World News - Ukraine

Things seem to have quieted down in Ukraine, but there are a couple of interesting developments. First, the government of Ukraine issued $1 billion in bonds today at low interest rates and they are guaranteed by… the U.S.! What? How did that happen and why did that happen? Second, a Russian built helicopter with U.N. markings was used against the separatists in Eastern Ukraine. As a result Russia is crying (justifiably) foul. Wow, things are a bit strange in Ukraine and I am starting to think that this all might not end well. What if all the "superpowers" kept their distance and minded their own business? Maybe Ukraine would figure this all out? But if people start to meddle then all bets are off and things will get ugly. This is how major wars get started.

What do you think?

Creativity - Accidental Or Purposeful?

What works best when it comes to creating? Are accidental creations like the "Post it" the best way to create? Or is creating something on purpose better? First, I don't think it matters how you create something. If it was an accident, cool. If it was on purpose, cool. But, most things are created on purpose. Would you buy a car or a computer that was accidentally created? No matter how you go about creating, being deliberate about what you want will help you immensely to be more productive and more creative. Figure out what you want to create, and then get busy creating it.

What do you think?

Writing - Tips For Blogging

I read a good article on writing for your blog. It had 16 recommendations. Here are the ones I like the most:

*  Write for yourself first. If you don't find it interesting, no one else will.
*  Be consistent. You can't build a community if you don't show up on a regular basis.
*  Be yourself. People can spot someone who is not authentic. Be yourself and you will be authentic.
*  Keep it short. Actually there is conflicting information on what does best online. I like to keep things short because I like to write short posts rather than long ones. I also think that on the internet, people would rather read something short and quick.

What do you think?

For more:
http://blog.bufferapp.com/blogging-advice-for-beginners-from-16-experts?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffere8567&utm_medium=twitter

Chromebook - Android Laptop

Archos has announced that it will be selling a laptop based on the Android OS. The price? $169! Could this put a dent in the Chromebook market? I think it could. Or, it might force the price of Chromebooks lower. I wonder how well an android laptop is going to work? At least it will have more offline capabilities than Chromebook because of all the Android apps. I wonder if we'll see more Android based laptops? I am also surprised someone did not do this earlier. This will be interesting to keep an eye on.

What do you think?

For more: http://www.maximumpc.com/archos_undercuts_chromebook_market_unveils_android-based_arcbook_170

News - Daily Summary

In Eastern Ukraine six government soldiers were killed in an ambush. Other than that, not much has happened since parts of Eastern Ukraine voted for self rule. In Venezuela the protests continue amid shortages of food and basic necessities. In Syria the Assad government has essentially won the civil war with the taking of Homs. It did not help that the U.S. did not support the rebels early on and that Iran backed Assad with weapons and troops. In Turkey over 200 miners were killed in a coal mine explosion. There were no major developments across the rest of the Middle East. No new developments with North or South Korea. Tensions are still high with China and Japan and with China and Vietnam. China is also putting pressure on the Philippines of disputed waters.

In the U.S. stocks were mixed today.  Gold was flat while oil was higher. I have noticed that the price of gasoline is starting to fall in Southern California, which is good news. 90 people were arrested today and charged with fraud for filling fake claims with medicare. Authorities claim that this group defrauded the government of $290 million dollars. I wonder how much fraud there is in all the government programs? I bet it runs into the billions. There were no other major developments in the U.S. besides the usual murders, mayhem, corruption, trivialities, and tragedies.

It was another day in the calm before the storm.

What do you think?

Personal Improvement - Saying No

Seth Godin made a good point in his blog today. In order for us to do our best work, we have to learn to say no. I find this hard to do some times. I don't like to disappoint people, so I don't say no. I don't like confrontation, so I don't say no. I think if I say no, I will not get the sale, the commission, the income, or people will be mad. When I don't say no though, I over commit myself and then I can't deliver on what I promised. In the end, not saying no makes things worse for me. I want to do my best work. So I will look at saying no more often and commit to doing my best work.

What do you think?

For more: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2014/05/no-is-essential.html

Chromebook - $200 Windows Machine

Microsoft had an Asus laptop for sale at $199 on it's online store and in it's retail stores for one day, which quickly sold out . Is this an attempt to crush the demand for Chromebooks? It could very well be. Will it work? It might, but can Microsoft provide cheap laptops for the long run? Rumors are that Microsoft has cut the licensing fee for Windows from $50 to $15 for laptops under $250. Will manufactures still make money with that price cut? Will Microsoft? The best part of using Chrome OS manufacturers is that it is free from Google. It also comes with no strings attached. Will a cheap Windows laptop be any good? Will it run anything? Will it update for free and have a ton of web based apps for free? Will Microsoft cannibalize sales from higher end laptops? I think Microsoft is concerned, as it should be. This will be interesting to see how it plays out. What will happen if the price for Chromebooks drops?

What do you think?

For more:
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/05/13/can-a-cheap-windows-8-laptop-kill-googles-chromebo.aspx

Observations - Donors Choose

Donors Choose is a website dedicated to helping teachers raise the money they need for equipment and supplies for the classroom. Even though states are spending more and more money on Education, most of the money goes to salaries and benefits. So there is a growing need for donations to fund what is lacking in the classroom. I think this would be a great way for teachers to buy Chromebooks for their classrooms. Even just a few Chromebooks would open the opportunity for classrooms to access the greatest learning tool in the world, the internet. If you are interested please check it out. 

http://www.donorschoose.org/

What do you think? 

The Economy - California

If you want a healthy state, do the opposite of California. The politicians in Sacramento are gloating because the financial situation in California is better. They "fixed" the financial situation by raising taxes. What they don't realize is that by making California the highest taxed state in the nation, they are chasing businesses out of the state. They are also chasing productive earners as well. Now the population in California is still growing, but that is only because of immigration from foreign countries. California's "native population has fallen and is now at the same level it was in the 60's! As a result, California is losing more and more of it's productive workforce and the poverty level is rising. The national average for poverty is 16%. In California, 24% are living under the poverty level. This is what happens when you fleece the productive workers and reward the non-productive. California is going to implode just like Greece and Detroit. It is just a matter of time because the math makes it so.

What do you think?

For more:

http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-brain-trust/050814-700188-california-golden-years-are-over-as-high-taxes-overregulation-push-jobs-out.htm?ntt=california

News - Daily Summary

The results of the referendum in Ukraine are supposedly in. Separatists claim that there was close to a 75% turnout and nearly 90% voted for self rule. The U.S. has stated that it does not recognize the election (I think the same was said of Crimea). Russia has basically been neutral making general statements that people should have the right to self determination and that Kiev and the two regions should have talks. So the vote happened, the regions voted for self rule, and nothing else has occurred. I don't think anyone knows what to do. Time will tell us what will happen. There were no other major developments across the globe.

In the U.S. stocks rallied. The DOW and S&P 500 reached record highs. It's easy to reach new highs when you are the only game in town, but can you keep growing? Oil was flat and gold was down a it. Colorado had three feet of a Spring snow today. Other than the usual murder, mayhem, corruption, trivialities, and tragedies, there were no other major developments in the U.S. today.

It was another day in the calm before the storm.

What do you think?