Rot Happens

Good morning, fellow thinkers and scrollers!

Life’s been coming at us fast—scrolling, vaping, court battles, and even a bit of ‘brain rot’ creeping in. From vape debate to mental clarity buffering, we're diving into everything today. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered—clear-headed, witty, and always one scroll ahead.

Here's everything you need to know today:

You know that feeling foggy after an hour of doomscrolling? You’re not alone, and Oxford agrees—that's why "brain rot" is their Word of the Year for 2024. Defined as the “deterioration of mental or intellectual state, especially due to overconsumption of trivial online content,” brain rot is the diagnosis no one wants, but all of us earn. (Other than that, we’re doing just fine, right?)

It may feel new, but Henry David Thoreau coined the phrase in 1854. In Walden, he begged humanity to stop chasing distractions and focus on what truly matters. Now, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are embracing the phrase that caused it by posting memes on the platforms. Irony: still undefeated.

Social media's cheeky self-awareness has driven a 230% surge in usage this year. Demure, Slop (low-quality AI content), and Romantasy (yes, that's fantasy romance) lost out to brain rot. It's the perfect fit for a year filled with endless trends, drama, and digital fluff.

And here’s where The Core steps in—because saving your brain from becoming internet mush is kind of my thing. You’re welcome. 💙

So next time you catch yourself zombified by your screen, remember: Thoreau saw this coming. He didn’t have Wi-Fi, but he definitely called it.

Chosen One

Let’s talk about Kash Patel—Trump's pick for FBI director, who seems straight out of a dystopia. He's not just here to run the bureau: to remake it, one controversial idea at a time. Think “turn the Hoover Building into a museum of the deep state” levels of bold. Yes, he said that out loud.

But Patel’s vision goes even further. Prosecute leakers? Check. Target journalists? Why not? Disperse FBI agents across the country like confetti? Sure thing. If Trump is assembling his dream team for term two, Kash Patel is the headliner.

The question is: Are we watching a reformer in action or a political hammer aimed at the nation's top law enforcement agency? No matter what, Kash Patel's FBI vision guarantees chaos, controversy, and endless headlines.

The Grocery Gamble

Think about driving 55 miles for a loaf of bread. This isn’t a hypothetical for many rural Americans—it’s their reality. Growing food deserts across the U.S. leave millions hungry and stranded. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t inevitable due to poverty or geography. Deliberate policies from the 1980s led to this crisis.

The Robinson-Patman Act ensured a level playing field for independent grocers. Then, deregulation tipped the scales in favor of mega-retailers like Walmart, who pushed suppliers into unfair pricing deals. Small-town stores couldn't compete, leading to their extinction and the growth of food deserts. Communities rely on independent grocers, but corporate consolidation and dollar stores threaten even these community anchors.

Food isn't the only issue here—it's fairness. Enforcing antitrust laws like Robinson-Patman would restore competition and help rural and low-income neighborhoods.

Bubble Trouble

Blueberry dreams and bubble gum nightmares are now at battle in the Supreme Court over flavored vapes—yes, the ones with names like “Mother’s Milk and Cookies.” (Sounds appetizing, right?)

FDA says these flavors lead kids to nicotine addiction, while vape companies say they help adults quit smoking. The justices are split: some see the FDA's move as a sensible crackdown, while others think the rules are obvious.

Experts warn that a victory for vapes could put candy-flavored clouds back in the hands of teens. For now, the debate rages on whether these vapes save lives or sweeten bad habits.

But let’s be real: if “Suicide Bunny” doesn’t scream “responsible adult product,” what does?

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

27 strange things on Google Earth.

🧮 Core Count: 121

Hole count on Chinese checkerboard.

🗓️ Flashback:

1967 - Dr. Christiaan Barnard performs the first human heart transplant in South Africa.

1968 - NBC airs Elvis Presley's Comeback Special, first live performance in seven years, relaunching his singing career.

1989 - Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and George H. W. Bush declare the Cold War over.

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

Fatih Taskiran