Using Computers to Empower Curious Students
Earlier this week I posted about a low cost computer called Raspberry Pi and how the benefits of cheap computing are enormous. At a $25 price point you’re able to be curious, try new things, and make mistakes without costly consequences. Its high upside and low downside. A few days later the NY Times ran [...]
Low Cost Options to Develop Computer Skills
Six years ago a project launched called One Laptop Per Child with the aim of creating an inexpensive low power laptop for children in third world countries. They’ve sold over 2.5 million units at a cost of around $200. That’s success. Having computer skills enables upward mobility. Another endeavor is launching at the end of [...]
Give to Charity Day!
Donors ChooseToday is the last business day of 2011. Any loose ends need to be tied up, especially for tax purposes. I recommend people do two things, go to your bank accounts and make sure all tax applicable changes are completed and go to your favorite charity and donate. It’s tax deductible. To help with the [...]
August 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for August 2011 (based on the job report): No change in the month (revised to a gain of 57,000 jobs, also close to the original estimate) Analysts expected a median gain of 60,000 jobs or about half of July’s total Private sector payrolls increased by 17,000 —Private [...]
Making Memories or Doing Homework
Tonight on the way to my sister’s house for dinner I heard a song from the 1980s, 1988 to be exact on the radio. Here I am twenty plus years later, with two young kids yapping away in the back and I can remember every word. Not only can I remember the lyrics, but I [...]
July 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for July 2011 (based on the job report): Net gain of 117,000 jobs in the month Analysts expected an overall gain of 75,000 Private sector payrolls increased by 154,000; it was revised to a gain of 80,000 in June Private sector service providing industries added 112,000 jobs [...]
6.5 Graphs Outlining the US Economy
I’m in a room that’s 8 feet by 10 feet. It’s just me. There’s a small box playing loops of TV shows, but I’m ignoring it. The temperature is 95 degrees but its cold in here. And I have a lot to think about. I know I’m going to pay for it. Situations like this [...]
May 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for April 2011 (based on the job report): Net gain of 54,000 jobs in the month (revised to a gain of 25,000 jobs) Analysts expected an overall gain of 180,00Private sector payrolls increased by 83,000 Private service producing industries added 80,000 (194,000 last month and 154,000 the [...]
Defining the Future for the Class of 2011
Congratulations to the class of 2011. You’ve earned the gratification of moving your tassel from one side of the cap to the other. What does the future hold? What is out there? You’ll be told to find yourself, follow your passion, and chase your goals. And many of you will wonder what those are. There’s [...]
Split Personalities – Tax Breadth and Tax Depth
We seem to have split personalities when it comes to the news and our politics. In the news we hear about natural disasters and the sour economy. In politics we hear about the failings of the President and the deficit. Why are these two voices talking about different subjects? The truth is they are talking [...]