Sneaker King [2015/12/7]

Mark "Mayor Farese has over 3,000 sneakers with an estimated value of $750,000.

Wow...well, I applaud his effort but hmm is it really worth it?

In terms of investment, I can't do a return calculation but assuming that sneakers behave like collectibles and art, then we would expect an annual return of 6%, a return below the market return about 8-10%. We also have to factor in the cost of storage, so returns are not fantastic. Also, if he is smart, he should have some insurance for the shoes so that would further lower the returns as well. So in terms of investment, sneakers do not seem to be a good investment.

But given that he made a career out of collecting sneakers, I guess the returns may actually be higher (we don't know his endorsement deals).

So the lesson here? If you want to collect something then go all in but remember it is a risky move financially but if you derive immense utility from that activity,your call.





Snapshot Serengeti

[2015/12/5] Ice Man

Quite an interesting documentary about Wim Hof, who shows that with training people can control one's core temperature.

I think we should really look into more of his techniques to figure out, how we can regulate our body better. This will not only make us healthy but much more economic. Imagine all the money and waste we could save by being warm in cold weathers. We save on gas and clothing, and further avoid all the pollution associated with producing energy and goods. We can save a lot of money on air conditioning as well, avoiding to build more power plants.

Furthermore, this technique will be handy, when we are lost and have to survive in the cold.

So let's give a standing ovation to this super human and let us encourage our scientists to figure out to better regulate our body temperature. 

Lending cars to Uber drivers[2015/12/4]

Uber is launching a program where Uber lends cars to Uber drivers who do not have the cars that meet Uber's standards in a partnership with a rental car.

The idea is actually quite brilliant because it combines the underutilized labor and capital. People who want to make extra money but with no decent car can earn money and the rental car company also makes money.

From an efficiency point, this is wonderful. However, the cost $210 may be hmmm questionable. How did they come up with that amount? Also, shouldn't there be some differentiation. Just like insurance, good Uber drivers should get discounts.

The article does some calculations and shows that it is not a bad deal. I have not done the calculations but it does not look like a good deal.

However, let us remember that without this program, some people could not have ever made money using Uber. So overall, I do agree that this program has issues but in terms of efficiency, it is great. For drivers, just make sure that you do the math and it would be great if Uber could offer at least a range of expected profits like insurance companies. That would make the whole thing much better for Uber, drivers, rental companies, and consumers. Everyone wins ^^

Tax man is heahhhh [2015/10/23]

Wow...it's been a while since an update.

Man, life has been busy and I had many excuses not to blog but now I am back.

Hopefully, I can have better content this time.

Just came across a Bloomberg article on local government trying to tax everything possible.

Amusement tax on Netflix? I guess Netflix does provide amusement...With this logic, I won't be surprised if the majority of digital content is taxed. I guess vine will be taxed too soon.

I get that there is a big funding gap in government but taxing is not the only tool. They
 could cut some of the unnecessary expenses and start charging for services.

Or cut tax breaks.

For instance, tax breaks for movie productions cost more to tax payers and yet they are still around and increasing in California.

Oh, the irony.

Give Thanks [2015/8/11-2015/8/16]

Father, thank You for everything. We must always be thankful for Your grace and unending love. It is the hard times that we must seek You more and really rely on You.
Jesus, I am sort of facing pressure with work and all kind of stuff happening in my life. Lord, I pray that You have mercy on me and bless me. I know that You will always walk with me and protect me. Let me adore You more and truly worship You.

1. Thank You Jesus for Your love. Let us always rejoice in Your love.

2. Thank You Lord for Your wisdom. I have completed so many tasks with Your help Father.

3. Thank You Jesus for the wonderful church. Let us be more united so we can do great things in Your name.

4. Thank You God for sending so many new souls to our church. Let us be more loving and serve them better.

5. Thank You Jesus for the gym. I missed working out. I am rebuilding wooohooo.

6. Thank You Lord for Chicago. Such a lovely city. Will definitely visit more ^^

7. Thank You Father for all Your insights. We do live in a wicked world. Father, let us never forget Your love and make sure that we love our neighbors and take care of the poor.

8. Thank You God for the great brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us never forget that together in You, nothing is impossible.

9. Thank You Jesus for all the freelancers. Father, I pray that they get good treatment and that they too develop more skills so that they can be more productive and serve You.

10. Jesus, we just want to thank You for everything.

Father, we love You. Let us live by Your will and not ours. Let us not be weak and egoistic but strong and loving in You. Let us live the life that You have planned for us :D



From Snapshot Serengeti

Give Thanks [2015/8/2]-[2015/8/10]

Thank You Lord for all Your love. Let us never forget how much You love us. Father, always be with us and lets love You and our neighbors more.

1. Thank You Jesus for Your wisdom. Through Your wisdom, I see more wickedness and I realize that we must really serve and pray more. Father, please continue to pour down Your wisdom on us.

2. Thank You Lord for my car. I can give rides and go to places. Let me be more thankful.

3. Thank You Father for my family. They are so loving. Lord, I pray that our family becomes a family believers united in You.

4. Thank You Jesus for my laptop. Yes, I love it. I can do work and also surf the internet.

5. Thank You God for great fellowship. I know that You have great plans for our church. Let us be more united and do great things for Your glory.

6. Thank You Jesus for credit cards. So convenient ^^

7. Thank You God for great food. I am eating very well these days :D

8. Thank You Jesus for WilFit. It is so good to be working out again. I should have started earlier.

9. Thank You Lord for the great books. I am learning so much.

10. Thank You Jesus for making me abandon bad habits. I have cut down the time watching YouTube and cartoons :D


Lord, we just want to thank You for everything. Let us focus more on You and You alone. Father, touch our hearts, so we can serve and love more. Use us for Your glory. We love You Jesus :D



*From Floating Forest

Give Thanks [2015/7/29-2015/8/1]

Father, thank You so much for everything. Let us never forget to thank You and praise You. Lord, we often complain too much and forget all the blessings that You have given us. Jesus, let us never forget Your blessings and always praise You.

1. Thank You Father for everything. Let us always be thankful and praise You.

2.  Thank You Lord for Your wisdom. Thank You so much letting me see and realize many things. Jesus, let us always obey Your laws.

3. Thank You Jesus for internet. Yes, it is fun but also makes the world go around.

4. Thank You God for Kakao. So easy to communicate and call my parents.

5. Thank You Jesus for my new external hard drive. It looks quite cool. Thank you for backing up my data.

6. Thank You Lord for Kindle. Love reading ^^

7. Thank You Jesus for the nice rides and parking. I almost feel like that I don't live in LA.

8. Thank You Lord for Craigslist. One nice source to look for housing and other stuff.

9. Thank You Father for Amazon. Wow, really great service.

10. Thank You God for giving me a healthy body. Always amazed to see my hands move and always happy to wake up everyday to praise You :D

Jesus, thank You for everything. We await Your return and we will train and work hard until Your return. Lord, let us be more loving. Let us spread Your love so all nations can praise You.



From Floating Forests