Slow Boat Brewery's Back Bacon Buccaneer

Added on by C. Maoxian.

Yes, yes, another gimmicky flavor, but who can say no to bacon? This was really interesting, they used maple bacon so you get the full hearty breakfast thing going on, thick pancakes grilled in bacon grease, slathered in butter, and drowned in maple syrup.  This is a beer I could have for breakfast.  Yum!

From the brewery:

Back Bacon Buccaneer
(ABV 7.7%, IBU 20, SRM 8)
Hops: Chinook and Mount Hood and Wilamet
Malts: New Zealand base malt, German Crystal malt
TASTING NOTES:
A medium bodied, full flavored ale that tastes like summer BBQs and grandma’s pancake breakfast all in one. This beer is a refreshing, total-package sensory experience that manages to balance warm smoky bacon notes with a perfectly delicate maple finish. Ideal for the beer lover looking for a taste of home.

Weekly Average Sales Price in Beijing

Added on by C. Maoxian.

A chart from Deutsche Bank:

Starting on February 16, 2011 anyone wanting to purchase a first home in Beijing had to produce proof of five consecutive years of local tax/social security payments. That explains the big spike down on the chart.  There were also bans imposed on Beijingers for purchases of third or more homes, and on outsiders for purchases of a second home.

Slow Boat Brewery's Juniperus Pale Ale

Added on by C. Maoxian.

Another in the line of gimmicky flavors ... anise, coffee, coconut, vanilla ... they're all good, though the juniper (ABV 7.2%, IBU 28, SRM 12) was berry junipery, a bit too berry for me.  Lovely color!

From the brewery:

Juniperus Pale Ale
            (ABV 7.2%, IBU 28, SRM 12)
            Hops: Chinook and Wilamet
            Malts: New Zealand malt and Crystal Malt
TASTING NOTES:
This gloriously big-bodied amber ale is brewed with juniper berries for a touch of bitterness and a refreshing floral aroma. Perfect for the botanist beer drinker and Pale Ale lover alike. This beer is guaranteed to invoke a powerful “Kum ba yah” of the senses, balancing acidic pine notes with a lightly sweet crystal malt finish.

Ombre for Hombres

Added on by C. Maoxian.

I don't know what "ombre" means, but it's this faded color effect, I guess.  Anyway, I like the look of these shirts from Tommy Hilfiger.  Tommy's website is geotarded so you need a VPN to reach the US site. Search for "dip dye" once you get there.

For her

For him

Unfortunately marred by logo.

No logo but not as interesting a color combo.

Stagnant Sales of Luxury Goods in China

Added on by C. Maoxian.

From Deutsche Bank:

"... sales of luxury goods in China only grew 2% yoy in 2013, far slower than the 30% yoy growth in 2011 [ed.: what was it in 2012?]... As the China luxury market is shrinking, international luxury brands have slowed down their expansion in China. LV adjusted its strategy which a narrowed focus on Tier 1 cities and remained cautious about entering lower tier cities. GUCCI also announced a suspension of expansion plans in China. Meanwhile affordable luxury brands are raising share in the China market. Affordable luxury brands refer to goods with luxury designs and materials but affordable pricing, covering handbags, accessories, watches and other categories. For instance, Coach’s total sales growth in China was 35% in 1Q14 and was estimated to increase by at least 25% yoy for 2Q14."