Sustainable Competitive Advantage: September 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Making Money Fast

Introduction:

I am a 22 year old gay adult living in Calgary, Alberta Canada. I have a one year technical diploma in Computer Engineering and Web Development. Lately I've had a number of issues in my life that I haven't been able to necessarily ask my family or parents about. So I am hoping I can get your opinion.

Career:

As I mentioned above, I am in the computer industry. Right after I finished my degree I was able to score a job with a fairly great employer. That lasted three months. I quit because the staff where extremely hard to work with on a daily basis. I was teased all the time about my sexuality and although it didn't cross the line as "sexual discrimination" it made the environment way too tense for me. My second job was with a marketing agency as a consultant. It lasted only a month because the company went bankrupt. Since then I've been doing freelancing. I get jobs here and there, basically just enough $ to keep food on the table. I've been applying for jobs for months, and I get interviews but frankly I don't stand a chance because there are so many unemployed "senior people" who are willing to work for my starting wage. I've been to two careers counselors who have not helped me in any kind of way. I'm frankly not sure what to do now. If I go back to college, I'll need to pick an entirely different industry which seems like a huge waste of my degree. Maybe business or marketing. Apparently there are cities that are experiencing growth in my industry but they are far away from where I live. My question is, should I continue to slug it out apply for jobs, move to a new city or go back to school? Also, in your opinion how many years of college is really sufficient to feeling "secure" and making a decent wage in most industry's?

Relationships:

I have trouble meeting boys who meet my criteria locally. By "criteria" I mean, they must be interested in a monogamous relationship because I don't want to get sick and secondly they must be within 5 years of my age and self sufficient enough to be independent. All my relationships have been long-distance.

Drew - I met Drew online two years ago. We instantly "connected" and would talk at-least once a day using video chat because he lived so far away from me. Finally met a year later in person. Things didn't exactly go as planned. We where meeting right as I was finishing college. I basically had to spend *all my money* to see him. He met me in Las Vegas, the trip was planned for a week. I payed for my airfare, hotel ect. He was only able to spend one day / night with me before he had to go back home, to California because of work. That made me upset! but never-the-less the time we had together was something *I do not regret at all*. Fast forward 5 months. He moved to Germany and then back to the states. I really want to see him, but he has no plans for us to "be together", at-least he won't say it to me. That really makes me confused because honestly I love him and I want to be with him. He wants me to fly out to see him again. I'm hesitant, I don't want my heart broken and I don't want to let him go. What do I do?

In the meantime I ended up casually meeting someone else (Garrett) in California and he is kind of like Drew except he actually "wants a relationship" and is more of what I'm looking for. The only downside to Garrett is that he has some anger issues when he gets into complicated situations/problems. This really has no relevance to the situation with Drew but I thought I would mention it for context sake.

I don't mean to seem high on myself or anything but I'm "above average looking" and I do get a lot of dating prospects but like I mentioned its rare for me to ever find anyone really "suitable". Drew or Garrett are probably the closest I'm going to get. Before you say "there's plenty of fish in the sea" let me say that I have dating profiles on all the major websites, get hundreds of messages weekly and do network with most of the gay people in my town. So I feel somewhat justified with that statement. I do want your thoughts though whatever they may me.

Ultimate goals;

For the next questions context - what I want in my life is: (1.) Financial stability. I don't want to worry if I can feed myself or my family and if I can/can't pay my bills. (2.) I want to get out of Canada and live somewhere with no winter. I hate cold and I hate snow. I love the beach, but since I've never really traveled extensively I don't know where this is. (3.) I want a boyfriend who I can trust, and won't leave me for someone more "pretty" when I start to age. I want a real relationship that is friendship first and sexual attraction later. (4.) I want to do good for others using my talents for complex thinking.

Money:

After I graduated college my mom gave me $5000. She is a single parent so that was considered a very generous gift on her behalf. Also, I managed to save $5000 of my own just by being extremely frivolous and not having much of a life. So my bank total is $10 000 at the moment. I want to be very careful with this money, because I feel like its all I have. At the moment, I have a decent car (totally paid off) and no debt. I want to set myself up for the future so I feel secure and can actually have a responsible, healthy life. Given the above information I've provided what should I do with these funds?

Sorry for the length of all this. Thank you for your thoughts! :)

Obama Calls Fox News a `Destructive' Channel - NYTimes.com

The president tells Rolling Stone that Fox News promotes a point of view that is "destructive" to the growth of the United States.

Murata Seisakusho Robot Learns New Skill « Akihabara News

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Obama Calls Fox News a `Destructive' Channel - NYTimes.com

The president tells Rolling Stone that Fox News promotes a point of view that is "destructive" to the growth of the United States.

Murata Seisakusho Robot Learns New Skill « Akihabara News

Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger Xbox 360 News - Page 1 ...

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger.

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Introduction:

I am a 22 year old gay adult living in Calgary, Alberta Canada. I have a one year technical diploma in Computer Engineering and Web Development. Lately I've had a number of issues in my life that I haven't been able to necessarily ask my family or parents about. So I am hoping I can get your opinion.

Career:

As I mentioned above, I am in the computer industry. Right after I finished my degree I was able to score a job with a fairly great employer. That lasted three months. I quit because the staff where extremely hard to work with on a daily basis. I was teased all the time about my sexuality and although it didn't cross the line as "sexual discrimination" it made the environment way too tense for me. My second job was with a marketing agency as a consultant. It lasted only a month because the company went bankrupt. Since then I've been doing freelancing. I get jobs here and there, basically just enough $ to keep food on the table. I've been applying for jobs for months, and I get interviews but frankly I don't stand a chance because there are so many unemployed "senior people" who are willing to work for my starting wage. I've been to two careers counselors who have not helped me in any kind of way. I'm frankly not sure what to do now. If I go back to college, I'll need to pick an entirely different industry which seems like a huge waste of my degree. Maybe business or marketing. Apparently there are cities that are experiencing growth in my industry but they are far away from where I live. My question is, should I continue to slug it out apply for jobs, move to a new city or go back to school? Also, in your opinion how many years of college is really sufficient to feeling "secure" and making a decent wage in most industry's?

Relationships:

I have trouble meeting boys who meet my criteria locally. By "criteria" I mean, they must be interested in a monogamous relationship because I don't want to get sick and secondly they must be within 5 years of my age and self sufficient enough to be independent. All my relationships have been long-distance.

Drew - I met Drew online two years ago. We instantly "connected" and would talk at-least once a day using video chat because he lived so far away from me. Finally met a year later in person. Things didn't exactly go as planned. We where meeting right as I was finishing college. I basically had to spend *all my money* to see him. He met me in Las Vegas, the trip was planned for a week. I payed for my airfare, hotel ect. He was only able to spend one day / night with me before he had to go back home, to California because of work. That made me upset! but never-the-less the time we had together was something *I do not regret at all*. Fast forward 5 months. He moved to Germany and then back to the states. I really want to see him, but he has no plans for us to "be together", at-least he won't say it to me. That really makes me confused because honestly I love him and I want to be with him. He wants me to fly out to see him again. I'm hesitant, I don't want my heart broken and I don't want to let him go. What do I do?

In the meantime I ended up casually meeting someone else (Garrett) in California and he is kind of like Drew except he actually "wants a relationship" and is more of what I'm looking for. The only downside to Garrett is that he has some anger issues when he gets into complicated situations/problems. This really has no relevance to the situation with Drew but I thought I would mention it for context sake.

I don't mean to seem high on myself or anything but I'm "above average looking" and I do get a lot of dating prospects but like I mentioned its rare for me to ever find anyone really "suitable". Drew or Garrett are probably the closest I'm going to get. Before you say "there's plenty of fish in the sea" let me say that I have dating profiles on all the major websites, get hundreds of messages weekly and do network with most of the gay people in my town. So I feel somewhat justified with that statement. I do want your thoughts though whatever they may me.

Ultimate goals;

For the next questions context - what I want in my life is: (1.) Financial stability. I don't want to worry if I can feed myself or my family and if I can/can't pay my bills. (2.) I want to get out of Canada and live somewhere with no winter. I hate cold and I hate snow. I love the beach, but since I've never really traveled extensively I don't know where this is. (3.) I want a boyfriend who I can trust, and won't leave me for someone more "pretty" when I start to age. I want a real relationship that is friendship first and sexual attraction later. (4.) I want to do good for others using my talents for complex thinking.

Money:

After I graduated college my mom gave me $5000. She is a single parent so that was considered a very generous gift on her behalf. Also, I managed to save $5000 of my own just by being extremely frivolous and not having much of a life. So my bank total is $10 000 at the moment. I want to be very careful with this money, because I feel like its all I have. At the moment, I have a decent car (totally paid off) and no debt. I want to set myself up for the future so I feel secure and can actually have a responsible, healthy life. Given the above information I've provided what should I do with these funds?

Sorry for the length of all this. Thank you for your thoughts! :)
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Obama Calls Fox News a `Destructive' Channel - NYTimes.com

The president tells Rolling Stone that Fox News promotes a point of view that is "destructive" to the growth of the United States.

Murata Seisakusho Robot Learns New Skill « Akihabara News

Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger Xbox 360 News - Page 1 ...

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger.

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Obama Calls Fox News a `Destructive' Channel - NYTimes.com

The president tells Rolling Stone that Fox News promotes a point of view that is "destructive" to the growth of the United States.

Murata Seisakusho Robot Learns New Skill « Akihabara News

Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger Xbox 360 News - Page 1 ...

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger.

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Obama Calls Fox News a `Destructive' Channel - NYTimes.com

The president tells Rolling Stone that Fox News promotes a point of view that is "destructive" to the growth of the United States.

Murata Seisakusho Robot Learns New Skill « Akihabara News

Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger Xbox 360 News - Page 1 ...

Read our Xbox 360 news of Kinect will talk to MSN Messenger.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Help Making Money

Come next Tuesday, Michael D. Brown may well unseat incumbent Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) because many voters think he's actually Council member Michael A. Brown (I-At-Large). But to fight the impression that he's simply riding the confusion over a name to office, Brown has put up some campaign signs around town and raised over $23,000 in campaign funds. Well, $15,000 of that was a personal loan from himself to the campaign, but hey, at least he's going through the motions.

Yesterday, Brown sent out an email to friends and supporters claiming he was close to making history, but he really needed their help to seal the deal. The email, in full:

Dear Friends;

We are in the final stages of what has been an amazing campaign. I started 10 weeks ago with no money and a few friends like you, and last week a city wide Washington Post Poll showed that I am ahead of the incumbent by 12 points among likely voters. If I win, I will make history. My opponent has spent over $200,000.00 outspending me 20 to 1. He has run TV commercials against me paid for by a political action committee funded with money from a DC businessman and has mailed and handed out tens of thousands of flyers against me. He is supported in this effort by the leading candidate for Mayor and several members of the City Council. All I have is you. Next Tuesday, September 14 is election day. My opponent will surely have people at every polling place handing out his literature and campaigning for him. I need your help now more than ever. If you can spend even a hour or two at a polling place for me, please let me know. I am working so hard and I have come so far. The friends and family that have stood up for me against great odds have made all this possible. It is incredible to me that we have accomplished so much. I know it is a lot to ask, but we are so close and we have so little resources I need your help in this final hour. If you can come to a polling place please respond to this e-mail as soon as possible. We will provide you with materials and assign you a convenient location by your home or office, Thanks for getting me this far. No matter what happens, I have been humbled by your love and support.

"Make history"? "Working so hard"? "We have accomplished so much"? Look, we know that Mendelson was hoping to cruise to victory on little more than his own name recognition, but at least there was no confusion as to which Phil Mendelson people would be voting for. And Clark Ray -- who we spoke to this week -- has actually run a campaign, spending the better part of a year raising over $150,000 and actually challenging Mendelson on the issues. Brown, well, not so much.

Sure, history will be made -- but it might be the type of history that you'd soon rather forget.

Does respecting the opinions of others include despising others, of implying that others will be at fault if the awful Rethugs, whom Obama has been, you will recall, courting with “bipartisanship”?

Does respect entail telling us that what we saw, in print, of Obama’s clear promises, what we heard with our own ears, of Obama’s promises, an Obama many worked for thinking that, as a black man, Obama would be good for the country, and the vote alone, by itself, Was and IS a sign of the good of the country … does respect mean telling us we never saw or heard such things … that we are lying and making things up?

Does respect mean telling people who have watched, closely, the political scene for longer than Obama has been alive, people who were willing and happy to donate time and effort and ideas, people who had and have good, indeed wonderful, ideas, ideas that still must be implemented to avert serious economic and social disaster, that they are “effing r*****s”, in need of a drug test, and of “getting” a “real” life?

Does respect mean peddling fear?

Or does “respect” mean something else perhaps, like appreciation, or at least, tolerance AND the understanding that people who do not agree with you are, possibly, neither stupid nor uninformed?

Apparently, what phred suggested, regarding a party having actual accomplishments and a moral compass is less important than “winning”, when such “winning” simply means more of the same.

Frankly, AC2, it matters little who is in power because the “system” is so corrupt, economically and legally, specifically as regards the rule of law, as Obama has continued and extended the worst of the Bush-Cheney Executive power grab, and the military has far to much power, politically and, in terms of the amount of the nation’s “wealth and treasure”, a stranglehold on the nation’s “looking forward” future, that regardless of who is in “power”, as they are both essentially the same, in spite of YOUR assertions that, somehow, they are not … our society faces very hard times … and to be brutally honest … the pain ought to be shared equally, and the blame, let’s not put it on “progressives”, or even the T-baggers, but on those who have had and do have power, especially Obama who had, despite those who dispute it, a genuine and heartfelt mandate to actually make some changes, which as President, with majorities in both the House and Senate, as well as each and every one of those “Democratic” Senators and Representatives, he and the Democrats COULD have done?

At the very least, respect means not calling others stupid or blaming them for the failures of others.

When the spill in the Gulf occurred, certain pundits intoned, “We are all responsible for this catastrophe.”

But look who is still in business, the largest supplier to the US military, aka Bee Pee.

When the economic meltdown occurred, certain pundits intoned, “It was those who could not afford these homes, but really we are all to blame.”

But look who is getting huge, actually obscene, “bonuses”?

Now you can say, “It’s systemic, and the D’s can’t fix it over-night”

Righto, AC2, righto.

Wonder when they plan to start?

Righto, right after they defeat the awful, evil R’s … well soon thereafter, anyhow.

But it’s hard, doncha know?

Righto.

Now, you will note, AC2, that at no point did I take you, personally, to task or suggest that it will be your fault if disaster befalls us? Nor did phred, for that matter.

Those who differ from you have never said you are to blame, yet you, and other partisans who agree with your viewpoint, charge us with such “responsibility” constantly and consistently,

Nobody “lost” 2000, but the Dems, Gore and Lieberman.

Frankly, AC2, I voted AGAINST Lieberman AND Gore’s apparently happy choice of Lieberman as his running-mate.

And, you know, just between us, AC2, Gore’s behavior, during Bush v. Gore, was not inspiring, to say the least.

Kind of cowardly, like the D’s in general, and certain ones, in particular.

These times, clearly, call for courage and bold innovation, not capitulation to selfish greed, mindless fear, and state secrecy, “secret” law and killing at a distance on the whims of one man or woman. Democrat or Republican. The President of the United States of America.

In my opinion.

Obama: Fox News is 'destructive' to America – CNN Political Ticker ...

(CNN) - President Obama is pulling no punches when it comes to Fox News, declaring the cable news outlet to be "destructive to long-term growth.

Bad News: Yahoo Media Boss Out. Good News: Bartz Won't Have To Ask ...

Yahoo's media boss Jimmy Pitaro is quitting the company.

Obama Says Fox News Is Hurting The Growth Of The United States

President targets Murdoch, hedge fund executives, and whiny Democrats in Rolling Stone interview.

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Obama: Fox News is 'destructive' to America – CNN Political Ticker ...

(CNN) - President Obama is pulling no punches when it comes to Fox News, declaring the cable news outlet to be "destructive to long-term growth.

Bad News: Yahoo Media Boss Out. Good News: Bartz Won't Have To Ask ...

Yahoo's media boss Jimmy Pitaro is quitting the company.

Obama Says Fox News Is Hurting The Growth Of The United States

President targets Murdoch, hedge fund executives, and whiny Democrats in Rolling Stone interview.

Yesterday, Brown sent out an email to friends and supporters claiming he was close to making history, but he really needed their help to seal the deal. The email, in full:

Dear Friends;

We are in the final stages of what has been an amazing campaign. I started 10 weeks ago with no money and a few friends like you, and last week a city wide Washington Post Poll showed that I am ahead of the incumbent by 12 points among likely voters. If I win, I will make history. My opponent has spent over $200,000.00 outspending me 20 to 1. He has run TV commercials against me paid for by a political action committee funded with money from a DC businessman and has mailed and handed out tens of thousands of flyers against me. He is supported in this effort by the leading candidate for Mayor and several members of the City Council. All I have is you. Next Tuesday, September 14 is election day. My opponent will surely have people at every polling place handing out his literature and campaigning for him. I need your help now more than ever. If you can spend even a hour or two at a polling place for me, please let me know. I am working so hard and I have come so far. The friends and family that have stood up for me against great odds have made all this possible. It is incredible to me that we have accomplished so much. I know it is a lot to ask, but we are so close and we have so little resources I need your help in this final hour. If you can come to a polling place please respond to this e-mail as soon as possible. We will provide you with materials and assign you a convenient location by your home or office, Thanks for getting me this far. No matter what happens, I have been humbled by your love and support.

Sure, history will be made -- but it might be the type of history that you'd soon rather forget.

Does respect mean peddling fear?

Or does “respect” mean something else perhaps, like appreciation, or at least, tolerance AND the understanding that people who do not agree with you are, possibly, neither stupid nor uninformed?

Apparently, what phred suggested, regarding a party having actual accomplishments and a moral compass is less important than “winning”, when such “winning” simply means more of the same.

At the very least, respect means not calling others stupid or blaming them for the failures of others.

When the spill in the Gulf occurred, certain pundits intoned, “We are all responsible for this catastrophe.”

But look who is still in business, the largest supplier to the US military, aka Bee Pee.

When the economic meltdown occurred, certain pundits intoned, “It was those who could not afford these homes, but really we are all to blame.”

But look who is getting huge, actually obscene, “bonuses”?

Now you can say, “It’s systemic, and the D’s can’t fix it over-night”

Righto, AC2, righto.

Wonder when they plan to start?

Righto, right after they defeat the awful, evil R’s … well soon thereafter, anyhow.

But it’s hard, doncha know?

Righto.

Now, you will note, AC2, that at no point did I take you, personally, to task or suggest that it will be your fault if disaster befalls us? Nor did phred, for that matter.

Those who differ from you have never said you are to blame, yet you, and other partisans who agree with your viewpoint, charge us with such “responsibility” constantly and consistently,

Nobody “lost” 2000, but the Dems, Gore and Lieberman.

Frankly, AC2, I voted AGAINST Lieberman AND Gore’s apparently happy choice of Lieberman as his running-mate.

And, you know, just between us, AC2, Gore’s behavior, during Bush v. Gore, was not inspiring, to say the least.

Kind of cowardly, like the D’s in general, and certain ones, in particular.

In my opinion.

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Obama: Fox News is 'destructive' to America – CNN Political Ticker ...

(CNN) - President Obama is pulling no punches when it comes to Fox News, declaring the cable news outlet to be "destructive to long-term growth.

Bad News: Yahoo Media Boss Out. Good News: Bartz Won't Have To Ask ...

Yahoo's media boss Jimmy Pitaro is quitting the company.

Obama Says Fox News Is Hurting The Growth Of The United States

President targets Murdoch, hedge fund executives, and whiny Democrats in Rolling Stone interview.

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Obama: Fox News is 'destructive' to America – CNN Political Ticker ...

(CNN) - President Obama is pulling no punches when it comes to Fox News, declaring the cable news outlet to be "destructive to long-term growth.

Bad News: Yahoo Media Boss Out. Good News: Bartz Won't Have To Ask ...

Yahoo's media boss Jimmy Pitaro is quitting the company.

Obama Says Fox News Is Hurting The Growth Of The United States

President targets Murdoch, hedge fund executives, and whiny Democrats in Rolling Stone interview.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_18/b4032066.htm

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1999/10/25/267811/index.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_18/b4032066.htm

Friday, September 24, 2010

personal finance and budgeting

It's hard to beat an excel spreadsheet for quickly shifting between a granular and top-level view of your personal finance situation. Here's reader Lauren's account balance spreadsheet she made to keep track of her expenditures, past, present, and future, and itemize her budget.

Download Lauren's Budgeter (XLS)

1. Scroll to the current month.

2. Enter your current balance in the "Starting Balance" box at the top left.

3. Enter your credits and debits on the appropriate dates they will hit your account. Use positive numbers for money getting added credits, and negative numbers for when it's getting taken away.

4. The green "Total" will change to reflect your total overall balance.

Use it as is, compare it to your own, or mod to fit your own needs.

Lauren says it's "quite nifty," and also uses it as a calendar.

Here's the excel code for the totaler for those who like to look under the hood:

TODAY();_8_10)

+SUMIF(_9_10d;"

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News - Lindsay Lohan "Demure and Quiet" as She Arrived at Jail ...

Like her previous stints in the slammer, she'll be kept away from other inmates in a 12x9 cell.

Diane Sawyer: ABC World News Goes Home: Looking for What Works in ...

We at ABC's World News are heading out to search for innovative ideas that are helping turn the economy around. Real change is often born out of a simple act. And one ripple can lead to a powerful transformation.

Tax The Rich! (9pm Saturday on Fox News Channel) « John Stossel

In my weekend special, The Battle for the Future -- it airs Saturday at 9pm and Sunday at 8 PM and.

News - Lindsay Lohan "Demure and Quiet" as She Arrived at Jail ...

Like her previous stints in the slammer, she'll be kept away from other inmates in a 12x9 cell.

Diane Sawyer: ABC World News Goes Home: Looking for What Works in ...

Tax The Rich! (9pm Saturday on Fox News Channel) « John Stossel

In my weekend special, The Battle for the Future -- it airs Saturday at 9pm and Sunday at 8 PM and.

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News - Lindsay Lohan "Demure and Quiet" as She Arrived at Jail ...

Like her previous stints in the slammer, she'll be kept away from other inmates in a 12x9 cell.

Diane Sawyer: ABC World News Goes Home: Looking for What Works in ...

Tax The Rich! (9pm Saturday on Fox News Channel) « John Stossel

In my weekend special, The Battle for the Future -- it airs Saturday at 9pm and Sunday at 8 PM and.

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Behold: the most profoundly pessimistic attack ad of 2010. Meg Whitman has delivered unto us a masterpiece of dirty politics.

What is most striking about this already-infamous ad isn't the boldness of its mendacity--though it certainly has that--but the cynicism of its timing. It's the sort of unabashedly nasty hit that one would expect just days before an election, and even then only from an outside interest group. Yet here it is, delivered to us in early September with Meg Whitman's name right there on the card. By not only producing so brazen a piece of misinformation but also airing it with more than enough time to effectively rebut, Whitman is betting the house on the politics of personal animosity.

If you live in California or happen to be a political junkie, you've no doubt seen it already and can skip the next paragraph. But for those of you who have avoided it (probably due to a weak stomach or some lingering, endangered shred of personal or political optimism) here's a recap:

Bill Clinton, in a 1992 debate, sits face-to-face with Jerry Brown. Brown looks at Clinton like a kid called to the principal's office. Clinton blasts Brown as a tax-raising liar: "CNN, not me, CNN says his assertion about his tax record was, quote, 'just plain wrong.' He raised taxes as Governor of California. He doesn't tell the people the truth." That's two levels of surrogate Whitman is hiding behind, for those of you keeping track. On its own, the ad is devastating.

There's just one little problem: That CNN report turned out to be "just plain wrong," and Whitman's campaign--like all interested parties--has been fully aware of that for some time. From what the San Jose Mercury-News has been able to piece together, the CNN report used the wrong years both in determining the base of comparison and in identifying the budgets Brown had control over. This made it seem Brown was responsible for a sizable tax increase during Reagan's last year in office and failed to give him credit for tax cuts later in his tenure. The LA Times and California Department of Finance also revisited the numbers and found them to be outright wrong, for the same reasons, in the same ways. Brown was telling the truth. He had cut taxes as Governor of California.

Whitman knew full well that the story was a lie, but she wanted to repeat it all the same. The excuse her communications director offered the Mercury-News: "Bill Clinton, not me, said Jerry Brown 'doesn't tell people the truth.'" Sound familiar?

But this ad is so much more perverse than any simple repetition of untruths. It practically baits a popular former president into entering the fray on the side of Whitman's opponent, yet rests comfortably on the belief that personal grievances and misgivings will trump ethics and ideology to prevent any serious intervention by Clinton or one of the nation's most popular fact checkers.

Yes, in case you missed it, there is yet another personality being ironically misused by this ad. Brooks Jackson, the reporter responsible for this particular "oopsie," now heads FactCheck.org. If you didn't already know that, give yourself a moment to let it sink in: The man whose erroneous report is still fueling factually-incorrect campaign advertisements nearly two decades later is also the guy we all run to when we question the veracity of claims in a political advertisement.

For his part, Jackson acknowledged the error on FactCheck.org in a manner only slightly more embarrassing than admirable. Unlike other political ads targeted by FactCheck, the correction has yet to warrant an actual article on the site. Jackson did, however, post a blog entry on the topic on one of the site's secondary pages. It fails to even mention the Clinton ad and generally reads more like a lengthy rationalization than a correction. He even works in the astonishing insinuation that Prop 13 was a reaction to Brown's high taxes. (Prop 13, patently a reaction to soaring property values and their impact on property tax rates, was not included in the figures used to correct Jackson's report.) After muddying the waters for seven paragraphs, he concludes that state taxes "increased during four of Brown's eight years, and during six of those years they were higher than before he took office. But they were lower during his final two years."

The Mercury-News, State Department of Finance and Associated Press see things a little differently. By about $16 billion in tax cuts during Brown's first seven years in office, and $4 billion in savings per year between 1978 and 1982. Not counting the savings from Prop 13. So much for a gentleman admitting he was wrong.

Not that Jackson matters much to Brown's campaign. Both Brown and Whitman know that only one man can make this ad backfire on Whitman: former president Clinton. Whitman is betting (perhaps unwisely, given Clinton's general election campaigning for Barack Obama,) that 18 years after their bitter battle for the Democratic nomination, Clinton still hates Brown so much that he will refuse defend him with any real conviction.

Exactly how acrimonious was the Clinton-Brown contest? The clip in Whitman's ad might be called one of its more friendly exchanges.

In what was widely taken as an allusion to Brown's onslaught of attacks on Clinton's character, Jesse Jackson opened one debate by chastising the candidates for getting too caught up in "attacks and counterattacks." It didn't slow Brown down. Later that evening, he accused Clinton of racial insensitivity for playing golf at a whites-only country club and using black prisoners as campaign props.

At the final debate, when Brown (not without his own, similar conflicts of interest,) accused Clinton of "funneling money to his wife's law firm," Clinton shot back, "You're not worth being on the same platform as my wife."

The highlight (or low point) of that debate was when Clinton said, "I feel sorry for Jerry Brown... He asked me to support him for President once." When a moderator asked if he did, Clinton didn't miss a beat before shooting back, "Of course not." Footage circulated from the night appears to show gathered reporters roaring with laughter. Whitman probably has that ad already in the can.

In an email blast from Brown's campaign the morning the ad came out, Brown was quick to let Clinton off the hook. The former president had "later learned" that the numbers were incorrect, according to the letter to supporters. But it's a lot easier for Jerry Brown to play nice for the sake of his own campaign than it will be for Bill Clinton, who doesn't need any favors, to come riding to Brown's rescue.

Is Clinton still unable to put the past behind him?

Pundits have pointed to his early support for Gavin Newsom over Brown as proof that he still holds a grudge. But was Clinton's support of Newsom the result of his decades-old feud with Brown, or of a more recently developed loyalty? Newsom was a very vocal, enthusiastic supporter of Hillary Clinton during the 2008 primaries.

Ironically, that support might have been born out of the former San Francisco Mayor's own feud with another Democratic president. In 2007, Newsom implied to Reuters that Obama, "As God is my witness, will not be photographed with me, will not be in the same room with me." At issue was Newsom's having granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The Obama-Newsom feud was verified in early 2008, when Willie Brown (backed by several Newsom staffers) gave a much more detailed account of the disputed incident to the San Francisco Chronicle. Obama's campaign denied the accusation, telling Politico that the incoming president was so "pissed" over the stories that the new administration "may give San Francisco to Canada."

Newsom might well have supported Hillary Clinton just as enthusiastically regardless of his personal feelings about Obama. Still, it's tempting to imagine that his feud with the current president might have, just as much as Bill Clinton's animosity toward Jerry Brown, circuitously earned him the former president's support. In politics, there is seldom a single reason for anything, and with so many personal feuds and vendettas driving the nation's politics, it's more than a little difficult to keep straight which one is motivating whom and when.

Will Clinton step in? If he wants to keep that "team player" image he so carefully rebuilt during the 2008 general election, he'll have to. But will he do so looking like an angry, misused Brown supporter or a fellow Democrat forced by party allegiance to go through the motions? I don't know.

What I can say with certainty is that Meg Whitman doesn't even take seriously the possibility that Bill Clinton would rather campaign for Jerry Brown than be seen as the man responsible for costing Democrats the California governor's mansion.

Update: Around the time that this posted, stories about Brown's remarks about Clinton at a campaign event Sunday were beginning to spread. So it seems that Whitman was probably right. "No matter how cynical you become, it's never enough to keep up." - Lily Tomlin.

And another update: Clinton issued a statement to several news outlets today. In it, he endorsed Brown, said that the CNN report had been inaccurate and specifically cited Gavin Newsom's support of Hillary Clinton as a reason for his having received Clinton's early primary endorsement.

Download Lauren's Budgeter (XLS)

Use it as is, compare it to your own, or mod to fit your own needs.

Lauren says it's "quite nifty," and also uses it as a calendar.

Here's the excel code for the totaler for those who like to look under the hood:

TODAY();_8_10)

+SUMIF(_9_10d;"

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Lindsay Lohan Photos & Pics | BREAKING NEWS - Lindsay Lohan Gets ...

Lindsay Lohan has just been sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating her probation after testing positive for cocaine. Judge Fox has denied Lindsay bail and has sent her straight to jail until October 22nd. But due to the overcrowding ...

BREAKING NEWS: Lindsay Lohan Ordered Back To Jail; Bail Revoked ...

Lindsay Lohan is going back to jail. In a stunning move, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden Fox threw the book at Lohan Friday morning in Beverly Hills, revoking her bail and ordering her back to jail. PHOTOS: Lindsay Lohan Arrives ...

'Fox News Sunday' to Host Kentucky Senate Debate - NYTimes.com

Jack Conway, Kentucky's attorney general and the Democratic candidate for Senate, and Rand Paul, the Republican nominee, have agreed to a live debate on "Fox News Sunday" on Oct. 3.

Lindsay Lohan Photos & Pics | BREAKING NEWS - Lindsay Lohan Gets ...

BREAKING NEWS: Lindsay Lohan Ordered Back To Jail; Bail Revoked ...

'Fox News Sunday' to Host Kentucky Senate Debate - NYTimes.com

Jack Conway, Kentucky's attorney general and the Democratic candidate for Senate, and Rand Paul, the Republican nominee, have agreed to a live debate on "Fox News Sunday" on Oct. 3.

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Lindsay Lohan Photos & Pics | BREAKING NEWS - Lindsay Lohan Gets ...

BREAKING NEWS: Lindsay Lohan Ordered Back To Jail; Bail Revoked ...

'Fox News Sunday' to Host Kentucky Senate Debate - NYTimes.com

Jack Conway, Kentucky's attorney general and the Democratic candidate for Senate, and Rand Paul, the Republican nominee, have agreed to a live debate on "Fox News Sunday" on Oct. 3.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Making Free Money Online

Today, SocialVest is launching its online and in-store shopping platform that makes it easy for consumers to support non-profit organizations while making purchases. The free service works by rewarding users with cash back for purchases from retailers. Money earned by SocialVest users can then be donated to over one million registered non-profits with the service.

Here’s how it works. Consumers sign-up for SocialVest with their info and credit card details and can then start shopping in its online mall or at physical stores with whom SocialVest has partnered. The startup currently has partnerships with over 500 retailers including Target, Macy’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. When the user make a purchase at one of these stores using the registered credit card, SocialVest will give users a cash rebate ranging from 1% to 15% of qualifying purchase prices. Funds are accrued in users’ SocialVest accounts, and can then be pledged to any non-profit.

SocialVest has also partnered with Causes, and will be the exclusive registered credit card shopping partner for the community. The startup, which has raised $500,000 in seed funding, faces competition from CauseOn, Causeworld and Endorse For A Cause.

Online forums and communities present a largely untapped opportunity for making money — at least according to Dan Gill, cofounder and chief executive of Huddler.

The San Francisco startup is officially launching today. It’s one of those weird launches where the company has actually been working with customers for more than a year, and is only now getting around to telling the media that it exists. Gill said he wanted to make sure the technology was solid before doing too much to publicize it and attract competition.

Community-building software is a broad category, but Huddler approaches the market with a specific audience and mission. It’s looking for popular, product-focused forums that are built on either vBulletin or phpBB technology. Huddler contacts the owner of the site, offering to modernize the forum and bring in more money too.

Gill gave me a long list of benefits that Huddler can offer over older platforms. It gives the sites a makeover, so they look a bit less old-fashioned, not to mention more advertising-friendly. It optimizes the pages for search engines, and also makes them easier to share through Facebook Connect. And all the software is hosted online, rather than installed on someone’s computer, which means there’s less hassle for whoever’s managing the site.

Financially, there’s not much risk to the forum owner, since the software is free. Huddler is only paid by through a percentage of the increased revenue that it brings to a site. That revenue boost comes in a number of ways, Gill said — since the sites are product-focused, Huddler creates a product page with a link where visitors can buy the item in question. It also allows companies selling related products to create their own pages on the forum and engage with the community. And of course the sites can run advertising.

The transition to Huddler can be a challenging one because of the technology issues, as well as the likelihood that change will upset some forum members. Gill didn’t offer any details, but he hinted that he has seen his share of angry comments from users who didn’t like a new forum. But Huddler has become more proficient at both moving content to a new site and preparing users for the change, he said.

There are now 24 sites using Huddler, adding up to a total of 9 million unique monthly visitors. The success stories include EpicSki, which saw a 70 percent increase in natural search traffic after switching to Huddler, and DenimBlog, which doubled pageviews in two months and is now bringing in three times the amount of revenue.

Huddler raised $5.5 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates last year. For now, the company is focusing on existing forums because they’ve already got the audience, but Gill said, “There’s no reason you won’t be able to start your own Huddles in the future.”

[image via Flickr/Daniel Borman]

Next Story: Salesforce: Yes, Chatter really does improve productivity Previous Story: Otoy scores important deals for its server gaming technology

Small Business News: The Times They Are A Changing

In the 60's it was a song of revolution when change was just not as common. Today, it reflects a fact of life, at least for small business owners and.

News - Katy Perry's Sesame Street Segment Cut Over Her Cleavage ...

"Katy Perry fans will still be able to view the video on You Tube," says a show rep.

autosport.com - F1 News: Ecclestone pushing for medals system

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone plans to make a fresh push to introduce his gold medal system into the sport, after suggesting that the new points system introduced this year has not improved matters.

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Small Business News: The Times They Are A Changing

In the 60's it was a song of revolution when change was just not as common. Today, it reflects a fact of life, at least for small business owners and.

News - Katy Perry's Sesame Street Segment Cut Over Her Cleavage ...

"Katy Perry fans will still be able to view the video on You Tube," says a show rep.

autosport.com - F1 News: Ecclestone pushing for medals system

Online forums and communities present a largely untapped opportunity for making money — at least according to Dan Gill, cofounder and chief executive of Huddler.

[image via Flickr/Daniel Borman]

Next Story: Salesforce: Yes, Chatter really does improve productivity Previous Story: Otoy scores important deals for its server gaming technology

robert shumake

Small Business News: The Times They Are A Changing

In the 60's it was a song of revolution when change was just not as common. Today, it reflects a fact of life, at least for small business owners and.

News - Katy Perry's Sesame Street Segment Cut Over Her Cleavage ...

"Katy Perry fans will still be able to view the video on You Tube," says a show rep.

autosport.com - F1 News: Ecclestone pushing for medals system

robert shumake

Small Business News: The Times They Are A Changing

In the 60's it was a song of revolution when change was just not as common. Today, it reflects a fact of life, at least for small business owners and.

News - Katy Perry's Sesame Street Segment Cut Over Her Cleavage ...

"Katy Perry fans will still be able to view the video on You Tube," says a show rep.

autosport.com - F1 News: Ecclestone pushing for medals system

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Making Money Fast

There is less than two weeks left until David Fincher's The Social Network arrives in theaters everywhere and the buzz is really starting to get very crazy. I'm not the only one who believes that screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (of A Few Good Men & Charlie Wilson's War previously) will be getting the Oscar next year for his script and I definitely think he deserves it. We haven't had the chance to speak with Sorkin, but our friends at the great site MakingOf did get to sit down with Aaron Sorkin for a few minutes to chat about the movie, including its factual accuracy, insanely smart and fast dialogue, and much more. Check out the video below!

Watch the MakingOf interview with The Social Network writer Aaron Sorkin:

Google News Now Eight Years Old

google-news-screenshot-old Google today announced on the official Google blog the eighth birthday of Google News. It's a huge milestone for the California-based search company, which launched the Google News service on the 22nd of ...

More People Watched Fox News Monday Than Obama Town Hall ...

In fact, far more people watched the Fox News Channel's "Happening Now" with Jon Scott and Jenna Lee airing at the same time than tuned in to see what the President had to say. Potentially even more embarrassing, when you add in those ...

Scripting News: What kind of news system...?

And it's not okay that they're making a bid for exclusivity on the role of News System of the Future, and they can't even keep their servers running properly. Either you deliver the benefit of being the sole provider, or sorry (to ...

robert shumake

Google News Now Eight Years Old

More People Watched Fox News Monday Than Obama Town Hall ...

Scripting News: What kind of news system...?

Watch the MakingOf interview with The Social Network writer Aaron Sorkin:

robert shumake

Google News Now Eight Years Old

More People Watched Fox News Monday Than Obama Town Hall ...

Scripting News: What kind of news system...?

robert shumake

Google News Now Eight Years Old

More People Watched Fox News Monday Than Obama Town Hall ...

Scripting News: What kind of news system...?

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

managing your personal finances

Are you a fan of the GTD personal productivity system? Well if you like "Getting Things Done," here's GFD, Getting Finances Done, which shows you how to map David Allen's same principals to managing your personal finance and achieving your financial goals.

Applying GTD principles to your personal finances - Part 1 [Getting Finances Done]

Pentax K-5 announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review

Pentax K-5 announced and previewed: Pre-Photokina 2010: Pentax has announced the latest member of its DSLR line-up, the K-5. The new model is based on the Japanese manufacturer's current flagship DSLR, the K-7. Body design and control ...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 announced and previewed: Digital ...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 announced and previewed: Photokina 2010: Panasonic has announced the DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera. The successor to the GH1 continues with its 'hybrid' stills/video philosophy but adds a host of tweaks and ...

Apple Is Forking The Web » Podcasting News

Audio Podcasting � Corporate Podcasts � Educational Podcasts � How to Podcast � Making Money with Podcasts � Mobile Podcasting � News Podcasts � Podcast Directory Sites � Podcast Distribution � Podcast Hosting � Podcast Quickies ...

robert shumake

Pentax K-5 announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 announced and previewed: Digital ...

Apple Is Forking The Web » Podcasting News

Applying GTD principles to your personal finances - Part 1 [Getting Finances Done]

robert shumake

Pentax K-5 announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 announced and previewed: Digital ...

Apple Is Forking The Web » Podcasting News

robert shumake

Pentax K-5 announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 announced and previewed: Digital ...

Apple Is Forking The Web » Podcasting News

Saturday, September 18, 2010

personal finance blog

Google Maps for Android has been updated again and this time around some features that many have been looking for are present. The Maps update includes Walking Navigation Beta, a slightly tweaked search bar and Street View smart navigation.

The Google Mobile blog lays out what the new features will bring you:

Walking Navigation
Walking Navigation lets you use GPS navigation with walking directions that are more direct and use pedestrian pathways when we know about them. To try it now, choose the “Walking” option from the Navigation icon. Walking Navigation has a few changes that help when you’re on your feet. For example, your phone will vibrate when you need to make a turn. You can even turn off voice guidance and just use these notifications while soaking in the sights and sounds around you. To help you orient yourself with your surroundings, the map will rotate with you as you turn the phone, and walking mode uses satellite view by default. Use it like a virtual compass with satellite imagery to look ahead or help pick out landmarks along the way.
Street View smart navigation
If you want a sneak preview of where you’re going, use the new Street View on Google Maps with smart navigation and updated imagery. Just like with Street View smart navigation on your computer, you no longer have to slowly move down a street by tapping arrows along roads repeatedly. Now you can quickly navigate Street View by dragging Pegman from the corner and highlighting where you want to go with a lightly shaded “pancake” on roads or a rectangle on buildings. Let go of the screen when highlighting the front of a building, and you’ll fly there and turn to face it. With a swipe of your finger, you can hop rivers and scale buildings.
New Google Maps search bar
At the top of the map, you’ll find the new Google Maps search bar always available for easy access. Tap it to quickly start searching, open Places, use the Layers menu, or find yourself on the map with My Location. Here are more new features that may be helpful when you’re looking for nearby places:
Filter search results by distance or ratings
View prices categorized with dollar signs
See cross streets for places.

So, while it’s not the biggest update, the additions are very welcomed and I’m looking forward to trying out the Walking Nav soon. Google Maps 4.5 is available to anyone with an Android handset running version 1.6 or higher. Google has been updating the Maps application probably more than any other app available to Android users, with Google Voice coming in a close second. We’re excited to see what else Google can cook up for us in the future.

Thanks for giving us two updates in one day, G. Now, hurry up with Google Finance!

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A barrage of independent expenditures from a group operated by a deep-pocketed New Orleans trial lawyer couldn�t deflate the candidacy of state Rep. Cedric Richmond, who, on Saturday, won the Democratic Party nomination to vie for the congressional seat occupied by Rep. Joseph Cao (R-La.).

Louisiana Truth PAC invested $92,840 in attacks against Richmond, pictured right, in the days immediately before Saturday�s primary election, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of filings with the Federal Election Commission.

The group argued Richmond is another William Jefferson, the longtime New Orleans congressman who infamously stored $90,000 in cash in his freezer and was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison last year after prosecutors won his conviction on bribery charges.

Louisiana Truth PAC specifically pointed to accusations, aired by New Orleans blogger American Zombie, that Richmond established at least one 501(c)3 nonprofit group and �bilked the organization�s cash flow for personal use,� including buying a diamond bezel for his �blingiddy-bling, white gold, Rolex watch.�

The Louisiana Truth PAC�s independent expenditures purchased polling, robo-calls, postcard mailings, TV advertising and the creation of a new anti-Richmond website, according to FEC filings. Nevertheless, Richmond, a three-term state legislator backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Congressional Black Caucus and the state�s Democratic Party establishment, won 60 percent of Saturday�s vote.

Louisiana Truth PAC�s treasurer is attorney Stuart H. Smith, who specializes in environmental law, class-action lawsuits and mass torts, as OpenSecrets Blog reported last week.

It's unknown whether Smith, who has personally contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates and committees since January 2009 alone, is responsible for any or all of the money behind these advertisements -- although several expenditures reported to the FEC reference �in-kind payments via credit card by Stuart Smith.�

Ahead of Saturday�s primary election, Smith declined to elaborate to OpenSecrets Blog on who was funding the new political committee, beyond saying �concerned citizens.� Campaign finance reports detailing the sources of the funds raised by Louisiana Truth PAC, which is legally allowed to collect unlimited sums from individuals and corporations, will be filed with the FEC later this autumn.

Smith could not be reached for comment for this story.

Earlier this year, Smith himself donated the legal maximum to state Rep. Juan LaFonta, who finished a distant second behind Richmond, with just 21 percent of the vote.

Richmond had out-raised LaFonta, $507,300 to $301,800, as of Aug. 8, the most recently available data. As of Aug. 8, Richmond also boasted more than 10 times as much money in the bank: $166,300, compared to LaFonta�s $13,500.

In November, Richmond will face Cao, who in 2008 unexpectedly unseated Jefferson for this seat representing Louisiana�s 2nd Congressional District.

The Richmond campaign did not immediately return messages left seeking a comment for this story.

Louisiana Truth PAC is one of several groups to recently materialize after legal decisions that opened the door for groups to tap corporate and individual donors for unlimited amounts to fund independent expenditures that expressly advocate for or against federal candidates. Those rulings include the Supreme Court's January decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and a federal court's March opinion in SpeechNow.org v. FEC.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

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