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Satie's final persona, bowler-hatted and formally dressed

100 Years ago Erik Satie died – Silent Punk and Revolutionary of His Time

July 1, 2025

On July 1st, 2025, we mark the 100th anniversary of Erik Satie’s death – a true oddball genius whose sparse piano works and ironic notation still feel fresh today. This article dives into the life and legacy of a man who drank too much absinthe, collected umbrellas like trophies, and composed some of the most quietly revolutionary music of the 20th century. From his only great love to his surreal friendships with Cocteau and Picasso, this is a deep but entertaining journey into the world of a man who was punk long before punk existed.

The Digital Echo: How Algorithms Shape Our Opinions and Divide Society

June 24, 2025

Algorithms no longer just shape our feeds — they shape our perception, influence our opinions, and drive societal division. In a world of filter bubbles and echo chambers, we only see what we already believe. This digital echo amplifies extreme views and undermines democratic discourse. This article explores how platforms operate, the dangers of disinformation, and what steps we can take to actively counteract these effects.

From Cult to Commerce – How Action Sports Brands Lost Their Soul to Investors

May 29, 2025

The often painful history of action sports brands like Quiksilver & Billabong. Born from riders, they battle authenticity vs. commerce. See how investors reshaped the scene and new brands rise.

Claudia Sheinbaum: Mexico’s First Female President

April 26, 2025

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, brings a unique background as a physicist and environmental scientist to the nation’s highest office. Her political rise began alongside Andrés Manuel López Obrador and led her to become mayor of Mexico City. Sheinbaum focuses on social reforms, the fight against drug cartels, and pragmatic foreign policy. Despite strong popularity, she faces criticism over security challenges, human rights issues, and her close ties to López Obrador.

The USA – From an Industrial to a Service-Based Economy: Why New Jobs Are Missing

April 15, 2025

The U.S. lost millions of industrial jobs, but the growing service sector couldn’t replace them. Service jobs tend to be lower-paying, and many lost factory jobs were replaced by these lower-wage positions. Additionally, most new jobs are in low-skilled services, not high-skill jobs. The shareholder-focused capitalism of the 1980s led companies to offshore production and cut jobs to increase profits. Automation has also replaced many industrial jobs, and even if companies return to the U.S., they may not create many new jobs due to high-tech automation.

Donald Trump’s Current Trade Policy: A Plan Hidden in Chaos

April 14, 2025

Trump’s three-phase strategy aims to reshape the global economic order in favor of the U.S. Initially, tariffs are used as a negotiating tool, followed by reciprocal tariffs to create fairer trade. The long-term goal is a new currency agreement that strengthens the U.S. dollar while allowing for its devaluation. This strategy carries significant risks: if it fails, it could lead to global fragmentation and a diminished role for the U.S. on the world stage.