Category: Aggregated

You’ve probably just graduated from high school and you’ve undoubtedly already signed an Option 40 contract guaranteeing you a shot at the Ranger indoctrination program (R.I.P.).  If you make it through R.I.P. you’ll surely be sent off to fight in the Global War on Terror.  You’ll be part of what I often heard called “the tip of the spear.” The war you’re heading into has been going on for a remarkably long time. Imagine this: you were five years old when I was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2002. Now I’m graying a bit, losing a little up top, and … Continue reading →

As the 2008 financial crises developed, international traders sought the safety of the Swiss franc. This flight to safety intensified as the Greek financial crisis took center stage in 2009. It resulted in the value of the Swiss franc soaring against the euro  (and to a lesser degree against other currencies). This franc strength was a great boon to Swiss consumers, as it became cheaper and cheaper to buy  products from other European countries. It, however, had the opposite effect for Swiss manufacturers that exported their products. The products became much more expensive for consumers in other countries that used … Continue reading →

2014 was a hot year for numerous superfoods. Foods like turmeric, garlic, and even chocolate received more than enough recognition to become large parts of countless individual’s diets. But there were indeed other foods that made a grand presence in 2014 – the avocado is one of them. Often deemed a “perfect food,” the avocado is considered one of the healthiest foods available. Even a study published in Nutrition Journal found that eating avocados is associated with a lower body weight, lower BMI and waist circumference (a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes), higher “good” cholesterol, a lower intake of added sugars, better … Continue reading →

“I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.” That maxim of Voltaire was among those most invoked by the marching millions in Sunday’s mammoth “Je Suis Charlie” rally in Paris. This week, in the spirit of Voltaire, French authorities arrested and charged Cameroonian comedian Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala, and 54 others, with “hate speech.” Yes, Monsieur Voltaire, there are limits to free speech in France. Dieudonne’s crime? He tweeted, “I am Charlie Coulibaly,” the last name of the killer of four innocent Jews in that kosher market. A … Continue reading →

By all accounts, Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, which opens to the public this weekend, is one of the best in years, a reflection of a strong economy, healthier companies and the rapid pace of technological innovation. A total of 55 new vehicles were introduced — 49 of them making their worldwide debut — including pickup trucks like the Nissan Titan XD and Toyota Tacoma, luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Lincoln MKX and future concepts like Chevrolet's 200-mile range plug-in Bolt and Hyundai’s fun Santa Cruz crossover truck for Millenials. In my view, there were four vehicles that stood … Continue reading →

Science isn’t something that necessarily needs to be done in the closed quarters of a lab. Many of the most brilliant experiments can be done in your own home and literally cost you almost nothing to make! So, just by using a bit of household equipment and items you would likely have anyway spend some time impressing your friends with a few of these! Here are ten of the most impressive! 10. The Homemade Volcano Everyone at one time or another has constructed one of the most tried and true home science experiments: The Volcano. This is a simple and … Continue reading →

Markets are still reeling from yesterday’s news that the Swiss National Bank has removed the currency cap on the Swiss franc. Still wondering exactly what this means for European and American investors? Peter Schiff explains to RT what this means in the larger context of the international currency war. It’s good news for the Swiss people, but Americans still have a long way to go before losing confidence in the Federal Reserve. Follow along with this transcript of Peter’s interview: “First of all, it’s not just the euro that collapsed. The US dollar collapsed almost as much. I think it … Continue reading →

Neoconservatives arrayed in their Washington offices are congratulating themselves on their success in using the Charlie Hebdo affair to reunite Europe with Washington’s foreign policy. No more French votes with the Palestinians against the Washington-Israeli position. No more growing European sympathy with the Palestinians. No more growing European opposition to launching new wars in the Middle East. No more calls from the French president to end the sanctions against Russia. Do the neoconservatives also understand that they have united Europeans with the right-wing anti-immigration political parties? The wave of support for the Charlie Hebdo cartoonists is the wave of Marie … Continue reading →

As the new years rolls in, taking stock of the one just past can prompt the age-old resolutions, ‘eat healthier’ and ‘make better choices’. While taking steps towards these goals is often easier said than done, figuring out what foods will keep the weight off and your stomach full is much easier thanks to Sheila Zhou, expert scientist at the USANA Health Sciences. ’Often when we graze between meals we make the mistake of opting for calorie laden foods, rather than making nutritious choices,’ Ms Zhou told Daily Mail Australia. ‘Not only does this hinder our body’s ability to properly process the … Continue reading →

In 2014, the US homeownership rate fell below 65 percent, which means it’s back to where it was during the 1970s and much of the 1990s. Various federal agencies have long made homeownership a priority, and have introduced a bevy of government and quasi-government programs including the GSEs like Fannie Mae, FHA-insured loans, VA-insured loans, the Bush administration’s “American Dream Downpayment Initiative” and, of course central bank meddling to keep interest rates nice and low for the mortgage markets. And for all their efforts, all the inflation, and all the taxpayer-funded subsidies poured into bailouts, we have a homeownership rate … Continue reading →