tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94208822024-03-13T00:11:59.059-04:00Stocks or Bonds?In the early 80's, Jack was nicknamed T-Bond because he used leverage to buy as many 14% T-Bonds as he could. By the mid 80's he bought all the stock he could and, by the late 80's, he and his wife Marilyn invested their profits into 25 beautiful resort condos at Myrtle Beach. The question for smart investors still remains: Stocks, Bonds or Real Estate?Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comBlogger2098125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-34898747125738330582009-11-30T08:07:00.000-05:002009-11-30T08:07:10.716-05:00Verizon $50 ReferralsAs a Verizon/Cellular Sales Dealer, I can offer you credits of $50 for each referral you send me. Call me at 336-303-8263 for all your wireless needs.<br />
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JackJack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-32538323305040910252009-11-15T08:07:00.000-05:002009-11-15T08:07:44.640-05:00In Like a Lion: Out Like a Lamb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">January 2009, the USA saw the loss of 741,000 jobs. The average monthly loss for 2009 will come-in around 373,000 per month. In December, the loss should be around 100,000. 2009 came in like a lion will leave like a lamb. The recession is over. It will be all the more obvious when employment, one of the most lagging of indicators, begins to rise, early in 2010. Below the fold is an informative table, brought to you by the free John Mauldin newsletter.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a relatively free economy, (the US is gradually becoming less free), there is a constant battle of Schumpeterian old job loss and Schumpeterian new job gains. With the steady improvement in robotic manufacturing techniques, we should expect the number of manufacturing jobs to continue to decline. Tell your children and grandchildren to get an advanced college degree that leads to a service profession as all the "stuff" we need is going to be made for us. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The average loss of 373,000 jobs hides the millions more jobs that were lost and replaced by new jobs in America. By the way, have you seen the Panasonic dish washing robot? Awesome! Place your dirty dishes on the counter top and the machine takes over! Now we need mass production (putting more robots to work) to bring the price down. Anyway, keep the mind the important concept that the jobs report is a net figure. All kinds of service professionals get new jobs daily.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My new job is with Cellular Sales, the largest and best Verizon Authorized Dealer. We will soon open our 300th store and we should open store number 1,000 in 5 or 6 years (Verizon has over 700 company stores, but the professional sales consultants reside at the best Authorized Dealers). How sweet it is to be part of the Verizon team. During my training, I have found the nerdy little guy's question, "Can you hear me now" to speak great "truth". A few years ago, my family finally switched to Verizon. Our good experience influenced me to apply at Cellular Sales.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our team offers the biggest and most reliable network, top quality phones from top manufacturers and me. As the public gradually switches from "dumb phones" to "smartphones", I will help them avoid the <b>cell phone pitfall</b>. It is very easy for the unknowing to get talked into a two-year contract for a junk phone on a weak network. The usefulness of the mobile internet is growing by leaps and bounds. As a result, there are more than 200 million people in the US who would benefit if they would buy a smart phone.<br />
</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-73109421076256232772009-11-13T07:31:00.000-05:002009-11-13T07:31:12.955-05:00Good News Flood -- Cracks Are Opening WideA flood of good news is coming as sure as water flows after the ice in the mountains starts to melt. During the tight commodity phase of the business cycle, oil sheiks always get way to cocky for their own good. When prices are high, the people who live in tightly controlled societies, such as Iran, mellow out because economically times are good. When oil prices begin to fall, the people in resource rich countries lose their willingness to "go along" with "un-free" political systems.<br />
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Recently, a crack has started opening in Afghanistan. ...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Simply put, many groups are no longer willing to associate themselves with the "bad guys". Oil is still selling for way too much and these cracks are already beginning to spread. Massive amounts of capital are being spent to provide the means to substitute other goods for oil. Three easy examples include: Warren Buffet's purchase of Burlington Northern Railroad, which hauls massive quantities of coal; China's pans to construct 130 nuclear power plants, which will cut the average cost of electricity in China by half; and, the obvious huge number of contracts being signed by the public for internet connected cell phones.<br />
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So far, Obama has wasted billions of dollars are "pork intensive" domestic programs. His programs have slowed the natural economic recovery progress, but selected political friends have collected massive subsidies for very wasteful projects. So many people are feasting or lined up to feast off the "pork table" that the opposition to the above statements is loud, but it does not change the obvious. Never-the-less, the "good news flood", starting as a trickle, has begun.<br />
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Obama sits in the catbird seat in regard to foreign policy. The key opportunity and stumbling block is Iran. Iran is relatively powerful Middle Eastern Country sitting at a powerful geographic location. Still, it's people are suffering because the nation is leading a fight against the western world rather than joining the west economically. For more than 25 years, the west has used carrot and stick in hopes of solving the "Iranian" problem. Until recent times, the carrots had not matured and were thus not effective. Today, while China races ahead with plans to build more nuclear power capacity than exist in the entire USA, Iran is stuck with one plant that was started decades ago. This plant has seen more delays than US Airways.<br />
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Obama appears to be twiddling his fingers before sending more troupes to Afghanistan. In reality he is offering the Taliban in Afghanistan another carrot--which is to gain peace by disassociating with terrorists. In the USA, we do not really care which group is in charge of the Afghanistan government, provided that the government does not support or harbor terrorists.<br />
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With his domestic policy in shambles (a failed stimulus package and dead cap and trade and health care bills) Obama strongly desires to negotiate a peace agreement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The UN (the 5+1 group which includes the USA) has signed-on to process all the nuclear fuel Iran needs.<br />
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Only 18 months ago, oil wealthy nations held trump cards. It will take time for nuclear plants and electronic communications to overwhelm the price of oil, but the oil rich nations understand the oil over-under production cycle. They understand that nuclear power will replace the use of billions of barrels of oil. It is silly for them to burn $80 per barrel oil domestically when they could build nuclear for $30 BOE and save this precious commodity for the world market.<br />
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Cracks All Around!<br />
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1) Natural gas drillers are using water pressure to crack shale rocks, releasing massive quantities of natural gas.<br />
2) The Taliban is separating itself from terrorist groups.<br />
3) Amadenijhad and UN negotiators are bouncing around a nuclear power processing deal.<br />
4) The sum of individual and corporate investment in wireless communications is massive.<br />
5) China and India are leading a huge nuclear power conversion race.<br />
6) Obama has verbally supported nuclear power in the US.<br />
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The US public is being pulled slowly back to nuclear power. All the silly schemes, such as corn oil in gas tanks and concrete and steel intensive windmills are falling by the wayside. The new scheme is to subsidize battery powered cars, which will make the use of nuclear power fit the mind-set of those who get the environment cart turned around. (We are spending billions to subsidize windmills while cars sit at slow stoplights all across the country).<br />
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Economically, a ten-year trend of relatively good news is starting. Huge fortunes will be made in stocks and real estate over these years.Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-58732261762752156142009-11-08T03:04:00.001-05:002009-11-08T03:04:43.768-05:00Lagging Index Improving<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Before long, we will get the "official announcement" that the recession ended in June, five months ago. The end of the recession does not mean that we are back to old highs, but that the direction of the economy is once again up. <br/><br/>While the linked report from the Gallup Poll suggests that some of the bounce in consumer attitudes might only be a reflection of the Halloween Holiday Spirit, a number of improving trends have developed. Employment is the forever lagging indicator; when there is a downturn, companies try not to lay off their employees, in hopes that the recession will be short-lived; when a recovery begins, companies are slow to hire, until they are sure that business is going to continue to improve. Stock prices, a leading indicator, falls early and rises early. Stock prices are up 60% since February. <br/><br/>The Gallup Poll notes that there has been a reduction in layoffs. This is good! The Poll also notes that there has not been a significant pick-up in hiring, this is not good, but it is normal during this phase of the business cycle. <br/><br/>As business after business see year-over-year increases in sales, with fewer workers on the payroll, productivity is soaring and profits are following. Productivity growth shows up as increased profits and as lower prices for consumers. The process is directed by the Invisible Hand of Adam Smith; it is automatic. As savings accrue to consumers, they have more money to spend on other goods; causing a momentum gathering chain reaction. <br/><br/>We are well into the process. Indeed, the most lagging of indicators, employment, is improving. Last week, the nations official unemployment rate reached 10.2%, but the number of new claims for unemployment insurance dropped again; we are five months into lower jobless claims! <br/><br/>One factor holding the recovery back has been the attitude of business leaders, as evidenced by positions taken by the Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders have been frightened by the prospects of extremely higher taxes in the form of Cap and Trade and Health Care Legislation. The good news for both American businesses and American consumers is that the odds of passage of both bills has faded. So far, most Americans are not aware of how much the odds have fallen. <br/><br/>The odds posted at Intrade now give Health Care a 1 in 13 chance of passage this year. As it becomes clear that Harry Reid does not have the votes to pass the monster bills that have been cobbled together, the economic recovery will gather momentum. Many a business leader is ready to use funds for hiring employees, if those funds are not consumed in higher taxes. <br/><br/>New claims will continue to drop in the months ahead. Take away the fear of massive health care taxes and new jobs will start pushing the unemployment rate down.</p>in reference to: <p><blockquote>"Job-market conditions remain better than they were earlier this year, but continue to reflect a reduction in layoffs without a significant improvement in hiring."<br/>- <a href='http://www.gallup.com/poll/124064/Gallup-Economic-Weekly-Halloween-Raises-Spirits.aspx?CSTS=tagrss'><a href='http://www.gallup.com/poll/124064/Gallup-Economic-Weekly-Halloween-Raises-Spirits.aspx?CSTS=tagrss'>http://www.gallup.com/poll/124064/Gallup-Economic-Weekly-Halloween-Raises-Spirits.aspx?CSTS=tagrss</a></a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/Txbezh2iqrXW4IWzxgz6sgP0QhM'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</blockquote></p></div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-19568972190827199812009-11-07T15:22:00.001-05:002009-11-07T15:22:55.407-05:00Great Google Apps.<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Google Voice is a powerful app; the kind that will make you look back and say, "you remember back when people had three telephone numbers, work, home and cell?". AT&T wants to keep the flow of revenue off land lines flowing but consumers will enjoy saving money and time using Google Apps. <br/><br/>Apple and AT&T have had a "good thing going", now it is time for consumers to be able to get great products for less.</p>in reference to: <p><blockquote>"4. Google Voice for Mobile File this one under "outlawed on iPhone," too."<br/>- <a href='http://www.pcworld.com/article/181630/verizons_droid_10_apps_to_get_you_started.html'><a href='http://www.pcworld.com/article/181630/verizons_droid_10_apps_to_get_you_started.html'>http://www.pcworld.com/article/181630/verizons_droid_10_apps_to_get_you_started.html</a></a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/2bZKb1F6tc4jyJIinW0M7FmEMlI'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</blockquote></p></div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-29009594577506367752009-11-07T15:16:00.001-05:002009-11-07T15:16:54.488-05:00Android -- HTC Eris vs Moto Droid<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The difference in cost is about $100. The difference in features is huge. Examples: the 5x versus 3.2 camera and the "extra" slide out keyboard. <br/><br/>Speed at every corner is a major difference. From the faster processor to the multitasking, the difference is significant.</p>in reference to: <p><blockquote>"I want an Android phone, but if I don't think all of the bells and whistles on the Droid are worth it, I may go with the Eris, which is really nice."<br/>- <a href='http://googlewatch.eweek.com/content/hello_android/google_advertises_motorola_droid_on_its_home_page.html'><a href='http://googlewatch.eweek.com/content/hello_android/google_advertises_motorola_droid_on_its_home_page.html'>http://googlewatch.eweek.com/content/hello_android/google_advertises_motorola_droid_on_its_home_page.html</a></a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/v285qmZmzO3ZnSYS7Xa93DGiQ90'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</blockquote></p></div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-68321452395089088092009-11-04T20:24:00.001-05:002009-11-04T20:24:58.577-05:00Congratulations to Bishop Goodpaster!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Bishop Goodpaster is looking forward and moving up. He recently started an E-pistle. His election to president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops gives me confidence that Methodists will serve the masses of people who get their "news" off the internet. More people can be reached via the intenet than via any other method!</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=7636729'>Our World > News > Goodpaster, Wenner win election to lead bishops - UMC.org</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/HAxTpal3boyAabX8sICwJ-3zu74'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-34038748373164942802009-11-03T00:39:00.000-05:002009-11-03T00:39:00.227-05:00How Silly?Mark Perry, Econ. Professor at Michigan, is right. Comparing the current downturn to the Great Depression is foolish. The total decline in GDP during the depression was more than 25%. Here is the chart.<br />
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</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-20213979232783580022009-11-01T03:22:00.001-05:002009-11-01T03:22:30.725-05:00Government Sponsored Parties<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Our government is paying for one big party after another. $500,000 for a party to celebrate St. Augustine's 450th birthday. $300,000 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. While these amounts are tiny compared to the $29 billion spent on improvements to homeland security over the past 7 years and microscopic compared to a budget of a few Trillion Dollars, they do add up and they do partially explain why there are not adequate funds available to cover our Social Security and Medicare programs. Of course, salaries and benefits to federal employees that are about double what they should be means the tax payers are paying for many other lavish parties.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://biggovernment.com/2009/10/30/pork-report-october-30-2009-a-caboose-to-nowhere-edition/'>Big Government » Blog Archive » Pork Report October 30, 2009: A Caboose To Nowhere Edition</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/LXDeQDx4u-rvsvJeAGYGdd59XQk'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-56881217630973412202009-10-30T00:15:00.001-04:002009-10-30T00:15:53.162-04:00So what! A Bumpy Ride<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Two fellas travel down a bumpy road. One has tight suspension and the other has lose suspension. Both fellas manage to steer their cars well and both travel at 50 miles per hour. They both get to their destination at the same time. <br/><br/>Paul Krugman mistakes the speed of arrival with the smoothness of the ride. There is no need to veer off course to avoid a few bumps, if our goal is to get to the destination.</p>in reference to: <p><blockquote>"The obvious interpretation is that once the exchange rate is freed, it bounces around a lot, while domestic prices in domestic currency are sticky, and don’t move much."<br/>- <a href='http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/adjustment-and-the-dollar/'>Adjustment and the dollar - Paul Krugman Blog - NYTimes.com</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/ZSo5Q9OwzB4kr4CWkoucW9nudkI'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</blockquote></p></div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-5754866559118436852009-10-29T23:10:00.001-04:002009-10-29T23:10:28.621-04:00Don't Let Our Nation Die<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>There is not enough money in the world to satisfy the demand for health care provided by others; never has been and never will be. <br/><br/>The bigger the government, the greater the corruption. Corruption, by both republicans and democrats, is now built into our system. Week after week, huge grants are given to the friends of government officials. <br/><br/>There is not enough money in the world to satisfy the greed of those who have fought and won great power. <br/><br/>Great nations fall as a result of internal weakness. They fall when the governed lose faith in the fairness of their leaders. <br/><br/>Those who care for the downtroddened understand that resources must be allocated very efficiently and not by political fiat. Millions of people in Africa no longer live off less than $1.25 per day because free enterprise is becoming common. <br/><br/>It would be a huge mistake for the US to move in the direction of socialism, especially when our competitors are moving toward free enterprise at such a rapid pace. The US dollar has fallen dramatically because the prospects for economic growth are much higher in the rest of the world. Drive the cost of producing goods and services higher in the USA and all of our people, rich and poor will suffer. Don't let our nation die!</p>in reference to: <a href='http://wordsofwrath.blogspot.com/2009/09/dont-let-your-neighbors-die.html'>Words of Wrath: Don't Let Your Neighbors Die</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/IuBdpfPZyE3nEn6Kuoi4yS_iMRw'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-57016583770810102002009-10-28T22:01:00.001-04:002009-10-28T22:01:58.087-04:00Motorola Droid Turn by Turn Directions<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The Motorola Droid ranks at or near the top in all the important cell phone qualities. It excels in a few ares. Best of all is the GPS feature. Users speak the address or just the information they know and Google is likely to find the destination desired. Once the exact address is found, the Droid gives turn by turn directions at street level view. Perspective is available via satellite view and traffic conditions are displayed in the form of green, yellow and red roads. One can request alternative routing around red roads. <br/><br/>If you have not looked at street level view, take a look at detailed Google maps. You can "walk" the streets as you wish. Again, there are many reasons to purchase a Motorola Droid, check it out!</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/motorola-droid-initial-impressions-20091028/'>Motorola Droid initial impressions – Cell Phones & Mobile Device Technology News & Updates | Geek.com</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/smA3jKsoNwH-wJd7o8VEzBDWbJc'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-2387853182472643702009-10-28T15:39:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:39:38.981-04:00Jobs Created by Climate Change<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>A few years ago, we created a bunch of jobs converting corn into ethanol. We raised the price of food to the poor while we fertilized and sprayed pesticides. Taxpayers paid through the nose and special interest went to the bank. How many times will we allow the powerful to take advantage?</p>in reference to: <a href='http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15582'>EERE News: Report: Addressing Climate Change Yields 4.5 Million Clean Energy Jobs</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/UCkMSdk0sW0bdK1zKMQpYSD0OLU'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-30528009453874498322009-10-28T15:34:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:34:05.607-04:00Tenneco Score $24 Million From Taxpayers<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Yep, taxpayers loaned another big corporation money. Our children can pay it back.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15578'>EERE News: DOE Offers a $24 Million Loan to a Manufacturer of Emissions Controls</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/Tiz33GOWi0-eUPOzjlF3Qd09yvM'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-39787679015286306412009-10-28T15:31:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:31:07.523-04:00Joe Biden's Friends Score<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>What business does the government have in picking car winners and losers? Many a small business can't afford a loan right now, but Joe's friends picked-up $528 million.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15577'>EERE News: Plug-In Hybrid Automaker to Reopen a GM Plant Using a DOE Loan</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/BmkM9f3bJwydckFARDbLazEMHVE'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-10289335686042660502009-10-28T15:26:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:26:52.454-04:00Obama's Friends Score<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Once again, Obama's friends receive pork. About 1% of the locations that applied for funding received any part of this 3.7 Billion payoff. Only friends should apply.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15581'>EERE News: President Obama Announces $3.4 Billion to Spur Smart Electric Grids</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/jeCnYx-cdwdHOx1TIPGbqZGO07s'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-91931104842281428912009-10-28T15:17:00.001-04:002009-10-28T15:17:21.042-04:00Which Crime?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Goldman and the government set up a "no-lose" system for the banks. Serious penalties, such as jail time for bank officers, were the stick. Grant loans or else! <br/><br/>The implication made in this article is that the police are always as pure as the driven snow. When the police are corrupt, they certainly do encourage "the bad guys" to go along.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2009/10/regulation_didn.html'>Regulation Didn’t Break Banks; Police Don’t Cause Crime</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/aXa0Oejo33XeMQkc8Xe7i5ZMPB0'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-28579826288567558942009-10-28T01:38:00.001-04:002009-10-28T01:38:00.650-04:00Food Technology to the Rescue<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The technology of growing more food per acre has saved billions from starvation. Now, technology is converting "normal food" to "health food". <br/><br/>Modified food will cause a few groups to get their panties in a wad, but, as the benefits grow, the good sense of the products will be realized by the masses. Scientist say that half of all babies born today will live to be 100. I say, half will live to 500 or more. <br/><br/>The keys to aging are being unlocked at an ever accelerating pace. Average life spans have increased from something like 65 to 79 over the past 50 years, but the increase has not been linear, the gain per year is rising. Many cures for disease are close at hand. Genetically modified food will help us cure things like obesity and diabetes.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/006660.html'>FuturePundit: Monsanto Wins FDA Soy Omega 3 Approval</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/C9m7NYSi7S9PPB6v2CFNksLqga8'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-36482870172011431982009-10-27T22:36:00.001-04:002009-10-27T22:36:54.874-04:00Facebook: Social Network: Freedom: The Word?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>A few months ago, a friend said, "Facebook is just a social network". At the time, this friend could not see what all the "buzz" was about. I wonder if he is beginning to understand. <br/><br/>The attached article tells how Facebook is helping bring freedom to the oppressed. While the article goes on to say that words can be used for evil as well as for good and that shining the light on a problem is only part of solving the problem, we all know the power of words. <br/><br/>Around 1830, Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote the memorable phrase, "The pen is mightier than the sword". A similar phrase, "The tongue is mightier than the blade", may have mistakenly been credited to Euripides who died in 406BC. (Wikipedia info.) No matter, the power of words has been documented for millennium.<br/><br/>The Gospel of John certainly tells us about the power of God's Word. A less familiar statement is written in Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." <br/><br/>The automatic rebuttal; "Is Facebook the Word of God?". <br/><br/>The answer is, "It depends on us".</p>in reference to: <p><blockquote>": “These technologies paired with effective methodologies can help organizations make significant contributions toward advancing the democratic process in authoritarian states.”"<br/>- <a href='http://blog.heritage.org/2009/10/27/facebooking-for-freedom/'>Facebooking for Freedom » The Foundry</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/xw1s7dZ36DDpSB9muiPMj2E3sDU'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</blockquote></p></div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-36038311394927758382009-10-27T09:31:00.001-04:002009-10-27T09:31:40.957-04:00Microsoft Sues -- HP Wins<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Microsoft is suing, trying to prevent Google from building a book business. HP is scanning books, building a book selling business. Microsoft is the loser, HP and Google are the winners. <br/><br/>The public, the authors and the publishers will be served by the connections that HP and Google will make to bring knowledge, tucked away in library stacks, to the public. <br/><br/>Chances are that a new settlement will be reached between Google and the publishers. Next month, when several new book readers are on the market, the HP and Google initiatives will start to bear fruit. Microsoft is going to be left, wilting on the vine.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://industry.bnet.com/technology/10003865/hp-one-ups-google-on-books/'>HP One-Ups Google on Books | BNET Technology Blog | BNET</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/ISS5o6MCgcuen4ltLx70J4vCBss'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-42708757375373756342009-10-26T11:03:00.001-04:002009-10-26T11:03:00.832-04:00Fox -- Obama -- CNN<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Each time Obama attacks Fox, its ratings go up and CNN's ratings go down. An interesting pattern is developing. <br/><br/>Each time Kerry and Boxer come out blazing about how they will fix global warming, the odds that the cap and trade tax will go through falls. Each time Nancy Pelosi speaks about health care, the odds that the health care taxes will pass goes down. <br/><br/>Obama's favorable ratings are still slightly positive, but the congress, including Pelosi has very little support. It appears that the "loyal opposition to 'change'" is ready to win a few battles.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/26/steep-losses-at-cnn-as-cable-ratings-tumble-in-october/'>Steep losses at CNN as cable ratings tumble in October -- DailyFinance</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/MFwxhOQXQ-1KcQ53qYxRoVrq_g8'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-9060135320696058832009-10-26T06:25:00.001-04:002009-10-26T06:25:23.431-04:00Nook, Vook and "Negative Halos"<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Are you ready for the revolution? The consequences of books going digital are probably bigger and sooner than you realize. <br/><br/>Eight months ago, at a committee meeting, I talked about the demise of the post office and the newspaper "boy" being just around the corner. A friend responded that I would ultimately be correct, but it would take 15 years. As new software programs, including Windows 7 and Chrome OS, and scores of hardware devices, such as Alex and Nook, roll out, I suspect my friend is beginning to appreciate that the electronic reading tablet will soon be as common as the pocket calculator. In situations similar to this, my old boss, Jim Brinkley, President of Legg Mason Wood Walker, had a fondness for saying that he did not know the exact outcome, but that "economics wins". <br/><br/>The economics of delivering an electronic book versus the physical delivery of a book is not a contest; the total cost of electronic delivery is a small fraction of the cost of physical delivery. The neatest thing is that a copy of the book that has been delivered electronically has been saved for additional use time and time again. This "cloud copy" gives the reader several powerful opportunities. For example, books down-loaded to Nook readers can be lent to a friend for up to 14 days and readers can read on a device at work and then pick-up where they left off on a different device at home. Students no longer have the excuse that they left their book at school/home. <br/><br/>The Vook is another interesting innovation. The Vook is the combination of video and text. In many situations, this is powerful. For example, the history student, reading about man's assent to the moon, might click on a link to watch the event. <br/><br/>In the near future, teachers will give reading/writing assignments and then monitor the progress of each student as they read and view the assignment and as they make their outlines and then write their "papers". No more asking Billy if he has done his homework, instead, the teacher will know exactly where Billy is in the process, even checking in with Billy's progress with home work. The students finished with assignments might be offered any number of other "vooks" to enjoy. <br/><br/>The "game is changing". The idea to appreciate is that low cost and ease of electronic delivery changes what is delivered, when it is delivered and when a response is delivered. The student is able to "turn in his assignment" immediately. Even better, the student might be given the opportunity to review his earlier work late in the year and to modify it based on what he has learned during the year. The teacher can become a collaborator, helping the student complete a very nice "finished product". <br/><br/>An employee, preparing a presentation, will be able to share the unfinished presentation with associates for feedback. Productivity will be enhanced as the finished product is likely to be a better product, finished in less time. <br/><br/>One might correctly argue that employees already use computers to enhance productivity. My favorite comparison is that internet 1.0 is like the Model T automobile. The Model T was a small improvement over the horse and buggy and it changed the world, but it was during the second half of the product growth curve when better vehicles shrunk supply chains and drove down costs around the world. The internet that most of us use today is a good tool, but mobile, anytime delivery, is like putting a Cadillac in a Model T world. <br/><br/>Soon, one organization after another is going to feel "the great pull". Schools, businesses and churches will discover that they do not need to "push" electronic delivery as a cost saving method, but that their "customers" are demanding electronic delivery. <br/><br/>Over the next two years, the masses will upgrade their "phones" to internet connected readers. Organizations will soon face a new response. A significant number of recipients of "paper newsletters" will be turned-off by the producers lack of sensitivity to the environment. The "customers view" of wasted ink, paper and delivery fuel will "rub-off" as a negat</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.examiner.com/x-6658-DC-Publishing-Industry-Examiner~y2009m10d25-Nook-and-Vook-are-poised-to-make-eReading-interesting'>Nook and Vook are poised to make eReading interesting</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/34DS73daqOr7wA6TU2PfHFiUddo'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-76155064767754870532009-10-25T02:31:00.001-04:002009-10-25T02:31:10.182-04:00Verizon<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>High yield available in a sold growth stock. What is not to like?</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com/articles/976823'>Verizon Communications (VZ) NewsBite - VZ Upgraded By Credit Suisse</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/WjkyjClicYtmIevK5JV3BHNZPz0'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-47045220700199743832009-10-25T02:03:00.001-04:002009-10-25T02:03:18.339-04:00The Verizon Droid: "Top Gun"<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>When reading about the Droid, I am reminded of the movie "Top Gun" and the "need for speed". <br/>The specs for the new Verizon phone, a Texas Instruments processor controlled by the Google Android operating system, suggest that the Droid is an awesome and fast phone! <br/><br/>The speed is not just clock speed. The TI processor is designed to rapidly switch from one task to the other, giving users the ability to be interrupted without having to start a task over. The spacing and size of keyboard keys and predictive text auto filling makes for extra fast text input. The support of html5 means that web pages will jump onto the screen. And, most importantly, Verizon has committed to continue to lead the nation with the most comprehensive network. Indeed, Verizon has already committed to spend billions of dollars rolling out high speed LTE 4G service. <br/><br/>Speed and great network support are not the only advantages offered by the Droid. Like the fighter jets in "Top Gun", the Droid is loaded with advanced features; such things as street view maps, speech recognition, turn by turn directions, 5M camera with 4x zoom, noise reduction, calendar sync, contact sync, pre-loaded Facebook software, pre-loaded Amazon mp3 software and support for Google Talk, YouTube, IM, SMS and MMS. <br/><br/>Top speed, top quality, top support and top features make an awesome combination. The official Droid announcement is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Deliveries should begin in early November.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/22/motorola-droid-makes-appearance-on-motorolas-site/'>Motorola Droid makes appearance on Motorola’s site : Boy Genius Report</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/TW1_9yaEhPp5XGDqTP8gfQyr9cE'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420882.post-67616478597230676282009-10-24T20:33:00.001-04:002009-10-24T20:33:38.220-04:00Government Pork Stimulus Limited<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The government stimulus went into the pockets of a relatively few people. The good news is that large capital investments are being made in various industries; despite the fear of higher taxes and costs that will be imposed on US businesses. Indeed, the positive effects of the government stimulus are most likely totally off set by the negative effects of growing government.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://econlog.econlib.org/archives/2009/10/the_stimulus_an_2.html#'>The Stimulus and the Economy, Arnold Kling | EconLog | Library of Economics and Liberty</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/jack.miller/id/GO4hbjTM1gSGaALIS8YK_sH82uQ'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Jack Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646477593736182288noreply@blogger.com