Markets closed 2023 with the strongest rally for equities, bonds, gold, and cryptocurrencies in years. The level of complacency was obvious, registering an “extreme greed” level in the Greed and Fear Index.

The Babylon Bee advertises itself as “Fake news you can trust.” The outlet produces the best satirical news, and this is especially true ever since big Democrat donors acquired large stakes in The Onion and turned it into the comedic equivalent of FDA-approved fiber cereal. At least it keeps us regularly updated on the fact that The Left Can’t Meme.

In July 2021, the Watson Institute of Public Affairs at Brown University reported that since September 11, 2001, 7,057 US military personnel have been killed in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan alone. Civilian contractor deaths reached 8,000, although the institute admits this is an estimate considering many contractors were not US citizens, so some deaths went unreported.

Our vacation airline tickets in September were funded by accumulated miles on our Alaska Airlines credit card. While on vacation this summer, my brother-in-law graciously hosted eight of us for dinner. He tried to downplay the generous hospitality by saying he had just gotten his “cash back” award from his credit card company. The “cash back” credit card had accumulated a tidy sum of money, paying for a very nice dinner.

Milei’s administration in Argentina has gone through its first month. It could be argued that it is too early to make an assessment but so many events have taken place this first month that a prudent review is warranted.