Anderson W. White, Author at IIB Network

What is profitability and how do I measure it?

29

Jan

Investments and Business

How to Calculate Profitability: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grasping Profitability: Its Meaning and Why It MattersProfitability serves as a core idea in finance and business management, functioning as an indicator of an organization’s economic strength and overall performance; it describes the ability of a company, investment, or initiative to produce returns that surpass the costs and expenses incurred within a defined timeframe, and it also reflects how effectively resources are handled to achieve net gains beyond simple income generation.Assessing profitability is vital for business owners, investors, and stakeholders because it reflects sustainability, guides decision-making, and impacts a company's market value. Profitability is also crucial for strategic planning and…

Zipped hoodie | Maison Margiela | OTTODISANPIETRO

29

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Culture and Entertainment

What’s the Deal with Normcore?

Normcore is an intriguing fashion trend that emerged in the early 2010s, characterized by its embrace of bland, ordinary, and seemingly unremarkable clothing. This style deliberately avoids distinctive features and opts for a look that could be described as intentionally average. Rooted in the word "normal" and the suffix "core," which is often used to denote a particular style, normcore embraces the aesthetics of commonality and simplicity.How Normcore First EmergedThe term normcore rose to wider recognition after the trend-forecasting collective K-HOLE featured it in a 2013 report. That document pointed to a cultural moment in which striving to stand out…

How a distant conflict can raise the price of everyday goods

29

Jan

By Anderson W. White

International

The Economic Fallout: Distant Wars and Local Price Increases

A war or political clash occurring far from home can push up the cost of everyday items through a cascading mix of economic and logistical pressures. Today’s supply networks are deeply interconnected, and vital inputs like energy, metals, food, and shipping capacity tend to be concentrated in a few key producing areas. When turmoil interrupts production, trade routes, insurance services, or financial operations in those locations, input costs rise, and producers ultimately transfer those higher expenses to consumers.Primary transmission pathwaysCommodity supply shocks — Conflicts that disrupt the export flow of oil, gas, wheat, fertilizers, or metals cut global availability and…

Why water is increasingly seen as a geopolitical risk

28

Jan

By Anderson W. White

International

Understanding Water’s Role in Geopolitical Risk

Freshwater underpins life, agriculture, energy production, industry, and vital ecosystem functions, yet its availability remains both scarce and uneven across the globe. Only around 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater, and just about 0.3% of the planet’s total water supply is easily accessible on the surface for human use. Meanwhile, expanding populations, accelerating urbanization, shifting dietary patterns, and ongoing economic growth continue to push demand upward. At the same time, climate change, retreating glaciers, declining groundwater reserves, pollution, and aging infrastructure are undermining the reliability of supply. Together, these pressures push water beyond a local management concern, turning it into…

Nominations open for The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026 by AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Social Responsibility

MIDORI Prize 2026: Biodiversity Nominations Now Open

As natural systems endure extraordinary strain, acknowledging the people who champion significant progress has become vital to preserving life across the planet.The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity showcases these contributions and broadens their influence around the globe.The global community continues to seek effective ways to halt and reverse biodiversity loss while addressing interconnected challenges such as climate change, food security, and human well-being. Within this context, international recognition initiatives play a crucial role in elevating successful approaches, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action across sectors and borders. One such initiative is the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, an international award dedicated to honoring…

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Investments and Business

The Shrinking Pool of Affordable Cars: A US Price Crisis

For many Americans, the idea of purchasing a new car for under $20,000 has largely faded away. As base models vanish from dealership inventories, the typical price of a new vehicle has soared, narrowing choices for lower-income buyers and transforming the overall automotive market.In 2024, US shoppers could still find a small selection of vehicles listed for under $20,000, but today not a single new model falls beneath that price point. Recent estimates from Kelley Blue Book indicate that buyers paid an average of $50,326 for a new car in December 2025, setting a new record, while Edmunds reported a…

Fears of an AI bubble were nowhere to be found at the world’s biggest tech show

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Science and Technology

Top Tech Show Sees No AI Bubble Worries

The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was shaped by breakthroughs in AI, humanoid robotics, and cutting‑edge devices redefining modern innovation. From large-scale robotic systems to next‑generation wearables, the event provided a glimpse into a swiftly shifting technology scene and the strategic commitments companies are placing on artificial intelligence.This year, CES not only displayed an array of devices but also underscored how AI is reshaping entire sectors, redefining products, and changing how people engage with technology. Firms worldwide unveiled their newest breakthroughs, from humanoid robots designed for industrial duties to AI-enhanced home devices, intelligent jewelry, and cutting-edge processors. Though…

Tired of AI, people are committing to the analog lifestyle in 2026

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Investments and Business

2026 Forecast: Analog Lifestyle as an AI Antidote

As AI-powered tools increasingly manage our daily tasks, more people are seeking ways to unplug and engage with the physical world. The movement, often called the “analog lifestyle,” focuses on slowing down, enjoying hands-on activities, and reclaiming moments from screens and generative AI.The phenomenon is growing, even if hard to measure precisely. Hobbies traditionally seen as old-fashioned, such as knitting, painting, and crafting, are seeing a resurgence. Arts and crafts retailer Michael’s has reported a 136% increase in searches for “analog hobbies” over the past six months. Sales of guided craft kits rose 86% in 2025, with projections showing another…

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

Culture and Entertainment

Top Fashion Weeks Around the World

Conversations about fashion draw audiences into a vivid sphere of refinement, experimentation, and luxury. At the heart of this constantly shifting landscape stand the iconic fashion weeks, pivotal events that reveal and shape the industry’s upcoming trends. Four major style capitals dominate this global arena as influential trendsetters: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Each city adds its own unique identity and cultural imprint, steadily redefining the fashion world from one season to the next.New York Fashion WeekNew York Fashion Week (NYFW) launches the international fashion week calendar and remains one of the industry's most influential events. Held twice a…

Why Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado is betting her political future on Trump

16

Jan

By Anderson W. White

International

Machado’s Bold Move: Why Venezuela’s Opposition Leader is Betting on Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reaches Washington as delicate talks unfold regarding her nation’s trajectory, her trip aligning with ongoing U.S. discussions about Venezuela’s governance in the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro’s ousting.Machado’s presence in the U.S. capital comes after a turbulent year in Venezuelan politics. Just 12 months ago, she was campaigning in Caracas, striving to galvanize citizens against Maduro as he began a third term despite contested election results. Her candidate, Edmundo González, had reportedly won a decisive victory, yet Maduro’s administration maintained power, leaving Machado sidelined and largely out of the…