What I have learned today [2015/6/15]

1. More Chinese buying online. Wow, change is happening very quickly in China. Well, I am not that surprised seeing Xiaomi and how quickly wechat developed. I pray that the Chinese democracy also develops more quickly :D

2. Gun maker, Colt, is going bankrupt. Well, I guess the assets are still valuable. The gun market will be fine. I guess we will have a good article about Colt's demise soon.

3. Plantation started in the Mediterranean when the Crusaders started planting sugar.

4. There is a shortage of truck drivers. Not the best life but better than being unemployed, also a lot of time to think about things and plan one's life.

5. You can make gunpowder out of urine.

 

From Snapshot Serengeti

What I have learned today [2015/6/13]

1. Hand sanitizer may increase absorption of BPA, an endocrine disruptor. Yup, just wash your hands with soap.

2. Polar bears eating dolphins. Hope dolphins start eating other things by coming out of the water.

3. Virgin hotel is tuned to women with great attention to details. I think Branson is really smart and looks like the hotel will do well given that women have more income and would like to have a better stay.

4. US Tax system is messed up with massive dead weight losses. Intuit and tax preparers should stop lobbying for tax deregulation. We should just have a flat tax and may be a sin tax and extremely high penalties for tax evasion.

5. China may be more innovative than US due to "shared intellectual properties." I am not so sure about this assessment. I am sure right now they are being innovative because they are exploiting past IPs but without proper IP protection, I doubt that the innovation can continue. Remember that property rights are the fundamental for capitalism and productivity.




From Snapshot Serengeti

What I have learned today [2015/5/29]

1. Many traders have not seen a rate hike. Yup, this will be interesting. Hopefully, the older generation traders can help them so there is no panic.

2. Nostalgia increases creativity. I have not read the study but it seems to make sense. Thinking about the past makes you think more deeper and in detail and also you look at the past in another perspective, hopefully in a more mature sense. Also, you have the benefit of hindsight, which should help you think better and more analytically.

3. Swiss cheese hols disappeared as fully automated milking systems eliminated the growth of small hay particles that created holes in the cheese.

4. China is subsidizing inefficient farming, creating waste and pollution.

5. Paris city hall workers will cut the locks in Pont des Arts due to the concerns about stress on the bridge.

6.  Roughly 8,000 Chinese students were expelled from US colleges in 2014 mainly for cheating and low grades. This is not really a high number but still it concerning because China does not have its test centers due to cheating scandals. It is time that we stop academic dishonesty.

7.  Awesome pictures showing why archaeology is so cool and inspiring.




*From Snapshot Serengeti

What I have learned today [2015/4/2]

1. There is an innovative devise that can help you check your health very easily. Basically, it measures your vital signs when you hold in your hand and put it against your forehead. All the data is shown in your smartphone :D So awesome. Imagine how they can help our lives and those in developing countries ^^

2. The cruising industry is betting on China. With growing wealth, tourism is growing so the cruising industry sees more demand in China in the future. I generally agree with the cruising industry but I am not sure if Chinese like cruises or if Asians in general like cruises. Yes, I admit Chinese in general like eating, gambling, and traveling but do they like to do it in a slow manner through cruises? I guess I will do my due diligence.

3. Americans hate their bosses. And productivity and health suffers....You don't have to go far to witness such tragedy. Well, the best panacea is to work in a place with less a-holes. Also, remember, if you made a mistake or realize that the work place has become hellish, please do quit. I think often people think they are trapped and helpless but remember you can always walk out. Of course, there are financial issues but staying in a place you hate is already hellish cannot get so much worse.


For those who are interested, I suggest reading the following book.


 4.  Earth bacteria that can be found anywhere in the world can create energy. I like how the inventors use this bacteria to teach kids about science. Quite clever.

5. Today, I realized that the more I pray, the more blessing that I and those around me receive :D
     I knew this but experiencing is another thing. I just pray that I can keep praying and become larger  channel of blessing and love ^^



*From Snapshot Serengeti

Please share in the comments what you have leaned today ^^

Saturday Night Live coming to China~

According to Bloomberg, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is coming to China by partnering with Sohu.com.

As a person who likes SNL for its comedy and creativity, I believe this is great news for China. Chinese people can laugh more and also realize certain issues around the country and the world through satire. However, here are two concerns regarding the launch of Chinese SNL.

First, the Chinese government is like to either put pressure or engage in some sort of censorship. This is especially concerning, given that the current government is not so US friendly.

Second, rip-offs. China has copy-right issues and it won't be surprising if there is a lot of ripping off the SNL sketch.

I look forward to seeing the Chinese SNL ^^