Missing Wallet

My wallet has gone missing. I suspect a theft may have occurred.

I wasn't sure at first — my maid couldn't find it. It turned out to be a dark brown wallet with a distinctive message on the front; it was in the shadow under the bed and hard to see, but I found it.

I made a lighthearted comment, quoting a line by Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction.

Please try to stay calm.

You can go to a commercial bank to request replacement cards — one, two, or three as needed.

I also butter my croissant, Pauline

:-)

=)

Ask Macron to avoid inflammatory language and consider measures such as tariffs, a luxury goods tax on LVMH, and reduced security cooperation.

Ask him to encourage France 24 to avoid anti Trump messaging; I find this coverage misleading and would prefer more balanced reporting.

We have to confront Hamas, we must work to degrade its capabilities, and we have to rehabilitate Hamas commanders who are operating among civilians in the West Bank. Hamas appears to be using innocent people as shields based on an ideological agenda, and those tactics put civilians at serious risk. These actions are unacceptable and need to be addressed through measures that first protect noncombatants. At the same time, we need to disrupt support from external backers, including networks linked to extremists hiding out safely in Iran that are reported to redirect resources away from civilian needs and toward armed groups abroad in Gaza or West Bank. Those flows are said to finance harm towards civilians at public gatherings and to sustain cruel policies that wickedly restrict basic freedoms for women, and they should be countered through lawful, coordinated efforts.

I wouldn't have even needed an IMF bailout

The

I think that Raja Hetti is aware of Christine Lagarde

When he was here, with Aloka, and my mom's sister Anoja

I was telling him, "ask Larry Summers" — I had mentioned meeting him and suggested they might consider him for an IMF leadership role next

I laughed

***

I don't have much confidence in the IMF; I think Sri Lanka (SL) is facing serious economic challenges

Part of the difficulty is limited income-generating capacity, and some argue that widespread access to state-provided services like healthcare and education can affect incentives for work

There is a perception that many expect substantial public support, both in practical and symbolic ways

Religious teachings are sometimes interpreted to encourage restraint, and critics suggest this can be framed as moral posturing; others argue that moral leadership can attract external assistance to help the country develop

I think Pakistan has faced similar economic challenges and has relied on IMF support multiple times

I am skeptical about Sri Lanka's prospects under Anura's leadership

They have reportedly gone from $50 billion in debt under Mahinda to about $85 or $90 billion debt with Gota and Anura

People may feel relatively stable right now, but there is concern that future debt repayments could create problems

This could lead to a more serious crisis down the line

Under Gota, debt was about 50 - 75% of GDP; it is now reported to be in excess of 80 - 90% of the country's economy

***

If trade restrictions or tariffs are imposed, the economic impact could be severe and might produce political instability, increasing the risk of an authoritarian shift in governance

I don't need the IMF

I can easily make $3 billion; why would I need a bailout or loan from them?

Interesting...

So rule one is not to tell anyone that you're God.

Rule 2: don't interfere with free will

So I need to respect how Pauline1 and Pauline2 feels

Nikki Haley:

"You should spice it up! 😉 Try an Indian!"

As the leader, I will suggest avoiding an unregulated press in SL.

Anyone can be a journalist, but not everyone can be a responsible one who people respect.

Oh, it's Avril's song 'I'm With You'.