Autism, REM Sleep, and Brain Development: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle Recent research has shown that many autistic individuals may experience a 30–50% reduction in REM sleep compared to neurotypical children. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep isn’t just when we dream—it’s also a critical period for brain development, especially in early life. Why does this matter? REM sleep plays a key role in synaptogenesis, the process by which the brain forms synapses—connections between neurons. These connections are essential for learning, memory, emotional regulation, and social processing. In early childhood, the brain is in overdrive, building millions of these synaptic links based on both genetic instructions and environmental experience. If REM sleep is disrupted or deficient during this critical window, it can affect how and where synapses form, potentially altering the brain’s wiring in subtle but meaningful ways. An early REM sleep deficit could impact the quality and structure of synaptogenesis, shaping how the brain processes information, emotions, and social cues. While autism is complex and influenced by many genetic and environmental factors, sleep—especially REM sleep—may be one underappreciated piece of the developmental puzzle. Understanding and addressing sleep differences in autism could open new doors for support, intervention, and empathy.

What Is Synaptogenesis? The Brain’s Way of Wiring Up Synaptogenesis is the process by which neurons in the brain form synapses—the tiny connections that allow them to communicate. These connections are the foundation of all brain activity, from basic movement to deep thought. This process is especially active during early brain development, when a child’s brain is rapidly wiring itself in response to both genetics and experience. But synaptogenesis doesn’t stop in childhood—it continues throughout life, especially when we learn new things or recover from injury. Here’s why it matters: In childhood, it supports learning, memory, language, and emotional development. In adulthood, it's essential for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt, grow, and form new habits. In aging, encouraging synaptogenesis through mental stimulation and physical activity may help preserve cognitive function. In short, synaptogenesis is your brain’s way of building, adapting, and rewiring itself—proof that learning truly changes your brain.

The Cantillon Effect: How Easy Money Hurts the Working Class Most people think inflation affects everyone equally—but that’s far from the truth. Enter the Cantillon Effect, an economic concept that shows how newly created money doesn’t flow evenly through the economy. Instead, it benefits those closest to the source—banks, corporations, and financial elites—while leaving everyday workers to bear the cost. Here’s how it works: When central banks print money or lower interest rates, that money doesn’t land in your pocket first. It goes to financial institutions and large borrowers. They use it to invest in assets like real estate, stocks, and commodities—driving up prices. By the time that new money filters down to the average worker, prices have already risen, meaning their wages buy less. So while Wall Street sees record profits and asset bubbles inflate, the regular working man is stuck paying more for rent, food, and fuel without a corresponding rise in income. That’s the Cantillon Effect in action: the rich get richer, and the poor fall further behind. In short, easy money policies may stimulate growth at the top—but they quietly tax the bottom through inflation. It’s a hidden redistribution of wealth, from wage earners to asset holders. #Bitcoin fixes this.

How Sleeping on the Ground Reshaped the Human Mind One of the most remarkable, yet often overlooked, shifts in our evolutionary history was not what happened when we were awake—but when we were asleep. For millions of years, our primate ancestors slept high in the trees, perched precariously on branches or nestled in rudimentary nests. This arboreal lifestyle came with a cost: lighter, more fragmented sleep, often disrupted by the ever-present risk of falling or attack. In such an environment, entering the deep neurophysiological vulnerability of REM sleep—when muscle tone disappears and the body is effectively paralyzed—was an evolutionary liability. In short, it wasn’t safe to surrender fully to REM in the trees. But somewhere along our evolutionary path, early humans did something extraordinary: we came down from the trees, not just by day, but by night. By sleeping on the ground—often in groups around fire—we gained something precious: safety. And with safety came the possibility for deeper, richer, and longer REM sleep. REM sleep is not just a curious biological state; it is a source of our creativity, our emotional intelligence, and our capacity to imagine futures that do not yet exist. It is the nightly theater where the brain integrates memories, solves problems, and rehearses social scenarios. The amplification of REM sleep in humans—proportionally greater than in almost any other species—is likely no coincidence. It may have been catalyzed by that very transition to ground sleeping. When our ancestors no longer had to remain in a constant state of vigilance during sleep, REM could flourish. And with it, so did the cognitive complexity that defines us as a species. In other words, the ground didn’t just give us rest—it gave us mind. So the next time you lie down at night, remember: you are participating in a deeply human act, one shaped by firelight, safety, and the strange miracle of REM. Sleep well.

Appeal to the nobler motives

Student loans should face the scrutiny of opportunity costs. Are institutions of higher learning providing a product that outweighs the cost (inclusive of the interest)? This should be done on a major by major basis.

Understanding the Eurodollar System: A Key Insight from Nik Bhatia Nik Bhatia, provides a clear and insightful explanation of the Eurodollar system, which plays a central role in the global financial landscape. In essence, the Eurodollar system refers to U.S. dollars that are held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe. However, the term has expanded over time to describe any U.S. dollar-denominated deposits or financial instruments held globally, not just in Europe. Here's why the Eurodollar system is so important: 1. Global Money Creation: The Eurodollar market allows for the creation of U.S. dollar liquidity beyond the control of the Federal Reserve. Banks outside the U.S. lend these dollars to borrowers worldwide, creating a massive pool of dollars that circulates internationally. 2. Impact on Global Finance: The Eurodollar system has been a key driver of international trade and finance, as most global transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars. This system provides liquidity to markets, facilitating international business, investments, and lending without relying solely on the U.S. banking system. 3. Decentralized Control: Unlike the U.S. money supply, which is directly managed by the Federal Reserve, the Eurodollar system operates largely outside of U.S. regulatory oversight. This gives rise to complexities in understanding how dollars are created, borrowed, and moved globally. 4. Risks and Implications: Bhatia emphasizes how this system can introduce significant risks, particularly during periods of financial stress. As the global reliance on Eurodollars grows, disruptions—like a liquidity crisis—can have wide-reaching effects, impacting everything from interest rates to international trade. In his work, Bhatia highlights the importance of understanding the Eurodollar system to fully grasp the dynamics of global finance and the interconnections between money creation, banking, and the broader economy. The Eurodollar system is crucial to modern economic life, but it’s also a complex and somewhat opaque framework that can influence everything from the price of goods to geopolitical stability. If you want to dive deeper into global finance, Nik Bhatia’s work is an excellent resource to begin unpacking this intricate system. #NikBhatia

I find it pretty wild that some animals, like dolphins and certain whales, sleep with only half of their brain at a time! This fascinating ability is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. While one half of the brain rests, the other half stays alert to control breathing and stay aware of potential dangers. It's especially important for aquatic mammals, who need to surface for air even while they're asleep. Wow!

Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires. #DaleCarnegie

What Is Moral Hazard? "Moral hazard" is an economics and finance term that describes a situation where one party takes on risk because they don't have to bear the full consequences of that risk. It often arises when individuals or institutions are protected in some way—such as through insurance, bailouts, or guarantees—and therefore act less cautiously than they otherwise would. For example, if a bank knows it will be bailed out by the government if it fails, it might engage in riskier lending practices, assuming taxpayers will pick up the tab if things go wrong. Similarly, someone with comprehensive car insurance might drive more recklessly, knowing that any damages will be covered. Moral hazard doesn't imply bad morals—it’s more about incentives and how they change when people or companies don’t feel the full impact of their decisions. It's a critical concept in understanding financial systems, public policy, and even everyday contracts. Whether in health care, banking, or corporate governance, recognizing and managing moral hazard helps create more stable and fair systems.