Finger length may predict financial success
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID
AP Science Write
WASHINGTON (AP) —

The length of a man’s ring finger may predict his success as a financial trader. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England report that men with longer ring fingers, compared to their index fingers, tended to be more successful in the frantic high-frequency trading in the London financial district.

Indeed, the impact of biology on success was about equal to years of experience at the job, the team led by physiologist John M. Coates reports in Monday’s edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The same ring-to-index finger ratio has previously been associated with success in competitive sports such as soccer and basketball, the researchers noted.

The length ratio between those two fingers is determined during the development of the fetus and the relatively longer ring finger indicates greater exposure to the male hormone androgen, the researchers noted.

Previous studies have found that such exposure can lead to increased confidence, risk preferences, search persistence, heightened vigilance and quickened reaction times.

In a separate study last year, Coates and colleagues reported that the hormone that drives male aggression and sexual interest also seemed able to boost short term success at finance.

They studied male financial traders in London, taking saliva samples in the morning and evening. They found that those with higher levels of testosterone in the morning were more likely to make an unusually big profit that day. Testosterone, best known as the male sex hormone, affects aggression, confidence and risk-taking.

In the new study, the researchers measured the right hands of 44 male stock traders who were engaged in a type of trade that involved rapid decision-making and quick physical reactions.

Over 20 months those with longer ring fingers compared to their index fingers made 11 times more money than those with the shortest ring fingers. Over the same time the most experienced traders made about 9 times more than the least experienced ones.

Looking only at experienced traders, the long-ring-finger folks earned 5 times more than those with short ring fingers.

While the finger ratio, showing fetal exposure to male hormones, appears to signal likely success in high-actively trading that calls for risk-taking and quick reactions, it may not indicate people who would do well at other sorts of financial activities, the researchers said.

Some traders require additional skills on dealing with clients and sales workers.

And the advantage may even reverse for some, Coates team said, such as traders taking a more analytical and long-term approach to the markets.

One study, which looked at average finger ratios in university departments found that faculty from math, science and engineering exhibited longer index finger ratio, rather than ring finger, they noted.

Well I apologize for the delay for making a new post for my daily readers. I am now the proud father of a 7.5 pound baby boy and since I haven’t slept in four days, I thought this article is timely.

From Dailymail.co.uk

Man Attempts 11 Days Without Sleep For World Record.

Bleary-eyed Tony Wright is tomorrow set to beat the world record for sleep deprivation – after staying awake for more than 11 days.The 43-year-old has gone without kip since 6am on May 14, and will break the existing record of 264 hours at 6.01am tomorrow.

Tony, a father-of-three, has held his entire record-waking attempt in the Studio Bar in Penzance, Cornwall.

Carefully monitored by six CCTV cameras and a live web cam, he has spent his time playing pool, listening to music, drinking tea and talking to his supporters.

Tony Wright insists that a person can stay awake for massive amounts of time with no adverse reaction.

If he is still awake at 6.01am he will have been awake for 264 hours 1 mins – breaking the existing world record set in 1964 by 17-year-old Randy Gardner.
More >

I was driving home this evening and noticed a bright green billboard with the slogan:

“How Ready Are You?…Code Ready.com.”

I got home and went on the site to check it out myself. I must say, this actually concerns me. I understand about being prepared… but come-on. Soon they’ll be dusting off the old 1950’s “Duck And Cover” campaign, converting it to Blue-Ray DVD and equipping all GM Minivans for the kids to watch on their next trip to Grandmas house.

See it for yourself here: CodeReady.com

Once you’ve read over that thoroughly,

You’ll Need Check Out My Preparedness Chart Below:
(Click the picture, Zoom-in and enjoy. It could save your life!)