Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
REMEMBERING STEVE JOBS
Steve jobs passed away late last evening and even though we have all known that Steve was battling Pancreatic Cancer since 2004 or thereabouts his untimely death is still taking all of us by surprise. There are so many superfluous terms that we can use to describe Steve, innovator, creative, visionary, laser focused and we can go on forever. What really strikes me about Steve is that this was a man with a vision that in effect changed the whole world for the better. Where else can you go and say to everyone that you now have access to markets all over the world with a small device like a smart phone. Where else can you go and say to people that you can change your life’s condition with this small device called the smart phone and potentially become the next great thing no matter where you live, your economic condition, or your ethnic, religious, gender, and political persuasion. Steve Jobs through his vision and tireless work of perfection has made the dream of economic freedom a reality for all of us.
Some of us are heart broken and yes you can count me as one of those heartbroken by the death of Steve Jobs but why am I being so selfish here? As I was on my way to work this afternoon I thought about what Steve has done and it is not a stretch to believe that Steve jobs through his futuristic work has touched countless billions of people, that is right billions and we have not even scratched the surface in terms of what we can do with this technology. We as a species have not understood the linkage between technology and environment sustainability which is the real challenge for all of us as human beings. Steve’s vision, which has permeated our everyday lives are not being used to its maximum capacity so the charge for us is to fulfill the promise of Steve’s true vision which is a more engaged human race through diversity of thought and efficiency of use of this planets resources. Is this too much to ask; and yes I believe that Steve would have wanted it that way.
I will leave you with this; Steve Jobs through his tireless and unselfish work has touched the lives of billions and through his work he has done all that he could and he poured his soul into the pitcher of life and then respectively poured that soul onto all of us. If you are a religious and spiritual person then you would know that Steve has fulfilled the promise of his life, his/our God and his promise to all of us. If only we could do the same then there will be hope for this planet and us after all.
Steve Jobs, you are going to be sorely missed!!!!
Steve jobs passed away late last evening and even though we have all known that Steve was battling Pancreatic Cancer since 2004 or thereabouts his untimely death is still taking all of us by surprise. There are so many superfluous terms that we can use to describe Steve, innovator, creative, visionary, laser focused and we can go on forever. What really strikes me about Steve is that this was a man with a vision that in effect changed the whole world for the better. Where else can you go and say to everyone that you now have access to markets all over the world with a small device like a smart phone. Where else can you go and say to people that you can change your life’s condition with this small device called the smart phone and potentially become the next great thing no matter where you live, your economic condition, or your ethnic, religious, gender, and political persuasion. Steve Jobs through his vision and tireless work of perfection has made the dream of economic freedom a reality for all of us.
Some of us are heart broken and yes you can count me as one of those heartbroken by the death of Steve Jobs but why am I being so selfish here? As I was on my way to work this afternoon I thought about what Steve has done and it is not a stretch to believe that Steve jobs through his futuristic work has touched countless billions of people, that is right billions and we have not even scratched the surface in terms of what we can do with this technology. We as a species have not understood the linkage between technology and environment sustainability which is the real challenge for all of us as human beings. Steve’s vision, which has permeated our everyday lives are not being used to its maximum capacity so the charge for us is to fulfill the promise of Steve’s true vision which is a more engaged human race through diversity of thought and efficiency of use of this planets resources. Is this too much to ask; and yes I believe that Steve would have wanted it that way.
I will leave you with this; Steve Jobs through his tireless and unselfish work has touched the lives of billions and through his work he has done all that he could and he poured his soul into the pitcher of life and then respectively poured that soul onto all of us. If you are a religious and spiritual person then you would know that Steve has fulfilled the promise of his life, his/our God and his promise to all of us. If only we could do the same then there will be hope for this planet and us after all.
Steve Jobs, you are going to be sorely missed!!!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW RIGHT NOW STEVE JOBS THE CO-FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO OF APPLE HAS PASSED AWAY TONIGHT. HE ALONG WITH OTHERS HAVE SINGLE HANDEDLY CHANGED THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES AND DO BUSINESS AND HOW WE EDUCATE OURSELVES. I DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT THIS MAN WAS INNOVATIVE, INGENIUS, A MARKETING ICON, AND A MAN WITH LASER FOCUS. LET US PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY AND REFLECT ON THE IDEA THAT TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED SO LIVE YOUR LIFE AS THE GIFT THAT GOD BESTOWED UPON US.
STEVE JOBS WILL SURELY BE MISSED.
STEVE JOBS WILL SURELY BE MISSED.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
CREDIT RATING AGENCIES: IT IS ALL RELATIVE
Now that the fault lines of the United States Sovereign Debt downgrade is now behind us and perhaps even healing, what can we glean from the fact that it did happen? First of all let us not forget that S&P was instrumental in the whole financial crisis in the first place. However, they were not alone in this financial calamity. Fitch, Moody’s and a host of other players including the federal government is to be held accountable for the crime of greed.
Of course we could dance around why the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009 happened but that is another conversation. The reason for this article is that some financial and economic gurus are calling for a more transparent and accountable system where the rating agency is more independent and not beholding to the customers they serve. It was also suggested in an article in China Daily an op. ed. piece by Ahmed Sule that the BRICS nations could be a rival or competing sector with their own rating agencies. There is some merit to this idea meaning that there will be competition amongst rating agencies and since the rating agencies in question are coming out of the BRICS nations these rating agencies would have merit in a rating agency world gone mad.
However, I caution the reader that would take such an idea and run with it. First of all you have to consider the BRICS nations and their background. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are not considered the most ethical of nations on this planet and considering this where does that leave our so called transparent rating agencies? Case in point, the credit rating agency is a product of the system of which it has come from. The reason why Moody’s, Fitch, and especially S&P got caught up in the collapse of the financial markets in 2008 and 2009 is because they did not want to be left out of the easy money bonanza. Of course, one of them and I mean only one of the rating agencies could have rated these investment grade products for what they really were and that was junk. The problem is competition takes over and the sooner one of them steps up to the plate ethically there goes their business. Now let’s say that competing rating agencies do open doors in BRICS or anywhere else the same pressures of the market will apply to them as well.
Besides, we are really missing the point in this whole discussion of transparent credit rating agencies and the point is that these agencies are run and manned by people. People are the same the world over and we are all subject to the same motivations of greed, lust, power, and the list goes on. I would argue that there is no matter how many credible rating agencies we have over the globe they are all part of a system that is imperfect and is subject to the frailties of the human spirit. This is not an indictment it is just an observation of where we are right now. The suggestion that BRICS rating agencies is a welcomed surprise and could in the short run offer something of an alternative for the global marketplace but in the long run will become victim of the very same thing that we are trying to fix and in essence will have little effect on the global financial system. Frankly the only way that the fix we so sorely desire will come about is the reflection of what we should be doing at the individual level. If we are to do this then we need to look in the mirror first.
To sum up, think about all of the different people both wealthy and not so wealthy that bought property they could not afford. They in turn compounded the problem by buying the property with enormous amounts of debt or leverage. Couple this with the bank or mortgage company eager to make these loans because they knew it was easy to unload these loans to an unregulated stock market which in turn convinced a number of rating agencies with business and money to mark these questionable products as investment grade, which was in turn sold to brokerage houses, government entities, individuals and partnerships alike. The common thread to this whole scenario is of course people. These people are linked by one common flaw and who knows you may not even consider it a flaw which makes more of what I am talking about more plausible of where our true problem lies, greed! This is the real problem and this is where we should have the discussion, can we regulate greed? Is the system of capitalism inherently flawed because it features the idea of greed as a possible cornerstone to its success and possibly its ultimate destruction? The credit rating agencies in all its forms are a mere cog in a system that we all play in and in fact the system itself might even be outdated which by the way includes these rating agencies, the idea of globalization, peak oil and anything else that you figured would collapse the system. We all need a new narrative and I am willing to start it now.
Now that the fault lines of the United States Sovereign Debt downgrade is now behind us and perhaps even healing, what can we glean from the fact that it did happen? First of all let us not forget that S&P was instrumental in the whole financial crisis in the first place. However, they were not alone in this financial calamity. Fitch, Moody’s and a host of other players including the federal government is to be held accountable for the crime of greed.
Of course we could dance around why the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009 happened but that is another conversation. The reason for this article is that some financial and economic gurus are calling for a more transparent and accountable system where the rating agency is more independent and not beholding to the customers they serve. It was also suggested in an article in China Daily an op. ed. piece by Ahmed Sule that the BRICS nations could be a rival or competing sector with their own rating agencies. There is some merit to this idea meaning that there will be competition amongst rating agencies and since the rating agencies in question are coming out of the BRICS nations these rating agencies would have merit in a rating agency world gone mad.
However, I caution the reader that would take such an idea and run with it. First of all you have to consider the BRICS nations and their background. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are not considered the most ethical of nations on this planet and considering this where does that leave our so called transparent rating agencies? Case in point, the credit rating agency is a product of the system of which it has come from. The reason why Moody’s, Fitch, and especially S&P got caught up in the collapse of the financial markets in 2008 and 2009 is because they did not want to be left out of the easy money bonanza. Of course, one of them and I mean only one of the rating agencies could have rated these investment grade products for what they really were and that was junk. The problem is competition takes over and the sooner one of them steps up to the plate ethically there goes their business. Now let’s say that competing rating agencies do open doors in BRICS or anywhere else the same pressures of the market will apply to them as well.
Besides, we are really missing the point in this whole discussion of transparent credit rating agencies and the point is that these agencies are run and manned by people. People are the same the world over and we are all subject to the same motivations of greed, lust, power, and the list goes on. I would argue that there is no matter how many credible rating agencies we have over the globe they are all part of a system that is imperfect and is subject to the frailties of the human spirit. This is not an indictment it is just an observation of where we are right now. The suggestion that BRICS rating agencies is a welcomed surprise and could in the short run offer something of an alternative for the global marketplace but in the long run will become victim of the very same thing that we are trying to fix and in essence will have little effect on the global financial system. Frankly the only way that the fix we so sorely desire will come about is the reflection of what we should be doing at the individual level. If we are to do this then we need to look in the mirror first.
To sum up, think about all of the different people both wealthy and not so wealthy that bought property they could not afford. They in turn compounded the problem by buying the property with enormous amounts of debt or leverage. Couple this with the bank or mortgage company eager to make these loans because they knew it was easy to unload these loans to an unregulated stock market which in turn convinced a number of rating agencies with business and money to mark these questionable products as investment grade, which was in turn sold to brokerage houses, government entities, individuals and partnerships alike. The common thread to this whole scenario is of course people. These people are linked by one common flaw and who knows you may not even consider it a flaw which makes more of what I am talking about more plausible of where our true problem lies, greed! This is the real problem and this is where we should have the discussion, can we regulate greed? Is the system of capitalism inherently flawed because it features the idea of greed as a possible cornerstone to its success and possibly its ultimate destruction? The credit rating agencies in all its forms are a mere cog in a system that we all play in and in fact the system itself might even be outdated which by the way includes these rating agencies, the idea of globalization, peak oil and anything else that you figured would collapse the system. We all need a new narrative and I am willing to start it now.
Monday, August 8, 2011
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT
I did watch a little of your speech just a few minutes ago and I do have to say it was not your best by far. I do understand that you are under enormous pressure and the vitriol of Washington has taken a toll on what I would call your inspirational appeal. However, it is more than inspiration that we need to get the country out of this economic and financial mess.
I am not going to blame you or anyone else for the downgrade of our credit rating or any of the other problems associated with the economy, lack of jobs, or our spiraling debt. What I am going to do is offer solutions to the problems at hand and exactly how you should talk about it. Now what I am about to tell you may not get you re-elected but it will clear your conscience. Are you ready? Here we go.
I would first of all get out of the blaming business this does not do anyone good and this forces all of your rivals into their respective corners so don’t do it. What you need to do is offer the hand of compromise and friendship to all that would accept. I would try to put together a grand summit that will include, Business leaders, Religious leaders, Political leaders at all levels, congressmen, governors, mayors all of them to hammer out solutions to these problems that affect us all. What you need to do to get them altogether is to have them sign a pledge that they will work together with you as Americans not Republicans or Democrats but as Americans to solve our problems. Have the summit open to the public, put live feeds on all the social media channels and encourage input from all Americans to solve all our issues. Contact Twitter like you did before to encourage this kind of debate.
My next point is for you specifically, own up and take responsibility for the mess. I know that you have done all you can to get us out of the deepest recession in history but guess what you are only one man and only one cog in a global system. Take your responsibility and then ask for help it is OK to do this the world has changed and the U.S. Is part of a whole; the economy is global and the whole thing is systemically sick nothing you can do about that all by yourself.
My last point is for the American people, the American people have not done their part to fix things they too are blaming everyone but themselves as we too have contributed to our economic woes by taking, taking, and taking some more. Reach out to them in the way that I know you can, you have done it before tell us the truth and offer solutions in a sense that we must all take ownership. We the American people have had it so easy for so long that perhaps we really do not know what it means to sacrifice anymore. I would hearken back to FDR when he approached the auto companies to tell them that they need to produce tanks, planes, and ships for the war effort. Of course they agreed to do this but they asked FDR, “but when are gong to have time to build cars Mr. President”? President Roosevelt’s response was, “you won’t have time”!!! This is the kind of leadership we need right now and quite frankly Mr. President I know you are better than this. Step up and lead and I have given you the blueprint for doing so. If it does not go your way then guess what your conscience is clear. You are my President and I support you and I am willing to sacrifice for the good of the country and for the good of the human race.
By the way we are all on the hook right now and we humans have to collectively get out of it. Will you lead the way sir?
Very truly yours
Dr. Duane C. Scott
I did watch a little of your speech just a few minutes ago and I do have to say it was not your best by far. I do understand that you are under enormous pressure and the vitriol of Washington has taken a toll on what I would call your inspirational appeal. However, it is more than inspiration that we need to get the country out of this economic and financial mess.
I am not going to blame you or anyone else for the downgrade of our credit rating or any of the other problems associated with the economy, lack of jobs, or our spiraling debt. What I am going to do is offer solutions to the problems at hand and exactly how you should talk about it. Now what I am about to tell you may not get you re-elected but it will clear your conscience. Are you ready? Here we go.
I would first of all get out of the blaming business this does not do anyone good and this forces all of your rivals into their respective corners so don’t do it. What you need to do is offer the hand of compromise and friendship to all that would accept. I would try to put together a grand summit that will include, Business leaders, Religious leaders, Political leaders at all levels, congressmen, governors, mayors all of them to hammer out solutions to these problems that affect us all. What you need to do to get them altogether is to have them sign a pledge that they will work together with you as Americans not Republicans or Democrats but as Americans to solve our problems. Have the summit open to the public, put live feeds on all the social media channels and encourage input from all Americans to solve all our issues. Contact Twitter like you did before to encourage this kind of debate.
My next point is for you specifically, own up and take responsibility for the mess. I know that you have done all you can to get us out of the deepest recession in history but guess what you are only one man and only one cog in a global system. Take your responsibility and then ask for help it is OK to do this the world has changed and the U.S. Is part of a whole; the economy is global and the whole thing is systemically sick nothing you can do about that all by yourself.
My last point is for the American people, the American people have not done their part to fix things they too are blaming everyone but themselves as we too have contributed to our economic woes by taking, taking, and taking some more. Reach out to them in the way that I know you can, you have done it before tell us the truth and offer solutions in a sense that we must all take ownership. We the American people have had it so easy for so long that perhaps we really do not know what it means to sacrifice anymore. I would hearken back to FDR when he approached the auto companies to tell them that they need to produce tanks, planes, and ships for the war effort. Of course they agreed to do this but they asked FDR, “but when are gong to have time to build cars Mr. President”? President Roosevelt’s response was, “you won’t have time”!!! This is the kind of leadership we need right now and quite frankly Mr. President I know you are better than this. Step up and lead and I have given you the blueprint for doing so. If it does not go your way then guess what your conscience is clear. You are my President and I support you and I am willing to sacrifice for the good of the country and for the good of the human race.
By the way we are all on the hook right now and we humans have to collectively get out of it. Will you lead the way sir?
Very truly yours
Dr. Duane C. Scott
Saturday, August 6, 2011
DOWNGRADE!!!
Well when you thought it could not get any worse it just did! S & P Rating Agency just downgraded the credit rating of the U.S. from its coveted AAA rating to AA+. Now a lot of you probably don’t really know what this means to you and your everyday lives and we will get you up to speed on that. What we ought to talk about is how we got here.
According to the S & P the main reason for the downgrade was the political brinksmanship played by both Democrats and Republicans in full view of the world over a procedural vote of raising the debt ceiling. What is so astonishing about this downgrade is that the S & P like the rest of us watched in horror as our so called political leaders behaved like children and still did not get the work done that was necessary to avoid the downgrade.
If I were to go further with this issue and it speaks to us as a people in this still great nation is that we are still not doing what we are supposed to do. How many of you when you go out and vote do so with the heart and not the mind? As a marketing professional I do understand the matters of the heart and what we call emotional appeals. Unfortunately this is where an emotional appeal and politics do not mix. The reason why our political leaders behave like children is because we behave like children when it comes to the political process. We absolutely must stop this behavior as it is going to destroy us all. If you don’t believe what I am talking about then you need to take a look at what is going on around you.
As I was watching the talking heads try to report this news and yes they were all looking for the silver lining. I could not help but to perk up to an analyst which said that it is time for our leaders to grow up into the positions that they now have. He also said that the political candidates running for president right now missed a golden opportunity to actually do something positive here and offer assistance to correct the problem. Instead we got more of the same where the candidates offered criticism rather than solutions. Speaker Boehner threw mud at the Democrats and Reid threw more mud at the Republicans which is self-fulfilling and justice for the S & P’s decision, don’t you think?
There is plenty of blame to go around here, American consumers have lived beyond their means and are still doing so, our politicians are reflections of the shortsightedness and arrogance of the American people, eight years of President Bush and his absolutely incoherent policies, and now President Obama where the shadow of his transformational leadership has fled. Yes, I too am to blame as I am just as responsible as everyone else because I have not done enough to educate, warn, educate, and speak about these issues that affect us all.
As a result of this it is time to come up with solutions and here is what I will offer up to the American people and perhaps our political leaders too if they even desire to listen. First of all folks try to get yourself out of debt. The reason why the federal government is in so much debt is because we are in so much debt. We spend way too much money and live beyond our means. We are so easy to take, take, take but never offer anything of value it is time for this to happen. Secondly, and I have been talking about this for years now, start your own business. It is so easy to start a business these days and with little to almost no capital. We have to remake ourselves here and entrepreneurship can get us there. My next point of advice is a true measure of success for the human race, sustainability! If you are going to start this business of yours think along the lines of an enterprise that is sustainable. Get onto the Internet and type in sustainability and business and play with the terms a bit I am sure something will come up that interests you. My last point, at least for this article is start to save and invest more in yourself in the form of education in the math and sciences, invest in your children and invest in America. Quit taking and start giving more and if you invest more you will undoubtedly get more back that should be used in a sustainable way.
Charles Darwin once said that it is not the strongest of species, nor is it the most intelligent that staves off extinction but the one that can adapt quicker to change. Let’s just hope that we can adapt to this rapidly changing environment and make it better for us all. Pray also if you want to we need all the help we can get but prayer without action is useless.
Well when you thought it could not get any worse it just did! S & P Rating Agency just downgraded the credit rating of the U.S. from its coveted AAA rating to AA+. Now a lot of you probably don’t really know what this means to you and your everyday lives and we will get you up to speed on that. What we ought to talk about is how we got here.
According to the S & P the main reason for the downgrade was the political brinksmanship played by both Democrats and Republicans in full view of the world over a procedural vote of raising the debt ceiling. What is so astonishing about this downgrade is that the S & P like the rest of us watched in horror as our so called political leaders behaved like children and still did not get the work done that was necessary to avoid the downgrade.
If I were to go further with this issue and it speaks to us as a people in this still great nation is that we are still not doing what we are supposed to do. How many of you when you go out and vote do so with the heart and not the mind? As a marketing professional I do understand the matters of the heart and what we call emotional appeals. Unfortunately this is where an emotional appeal and politics do not mix. The reason why our political leaders behave like children is because we behave like children when it comes to the political process. We absolutely must stop this behavior as it is going to destroy us all. If you don’t believe what I am talking about then you need to take a look at what is going on around you.
As I was watching the talking heads try to report this news and yes they were all looking for the silver lining. I could not help but to perk up to an analyst which said that it is time for our leaders to grow up into the positions that they now have. He also said that the political candidates running for president right now missed a golden opportunity to actually do something positive here and offer assistance to correct the problem. Instead we got more of the same where the candidates offered criticism rather than solutions. Speaker Boehner threw mud at the Democrats and Reid threw more mud at the Republicans which is self-fulfilling and justice for the S & P’s decision, don’t you think?
There is plenty of blame to go around here, American consumers have lived beyond their means and are still doing so, our politicians are reflections of the shortsightedness and arrogance of the American people, eight years of President Bush and his absolutely incoherent policies, and now President Obama where the shadow of his transformational leadership has fled. Yes, I too am to blame as I am just as responsible as everyone else because I have not done enough to educate, warn, educate, and speak about these issues that affect us all.
As a result of this it is time to come up with solutions and here is what I will offer up to the American people and perhaps our political leaders too if they even desire to listen. First of all folks try to get yourself out of debt. The reason why the federal government is in so much debt is because we are in so much debt. We spend way too much money and live beyond our means. We are so easy to take, take, take but never offer anything of value it is time for this to happen. Secondly, and I have been talking about this for years now, start your own business. It is so easy to start a business these days and with little to almost no capital. We have to remake ourselves here and entrepreneurship can get us there. My next point of advice is a true measure of success for the human race, sustainability! If you are going to start this business of yours think along the lines of an enterprise that is sustainable. Get onto the Internet and type in sustainability and business and play with the terms a bit I am sure something will come up that interests you. My last point, at least for this article is start to save and invest more in yourself in the form of education in the math and sciences, invest in your children and invest in America. Quit taking and start giving more and if you invest more you will undoubtedly get more back that should be used in a sustainable way.
Charles Darwin once said that it is not the strongest of species, nor is it the most intelligent that staves off extinction but the one that can adapt quicker to change. Let’s just hope that we can adapt to this rapidly changing environment and make it better for us all. Pray also if you want to we need all the help we can get but prayer without action is useless.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
COLLAPSE
I have noticed that the Dow Jones Industrials Index is down more than 300 points in midday trading. I have also seen that there have been a flurry of comments and blogs seemingly blaming either Republicans or Democrats for a poor and sick economy here at home. What these writers fail to realize is that the blame does not fall on just one group of people but to all of us. First of all the U.S. economy is interconnected with every other economy and they to us so the economic malaise is global and for the most part needs a global solution.
First of all let’s point the finger squarely where it should be if we are going to blame anyone for the lack of jobs here in America. I would squarely put it on the American consumer. Think about it when you go out to shop for anything you usually demand the absolute best price you can get and this best price is usually the lowest price. Well if this is the case what do you think happens to the companies here that used to provide those products for you; they cannot compete especially if their competitors move their operations to; say China or India? You get the picture! Those American companies that were here now have to move offshore just to compete. There goes the jobs and by the way they are not coming back! Lower prices, better living, Wal-Mart. What they should really be telling you is; lower prices no jobs for you.
Look, this is just the tip of the iceberg and if you draw this out the whole economic system is unsustainable. Human beings just consume way too much of everything and I mean everything. The planet’s resources cannot keep up with us as a species on this present consumption path. We demand infinite growth in consumption on a planet that has finite resources so what do you think is going to happen… What is going to happen is that the species is going to collapse and there is nothing you can do about it when that happens but just survive, more on this later.
As for our government and all other governments elsewhere they are too focused on the old paradigm of consumption and this only compounds the problems of unsustainable growth. We as citizens demand that the idea of infinite growth continue and this just cannot happen. Which means, our political leaders are part of the problem because of our shortsightedness we will vote for those politicians that subscribe to the same shortsighted policies of yesterday that just does not work anymore. Now here is where it really gets interesting, we have competing views of the same outdated paradigm of consumption and when they are so polarized about an outdated view of economic growth (not sustainable) then nothing gets done. No jobs of any kind, no real growth of ideas for the new paradigm and well how can I say it no progress whatsoever. So if this is the case then economic, population, and total collapse is inevitable. Right?
Wrong; I don’t believe that perhaps because of my infinite optimistic demeanor. Here is what you can do now; first of all start your own small and sustainable business. If you type these key words into your browser/search engine all kinds of cool ways to get started in a new and exciting business will come up you are sure to find something that will fit your skill set. As a consumer we need to close our economic circuits, grow your own food (organic only), get your power consumption off the electric grid by installing solar panels and a wind turbine if the zoning allows. Your home can become totally self sufficient in terms of energy. Recycle, reuse, and redo, and hand them down’s always worked when I was a kid and because we were poor we knew how to stretch a dollar and Americans need to get back to those roots again. This kind of behavior is sustainable and the benefits to you could be immediate in cost savings, you can invest more in you and your community. With this kind of action you can have a closed economic system that is sustainable.
To close, I don’t look at these dire economic times as a problem I look at it in such a way that could get us on a sustainable path. In the long term this is what is best for all of us. I also know that a large number of humans are not going to do as I suggest and unfortunately these folks are going to fall by the wayside and if you are an elephant that is in a herd that is too large you will be culled. It is called natural selection; I intend on being here in the new paradigm making a difference, I am going to do my best to build sustainable wealth for my family and my community and that is the new paradigm. Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. How responsive are you going to be to the new paradigm?
I have noticed that the Dow Jones Industrials Index is down more than 300 points in midday trading. I have also seen that there have been a flurry of comments and blogs seemingly blaming either Republicans or Democrats for a poor and sick economy here at home. What these writers fail to realize is that the blame does not fall on just one group of people but to all of us. First of all the U.S. economy is interconnected with every other economy and they to us so the economic malaise is global and for the most part needs a global solution.
First of all let’s point the finger squarely where it should be if we are going to blame anyone for the lack of jobs here in America. I would squarely put it on the American consumer. Think about it when you go out to shop for anything you usually demand the absolute best price you can get and this best price is usually the lowest price. Well if this is the case what do you think happens to the companies here that used to provide those products for you; they cannot compete especially if their competitors move their operations to; say China or India? You get the picture! Those American companies that were here now have to move offshore just to compete. There goes the jobs and by the way they are not coming back! Lower prices, better living, Wal-Mart. What they should really be telling you is; lower prices no jobs for you.
Look, this is just the tip of the iceberg and if you draw this out the whole economic system is unsustainable. Human beings just consume way too much of everything and I mean everything. The planet’s resources cannot keep up with us as a species on this present consumption path. We demand infinite growth in consumption on a planet that has finite resources so what do you think is going to happen… What is going to happen is that the species is going to collapse and there is nothing you can do about it when that happens but just survive, more on this later.
As for our government and all other governments elsewhere they are too focused on the old paradigm of consumption and this only compounds the problems of unsustainable growth. We as citizens demand that the idea of infinite growth continue and this just cannot happen. Which means, our political leaders are part of the problem because of our shortsightedness we will vote for those politicians that subscribe to the same shortsighted policies of yesterday that just does not work anymore. Now here is where it really gets interesting, we have competing views of the same outdated paradigm of consumption and when they are so polarized about an outdated view of economic growth (not sustainable) then nothing gets done. No jobs of any kind, no real growth of ideas for the new paradigm and well how can I say it no progress whatsoever. So if this is the case then economic, population, and total collapse is inevitable. Right?
Wrong; I don’t believe that perhaps because of my infinite optimistic demeanor. Here is what you can do now; first of all start your own small and sustainable business. If you type these key words into your browser/search engine all kinds of cool ways to get started in a new and exciting business will come up you are sure to find something that will fit your skill set. As a consumer we need to close our economic circuits, grow your own food (organic only), get your power consumption off the electric grid by installing solar panels and a wind turbine if the zoning allows. Your home can become totally self sufficient in terms of energy. Recycle, reuse, and redo, and hand them down’s always worked when I was a kid and because we were poor we knew how to stretch a dollar and Americans need to get back to those roots again. This kind of behavior is sustainable and the benefits to you could be immediate in cost savings, you can invest more in you and your community. With this kind of action you can have a closed economic system that is sustainable.
To close, I don’t look at these dire economic times as a problem I look at it in such a way that could get us on a sustainable path. In the long term this is what is best for all of us. I also know that a large number of humans are not going to do as I suggest and unfortunately these folks are going to fall by the wayside and if you are an elephant that is in a herd that is too large you will be culled. It is called natural selection; I intend on being here in the new paradigm making a difference, I am going to do my best to build sustainable wealth for my family and my community and that is the new paradigm. Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. How responsive are you going to be to the new paradigm?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
CHAOS AVERTED!!??!!
Well it seems the idiots in Washington DC can actually work together afterall. of course I am being obtuse here. let's face it the only reason why these fools have even come to an agreement is becuase the American people put the pressure on them. Is it bad enough that so many millions of people are out of work right now and then they have to listen to these children (Congress) whine about their principles. By the way I am talking abou the Tea Party fanatics. Listen I understand the whole idea of sticking to your principles but in the wake of a sluggish global economy don't you think that at some point you will have to GOVERN!!!
I am glad that the leadership has come to an agreement but we still have to get all of them (Congress) and the rank and file to vote. Let's just hope they don't screw it up!!!!!
Well it seems the idiots in Washington DC can actually work together afterall. of course I am being obtuse here. let's face it the only reason why these fools have even come to an agreement is becuase the American people put the pressure on them. Is it bad enough that so many millions of people are out of work right now and then they have to listen to these children (Congress) whine about their principles. By the way I am talking abou the Tea Party fanatics. Listen I understand the whole idea of sticking to your principles but in the wake of a sluggish global economy don't you think that at some point you will have to GOVERN!!!
I am glad that the leadership has come to an agreement but we still have to get all of them (Congress) and the rank and file to vote. Let's just hope they don't screw it up!!!!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Debt Ceiling Woes
I did not want to believe it but it has happened the United States Federal Government has sunk to a new low. Here it is Wednesday and we still don't have an agreement on the reduction of the deficit and the raising of the debt ceiling. It is really funny I had a colleague catch me this morning and he wanted to blame President Obama, (this is not all on the President) for us not having a deal on this artificial crisis. That is right I said artificial crisis. After all President Bush was able to raise the debt ceiling 7 times without incident so why are we here now when something that is a matter of routine usually now has the whole country and the world poised on another financial collapse. Most economists agree that the United States of America is still going to lose its prized AAA rating because of the political posturing going on in Congress and the White House.
I do believe that it is true what they say about our political leaders they are completely clueless about what the American people really want. Both Democrats and Republicans and I really mean Republicans are soooo clueless. These leaders, (that is if you want to call them leaders) would rather see the country collapse than to give up a position or their Congressional seat. I am so disgusted with Washington right now that I believe they should all be removed from office.
I watched a documentary yesterday with my students and the person being interviewed in the film plainly said that it does not matter which political party you are from if the whole country collapses from financial and economic ruin. So why pray tell are we having this discussion about the debt ceiling, smaller government and reduced spending? These are things that all Americans can agree on reduce the debt, revise the tax code to raise some revenue and keep it moving by raising the debt ceiling. How difficult is this to do? Oh I forgot we have a whole bunch of selfish jerks in Washington that would rather further their own personal agenda then do what is right for the country!!
Here is my solution, All Americans whether you vote or not call your local Congressman, Senator, and the President and demand they increase the debt ceiling so we can focus on something more important like adding jobs and commerce to our ailing economy. I have had enough!!!!!!!!!
I did not want to believe it but it has happened the United States Federal Government has sunk to a new low. Here it is Wednesday and we still don't have an agreement on the reduction of the deficit and the raising of the debt ceiling. It is really funny I had a colleague catch me this morning and he wanted to blame President Obama, (this is not all on the President) for us not having a deal on this artificial crisis. That is right I said artificial crisis. After all President Bush was able to raise the debt ceiling 7 times without incident so why are we here now when something that is a matter of routine usually now has the whole country and the world poised on another financial collapse. Most economists agree that the United States of America is still going to lose its prized AAA rating because of the political posturing going on in Congress and the White House.
I do believe that it is true what they say about our political leaders they are completely clueless about what the American people really want. Both Democrats and Republicans and I really mean Republicans are soooo clueless. These leaders, (that is if you want to call them leaders) would rather see the country collapse than to give up a position or their Congressional seat. I am so disgusted with Washington right now that I believe they should all be removed from office.
I watched a documentary yesterday with my students and the person being interviewed in the film plainly said that it does not matter which political party you are from if the whole country collapses from financial and economic ruin. So why pray tell are we having this discussion about the debt ceiling, smaller government and reduced spending? These are things that all Americans can agree on reduce the debt, revise the tax code to raise some revenue and keep it moving by raising the debt ceiling. How difficult is this to do? Oh I forgot we have a whole bunch of selfish jerks in Washington that would rather further their own personal agenda then do what is right for the country!!
Here is my solution, All Americans whether you vote or not call your local Congressman, Senator, and the President and demand they increase the debt ceiling so we can focus on something more important like adding jobs and commerce to our ailing economy. I have had enough!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The jobs report past Friday was dismal to say the least and now everyone wants to jump down the throat of the President of the United States. I hat to be a bearer of bad news everyone and perhaps this is what needs to be said to the American eople to help them put things in perspective. One, need I remind all of you that it was the American consumer along with Wall Street tat got us into this mess in the first place. How many of you bought homes that you could not afford? How many of you took out secnd and third mortgages on thse homes to go out on frivilous spending sprees? How many of you paid off your 6,7, and 8 credit cards with a second and third credit card only to run them up again? Before you start throwing stones at the easiest target out there (The President) you need to look in the mirror first!!! My second point is this it is the President that is going to hire you business and industry is responsible for that and besides in a economic climate such as this I would not hire anyone either!! It is going to take every soul in this country to get us out of this mess. Consumers will have to reduce their debt loads, invest more and start your own business. The key to growth is entrepreneurship, not only our country's growth but your personal growth. The onus is not on the President to get you the stability that you need that responsibility resides with you and you alone. I have 7 streams of income coming into my household, that is right 7 and I am going to covet those streams with my life because the economy dictates that I do that it is about time the American people understand that.
I just wished our politicians had the courage to tell you the truth as I had right now.
Christopher & Scott LLC
I just wished our politicians had the courage to tell you the truth as I had right now.
Christopher & Scott LLC
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Working Class America: Are They Irrelevant Now?
I just recently read an article on Yahoo Business and the article highlights the pessimism of white working class America. If you are not sure who classifies in this all important demographic; they are white, middle class usually middle middle class to lower middle class workers. They make anywhere between 40K to 80K a year or less. The key variable for this group is that they have never went or finished college and they are also usually male.
As I read the article there was a comparison to those of African and Hispanic Americans and their attitudes towards their prospects as well; these two groups were generally upbeat in terms of their economic prospects. There are reasons for this optimism; an increasingly diverse country with access to immigrant populations from Central and South America as well as the islands and Africa have given these groups greater opportunity in jobs and especially entrepreneurship opportunites. Another reason is that these two groups are growing in population and by 2050 or sooner these ethnic groups combined would out number whites as the dominant majority in the U.S.
Now that we have the facts out of the way let's really explore the rub for white working class America. The rub is globalization but this trend was inevitable and it is now time to learn how to operate within our new and robust global economy. I have read some of the comments after this compelling article and what I read was a lot of complaints for thier plight but there were no solutions added to improve their situation and because there were none I will offer up some solutions for you right now. One, have you wondered working class America why you lost you job in the first place? It is because that business that you worked for has to compete in a global marketplace right now. Both large and small businesses are feeling the pinch of competition everywhere and quite frankly this is a wonderful thing. Because of this increased competition we will be able to always buy better, more innovative products and services at a really competitive price. Two, becuase of this competition these businesses have to become leaner and meaner and as a result of this they are going to go where the labor force is highly motivated, educated, and will work for less. You should actually be thankful that American businesses are still here hiring American workers! This what I mean by that last statement. Did you know that it is not usually the pay that businesses here are concerned with it is the benefits and overhead that kills them and makes them less competitive. Did you know that when a business here outsources some of their activities it is becuase a small business owner could do that activitiy for half of what that business can do it for. Also these activities are not always ousourced overseas, they are outsourced to small American businesses here at home.
If there is one thing I know about this country it was built on the blood, sweat and tears of the entrepreneur. What is happening is that this model has been our greatest export and now all of the world is practicing this greatest of all economic philosophies. If you want to survive in today's marketplace it dictates that you should become an entrepreneur. The model of getting a job and working at the same place and getting the gold watch for retirement is long gone and has been dead for over 30 years. The problem is working class America is stuck in the time warp of this long gone era. If you want to survive working class America you have to start your own business and you already have to skills to do so. This is what America is all about and this is what made America great. You just have been in this employee stupor so long that you have forgotten all about it.
There is one comment that really struck me at the end of the article it was from an I.T. professional and he was complaining about being over qualified for a lot of I.T. positions becuase of all the certifications that he had gotten in his field. he was going on and on about his qualifications but said nothing about starting an I.T. consulting business. Hello!! My friend you are all ready to go and you have all the tools necessary at your disposal to market your business with social media marketing! The reason why I bring this up and the reason why this article angered me so is that most Americans from this group don't even know what is at their disposal to become all they can become and they will never need to worry about being laid off, downsized, or outsourced. You are the master of your own domain now and you can go as far as you want to by owning your own business.
I will wrap it up this way and this is going to ruffle some feathers I am sure. Being successful with just a High School education is just not going to cut it anymore. you will need some college education and I suggest you get it in Entrepreneurship. Those groups that I was telling you about that is optomistic are getting a college education and they are starting their own businesses. they are the ones getting those businesses to cut cost by outsourcing those operations to them and making a fortune doing so while you are on the sidelines compalining about the way things are and wishing for the days of yore. THEY ARE NOT COMING BACK!!
The legacies that you wished you still had has become irrelevant becuase we are all part of a global economy that are filled with well educated, highly motivated, and will do anything to get ahead people of color. This is today and will also be tomorrow and if you want to compete you will have to come up with a new way of doing business which by the way was the old way of doing business and that is to become an entrepreneur! Trust me you will still be relevant if you practice this philosophy.
As I read the article there was a comparison to those of African and Hispanic Americans and their attitudes towards their prospects as well; these two groups were generally upbeat in terms of their economic prospects. There are reasons for this optimism; an increasingly diverse country with access to immigrant populations from Central and South America as well as the islands and Africa have given these groups greater opportunity in jobs and especially entrepreneurship opportunites. Another reason is that these two groups are growing in population and by 2050 or sooner these ethnic groups combined would out number whites as the dominant majority in the U.S.
Now that we have the facts out of the way let's really explore the rub for white working class America. The rub is globalization but this trend was inevitable and it is now time to learn how to operate within our new and robust global economy. I have read some of the comments after this compelling article and what I read was a lot of complaints for thier plight but there were no solutions added to improve their situation and because there were none I will offer up some solutions for you right now. One, have you wondered working class America why you lost you job in the first place? It is because that business that you worked for has to compete in a global marketplace right now. Both large and small businesses are feeling the pinch of competition everywhere and quite frankly this is a wonderful thing. Because of this increased competition we will be able to always buy better, more innovative products and services at a really competitive price. Two, becuase of this competition these businesses have to become leaner and meaner and as a result of this they are going to go where the labor force is highly motivated, educated, and will work for less. You should actually be thankful that American businesses are still here hiring American workers! This what I mean by that last statement. Did you know that it is not usually the pay that businesses here are concerned with it is the benefits and overhead that kills them and makes them less competitive. Did you know that when a business here outsources some of their activities it is becuase a small business owner could do that activitiy for half of what that business can do it for. Also these activities are not always ousourced overseas, they are outsourced to small American businesses here at home.
If there is one thing I know about this country it was built on the blood, sweat and tears of the entrepreneur. What is happening is that this model has been our greatest export and now all of the world is practicing this greatest of all economic philosophies. If you want to survive in today's marketplace it dictates that you should become an entrepreneur. The model of getting a job and working at the same place and getting the gold watch for retirement is long gone and has been dead for over 30 years. The problem is working class America is stuck in the time warp of this long gone era. If you want to survive working class America you have to start your own business and you already have to skills to do so. This is what America is all about and this is what made America great. You just have been in this employee stupor so long that you have forgotten all about it.
There is one comment that really struck me at the end of the article it was from an I.T. professional and he was complaining about being over qualified for a lot of I.T. positions becuase of all the certifications that he had gotten in his field. he was going on and on about his qualifications but said nothing about starting an I.T. consulting business. Hello!! My friend you are all ready to go and you have all the tools necessary at your disposal to market your business with social media marketing! The reason why I bring this up and the reason why this article angered me so is that most Americans from this group don't even know what is at their disposal to become all they can become and they will never need to worry about being laid off, downsized, or outsourced. You are the master of your own domain now and you can go as far as you want to by owning your own business.
I will wrap it up this way and this is going to ruffle some feathers I am sure. Being successful with just a High School education is just not going to cut it anymore. you will need some college education and I suggest you get it in Entrepreneurship. Those groups that I was telling you about that is optomistic are getting a college education and they are starting their own businesses. they are the ones getting those businesses to cut cost by outsourcing those operations to them and making a fortune doing so while you are on the sidelines compalining about the way things are and wishing for the days of yore. THEY ARE NOT COMING BACK!!
The legacies that you wished you still had has become irrelevant becuase we are all part of a global economy that are filled with well educated, highly motivated, and will do anything to get ahead people of color. This is today and will also be tomorrow and if you want to compete you will have to come up with a new way of doing business which by the way was the old way of doing business and that is to become an entrepreneur! Trust me you will still be relevant if you practice this philosophy.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Middle Class In Transition
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well. It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it. Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace. The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well. It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it. Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace. The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
Middle Class In Transition
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well. It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it. Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace. The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well. It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it. Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace. The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
Middle Class In Transition
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well.
It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it.
Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace.
The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
I read an article here recently that was a bit uneasy abou the shrinking of the middle class. As a lot of you out there that are unemployed right now can attest to this personally. I will go on record and say that the middle class as we know it today is actually obsolete. This is the reason why: globalization has changed the way jobs or I would call them micro-businesses are created in the world today. As businesses, and I mean the big ones try to compete globally and as long as there is a difference in economies there will be a differences in wages across the globe as well.
It is no secret that we here in the U.S. have had it really good in the past 50 to 60 years. Some of us are still doing well and will do even better in the future because the way to do business today is to become an entrepreneur. Have you noticed that when Forbes Magazine or Fortune come out with thier top billionaires list that you find the majority of them are outside the U.S. and Europe? The reason for this is that the entrepreneurial spirit has really taken hold in the developing world and I for one am ecstatic about this. Why? Because these new entrepreneurs are going to provide the best products and services at the best possible price for all of us as consumers. Pure competition is what drives the market and it is this competition that provides innovation at a great price. Is this what we all want? You can beleive it, take for instance the pressures in energy. The fossil fuel economy is a dying economy. Energy companies that provide fossil fuel as it is today cannot keep up with the demand and consumers will not be able to pay the rising price. this dichotomy cannot continue so what will happen naturally is this market will disappear and oil producing countries and the companies that produce this product know it.
Also keep in mind the pressure on all our resources demand that we come up with an alternate way of consuming in order to sustain ourselves and our children's children. The middle class in this country are at a crossroad right now either continue the present road where you will continue to lose jobs, or you can turn those jobs into micro-businesses. We all win if you are able to pull this off. In fact some fortune 500 companies are looking for their employees to offer a better way for them to do business at a much lower cost. You win becuase you now have a small thriving business and now they win becuase they cut cost off their bottom line and they can truly compete in the marketplace.
The middle class in my opinion is not under assault it is just in transition and if I know the American people they will figure this out and still thrive not just survive.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
This whole argument over Bin Laden's death photos are just getting rediculous. For Republicans don't you know that you are falling right into the President's trap. He is playing you folks like a song. For once just go with the flow on this one and try to change the narrative i.e. the economy?
Frankly, I can see why the Republican right is less than stellar in the minds of American voters, the candidates just don't think things through and have the same tired arguments as always.
The American people want action and innovation and the President is the only one offering this up. I am an independent it is quite sad I believe Rupublicans are going to be in the wilderness for a long time.
Frankly, I can see why the Republican right is less than stellar in the minds of American voters, the candidates just don't think things through and have the same tired arguments as always.
The American people want action and innovation and the President is the only one offering this up. I am an independent it is quite sad I believe Rupublicans are going to be in the wilderness for a long time.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
OBAMA GOT OSAMA
It is hard to explain the feelings I have of the big news that came over the wires last night about Osama Bin Laden being killed by our elite military forces in an early morning attach on his compound in a suburban neighborhood of Pakistan. Don’t get me wrong this is good news I am happy to see the most wanted man on earth finally get his just desserts. As I watched the news on television last night my wife was following the chatter on her smart phone in her Facebook network. The way that we were getting the news and reactions in real time almost seemed surreal to a certain extent, my wife would holler out reactions from her Facebook network, my daughter, age 27 wrote that she was proud to be an American. I was puzzled because my daughter was not that engaged when it came to geo-politics such as this.
I continued to watch the story and yes I was conflicted still, was it because that another human being was killed by the hands of another? Don’t get me wrong Osama Bin Laden was the largest mass murderer of this generation he not only killed thousands of American men, women and children but he also murdered countless thousands of innocent Muslims as well. So why shouldn’t I be happy that this happened?
Then it hit me as I continued to watch this story last night into the wee hours of the morning. A phenomenon was unfolding before my very eyes, young people were gathering in almost drunken jubilation in front of the White House and at Ground Zero in New York City. I mean these folks were ecstatic of the news, USA, USA and Obama Got Osama they chanted. It was a sight to see. My mind harkened back to 9/11 and I could remember as if it were yesterday when I was a Manager at Walgreens watching a small child around 8 or 9 years old asking his mother why did the planes crash into the Twin Towers in New York? I could see the mother struggle to come up with the words to explain the unexplainable. This young child like my daughter had this horror burned into their collective memory. Getting the news that Osama Bin Laden was finally dead was like being exorcised of demons, made clean and whole again.
That was it, these young folks grew up with the horror of 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden was the demon that got erased. This man was public enemy number one by this generation and no wonder they are celebrating. At this moment I too was proud to be an American and at that moment I too shed tears of joy.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the President at this moment, by the way it was his leadership that made this happen and of course he is in the title of this blog. President Obama has been given a plateful of problems that I often wonder why he even decided to want to be President in the first place. He still has an uncertain economy to deal with; unemployment is stubbornly still around a high 8%, high gas prices and a burgeoning debt that could crush America as we know it today. Still this man works tirelessly to protect us, employ us and even tell us that we are OK in times of great trial for us all. I want to go record and say well done to you sir! I cannot think of anyone better to tackle these problems with compassion and courage. Thank you for protecting our children. Thank you for your tireless, selfless service, you make me proud to be an American!
It is hard to explain the feelings I have of the big news that came over the wires last night about Osama Bin Laden being killed by our elite military forces in an early morning attach on his compound in a suburban neighborhood of Pakistan. Don’t get me wrong this is good news I am happy to see the most wanted man on earth finally get his just desserts. As I watched the news on television last night my wife was following the chatter on her smart phone in her Facebook network. The way that we were getting the news and reactions in real time almost seemed surreal to a certain extent, my wife would holler out reactions from her Facebook network, my daughter, age 27 wrote that she was proud to be an American. I was puzzled because my daughter was not that engaged when it came to geo-politics such as this.
I continued to watch the story and yes I was conflicted still, was it because that another human being was killed by the hands of another? Don’t get me wrong Osama Bin Laden was the largest mass murderer of this generation he not only killed thousands of American men, women and children but he also murdered countless thousands of innocent Muslims as well. So why shouldn’t I be happy that this happened?
Then it hit me as I continued to watch this story last night into the wee hours of the morning. A phenomenon was unfolding before my very eyes, young people were gathering in almost drunken jubilation in front of the White House and at Ground Zero in New York City. I mean these folks were ecstatic of the news, USA, USA and Obama Got Osama they chanted. It was a sight to see. My mind harkened back to 9/11 and I could remember as if it were yesterday when I was a Manager at Walgreens watching a small child around 8 or 9 years old asking his mother why did the planes crash into the Twin Towers in New York? I could see the mother struggle to come up with the words to explain the unexplainable. This young child like my daughter had this horror burned into their collective memory. Getting the news that Osama Bin Laden was finally dead was like being exorcised of demons, made clean and whole again.
That was it, these young folks grew up with the horror of 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden was the demon that got erased. This man was public enemy number one by this generation and no wonder they are celebrating. At this moment I too was proud to be an American and at that moment I too shed tears of joy.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the President at this moment, by the way it was his leadership that made this happen and of course he is in the title of this blog. President Obama has been given a plateful of problems that I often wonder why he even decided to want to be President in the first place. He still has an uncertain economy to deal with; unemployment is stubbornly still around a high 8%, high gas prices and a burgeoning debt that could crush America as we know it today. Still this man works tirelessly to protect us, employ us and even tell us that we are OK in times of great trial for us all. I want to go record and say well done to you sir! I cannot think of anyone better to tackle these problems with compassion and courage. Thank you for protecting our children. Thank you for your tireless, selfless service, you make me proud to be an American!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Christopher & Scott LLC just had a hugely successful financial planning seminar on AIU Atlanta campus. I just want to thank all of those who came out this afternoon. We have some very exciting times ahead of us so if you have done all you needed to get yourself for the next positive wave that is great. For those of you who have not please give us a call and we will get you on a solid financial footing.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Social Media is changing the way that we market folks. And now a word about video generated content. I found out that if you embed any kind of video into your social media messages that you are 53 times more likely to show up on a Google search first page. That is 53 more likely, can you fathom that. Also any kind of video could do, video that you do yourself, consumer generated video; of course they will be talking about your business in a positive way video. Also product and service video can also be the bees knees. Very exciting stuff here.
By the way Youtube, yes Youtube that you thought only the crazy and entertainers go on is also powerful. Youtube can increase your business traffic by 16%. Could you use 16% more traffic on your website, Facebook page, Twitter or your blog. I bet you could.
So if you are not using video you might want to give it a try today. also one more tip if you are producing your own video make sure it looks as professional as you can get it. We don't want prospective customers thinking you don't do absolute quality. Also you can do this on a Internet TV show that is right your own TV show. This stuff works and works well. Go ahead and give it a shot and tell me how it went by responding to my Twitter, facebook, Blogger, and Wordpress page. Have fun.
By the way Youtube, yes Youtube that you thought only the crazy and entertainers go on is also powerful. Youtube can increase your business traffic by 16%. Could you use 16% more traffic on your website, Facebook page, Twitter or your blog. I bet you could.
So if you are not using video you might want to give it a try today. also one more tip if you are producing your own video make sure it looks as professional as you can get it. We don't want prospective customers thinking you don't do absolute quality. Also you can do this on a Internet TV show that is right your own TV show. This stuff works and works well. Go ahead and give it a shot and tell me how it went by responding to my Twitter, facebook, Blogger, and Wordpress page. Have fun.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Not is a million years would I vote for Donald Trump. He has gone bankrupt in one of his casinos what makes him think that he could do any better with an almost bankrupt counrty such as ours. This man is so full of hot air that he is sucking it away from the rest of us. Don't even give this poor excuse of a man the chance to destroy your country even futher. Just like my brother I agree laugh him off the stage.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Selfish Basketball Coach
Now I know why our country is headed in the wrong direction. The Today Show just aired a story about a basketball coach that was pregnant and was coaching her team in the playoffs when it was time for her baby to come, contractions, water broke the usual stuff related with delivering a baby. Of course the coach goes to deliver her baby which is normal and we should always celebrate the birth of any child they are all precious and should all get the utmost care.
However, the story takes a terrible turn, this coach decides that it is more important to coach than to bond with her newborn. What is truly appalling is that the announcers shower praise on the coach with terms like true grit and amazing!! This is not amazing this is not an act to be celebrated this is child abuse in its true form. All OB GYN's will tell you that the bond between mother and newborn is critical in the first 24 to 48 hours and this mother denied her child the right to bond with her mother. What kind of woman does this? We usually reserve terms like child abuser or your a bad mother for women like this, instead in this case we want to say to her that she has true grit?
When I woke up this morning this story was on and I thought I was having a bad dream. There are so many women out there that cannot have children. they would jump at the chance to be in this woman's shoes just the act of having a child and caring for it and nurturing it in its first 24 to 48 hours. instead this coach decided that trying to win a championship is more important than nurturing her child. This is the most selfish act I have ever seen and this is why we as a country are headed down the tubes. We celebrate selfishness, this is wrong and if I were a parent of a daughter on this woman's team I would immediately pull my child off the team. think about the message that this woman sends to all young women out there. Be you girl, celebrate you, be selfish. This was the worst story that the Today Show ever aired and as a result of that I will not watch ever again. They should be ashamed of themselves for airing it.
However, the story takes a terrible turn, this coach decides that it is more important to coach than to bond with her newborn. What is truly appalling is that the announcers shower praise on the coach with terms like true grit and amazing!! This is not amazing this is not an act to be celebrated this is child abuse in its true form. All OB GYN's will tell you that the bond between mother and newborn is critical in the first 24 to 48 hours and this mother denied her child the right to bond with her mother. What kind of woman does this? We usually reserve terms like child abuser or your a bad mother for women like this, instead in this case we want to say to her that she has true grit?
When I woke up this morning this story was on and I thought I was having a bad dream. There are so many women out there that cannot have children. they would jump at the chance to be in this woman's shoes just the act of having a child and caring for it and nurturing it in its first 24 to 48 hours. instead this coach decided that trying to win a championship is more important than nurturing her child. This is the most selfish act I have ever seen and this is why we as a country are headed down the tubes. We celebrate selfishness, this is wrong and if I were a parent of a daughter on this woman's team I would immediately pull my child off the team. think about the message that this woman sends to all young women out there. Be you girl, celebrate you, be selfish. This was the worst story that the Today Show ever aired and as a result of that I will not watch ever again. They should be ashamed of themselves for airing it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Market Correction
For the past few weeks the world has been on pins and needles if you will wondering what is going to happen to the stock markets around the world based on the unrest and protest in North Africa and the Middle East.
The latest unrest has spread to Libya and Bahrain and unlike in Egypt the protests in these countries have turned violent. The Saudi Arabian king also came home early from his convalescence to address the growing unrest of his people and decided to throw billions of dollars to them in aid. Unemployment of the citizenry in these Islamic countries are extremely high and the population is also quite young. You put these two dynamics together with no freedom or liberty and you have a concoction that is infectious and could spread to Europe and Asia.
Also as a result of the unrest oil prices have crept over 100.00 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2008/2009. Couple this with economies that are still very fragile and trying to recover I don't have to tell you that stock markets around the world are going to give back in a very big way what they have earned over the past year and a half. What I suggest to you is to take profit, move money to precious metals and energy at the moment. If you have a 401K, IRA, or a pension account protect yourself by moving to more conservative positions to protect what you have left from the financial crisis of 2008/2009. What I am suggesting to you here is serious and you should act accordingly immediately.
I am not a fortune teller but what I do know is that the crisis in North Africa and the Middle East is not going away anytime soon, so as a precaution please heed my warnings here to protect your profits if you have any and to protect that nest egg of yours if you have any of it left. Stay tuned as there will be more to come and follow this blog regularly it could be the difference in being poor or if you don't or being wealthy if you do.
The latest unrest has spread to Libya and Bahrain and unlike in Egypt the protests in these countries have turned violent. The Saudi Arabian king also came home early from his convalescence to address the growing unrest of his people and decided to throw billions of dollars to them in aid. Unemployment of the citizenry in these Islamic countries are extremely high and the population is also quite young. You put these two dynamics together with no freedom or liberty and you have a concoction that is infectious and could spread to Europe and Asia.
Also as a result of the unrest oil prices have crept over 100.00 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2008/2009. Couple this with economies that are still very fragile and trying to recover I don't have to tell you that stock markets around the world are going to give back in a very big way what they have earned over the past year and a half. What I suggest to you is to take profit, move money to precious metals and energy at the moment. If you have a 401K, IRA, or a pension account protect yourself by moving to more conservative positions to protect what you have left from the financial crisis of 2008/2009. What I am suggesting to you here is serious and you should act accordingly immediately.
I am not a fortune teller but what I do know is that the crisis in North Africa and the Middle East is not going away anytime soon, so as a precaution please heed my warnings here to protect your profits if you have any and to protect that nest egg of yours if you have any of it left. Stay tuned as there will be more to come and follow this blog regularly it could be the difference in being poor or if you don't or being wealthy if you do.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Art Market
This post is more of me asking you what you think about the art market and particular pieces that will be posted with this blog.
So without further ado, tell me what you think about the following piece; do you like, dislike and why; if you like, how much would you be willing to pay for it and last what sort of services would you expect when buying fina art?
There you have it now take a look at this piece, it is "Untitled" 16" X 20" framed. Mixed media oil and acrylic.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What is the Sense of Your Money
I have a huge financial seminar coming up this week and based on the feedback that I am getting from folks they are excited becuase they claim that they really need someone to tell them just what sense does it make to manage money? I hear a lot of comments like; it is a rigged system, or something like this; the fat cats control what happens to my money, or try this one on for size; no matter what I do I am still going to lose my money!!
You got to be kidding me, is this what you really think is going on? By the way I have heard this from people of many races, creeds, religions as well as young and old. The financial crisis of 2008/2009 really frightened investors. The one way to protect yourself from this happening again is knowledge. Quite frankly people should not rely on me to tell them this; it is your money you have a vested interest in what happens to it!!
Here is one piece of advice I will give all of you especially if you have a family. Think of your money as a child and you will nurture, care for, see to its healthy growth as you would your own children. Those of you who are single; in your 20's and 30's you should pay very close attention to that partner of yours called your money because if you don't it will cheat you every time they get the chance. By the way your inattention will be the reason it cheats!! Just like a girlfriend or boyfriend the minute you turn your back, that slick and shady money of yours will cheat in a hearbeat. I can't put it any plainer than this. Take control of your money and take control of your destiny!!
I know this sounds funny or even a little crazy but I cannot stand reading articles that describe how much Americans have lost in the financial crisis of 2008/2009. Baby boomers have seriously been affected with loses in their 401K's of 40% to 60%. This is unacceptable and we cannot blame this on the greed of Wall Street. Did you (investor) keep an eye on what was going on in your 401K? Most investor did not and hence where we are right now. We do not have to stand by and become willing victims anymore we can take control of our money and put it to work!!
Put that money to work!!
You got to be kidding me, is this what you really think is going on? By the way I have heard this from people of many races, creeds, religions as well as young and old. The financial crisis of 2008/2009 really frightened investors. The one way to protect yourself from this happening again is knowledge. Quite frankly people should not rely on me to tell them this; it is your money you have a vested interest in what happens to it!!
Here is one piece of advice I will give all of you especially if you have a family. Think of your money as a child and you will nurture, care for, see to its healthy growth as you would your own children. Those of you who are single; in your 20's and 30's you should pay very close attention to that partner of yours called your money because if you don't it will cheat you every time they get the chance. By the way your inattention will be the reason it cheats!! Just like a girlfriend or boyfriend the minute you turn your back, that slick and shady money of yours will cheat in a hearbeat. I can't put it any plainer than this. Take control of your money and take control of your destiny!!
I know this sounds funny or even a little crazy but I cannot stand reading articles that describe how much Americans have lost in the financial crisis of 2008/2009. Baby boomers have seriously been affected with loses in their 401K's of 40% to 60%. This is unacceptable and we cannot blame this on the greed of Wall Street. Did you (investor) keep an eye on what was going on in your 401K? Most investor did not and hence where we are right now. We do not have to stand by and become willing victims anymore we can take control of our money and put it to work!!
Put that money to work!!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Social Media's Indelible Presence
I have attended a very exciting social media conference here in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area at Kennesaw State University. Kudos to Kennesaw State by the way; the conference was out of this world and had the largest WOW factor that I have ever seen.
On of the most interesting aspects of the conference was the number of people and businesses that were there trying to get a handle on social media and what it meant to them and their customers, clients and constituents. The other major aspect of what I had observed was there were no public officials and or what we call politicians. If there is one thing that I know about social media is that the viral aspect of a message is that it tends to work best in politics. Surprisingly enough there was no one there from the public policy community that I was able to see.
The purpose of this post though is to bring your attention to the fact that one of the panelists in our morning session mentioned and was second by his fellow panelists is that forward thinking job candidates are touting their social media prowess as an attribute that should be considered for them to be hired. This of course was not surprising to me but what was surprising was the panelists unrequited glee that was associated with this statement. Of course I and others that were sitting with me all had a, "are you kidding me" moment!! That is right, if you need an edge, with all things equal social media skills just might put you over the top if you are looking for a new job.
There is more, another statement by another panelist from ATT stated that they just hired 40 people to TWEET; that is right to put a full-time twitterist. I don't even know if I am putting this in terms that is considered right in the vernacular. The point is this, social media has come to the fore of marketing, public relations and overall business activity. One of the panelist showed an example of a auto boy shop that blogged and you tubed their work on these networks while they were doing the work. Can you imagine the the publicity, marketing value and overall engagement for the customer that is worried about whether their automobile is being repaired with care.
I will leave you with this, social media has changed the world in such a way that it is revolutionary in a sense that groups of people that did not have a voice or a chance to make an impact on society now have the means to do so. The images and actions of those reacting to what has been happening in Egypt is a testament to this. Furthermore, a despot in Mubarak is about to get a taste of what social media can do. In contrast Mubarak can also use social media to rebuild a legacy long after he has left power. It is all in the way that we use this new powerful tool called social media. So get to it and build your own success.
On of the most interesting aspects of the conference was the number of people and businesses that were there trying to get a handle on social media and what it meant to them and their customers, clients and constituents. The other major aspect of what I had observed was there were no public officials and or what we call politicians. If there is one thing that I know about social media is that the viral aspect of a message is that it tends to work best in politics. Surprisingly enough there was no one there from the public policy community that I was able to see.
The purpose of this post though is to bring your attention to the fact that one of the panelists in our morning session mentioned and was second by his fellow panelists is that forward thinking job candidates are touting their social media prowess as an attribute that should be considered for them to be hired. This of course was not surprising to me but what was surprising was the panelists unrequited glee that was associated with this statement. Of course I and others that were sitting with me all had a, "are you kidding me" moment!! That is right, if you need an edge, with all things equal social media skills just might put you over the top if you are looking for a new job.
There is more, another statement by another panelist from ATT stated that they just hired 40 people to TWEET; that is right to put a full-time twitterist. I don't even know if I am putting this in terms that is considered right in the vernacular. The point is this, social media has come to the fore of marketing, public relations and overall business activity. One of the panelist showed an example of a auto boy shop that blogged and you tubed their work on these networks while they were doing the work. Can you imagine the the publicity, marketing value and overall engagement for the customer that is worried about whether their automobile is being repaired with care.
I will leave you with this, social media has changed the world in such a way that it is revolutionary in a sense that groups of people that did not have a voice or a chance to make an impact on society now have the means to do so. The images and actions of those reacting to what has been happening in Egypt is a testament to this. Furthermore, a despot in Mubarak is about to get a taste of what social media can do. In contrast Mubarak can also use social media to rebuild a legacy long after he has left power. It is all in the way that we use this new powerful tool called social media. So get to it and build your own success.
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