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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
April 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for April 2011 (based on the job report): Net gain of 244,000 jobs in the month Analysts expected an overall gain of 185,000 (200,000 for private sector growth) Private sector payrolls increased by 268,000 Private service producing industries added 224,000 (199,000 last month and 152,000 the month [...]
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. [...]
The March 2011 Silicon Valley Positive Outlook Update
The focus of my last post was on whether or not I believe Silicon Valley has inflated like a 1999 bubble. I don’t think it has, but the stock valuations are still pretty high. If I were to guess, I’d say the apparent investment upswing is a byproduct of cash sitting on the sidelines. Investors [...]
Differentiating Using Strategy and Technology
The Academy Awards were a few weeks back and the popular movie The Social Network was nominated for Best Picture. It didn’t win the award, but it did elevate Facebook into a cultural phenomenon. It’s no longer another website – it’s Facebook. People care about it like their Nike running shoes, Apple iPod, and Starbucks [...]
A Dan Pink Speaking Experience
A couple of weeks ago I was staring at my computer screen and in comes an Instant Message asking if I knew Dan Pink was speaking in Charlotte? The IM was from Jill, a work friend for over 10 years. I had no idea about the event, but I was excited. She sent me the [...]
January 2011 Jobs Report and Wages
Here are the job market and compensation numbers for January 2011 (based on the job report): Net gain of 36,000 jobs in the month (revised in March to a gain of 68,000) Analysts expected an overall gain of 149,000 Private sector payrolls increased by 50,000 Private service producing industries added 32,000 Goods producing industries gained [...]