Iteration After a Violent Government Intervention

Russians are already finding ways around the sanctions. [The Rude Awakening] March 08, 2024 [WEBSITE]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Iteration After a Violent Government Intervention [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Dear Reader, After landing in Italy early Friday morning after an overnight flight from Riyadh, I thought I’d rerun a Rude piece from almost exactly two years ago. First, we’ve been proven correct… and this piece proves it. Second… I really miss Russian vodka. Enjoy this! And I’ll see you Monday with a fresh Rude. —— I’ve been shaking my head at the stupidity of the sanctions the West has imposed on Russia. Like a testosterone-filled teenage jock who’s just dumped his girlfriend, the West doesn’t think Russia will survive this. It’s lunacy to think Russia is going to starve. They’re going to adjust by iteration. I’ve got anecdotal evidence that’s already underway, as there are too many options these days for getting paid. Will there be immediate disruptions to Russian enterprise? Sure. Finding solutions will cost time and money. But once they’re found, Russian companies will have essentially de-risked themselves from the arbitrary Western banking system. And, like I’ve said many times before, the only people who’ll get hurt by these idiotic sanctions, in the long run, are Westerners. Let me start by returning to a lovely metropolis way up north. [Mark Your Calendar for Massive Crypto "Trigger Event"]( [Click here to learn more]( Huge news is coming to the crypto market on March 13 at 8:55 am EST that could spark a buying frenzy. Legendary investor James Altucher reveals all the details and a shocking prediction that could mean life-changing gains. [Click here for details]( [Click Here To Learn More]( Moscow, 2008 When I was a single man living in London, teaching the banking grads every summer, my hand was the first to go up when a foreign assignment came up. I loved the travel, and I got to teach in San Francisco, New York, Dublin, Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Moscow. Once I got to Asia, I expanded that list to include all the fantastic eastern hemisphere cities, such as Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Melbourne. I even got to Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria for a couple of trips. It's pretty wicked stuff. Most of my colleagues weren’t interested in making the trips. Some disliked travel; some had families they didn’t want to leave for a week or two at a time. Me? I was always up for it. I taught in Moscow four times between 2007 and 2008 before the world learned what “Lehman” really meant. My favorite watering hole in Moscow was at the top of the Swissotel at a bar called CityScape. It was the highest bar in Moscow then, boasting a panoramic view of the city. I loved looking out at the Seven Sisters, a group of skyscrapers built in the best Stalinist style. And my bartender was a gentleman of particular taste. Inevitably, his name was Vladimir, and he taught me the proper way to make a martini. If you want the best martini in the world, you’ll probably have to rush to the store to get the last bottles of Russian vodka. Most like Russian Standard vodka, but my favorite is Imperia Standard vodka. [Vodka] You’ll never look at vodka the same way after drinking this martini. Ingredients: Imperia Standard Vodka Noilly Prat vermouth Lemon peel Ice First, put ice cubes in your martini glass to chill it. Then, fill your mixing glass with ice. If you’ve got a proper American bottle top (the one with the hole in it), this next step will be more straightforward. Pour a twelve-count (or three shots) of Imperia over ice. Then add one drop of Noilly Prat vermouth. [Vermouth] To get one drop, hold your finger over the hole in the bottle's top and let the drop fall out. Do NOT rinse the martini glass out with the vermouth. You’ve got ice in right now, and it makes the drink too sweet. Trust me, you’ll fall over after a few. Then, take your stirring spoon and gently stir the mixture. Real. Slow. Do NOT shake the martini. When Ian Fleming wrote James Bond, he wanted Bond to be imperfect. Shaken martinis are a faux pas, not a sign of sophistication. Then, dump the ice out of your now-chilled martini glass. Strain your stirred mixture into the martini glass. If you’ve measured correctly and have the right-sized martini glass, you should fill the glass perfectly. Finally, garnish with a lemon peel. (Olives go better with gin.) Et voila! You’ve got the cleanest, simplest, and best cocktail on earth in your hand. Funny that. An American-designed cocktail with Russian and French ingredients. Numero Uno. I ran up an $800 bar tab with my buddy on the martinis and caviar one night in that bar. Vladimir was impressed with my American-born liver. Iteration The vodka, seafood, and diamond ban will [cost Russia a grand total of $1 billion.]( I don’t mean to be sarcastic, but most Americans think Absolut and Grey Goose taste good. My God! So, those exporters will feel some pain, but it’s more like Dr. Evil’s pain than world-ending pain. [1 billion dollars austin powers] And that’s where iteration comes in. My good friend and mentor, Hunter Hastings, runs the Economics For Business podcast. It’s a treasure trove of excellent business advice. And it’s free! [Hunter’s recent podcast with Rory Sutherland]( the Vice-Chairman of Ogilvy UK, is unmissable. I was on Hunter’s podcast a few years ago when we talked about [iteration](. The key point I made was that entrepreneurs learn that they’re wrong daily. Every fork can be re-taken. Every initiative can be improved. Every left turn can be rethought as a right turn. Keep iterating. And that’s what every Russian entrepreneur with international exposure is doing right now. One particular writer I subscribe to proved it’s pretty easy to do. Club Orlov I discovered Dmitry Orlov on Russia Insider a few years ago and read his articles occasionally. I didn’t realize he had a subscription-based writing business until a month ago. But when I found Club Orlov, I immediately subscribed via SubscribeStar, a platform similar to Patreon. I always disliked Patreon, especially when they started deplatforming writers I follow. But any centralized platform is a risk these days. (Is substack next?) Anyway, Dmitry sent a message via Club Orlov saying he was leaving Patreon and SubscribeStar because he couldn’t get his USD revenue into Russian banks, thanks to the sanctions. So, what did this innovative writer/entrepreneur do? He left detailed instructions on canceling my SubscribeStar subscription and resubscribing via Boosty, a platform I had never heard of before. And so I did. Boosty took my credit card just fine, and now I have access to the new [Club Orlov](. Sanctions evaded. Yes, it was *that* simple. Wrap Up If a St. Petersburg-based writer can change directions on a dime, you can bet bigger organizations will figure it out sooner or later. And with China, Iran, and India not playing Washington’s game, there will be much more of this. I know it’s only one anecdote. But if he’s doing this, so are many others. So, let’s hope Washington, London, and Berlin wake up. The only people whom these sanctions will hurt are their people. In the meantime, get on the [Economics For Business]( podcast, try some [Club Orlov]( and buy some real [vodka]( while you still can! Have a great weekend! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening X (formerly Twitter): [@seaniechaos]( P.S. Crypto millionaire James Altucher has invested over $100,000 into one idea… An idea he calls “The #1 Coin of the Decade...” Believe it or not, this idea has nothing to do with Bitcoin (even though it’s up more than 160% in one year). Moreover… Thanks to a revolutionary “trigger event” that’s set to go live on March 13th (exactly at 08:55:35 am EST)... James predicts this coin could potentially turn his $100K investment...into a $10,000,000 fortune by 2030 – a 100X return! Let me be frank for a moment: This is a rare second chance at massive crypto wealth for everyday folks who missed out on the initial Bitcoin run. Want the name and ticker of this coin? [Just head here.]( In Case You Missed It… The Muslim Marco Polo *** BREAKING for March 7th *** From a former congressional insider (and one of Jim Rickards' most-trusted colleagues): TONIGHT, during the State of the Union address, Biden is set to say two words that could send a very specific group of stocks skyrocketing. It's all part of [a breaking story]( about how you can follow some of the biggest market moves, that congress has their hands in. What are the two words and how can you get caught up before the market closes today? [Click here for the full details](. [Sean Ring] SEAN RING I wanted to tell you all about Riyadh. I really did. Somehow, I thought I could squeeze in some exploration while I was here. But as soon as I got off the plane Monday night, I went straight to the hotel, slept a few hours, and then woke up and got to work. When the day was over, I had to return to the hotel to write and prepare for the next day’s lessons. Rinse. Repeat. So, I apologize for not having more on-the-ground intel on this fantastic city. I hope to be back in early summer to get a better picture of the place. In the meantime, I thought I’d write about one of my heroes. He’s from Tangier, Morocco, at the western end of the Muslim world, far from Arabia. If you haven’t heard of him, this should be a treat for you. I know I loved learning about him. Today, we're embarking on a journey through time to trace the steps of one of history's most extraordinary travelers: Ibn Battuta. Buckle up as we dive into the life of a man whose travel resume puts even the most seasoned globetrotter to shame. What Was His Name, Again? Born in 1304 in Tangier, part of modern-day Morocco, Ibn Battuta could easily be dubbed the Muslim Marco Polo, yet his adventures spanned much farther than those of his Venetian counterpart. What drives a man in the 14th century to leave everything behind and embark on a journey across the known world? For Ibn Battuta, it was a mixture of religious duty, curiosity, and the sheer joy of discovering the unknown. The Neverending Hajj Ibn Battuta's journey began in 1325, at the age of 21, with the intention of performing the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. However, what was meant to be a one-off religious duty quickly morphed into an insatiable desire to explore. Over the next 30 years, he traversed the Islamic world and beyond, covering over 120,000 kilometers through North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. For context, that's like circling the globe three times before airplanes were even a thing! During his travels, Ibn Battuta served as a Qadi (Islamic judge) in the Maldives, Delhi, and the Malian Empire, showcasing his deep understanding of Islamic law. His occupations didn't stop there; he was also an advisor to rulers, a diplomat, and a scholar. He maneuvered through different roles and diverse cultures easily, which says a lot about his adaptability and intellect. A Chronicle of the World Through Islamic Eyes The significance of Ibn Battuta's journey was immortalized through his writings, particularly in The Rihla (The Journey). Dictated to Ibn Juzayy, a scholar he met in Morocco, towards the end of his travels, The Rihla offers a comprehensive glimpse into the medieval world from the perspective of Islamic civilization. His accounts provide invaluable insights into the cultures, people, political systems, and geography of the 14th-century world. The Rihla is not just a travelogue; it's a historical document that gives us a unique view of the interconnectedness of the medieval world, showcasing the flow of ideas, goods, and religions. Why Ibn Battuta's Legacy Endures So, why does Ibn Battuta's legacy continue to captivate us today? For starters, his travels challenge our contemporary understanding of the medieval world as isolated and insular. He showed us the rich tapestry of global connections that existed long before the modern age of globalization. Ibn Battuta's life is a testament to the unquenchable human thirst for knowledge and exploration. His journeys were driven by more than just personal or religious motives; they were fueled by an innate curiosity about the world and its myriad cultures. Moreover, Ibn Battuta's writings are a treasure trove for historians and geographers, providing a wealth of information about different societies in the 14th century. Through his eyes, we see the complexities and diversities of the Islamic world and beyond. His detailed observations have helped debunk myths, filled historical gaps, and provided a more nuanced understanding of the medieval period. In today's world, where travel is often taken for granted, Ibn Battuta serves as a reminder of the transformative power of stepping into the unknown. His life encourages us to view travel not just as a physical journey but as a means of personal growth, understanding, and connection with the broader tapestry of humanity. [Famed A.I. Expert "Do This By March 8th"]( Genius investor James Altucher is predicting between now and March 8, a new generation of A.I. will create a brief "wealth window" in America. It could make crypto look like pocket change... [Click here for all the details ]( [Click Here To Learn More]( A Detailed Itinerary Ibn Battuta's travels spanned about 30 years, covering an estimated 120,000 kilometers across the known world of the 14th century. His journey can be broken down into several significant legs, each filled with unique experiences, challenges, and insights into the cultures of the medieval period. Let's map out a detailed itinerary of his extraordinary voyage: 1. North Africa and the Middle East (1325-1330) - 1325: Departed from Tangier, Morocco, aiming to perform the Hajj in Mecca. Traveled across North Africa, visiting cities like Tlemcen, Tunis, Alexandria, and Cairo. - 1326: After spending time in Cairo, he moved to the Levant, visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Damascus, among other places, before reaching Medina and finally Mecca to complete his Hajj. 2. Persia and Iraq (1330-1331) - After completing his first Hajj, Ibn Battuta decided to explore further. He traveled north to visit Mesopotamia, reaching Baghdad, then under the control of the Ilkhanate. He also ventured into Persia, visiting cities like Tabriz. 3. The Arabian Peninsula and East Africa (1331-1333) - Ibn Battuta returned to Mecca for a second Hajj and spent some time in the city before exploring the Arabian Peninsula further. - He then sailed down the Red Sea to Yemen, and, from there, traveled to the Horn of Africa, visiting cities in modern-day Somalia and the Swahili Coast of Kenya and Tanzania. 4. Anatolia, the Golden Horde, and Central Asia (1333-1334) - Heading north, Ibn Battuta crossed the Arabian Peninsula to reach the Anatolian region of Turkey, then under the control of the Seljuk Turks. - He ventured into the lands of the Golden Horde (modern-day Russia and Ukraine) and traveled eastward, reaching Bukhara and Samarkand in present-day Uzbekistan. 5. South Asia (1334-1341) - Ibn Battuta's travels took a significant turn when he decided to head to India. He first arrived at the Sind region (modern-day Pakistan) before reaching the court of the Sultan of Delhi, where he served as a Qadi and advisor. - He explored much of northern India, possibly venturing as far east as Bengal and south to the Malabar Coast. 6. Southeast Asia and China (1341-1346) - Leaving India, Ibn Battuta sailed to the Maldives, where he again served as a Qadi. He then traveled to Sri Lanka, the Bengal region, and the Andaman Islands. - His journey took him further to Southeast Asia, including Sumatra, and then to the Majapahit Empire in Java, before finally reaching the Yuan Dynasty's China, visiting places like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and possibly Beijing. 7. Return via Central Asia and the Middle East (1346-1349) - On his return journey, Ibn Battuta retraced his steps through Southeast Asia to India and then headed north to Central Asia, crossing through the war-torn regions again. - He traveled through Persia again and visited Iraq, Syria, and Egypt on his way back. 8. The Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa (1351-1354) - After a brief stay in North Africa, Ibn Battuta embarked on his final adventures to the Kingdom of Granada in the Iberian Peninsula, then under Muslim rule. - He then crossed the Sahara Desert to visit the Mali Empire in West Africa, reaching the fabled cities of Timbuktu and Gao. 9. Return to Morocco and Final Years - Ibn Battuta finally returned to Morocco around 1354, where he was commissioned to dictate an account of his travels to the scholar Ibn Juzayy. This account, The Rihla, remains one of the world's most famous travel logs. - After being appointed a judge in Morocco, he eventually died in 1369. Little is known about his life during this late stage. Ibn Battuta's itinerary reveals the vastness of his travels and the interconnectedness of the medieval world. His journey through diverse cultures, kingdoms, and empires provides an invaluable window into the global history of the 14th century. The Modern-Day Ibn Battutas As we wrap up this journey through Ibn Battuta's life, it's worth pondering how his spirit of exploration manifests in today's world. In an age where digital technology allows us to "explore" the globe from the comfort of our homes, Ibn Battuta's travels remind us of the value of firsthand experiences and the irreplaceable insights gained through real-world interactions. If the travel bug bit you, Ibn Battuta's story is a powerful inspiration to go beyond the tourist trails and seek out the stories, people, and experiences that shape our world. Whether you're a writer, teacher, banker, or simply a curious soul, there's a bit of Ibn Battuta in all of us, urging us to explore, learn, and connect. Wrap Up So, here's to Ibn Battuta, the medieval traveler who continues to inspire wanderlust and curiosity centuries after his epic journey. May we all embrace his adventurous spirit in our lives, exploring the world around us and the vast landscapes of our potential. Safe travels, fellow explorers, and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, perhaps even more so. Have a great day! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( [Paradigm]( ☰ ⊗ [ARCHIVE]( [ABOUT]( [Contact Us]( © 2024 Paradigm Press, LLC. 1001 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. By submitting your email address, you consent to Paradigm Press, LLC. delivering daily email issues and advertisements. To end your Rude Awakening e-mail subscription and associated external offers sent from Rude Awakening, feel free to [click here.]( Please note: the mailbox associated with this email address is not monitored, so do not reply to this message. We welcome comments or suggestions at feedback@rudeawakening.info. This address is for feedback only. For questions about your account or to speak with customer service, [contact us here]( or call (844)-731-0984. Although our employees may answer your general customer service questions, they are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular investment situation. 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