The Cynic: November 11

BUSINESS
This Week’s Business News

German court rules against OpenAI — ChatGPT now officially has copyright drama in German.

A Hamburg court sided with a plaintiff claiming OpenAI’s models violated copyright, marking one of Europe’s first real wins against the company.

The ruling is narrow but sets a precedent that could encourage more lawsuits across the EU, where “AI training data” is code for “we borrowed everything.”

It’s unclear how OpenAI will respond, but somewhere a lawyer just bought a new espresso machine.

Senate finally agrees on a compromise to end the shutdown—just in time for everyone to hate it equally.

After five weeks of government gridlock, the Senate reached a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, combining modest spending cuts with just enough funding to irritate both parties.

The bill still faces a House vote, but markets are already breathing a sigh of relief—and TSA agents are planning their first real meal since September.

Democracy lives another day, mostly because no one could afford the bad press of Christmas without paychecks.

1,200 flights canceled Tuesday as the shutdown continues to turn travel into performance art.

U.S. airlines cut more flights amid ongoing FAA staffing shortages, with bad weather adding insult to government dysfunction.

Carriers say the ripple effects could take days to unwind, which is airline-speak for “good luck finding your bag before 2026.”

At this point, “connecting flight” describes emotional breakdowns at the terminal.

The AI Race Just Went Nuclear — Own the Rails.

Meta, Google, and Microsoft just reported record profits — and record AI infrastructure spending:

• Meta boosted its AI budget to as much as $72 billion this year.

• Google raised its estimate to $93 billion for 2025.

• Microsoft is following suit, investing heavily in AI data centers and decision layers.

While Wall Street reacts, the message is clear: AI infrastructure is the next trillion-dollar frontier.

RAD Intel already builds that infrastructure — the AI decision layer powering marketing performance for Fortune 1000 brands. Backed by Adobe, Fidelity Ventures, and insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon, the company has raised $50M+, grown valuation 4,900%, and doubled sales contracts in 2025 with seven-figure contracts secured.

Shares remain $0.81 until Nov 20, then the price changes.

👉 Invest in RAD Intel before the next share-price move.

👉 Shares at $0.81 until Nov 20.

_{This is a paid advertisement for RAD Intel made pursuant to Regulation A+ offering and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The valuation is set by the Company and there is currently no public market for the Company's Common Stock. Nasdaq ticker “RADI” has been reserved by RAD Intel and any potential listing is subject to future regulatory approval and market conditions. Investor references reflect factual individual or institutional participation and do not imply endorsement or sponsorship by the referenced companies. Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.radintel.ai.}

REAL ESTATE
This Week’s Real Estate News

Barry Sternlicht says he’ll replace employees with AI—HR department now powered by ChatGPT.

The billionaire investor told CNBC that he plans to “lean aggressively” into AI and automation, calling it “the future of work” for his Starwood Capital empire.

He argues that AI can handle repetitive tasks faster and cheaper, freeing humans to “do more creative work.” Translation: update your résumé creatively.

It’s a bold move from a man whose next town hall might feature a hologram.

The most expensive homes for sale in the U.S. are proof that taste and price don’t always correlate.

Realtor.com’s roundup includes a $195 million Bel-Air mansion, a $160 million oceanfront Palm Beach estate, and a Hamptons compound that costs more than your will to live.

They’re sprawling, gilded, and aggressively landscaped—essentially architectural humblebrags.

In this economy, they’re not just houses—they’re inflation hedges with pools.

2025’s hottest home trends are less about luxury and more about not losing your mind.

Designers say energy efficiency, flexible spaces, and sustainability now top buyer wish lists, with cold plunges giving way to solar panels and battery walls.

Smart home systems are getting smarter, and prefab construction is officially trendy again—because waiting 18 months for drywall is so 2022.

The new aesthetic? “I can live here through the next recession.”

FUN
Riddle Me This

I never buy a house, yet I sell them all the time.
When I’m low, lines form; when I’m high, “maybe next time.”
I price tomorrow with numbers you pay today.
What am I?

Reply to this email with the answer for a chance to win a surprise

ADVICE
This Week’s Business Advice

Want your advice to be featured on next week’s edition of The Cynic?

Reply to this email with your business advice