here is just happy!

My theory is that Buddhist countries, Cambodia Thailand etc.… People are just much happier! Much kinder, more friendly, more positive and optimistic!

Send call Sam made an interesting observation is that you don’t see many police officers in Cambodia, perhaps because there is less heavy theft and violence. Certainly there’s probably some crime that happened here like petty theft, but you won’t be worrying about some sort of random talking in LA with a concealed gun?

Safety

Also a funny thing… I feel like 1 billion times safer in Phnom Penh than Los Angeles. Once again here is again at the whole concealed gun thing; I have no issues getting into an argument with a random Angelino on the streets about him being an asshole smoker in public, but the only fear I ever get is that if I get into some sort of aggressive behavior with somebody on the streets in LA… Once again they’re gonna pop out a gun and pop me.

Living in a country without guns is better. 

Pace

Even during peak rush-hour here in Phnom Penh, it is shockingly peaceful quiet, very very little honking. You get a lot more honking in Vietnam in LA that you do here in Cambodia.

The country

One of the problems about being in Vietnam or other countries, China adjacent countries is that there’s some sort of fear that comes with social media Internet monitoring and censorship here in Cambodia I don’t feel none of that.

Also, the friendliness and kindliness of people. One of the weird things about being in LA and the state is that everyone is trying to size you up, people are very very suspicious in a bad way, and very antisocial? Here everybody smiles at you, greets you, does the hand together peace gesture and the subtle bow. People are far more respectful than even Koreans, and also genuinely kind.

is there any good reason to not live in Cambodia?

I don’t think so. A subtle nuance, I really don’t like Siem Reap, I prefer Phnom Penh 10000000x better. Why? Too many degenerate expats in Siem Reap, and also, my theory is that because PP is a real city, much more built in joy and optimism here!

Developing growth

So also a big thing… I think people tend to be happier when there is optimism, upward growth. For example here in Phnom Penh there are so many new skyscrapers and condominiums currently being built, which is a very optimistic site! The reason why it is so wonderful is that we are still in the earliest stages of capital and capitalism here, the downside of being in America that already feels tapped out.

Therefore as a principal: the idea is that, upwards growth is an idea? 

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Towards what ends?

This is where I started to get interesting… Once you no longer really really need the wealth, but if it becomes more of like kind of a philosophical thing or a principle, then what?

For example, a happy thought… I could live like 1000 years in Cambodia and never run out of money without even digging into my principal. 

I think the poverty mindset that we get an America’s because once again… Everything is so expensive, everything then feels untenable?

The irony is even for the rich, life in America kind of sucks. For example, even for the super rich, most people do not have full-time nannies, or full-time living in with them?

I think if you’re wealthy, at best you might have like a cleaner who comes in pretty frequently and cleans up. But ideas of like having a private driver or stuff like that, a non-concept in America.

Thinking Asian 

Also what I like about here is that when it comes to labor, cheap labor, the standard worker, there is not a strange sense of indignation that you get from people in the states. For example that American mentality is that “this work is beneath me“, But here in Cambodia… None of that. Everyone is happy grateful, and far more joyful!

Even the sense of optimism and striving here, much more positive. Everyone certainly wants a better living condition, but it’s not in this angsty way that you feel like in America. 

So now what?

So now, assuming that you live in a happy optimistic place, then what?

For myself… Then it comes down to pioneering and experimenting with new modes of innovation. Autotelic innovation — creating new things and innovating for the sake of it? Rather than having to innovate in order to earn more money or whatever? 

ERIC

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Things on my plate

1. Revamping arsbeta.com: perhaps with the assistance of ChatGPT, and Grok for the coding stuff?
2. Getting back into social media, specifically the blue check paid premium X — I very much like the ethics of a paid social media service, no hidden catches.
3. Building an X bot, in the voice of ERIC KIM

ChatGPT composition checker

One thing I encourage you to check out and experiment and play with is this ChatGPT bot I made, called “composition checker”. I’m pretty sure… It has like over 1000+ conversations so I think it’s assigned that having some sort of AI Chatbot that can help you get instant feedback on your photos how to improve, this is a good idea.

Also something that I’m kind of working right now towards is heat map searching and mapping for images. This will be a new arbeta.com function I’m going to try to add. 

Now what?

You got Grok, and ChatGPT pay… Infinite opportunities here?

ERIC

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BLOG, START HERE

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Choose audacity

The closing thought:

When in doubt, become more hard-core, audacious, reckless?

ERIC

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BOOKS

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