FLOSSI: A VROOM WITH A FUME
Porsche has announced plans to continue producing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). In a recent strategic shift, the company is investing approximately €800 million into developing new combustion engines and plug-in hybrid models. This decision comes amid a decline in demand for fully electric vehicles, leading Porsche to adjust its product lineup to include more ICE and hybrid options.
EVs are generally heavier than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to their batteries. This added weight, combined with higher torque, leads to faster tire wear, resulting in approximately 20% more particulate pollution from tires compared to ICE vehicles.
Producing a new tire emits about 31 kg of CO₂, while retreading a tire produces approximately 22 kg of CO₂. The higher weight and performance demands of EVs may necessitate more frequent tire replacements, thereby increasing overall emissions from tire production.
Impact on Infrastructure
Road and Bridge Wear: EVs' additional weight can contribute to increased wear on roads and bridges. For instance, a 2,000-pound increase in axle weight can cause 50% more damage to pavement.
FLOSSI AND THE FED
The Federal Reserve System (the Fed) was created on December 23, 1913, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law.
Why Was the Federal Reserve Created?
Before the Fed’s creation, the U.S. financial system was unstable, experiencing frequent banking panics and economic recessions. The Panic of 1907, a severe financial crisis that led to bank runs and market collapses, highlighted the need for a central banking system to regulate the money supply and stabilize the economy.
Key Figures Involved in Its Creation:
President Woodrow Wilson – Signed the Federal Reserve Act into law in 1913.
Senator Nelson Aldrich – Led the National Monetary Commission, which studied banking reforms.
Congressman Carter Glass – Helped draft the Federal Reserve Act.
Paul Warburg – A banker and early advocate of central banking reform.
Structure of the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve was designed to be an independent central bank with both public and private elements:
Board of Governors – Oversees the Fed’s policies, appointed by the President.
12 Regional Federal Reserve Banks – Each serving different districts across the U.S.
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) – Sets monetary policy, including interest rates.
Purpose of the Federal Reserve
The Fed was created to:
Regulate banks and prevent financial crises.
Stabilize the economy by adjusting interest rates and controlling the money supply.
Act as a lender of last resort during banking panics.
FLOSSI SEES VICTORY AT THE SUPER BOWL
History of the Vince Lombardi Trophy
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). It is one of the most recognizable trophies in American sports. Here’s a look at its history:
Origins (1966)
In 1966, the NFL and AFL agreed to merge, creating the Super Bowl.
The trophy was originally designed by Oscar Riedener, an executive at Tiffany & Co., who sketched it on a napkin during a meeting with then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Tiffany & Co. was chosen to craft the trophy, a partnership that continues today.
First Presentation (1967)
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Packers won, and coach Vince Lombardi received the inaugural trophy.
Initially, it was called the "World Professional Football Championship Trophy."
Renaming in Honor of Vince Lombardi (1970)
In 1970, legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi passed away from cancer at age 57.
As a tribute to his coaching legacy (including leading the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls), the trophy was renamed the "Vince Lombardi Trophy."
The Baltimore Colts were the first team to receive the renamed trophy after Super Bowl V (1971).
Design and Construction
Material: The trophy is made of sterling silver.
Design: It features a football in a kicking position atop a triangular stand.
Height & Weight: Approximately 22 inches tall and weighs around 7 pounds.
Production: Each trophy is handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. and takes about 4 months to create.
Cost: Estimated value is $50,000+.
Notable Moments
Permanence: Unlike other major sports trophies (like the Stanley Cup), a new Vince Lombardi Trophy is made each year for the winning team to keep.
Unusual Incidents:
In 2019, Rob Gronkowski (Patriots) famously dented the trophy while using it as a bat during a playful baseball moment at a Red Sox game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) almost lost the trophy when Tom Brady threw it across a boat during a parade.
Legacy
The Vince Lombardi Trophy symbolizes excellence and triumph in the NFL.
Winning teams keep their trophy permanently, often displayed in team headquarters or Hall of Fame exhibits.
The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers hold the most Lombardi Trophies, each winning 4+ times.
FLOSSI AND THE LAST STRAW
Paper straws require ~2.5 to 5 times more energy per kilogram than plastic straws.
Plastic straws are lighter (about 1 g per straw) than paper straws (~2 g per straw), so per-unit energy usage is closer, but paper still consumes more.
Paper manufacturing is energy-intensive, especially for virgin pulp.
Plastic manufacturing is more energy-efficient, but plastic waste persists in the environment for centuries.
FLOSSI AND THE WORLD OF DIAMONDS
As of early 2025, the diamond market is experiencing significant challenges characterized by declining prices, shifting consumer preferences, and industry restructuring.
Declining Prices and Demand
Natural diamond prices have decreased by approximately 26% since their peak in 2022. This decline is attributed to several factors, including reduced demand in key markets such as China and the United States, economic uncertainties, and decreased marriage rates. Additionally, the rapid advancement and increased production of lab-grown diamonds have intensified competition, leading to a 74% price drop since 2020.
Industry Impact and Restructuring
Major industry players are responding to these challenges through strategic adjustments. Anglo-American, for instance, is expected to write down the value of its De Beers diamond business for the second time within a year due to poor market conditions. The company is considering options such as selling or publicly listing De Beers as part of a broader restructuring plan.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers who value their affordability and perceived ethical advantages. In the U.S., sales of lab-grown diamond jewellery increased by 12.5%, while natural diamond jewellery sales declined by 0.7%. This trend is prompting traditional jewellers to reconsider their product offerings and marketing strategies to highlight the unique value of natural diamonds.
FLOSSI IN THE NEW GAZA
The name Gaza has ancient origins and has been used for thousands of years to refer to the city and region in what is now the Gaza Strip. The name’s meaning and history trace back to various languages and civilizations.
Origins of the Name "Gaza"
Ancient Semitic Roots—The name Gaza comes from ancient Semitic languages, likely related to the Hebrew and Canaanite word ʿAzzā (עַזָּה), which means “strong” or “fortified.”
Egyptian Influence – The Egyptians called the city “Ghazzat”, an important strategic city along trade routes.
Greek and Roman Period – The Greeks and Romans called it Gaza, a name that persisted over time.
Arabic Name – In Arabic, the city is called غزة (Ghazza), which retains the ancient Semitic root.
Strategic Location – Gaza has historically been a fortified city, controlling important trade routes between Egypt, the Levant, and Mesopotamia.
Cultural and Military Importance – It was a key city for many empires, from the Philistines and Ancient Egyptians to the Ottomans and British.
FLOSSI & BILLIARDS IN NYC
The history of billiards in New York City is rich and deeply tied to the city's social and recreational culture. From the 19th century onward, New York played a crucial role in shaping billiards in America, hosting famous players, prestigious tournaments, and legendary pool halls. Here’s an overview:
Early History (18th - 19th Century)
Billiards was introduced to America by European immigrants in the late 1700s.
By the early 1800s, New York City had become a major hub for the game, with many upscale billiard rooms in hotels and private clubs.
In 1850, Michael Phelan, known as the "Father of American Billiards," helped popularize the sport in NYC. He wrote the first rule book and developed standardized tables.
Phelan opened Phelan's Billiard Saloon, one of the first premier billiard halls in the city.
Golden Age of Billiards (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)
Billiards became a fashionable pastime among New York’s elite, played in luxury clubs and social halls.
Brunswick Corporation, a major billiard table manufacturer, established its dominance, setting the standard for American pool halls.
The game was widely played in working-class bars and pool halls, making it a common pastime for people of all backgrounds.
20th Century – The Rise of Competitive Pool
Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous), the dominant game at the time, saw fierce competition in NYC.
The city hosted many national and world championship matches, often at renowned venues like McGirr’s Billiard Room and Carom Café.
Players like Willie Mosconi, Ralph Greenleaf, and Irving Crane gained fame through their matches in NYC.
Decline and Resurgence (Mid-to-Late 20th Century)
By the 1950s and 1960s, billiards declined due to the rise of television, bowling, and other leisure activities.
The 1961 film “The Hustler” (starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason) brought renewed interest in pool, with scenes shot in NYC-style pool halls.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw a resurgence with upscale billiard lounges like Amsterdam Billiards opening in Manhattan.
Modern Era (21st Century)
NYC remains an important billiards city, with high-end lounges and historic halls like Society Billiards & Bar and Steinway Billiards.
The city hosts major tournaments, including professional and amateur competitions.
Billiards is still a staple of NYC nightlife, blending history with modern entertainment.
FLOSSI & THE U.S. SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND
A Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is a state-owned investment fund that a government creates to manage national wealth. These funds are typically built using surplus revenues, such as earnings from natural resources, trade surpluses, or foreign exchange reserves. Governments invest these funds in stocks, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and other assets to generate long-term wealth and financial stability.
How Does a Sovereign Wealth Fund Work?
A government saves money (often from excess revenue or resource sales).
The money is invested in a diversified portfolio, including:
Stocks & Bonds (global and domestic)
Real Estate & Infrastructure
Private Equity & Venture Capital
Other Alternative Investments
The goal is to generate returns over time to support public programs, economic development, or stabilize government finances.
Why Do Countries Create Sovereign Wealth Funds?
Governments establish SWFs for several reasons:
Stabilization – To protect the economy from market shocks (e.g., oil price fluctuations).
Savings for the Future – To save wealth for future generations, especially in resource-rich countries.
Foreign Exchange Management – To manage currency reserves and avoid excessive inflation.
Economic Development – To fund infrastructure, innovation, and growth projects.
Pension & Social Welfare Funding – Some SWFs support public pensions or healthcare systems.
FLOSSI AND THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE
The Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac: Meaning and Significance
The Year of the Snake is one of the twelve animal signs in the Chinese zodiac, occurring every twelve years. The Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, mystery, and transformation.
Recent and Upcoming Years of the Snake
People born in these years are considered “Snakes” in the Chinese zodiac:
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 (next Year of the Snake)
The zodiac year runs according to the Chinese lunar calendar, so the exact start and end dates may vary.
Personality Traits of People Born in the Year of the Snake
People born under the Snake sign are believed to be: ✔ Wise & Intelligent – Often deep thinkers, problem solvers, and good strategists.
✔ Charming & Mysterious – Have an enigmatic aura, making them intriguing to others.
✔ Intuitive & Insightful – Able to read people and situations well, often making sharp decisions.
✔ Determined & Ambitious – Once they set their sights on a goal, they persist until they succeed.
✔ Elegant & Diplomatic – Have a refined sense of style and a calm, composed demeanor.
However, Snakes can also be: ✘ Secretive & Mistrustful – They often guard their thoughts and emotions, making them hard to read.
✘ Jealous & Possessive – Can become controlling in relationships or overly competitive.
✘ Cautious & Overthinking – May be prone to anxiety and indecision due to overanalyzing situations.
The Year of the Snake in 2025: What to Expect?
The next Year of the Snake will be 2025, from January 29 to February 16, 2026.
2025 is a Wood Snake year emphasising growth, intelligence, adaptability, and diplomacy.
It may bring a time of strategic decision-making, creativity, and transformation.
It’s expected to be a year of patience, steady progress, and careful planning.
Compatibility and Relationships
Snakes are considered most compatible with: ❤️ Ox & Rooster – Strong partnerships with trust and shared ambition.
❤️ Dragon – A powerful and dynamic relationship with mutual understanding.
Snakes may struggle with: 💔 Tiger & Pig – These signs have conflicting personalities, leading to tension and misunderstandings.
Career and Work
Best Careers for Snakes: Researchers, strategists, diplomats, psychologists, entrepreneurs, and financial analysts.
Work Style: Snakes are independent, prefer working behind the scenes, and excel in problem-solving and analysis.
FLOSSI, MEXICO, CANADA and the USA
Trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada is extensive and encompasses a variety of goods and services. The top five categories of trade among these countries include:
Automotive Products:
The automotive industry is highly integrated across the three countries, with significant trade in passenger vehicles, trucks, and auto parts. Canada and Mexico are both major sources of U.S. imports and destinations for U.S. exports in this sector. Machinery and Equipment:
Industrial Machinery: This category includes machinery for various industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture. The U.S. exports substantial amounts of machinery to both Canada and Mexico.Electrical and Electronic Equipment:
Electronics: Trade in electronics, including computers, smartphones, and other devices, is significant between these nations.The U.S. imports various electronic products from Mexico and exports electrical equipment to Canada.
Mineral Fuels and Oils:
Energy Products: Crude oil and refined petroleum products are major components of trade, especially between the U.S. and Canada. Canada is a leading supplier of crude oil to the U.S., and there is also notable trade in natural gas and other energy products.
Agricultural Products:
Food and Beverages: Agricultural trade includes grains, meats, fruits, vegetables, and beverages. The U.S. exports grains and meats to Mexico, while importing fruits, vegetables, and beverages like beer and tequila. Similarly, there is significant agricultural trade between the U.S. and Canada.
IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S FLOSSI
The copyright status of Superman outside the United States is a complex issue due to differing international copyright laws and the Berne Convention, which regulates intellectual property protections across multiple countries. Here are the key issues:
Copyright Expiration in Different Countries
Superman was created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, first appearing in Action Comics #1.
Under U.S. copyright law, Superman is still under copyright protection due to extensions provided by the Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) (also known as the Sonny Bono Act).
However, in some countries, copyright duration is shorter, meaning Superman could enter the public domain sooner outside the U.S..
Countries Where Copyright May Expire Sooner:
In many nations following “Life + 50 years” copyright laws (such as Canada, New Zealand, and some African nations), works enter the public domain 50 years after the author’s death.
Joe Shuster (co-creator of Superman) died in 1992, and Jerry Siegel died in 1996.
Superman could become public domain in Canada, which follows Life + 50 years in 2043.
In Mexico and most of the European Union, which follow Life + 70 years, Superman could become public domain in 2066.
Differences in U.S. and International Copyright Law
The U.S. has specific laws extending copyrights for corporate-owned characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Superman.
The Berne Convention (an international copyright agreement) ensures that works are protected based on each country’s local copyright term.
In some countries, the earliest Superman stories may enter the public domain sooner than in the U.S., but newer adaptations and trademarks remain protected.
Trademarks vs. Copyright
Even if Superman comics enter the public domain, Warner Bros./DC Comics still owns the trademark to the Superman name, logo, and distinctive visual appearance.
Even if a country no longer protects early Superman stories, new works using the Superman brand could still violate trademarks.
Disney has used similar trademark strategies with Mickey Mouse to prevent public use of the character despite copyright expirations.
The Public Domain Debate
Legal scholars and public domain advocates argue that corporate copyright extensions unfairly keep iconic characters under control longer than initially intended.
Some nations may not enforce DC’s copyright extensions if they believe Superman should already be in the public domain under their local laws.
This debate could result in legal battles in different jurisdictions over whether Superman’s early works can be freely used.
FLOSSI HEADS NORTH
The Magnetic North pole of Earth has been moving for centuries. Its movement is caused by the complex motion of molten iron and nickel within the Earth's outer core, which generates the magnetic field.
How Fast Is Magnetic North Moving?
Historically, magnetic north has drifted slowly, at about 10–15 km (6–9 miles) per year.
However, its movement has accelerated significantly since the 1990s, shifting at approximately 50–60 km (30–37 miles) per year.
As of recent measurements, magnetic north is moving from Canada toward Russia, specifically toward Siberia.
Why Is Magnetic North Moving?
The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten metals in the outer core (a process called the geodynamo).
Changes in this flow alter the distribution of magnetic forces, causing the north magnetic pole to shift unpredictably.
Scientists believe the current acceleration is due to a high-speed jet of liquid iron beneath Canada, which has weakened part of the field, allowing the pole to drift toward Russia.
Impact of Magnetic North’s Movement
Navigation Systems:
Magnetic compasses rely on magnetic north so that rapid shifts can affect air, sea, and land navigation.
The World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is used in GPS and navigation systems, must be updated more frequently.
Airports periodically rename runways based on shifting magnetic headings.
Aviation and Military Operations:
Pilots, especially those flying in polar regions, must adjust their navigation based on the changing pole position.
The U.S. and other militaries track these changes to maintain accurate missile and satellite navigation.
Potential Link to a Pole Reversal?
Scientists have speculated whether the Earth is heading toward a magnetic pole reversal (where north and south magnetic poles swap places).
Magnetic reversals have occurred several times in Earth's history but take thousands of years to complete.
There is no immediate evidence that a complete reversal is happening soon.
FLOSSI AND ROMAN RUINS IN SYRIA
A History of the Roman Ruins in Palmyra, Syria, and Their Destruction
Ancient Origins of Palmyra
Palmyra, located in modern-day Syria, was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The "Pearl of the Desert" was a crucial trading hub linking the Roman Empire to Persia, India, and China along the Silk Road. The city dates back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, but it rose to prominence during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Palmyra became part of the Roman Empire in 64 BCE when Rome annexed Syria. By the 1st century CE, it had grown into a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, thanks to its role as a trade center between the East and the Mediterranean.The Roman Golden Age (1st–3rd Century CE)
During the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, Palmyra flourished under Roman rule. The city blended Roman, Persian, and local influences, creating a unique cultural and architectural style. Some of its most famous structures from this period include:
The Temple of Bel (32 CE) was one of the most important religious buildings in the Roman world. It was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel.
The Great Colonnade – A nearly 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long monumental street lined with towering Corinthian columns.
The Roman Theater – A well-preserved semi-circular structure used for performances and public events.
The Tetrapylon – A grand monument marking the intersection of Palmyra’s main roads.
Funerary Towers and Tombs – Elaborate sandstone burial monuments showcasing the city's prosperity.
In the 3rd century CE, Queen Zenobia of Palmyra briefly led a rebellion against Rome, establishing the Palmyrene Empire (c. 270–272 CE). However, her rule was short-lived, as Roman Emperor Aurelian crushed the rebellion in 272 CE, bringing Palmyra back under Roman control.
Decline and Abandonment
Palmyra's importance declined after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of Islamic rule in the 7th century CE. It was largely abandoned by the medieval period, though it remained a site of historical interest.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeologists uncovered and restored much of Palmyra’s ruins, making it one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Destruction by ISIS (2015–2017)
In 2015, during the Syrian Civil War, the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Palmyra and deliberately destroyed many of its ancient monuments, considering them idolatrous.
Among the worst acts of destruction:
The Temple of Bel was dynamited in August 2015.
The Temple of Baalshamin was blown up in August 2015.
The Roman Theater – Partially destroyed and used for executions.
The Tetrapylon – Heavily damaged.
Several Tower Tombs were reduced to rubble.
ISIS also executed Khaled al-Asaad, an 82-year-old Syrian archaeologist who had overseen Palmyra's preservation for decades.
FLOSSI AND THE GULF OF AMERICA
Changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America would be a highly complex process involving legal, diplomatic, geographic, and cultural considerations. Here's an overview of the factors at play:
Geographic Naming Authorities
U.S. Domestic Process:
In the United States, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) oversees the naming of geographic features within U.S. territory and ensures consistency in naming conventions.
While the BGN can change names domestically, its decisions typically apply only to names used in the United States and on U.S. maps.
International Standards:
Internationally, geographic names are standardized by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) and recognized by global cartographic authorities.
The name "Gulf of Mexico" is internationally recognized, making a unilateral name change by the U.S. unlikely to gain widespread adoption.
The name "Gulf of Mexico" has been in use since at least the early 16th century, making it deeply embedded in historical and cultural records.
Treaties and international agreements referencing the Gulf of Mexico might need renegotiation or clarification to reflect the new name.
The logistical costs of changing maps, signage, and legal documents would be substantial.
Precedents for Name Changes
Similar changes have occurred historically, but they are rare:
Indian Ocean vs. Arabian Sea Debate: Ongoing disputes exist over names of international waters.
Persian Gulf vs. Arabian Gulf: The name "Persian Gulf" has been contested by some Arab states advocating for "Arabian Gulf," but it remains internationally recognized as the Persian Gulf.
FLOSSI AND DEEPSEEK
DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup that has recently garnered significant attention for its rapid advancements in AI technology. Founded in Hangzhou, DeepSeek has developed a series of open-source large language models (LLMs) that have demonstrated impressive performance in various benchmarks.
Key Developments:
DeepSeek-R1: Launched in November 2024, this model focuses on logical inference, mathematical reasoning, and real-time problem-solving. It has been reported to outperform industry leaders in specific benchmarks, achieving high accuracy in mathematical problem-solving and programming tasks.
DeepSeek-V3: Released in December 2024, DeepSeek-V3 is a mixture-of-experts model with 671 billion parameters. It was trained over approximately 55 days at a cost of around $5.58 million, significantly lower than the expenditures of competitors like OpenAI. Benchmark tests indicate that DeepSeek-V3 outperforms models such as Llama 3.1 and Qwen 2.5 while matching the performance of GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet.
Market Impact:
The emergence of DeepSeek has had a notable impact on global tech markets. On January 27, 2025, major U.S. tech stocks, including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Tesla, experienced significant declines, potentially losing up to $1 trillion in value.
This downturn was attributed to DeepSeek's development of a competitive large-language model at a fraction of the usual cost and without reliance on advanced Nvidia chips. Following the news, Nvidia's stock fell by nearly 13%.
Technological Approach:
DeepSeek's models are notable for their cost-effective development and efficiency. The company has utilized approximately 2,000 Nvidia H800 chips, which comply with U.S. export controls, to create its models efficiently. This approach challenges the prevailing high-cost AI development models and suggests a potential paradigm shift in the industry.
Controversies:
Despite its technological achievements, DeepSeek has faced criticism for producing responses that align closely with Chinese state-sanctioned views, particularly on sensitive political topics such as human rights and Taiwan. This has raised concerns about censorship and the influence of state narratives in AI outputs.
FLOSSI AND THE NFL PLAYOFFS
The National Football League (NFL) and its teams have historically benefited from various tax breaks and public subsidies, particularly in the construction and renovation of stadiums. These financial advantages often come through direct public funding, tax-exempt municipal bonds, and other incentives provided by state and local governments.
Notable Examples of Tax Breaks and Public Subsidies:
Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium):
Public Funding: In 2022, the Buffalo Bills secured a deal for a new stadium with a total cost of $1.4 billion. New York State will fund $600 million, and Erie County will contribute $250 million, for a total of $850 million in public contributions.
Controversy: This deal has faced criticism, especially after the team's valuation increased significantly, leading to debates about the appropriateness of such substantial public investment.
Minnesota Vikings (U.S. Bank Stadium):
Public Funding: Completed in 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium cost $1.1 billion to build, with approximately $498 million funded by public sources, including the state of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis.
Atlanta Falcons (Mercedes-Benz Stadium):
Public Funding: The stadium, which opened in 2017, cost around $1.6 billion to build. $700 million was financed through tax-exempt bonds and other public funds.
Las Vegas Raiders (Allegiant Stadium):
Public Funding: The Raiders' move to Las Vegas involved the construction of Allegiant Stadium, costing $1.9 billion, with $750 million funded by public money, primarily through hotel tax revenues in Clark County, Nevada.
Tax Strategies Employed by Team Owners:
Beyond stadium subsidies, NFL team owners often utilize tax strategies to minimize their tax liabilities:
Depreciation of Assets: Owners can depreciate the value of player contracts and other assets over time, allowing them to claim significant deductions. This practice enables owners to report substantial losses on paper, offsetting other income and reducing overall tax burdens.
Opportunity Zones: Some NFL teams have stadiums in designated "opportunity zones," created to spur investment in economically distressed areas. Investments in these zones can offer tax incentives, including deferrals and exclusions of capital gains.
FLOSSI AND THE DACIA THIEVES
Thieves have stolen several key artifacts from an exhibition of gold from the ancient kingdom of Dacia at the Drents Museum in Assen, after setting of explosives outside the building.
Among the stolen items is the golden helmet of Cotofenesti, crafted from almost pure gold and dating from 500 BC, along with three gold arm bands
.The heist occurred early Saturday morning, around 3:45 in the morning, when an explosion shattered windows and caused damage to the museum buildings.
Police say several people were involved in what appears to have been a meticulously planned operation.
According to the Telegraaf, the thieves were in and out within three minutes.
Interpol has now been called in to assist with the investigation.
Security footage captured several suspects in action, and a burned-out car, believed to have been used by the thieves, was discovered roughly 30 minutes after the explosion.
The police are appealing for eyewitnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Museum chief Harry Tupan said it is a dark day for both the Assen Museum and the National History Museum in Bucharest, which had lent the pieces to the exhibition.
“Nothing like this has ever happened in our 170 year history,” he said in a statement.Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, the Romanian museum director, said that he hopes the items will be brought back safely.
“That is my only hope,” he told broadcaster NOS. “They are so important it will be impossible to sell them.”
The exhibition, Dacia – Realm of Gold and Silver, featured more than 50 artifacts from the pre-Roman kingdom and was set to close on Sunday.
FLOSSI AND THE FIRE DOME
An Israeli startup named FireDome has developed an innovative wildfire defense system inspired by the country's renowned Iron Dome missile defense technology.
Established in 2024 by CEO Gadi Benjamini and Dr. Adi Naor Pomerantz, FireDome aims to enhance firefighting capabilities by rapidly responding to wildfires.
Key Features of the FireDome System:
Autonomous Operation: The system is designed to function autonomously, detecting and responding to wildfires without direct human intervention.
Eco-Friendly Fire Retardant: FireDome utilizes capsules filled with environmentally friendly fire retardant. These capsules are launched to create protective barriers against approaching fires.
AI-Powered Detection: The system leverages artificial intelligence to detect spot fires caused by wind-blown embers and suppresses them promptly, preventing the spread of wildfires.
Mechanical Launchers: The system employs mechanical launchers that project the fire-retardant capsules to distances of about a quarter mile, allowing for rapid deployment over large areas.
Deployment Plans:
Initial Testing in Israel: FireDome plans to conduct its first system tests in Israel around May 2025. The tests will focus on areas prone to wildfires, such as the forests near Jerusalem and the Carmel region.
Expansion to the United States: In 2026, the company aims to initiate pilot programs in the United States, particularly in wildfire-prone regions like Los Angeles and San Francisco. By integrating advanced defense strategies with artificial intelligence, FireDome seeks to provide a proactive solution to the growing threat of wildfires, enhancing the capabilities of traditional firefighting methods.
For a visual overview of FireDome's technology and its potential applications, you can watch the following video:
FLOSSI AVOIDS DAVOS RIPOFF
Attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos entails significant costs, primarily due to its exclusive, invitation-only nature. Here's a breakdown of the expenses:
Membership Fees:
Organizations typically need to be members of the WEF to receive an invitation. Membership fees vary based on the level of engagement:
Industry Partner: Approximately $263,000 annually.
Strategic Partner: Around $527,000 annually.
These fees grant organizations the opportunity to participate in WEF activities and events.
Annual Meeting Participation:
Once a member, attending the Davos meeting incurs additional costs:
Admission Fee: Approximately $19,000 per person.
Additional Expenses:
Accommodation and Logistics: Davos experiences a surge in demand during the forum, leading to high accommodation costs.
For instance, reports indicate that simple items like hot dogs can cost around $43, reflecting the overall high-expense and ripoff environment during the event.
