I applaud CVS Caremark's decision to halt tobacco sales. "Tobacco products have no place in a setting where healthcare is delivered" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26051519

Map of Lunar New Year travelers in China, updated hourly using people's mobile phone location data.  http://qianxi.baidu.com/  (hundreds of millions travel to visit relatives)

On average, a rape is recorded/reported in India every 22 minutes (BBC).

Dissipation-driven adaptation of matter  https://www.simonsfoundation.org/quanta/20140122-a-new-physics-theory-of-life/

Found a "vagitarian" restaurant along the route between Phuket Town and Patong. Passed it too quickly on the bus to take a photo. It looked like it was selling food but this is Thailand after all.

Real men don't buy women. #Thailandreflections

Fulfillment is greater than enjoyment

Thank you Run Run Shaw for awakening my passion for martial arts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25618414

Why eat one but not the other? http://business.financialpost.com/2014/01/02/wal-mart-stores-inc-yanks-donkey-meat-off-the-shelves-in-china-after-tests-show-it-contained-fox/

Everyone's into social media these days!  Sharks use Twitter to warn swimmers: http://news.sky.com/story/1187066/australia-sharks-use-twitter-to-warn-swimmers

Scientists Turn Algae Into Crude Oil In Less Than An Hour

The longest-living mammal in existence is the bowhead whale, with a lifespan of over 200 years

Especially relevant news for Asian parents: http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/12/muting-the-mozart-effect/

"These programs were never about terrorism: they’re about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They’re about power."  -- Edward Snowden

Antibacterial soaps contribute to bacterial resistance of antibiotics and they can alter your hormone levels. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25405037

In Japan sale of geriatric diapers is now bigger than baby diapers.

To reduce urinal splashback stand slightly to one side and aim down for a low angle of impact http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24820279

Excellent new airline safety video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtyfiPIHsIg#t=203  I prefer Air New Zealand's Hobbit-inspired video though.

adventure > luxury

Never stop learning