Signals from Djibouti

Sorry for the lengthy one week absence dear daily learners.

So this came to me in an email, courtesy of National Geographic. I'd say although I subscribe them yet I don't really go through every subscription. In fact it was totally random for me to open up this one.

Now as we are aware that the advancement of globalization and technology has really narrowed down the borders and distance (figuratively) between each and everyone of us. Put simply, with the ever evolving and increasing apps and widespread coverage of the Internet, losing in touch is something we are getting out of touch. Even the ever happening and on spot updates can be delivered via #hashtag at almost every available platforms out there.

But not all of us are in sync with the latest advancement. There are those of us who lag behind.

So here's a story and a shot, that took the top prize for 2013.

Click on the link to be redirected to the National Geographic article.

Signals from Djibouti

Alcohol and Their Glassware

Ever wonder why such an intoxicating drink can have so many glassware, each for their own situations?

A beer has its own Pilsner Glass. Red wines have their own glasses. So does whiskey and brandy.

If you don't know the science behind it, you might think probably it's just for the sake of style.

By the end of this post, you'd be amazed by how special each glass enhances the alcohol it holds.

So if you haven't tried out all the possible alcohols, I'd suggest you do.

Cause you may end up like me, for having a soft spot for alcohol. But please, no binging or more than 21 units per week  :)

Here are the 4 websites where you can learn a bit on the glassware and it's pros in each situation. Most of them contain almost the same information. But do go through all if you have the time.

Gizmodo.com
goodcocktails.com
foodservicewarehouse.com
huffingtonpost.com



Cheers mate :)

Quotes from Harvard Business School Class (1963)

I always have this tab on my browser as I never really finish reading them all.

But to make my tabs a lil' more tidy looking, I would like to capture that linked tab somewhere. So here's today's post.

They may not be really famous people, but I think it is alright to take that piece of free advice when someone offers them, eh?

So here's the link, and I hope you get Incited :)

http://hbs1963.com/wisdom/careers/

The Founding Fathers of The United States

Started another new book yesterday. Wanted to read a number of books in staggered so I won't get too bored or saturated with one.

 

What is America without the Founding Fathers? It was fated that 7 men of exceptional talent, prowess, intellectual advantage came together and became one of the key figures of America's Founding Fathers. It was the synergism of them together, that made America what it is today.

Perhaps one would ask how great were they. Well America didn't exist until 1776. If we calculated the period of existence of America till now (February 2014 as of today), America would be just 238 years old. Compared to other countries which already had milestones and out of reach achievements like Egypt, Great Britain, France, Greece and so on, how did the US fast track development and innovation to become the world's strongest country as it is today?

As much as you may think that being the one that creates the future, the one who latches onto the opportunities to move forward, that made the United States what they are today, I'd say the Founding Fathers are what that made the difference back then. They were the solid foundation that accelerated the growth and spurt of the country with their bold and one of a kind approach. 

I think my favorite top 3 would be Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. What would yours be? 

Arbitrage

Started a new book today. I'd say it's one of the first book regarding stock trading that I have the guts to pick for reading.

Surprisingly the first few pages are easy to understand, makes sense and brought me to the world of arbitrage.

What is arbitrage you ask? Well I'm no pro myself. But what I can say with that few pages of knowledge and understanding is as simple as this: Taking advantage of a price difference to create a positive cash flow.

For a better explanation and examples, I think Investopedia's page really makes the true basics of arbitrage easy to digest and understand.

Ok now continue reading the book, that incites me :)

The New Year Weight Gain Ultimate Culprit

Yo peeps! How was Chinese New Year? I hope all of you had a blast. And not to forget that feel inches around the waist and tummy. Hahaha.

It's not wrong to actually slack off or go into that annual indulgence (hashtag #YOLO). But are you really keen to find out which of the food and drinks contributes most to your weight gain?

Actually the main reason you're putting on weight is because of the high intake of sugary food, drinks and virtually no exercise (either you sit down chit chatting, gambling, or watching the television). But let's don't take that into account. Let us see which food gives the most calories.

For Chinese New Year cookie wise since there aren't really nutritional profiles we can look into and pin point the main culprit. But peeps if you really actually spend some time helping your mum or granny out making the cookies, you might have an idea or two. Else, having some basic knowledge on science is good enough.

Now remember Newton's Law of Conservation Energy. Weight gain's simplified equation is equated below:

What you eat - What you burn = Net Weight Gain/Loss

I know there are many factors that should be inside that formula. But let's just keep it simple. 

So let's list out some of the well known Chinese New Year cookies. Note that my deduction may not be 100% accurate. But it can certainly give you a rough idea. High calorie ingredients will be highlighted in bold

and explained

Peanut Cookies

 

Main Ingredients: Peanuts (carbohydrate), Sugar (carbohydrate), Peanut Oil -or- Porcine Oil (Fat)

Cooking Method: Baked in oven

Kuih Kapit 

 

Main Ingredients: Sugar (carbohydrates), Flour (carbohydrate), Eggs (protein)

Cooking method: Baked on a charcoal griddle. 

Kuih Bangkit

Main Ingredients: Flour (carbohydrate), egg yolks (protein), Sugar (carbohydrate), Coconut Milk (Fat)

Cooking method: Baked in the oven.

Kuih Sarang Tebuan (Beehive Kuih) 

 

Main Ingredients: Flour (carbohydrate), Eggs (protein), Sugar (carbohydrate), Coconut Milk (Fat)

Cooking method: Deep fried in oil.

My deduction for the culprit of all the cookies will be... Peanut cookies! That small guy is sweet, and oily (admit it. You'll need quite a hell load of oil to make that thing smell so seducing). My granny makes one of the world's most evil peanut cookies. Those that are hard and does not crumble that easily may have a lil' bit less in calories, but as an overall I'd still lock up this little guy as the main culprit. 

Second would be Beehive Kuih. Sweet and deep fried in oil.. Pffft. If it wasn't for the kitchen rolls you lay inside the tins, this guy would have been most wanted. The complicated patterns on the cookies makes it easier to trap droplets of oil inside the crevices, and into your body when you consumed them. 

Now onwards to the drinks! (We'll just keep an eye on the calories)

100Plus 

Energy /100ml : 27kcal

Coca-Cola

 

Energy/100ml : 42kcal (apparently Pepsi also gives a similar calorie count)

Yeo's Lychee Packet Drink

 

Energy/ 100ml : 44kcal (I'm surprised!)

Beer 

 Energy: 47 kcal/ 100ml

So I can conclude that most drinks, whether its soft drinks or packet drinks, they contribute to around the same calorie per 100ml. Except for a few exceptions. 

And FYI, a "less sweet" packet drink will give you a similar calorie reading as 100plus.

So now you roughly know what contributed to that weight gain over Chinese New Year huh?



P.S. Note that this is just a basic deduction with no solid experiment done to justify the claims. However all deductions are done based on a little understanding on basic science. I do not claim the data 100% accurate.

Any unwanted claims or critics are purely from a neutral point of view. No slander or brainwashing on a particular product is intended. 

Comments and criticisms are very much welcome.