Well I've had a significantly negative event in my family this week. I won't go into details but I might not be back to regular posts for a little while.
There have been a lot of great stories recently but two really stuck out at me. I'll let you read them.
Microsoft strikes a deal with Yahoo!.
ExxonMobil sees profits and revenue fall, hard.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
What Moral Obligations Do Businesses Have?
I've been considering different philanthropic programs from companies and I asked myself; what moral obligations do businesses have? Should a company do all in its power to minimize environmental impact? Should a company put energy and resources into its community? Should a company keep workers on its payroll if they are no longer useful?
I believe that a company can be a great positive impact in its community and the world at large, but there is a balance between too much philanthropy and moral negligence. A company should do all it can to maximize profits in a positive way. When it comes down to it, companies are just a collection of people working towards a common goal. That goal is often profit. A corporate culture then evolves around that goal and it is easy to focus in, ignoring moral obligations.
A company can set a goal to be environmentally responsible at a fair profit. Then evolving a corporate culture around a morally positive goal will be much easier. People will feel they are making a positive impact in the world and will fill, at least one, moral obligation. But taking an environmentally responsible business path will be more challenging. Costs of renewable goods is often higher then other options, this can put a company at a competitive disadvantage. So how do you make up for higher costs? The company must find a balance between profitability and moral obligations.
Must a company always act in the best interest of the environment and those in it? Simply, no. It is unfeasible to believe this is possible. But can a company take on projects and ideals that increase its philanthropy? A resounding yes!
Now as consumers we must make a choice between moral obligations and prices. Often companies that have little to no philanthropic efforts can offer goods at lower prices. So we must look into what we consume and see if companies trying to make a positive impact in the world deserve the price premium.
I believe that a company can be a great positive impact in its community and the world at large, but there is a balance between too much philanthropy and moral negligence. A company should do all it can to maximize profits in a positive way. When it comes down to it, companies are just a collection of people working towards a common goal. That goal is often profit. A corporate culture then evolves around that goal and it is easy to focus in, ignoring moral obligations.
A company can set a goal to be environmentally responsible at a fair profit. Then evolving a corporate culture around a morally positive goal will be much easier. People will feel they are making a positive impact in the world and will fill, at least one, moral obligation. But taking an environmentally responsible business path will be more challenging. Costs of renewable goods is often higher then other options, this can put a company at a competitive disadvantage. So how do you make up for higher costs? The company must find a balance between profitability and moral obligations.
Must a company always act in the best interest of the environment and those in it? Simply, no. It is unfeasible to believe this is possible. But can a company take on projects and ideals that increase its philanthropy? A resounding yes!
Now as consumers we must make a choice between moral obligations and prices. Often companies that have little to no philanthropic efforts can offer goods at lower prices. So we must look into what we consume and see if companies trying to make a positive impact in the world deserve the price premium.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Yay For The Weekend.
Happy weekend everyone. My final test is coming up and I'm three chapters behind on my course work, so I'll be doing that tonight. Hopefully back to full posts soon.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ups and Downs, Such is Life.
There was a slew of earnings reports today. But two that matter most to me are Microsoft and Ford.
First the star of this post. Ford reported a profit of $2.3 billion, this compares to a net loss of $8.7 billion for the same period last year. I have started investing and did purchase a few shares of Ford, although not enough to make any meaningful difference in my portfolio. I'll be listening to Ford's conference call later tonight, hopefully it will be a little enlightening. Ford shares shot up some 10% on the news.
Next Microsoft. They have missed earnings estimates in a big way and the after hours trading has seen Microsoft shares take a big hit. Microsoft earned $3.045 billion, compared with $4.297 billion in the same period last year. This sent shares down some 6% in extended trading. I'm a big believer in Microsoft's long term prospects but I really didn't expect an earnings miss this bad. The good news? I'll be able to add to my position at a lower price. I'll have to listen to Microsoft's earnings call, hopefully they will be able to explain what has happening. I believe that most consumers are holding off on purchases until Windows 7 is released. Hopefully Microsoft will have a much nicer next quarter.
Ford Earnings.
Microsoft Earnings.
First the star of this post. Ford reported a profit of $2.3 billion, this compares to a net loss of $8.7 billion for the same period last year. I have started investing and did purchase a few shares of Ford, although not enough to make any meaningful difference in my portfolio. I'll be listening to Ford's conference call later tonight, hopefully it will be a little enlightening. Ford shares shot up some 10% on the news.
Next Microsoft. They have missed earnings estimates in a big way and the after hours trading has seen Microsoft shares take a big hit. Microsoft earned $3.045 billion, compared with $4.297 billion in the same period last year. This sent shares down some 6% in extended trading. I'm a big believer in Microsoft's long term prospects but I really didn't expect an earnings miss this bad. The good news? I'll be able to add to my position at a lower price. I'll have to listen to Microsoft's earnings call, hopefully they will be able to explain what has happening. I believe that most consumers are holding off on purchases until Windows 7 is released. Hopefully Microsoft will have a much nicer next quarter.
Ford Earnings.
Microsoft Earnings.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
You are so great, Internet, until you're not.
I'm having trouble with my computer. It keeps dropping my Internet connection, so I'm going to attempt to diagnose the problem and get at post up. If I can't figure it out, have a goodnight everyone.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I've Finally Done It.
I just opened my first brokerage account. You are looking at the new owner of some great companies. I'll be playing around with my investment strategy in the coming weeks and exploring different investment options.
This is a lot of fun. I strongly suggest everyone to start taking an active roll in their investments. Anyway, I'm off to look over my investment account again :)
This is a lot of fun. I strongly suggest everyone to start taking an active roll in their investments. Anyway, I'm off to look over my investment account again :)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sapce Travel.
What is the easiest thing to cut from the Governmental budget? I would imagine giving the ax to NASA would be a quick way to free up a few billion dollars. And I hear people talk all the time about how we don't need to be exploring space. What is the point? What will we get? Is there an advantage to space exploration?
NASA is easy to criticize, but I believe that space travel serves a great purpose for humans. It pushes technology and science forward. Think about the satellites that allow our cellphones to place calls from all over the Earth and allow us to track our position to incredible accuracy.
I am fascinated by space exploration and I hope we continue with vigor. There may be little practical use to finding proof of extinct, microbial, life on Mars but if we find it, I hope it is during my lifetime. We, as a race, must eventually leave Earth. Our star will burn out, expanding, as it looses fuel, to engulf the planets Mercury and Venus, indeed maybe even Earth itself. Space travel is a requirement for our continued existence. Maybe not an immediate one, but a requirement none the less. I hope to see as much of space exploration as possible.
We are so unbelievably insignificant on the cosmic scale, I'm forever humbled. But we have made some progress exploring our universe, starting with landing on the Moon. Now Google has added the Moon to its Google Earth program. You can explore the lunar surface and the landing sites of the Apollo missions. Also included in the program is Mars. I suggest everyone take a look, it is a lot of fun to explore their surfaces.
Explore the Moon.
Google Earth.
NASA is easy to criticize, but I believe that space travel serves a great purpose for humans. It pushes technology and science forward. Think about the satellites that allow our cellphones to place calls from all over the Earth and allow us to track our position to incredible accuracy.
I am fascinated by space exploration and I hope we continue with vigor. There may be little practical use to finding proof of extinct, microbial, life on Mars but if we find it, I hope it is during my lifetime. We, as a race, must eventually leave Earth. Our star will burn out, expanding, as it looses fuel, to engulf the planets Mercury and Venus, indeed maybe even Earth itself. Space travel is a requirement for our continued existence. Maybe not an immediate one, but a requirement none the less. I hope to see as much of space exploration as possible.
We are so unbelievably insignificant on the cosmic scale, I'm forever humbled. But we have made some progress exploring our universe, starting with landing on the Moon. Now Google has added the Moon to its Google Earth program. You can explore the lunar surface and the landing sites of the Apollo missions. Also included in the program is Mars. I suggest everyone take a look, it is a lot of fun to explore their surfaces.
Explore the Moon.
Google Earth.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy Sunday.
Wow, Monday morning is a few short hours away. Well I went to the zoo with my family today, and spent most of the night at my Uncles house. Hope everyone had a great weekend and look back tomorrow for a full post.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Quick Sat. Update.
Hope everyones weekend is going great. I've just gotten home from a few different things. Sorry no long post today. I also need to get caught up on some of my course work, so tomorrow might be slim as well. I promise to be back on the ball Monday at the latest though.
Happy Friday (better late then never).
Well the weekend is finally hear and I didn't have time make a full post. I just got home and it is actually Saturday. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and hopefully I'll have a good post tomorrow.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wahoo Ford!
Ford is positioning itself to be the largest automaker in the U.S.A. by sales volume. A Merill Lynch study shows that Ford could gain an 18% share of the U.S. auto market. Ford has long had the best selling vehicle in America, the F-150, but for many years its domestic market share has been shrinking. Now Ford is picking up tons of lost market share from GM and Chrysler, both of witch took big hits with their rumored and eventual bankruptcy fillings.
I hope this forecast becomes true and Ford leverages their market share gain in America to a global sales lead. All of that, of course, is wishful thinking. Ford will be the first company I invest money into. I realize that it is not the safest investment; Ford has a massive pile of debt and faces renewed competition from a less bloated and more nimble GM to list a few challenges. But I do love Ford and will be buying some shares to say that I'm an owner.
Ford Gains Market Share.
I hope this forecast becomes true and Ford leverages their market share gain in America to a global sales lead. All of that, of course, is wishful thinking. Ford will be the first company I invest money into. I realize that it is not the safest investment; Ford has a massive pile of debt and faces renewed competition from a less bloated and more nimble GM to list a few challenges. But I do love Ford and will be buying some shares to say that I'm an owner.
Ford Gains Market Share.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How Do You Watch TV?
By now most people have at least heard of Hulu. The online Television streaming site that is supported by ads. Hulu, along with other sites, is making it easier to receive television content over the web. So how do I get my tv?
Almost exclusively through the Internet. I now mostly watch the news on broadcast television. I believe that the Internet will soon be the biggest distributor of television content. "Soon" being a relative term, I don't think this will happen for quite a few years, but Televisions are now being shipped with WiFi connectability and the ability to stream video from the Internet via Netflix, etc. What a great advancement of technology. The day your television is just a computer that has a really awesome display screen, is the day I'm eagerly awaiting.
I also hope that telecoms continue to upgrade and expand their networks, so that soon we can stay connected to the Internet at broadband speeds all over the globe. Ultimatly I want Microsoft's view of the future to be true.
Hulu
Netflix
Almost exclusively through the Internet. I now mostly watch the news on broadcast television. I believe that the Internet will soon be the biggest distributor of television content. "Soon" being a relative term, I don't think this will happen for quite a few years, but Televisions are now being shipped with WiFi connectability and the ability to stream video from the Internet via Netflix, etc. What a great advancement of technology. The day your television is just a computer that has a really awesome display screen, is the day I'm eagerly awaiting.
I also hope that telecoms continue to upgrade and expand their networks, so that soon we can stay connected to the Internet at broadband speeds all over the globe. Ultimatly I want Microsoft's view of the future to be true.
Hulu
Netflix
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No Guts, No Glory.
I've decided to start investing my money through a discount broker. Why now? Because I finally have some money set aside to start investing. Now I'm not planning my retirement around this portfolio, it is more a fun little exercise in risk taking. I'll be buying companies that I love (Ford, Microsoft, Google, NRG energy, Exxon Mobil, Johnson & Johnson, etc.), small companies that have huge growth (and collapse) potential, and perhaps some ETFs and REITs. This, of course, is just for enjoyment and hopefully a small profit. I feel comfortable in going it alone with this risky portfolio because it is not my retirement portfolio. I encourage everyone to become involved in their retirement planning and investing is a huge cornerstone of that.
Get involved in your 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, etc. Plan your future, don't leave your retirement accounts unchecked. Seek financial advice from a licensed expert. But that said I encourage you to make some decisions on your own. It is rewarding and fun, just don't get too crazy about each stock idea you come across. I suggest budgeting some money for investment ideas or wishes that you have.
There is so much information available about investing, starting to invest can be intimidating. Don't be discouraged, just continue learning. The best way to get a feel for investing is paper trading. This used to mean writing down stock picks on a piece of paper and watching the price to see if the stock went up or down. Today there are countless stock market simulation games available for free on the Internet. Try some out, get a feel for buying stocks. Then, when you're comfortable, look into budgeting some money so you can open your own brokerage account.
Here are some online brokers and investment info sites:
TD Ameritrade
Scottrade
Fidelity
Motley Fool
Investopedia
Interactive Brokers
E Trade
Get involved in your 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, etc. Plan your future, don't leave your retirement accounts unchecked. Seek financial advice from a licensed expert. But that said I encourage you to make some decisions on your own. It is rewarding and fun, just don't get too crazy about each stock idea you come across. I suggest budgeting some money for investment ideas or wishes that you have.
There is so much information available about investing, starting to invest can be intimidating. Don't be discouraged, just continue learning. The best way to get a feel for investing is paper trading. This used to mean writing down stock picks on a piece of paper and watching the price to see if the stock went up or down. Today there are countless stock market simulation games available for free on the Internet. Try some out, get a feel for buying stocks. Then, when you're comfortable, look into budgeting some money so you can open your own brokerage account.
Here are some online brokers and investment info sites:
TD Ameritrade
Scottrade
Fidelity
Motley Fool
Investopedia
Interactive Brokers
E Trade
Monday, July 13, 2009
Microsoft Web Apps.
Microsoft detailed its new Office suite today. Microsoft Office 2010 looks like a nice evolution of the product line and a great improvement to collaborative efforts. But most exciting is the Office web apps that where announced.
Google has offered a free web application suite for two years which basically works as a very basic version of Microsoft Office. This web app hasn't caught on with many businesses because it is so feature light but it has given Microsoft something to think about, web applications. Microsoft is moving some of the functionality of Microsoft Office online. Great news for us consumers but a real headache for Microsoft. The Office software is a big revenue generator for Microsoft so what happens when they start offering services free online? Do business forgo a full Office program purchase? This is the balancing act Microsoft must now figure out.
I love the idea of moving applications into the cloud computing space. Microsoft, if it pulls this off right, could be a large competitor in the cloud computing market. The early details of the software suite look promising and with Google moving into the operating system space, I hope Microsoft can figure out its online strategy correctly. It is going to have to.
Office 2010 Web App
Google has offered a free web application suite for two years which basically works as a very basic version of Microsoft Office. This web app hasn't caught on with many businesses because it is so feature light but it has given Microsoft something to think about, web applications. Microsoft is moving some of the functionality of Microsoft Office online. Great news for us consumers but a real headache for Microsoft. The Office software is a big revenue generator for Microsoft so what happens when they start offering services free online? Do business forgo a full Office program purchase? This is the balancing act Microsoft must now figure out.
I love the idea of moving applications into the cloud computing space. Microsoft, if it pulls this off right, could be a large competitor in the cloud computing market. The early details of the software suite look promising and with Google moving into the operating system space, I hope Microsoft can figure out its online strategy correctly. It is going to have to.
Office 2010 Web App
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday Update.
Nothing much to say today. I've been running around since this morning and haven't looked at my feeds yet. I'm going to leave it until Monday. Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sat. Update
Well I hope everyones weekend is going great. I'm planning on starting a web show soon. I need a decent webcam and some editing software, which I'll probably get with my new computer. And, sadly, I'm not getting a new computer until Windows 7 comes out.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday Update.
No time to myself today. I also work tomorrow morning so I'll be just linking some cool stories today. Happy weekend everyone.
Thinergy Micro-Battery.
Cali Budget Hell.
China Wants More Forex Options.
Thinergy Micro-Battery.
Cali Budget Hell.
China Wants More Forex Options.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Short update.
Sorry about the short post but I'm coming up to a deadline in my accounting course and need to get a few chapters of homework turned in by next week.
Some interesting news. Microsoft, it is rumored, will be announcing a web based version of its office suite on Monday. I'm not sure if it will be free (it should be) or how many features it will have (enough for a college student hopefully). Good luck Microsoft, it is your turn to prove yourself.
Microsoft's Web Office
Some interesting news. Microsoft, it is rumored, will be announcing a web based version of its office suite on Monday. I'm not sure if it will be free (it should be) or how many features it will have (enough for a college student hopefully). Good luck Microsoft, it is your turn to prove yourself.
Microsoft's Web Office
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Google Goes for the Throat.
Google has announced plans to launch an operating system. What you didn't hear? I guess you're under a rock because I can't turn around without hearing about this story today. The headlines are going crazy, with pundits and reporters spewing more crap then the Exxon Valdez did.
Want my take? Well here goes. Many people find it easy to pick on Microsoft's OS, Windows, because everyone uses it. Simply put, if I complain about an error common to Windows chances are you have run into it too. Now most of what I hear is how Microsoft is finally coming down.
I don't think so. Microsoft's Windows is what over 90% of personal computer users have loaded on their machines. That is a big stronghold. But the argument goes, Microsoft had a near monopoly on Internet web browsers that it watched erode in recent years to a reported 60-70%. This, many reporters say, translates directly to what will happen the Microsoft's Windows OS. The problem with this thought is, web browsers are far less complex then an OS. Windows works with everything. Buy a new camera, printer, phone, speaker set, monitor, etc. and plug it into a Windows based machine and chances are it will make a connection. Will Google be able to code for the thousands of products out there? Not to mention all the software that Windows interacts with seamlessly. Google will have to code its OS to work with programs written for Windows. Not many companies will write software for an OS other then Windows. Why? Because of Windows gigantic user base. It simply makes no sense to code for a program that will be on less then 1% of personal computers.
Will Google's new OS push the envelope for speed and ease of Internet access? Absolutely. Will it knock Microsoft down? Extremely doubtful. Don't get me wrong, I like Google. I use Google web apps above almost all others and I even surf the Internet on Google's Chrome web browser. But Microsoft has started to pull its Internet strategy out of the dirt. I use Microsoft's search engine Bing before Google search now and, if Microsoft can put together a great online platform, I would move from Google. Maybe base the online platform on the Xbox Live platform, offer rich web apps and a single unified profile that could be based off Facebook. You can save yourself Microsoft, you just need to be more flexible and move much faster.
Google OS
Want my take? Well here goes. Many people find it easy to pick on Microsoft's OS, Windows, because everyone uses it. Simply put, if I complain about an error common to Windows chances are you have run into it too. Now most of what I hear is how Microsoft is finally coming down.
I don't think so. Microsoft's Windows is what over 90% of personal computer users have loaded on their machines. That is a big stronghold. But the argument goes, Microsoft had a near monopoly on Internet web browsers that it watched erode in recent years to a reported 60-70%. This, many reporters say, translates directly to what will happen the Microsoft's Windows OS. The problem with this thought is, web browsers are far less complex then an OS. Windows works with everything. Buy a new camera, printer, phone, speaker set, monitor, etc. and plug it into a Windows based machine and chances are it will make a connection. Will Google be able to code for the thousands of products out there? Not to mention all the software that Windows interacts with seamlessly. Google will have to code its OS to work with programs written for Windows. Not many companies will write software for an OS other then Windows. Why? Because of Windows gigantic user base. It simply makes no sense to code for a program that will be on less then 1% of personal computers.
Will Google's new OS push the envelope for speed and ease of Internet access? Absolutely. Will it knock Microsoft down? Extremely doubtful. Don't get me wrong, I like Google. I use Google web apps above almost all others and I even surf the Internet on Google's Chrome web browser. But Microsoft has started to pull its Internet strategy out of the dirt. I use Microsoft's search engine Bing before Google search now and, if Microsoft can put together a great online platform, I would move from Google. Maybe base the online platform on the Xbox Live platform, offer rich web apps and a single unified profile that could be based off Facebook. You can save yourself Microsoft, you just need to be more flexible and move much faster.
Google OS
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Some Microsoft News.
Microsoft's Hohm app is finally live in beta. I'll be giving it a try and hopefully saving some money. So far I like the look of the website and its ease of use. You don't need lots of high-tech home upgrades, like a new thermostat, water heater, or anything to measure electricity use. You can start with a Windows Live ID and your area code. Hohm breaks down energy use in your area and has many helpful suggestions for energy savings. I'll continue playing around with the app and hopefully save some money.
Now Microsoft is showing that it can provide online apps for free that are fun and informative, hopefully they can continue. I've never been a huge fan of the Windows Live ID platform, sorry Microsoft, I prefer the Google Accounts platform. With that said, I really hope Microsoft can pull together its online platform with compelling web apps and integrated interface across different devices. The rumored Zune phone, Xbox 360, personal computer and web browser could all work together forming the Microsoft online platform. Microsoft has been taking small steps to integrate devices but I would like to see a more rapid integration. Until then, I'll still be on the Google platform.
Microsoft Hohm.
Now Microsoft is showing that it can provide online apps for free that are fun and informative, hopefully they can continue. I've never been a huge fan of the Windows Live ID platform, sorry Microsoft, I prefer the Google Accounts platform. With that said, I really hope Microsoft can pull together its online platform with compelling web apps and integrated interface across different devices. The rumored Zune phone, Xbox 360, personal computer and web browser could all work together forming the Microsoft online platform. Microsoft has been taking small steps to integrate devices but I would like to see a more rapid integration. Until then, I'll still be on the Google platform.
Microsoft Hohm.
Monday, July 6, 2009
How I love Technology.
Modern medicine can do some amazing things. This article I found rather amazing. Don Ingber has developed a process to clean blood. An electromagnet and some plastic coated iron-oxide beads pull sepsis causing bacterium or fungi out of the blood. I'll let you read the article after clicking the link.
I'm always amazed at what technology has been developed. Humans have not adapted to a wide range of environments and I believe that we will need technology to help us continue as a race. Challenges like global warming (man made or not), natural disasters, biological threats, etc. will all threaten our continued existence and we will need to develop ways to combat them. Our ability to create technology will be our saving grace.
Blood cleaning.
I'm always amazed at what technology has been developed. Humans have not adapted to a wide range of environments and I believe that we will need technology to help us continue as a race. Challenges like global warming (man made or not), natural disasters, biological threats, etc. will all threaten our continued existence and we will need to develop ways to combat them. Our ability to create technology will be our saving grace.
Blood cleaning.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Royally Broke.
Queen Elizabeth is almost out of money. As soon as 2012 the crown could be bankrupt. I have heard this story from a few places now but I find it both funny and educational.
Do I feel bad for the Queen of England? No, but I almost think I could. More money brings more spending. This proves not even Royalty can budget effectively. The Queen gets £7.9 million from British taxpayers each year. I'm fairly confident that I could live off an allowance like that, but I don't have a monarchy to run. So how far did the Queen go into the red? £33.6 million over budget. Holy crap. I'm sure I will never spend that amount of money my entire life. That said, the Royal Family hasn't seen a cost of living raise in 10 years and negotiations are set for 2010.
The easy takeaway from this is, more money = more spending (and debt). I'm not British and have only visited London once for a few weeks in highschool, but I still think I would be upset at paying an allowance to a family simply because they are Royal. Maybe its a large part of national pride for the Brits, in such a case by all means pay the people. I just would not be happy about paying a tax to a functionally useless family. Stay smart about personal finance people.
Queen is going broke.
Do I feel bad for the Queen of England? No, but I almost think I could. More money brings more spending. This proves not even Royalty can budget effectively. The Queen gets £7.9 million from British taxpayers each year. I'm fairly confident that I could live off an allowance like that, but I don't have a monarchy to run. So how far did the Queen go into the red? £33.6 million over budget. Holy crap. I'm sure I will never spend that amount of money my entire life. That said, the Royal Family hasn't seen a cost of living raise in 10 years and negotiations are set for 2010.
The easy takeaway from this is, more money = more spending (and debt). I'm not British and have only visited London once for a few weeks in highschool, but I still think I would be upset at paying an allowance to a family simply because they are Royal. Maybe its a large part of national pride for the Brits, in such a case by all means pay the people. I just would not be happy about paying a tax to a functionally useless family. Stay smart about personal finance people.
Queen is going broke.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July
Well the title says it all, enjoy the 4th. Sorry there was no post yesterday but I wasn't anywhere near a computer all day. Have a good weekend. I'll try to make a good post tomorrow. Until then, be safe.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Today Some Science.
I do so enjoy science. I don't profess the have an omniscient understanding of it, but I enjoy reading and learning about scientific discoveries. A group from the University of Nottingham has put together an interesting website devoted to explaining the symbols of physics and astronomy. The site is a matrix of 60 symbols that are accompanied by short (4-8 min.) videos explaining some of the concepts behind the symbols. If you enjoy these topics, I suggest checking the site out.
Sixty Symbols
Also an interesting fact about radio broadcasts from earth is they continue into space indefinitely. Gizmodo has a neat photo showing a map of neighbor stars that are just now starting to receive our t.v. shows and radio broadcasts. An interesting thought is what if intelligent life on those planets our broadcasting has just started reaching is listening and has no idea what to make of all the noise.
Galactic Broadcasts.
Sixty Symbols
Also an interesting fact about radio broadcasts from earth is they continue into space indefinitely. Gizmodo has a neat photo showing a map of neighbor stars that are just now starting to receive our t.v. shows and radio broadcasts. An interesting thought is what if intelligent life on those planets our broadcasting has just started reaching is listening and has no idea what to make of all the noise.
Galactic Broadcasts.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Is the Internet the Future?
Can the Internet handle large user requests? Can the Internet become the definitive medium for news and communication? Two Cnet bloggers took on the topic in a recent debate and the ideas they present are very interesting.
With the death of Micheal Jackson the Internet saw a huge surge in demand. Many users where requesting site downloads and some websites where unavailable for an extended period of time (about half an hour). Now this can be perceived as an unacceptable length of time or a small blip in life. I tend toward the second camp.
Both editors bring up valid and interesting points. The one that stuck out the most to me though dealt was with the fact that more and more people will be coming online stressing the Internet further. I don't have a great understanding of how the Internet works but I have formed a rough idea. Without giving a large lesson on the topic I will say this. Instead of stressing the Internet to the point of breaking, as is often suggested, these new users will generate more demand for expansion of the costly hardware used to host the Internet.
To sum up, I believe that the Internet will become the definitive platform for communication. News, entertainment, social networking, shopping, information sharing, etc. will all be based on the Internet. This will not happen overnight, of course, but I do believe this is an eventuality. As more and more people come online the demand will drive development of the hardware supporting the Internet. I suggest reading the debate by the Cnet editors, its a fun article.
Cnet Debate
With the death of Micheal Jackson the Internet saw a huge surge in demand. Many users where requesting site downloads and some websites where unavailable for an extended period of time (about half an hour). Now this can be perceived as an unacceptable length of time or a small blip in life. I tend toward the second camp.
Both editors bring up valid and interesting points. The one that stuck out the most to me though dealt was with the fact that more and more people will be coming online stressing the Internet further. I don't have a great understanding of how the Internet works but I have formed a rough idea. Without giving a large lesson on the topic I will say this. Instead of stressing the Internet to the point of breaking, as is often suggested, these new users will generate more demand for expansion of the costly hardware used to host the Internet.
To sum up, I believe that the Internet will become the definitive platform for communication. News, entertainment, social networking, shopping, information sharing, etc. will all be based on the Internet. This will not happen overnight, of course, but I do believe this is an eventuality. As more and more people come online the demand will drive development of the hardware supporting the Internet. I suggest reading the debate by the Cnet editors, its a fun article.
Cnet Debate
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