Friday Fun

A week ago today we got a look at the latest employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Click here to see what we wrote regarding the strong report.  While parsing through the data, it became clear that the labor market is very tight.  But then another report issued by the BLS subsequently,

Fire and Ice

Clairvoyance is not part of the Atlas investment algorithm.  Endeavoring just to interpret current data is challenge enough.  In fact, since various agencies and institutions revise past data with some regularity, even seeing the past sometimes proves difficult.  Nevertheless, we do have a crystal ball and dusted it off at the most recent pie party to make some bold predictions.&

Americans face many health risks.  Overindulge at Pie Parties, diabetes could become an issue.  Spend too much time in the sun, skin cancer might develop.  Sleep deprivation leaves people less responsive to stimuli, making nearly every activity more dangerous.  Fortunately, there is a remedy for the last issue, more shut-eye.

Long ago I was told the tale of an ancient shaman who, approached by a woman who seemed incapable of bearing a child, suggested she sleep with her husband on a lion’s hide.  Lo and behold she gave birth shortly thereafter to a son.  A curious friend who also was barren asked her what caused the miracle.  Thereupon she too visited the shaman, was given a tiger’s hide,

Many comparisons between the U.S. and Chinese economy have been made lately both in the press and by numerous talking heads.  At our most recent Pie Party this topic came up for discussion.  Caught by surprise, J R (incredibly!) turned to technology for an answer.  He brought up the Big Mac Index.

Our modern world is full of distractions.  Beeps, buzzes, custom ringtones, and dings interrupt thoughts daily.  These intrusions often keep us from completing tasks at hand because they consistently cause our interests to change.  In other words, our rate of interest grows for the present distraction while declining from a relatively longer-term goal, possibly sacrificing poster