MAGA Mosaic

Good morning, curious minds!

Here's to shared stories, big adventures, and a little time for reflection as Thanksgiving week begins. Whether you're going to a blockbuster double feature or just taking in the holiday buzz, I've got the headlines you need to keep you updated. Let’s jump in!

Here's everything you need to know Sunday:

It’s official: Donald Trump has filled 12 Cabinet positions in 12 days, smashing the modern record. For context, it took Biden, Obama, and even Trump himself over 40 days to reach the same milestone. But is speed a sign of preparation—or impulsiveness?

In some ways, Trump's choices demonstrate ideological diversity and loyalty to MAGA. Meanwhile, critics argue that bypassing thorough vetting raises questions about readiness.

Among the appointments:

• Fracking advocate Chris Wright, as Energy Secretary, famously drank fracking fluid to demonstrate its safety.

• Scott Bessent for Treasury, a former Soros protégé who converted to MAGA.

• Musk and Ramaswamy lead “DOGE,” a volunteer effort to reduce $2 trillion in federal spending, dubbed by Musk.

This Cabinet is anything but predictable, blending revenge seekers, economic stabilizers, and radical budget slashers. We will have to wait and see if these factions complement or clash.

One thing’s clear—Trump's whirlwind pace reflects his bold, unapologetic, and unorthodox style. With every move, this administration promises fireworks.

Big Promises, Small Wallets

The Baku climate change talks ended with wealthy nations pledging $300 billion to help developing countries deal with the mess they didn't create. But here’s the kicker: it’s not even a quarter of what economists say is needed. At one point, it looked like the summit might collapse as developing nations walked out.

India didn’t mince words, calling the deal “an optical illusion,” while others labeled it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.” Meanwhile, Fossil fuel lobbyists packed the venue in record numbers, provoking criticism that oil interests have too much influence.

Positively, it's a step up from the $100 billion pledged previously. But will it help Africa fight droughts or stop the Marshall Islands from sinking? Critics say no. The world awaits COP30 in Brazil, hoping for more than promises.

Hit the Road

Ah, Thanksgiving—a time for turkey, gratitude, and, apparently, record-breaking traffic. AAA predicts nearly 80 million Americans will travel during the holiday week, 1.7 million more than last year, setting new road, air, and cruise travel benchmarks.

Why the Boom?

Gas prices are expected to dip below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, enticing over 72 million Americans to drive. 5.84 million are expected to board planes, up 11% from pre-pandemic levels. Even buses, trains, and cruises are booming, up 9% from last year.

Travel is up, but congestion is up as well. Traffic levels could double in metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Heavy snow in the Rockies and rainstorms in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic could complicate plans further.

Here's how to make it smoother:

• Drive smart: Avoid the worst traffic on Thanksgiving morning or late at night.

• Pack light: Leaving checked luggage at home saves time.

• Stay informed: Use your airline's app to stay updated on delays.

So, remember: the journey is part of Thanksgiving, whether you're taking the roads, the skies, or a packed train. Safe travels, and may the turkey be well worth it!

Glicked Mania

Forget Barbie and Oppenheimer—this Thanksgiving, it’s all about witches and warriors. Fans call it the "Glicked" weekend after Wicked and Gladiator II stormed into theaters.

Wicked soared to a $114M domestic debut, thanks to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. With $55.5M, Gladiator II proved that Ridley Scott can still create epic drama (and lots of sand).

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The buzz? Fans love the contrast: heartwarming songs vs. bloody battles, magical auras vs. ancient armor. Social media memes call this duo the most unexpected pairing of the year. Is it another Barbenheimer? Not quite. Maybe just flip a coin if you're choosing between defying gravity or crushing enemies.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

500px's "Best Edits" shortlisted photos.

🧮 Core Count: 625

Human skin sweat glands per square inch.

🗓️ Flashback:

1783 - The British evacuate New York City, their last military base in America.

1986 - Iran-Contra affair erupts, Reagan reveals secret arms agreement.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran