If Dr Benford's theory is right, though, it also predicts that the Snake is slowly expiring.

ECONOMIST: Here be serpents

For a start, if inflation produced our ball, it also predicts that the full Universe is at least a million or so times as large, and more if inflation lasted a long time.

BBC: The observable Universe and beyond

It also proves unequivocally that organisational climate predicts the performance of the organisation.

ECONOMIST: Simeon says...

In a separate report by Bain for Altagamma, also released Monday, it predicts that the growth of the luxury market will decline, but sales will still be strong in many luxury goods categories and geographical regions.

FORBES: Jewelry and Watch Demand Drives Global Luxury Consumption

It is also important to emphasize that economic theory predicts that these types of changes are not expected to be large but potentially long lasting.

FORBES: Increased Futures Speculation Did Not Increase Food or Energy Prices

Gottheil also predicts a case-keyboard accessory to release alongside the smaller iPad saying that it would be an important accessory for students.

FORBES: Will We See An iPad 3 Mini In 2012?