From the CDC.  A bit of an unusual stat.  The cause of death, by state, that is most out of line compared to the rest of the country (as I understand it). Also from 2015.

Went on a little day trip to Fredericksburg to check out the wineries and take the Poodle for a ride.  He hasn’t been in the car much so we thought we would try to get him used to going places with us. Even bought him a little doggie stroller.  He is old and probably can’t keep up with us.

Hadn’t been out this way in a while.  Lots of new wineries and just lots of new development just about everywhere.  Stopped at Baron Creek vineyards that has four Tesla Chargers.  Had lunch at Hondo’s on Main.  Stopped at the National Museum of the Pacific War that had a surprisingly nice Japanese garden.  Drove the long home way to try and miss Austin traffic.  Lots of development out west of town toward Lakeway.  Not a bad day.

A good discussion that I am guessing most small investors don’t think about.  I have even tougher criteria.  I’m not even sure companies like Facebook are tech companies.  Sure, they use technology, but developing unique tech isn’t part of their business.  From Stratechery:

What Is a Tech Company?

From the IMF.  This is about the use of shell companies that do nothing but transfer wealth, mostly hiding ownership for tax avoidance of money laundering.

Globally, phantom investments amount to an astonishing $15 trillion, or the combined annual GDP of economic powerhouses China and Germany.

The Rise of Phantom Investments

Empty corporate shells in tax havens undermine tax collection in advanced, emerging market, and developing economies

Catching up with some old friends in Houston this weekend.  Staying at the Galleria, which is much bigger than I remember.  After lunch we took two friends for a short ride in the Tesla Model 3.  Just around the block.  At a light I was showing off the acceleration.  Next to me was a young guy in a black Mercedes AMG.  I left him way behind.   He thought I wanted to race.  At the next light I was turning right, but he proceeded to power brake and light up the tires for about 30 seconds until the light changed.  Smoke so thick I could barely see his car right next to us.    Turned off and realized my passengers had a bit more than they expected from their trip around the block.  This being Houston I suppose I ought to be more careful.  Went to the Menil afterwards.

From Bloomberg.  I thought Austin would be higher on the list.

More People Are Leaving NYC Daily Than Any Other U.S. City

From Politico.  Lots of interesting stats on aging America and it’s political effect.

From Forbes.  Oils days seem to be numbered. Of course once upon a time whale oil was a big thing and it ended very quickly.

The future is not looking bright for oil, according to a new report that claims the commodity would have to be priced at $10-$20 a barrel to remain competitive as a transport fuel.

Economics of Electric Vehicles Mean Oil’s Days As A Transport Fuel Are Numbered

More on the ongoing technological attack on democracy in the US and the UK.  From the New York Review of Books:

The Oligarch Threat