Thursday, January 31, 2013

Oddly Relevant Jan-31-2013


The search for better batteries: The skill of creating new types of battery is to tinker with the materials of the 3 components (2 electrodes and a electrolyte medium) to make things cheaper and better. One envelope to push now is to enhance the capability of lithium batteries, another direction is the attempt for magnesium or aluminum batteries. [Note: there is no miracle there]…Source: http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21571117-search-better-ways-storing-electricity-hotting-up-batteries

Law Schools’ applications fall as costs rise and jobs are cut: applications at 30 year low with likely 54,000 applicants this year, mostly induced by declining job prospects and debt load. [Note: could this be the future of business schools? I cannot help but wonder]…Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/education/law-schools-applications-fall-as-costs-rise-and-jobs-are-cut.html?_r=0

Risky student debt is starting to sour: 33% of all subprime student loans in repayment were > 90 days past due, up from 24% in 2007. That’s 11% of the $900 bn outstanding. [Note: How to short? And have we missed the boat?]…Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323701904578273711404133732.html

Economist singing the praises for Nordic’s model: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland are doing rather well—with transparency to records, introducing private-competition, running smaller government but spending just as much effectively. [Note: You need an electorate that is relatively homogenous, educated, intelligent, and thoughtful]…Source: http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21571136-politicians-both-right-and-left-could-learn-nordic-countries-next-supermodel

…And it now proudly presents the interactive Big Mac Index: Note: enjoy: http://www.economist.com/content/big-mac-index


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