Things from my Newsblur; 2023 Part 1

It’s been too long since OM posted anything of note, so lets get the ball rolling with the first Things from my Newsblur for 2023.

Why Hot Wheels are one of the most inflation proof toys in American history

When he was young OM was a big fan of Hot Wheels cars, today it’s OM’s kids who enjoy them.  This article helps explain Hot Wheels’ history and longevity and how its kept prices so affordable over the years.   (Fernando Alfonso III, NPR)

 

99 Good News Stories You Probably Didn’t Hear About in 2022

This article is a good reminder to seek our balance in what you read and where you get your news from.  On the heels of more financial strife, the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, et al – here’s some of the good things that happened in 2022.  (Future Crunch)

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winners

In a similar vein, here are some of the stunning nature photographs from last year.  My favorite was the bat-snatcher, what’s yours?

(NPR)

What I Think About LeBron Breaking My NBA Scoring Record

Just a classy article written after LeBron James became the all-time NBA leading scorer.

(Kareen Abdul-Jabbar)

The End of Silicon Valley (Bank)

The demise of Silicon Valley Bank (‘SVB’) is a financial story, but at their core bank runs are stories about trust.  Silicon Valley and venture capital more than anywhere else is an industry founded on trust.  While there have been signs of this weakening over the last decade, SVB’s failure is poignant as it suggests just how much it has weakened (and how herdlike VC’s are!).  More broadly it is also reflective of the journey that society has embarked on since the Great Financial Crisis with trust in institutions declining across the board.

(Ben Thompson, Stratechery)

Evolution of a Structural Bull Market: The PTSD Pullback

Regular readers know OM has a lot of commodity-related exposure in his portfolio principally through uranium and tin position.  While OM’s not yet ready to declare that a commodity super-cycle is here, it is increasingly clear that supply is constrained and demand is continuing to increase.  If a structural commodity bull market (or supercycle) is really here, this is a vital read for investors as it will help remind folks (or educate those who haven’t yet seen a commodity bull market) just how volatile commodity bull markets are.  They are NOT anything like the tech/software markets we’ve seen in recent years.  (Arjun Murti, Super-Spiked)