Oddly Relevant Mar-25-2013

Investors should pay attention to eCigarettes: Is that even a thing? Well, it uses battery to vaporize a nicotine-containing solution and (1) deals much less harm to the smoker, (2) does not damage the health of bystanders, (3) is extremely malleable in flavor, and (4) do not smell bad (thus no public nuisance). While the base is small (300-500 mm sales in 2012), the CAGR of this thing is gang-busters (100%+ for years). Given its superiority in virtually all spectrums (perhaps besides the taste), all it takes is a Don Draper to get this thing off the ground. Lorillard is a leader in this space, and another leader, NJOY, is not public. [Note: This could be a killer opportunity, be on the look-out]…Source: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21573985-challenge-big-tobacco-vape-em-if-you-got-em

Japan breaks China's stranglehold on rare metals with sea-mud bonanza: Japanese scientists have found vast reserves of rare earth metals on the Pacific seabed that can be mined cheaply; for a country that consumes 50% the world's rare earth metals in its cars, electronics, and environmental industries, this is a blessing indeed. [Note: Very, very good news for the Japanese market]…Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/9951299/Japan-breaks-Chinas-stranglehold-on-rare-metals-with-sea-mud-bonanza.html

Don't Pay the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 'Recommended' $25 Fee: Don't feel bad. The Met has a $2.5 billion investment portfolio and uses admissions to cover only 11 percent of its operating costs. [Note: The social proof and, if you are with a girl, the need to impress is too potently grave]…Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/03/dont-pay-the-metropolitan-museum-of-arts-recommended-25-fee/274328/

With Bottle-Fillers in Mind, The Water Fountain Evolves: With EZH20, you set a bottle down under the spigot, an infrared sensor automatically turns on the flow. This device goes for 700-2075 retail. [Note: Sell the product and get a royalty fee from large manufacturers and this man is set for life]…Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324034804578348813425676382.html?KEYWORDS=hagerty#.UVArgf4W5sk.twitter

Online course about Mexico’s economy and history: Note: absolutely excellent and I recommend it highly, if you have time….Source: http://mruniversity.com/courses/mexicos-economy-current-prospects-and-history