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5 Famous People Who Died Broke

Fame – it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, at least for some. Despite becoming household names, after a lifetime in the spotlight, plenty of well-known folks go to their graves essentially penniless. Here are five examples of famous people who die broke.

Number one – Michael Jackson

He was the king of pop, the man behind the moonwalk and hits like “Thriller” and “Billie Jean.” Jackson’s passing by overdose in 2009 was among the most shocking celebrity deaths of all time. Despite a career that made him one of the top-selling musical artists in history, he was spending tens of millions of dollars more per year than he was making on expenses like maintaining his 2,600-acre private estate Neverland. Jackson died hundreds of millions in debt.

Number two – Judy Garland

She took us over the rainbow as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” but that still couldn’t prevent her from ending up penniless before she died. Garland endured a difficult life despite her fame, suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. By the end of her days, she was millions in debt, owing money to many different creditors. Like Michael Jackson, Garland died from an accidental drug overdose. She was just 47 years old.

Number three – Corey Haim

The teen icon rose to fame with a series of hit films in the late 1980s and early 1990s with frequent collaborator Corey Feldman. But like many younger actors, Haim dealt with trauma from his early years and struggled with drug addiction throughout his life. When Haim died of pneumonia in 2010, Feldman said that Haim had been so broke by the time he died he couldn’t even afford a car.

Number four – Vincent Van Gogh

Today, Van Gogh’s paintings sell for tens of millions of dollars. They are among the most valuable pieces of art in the world. But when the Dutch painter died by suicide in 1890, he was not a commercial success at all. Van Gogh struggled through a life of poverty and mental illness, and still managed to create some of art’s most influential works. However, his rewards have come posthumously, as he died essentially broke.

Number five – Joe Louis

In his prime, Louis was one of the most feared and famous athletes in history. He held the world heavyweight boxing championship for a dozen years in the 1930s and 1940s and even served in the U.S. Army during World War 2.  Louis made millions throughout his career, but the majority of it was siphoned off by dishonest handlers and much of the rest was given away to family and friends. By the end of his life, he faced significant tax trouble and died more than a million dollars in debt.

There you have it – proof that even the most famous among us can have it all and lose it all by the time they check out.

Everything You Need to Know About DDoS Attacks

These days, it seems you can’t venture anywhere on the web without threats lurking around every corner. And each day, you hear about a new data breach, virus, or some other threat to your security and data online. 

When will the madness end? Well, probably never. As long as people are sharing sensitive information on the Internet (such as Social Security numbers and payment data), hackers will try to take advantage. 

Still, there’s one type of online threat that many people have never heard of, but that’s been gaining traction over the last several years. It’s the DDoS attack—and anybody with a server, website, or even an email address could be at risk.

What is a DDoS Attack?

Specifically, DDoS stands for “distributed denial of service.” In simplest terms, a DDoS attack aims to slow down a server or crash it altogether by essentially flooding it with fake web traffic. These types of attacks can wreak serious havoc, especially on websites that rely on steady uptime to generate revenue through direct eCommerce sales or even ads. In fact, one study has found that major server outages for the top five eCommerce sites in the United States total about $3.5 million per hour.

Unfortunately, DDoS attacks have grown not only in their frequency, but their size as well. Attacks of several hundred gigabytes per second are no longer uncommon, rendering some “DDoS protection” software unable to keep up. Meanwhile, it seems that nobody is safe from the threat of a DDoS attack; from major corporations to small non-profits and everything in between, attackers will target any and all vulnerabilities.

How to Protect Yourself

With all this in mind, what can you do to be proactive against DDoS attacks? While there’s no way to guarantee you’ll never fall victim to an attack on your site or server, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

Start by making sure you’re using a server or hosting platform with build-in safeguards against these kinds of attacks. Many hosting companies offer DDoS protection as part of their hosting packages. If you can upgrade your protection to guard against even larger attacks, do so.

Meanwhile, be aware of the signs of a DDoS attack. Most often, victims of DDoS attacks will notice problems accessing their website. The site may be slow to load or it may fail to load altogether. In other cases, you may still be able to access your own site, but you may receive reports from others that they cannot or that the site is loading very slowly. If this occurs, you’ll want to contact your hosting company as soon as possible so they can look into it further.

Don’t Become a Victim

Hopefully, you never have to worry about a DDoS attack causing downtime on your server or website. Unfortunately, these attacks are becoming a very real threat across the web. By being aware of what DDoS attacks entail, you can better protect yourself!

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Ireland

If the sum of what you know about Ireland is “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and kissing the Blarney Stone, then you’re in for a surprise when you arrive in Ireland.

But it’s a pleasant surprise. Here are some tips for finding the authentic Ireland.

Jive to the Music and the Dance

There’s simply no way to separate the country from its music and dance, so just give in to it when you have a chance. And chances are, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. It doesn’t matter if your voice doesn’t match the quality of a noted Irish tenor. It’s the spirit of it, after all. Dublin is a great place to experience Irish music and dance — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming those haunting tunes as you fall asleep at night!

Head for the Country

Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford, and Limerick are all worth seeing, but it’s the wilder, “less traveled” parts of Ireland that will capture your heart and leave a lasting impression on your soul. Spend some time, if at all possible, just walking the hills, exploring the craggy seaside cliffs, and wandering the back roads. Surf in the cool water of the Atlantic, or follow a dirt path until the road ends. Pull on your boots and follow a muddy riverbed until you find the headwaters, then stop for a picnic lunch. This is the “real” Ireland.

Book a Stay in a Cozy B&B

Forego the chain hotels, and seek out an off-the-beaten-track, small, family-owned pension or bed and breakfast in a small town. Settle in for a few days of peace and an adventure that will score a “10” on the pleasure index. Rent a bicycle, or walk. Strike up conversations with locals. You won’t regret it!

Put Aside the “Normal”

Embrace “wellness” in Ireland — a renaissance is currently underway. Visit a spa to tailor a treatment regimen to your personal preferences — indulge yourself with a sauna experience, aromatherapy, a steam room and whole-body workout, a dip in a natural hot spring followed by an invigorating massage, or a treatment with essential oils. It’s just another way to immerse yourself in local culture and “go Irish,” no matter how long or short your visit may be.

Indulge Your Inner Foodie

If you’ve ever thought that Irish food is bland and tasteless, a visit to the country should change your mind after just a couple of meals. Contemporary Irish chefs have rewritten the rules and the recipes. You’ll discover a new tradition that has its roots in organically grown, eco-friendly production — savor the taste of fresh beef and poultry, locally sourced, organically grown produce, cheeses, and breads that offer a new twist on tradition, and innovative dishes and menus that will have you clamoring for more!

Then, of course, there’s the beer and Irish Whiskey — be sure to visit a traditional Irish Pub — not for the spirits alone, but for the spirit that is sure to draw you in!

 

https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/irishcentrals-top-ten-theme-vacations-in-ireland-121624979-237386571

https://blarneycastle.ie/pages/kiss-the-blarney-stone

https://www.tripsavvy.com/irelands-largest-towns-and-cities-4174513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 your palate and 

Save Time And Money: 5 Meals To Bulk Cook And Freeze

If you’re looking to save money and don’t have much time to spare in your evenings, bulk cooking could be the answer for you. Buy cooking meals in larger quantities and then freezing them into individual portions, you can have instant ready meals during your week, save cooking time, and even take advantage of bulk discounts. Here are some examples of meals that lend themselves to bulk cooking and freezing.

Crockpot Meals

You can freeze just about anything you make in a crockpot, including chicken and dumplings, American Chop Suey (goulash), beef stew and more. Make your favorite for dinner, except fill a six-quart crockpot. After the meal cools, pack enough for the family or individual servings in airtight containers, vacuum-sealed bags or zippered freezer bags.

Casseroles

You can also freeze your favorite casserole. If you do not make casseroles that often because you can’t eat them in one sitting, you can make them to your heart’s content – just freeze the leftovers in meal-size packages. You can freeze baked macaroni, shepherd’s pie, mac and cheese and even meat casseroles, such as pork, beef and chicken pot pies.

Stir Fry

It’s more difficult to freeze stir fry and have it come out good when you reheat it, but you can still freeze part of it to save time and money. Stir fry a bulk portion of the meat you are using. Divide the meat and broth into meal-sized containers. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them out, cook the veggies, and then add the meat. You can also purchase stir fry vegetables and keep them in the freezer – that will save you a lot of prep time. Buy a few large bags and divide them up into meals size portions. Vacuum seal the veggies and meat separately, then put one meat and one veggie in a zippered freezer bag. You’ll only need to pull one bag out of the freezer for the whole meal.

Turkey

If you’ve ever had a taste for turkey at some point other than Thanksgiving, you know that buying turkey breast costs much more per pound than it does to buy a whole turkey. When turkeys are on sale, pick up two or three of them. Put the extra turkeys in the freezer.

When you’re ready for turkey again, cook a turkey. Cut all of the meat off the bones. Divide it up into meal-sized portions for the whole family or individually. Put the leftover turkey in the freezer – you won’t have to go through the thawing and cooking process for a whole turkey later in the year.

Fried Chicken

You love fried chicken, but it’s a hassle to make. It makes a big mess, so you don’t make it that often. Between work and taking care of the family, you just don’t have the time to make it and clean up after. Instead, when chicken goes on sale, buy it in bulk. You can freeze some for later. Pick a day when you have a few hours. Fry enough chicken for several meals, then freeze it in airtight containers. You only have to heat it up in the microwave or the oven when you have a taste for fried chicken.

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Philippines

You can vacation like a tourist. Or, you can vacation like a traveler. What’s the difference between the two? The former sees a destination through the eyes of an outsider, while a traveler experiences the world like a local.

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines and want to be in the second category, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn five ways to soak in all the splendor of the Philippines while enjoying a truly authentic and immersive experience.

1. Feast on Filipino Foods

One of the best ways to get to know a country is to savor the local fare. And you’re in luck in the Philippines. Not only is the country’s cuisine delicious, it’s also affordable.

A few of our favorite Filipino dishes include tocino, AKA “Filipino bacon;” kinilaw, raw fish in a vinegar-marinade; sinigang, a sour stew and the ultimate Filipino “comfort food;” adobe, often cited as the national dish of the Philippines; and lechon, seasoned, slow-roasted suckling pig.

The perfect sweet treat to end any meal? The shaved ice and evaporated milk concoction, halo halo. 

2. Be flexible—but not punctual

There’s nothing wrong with having a plan, but tying yourself down to an unalterable itinerary can prevent you from the joy of unexpected and unanticipated discoveries that won’t be found in any guidebook.

On a related note, if you’re lucky enough to be invited to visit a local’s home in the Philippines, don’t ever be on time;. While showing up late for a social engagement may be polite in some countries, it’s considered rude to be punctual in the Philippines. To be greeted with enthusiasm as opposed to dismay, plan on arriving a respectable 15 minutes late.

3. Let it go—and karaoke

Karaoke is pretty much a way of life in the Philippines. Regardless of whether you think you’re the next American Idol or you’ve never sung a note outside the privacy of your car or shower, you must take the mic for a spin if you truly want to live like the locals.

And remember—no one will judge you if you sound like a yodeling cat. By the same token, however, you should be respectful of the talent (or lack thereof) of the other singers.

4.  Go island hopping

The Philippines is home to a breathtaking 7,000 islands—each with its own distinctive vibe and flavor. One way to experience a variety of what the Philippines has to offer? Go island hopping.

Here are a few ideas for where to go and what to see while you’re there. Exploring Cebu’s stunning Inambakan Falls and epic Sardine Run, swimming with the sharks on remote Malapascua, discovering Palawan’s hidden lagoons and breathtaking beaches, splashing with the giant sea turtles on Dumaguette, scootering around pristine Coron, and taking in the showstopping sunset on Cambari.

5. Go off-the-beaten-path

Attractions like Puka Beach (and the shops there), Metro Manila, and any establishments or tours billing themselves as “the largest” or “the best” are likely to be packed with tourists. The locals, however, avoid these places like the plague. Another red flag that an establishment caters to tourists? Signs and menus that are written in English and other foreign languages.

Instead of relying on the same guidebooks every other tourist is using to plan each element of your trip, ask a local—such as the hotel concierge, a taxi driver, or your Airbnb host.

On that note, one last way to live like the locals? Live with the locals. Staying in someone’s home through a vacation rental or other home sharing arrangement will give you a much more authentic perspective of life in the Philippines—as well as access to someone who may be able to offer insights on the best neighborhood places in the to eat, shop, and discover.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting England

Getting ready for a trip across the pond? Whether you’re visiting London or enjoying a vacation in the English countryside, you’ll want to be sure to avoid these five potentially offensive actions that can drive a wedge between you and your potential new English friends. 

1. Talk About Money

In America, many people are excited to share when they get a big raise at work or otherwise come into money. In England, you’ll want to steer clear of financial conversation. Instead of talking about how much your vacation cost or a great deal that you got on a flight, make small talk.

2. Walk Around With a Perma-Grin

In some English circles, smiling is a normal part of interacting, but in others, it’s a sign of an uneducated or poorly mannered person. Keeping a straight face while you’re out and about in England isn’t a sign of unfriendliness, rather, it will help you blend in like a local. 

3. Give the Palm-In Peace Sign

Throwing up the index and middle finger in photos or as a way to bid someone farewell is a common way to say “peace” in America, but in Great Britain, this is the same as throwing up a middle finger. Trust us–no one will be giving you well wishes in return if they see you giving this hand gesture in their direction. 

4. Talk About Your Accomplishments

In America, many college grads take a great deal of pride in talking about their alma mater, but this subject isn’t a common topic of conversation in England. Talking about one’s accomplishments–in both education and career–is looked at as over-the-top and rude. English people tend to steer away from talking about themselves, especially in new company. When you’re looking to connect with a new friend in England, make small talk about the pub you’re in, the park you’re visiting, or the weather–don’t try to find common ground by discussing potentially shared elitist experiences. 

5. Insist on Ice

In America, you’re used to being served an icy glass of water or iced tea with your meal, but in England, icy beverages are not as common. If you want to go with the flow and drink like a local, don’t ask for ice in your drink.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Sweden

There’s some truth to the stereotype that Swedes are polite yet reserved. Still, most of them are happy to welcome tourists to their country. However, if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your Swedish vacation, it’s best to understand the culture and comport yourself in a way that Swedes find normal and acceptable. Here are five things you should never do when you visit Sweden.

1. Don’t Assume That All Swedes Speak English

Although more than 80 percent of people in Sweden speak English, not all of them do. It’s smart to have a few common phrases at the ready in case you need them. A “hej” (hello) or “tack” (thank you) shows your hosts that you’re making an effort to appreciate their language.

If you do attempt to speak Swedish, don’t use the exaggerated accent and gestures of the Swedish chef on the Muppets. Most Swedes don’t think he’s funny.

2. Avoid Loud and Animated Conversation

Swedes talk calmly and without much body language. What might be considered normal volume in America can come across as loud and obnoxious in Sweden. If your conversation becomes too expressive, you might see Swedes turn away and shade their eyes. That’s a sign to dial it back.

Also, Swedes value personal space. Don’t stand too close to other people, and don’t sit next to someone on a bus unless it’s the only type of open seat. And never cut a line. It’s unwelcome anywhere, but it’s shocking in Sweden.

3. Don’t Wear Shoes in a Swedish Home

If you’re invited to someone’s home, take off your shoes as soon as you walk through the door. There will likely be a rack where you can leave then, and your host may even offer slippers.

Even if guests are nattily dressed, perhaps for an evening on the town, the shoes still come off. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear clean, comfortable socks without holes. They look and smell better, and sometimes Swedish floors are cold.

4. Don’t Worry If There’s Silence

Much of the world is abuzz with conversation. If there are a handful of people gathered, it’s expected that someone (maybe more than one person) will be talking. Not so in Sweden.

Swedes are comfortable with silence. They avoid small talk and don’t speak unless they have something to say. To outsiders, it can feel funny when there’s a bus full of passengers and no one’s saying a word.

This may seem awkward to you, but for Swedes it’s comfortable. Relax and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to think of anything to say.

5. Don’t Dress Down When Stepping Out

If you go to a nightclub in Stockholm wearing your grubbies, they probably won’t let you in. It’s called “face control.” Often it’s at the bouncer’s discretion who is well-dressed enough and who isn’t. You’ll find some fashionable clothing in Swedish stores if you didn’t bring along enough stylish threads.

5 Most Ethical Tech Companies

Is it possible for a tech company to be ethical? Some companies are at least trying – you’d be surprised at the efforts many major corporations are going to to promote awareness and diversity within their work culture, focus on green-friendly practices, and do good work in general. Here’s 5 we want to single out for some recognition.

1. Apple, Inc.

For starters, Apple has a comprehensive ethics and compliance program that focuses on everything from global politics to social and environmental accountability.  Apple also invested 4.7 billion dollars in Green Bonds to help develop new low-carbon manufacturing technology. They purchase direct carbon-free aluminum, as well. 

The digital behemoth’s facilities are entirely powered by renewable energy, and everything about its products, from materials to packaging, is meant to have the least possible environmental impact. Apple’s assembly locations are Zero Waste to Landfill certified. Innovation made Apple the company it is today, but its ethical practices might be what keeps them there. 

2. Microsoft

Not surprisingly, Microsoft makes the list, too. This company has been involved in environmental issues since 2012, when it became officially 100 percent carbon neutral. 

They also operate a compliance program and use data analytics to help fight corruption. For example, the Microsoft compliance program focuses on prevention, remediation, and detection of issues and applies these rules to employees and suppliers. 

3. Dell Technologies

Dell has a number of programs in place to address environmental and societal issues. For example, their Culture Code sets standards their employees must follow. In addition, they focus on sustainability issues and diversity within the company. 

They also sponsor community initiatives to give technology to people who might not otherwise have access to it, such as children in low-income neighborhoods and other underrepresented groups. By 2030, they promise to deliver results to more than one billion people.

4. EcoCart

EcoCart is an eco-friendly tech firm that claims to have offset 4 million pounds of CO2 emissions, rescued over 8,000 trees, and helped power over 700 households thus far. 

Founded in 2019 by Peter Twomey and Dane Baker, EcoCart is a startup browser extension that allows customers to get free carbon offsets from certain businesses. Customers who choose to use EcoCart to offset their emissions earn EcoPoints for prizes and to help provide clean water and trees throughout the world, thanks to partnerships with over 10,000 businesses such as American Eagle and Glossier.

5.Bluebird Climate

Bluebird Climate has just one mission – to assist companies in attracting customers that care about sustainability and green business methods. The companies receive an in-depth study of their carbon and waste footprints, compared to similar brands in the sector. Their data will assist consumer brands in identifying possibilities to enhance sustainable practices and lower expenses.

The program focuses on the consumer products business, which contributes significantly to environmental carbon emissions. Bluebird intends to decarbonize the industry by enabling consumer brands to create and market products with low or no carbon footprints.

For these companies, ethics isn’t just a trend. They have solid strategies in place that make it everyday business practice. 

 

The Moneyball Effect: 5 Sports Franchises That Do More With Less Using Data

If you’ve ever seen the movie or read the book, Moneyball represents a revolution in sports. The book and movie were based on the true story of an Oakland Athletics baseball team realizing tremendous team success despite having one of the lowest budgets in the history of Major League Baseball. In Moneyball, factual analysis of player data and play statistics help run the team.

The whole point of Moneyball or Sabermetrics is to find low-cost or undervalued players and which scoring strategies work best. The result has been more wins and lower-cost rosters for the teams that institute the strategy.

Here are five franchises currently using Moneyball to their advantage.

Liverpool FC (Premier League)

Harvard graduate and physicist, William Spearman, joined the club in 2018 as the lead data scientist to use sports analytics as a way to transform how the club recruits and even plays the game through strategies like “pitch control.” Prior to joining, he worked at CERN studying Higgs-Boson particles! Seriously!

The team’s 2011-2012 record was won: 14, drew: 10 lost: 14.

That record in 2021-2022 was won: 28 drawn: 8 lost: 2

What year did their win, draw, and loss record start to see massive positive change? 2018.

Houston Rockets (NBA)

Michael Lewis didn’t just write about the Oakland A’s but dedicated a chapter to the efforts of Houston Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey in his book, The Undoing Project. A graduate of M.I.T. and Northwestern, Morey was called the “Moneyball” GM when he took the job is 2007. Although highly criticized for this approach, Morey went on to trade for James Harden, considered a great “6th man” player. Harden went from a 6th man to one of the greatest scorers in the league.

Morey turned the Rockets into a top-ten offense, based on the statistical conclusion that shooting threes is more valuable than field goals. Shopping for players that’d probably never make the All-Star Game and second-round draft picks, he created a winning record with one of the cheapest rosters in basketball.

Brentford FC (Premier League)

There is no other Moneyball success story like Brentford’s. Bought by a professional gambler that knew a few things about numbers, Matthew Benham started transforming the team using sabermetrics.

Considered nothing more than a feeder team for the big clubs, Brentford had a tiny budget and had finished the League One series in ninth place in 2012-2013. The team finished 5th in the championship in 2014-2015, the first time in their 62-year history that they had never been relegated. Brentford moved into the Premier League in 2021. The team had gone from the 2nd league to the highest in football in just 12 years.

St Louis Blues (NHL)

While Moneyball isn’t quite as developed in the NHL, the St. Louis Blues are the savviest spenders in the league. Despite a payroll ranked in the bottom 10 of the NHL, the Blues have consistently been a hot team. The Blues’ goaltending coach, Jim Corsi, measures the number of shots versus the number of shots while a player is on the ice. The name of this method is now called “The Corsi Number.”

The Blues showed the fabulous results of Moneyball after winning the 2019 Stanley Cup final.

St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)

Using advanced statistics and analytics starting in 2003 for recruitment, the Cards are a premier team in MLB, with a farm system that has transformed the game. Finding the best talent to cultivate in their farm league teams through data, they know who to develop and who to draft. They produce a constantly winning record that keeps them at the top of their division.

Moneyball still has doubters in professional sports that prefer traditional recruiting out of an allegiance to the past, but the results speak for themselves. It is a discipline here to stay.

5 Most Expensive Cat Breeds In The World

If you’re a cat lover, you probably don’t think of your pet in terms of their price tag – after all, your cat is a family member and a supportive friend (at least when he or she feels like it), not an investment vehicle or a designer item. But when there are cats out there who cost more than a house, we thought you’d be interested in what the going rates are for these exclusive kitties. Check out the 5 most expensive cat breeds below.

1. Ashera Cats 

Asheras are definitely not your average housecat. And, the insane price for one of these babies is enough to let you know: an Ashera can go for as much as $125,000. These cats are said to be a designer breed, which means they have the genetics of several other cats, including African Servals, Asian leopards, and potentially others. In any case, the Ashera looks a lot like a wild cat with its spotted coat and large ears, yet it is closer to the size of a domestic cat. 

2. Savannah Cats  

Savannahs are a mix between the African Serval and a domestic housecat. Much like an Ashera, these cats have uniquely patterned coats and large ears, but they have shorter tails and long legs for a long and sleek appearance. They can range in color from smokey gray to golden with black stripes and spots. Want a Savannah car of your own? Be prepared to pay as much as $50,000 or more.  

3. Bengal Cats 

Bengals are a mix between a Snow leopard, a domestic cat, and other wild breeds. The end result is a beautifully spotted feline with a muscular physique and totally exotic look. Bengal cats have been around for a while—since around the 1970s to be exact. If you want to bring one home, the costs can run as much as $25,000 or more. But be careful, some states have outright banned the ownership of these cats because they can have wilder tendencies. 

4. Khao Manee Cats 

Originally from Thailand, the Khao Manee was actually once said to be a protected feline species. These solid-white felines were brought here in order to elevate the numbers and protect the lineage, but the Khao Manee is also not yet a registered cat breed in the United States. Now, the cost of one from a breeder rings up to at least $11,000. One of the reasons this particular cat is so unique is its eyes. Most are born with one amber or green eye and one blue eye, which creates a captivating appearance on a white-furred kitty. 

5. Sphynx Cats 

With no hair and glowing eyes, the Sphynx is one of the most recognizable cat breeds of all. While the hairless body is actually a gene mutation, these cats are still considered to be one of the healthiest feline breeds you can own. But, if you want to bring home a hairless baby, be prepared to spend as much as $9,000 or more, especially for one with a unique bloodline or color.