"Why Pick-your-own orchards are a Scam"

Basically you, apple self-picker, are profitable labor and sort of a bin for almost expired fruit for pick-your-own orchards: 

 Oh, the American economy 

 "Why pick-your-own orchards are a scam" by Daniel Gross -slate.com

 "A few weeks ago, the New York Times ran a poignant article about anguished fruit farmers in California. Because of a crackdown on illegal immigrants, they couldn't find workers willing to pick their pears, even at $150 per day. And as a result, perfectly good fruit rotted in the fields.

 Perhaps the California farmers, who depend on migrant Mexican labor, have got the wrong business model. Instead of paying workers to pick their fruit, they should try another strategy: making customers pay to pick the fruit themselves. Savvy farmers all over the country have discovered a practice that might not work as a nationwide agricultural policy, but that has allowed some economically inefficient orchards to thrive: Encourage yuppies and their progeny to come pick your fruit—they'll pay handsomely for the privilege, buy more than they'd ordinarily consume, and then shell out for all sorts of other value-added products. It's the best use of child labor since Manchester's early 19th-century textile mills.

... 

 We've been educated (or bullied, depending on your outlook) by foodies like Alice Waters and Dan Barber to adopt the European concept of terroir—the best stuff to consume is the stuff grown in closest proximity. For people in the Northeast, that's fine in the summer, when the Union Square greenmarket bursts with locally grown exotic greens, yellow squash, and heirloom tomatoes of such flavor (and cost) as to make a gourmand weep. 

 But in the fall, while the region's landscape lights up with foliage, the farm stands' color palette becomes more drab: potatoes, root vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, and, of course, apples. And so, to the pick-your-own orchards we go."

 http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2009/10/against_apple_picking.html

Pretty Witty and Cool Swedish House - "House of Clicks"

By Business Insider

 The idea home of the average Swede is a 1 and 1/2 story residence, containing four rooms, 1,115 Sq. Feet of floorspace, and a private outdoor deck.

Funny India Misconception

India isn’t a technologically ignorant and underdeveloped world.

Reddit.com

India has more internet users than the United States has humans

Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/thank-you-come-again 

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