Newsletter Issue #413

Entrepreneur & Author

JeffCorbett.com

25th Anniversary of Dot.com!

“The crash that changed e-commerce.”  

——-

I was speaking on the phone with a business associate the other day, and he mentioned in passing that it was the 25^th anniversary of the dot-com crash.  It was surprising to me that so much time had passed, but it has, in fact, been 25 years.

We thought it worth a brief review:   

The dot-com crash happened between 2000 and 2002, with the most significant downturn occurring in March 2000. It was triggered by the bursting of the dot-com bubble, which had been fueled by excessive speculation in internet-based companies during the late 1990s. Many of these companies had little to no revenue, yet their stock prices soared due to investor hype. When the bubble burst, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell nearly 78% from its peak in March 2000 to its low in October 2002, wiping out billions in market value and leading to the collapse of many tech startups.

The most affected were:

1. Investors – Many individual and institutional investors lost billions.
2. Startups and Tech Companies – Many internet startups tore through venture capital funding without turning a profit. Forcing mass bankruptcies and layoffs when the inevitable happened.
3. Employees – Thousands of tech workers, particularly in Silicon Valley, lost jobs.
4. Retirement Funds – Many retirement accounts invested in tech-heavy mutual funds and the collapse hit long-term savings extremely hard.

Numerous early internet companies failed because of reckless spending and speculation. The survivors, however, helped shape today’s tech industry.

Here’s what happened with the Big Three:

1. Google (Founded in 1998) – Google was still a young company when the crash happened, but it survived because it had a solid business model.
2. Amazon (Founded in 1994) – Amazon was already a public company when the bubble burst. Its stock price dropped by more than 90%, but Jeff Bezos had a long-term vision which allowed it to become one of the biggest winners in e-commerce.
3. Facebook (Founded in 2004) – Facebook was founded after the dot-com crash, so it wasn’t directly affected.

Hope you enjoyed this brief look back and enjoy this issue.

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website:  GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

3 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

“ Is there a worldwide mental health crisis?” 

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Mental health issues have garnered considerable attention in recent years, but the scope of the global mental health crisis may be even greater than people realize.

A recent study co-led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland that was published in The Lancet Psychiatry in fall 2023 concluded that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. That makes mental health disorders a more common problem than cancer, heart disease and other physical ailments that tend to garner more attention than mental health issues.

Anyone experiencing mental health issues is urged to speak with a medical professional who specializes in such areas. Mental health issues may not manifest with symptoms like broken bones that common sense suggests require the assistance of a licensed medical professional, but that does not mean issues affecting the mind or a person’s outlook do not require the help of someone trained to deal with them. Much like people can heal from a broken bone after seeing a medical professional, individuals confronting mental health issues have much to gain from working with a mental health specialist.

A 2021 study from the United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found 29 strategies people can employ to protect their mental health. The study considered mental health research and the views of mental health experts, but also input from the general public regarding ways they confront mental health issues. It’s important that anyone dealing with mental health issues not conflate these strategies with treatment. Though they can help protect mental health, they should be seen as a supplement to treatment overseen by a licensed mental health professional. A rundown of the 29 strategies can be found at mentalhealth.org.uk, but the following are three recommendations that anyone can apply in their daily lives.

These are just a handful of approaches individuals can take to boost their mental health each day.

Own Your Own Bank in Puerto Rico

“Why consider?”  

——-

Owning a bank in Puerto Rico can offer several advantages:

The key requirements include:

• Permit to Organize: Submit an application to OCIF, including a detailed business plan, personal statements for shareholders with 10% or more ownership, and a non-refundable fee of $5,000.

• License to Operate: After obtaining the permit, fulfill organizational requirements such as incorporating the entity, securing office space, hiring staff, and implementing banking systems. Subsequently, apply for the license to operate by providing evidence of meeting all prerequisites, including capital requirements and operational readiness.

The entire licensing process can take approximately 4 to 5 months, depending on the completeness of the application and the responsiveness to regulatory inquiries.

It’s advisable to consult with legal and financial experts familiar with Puerto Rico’s banking regulations to navigate the application process.

Can Your Spring Garden be a Good Investment?

“$70 yields $600.” 

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Inflation has garnered countless headlines in recent years, and much of that news has focused on the notably higher cost of food.

Though the cost of some items at the grocery store has gone down in 2024, many items remain significantly more expensive than they were as recently as three or four years ago. In an effort to overcome rising food costs, some consumers have thought about gardening. According to Washington State University, the average household with a food garden spends around $70 per year on seeds and garden supplies. The reward for that small investment is roughly $600 worth of food.

Though the financial investment associated with a food garden might be minimal, it’s important for prospective gardeners to recognize that the commitment of time required to establish and sustain a food garden can be significant.

A well-managed garden can provide significant savings over time.

Here are some ideas:

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

Tips for Being Happy One Moment at a Time!

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

“Don’t worry, be happy.”

——-

Being happy creates a meaningful moment for anyone experiencing it.  In that moment, we feel light and free, not weighed down by cumbersome worries.

Remember the song by Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?”  The lyric points to the unpredictability of the future, so taking one day at a time, dealing with things as they happen, not worrying about the future is the way to go into the next moment, which is the only next moment guaranteed to us.

Negativity Bias

Humans exhibit a negativity bias, and we are predisposed in experience to the fact that something positive will generally have less of an impact on our thinking and feeling than something equally emotional but negative.  A quote from Chuck Palahniuk puts this in perspective: “It’s so hard to forget pain, but it’s even harder to remember sweetness.  We have no scar to show for happiness.”

“For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

At the same time, sages and health professionals today advise us that it is costly to be negative.  When we experience negativity, our body chemistry is affected.  Cortisol, the stress hormone, releases into the body and brain. Over time with frequent stressful experiences, cortisol weakens the body’s ability to calm stress down altogether.  To live a happier, healthier life it’s important to “Accentuate the Positive,” as another famous song encourages.

Research in neuropsychology confirms that we have to overcome the brain’s negativity bias.  But it doesn’t happen on its own.

Neuropsychologist Dr. Rich Hanson claims “The inner strengths we have such as the feeling of happiness, positive emotion, determination, feeling love, confidence—the executive functions—are all built out of the brain… The question is:  How do we get these things into the brain?  Most of the inner strengths that help us cope with life are built from positive experiences of those strengths…  If you want to feel more confident, have more experiences of accomplishment or coping, if you want to have a more loving heart, practice more moments of compassion or kindness to others…”

Being Happy Requires Intention

Taking in the good and remembering to practice what it feels like need to become habits if being happy is our priority.  Commitment to an etiquette-ful life of manners, which embody the kindness and respect we extend to every person, regardless, helps us gain more pleasure and joy.  When we choose to embrace concern for the welfare of others, we feel happier.

As the etiquette and manners proponent, Amy Vanderbilt, reminds us, “Good manners have much to do with the emotions.  To make them ring true one must feel them, not merely exhibit them.”

You can put this into practice with a daily “Positive Experience Enhancement” exercise:

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

In addition to a daily practice of being happy, keep these propositions in mind.

There is no prescription for being happy. But we can dwell more intentionally on the circumstances and conditions that have created joy, especially those shared with other people, so that we might create opportunities to repeat those moments.

And remember: being etiquette-ful is happiness-promoting!

Natural Ways to Get Better Sleep

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

“Drift into dream land.”    

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We all know the feeling of tossing and turning at night, staring at the ceiling, and willing ourselves to fall asleep. Whether it’s stress, too much screen time, or an inconsistent bedtime routine, getting quality sleep can sometimes feel impossible. The good news? There are plenty of natural ways to encourage restful, rejuvenating sleep without relying on sleep aids. Here are some simple and effective ways to improve your sleep naturally!

Sip on a Soothing Bedtime Tea

A warm cup of herbal tea can work wonders in preparing your mind and body for sleep. Certain herbs have natural calming properties that help promote relaxation and ease anxiety. Some of the best teas to drink before bed include:

Swap Screens for a Good Book

Scrolling through your phone or binge-watching a show right before bed might seem relaxing, but the blue light emitted by screens can actually interfere with melatonin production—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Instead, opt for a calming bedtime read. Choose books that are uplifting, slow-paced, educational, or gently engaging rather than suspenseful page-turners that might keep you awake longer than intended.

Create a Relaxing Pre-Bedtime Routine

Your body thrives on routine, and a consistent wind-down ritual can signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Consider incorporating activities like taking a warm bath with Epsom salts and lavender oil, practicing deep breathing or meditation, listening to calming music or nature sounds, and writing in a gratitude journal to clear your mind.

Keep Your Bedroom Cool, Dark, and Quiet

Your sleep environment plays a huge role in how well you rest. Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly sanctuary by keeping the temperature between 60-67°F if you can, use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light, drown out noise with a white noise machine or fan, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Try Natural Sleep Supplements

Certain natural remedies can support better sleep without the grogginess that comes with some medications. Some options to consider (after checking with your healthcare provider) include:

Limit Caffeine and Heavy Meals Before Bed

That late-afternoon coffee or heavy dinner might be keeping you up at night. Try to avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime and opt for lighter evening meals. If you need a bedtime snack, reach for foods that support sleep, like bananas, almonds, or warm milk with a dash of honey, which has been shown to aid in health sleep as well.

By making a few small changes to your nightly routine and prioritizing relaxation, you can set yourself up for deeper, more restorative sleep. Whether it’s sipping on a cozy cup of tea, reading a good book, or creating a peaceful bedroom environment, these simple habits can make a world of difference, and soon enough, you’ll be drifting into dreamland with ease!

Brain Health

“Protect your brain.” 

——-

Cognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes.

Exercise

Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. The journal Neurology found that older people who vigorously exercise performed better on cognitive tests than others of the same age, placing them at the equivalent of 10 years younger. Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory.

The Harvard Medical School says aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.

Quit smoking

The Alzheimer’s Association indicates that evidence shows smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Smoking can impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels.

Eat healthy foods

Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Neurologists state that, while research on diet and cognitive function is limited, diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to a lower risk of cognitive issues.

Consume caffeine

Caffeine may help boost memory performance and brain health. A Journal of Nutrition study found people ages 70 and older who consumed more caffeine scored better on tests of mental function than those who consumed less caffeine. Caffeine may help improve attention span, cognitive function and feelings of well-being. Information from Psychology Today also indicates caffeine may help in the storage of dopamine, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, compounds in cocoa and coffee beans may improve vascular health and help repair cellular damage due to high antioxidant levels.

Work the brain

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can create new brain connections and more backup circuits, states Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Working the brain through puzzles, reading and participating in social situations can stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for repairing brain cells and creating connections between them.

A good way to combine these lifestyle factors is to take an exercise class with friends, mixing the social, stimulation and exercise recommendations together.

Cognitive decline can come with aging, but through healthy habits, people can reduce their risk of memory loss and dementia.

Grill a Better Burger!

” Grilling season is upon us.”    

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Backyard barbecue season is starting to heat up. Although many people grill all year long, grilling season kicks into high gear in spring and summer.

Burgers will always be quintessential grilling fare. It should come as no surprise that the month of May is National Hamburger Month. That’s likely due to Memorial Day weekend – which many view as the unofficial start of summer – being one of the first times of the year people begin grilling burgers. Despite burgers’ popularity, it’s easy to make mistakes when preparing them. These tips can help anyone build a better burger.

Use freshly ground meat

Buying ready-made ground meat (of any variety) is taking a gamble because you don’t know when it was ground, how many animals it came from or how it was handled. By freshly grinding the meat at home you will have greater control over the cut of meat and the fat content. Personally ground meat will be fresher, especially when you get nice cuts of meat directly from your local butcher. Top chefs suggest dicing cold meat into chunks and freezing for about 10 minutes prior to grinding for the best results.

Fat is key

For the most juicy, flavorful burger, you’ll want a ratio of 80 percent meat to 20 percent fat. Some people like to eat lean, but with a burger, the fat will be necessary and it’s better to select leaner meats for other dishes.

Don’t overwork the meat

Handling the burger patties too much can lead to dense, tough burgers. Gently shape the burgers into round, 1-inch thick, flat discs. To prevent the burgers from rounding in the middle during cooking, press a dimple with your thumb in the center of the patty to help it cook evenly. It’s a smart idea to weigh each patty to ensure uniformity of size and even cooking.

Don’t add salt early on

Salt added to the ground meat before it’s shaped can draw the liquid out of the meat, leaving a dry burger behind. Sprinkle salt sparingly while it is cooking for flavoring.

Avoid overcooking

Most health authorities recommend not leaving any pink meat in a burger made from ground meat. According to BBC Good Food, burgers can be cooked for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium and 8 to 9 minutes per side for well done. For the best results, use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. The USDA says ground meat, whether it’s pork, veal, beef, or lamb, should be cooked to 160 F

Flip as desired

The cooking resource Serious Eats debunked the myth that burgers should only be flipped once. Flipping the burger repeatedly, as often as once every 15 seconds, encourages faster, more even internal cooking and can dramatically reduce cooking time.

Keep the patties separate

Let everyone build their own burgers, as keeping the cooked meat away from the burger buns for as long as possible will reduce the chances of the juices making the buns soggy. Soft, squishy buns tend to make for good burger eating, as they will not overwhelm the meat with too much crusty bread.

The smell of grilling burgers is in the air. Ensure that every burger is a masterpiece by utilizing some important cooking tips.

Recreational Ideas for Busy Adults

“Play time is not just for kids.” 

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Fun is more than childs’ play. Indeed, there is much to be said in favor of adults having some fun. Health experts say recreation brings balance to people’s lives and is imperative for health and well-being. The University of Utah Health says research indicates that people are cognitively stimulated, more creative, energized, and relaxed with regular recreation, especially when leisure time is enjoyed outdoors in nature.

Adults may not be as naturally inclined toward recreational activities as children, so they may need a little inspiration to find the right opportunities to have a little fun. The following are several ideas to get any adult on a path toward having fun.

Adults have many different options when it comes to fun recreational activities to keep them engaged

How to Reduce the Stress of Flying

“Boeing’s troubles have added to the stress.”

——-

Have you recently been on a commercial flight?

If you have then you already know.

People are frustrated and often angry.  Here are some tips to deal with the new reality of travel.

So, let’s start with the basics.  Of course, some people are simply nervous about flying. The odds, however, of being in an airplane accident are extremely low. According to the National Safety Council, the odds are about 1 in 11 million.

Flying, therefore, is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation. 

Traveling, nevertheless, by air can be an ordeal for a variety of reasons. Busy airports can be challenging to navigate, especially when pressed for time. There’s also the possibility of lost luggage and the anxiety that comes with going through TSA and potentially customs if you are flying internationally. The excitement of an upcoming vacation can be eclipsed by the frustration and stress that sometimes results from air travel. While vacations are often intended to alleviate stress, the sheer task of getting to a destination can compromise that goal.

The good news for reluctant air travelers is that there are many ways to cut down on the stress surrounding flying.

Here are a few of the ways to reduce the stress of air travel:

How to Buy International Real Estate

An Educational Course

We live in a very turbulent time.  As such, we require uncommon wisdom to perceive what is invisible to, or misunderstood by, the masses. We need Quantum Thinking to transcend “normal” or average methods, ways, and means for thriving.

To that end, I am pleased to introduce you to my friend and affiliate Attorney Mr. Michael Polin. If you want a truly educational holistic quantum perspective on International Real Estate Diversification, Mr. Polin is a great resource. If you want to upgrade your awareness as an investor or as an advisor to discerning investors, you will appreciate Michael’s educational courses.

As you know, we do not  provide any tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice but we did want to bring this source to the attention of our readership.

If elevating your awareness about international Real Estate Ownership interests you, please click on the link below and Michael’s team will provide you with FREE information.

For More Information: 

Buying International Real Estate

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