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 [...]
October 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for October 2011 (based on the job report): Net gain of 80,000 jobs in the month (revised to a gain of 100,000) – Analysts expected an overall gain of 98,000 – Private sector payrolls increased by 104,000 – Private sector service providing industries added 114,000 jobs [...]
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 [...]
Reflecting on a Job Market – Employee and Employer
To gain significant wealth in the US you have to take significant risk. Usually that means starting your own business or being on the ground floor with someone who is. The individuals who put their neck on the line deserve the spoils of that risk. The last three years proves the fittest survives in business. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Using Data as a Predictor of Sports Success
There’s a huge celebration going on this week – a celebration of decision making. You see the NFL Draft starts Thursday (4/28/11) and runs through Saturday (4/30/11) and fans tune in to see who their team selects. No games are played, just people’s names being called. Why do we care? The simple answer is hope. [...]
Simple Heuristics That Make Us Smart – A Book Review
Quick Take: Simple Heuristics That Make Us Smart is a collection of academia based essays proving the comparative value of decision making based on good enough information. The examples and anecdotes are good, but there is complex math to wade through. It isn’t a leisure read. However, each section can be consumed on it’s own. [...]