Men's Fashion--Male Show Host Wore Same Burberry Knock-off Suit For 1 Year and No One Noticed

"I'm judged on my interviews, my appalling sense of humour – on how I do my job, basically. Whereas women are quite often judged on what they're wearing or how their hair is ... that's [what I wanted to test]."

Hilarity to the Max: NYFW 2014 Opines on Nonexistent Fashion Labels

Hilarity to the Max: NYFW 2014 Opines on Nonexistent Fashion Labels

I would wear Antonin Scalia. 

How about Betsy Ross? "Stars and Stripes?" 

Beauty Pageant Hilarity Galore- Brilliant Summation by John Oliver

Beauty Pageant Hilarity Galore- Brilliant Summation by John Oliver 

“It is the year 2014 and I am a fully clothed man standing in front of a line of women in swimsuits awaiting judgment,”

"Currently, the biggest scholarship program exclusively for women in America requires you to be unmarried, with a mint-condition uterus, and also rewards working knowledge of buttock adhesive technology"

-John Oliver

"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uhmmm, some people out there in our nation don't have maps and uh, I believe that our, I, education like such as, uh, South Africa, and uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, uhhh, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, should help South Africa, it should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future, for us.” 

Coolest (and probably Dangerous) House (Designed) Ever. No it isn't haunted.

Business Insider

A Cliff House--literally.

Has 5 floors:
1. Dive Away
2. Bathroom/Bedroom/Kitchen
3. Bathroom/Bedroom/Kitchen
4. Kitchen
5. Garage

Article: http://www.businessinsider.com/modscape-australian-cliff-house-concept-2014-9

Here is How To Pick A Lock

Here is How To Pick A Lock

Unspoken Facebook Etiquette (Satire)

Wired

Unspoken Facebook Etiquette.

Pre-disclaimer: This is one hundred percent satirical

Whether it has been explicitly said or not, there is an unspoken Facebook "etiquette" that the Facebook community abides by. As most innate behavior of society when interacting with humans, there is a factor of reciprocity. This is an inherent part of our nature which has been transferred to the ultimate social platform of this generation—Facebook. Like it or not, the number of ‘likes’ correlate to how "popular" you are (publicly).

Here are the following Facebook observations I have made:

1. If someone tags you in a picture or post, it is proper to ‘like’ the picture. 
2. If your significant other posts something (regardless of whether it is meaningless, brilliant, humorous, or dull), you ‘like’ it. Not only does it show that you stalk him or her, but also stamps your print on their social profile so everyone knows you’re together. It’s like a dog urinating a little everywhere claiming their territory. 
3. If someone comments on your post (status, picture, shared article), it is courtesy to ‘like’ the comment. It is a form of acknowledgement that you have read and appreciate the person for publicly acknowledging and/or appreciating your post. 
4. If your best friend(s) posts something, it is your duty to like it for they will be your "loyal ‘likers’" on Facebook. It is unfortunate if your best friends are not active on Facebook—you just look less popular then. Make new friends. 
5. If someone gets engaged or married, you ‘like’ it--even though you haven't talked to them in years or hardly know them.
6. If someone ‘likes’ everything you post, or known as “loyal likers”, it is courtesy to ‘like’ their posts (at least from time to time). It’s only courteous. 
7. If you post something and no one likes it within 10-20 minutes, you should delete it. It's not Facebook worthy. 
8. If you post something and it gets 1-3 likes, delete it. 
9. If you’re one of those people who posts pictures of the things you’re doing all the time, don’t stop—people will think you don't have a life anymore—and therefore, your degree of "popularity" will decline. It’s about being consistent to your loyal Facebook stalkers. Yes, so much pressure, right. 
10. If your friend posts a profile picture with you in it, sometime in the future put a picture of them in your profile picture. This also includes Birthday shout-outs. It is only courteous of you to offer them the same attention. Also, it shows the Facebook world that you both like each other mutually—rather than one-sided. 

Disclaimer: I am not a very active Facebooker so I do not follow these but alas, I hope to be "FB popular" before FB becomes obsolete. Happy Facebooking!

Thank you Ricky Rajani, Pratik Shah, Carisa Nietsche, Ankur Gupta, Neil Agarwal

Corporations = People? Satirical Hilarity by John Oliver.

Corporations = People? Satirical Hilarity by John Oliver.  

"If corporations want to be people, they should have to take the rough with the smooth," he said. "Female companies, you only get to make 83 cents on the dollar, Sorry Wendy's. I guess Burger King just worked harder"

Funny line: "Taco Bell is clearly Hindu because you know there’s no fucking beef in those things."

My Overview of the Luxury Market Movements and Investment Opportunities

Ralph Lauren Logo

The Luxury market has evolved over the recent years. And, for a while it was not much of an appealing investment.

This was due to several factors. The definition of ‘luxury’ is the antithesis of necessity. 

During the financial crisis era luxury was  not necessary. Consumer spending dipped these past years. However, companies within the luxury retail industry have had to acclimate to economic conditions.

U.S. global recession is slowly dissipating and consumer sentiment has percolated.  The recent years have left prints on the luxury retail market while experiencing an overall positive growth with shifts in the following: customer base, luxury image, and international presence.   This means high growth potential for participants within the luxury retail industry.

Diverse Luxury Consumer

One factor includes the increase in customer base which is bringing additional cash flow to these companies. Historically, a more homogenous base of affluent customers were primary consumer targets for luxury companies. Now that has shifted to a more diversified-income customer base. This is especially observed in the United States. Companies are creating labels that target the more average-income consumer; for example Ralph Lauren’s Polo Brand Groups and Michael Kors’ Kors line. 

Global Luxury

Another source of growth comes overseas. (According to Boston Consulting Group) Over 2013, global luxury spending grew by 2%. Over 2012-2016, the global luxury goods market is expected to grow CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.9%. Today, the U.S. luxury market composes 35% of the global luxury market whereas in 2005 America represented 20%. Internationally, there is a burgeoning potential; especially in Europe and China. There has been a 2% and 4% growth in European and Chinese luxury markets, respectively. (According to Bain & Company,) Europe’s residents and tourists buy 34% of the world’s luxury goods. Even now, Europe serves as a capitol within the realm of high-end fashion brands. However, fashion potential has also sprouted in China: $1 of every $4 is spent on global luxury goods. Another emerging market within the luxury sphere is Africa: 11% growth for luxury. 

Luxury Image

The idea of fashion-technology marriage has further speculating a new booming industry. This has  potential for revenue growth for luxury retail as it moves toward a ‘necessity’. One prominent shift includes a dimmed desire to brandish signature emblems of a brand and interest in fashion-tech products. Luxury carries value from authenticity, exclusive motif, and utility rather than exhibitionism. (According to Bain & Company) Thirty-five percent of the luxury consumers put quality first before the logo. Now, subtle intricacies of a designer and the depth of a label yield the luxury-induced prestige. Due to this, companies are moving towards sans-logo products which includes Prêt-à-Porter products combined with technology. These companies will strengthen their luxury labels as they focus on connecting  a luxury experience directly with consumers.

Two iconic luxury retail American companies, have been making interesting strides: Ralph Lauren (RL), and Michael Kors (KORS).

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren, known as an iconic American company for authentic western fashion, made Team USA’s Olympic uniforms.  This was a grand strategy towards global exposure at one of the largest international events. The company carries strong brand power. Ralph Lauren’s portfolio of brands include Black Label, Purple label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Chaps, Club Monaco, and more. These are some of the most recognized in the world.

Additionally, Ralph Lauren is opening more stores and expanding e-commerce to further reach out to the consumer. In New York City, Ralph Lauren will open a Polo flagship store on Fifth Avenue in September 2014.  The company is increasing it’s presence internationally.  Ralph Lauren will open a 20,000 square feet flagship store in Hong Kong. 

Previous CEO of Yves Saint Lauren, Reed Kratoff, director of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and with experience at Christian Dior, Valérie Hermann is joining as President of Ralph Lauren Luxury Collections (RRL, Black Label, Purple Label, fine Jewelry, etc.). Not only is this to expand Ralph Lauren’s luxury business (higher-end labels) but also to strengthen merchandise innovation in accessories. Ralph Lauren’s current market cap values at $14B. 

Michael Kors

Michael Kors, known for fashion with jet-set aesthetic and modern elegance, has been making waves. As it made its market debut two years ago, Kors’ entrance has posed quite a competition. This is especially for brands such as Coach which has suffered low sales recently. Kors is also penetrating the international market, turning out to be a strong rival among the European fashion houses. The company challenged European luxury by opening stores near the competition; such as in Paris, France. Given context of the Euro-zone crisis Kors’ mix of luxury, affordability, and hint of American style is appealing to Europeans. Europe sales have more than doubled. And recently, Kors opened a 5,800 square feet flagship in China. Michael Kors current valued at $18B and will reported earnings May 26^th.

 Future Luxury IPOs and Competition

Luxury market faces burgeoning competition. Other market participants may follow suit with an IPO; such as, Tory Burch and J. Crew Group, Inc. group. Both are speculated to enter the equity market this year. Tory Burch has been subtly increasing its image and J. Crew has opened stores in Hong Kong and London.

With a new CEO, Craig Leavitt, and new  narrowed focus to one label only, Kate Spade (KATE) can embrace potential for further positive growth. The company recently changed their name from former name, Fifth & Pacific Companies after selling off Lucky Brand Jeans.

Michael Kors on the rise

Michael Kors' last quarter was remarkable as it grew sales by 59% and income by an even greater margin of 77%. Kors earned $230 million on a little over $1 billion in revenue. Furthermore, Kors only has 9% of the luxury handbag market. The company has an excellent opportunity to eat away at Coach's larger share of 22%.

In comparison with Kate Spade, Kors is in a better position financially as it carries no debt and has a cash account of over $800 million. Conversely, Kate Spade has a little less than $400 million in debt and just shy of $100 million in cash. On a valuation basis, Kors trades at almost half of the P/E multiple of Kate Spade, 32 versus 57.

Also, Michael Kors is expanding into new products and markets in a recent deal with Luxottica Group. The two companies are introducing a Michael Kors eye-wear collection that will debut in early 2015. Michael Kors is also working to capture more share of the growing men's luxury business in addition to its bread-and-butter business of women's luxury fashion.

Stella Artois, No1 Belgian Beer, Presents a Chalice Symphony--An Instrument based on the Victorian Solar System:

Stella Artois Presents a Chalice Symphony--An Instrument based on the Victorian Solar System:

MIT Sonic Inventor, Andy Cavatorta, crafted four musical instruments with the iconic Stella Artois, No. 1 Belgian beer, Chalices:

Stella Artois' Star Harp--TrendLand

Star Harp: Inspired by old Victorian Models of the Solar System, this harps plays by itself. 

Pyrophone: Acts like a church organ, however it uses flame in conjunction with a Chalice to create a gorgeous deep flute-like sound. The flame vibrates to tune the glasses.

 

Hive: Makes music by playing chalices with little piano hammers. They are shaved incrementally to create different sounds and pitches. 

Violina: plays music on the very edge of the gold-rimmed Chalice

Beer Finance:

Anheuser-Busch In Bev's ($BUD:NYSE = $106.55 per share)--(AB) Belgian-Brazilian beverage and brewing company--world's largest brewer with 25% global market share. It's portfolio includes global brands, Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona.

US Sales of Budweiser have been slowing down and AB plans to brew a King of Craft Beer. Back in 2011, AB purchased Goose Island microbrewery. It plans to take it national. Goose Island has had quite high ratings. 

 

Stella Artois Chalice Symphony: PRNEWSWIRE

• The Hive takes its name from the instrument's unique shape and sound, resembling a soft xylophone.
• The Pyrophone adds depth to the symphony with a deep whistling sound, like a boat horn.
• The Star Harp uses robotics to play a harp-like sound using strings and the Stella Artois Chalice. "Stella" means "star" in Latin.
• The Violina leverages a higher-pitched string sound, resembling a violin for the symphony.

Happy April Fools--Favorite Day of the Year--Hilarious Prank

What Your Name Says about Your Politics.

What your name says about your politics.

Saint Patrick Wasn't Irish. And He Wore Blue. Happy St. Patty's Day! And A Sprinkle of Economics Gold Dust.

Saint Patrick Wasn't Irish. And He Wore Blue. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Sicarr/Wikimedia Commons

Who is St. Patty? 

Saint Patrick was born in Britain but then kidnapped by Irish Pirates. He was a slave in Ireland for 17 years. 

Why is he a big deal? 

He is known and celebrated to have brought Christianity to the people of Ireland.

Why March 17th? 

He died that day. 

Ireland Economy

Although it's known as one of the notorious PIIGS, Ireland has seem to be recovering. It was the first country among the PIIGS to leave the bailout program. Given that, over the past year, Ireland ETF has had a 47% return. With these celebrations, investors may try their luck and hope for a even bigger pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

Science of Spiciness [VIDEO]--Mouth on fire? Wasabi Make you Cry? Why?

Science of Spiciness:

Mouth on fire? Wasabi Make you Cry? Why? 

There are hot and cold receptors. 

Why one burns your mouth vs one makes your eyes water? 

• Black and Chili Peppers have large molecules: ALKYLAMIDES
• Mustard and Horseradish are made up of smaller molecules: ISOTHIACYANATES (which rise up to your sinuses)

The Cost of Making Pennies and Nickels is More Than What The Coins are Worth--Two Graphs.

WashingtonPost: Taxpayers lost $105 million on pennies and nickels last year

"In 2013, the cost of making pennies and nickels exceeded their face value for the eighth year in a row. The cost of minting a penny stood at 1.8 cents, nearly twice its face value. Nickels cost twice as much as dimes – 9.4 cents vs. 4.6 cents – despite being worth only half as much."

Two graphs that explain everything. 

Everybody wants Drones. Amazon, Facebook, Etc.

Everybody wants Drones. Amazon, Facebook, Etc. 

WASHINGTON POST: "Facebook is in talks to acquire Titan Aerospace, a drone-production company that has just started taking orders for its Solara 50."

TECH CRUNCH: "From our understanding, Facebook is interested in using these high-flying drones to blanket parts of the world without Internet access, beginning with Africa. The company would start by building 11,000 of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically the “Solara 60″ model."

Energy Investor? Russia, Ukraine, Global LNG (and Energy) Landscape (plus Investment Opportunities).

Energy Investor? Russia, Ukraine, Global LNG (and Energy) Landscape (plus Investment Opportunities).

Update yourself:
This is what was going in Ukraine. 

This is what happened to Russia's economy--stocks, currency, and oil/gas. Plus Updates.

This is WHY it is important and how it contributes to the Dynamic Energy Landscape: 

Europe relies on natural gas and oil from Russia--so does Ukraine. These recent events could demonstrate why the US Government's FERC should expedite Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export proposal applications soon. US LNG exports could potentially relieve European area's reliance on Russia's gas exports and weaken Russian influence with Ukraine and in general, within the energy sphere. 

MAIN Quick Important Question (QIQ): However, what would happen to U.S. domestic gas prices? Power/Utility companies wouldn't be so thrilled.

NEW UPDATE 3/6/14: Crimea Parliament is asking to be part of Russia (BBC). Further push for US Government to approve gas export proposals. 

Investment Opportunities due to the Natural Gas Boom in the United States: 

VALUE LINE (Investment Research Publishing): Key Movements And Investment Opportunities In The Dynamic Energy Landscape--SRajani:

Shale Gas RevolutionThe shale gas revolution has catalyzed the dynamic energy landscape in the United States. Domestic natural gas production has surged to record levels. This unexpected high shale gas output is primarily due to hydraulic fracturing technology, or fracking, which has allowed new discoveries of gas resources of reserves to pay off. These include Marcellus in the northeast, Bakken in North Dakota, and Eagle Ford in Texas.

LNG LandscapeBecause of the high supply of shale gas, there has been a surge in applications for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals to ship U.S. gas internationally. About 30 export applications have been sent to the U.S. Government Department of Energy’s (DOE) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). However, it has been a challenge for LNG market participants to get these export permits approved. The DOE aims to limit the amount of U.S. LNG that can be exported to resist domestic natural gas price spikes. There is also pressure from power companies and/or petrochemical companies that use natural gas as feedstock for production of petrochemicals to restrain exports. Those include: DowChemical (DOW), Huntsman Corp. (HUN) Celanese (CE), and Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN).

Recently, the FERC approved an export license (subject to environmental review) for the Cameron LNG. This was a significant step towards final approval. Cameron LNG terminal is located near a major pipeline hub that serves about two-thirds of all U.S. natural gas markets. This application was submitted by Sempra Energy (SRE). Sempra Energy’s stock went up 1.5% topping at $94.21 per share that day. After the environmental review is completed, the next step will be the final regulatory approval.
The Cameron terminal is located near the Texas border near Hackberry, LA. A big proponent of this approval, Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, will soon be chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Gas Committee.Cheniere Energy Inc. (LNG) is also building a $10 billion LNG export terminal. Given this upcoming senatorial change, export approvals may be expedited, which could be a plus for Cheniere.....continued. Read more.  

850,000BTC Disappeared. Bitcoin Era is Over? UPDATE 3/4/14: No.

850,000BTC Disappeared. Bitcoin Era is Over? .(Satoshi Nakamoto--you must be a really rich person now)

MTGOX CEO says 850,000 BTC (worth half a billion dollars) are gone. Disappeared. Poof. 

There are different opinions on whether this may lead to the fall or strength for BTC. Clear the way of faulty BTC institutions vs.  pave the way for more. TBC

If you know the language

UPDATE 3/4/14:  Bitcoin is now worth about 700 dollars. 3/4/14 3:17 PM. 

bitcoinwisdom

Ukraine, Russia, Stocks, Ruble, Economics. Quick Important Questions (QIQs)

Ukraine, Russia, Stocks, Ruble, Economics. Quick Important Questions (QIQs)

Spiegel

Update yourself: Click This is what was going on in Ukraine and why Russia was involved. 


Summary: There were protests in Ukraine. Half of Ukraine did not want to be involved with Russia. Protests ousted Ukraine President Victor Yanukovych, who was pro-Russian.

UPDATE STARTS HERE:

US warns Russia not to intervene in Ukrainian matters.  Russia invades Ukraine taking over Crimea. Russian troops are telling Ukrainians to support the pro-Moscow leaders.

What is Ukraine thinking? Ukraine Prime Minister Yatsenyuk said: "If President Putin wants to be the president who starts the war between two friendly and neighboring countries, he has [almost] reached this target. We are on the brink of disaster. There was no reason for the Russian Federation to invade Ukraine."

Now Russia Is Going Crazy, Economically.

STOCKS: Russian stock market crashed (RTS Index is down 12 percent.)

Moscow Exchange 3/3/14 11:15 AM EST:

RTS Index	18:40	1,115.06	-12.01%
RGBI	18:44	128.17	-1.31%
MСXCBITR	18:41	244.77	-0.50%
MICEXMBITR	18:42	179.51	-0.47%
RTSVX Index	20:06	73.73	-0.98%
MICEXINNOV	18:39	335.48	-8.08%

CURRENCY: Russian Ruble plunged. 

(Dollar hit all time high (1USD = 37 Ruble, 1EUR = 51 Ruble)
(good time to travel there)

Russian Central bank raised their interest rate from 5.5 percent to 7 percent to save their currency.
(sell your rubles)

COMMODITIES: Oil prices hiked. Russia is the world’s largest oil producer and the main supplier for refined products to Europe.

Silver lining: Norway’s Statoil stocks are benefitting. Why? They are the largest non-Russian supplier of gas to Europe.

Basically? Everyone is shutting out Russia.

What is the US doing? Secretary John Kerry has gone to Kiev for diplomatic talks/actions. 

MAIN QIQ: Is the US going to go to war because of this? TBC

NEW UPDATE 3/6/14: Crimea Parliament is asking to be part of Russia (BBC). Further push for US Government to approve gas export proposals. 

Quick Putin Humor. 

Love Wine? Here is a 'Miracle Machine'....It Makes Wine in 3 Days...

Love Wine? Here is a 'Miracle Machine'....It Makes Wine in 3 Days...

The Science: 

The Miracle Machine: "At the heart of the miracle machine lies the fermentation chamber. Obviously we’re keeping the exact science under wraps, but we can tell you the chamber uses an array of electrical sensors, transducers, heaters and pumps to provide a controlled environment for the primary and, as needed, secondary fermentation stages. 

For example, while a digital refractometer measures the sugar content of the liquid during the fermentation process, a custom-designed ceramic air-diffuser pumps filtered air under a regulated micro-oxygenated environment, aerating the wine and thus softening the tannins. Meanwhile an ultrasonic transducer, positioned directly underneath the chamber, resonates effectively speeding up the flavor development of the wine. Each of these components, and others, are connected to an Arduino microcontroller that ensures the Miracle Machine is doing its job of making a fine wine of your creation in just a matter of days."

The Miracle Machine from The Miracle Machine on Vimeo.

This GIF is so Funny

TechCrunch

This is what is going on in Ukraine.

This is what is going on in UKRAINE. (For 3/4/14 Updates Click Here). 

REUTERS/Olga Yakimovich

What is going on?

Bloody Protests (mostly in Kiev). 

Why? 

Ukraine President Victor Yanukovych rejected a trade deal with the European Union. 

So?

This means a stronger bond between Ukraine and Russia. And West Ukraine is not alright with that. 

Main Details:

President Yankovych rejected a trade deal with EU--this deal would have led to closer ties with Europe. This rejection represented (symbolically) a preference towards Russia. Ukraine was 'rewarded' $15 Billion and 30 percent cut on Russian Natural Gas. 

It is about politics. Yanukovych's presidency is apparently corrupt. 

It is about geopolitics. West Ukraine (where Kiev is) is closer to Europe whereas the East Side identifies more with Moscow, Russia.

Basically the country is DEEPLY DIVIDED. 

Each sides have different cultures, languages, perspectives, visions for their country:

Rejecting the trade deal and accepting rewards from Russia seems like a sell-out. Since half of Ukraine is more 'European' and wish for a completely different country, especially one that is not ruled by or even linked to Russia. 

What's happening now? 

REUTERS: Ukraine's opposition leaders signed an EU-mediated peace deal with President Viktor Yanukovich on Friday, aiming to resolve a political crisis in which dozens have been killed and opening the way for an early presidential election this year. 

Under pressure to quit from mass demonstrations in Kiev, Russian-backed Yanukovich made a series of concessions to his pro-European opponents, including a national unity government and constitutional change to reduce his powers, as well as bringing forward the poll.

WashingtonPost

Old quote

“Russia without Ukraine is a country, Russia with Ukraine is an empire”

REUTERS

AP/Efrem Lukatsky

BLOG

NEW UPDATE 3/6/14: Crimea Parliament is asking to be part of Russia (BBC). Further push for US Government to approve gas export proposals. 

In all humor of Sochi Olympics: Putin Olympics GIF and Hockey

In all humor of Sochi Olympics: Putin Olympics GIF

This Printer Can Play This Song: Eye of the Tiger [VIDEO]

This Printer Can Play This Song: Eye of the Tiger [VIDEO]

"Eye of the tiger" on dot matrix printer from MIDIDesaster on Vimeo.

Rumor Has It: Apple plus Tesla.Thoughts: Powerful Tech. Batteries. Smart Car. Watch out World. Excitement.

Rumor Has It Apple plus Tesla....Thoughts: Powerful Tech. Batteries. Smart Car. Watch out World. 

Digital Trends

What? 

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, and Apple M&A Chief met up. 

Why? 

It is being speculated. 

My thoughts.

1. Touch Screen in Cars
2. Powerful iTech. 

Additional Information:

• Both Apple and Tesla use Lithium-Ion Battery
• Tesla's specialty, battery. (electric cars).  

HowStuffWorks

Is Apple's new focus on the automobile sector? Does Apple want to create a new market within the Automobile industry? 

iPhones, Ipads, etc. have led to faster human movement. Quicker communication = less time between actions. 

Additionally, we move faster because of automobiles. Driving from one city  to another takes less time than walking (unless you're in Manhattan during peak times). 

Both companies have contributed to movement. What can iTech and Electric Cars do together? 

Powerful and stronger batteries in phones, Smart Cars. 

XoXo. KingSR

CAT on LSD from the 60s. [VIDEO--Funny]

CAT on LSD from the 60s. [VIDEO--Funny]

Tonight at 9PM: See this HUGE Asteroid, NEA 2000 EM26--size of three football fields

Tonight: See this HUGE Asteroid--size of three football fields

FOXNews: "On Monday, Feb. 17, at approximately 9:00p.m. EST, the Slooh space telescope will broadcast a live video stream and scientific discussion about the silent visitor, which will be traveling at approximately 27,000 miles per hour when it soars safely past the planet. 

The asteroid, called NEA 2000 EM26, will come no closer than 8.8 lunar distances from Earth -- a measure of the distance between us and the moon -- and poses no threat to us."

Funny Image--Toilet Seats and Gender Peace

"Man wins Nobel Prize for Gender Peace and Equality"

Cat Wiggle

Cat Wiggle

The Big Mac Index, Invented By The Economist Since 1986--How much does your burger cost in Norway? $7.80

The Big Mac Index, Invented By The Economist Since 1986

How much does your burger cost in Norway? $7.80

The Economist

The Economist: "It is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that in the long run exchange rates should move towards the rate that would equalise the prices of an identical basket of goods and services (in this case, a burger) in any two countries."

Burgernomics

Overvalued Countries:

• Norway
• Venezuela
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• Brazil
• Denmark

Want your burger cheap?

• India
• South Africa
• Malaysia
• Ukraine
• Indonesia

India is the most undervalued, probably due to low demand of beef products.

USA Mapped According to Other Countries' GDP--TX Economy is the Size of a Continent

USA Mapped According to Other Countries' GDP--TX Economy is the Size of a Continent

Texas = Australia... a continent
California = Italy....which may be on the verge of collapsing?

Business Insider: "Italy's government is on the verge of collapsing, as Prime Minister Enrico Letta faces criticism from Matteo Renzi, the mayor of Florence and leader of the party that heads up Letta's coalition government. The two had a "chilly meeting" today to discuss the possibility of a takeover."

'Your DC Valentines'--WashingtonPost

'Your DC Valentines'

WashingtonPost

XOMadisonEstes

Want to improve your mathematical abilities? Get electrically shocked: It’s called Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

Want to improve your mathematical abilities? Get electrically shocked: It’s called transcranial electrical stimulation 

ScientificAmerican

Transcranial electrical stimulation, or tES, is another brain-stimulation technique. However, this one is Non-Invasive.

Brain-stimulation techniques have become more widely known. For example: DBS, Deep Brain Stimulation—electrodes implanted into brain and stimulating brain cells, neurons—potentially treated Parkinson’s disease and Tourette syndrome.

However, with tES, may improve your arithmetic skills.

Background:

Wall Street Journal: “Up to 6 percent of the population is estimated to have a math-learning disability called developmental dyscalculia, similar to dyslexia but with numerals instead of letters.

He found that he could temporarily turn off regions of the brain known to be important for cognitive skills. When the parietal lobe of the brain was stimulated using that technique, he found that the basic arithmetic skills of doctoral students who were normally very good with numbers were reduced to a level similar to those with developmental dyscalculia.

That led to his next inquiry: If current could turn off regions of the brain making people temporarily math-challenged, could a different type of stimulation improve math performance? Cognitive training helps to some extent in some individuals with math difficulties. Dr. Cohen Kadosh wondered if such learning could be improved if the brain was stimulated at the same time.”

Results: If stimulation stopped those who were stimulated maintain higher performance level up to a year, compared to those who were not. 

This Kid will be a Future Basketball Pro [VIDEO ft. Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum]

This Kid will be a Future Basketball Pro [VIDEO ft. Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum]

Snowden, NSA Leaker, is Nominated for the Same Award President Obama Won: Nobel Peace Prize

Snowden is Nominated for the Same Award President Obama Won in 2009: Nobel Peace Prize.

Guardian

WashingtonPost: "Edward Snowden spent the last year revealing some of the government's most tightly held secrets, kicking off a massive debate about the proper role of America's intelligence services. Now, a pair of Norwegian politicians have nominated the NSA leaker for a Nobel Peace Prize. 

In their nomination letter, Baard Vegar Solhjell and Snorre Valen, who hail from the Socialist Left party, said Snowden's revelations "contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order.""

Coca-Cola in Capsules. Soda Companies Making Moves in the Beverage World. First Zico Coconut Water and now Green Mountain.

Coca-Cola in a Capsule. Coca-Cola Makes Moves in the Beverage World. First Zico Coconut Water and now Green Mountain. 

MarketWatch

Partnering with Coca-cola via a 10-year deal, Green Mountain will make and sell Coca-Cola-branded pods to go with the machine.

Earlier this year Coca-Cola acquired pioneering Coconut Water Brand--Zico Beverages LLC. Now Coca-Cola just took a 10 percent stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Keurig single-serve coffee brewer.

Basically, buy a pod, put it in a machine, and get Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper in your homes or offices in a cup.

 
Smart Move Coca-Cola. 

Markets: Thursday Trading: $KO up 1 percent, $GMCR up 30 percent 

Soda companies are making big moves within the beverage industry--reaching out to other trendy drinks. Pepsi-Co is also on the red carpet introducing QUA (subject to change). This competes with Coca-Colas Smart Water. 

AP: "Qua is made with tap water. The brand, which PepsiCo says is "micro-filtered" and free of sodium, is slated to be tested regionally in California this summer before expanding to other markets."

Soda Market: Soda spending and consumption, especially diet, has declined due to health-conscious consumers. So what's healthier (and sexier) than water? Luxurious looking Water. 

AP

AP: "Bottled waters have surged in popularity over the years and represent an important opportunity for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, which are struggling to sell more soda. Since hitting a peak in 1998, U.S. soda consumption has been on a downward trend, and declines have accelerated in recent years. 

The problem with run-of-the-mill bottled waters, however, is that people tend to just buy whatever's cheapest. Coke's Dasani and Pepsi's Aquafina, for example, don't exactly have sexy images that make people willing to pay more for them. So the companies are focusing on brands they can market as being premium, thus commanding higher prices."

CNNMoney: "It's a concern on the mind of Pepsico (PEP,Fortune 500) CEO Indra Nooyi, who told investors in October that her company has seen "a fundamental shift in consumer habits and behaviors," adding that "the diet slowdown has been a little more rapid than we expected."