Ok this pretty much clears out my whole list of Link Dump readings and has me all caught up in 2010. Not bad to be all caught up within a week of the New Year given the fact the list started piling up right around the 24th. I think I must have read like 50 opinion pieces all arguing the same thing in regards to how the new measures created post 9/11 have been largely useless. The right ways to combat potential acts of airline terrorism is far from an easy issue with so many levels implicated. Screening people more thoroughly might help but it’s still not the core of the problem obviously.
-Eugene
*If you’re always on the go, I’m a huge advocate for Instapaper. Basically you can bookmark links to read on your mobile device later and it can strip away all the unnecessary imagery to load more quickly.
**If you encounter a login page for a NY Times article (yes there are quite a few of them…), I highly suggest signing up for a free account or else use this dummy one I set up.
Login: tempaccountNYT
Password: tempaccountNYT
A Data Explosion Remakes Retailing
A coming together of online metrics and good ol’ fashion social science as retailers attempt to balance measurable figures and intangible aspects of consumers.
For Some in Japan, Home Is a Tiny Plastic Bunk
With a shitty economy, more and more people are extending their stays in Japanese capsule-style hotels.
How Non-Latin Domain Names Could Be Used to Steal Your Money
This is a scary thought… there are tons of innocent (but dumb) Internet surfers out there that are easily duped by Nigerian princes offering them multi-mullion dollar sums of cash… heaven forbid they got hit up with one of these down the line.
Hurry Sundown: Ramadan in Cairo
The closest I ever came to experiencing Ramadan was the night before the actual start of Ramadan at my friend Maz’s place as he enjoyed his last meal haha. But overall, it’s interesting to see a Westerner’s experience in an Islamic culture during the month of Ramadan.
Canada’s Free Press
I was oblivious to this before but I guess Canadian media laws were quite strict in the past. Now it’s “ok” to talk shit about somebody if it’s something the public wants to know haha.
When Is “Free” Too Much of a Good Thing
Maybe my stance is different cause I don’t necessarily get paid for advice but within reason, I am an advocate for offering and serving shit up for free. I think I sleep better at night knowing I offered more than not enough.
World’s Healthiest Food
A lack of folic acid is a simple cure throughout 3rd world countries and one that costs literally pennies to supplement.
As Honor Students Multiply, Who Really Is One?
Kids probably bragging about rocking 9 honor badges… get the fuck outta here.
It’s Always the End of the World as We Know It
It doesn’t matter what the scenario, the overall emphasis (in media obviously) is dwelling on the negative aspect. Not surprising, it’s easy to be the hater, that’s why I do it.
Chinese New Year
A look into China’s currency policy. It’s not that difficult to understand. Until China allows its currency to value accordingly rather than pegging it at 6.8 RMB to the USD, they will continue to hold the advantage. It works in China cause you somehow have mad people working for less than their worth for the advancement and pride of their country, who else can attest to these qualities in a citizen?
Safety of Beef Processing Method Is Questioned
Yeh we rip (myself included) on China a lot, but the United States’ inability to keep a clean food supply is no different than China making poisoned baby formula. Ok baby formula scandal is worse.
The Joy of Physics Isn’t in the Results, but in the Search Itself
Basically, it’s the journey not the destination. Physicists seemingly care more about how they progress and the small steps taken versus finding out and solving the ultimate mystery. However I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing either.
Hard Choice for a Comfortable Death: Sedation
So tell me how is “palliative sedation” not euthanasia? Sounds like a fancy word for killing somebody. Article talks about how many people who choose to end the suffering of their loved ones on their death bed sometimes face the surprising news that it’s all a hasty turn of events.
Showcase: Disposed Of
With a shitty economy, hordes of Japanese homeless still manage to keep a brave face and prideful approach to their lives. (This is a photo-based feature)
Pancakes, Prosperity, Peace
Despite rough times with the Vietnam war, food is the catalyst for change and brighter times.
Where Did the Time Go? Do Not Ask the Brain
Did you really need scientific proof that your brain was a shit time-tracker? Don’t doubt it, after all time is technically unnatural and something we created right?
How Visa, Using Card Fees, Dominates a Market
Paypal makes mad money, we all know that cause their fees in constantly in your face, but Visa’s story is a little more unknown.
Do Happy: Stop Doing
Another emo link that sort of falls in line with a recent Ketamine is soooo 2009
Back in Canada, drugs were usually weed, shrooms and to a lesser extent coke and heroin etc. But in Hong Kong, pills galore and here’s your unofficial guide to them all and their legality in Hong Kong.
Rare Breeds, Frozen in Time
They should do this for all animals… harvest their semen and embryos that is. But the whole reasoning based on economics seems like it shouldn’t be the priority but inevitably economic terms are what drive movements and innovation.
Asian Computer Makers Move Into Riskier Ventures
Asian companies are now going directly to the source of innovation and investing in various tech companies… the ones largely overlooked by their American and Western counterparts. This means that the next big thing might not be from a Google, an Apple or a Microsoft.
True Economic Barometer? How About Bowling?
The new trendy shit for 2010, bowling x club-like environments.
Apple and Google Just Tag Teamed the U.S. Carriers
The effect on Google’s latest approach to the US mobile market.
Hate Begets Hate
It’s ridiculous how ignorance and hate (in this case towards Homosexuals) still proliferates to these levels in our day and age.
C.I.A. Is Sharing Data With Climate Scientists
While the first half of the article is pretty boring, more eco-bullshit… it’s the implications of using C.I.A. resources when there are “terrorists to be caught”.
Paris, Milan, Tokyo? Tokyo.
Japanese labels either A. Don’t care about foreign markets B. Don’t know how to market to foreign markets. This is something most people with a sense of Japan’s inner workings in fashion know, but this article spells it out neatly. But with a sinking Japanese economy, will this mark a big change for the way Japanese brands handle international business where they can no longer rely on domestic sales to keep their shit afloat?
Your Money Or Your Life? French Artist Makes A Deal With The Devil
This is just creepy.
The Tyranny of Our Government and Our Duty of Confidentiality As Bloggers
So two bloggers got nailed with subpoenas for leaking documents pertaining to the new airplane travel regulations. Basically, TechCrunch is telling these dudes to hold your ground and don’t be a pussy.
Bluefin Tuna Fetches $177,000 in Japan
I was in Japan last year and hit up Tskuji but all the tunas looked pretty much the same to me… this thing musta been a monster.
Test Your Metal: Introducing Valeria
Combining the timed aspect of CrossFit and actual weight targets, seems pretty legit to me. CrossFit is sort of wack cause you can be a beast but you’re still pushing the same weight as somebody 50 lbs lighter than you. I think I could do level 2 in 15-17 mins maybe? I have a terrible bench though.
Archival Resolutions for 2010
Some things to think about that pertain to being a better shopper.
At Barbie’s Mansion, It’s Time for Yoga with Pro Wrestlers
Look out for the next batch of Mattel x WWE toys.
33 Conspiracy Theories That Turned Out To Be True, What Every Person Should Know…
Long ass read but if you have the time and love political gossip, this is for you. But not all of it is that crazy undercover society shit.
Man With World’s Largest Penis Looking For Work In All The Wrong Places
Does this guy pass out when he gets a hard-on?
On the Art of Wearing Clothes
Longevity and timelessness are themes that are very much fashion themes to stay I think.