Not A Mystery
International
Big Mac, Stand Aside For Big White
Is it possible that The Economist is moving towards replacing its Big Mac Index with a Big White Index? The Economist has been publishing their (not so tongue-in-cheek) Big Mac Index since 1986. It’s a reality check on world-wide currency exchange rates, based on the concept of Purchasing-Power Parity. Purchasing-Power Parity (PPP) says that exchange … Continue reading
Pensioners Run Wild
This week from the Daily Telegraph of London, it’s reported that a gang of German Pensioners kidnapped and tortured a financial adviser after he lost their money on a Florida property investment scheme. The adviser was held in the basement of a vacation home, and over a period of four days was burned with cigarettes, … Continue reading
A Fine Read In The Tradition Of A Fine Wine
When I was still working there was never enough time in the day. Now that I’m retired, there’s even less time. Which makes no sense, but there you have it. So I am always looking for ways to save time, or at least waste less of it. One of my major, serious, time sinks was … Continue reading
A Chin To Die For, Plus Poetry
I’m retired, and have no complaints about my career. At least officially. But I always thought I would have been more successful if I was about 6 inches taller, or had a great chin like say, Cary Grant. I was pretty sure of this. Last week I received an email from Robin, a Scottish friend, … Continue reading
Can You Say ‘Eat, Drink then Sleep’ in French?
Having researched more deeply into OECD’s Society at a Glance that was the basis for our last post, I am coming to the conclusion that I was born in the wrong country. Is it too late to get French? When they are not on strike, the French spend almost double the time we Americans do … Continue reading
Leisure Time Is Not An Oxymoron
Certainly thought-provoking, from The Economist. This chart begs for explanations. I wonder whether the data was observed or subject-reported. In my own case I would not take the time to self-report, as it would cut into my own leisure time. And for the record, leisure time should definitely be an equal opportunity pursuit. More to … Continue reading
Watch Out For Retired Guys With Free Time
In 2003 a team of thieves broke into a vault two floors beneath the Antwerp Diamond Center and made off with at least $100 million worth of loose diamonds, gold, jewelry, and other spoils. The vault was thought to be impenetrable. It was protected by 10 layers of security, including infrared heat detectors, Doppler radar, … Continue reading
On The Other Hand, Greeters Can’t Be Out-Sourced
Turns out I don’t have to become a Walmart Greeter after all; move over and make room for me cubicle-ites!
Loose Nukes Need Some DRM
Pakistan has the world’s attention with the threat that one of their Nukes might get into the wrong hands. There’s a concern that they are not properly ‘locked up’ or ‘secured’ like those in the west. It may be time to bring in the really heavy guns. We could recruit the music and movie industry … Continue reading
Just Another Mystery
- Weaving A Different Kind of Necklace
- Jumping into Spring
- The Art of Using Natures Bounty to Dye Cloth
- A Shibori Stitched and Felted Wrap
- Faux Fur, Vogue and Verve
- The Perfect Dance, Part 2
- The Perfect Dance
- The Vest That Mysteriously Turned Into A Purse
- Vintage Kimono Baby Booties
- Zipper, Keys, and a Linen Belt Buckle
Sterling Jewelry & Gifts
Not A Mystery 