Welcome to Sue’s List #54, where we are trekking to Antarctica to visit a volcano that spits gold, exploring why foreclosures aren’t as scary as the headlines make them seem, checking out the new “Snoafer” and shaking up a classic Negroni with a smoky twist. Enjoy!
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For Statistics
Volcano in Antarctica Spits Gold
What's the difference between a volcano in Antarctica and the person in your office Slack who thinks they're a comedian? One spits out gold, and it's not the jokester.
Meet Mount Erebus, the world's southernmost active volcano, located in Antarctica. Every day, Erebus throws about 80 grams of gold dust into the air, which, at today's prices, is worth around $6,000. Not a bad haul, if you're into catching gold dust instead of bad punchlines.
Erebus, named after the Greek god of darkness, is more than just a geological oddity—it's a volcano with a flair for the expensive. But before you grab your pickaxe and head south, be warned: Antarctica isn't exactly a weekend getaway. The average cruise to the frozen continent costs about $8,000, and a flight isn't much cheaper. So, while Erebus could theoretically pay for your trip with its daily gold output, you'd have to camp out for a while to break even.
Still, if you're up for a challenge and don't mind a little frostbite, it could be worth the adventure. After all, Antarctica boasts 138 volcanoes, but only two are active, and Erebus is the only one with an accidental side hustle in gold distribution.
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For Unusual
Meet the Snoafer: New Balance's New Meme-Worthy Hybrid Shoe
Ladies and gentlemen, there's a new shoe in town that's making waves on social media—the New Balance 1906L, also known as the "snoafer." Is it a sneaker? Is it a loafer? It's both! This quirky hybrid isn't set for release until August, but it's already got sneakerheads and fashionistas buzzing.
Lately, unusual footwear has been taking over the internet:
- A couple of weeks ago, Crocs teamed up with Pringles to create boots with holsters for canned potato chips—and they sold out in a snap.
- Last year, everyone from celebrities to TikTok stars was rocking those giant red boots from MSCHF that looked like they belonged to Super Mario.
But the snoafer could have staying power. Unlike some of its meme-tastic predecessors, this shoe's sleek design gives it a shot at becoming a closet staple. Fashion insiders say it might outlast the meme craze and actually make its way into everyday wear.
The reviews? All thumbs up. The Wall Street Journal thinks the snoafer could be the next big thing for office and wedding attire, calling it "a sneaker that dares to be worn with a suit." GQ notes it could be an upgrade from those Silicon Valley Allbirds everyone's been wearing.
So, get ready to see the snoafer everywhere, from boardrooms to brunch dates. Whether you're into the meme vibe or just looking for a comfy shoe that doesn't take itself too seriously, New Balance's latest creation might just be your new favorite footwear.
You can have a sneak peek here but have to wait until this fall to be able to buy a pair.
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For Explore
Foreclosures Aren't as Scary as They Sound
You might've seen the headlines about foreclosures going up, which can sound pretty alarming—especially if you remember the 2008 housing crash. But don't worry, it's not as dramatic as it seems.
Here's the deal: the media is hyping up the increase in foreclosures because they're comparing today’s numbers to a time when foreclosures were super low, thanks to pandemic-related relief. Now that the moratoriums are over, foreclosures are naturally ticking up, but that's totally expected—not a sign that we're heading for a crisis.
To give you some perspective, back during the 2008 crash, there were over a million foreclosure filings a year. In 2023, it's around 357,000—much lower, right? Plus, most homeowners have built up enough equity to avoid foreclosure altogether, which is a big difference from the old days when a lot of people owed more than their homes were worth.
Bottom line: While the media might make it sound like doom and gloom, the numbers show we're not heading for a foreclosure crisis. It’s just the market normalizing after some unusual years. So relax, the housing market isn't about to crash.
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For Special
The Smoky Negroni: A New Spin on a Classic Cocktail
I recently sipped a Negroni with a smoky twist, and it was nothing short of divine. Let's take a quick trip through cocktail history and discover what makes this mix so irresistible.
The Negroni is a cocktail that's been winning over hearts (and taste buds) since the early 20th century. Born in Italy, it eventually made its way across Europe before landing in the United States, where it became a favorite during the craft cocktail renaissance of the late '90s and early 2000s. The original recipe calls for equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but bartenders soon discovered that this simple formula could be the perfect playground for experimentation.
Enter the Mezcal Negroni. This variation emerged from agave-focused cocktail bars like New York City's Mayahuel, and it's now considered a modern classic. In this version, smoky mezcal takes the place of gin, giving the drink a robust and earthy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with Campari's bitterness and the herbal notes of sweet vermouth.
The Mezcal Negroni is easy to make and offers a fun way to experience a familiar cocktail with a unique twist. Here's how you can create your own:
**Ingredients**
- 1 ounce mezcal
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Orange half-wheel for garnish
Simply combine the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a glass filled with ice - I prefer no ice! Garnish with an orange half-wheel, and you're ready to enjoy a cocktail that dances with smoky and savory flavors.
Give it a try, and you might find yourself wondering why you didn't discover this gem sooner! Cheers!
Thanks for reading the entire list.
See you next week-
Sue
