Boneless Wings #31

**NOTHING HERE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED INVESTMENT ADVICE**

Good morning to all my wingmen and wingwomen out there. Here are a few noteworthy and tasty bites worth digesting. Enjoy!

By now you may have heard just how important fertilizers are to the world. Fertilizer pricing is currently at record highs and analysts are estimating them to continue higher. So, why are prices higher?

First, it’s important to note that that there’s been upward pressure on fertilizer pressure for some time due to pandemic related issues, and now more so due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A few examples include:

• Global supply chain disruptions

• Chinese export bans

• Country rail strikes

Next add in the fact that both Russia and Ukraine are some of the largest producers of agricultural commodities globally, and like Justin Bieber’s popularity, prices have only one way to go……up!! (….yes, I’m a fan.)

The Russia war in Ukraine can (read: will) impact fertilizer supply for farmers, which can lead to lower crop output/yield, which leads to lower supply to the market, which leads to higher prices. And even worse, if demand doesn’t fall off like you’d expect with higher prices, we could easily witness food shortages across the world.

And just as bread and yeast shortages, during COVID, led to overnight bread-baking experts... I can see a GYO (….grow your own) fruits/vegetables movement take place in the near future.

Having lived in California for a little while, I couldn’t help but gasp every year during tax season as well as the overall cost of living. However, I quickly realized how the weather was near perfect year-round, the best beaches are within driving distance and there are endless options to keep a foodie busy for a lifetime. Then I started to see the tax/cost of living issue as worth it. A luxury tax if you will.

But with the 94th Oscars last night, I’ve come to learn of a whole new meaning of luxury tax that I wasn’t aware of. Over-the-top gift bags will be provided to a select few…..twenty-eight individuals to be exact. The bags are each worth around $140,000 each and filled with over-the-top extravagance as one might expect.

However, you may not expect that it also comes with a rather significant tax burden for receiving and taking advantage of all the goodies provided! Given most of the recipients live in California, and given how much they already make, they could expect to see 50% in taxes on those gifts……[insert gasp I referenced above].

(Rabbit trail: Why anyone would entertain a 50% tax is beyond me! But that’s a topic for another time.)

There are 52 items in total, but here are some of the jewels in this year’s Oscar gift bags:

• A $50,000 three-night stay at Turin Castle in Scotland, complete with butler service and a proper bagpiper welcome upon arrival.

• A $12,000 “Celebrity Arms” liposuction procedure……..that doesn’t suck! 😉

• The title of “Lord” or “Lady of Glencoe” and a plot of land in Scotland…..naturally.

• $25,000 worth of renovations from a LA based contractor.

• High end flavored popcorn (If I’m paying taxes on popcorn, that sh*t better be good….and buttered!!)

• $10,000 worth of “treatments and rejuvenation procedures”.

• $15,000 four-night stay at luxury California resort, Golden Door.

• Small batch tea gift set……which is Oprah endorsed.

• And a $1,200 life coaching session.

I guess if you’re worried about taxes, you’re likely not in the running to receive one of these bags to begin with. Problem solved. 

Time for a March Madness update people…

• #2 Villanova def #5 Houston: 50 – 44

• #2 Duke def #4 Arkansas: 78 – 69

• #1 Kansas def #10 Miami

• #8 North Carolina def #15 St. Peter’s

Yes, that’s the update from the Elite 8 games. But no, that is NOT the March Madness I am referring to.

I’m referring to Will Smith getting jiggy with it and acting like a complete idiot…..going on stage and slapping (read: assaulting) Chris Rock on live TV last night during the Oscars!! And for what....a GI-Jane hair joke? I was in complete shock while I watched it live and still am as I write this.

Few takeaways and thoughts from my perspective:

• “Stay Calm and Carry On.” That’s the saying. Will Smith you failed….big time.

• Given the situation, Chris Rock held himself together extraordinarily well. Bravo to you Chris Rock. Much respect. His next stand-up routine should likely be dedicated to Will Smith.

• Afterwards, Chris Rock declined to press charges, at least for now.

If you’ve already forgot what happened, here’s a quick recap…..

Will Smith: SLAP!!!

Will Smith: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth!!!!”

Will Smith: “Thank you to the Academy. I want to be a vessel of love.”

And given its March Madness tournament time, what’s the over/under that Juwan Howard is studying film right now……..of how to properly slap someone?!?! Too soon? 😬

In all seriousness, I'm overwhelmingly disappointed in Will Smith and I still can’t believe that went down. But also, honestly…… I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR’S OSCARS!!!! (The Academy wins again.)

March Complete Madness!!

Deuces. ✌️