The Science of Paper
versus Screens: paperback offers defined domains that allows better mental
mapping as well as easier navigability that help comprehension, retention, and
engagement. [Note: scanning and going-back-and-forth, e-reader cannot offer at
this point; also note that compared to passive information vehicles like music,
reading involves taxing and active engagement that requires serendipity. In
other words, Barnes and Noble may be in trouble, but book as a medium, in my
opinion, will still carry its significant weight. If anything, this trend
towards e-book is probably beneficial to economic and environmental friendly
printing businesses]…Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=reading-paper-screens&page=2
A staple under siege:
Plastic bag manufacturers battle taxes and bans: The industry’s fear,
experts say, is that even though plastic bags account for only $9.8 billion of
the $374 billion plastics business, targeting bags could be a starting point
for increased regulatory scrutiny against other plastic products, including
bottles. [Note: not the end of the world]…Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-staple-under-siege-plastic-bag-manufacturers-battle-taxes-and-bans/2013/04/12/bd7ea22c-925b-11e2-bdea-e32ad90da239_story_1.html
Mmm, the Flavors of
Fermentation: Key conjecture is that demand is especially strong from baby
boomers, who face a weakening ability to taste and are drawn to stronger
flavors, and the 20-something millennials, who seek new and exotic tastes.
[Note: Does this have anything to do with our living habits of sleeping less
and consuming more stimulants? Funny thing is, this growth seems to fly totally
against the rise of organic, cleansing diet]…Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324240804578414503289505308.html
The quiet success of
America’s freight railways: Since Staggers act of 1980 (deregulation, rail
companies have invested ~17% revenue in networks. It is the cheapest way to
move bulky things long distances over land (4x more fuel efficient than
trucks). Note that 43% of what is moved on American freight trains is coal
[Note: Worth noting that BNSF is now a big driver of BRK’s top and bottom
line]…Source: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21576136-quiet-success-americas-freight-railways-back-track
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