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 What happens when you give people free money?

US$ 1,000 a month. That's how much 1,000 low-income people in the US received for three years in the largest study ever carried out into the possibility of a universal basic income.

Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI, funded the research to find an answer to the question: “What if everyone received free money to spend on whatever they wanted?”

• Those in favor of the measure argue in favor of autonomy and correcting inequalities;

• Those against the proposal fear that people will become dependent and give up working to prosper.

After all Micael, what were the results?

• Most of the $$$ was used for food, rent and transportation;

• Participants were less stressed overall;

• Money was not wasted on alcohol or drugs;

• There was an increase in car and home loan debts;

• The extra income was not enough to improve health or generate long-term financial stability.

• Some people reduced their working hours or took on more meaningful jobs - even if they paid less;

To sum up: Although the money has helped in important ways, it hasn't worked as a “magic solution” to poverty. Moreover, the benefits were more concentrated in the short term.

Overall, the extra income brought more flexibility, allowing free decision-making - whether about employment, health or even helping friends and family pay bills.

Big picture: Sam Altman invested in the study because, like other Silicon Valley geniuses, he believes that universal extra income will be necessary in a near future where technology will eliminate traditional jobs and create a new kind of wealth.

What else in on

• Brazil: 1/3 of the country's natural vegetation no longer exists. Since the Portuguese arrived in 1500, Brazil has lost more than 33% of its natural areas. (Read)

• Russia: Ukraine launches Moscow drone attack as Kursk offensive continues. Russia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted 11 kamikaze drones before they reached the capital. (Read)

• Canada: The two largest railroad companies in the country have gone on general strike after failing to reach an agreement on job security and shorter working hours. (Read)

• USA: Independent White House candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends campaign and announces support for Donald. Kennedy insisted that he was not ending his campaign, but he noted that he will withdraw his name from appearing on ballots in swing states. (Read)

• Venezuela: Ten Latin American governments and the US have said they “categorically reject” the Venezuelan supreme court’s decision to confirm Nicolás Maduro’s widely contested claim to have won re-election. Brazil is not among them. (Read)
  

The Record by Boygenius: Boygenius isn't just a supergroup; it's a musical force of nature that I've been eager to share with you. My cousin (who is just 8 years old!!) introduced me to them last week, and I've been amazed at how I was clueless about this group for so long!

• "The Record" is the debut album from the trio of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, released on March 31, 2023. This album is a true masterpiece that transcends the concept of a supergroup, delivering a fusion of styles that is both powerful and intimate.

From the first chord of "With You Without Them" we're transported into a place where friendship and music intertwine sublimely. The vocal harmonies are spine-tingling, and the deeply personal lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. It's as if each track is a love letter between the members, filled with inside references and genuine emotions.

The album is an emotional rollercoaster, with introspective moments in "Revolution 0" and bursts of energy in "Not Strong Enough." The production is impeccable, featuring contributions from Melina Duterte, Carla Azar, and Sarah Tudzin, creating a sound that is both raw and sophisticated.

Boygenius not only challenges industry norms but also redefines what it means to be a collaborative group. "The Record" is a declaration of love for music and friendship, proving that when three singular talents come together, the result is nothing short of magical.

Best songs: Listen to the whole thing. And please, read the lyrics.

For those who like: Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Taylor Swift, HAIM and anyone who appreciates music that touches the soul. (Rating 10/10)

While on the last edition I delved into my thoughts on ageism, aging, being single, and the notion that a happy ending does not requires someone else, today I want to touch on something equally important — love.

Last week, I had the chance to see my grandma after six long years. It was her first time leaving Brazil, her first time on an airplane, and, remarkably, the first time we spent several days together. My grandma and I have never lived in the same city. I grew up in São Paulo, while she lived in Rondônia, a state in Brazil's northern region, over 2,200 kilometers away. When I was born, she traveled by bus for three whole days just to meet me! As her first grandchild, I've always felt her love profoundly.

It's fascinating how, despite never sharing a home or having the typical grandma-grandson relationship, I've always felt deeply connected to her through her love for me. As a child, this puzzled me a lot.

• How could someone love me so much without truly knowing me? Without shared experiences, inside jokes, or conversations? How could she love me so deeply without the presence of memories or touch? Was her love for me simply the love for the idea of having a grandson? And if so, is the love for an idea as strong as the love for something tangible?

These were profound questions for a child to grapple with - which only shows how smart I was back then - but questions that lingered whenever I thought of my grandma. Though I never fully understood it, I began to feel it too. I care for her more than many relatives I grew up with in São Paulo. I long for her touch and cherish her smile, even though our conversations have been few.

I'm not here to answer all the questions I posed earlier… but simply to share that my grandma was the first to show me that love and the idea of love transcend physical presence. As I think on our time together, I'm reminded of the power of love - a power that endures despite distance and time.

Love you Grandma,

Micael.

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