Very interesting campaign against carbon emissions and global warming. Extremely creative and obviously very eye catching.
The question is, if we do get to 350... will we get to see the "natural state"? :-)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Aston Martin Vantage -- the more realistic reach car
I have always loved the elegant lines of an Aston Martin, and like most of us testosterone driven human beings, we were introduced to the brand at an early age watching James Bond marathons. For a period of time while Aston Martin and Jaguar were owned by the same company, their sport coupes looked very similar.
Fortunately, Aston Martin proceeded with completely new philosophy when they decided to remake the Vanquish. This vehicle possessed the beautiful lines that all future Aston Martin coupes will be based off, from the DB9 to the Vantage.
Many compare the Vantage to the 911 Turbo or other sports cars and rate them based on performance. For the price, the 380 horsepower (and now 420 horsepower) is very lackluster compared to their cheaper and comparable German siblings. But I don't think that is the point of an Aston Martin. Like the character James Bond, Aston Martins has an understated elegance that Porsche, BMW, and Audi cannot replicate. There is character in the car, as well as beauty. Almost everyone who sees the vehicle in person comments about its beauty and timeless design. The design of Aston Martins will age well, and 20 years from now it will still be a stunning (although classic) automobile. I don't believe I will ever take an Aston Martin I own to the track, and therefore my focus would not be how well it handles on the edge of performance, but really how well it handles on the highway and local roads.
In short, the Aston Martin Vantage is a grand tourer, and will get you from point A to B in both elegance and style.
Unfortunately, even though most of the technology is based from Ford (and you'd think Ford would put some of their Ford F-250 pickup truck reliability into the vehicle) and Volvo, there is still a lot of reliability issues with the vehicle. A quick search online resulted in all of these complaints.
In terms of maintenance, I heard they are very similar to Porsche. This will mean maintenance intervals of every 15,000 to 20,000 miles with the cost ranging from $600 for a regular oil change to over $1,000 for a major service.
I recently checked with an auto broker friend and found the vehicle to now be wholesaling around $60K. Hopefully, in the near future I will be able to purchase a white or silver one. I would likely choose the coupe over the cabriolet to maintain the smooth curves the car was initially designed with (also just generally more practical).
When it does come, I hope it won't end up like this car! What a shame!
Fortunately, Aston Martin proceeded with completely new philosophy when they decided to remake the Vanquish. This vehicle possessed the beautiful lines that all future Aston Martin coupes will be based off, from the DB9 to the Vantage.
In short, the Aston Martin Vantage is a grand tourer, and will get you from point A to B in both elegance and style.
Unfortunately, even though most of the technology is based from Ford (and you'd think Ford would put some of their Ford F-250 pickup truck reliability into the vehicle) and Volvo, there is still a lot of reliability issues with the vehicle. A quick search online resulted in all of these complaints.
In terms of maintenance, I heard they are very similar to Porsche. This will mean maintenance intervals of every 15,000 to 20,000 miles with the cost ranging from $600 for a regular oil change to over $1,000 for a major service.
I recently checked with an auto broker friend and found the vehicle to now be wholesaling around $60K. Hopefully, in the near future I will be able to purchase a white or silver one. I would likely choose the coupe over the cabriolet to maintain the smooth curves the car was initially designed with (also just generally more practical).
When it does come, I hope it won't end up like this car! What a shame!
I always wanted a Batman Tumbler
Let's face it, most of the previous Batmobiles looked cheesy. Even though Batman is a make believe character, I always hoped that the items they used were more realistic. Many of the vehicles designed for the Batman movie franchise were purely for looks. A lot of the modifications they did to (then a standard corvette) actually made the vehicle more unstable at speed. So besides for looking good, they could do little else.
Then came the Tumbler. I loved the way the vehicle looked and was even more excited when I heard it was a real vehicle. The vehicle was designed from scratch to handle at speed. Even many of the move sequences were shot with the vehicle going north of 80 mph. This got me really excited about the vehicle.
Maybe it's because the car I drive now gets absolutely no respect on the road, or maybe it's the increase in horrible drivers, and maybe it's a bit of both. But more recently I have really, really wanted to purchase a Tumbler. I'm pretty sure no one will try to cut me off or have road rage when they are going head-to-head with the Batmobile itself.
From the research I was able to find online, the vehicle uses an actual 5.7-liter Chevy V-8 engine. The engine is tuned to provide the necessary power to take a 5,000-pound vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Not sure if I believe that is possible -- but cool aspirations nevertheless. In addition, the rear axle is a standard tractor trailer axle with 37-inch-diameter Super Swampers made by Interco. The front wheels are Hooiser race tires. From that point on, all of the parts are custom made, including the front steering and suspension. Aww snap.
From what I read, the firm that developed and built the vehicle for the move is under strict gagging order to not release any details regarding the design as well as build the vehicle for any other potential client. On top of that, the claimed price of the vehicle is north of $250,000. A bit beyond my price range.
Interesting enough, some other individual who had much more skills than I did had the same idea, and built the vehicle from scratch using only the information available to him online (so essentially the items I listed out above). Although the vehicle does not look exactly like the movie tumbler (especially the front wheel assembly), the resemblance is very close. The individual who built this car, Bob Dullam, claimed he spent $50-75,000 for all the parts necessary.
Amazing job! I wonder if he would be willing to build them at cost for someone else...
Below are some additional pictures of his handwork:
Video about the Tumbler design:
Tumbler in Real Life:
Then came the Tumbler. I loved the way the vehicle looked and was even more excited when I heard it was a real vehicle. The vehicle was designed from scratch to handle at speed. Even many of the move sequences were shot with the vehicle going north of 80 mph. This got me really excited about the vehicle.
Maybe it's because the car I drive now gets absolutely no respect on the road, or maybe it's the increase in horrible drivers, and maybe it's a bit of both. But more recently I have really, really wanted to purchase a Tumbler. I'm pretty sure no one will try to cut me off or have road rage when they are going head-to-head with the Batmobile itself.
From the research I was able to find online, the vehicle uses an actual 5.7-liter Chevy V-8 engine. The engine is tuned to provide the necessary power to take a 5,000-pound vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Not sure if I believe that is possible -- but cool aspirations nevertheless. In addition, the rear axle is a standard tractor trailer axle with 37-inch-diameter Super Swampers made by Interco. The front wheels are Hooiser race tires. From that point on, all of the parts are custom made, including the front steering and suspension. Aww snap.From what I read, the firm that developed and built the vehicle for the move is under strict gagging order to not release any details regarding the design as well as build the vehicle for any other potential client. On top of that, the claimed price of the vehicle is north of $250,000. A bit beyond my price range.
Amazing job! I wonder if he would be willing to build them at cost for someone else...
Below are some additional pictures of his handwork:
Video about the Tumbler design:
Tumbler in Real Life:
Why investors are wild for Brazil
This is probably one of these times I wished I; (1) spoke more foreign languages, and (2) kept in the loop on the international economic markets. I have not paid much attention to Brazil since they had to borrow $30 billion from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) to avoid default in 2002.
Latin America is currently presenting an amazing growth opportunity in both the overall economic and online sector. Latin America's largest and leading country, Brazil, escaped the financial crisis relatively unscathed and is now reporting economic figures that we can only dream about along with other up and coming countries such as China.
The GDP growth this year for this two-trillion dollar economy is projected to remained flat, but for 2010 they are expected to expand 3.5%. Brazil is an export oriented economy with a healthy mix of both commodity production and manufacturing. Because of this economy, Brazil's year-to-date trade surplus totaled $22.5 billion, up from $20.5 billion for the same period of 2008. The biggest exports include transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, shoes, coffee, and cars to nations such as the US, China, Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany.
One of the biggest drivers of its growth is Brazil's wealth of natural resources. Brazil is home to one of the most important sources of iron ore, and home to one of the world's largest producer, Vale. Without this raw material, the rapid growth of developing countries such as China would not be possible.
In addition, there is estimated reserves of 60-100 billion barrels of oil and natural gas equivalent within it's country lines. Lastly, for agriculture, the country's tropical climate, fertile land, and cheap labor provides a huge cost advantage verses other competing nations.
Probably one of the more impressive figures is during this economic recession/downturn, Brazil has been creating job growth for the past eight months. In September, employment grew by almost a quarter of a million jobs. The Brazilian stock market bottomed in October 2008, much earlier than other markets, but has since doubled.
You need more reason to do business and maybe move to Brazil? How about a handful of the top Victoria Secret models are from Brazil, and they per capita contain some of the most beautiful women in the world (see picture above)? Ok, done deal.
More Highlights can be found here:
Latin America is currently presenting an amazing growth opportunity in both the overall economic and online sector. Latin America's largest and leading country, Brazil, escaped the financial crisis relatively unscathed and is now reporting economic figures that we can only dream about along with other up and coming countries such as China.
The GDP growth this year for this two-trillion dollar economy is projected to remained flat, but for 2010 they are expected to expand 3.5%. Brazil is an export oriented economy with a healthy mix of both commodity production and manufacturing. Because of this economy, Brazil's year-to-date trade surplus totaled $22.5 billion, up from $20.5 billion for the same period of 2008. The biggest exports include transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, shoes, coffee, and cars to nations such as the US, China, Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany.
One of the biggest drivers of its growth is Brazil's wealth of natural resources. Brazil is home to one of the most important sources of iron ore, and home to one of the world's largest producer, Vale. Without this raw material, the rapid growth of developing countries such as China would not be possible.
In addition, there is estimated reserves of 60-100 billion barrels of oil and natural gas equivalent within it's country lines. Lastly, for agriculture, the country's tropical climate, fertile land, and cheap labor provides a huge cost advantage verses other competing nations.
Probably one of the more impressive figures is during this economic recession/downturn, Brazil has been creating job growth for the past eight months. In September, employment grew by almost a quarter of a million jobs. The Brazilian stock market bottomed in October 2008, much earlier than other markets, but has since doubled.
You need more reason to do business and maybe move to Brazil? How about a handful of the top Victoria Secret models are from Brazil, and they per capita contain some of the most beautiful women in the world (see picture above)? Ok, done deal.
More Highlights can be found here:
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Badges and stickers do not add horsepower
Well, it is very apparent that individuals who subscribe to this theory are not just Asian, but some are Hispanic and white as well. Most people are aware that San Bruno, CA isn't the most affluent community, and these are the exact communities where we see some of the best example of poser-ballers.
Great example was the car I saw last evening. What looked like a 2006 Mustang Coupe (based model) with the license plate CA 5MSA255. The 6-cylinder based model Mustang, with the addition of several badges, now sport a 5.0L engine (which they stopped producing several years back) as well as a Nissan Skyline GT-R badge.
I can't begin to tell you how many things are wrong with that. First, as far as I knew they didn't make a 5.0L V-6, second, when did the Japanese start building Mustangs?
You are a moron.
Great example was the car I saw last evening. What looked like a 2006 Mustang Coupe (based model) with the license plate CA 5MSA255. The 6-cylinder based model Mustang, with the addition of several badges, now sport a 5.0L engine (which they stopped producing several years back) as well as a Nissan Skyline GT-R badge.
I can't begin to tell you how many things are wrong with that. First, as far as I knew they didn't make a 5.0L V-6, second, when did the Japanese start building Mustangs?
You are a moron.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Facebook is like Microsoft
So to everyone's frustration, Facebook decided once again to change their layout. As much as I hate the new layout and all the bitching I am going to be doing about it. I am still going to be on Facebook. In many ways, Facebook is very similar to Microsoft. They both have a monopoly on their service and not many people will defect because they have already invested so much into it.
Microsoft got into this position by offering their operating system almost for free. They allowed their OS to be licensed by practically anyone and therefore Microsoft because a cheaper alternative to individual companies making their own personal computer ("PC"). Unfortunately, once they got their 80-90% market share, they decided to become the 500 lb guerrilla and start bossing people around. They tried to force feed Windows Internet Explorer, Windows 98, and Windows Vista down our throats. Because of how much of a "standard" they are in the industry, people just have to accept, adapt, and move on.
One prime example of the dominance Microsoft has is with the Excel spreadsheet application. The only other spreadsheet application I used when I first started banking at Comerica Bank was Lotus 123. I'm pretty sure many nowadays have not even heard of this application. Ironically, I heard Microsoft was actually a minority investor in Lotus so there wouldn't be the perception of a monopoly.
Microsoft Excel came to it's prime in version 11 (Microsoft Excel 2003). During this period, Microsoft made a concerted effort to keep things consistent year over year. An individual who learned how to use Microsoft Excel 1997 would have no problem picking up Excel 2003. Unfortunately, when the engineers decided to move to Excel 2007 (version 12), they changed the whole layout and interface. Usually when this happens, there would be a mass exodus of consumers moving on to other applications (because it's honestly a pain to have to relearn how to use Excel pretty much from scratch). That didn't happen. Instead, we, the consumers, created cheat-sheets and other references to help us cope with the conversion from Excel 2003 to Excel 2007. Why did the consumers put up with this? Because we, as the consumers, have invested so heavily in the software that there was no other option.
I now feel the same way with Facebook.
Because of how many of my friends are on there, as well as how much time I have invested both updating my profile as well as reconnecting with past coworkers and friends, it has become almost impossible for me to easily move on. In addition, Facebook has become one of the indispensable tools that I use to keep up to date with the happenings of my friends (although some "friends" take that update feature to the extreme).
Microsoft got into this position by offering their operating system almost for free. They allowed their OS to be licensed by practically anyone and therefore Microsoft because a cheaper alternative to individual companies making their own personal computer ("PC"). Unfortunately, once they got their 80-90% market share, they decided to become the 500 lb guerrilla and start bossing people around. They tried to force feed Windows Internet Explorer, Windows 98, and Windows Vista down our throats. Because of how much of a "standard" they are in the industry, people just have to accept, adapt, and move on.
One prime example of the dominance Microsoft has is with the Excel spreadsheet application. The only other spreadsheet application I used when I first started banking at Comerica Bank was Lotus 123. I'm pretty sure many nowadays have not even heard of this application. Ironically, I heard Microsoft was actually a minority investor in Lotus so there wouldn't be the perception of a monopoly.
Microsoft Excel came to it's prime in version 11 (Microsoft Excel 2003). During this period, Microsoft made a concerted effort to keep things consistent year over year. An individual who learned how to use Microsoft Excel 1997 would have no problem picking up Excel 2003. Unfortunately, when the engineers decided to move to Excel 2007 (version 12), they changed the whole layout and interface. Usually when this happens, there would be a mass exodus of consumers moving on to other applications (because it's honestly a pain to have to relearn how to use Excel pretty much from scratch). That didn't happen. Instead, we, the consumers, created cheat-sheets and other references to help us cope with the conversion from Excel 2003 to Excel 2007. Why did the consumers put up with this? Because we, as the consumers, have invested so heavily in the software that there was no other option.
I now feel the same way with Facebook.
Because of how many of my friends are on there, as well as how much time I have invested both updating my profile as well as reconnecting with past coworkers and friends, it has become almost impossible for me to easily move on. In addition, Facebook has become one of the indispensable tools that I use to keep up to date with the happenings of my friends (although some "friends" take that update feature to the extreme).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Natalie Portman Solves the Financial Crisis
Ok, no she doesn't. It was only a suggestion.
Well... considering how things are going, this can't hurt, can it? :-)
Well... considering how things are going, this can't hurt, can it? :-)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Oxford Manor Apartments -- Part 3
I recently had my apartment exit review/ check out inspection with the new manager there at Oxford Manor in Belmont, Sammy Khodja. Sammy was extremely aggressive during my check out inspection and implied that he could charge me for various items that realistically he could not. Sammy threatened to charge me fees for repainting the whole unit as well as various cleaning when in all honestly the unit was dirty when I first moved in.
As you can see from my previous posts, the Oxford Manor unit had rust, was extremely dirty, and even had dry rot on the balcony.
Fortunately, I had almost everything documented and when I got fed up and told Sammy to speak with my attorney and proceeded to leave, he gave in and started becoming more civil. I really feel bad for the other tenants in the unit as not many of them may have been as well educated in the subject or had as much leverage as I had. Then again, most of the people in the units do not respect the property and live 5 or more to a junior suite, so I think they deserve each other. The tenants also do not respect reserved parking and many times park where they see fit (even if it's your reserved parking spot).
As much as Sammy denies it, Oxford Manor is a slum and he is their slumlord. Maybe compared to Sammy's previous management experience in Richmond, Ca it is better? But that doesn't say much, does it?
Sammy was not professional at all, and drives around the apartment complex in an old Audi TT thinking he is the king of the world -- kind of sad really.
I question Sammy's management skills as it was very apparent he did not review my lease agreement prior to meeting with me. I have absolutely no respect for individuals who aren't on top of their job. Sammy insisted I paid only $1,000 as a deposit when in reality I paid $1,300, and continued to tell me I was wrong until I showed him my copy of the rental lease agreement. Sammy completely forgot I had a dog even though he saw me and my girlfriend walking my dog daily.
I also had a chance to see Sammy's interactions with his employees. First of all, they seem to have some problem filling their vacant units because both the electrician as well as his handyman live in the unit. Ironically, they also just happen to live in the units that were recently remodeled. Second, Sammy's employees had absolutely no respect for him. You can actually visually see them dragging themselves around not interested in their job or helping Sammy.
In my personal opinion, Sammy barely has any control over them. They rarely respond to Sammy's requests and while I was a tenant there. During a fairly serious incident where I had heavy gas fumes in my apartment, my girlfriend witnessed Sammy arguing with his employee about whether they should call PG&E. Sammy did not want to because he did not want to pay for the service -- by the way, if they are that cheap when there is a gas leak, think about their response to your other requests/issues...
I think this picture sums up everything. If they can't even bother to "spell check" their notices, what CAN they do? I made sure he wrote down in writing everything he was going to charge me and had him sign the document. Hopefully I will get most of my deposit returned and this will be the end to my rental nightmare.
In case you didn't get the message from all the other posts -- don't rent here.
As you can see from my previous posts, the Oxford Manor unit had rust, was extremely dirty, and even had dry rot on the balcony.
Fortunately, I had almost everything documented and when I got fed up and told Sammy to speak with my attorney and proceeded to leave, he gave in and started becoming more civil. I really feel bad for the other tenants in the unit as not many of them may have been as well educated in the subject or had as much leverage as I had. Then again, most of the people in the units do not respect the property and live 5 or more to a junior suite, so I think they deserve each other. The tenants also do not respect reserved parking and many times park where they see fit (even if it's your reserved parking spot).
As much as Sammy denies it, Oxford Manor is a slum and he is their slumlord. Maybe compared to Sammy's previous management experience in Richmond, Ca it is better? But that doesn't say much, does it?
Sammy was not professional at all, and drives around the apartment complex in an old Audi TT thinking he is the king of the world -- kind of sad really.
I question Sammy's management skills as it was very apparent he did not review my lease agreement prior to meeting with me. I have absolutely no respect for individuals who aren't on top of their job. Sammy insisted I paid only $1,000 as a deposit when in reality I paid $1,300, and continued to tell me I was wrong until I showed him my copy of the rental lease agreement. Sammy completely forgot I had a dog even though he saw me and my girlfriend walking my dog daily.
I also had a chance to see Sammy's interactions with his employees. First of all, they seem to have some problem filling their vacant units because both the electrician as well as his handyman live in the unit. Ironically, they also just happen to live in the units that were recently remodeled. Second, Sammy's employees had absolutely no respect for him. You can actually visually see them dragging themselves around not interested in their job or helping Sammy.
In my personal opinion, Sammy barely has any control over them. They rarely respond to Sammy's requests and while I was a tenant there. During a fairly serious incident where I had heavy gas fumes in my apartment, my girlfriend witnessed Sammy arguing with his employee about whether they should call PG&E. Sammy did not want to because he did not want to pay for the service -- by the way, if they are that cheap when there is a gas leak, think about their response to your other requests/issues...
In case you didn't get the message from all the other posts -- don't rent here.
Falling behind
With great risk comes great rewards, and I have always chosen the safer path: do well in school, get a decent job, work hard. I'm very proud of my friends and classmates whom I grew up with that have made something of themselves, gained recognization, and become icons themselves.
One of the lessons I have learned during my tenure here is to never try to be better than someone else. Sometimes, though, I look back at what some of my classmates are doing and I wonder if I should have chosen a riskier route. Seeing what they have done, definitely motivates me to become more than I am now.
Here are some people I grew up with:
I still remember running into James Franco at my high school reunion, which I spent quite some time debating on if I wanted to attend or not. James ("Teddy") was pretty laid back and easy to talk to. I enjoyed catching up with him.
As for JT, I haven't talked to him really since high school. But I still remember skiing with him up at Squaw Valley in Tahoe and getting my butt thoroughly kicked. That and him trying to unsuccessfully convince me to learn to do the "helicopter".
One of the lessons I have learned during my tenure here is to never try to be better than someone else. Sometimes, though, I look back at what some of my classmates are doing and I wonder if I should have chosen a riskier route. Seeing what they have done, definitely motivates me to become more than I am now.
Here are some people I grew up with:
I still remember running into James Franco at my high school reunion, which I spent quite some time debating on if I wanted to attend or not. James ("Teddy") was pretty laid back and easy to talk to. I enjoyed catching up with him.
As for JT, I haven't talked to him really since high school. But I still remember skiing with him up at Squaw Valley in Tahoe and getting my butt thoroughly kicked. That and him trying to unsuccessfully convince me to learn to do the "helicopter".
Monday, October 19, 2009
Poserballing -- why you shouldn't do it
I really don't understand the concept of why people pretend to have something that they don't ("poserball"). You either have it or you don't. Very simple concept, but often misunderstood.
I have yet to have friends that poserball, so I really do not understand the mentality of the group. I see them around town all the time. Whether it's girls sporting fake luxury brands and or guys pretending their cars are something they are not. Maybe I'm ignorant of the materialistic society I live in, or maybe it's just a sign of upbringing and pedigree, but I always respected an individual for who they are, not what they have. I never understood the individuals who felt like they need to pretend they have something they don't to feel accepted.
I have money to buy things and often choose not to because I rather spend my money elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I probably would respect that individual even more vs. "being cheap" but still pretending to have that item you're too cheap to buy in the first place.
One prime example is this guy in Burlingame. I initially thought it would be some young punk Asian kid but turned out to be a middle aged white guy. Don't get me wrong, the BMW 3-series convertible is a great car, but he managed to make it look cheap. The only girls he would probably pick up would be the stupid materialistic ones who would sleep with the guy just cause he's got a pair of keys to a Porsche (and not even his car). To the rest of us, he's just a joke.
We took pictures of his car to make fun of him, and as I drove by I gave his a sarcastic "thumbs up". He probably thought we were so excited with the car that he even turned on his hazards for us. Uhm... no. I used to have a real M3 convertible. As hard as you try to look cool, you don't have one. Mr. CA plate 6BCZ752. You, sir, have made it on to this list.
I have yet to have friends that poserball, so I really do not understand the mentality of the group. I see them around town all the time. Whether it's girls sporting fake luxury brands and or guys pretending their cars are something they are not. Maybe I'm ignorant of the materialistic society I live in, or maybe it's just a sign of upbringing and pedigree, but I always respected an individual for who they are, not what they have. I never understood the individuals who felt like they need to pretend they have something they don't to feel accepted.
I have money to buy things and often choose not to because I rather spend my money elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I probably would respect that individual even more vs. "being cheap" but still pretending to have that item you're too cheap to buy in the first place.
One prime example is this guy in Burlingame. I initially thought it would be some young punk Asian kid but turned out to be a middle aged white guy. Don't get me wrong, the BMW 3-series convertible is a great car, but he managed to make it look cheap. The only girls he would probably pick up would be the stupid materialistic ones who would sleep with the guy just cause he's got a pair of keys to a Porsche (and not even his car). To the rest of us, he's just a joke.
We took pictures of his car to make fun of him, and as I drove by I gave his a sarcastic "thumbs up". He probably thought we were so excited with the car that he even turned on his hazards for us. Uhm... no. I used to have a real M3 convertible. As hard as you try to look cool, you don't have one. Mr. CA plate 6BCZ752. You, sir, have made it on to this list.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
How to be lucky
I'm a strong believer you can create your own luck, and I think someone said it best with, "luck is when preparation meets opportunity." There was a great article written about this and someone actually did a study and found out systematically it is not the individual who is lucky, but their mindset and/or process that makes them more fortunate than others.
Many times, it's not even the fortune, but the perception of an event one has that makes all the difference.
In the wake of these studies, I think there are three easy techniques that can help to maximise good fortune:
Many times, it's not even the fortune, but the perception of an event one has that makes all the difference.
In the wake of these studies, I think there are three easy techniques that can help to maximise good fortune:
- Unlucky people often fail to follow their intuition when making a choice, whereas lucky people tend to respect hunches. Lucky people are interested in how they both think and feel about the various options, rather than simply looking at the rational side of the situation. I think this helps them because gut feelings act as an alarm bell - a reason to consider a decision carefully.
- Unlucky people tend to be creatures of routine. They tend to take the same route to and from work and talk to the same types of people at parties. In contrast, many lucky people try to introduce variety into their lives. For example, one person described how he thought of a colour before arriving at a party and then introduced himself to people wearing that colour. This kind of behaviour boosts the likelihood of chance opportunities by introducing variety.
- Lucky people tend to see the positive side of their ill fortune. They imagine how things could have been worse. In one interview, a lucky volunteer arrived with his leg in a plaster cast and described how he had fallen down a flight of stairs. I asked him whether he still felt lucky and he cheerfully explained that he felt luckier than before. As he pointed out, he could have broken his neck.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tony Robbins -- why we do what we do
I always had the drive to continue to better myself and learn from people's experience as well as gain insight from individuals who are wiser than I am. As part of this drive, I have chosen to attend some conventional, and unconventional seminars. One of the more unconventional seminars I have attended would be Landmark.
After attending Landmark and not being 100% pleased with the culture that came out of those seminars, I was a bit apprehensive when my friend asked me to check out Tony Robbins. Tony Robbins turned out to be one of the best motivation speakers I have heard, and he dispenses very valuable life lessons.
Most of what Tony Robbins preaches is fairly common sense, but organized in a way that is very easy to understand and comprehend. He dissects very easily and deeply the needs that each individual, as a human being, desire, as well as what we do to achieve it. Most importantly, Tony teaches us productive ways of meeting that same need and reaching that same goal.
Having Tony Robbins appear on TED as well as having Al Gore as a guest just give his teachings even more credibility.
Most of what Tony Robbins taught in his 4-day course is summarized in this short video clip below. Enjoy.
After attending Landmark and not being 100% pleased with the culture that came out of those seminars, I was a bit apprehensive when my friend asked me to check out Tony Robbins. Tony Robbins turned out to be one of the best motivation speakers I have heard, and he dispenses very valuable life lessons.
Most of what Tony Robbins preaches is fairly common sense, but organized in a way that is very easy to understand and comprehend. He dissects very easily and deeply the needs that each individual, as a human being, desire, as well as what we do to achieve it. Most importantly, Tony teaches us productive ways of meeting that same need and reaching that same goal.
Having Tony Robbins appear on TED as well as having Al Gore as a guest just give his teachings even more credibility.
Most of what Tony Robbins taught in his 4-day course is summarized in this short video clip below. Enjoy.
Life lessons from an ad man
Perception; value of perceived value.
Rory Sutherland talks about the value of advertising. The ability to enhance a product by changing the public's perception, rather than the product itself.
"Advertising adds value to a product by changing our perception, rather than the product itself. Rory Sutherland makes the daring assertion that a change in perceived value can be just as satisfying as what we consider “real” value -- and his conclusion has interesting consequences for how we look at life."
I think we can apply a lot of the lessons learned in this video to our own lives. Instead of spending a massive amount of time to change the product itself, we can employ marketing strategies to change the public's mind.
This theory can also apply to contract negotiation in acquisitions (since negotiating contract points have everything to do with perceived value) as well as business in general.
More here.
Rory Sutherland talks about the value of advertising. The ability to enhance a product by changing the public's perception, rather than the product itself.
"Advertising adds value to a product by changing our perception, rather than the product itself. Rory Sutherland makes the daring assertion that a change in perceived value can be just as satisfying as what we consider “real” value -- and his conclusion has interesting consequences for how we look at life."
I think we can apply a lot of the lessons learned in this video to our own lives. Instead of spending a massive amount of time to change the product itself, we can employ marketing strategies to change the public's mind.
This theory can also apply to contract negotiation in acquisitions (since negotiating contract points have everything to do with perceived value) as well as business in general.
More here.
Russians make $1.5M SUV
The Russians showed again that money is no object in showing wealth. Personally, I don't think Russians make the best cars, but they sure know how to pretty it up. The Russian SUV runs a cool $1.5 million.
For your $1.5 million you get the following features:
THREE BOTTLES OF World Most Expensive Vodka - RussoBaltique Vodka, drink edition, same as in the RussoBaltique car when it visited Monaco at 1912.
I don't even know how to write an article on this... so I'm just going to quote it:
"Whale penis leather interior. That's all you really need to know about the $1.5 million Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition. Yes, the diamond-encrusted white gold gauges and gold-plated bulletproof windows are impressive, but seriously, whale penis leather interior.
The already bulletproof and wildly over-the-top 8.1 liter GM V8-powered Dartz Kombat T98 is getting a name change to Prombron and along with it will come a complete and brain-maimingly bourgeoisie upgrade with the Monaco Red Diamond Edition. The world's most expensive ultra-luxury SUV will debut at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco show with luxe features crazy enough to make a Maybach blush.
We have a lot of questions about this car, most of them whale penis leather-related, but in the bigger picture, this brazen finger-in-the-eye raises a good point, so to speak. What makes a luxury vehicle? Things we used to think of as luxury - bovine leather, wood trim, high-end audio, etc., have become mainstream. Does it take exceptionally ridiculous material selection and bold ostentatious flair to define new luxury? Is it encapsulating yourself in a vehicle capable of taking a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade? Does it mean emulating the wild excess of past luxury much like the Red Diamond is doing? Who knows. But we're betting the tzars would roll in one of these babies."
Source
For your $1.5 million you get the following features:
- Ruby Red matte paint
- Gold-plated bulletproof windows
- 22" Kremlin Red Star bulletproof wheels
- Whale Penis Leather interior
- Tungsten exhaust
- Tungsten and white gold gauges with diamonds and rubies
- White gold diamond and ruby encrusted badges - grill, side and dashboard
- Special edition Vertu mobile phone with "alert" button
- Additional outside kevlar coating
- Rogue Acoustic Audio System.
THREE BOTTLES OF World Most Expensive Vodka - RussoBaltique Vodka, drink edition, same as in the RussoBaltique car when it visited Monaco at 1912.
I don't even know how to write an article on this... so I'm just going to quote it:
"Whale penis leather interior. That's all you really need to know about the $1.5 million Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition. Yes, the diamond-encrusted white gold gauges and gold-plated bulletproof windows are impressive, but seriously, whale penis leather interior.
The already bulletproof and wildly over-the-top 8.1 liter GM V8-powered Dartz Kombat T98 is getting a name change to Prombron and along with it will come a complete and brain-maimingly bourgeoisie upgrade with the Monaco Red Diamond Edition. The world's most expensive ultra-luxury SUV will debut at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco show with luxe features crazy enough to make a Maybach blush.
We have a lot of questions about this car, most of them whale penis leather-related, but in the bigger picture, this brazen finger-in-the-eye raises a good point, so to speak. What makes a luxury vehicle? Things we used to think of as luxury - bovine leather, wood trim, high-end audio, etc., have become mainstream. Does it take exceptionally ridiculous material selection and bold ostentatious flair to define new luxury? Is it encapsulating yourself in a vehicle capable of taking a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade? Does it mean emulating the wild excess of past luxury much like the Red Diamond is doing? Who knows. But we're betting the tzars would roll in one of these babies."
Source
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Section 8 -- Low Income Housing in Nice Neighborhoods
There is a lot of government assistance for individuals and families that can not afford proper housing. I do not agree with the current regulations and rules of Section 8 or Low Income housing in upscale neighborhoods. I have not studied this policy in detail so most of my example comes from my observation.
My belief is that families can apply for Section 8 or Low Income housing to give their children an opportunity to excel in a better school district. I grew up very poor and my parents worked hard on their own to send me to good schools and raise me in good neighborhoods without any government assistance. It would have been nice if my parents didn't have to work as hard to provide for me during that time.
Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. In Burlingame, on Bellevue Ave, I have seen family of 8 or more all stuff into a 1-bedroom apartment to take advantage of the situation, and the individuals who live in those units will many times loiter around the area and both steal and vandalize from surrounding apartments. They also immediately make the area around the apartment feel unsafe in the evening as they loiter outside late into the night.
Personally, I believe that there should be less Section 8 and/or Low Income housing in upscale areas and the individuals who apply for these units should be restricted and highly regulated. I have lived in various apartments in usually upscale neighborhoods and have seen this assistance significantly abused. This ends up defeating the purpose of the housing as well as decreases the desirability of the area for others.
On top of that, Section 8 and Low Income housing decreases the supply and increases rent for the rest of us, hard working individuals who fund the program in the first place. Individuals and families who take advantage of the government's helping hand should be eliminated from wasting my hard earned tax money. Instead, the should have random check-ins to make sure only one family lives there as well as a performance component that measures their children's classroom grades. Only families who meet both criteria should be allowed to remain. If they only aspire to become a member of a gang, they don't need to do it in an upscale area.
End of the day, people who are driven to excel will do so no matter what difficulties face them. People who do not will just take what is given to them for granted.
My 2 cents.
My belief is that families can apply for Section 8 or Low Income housing to give their children an opportunity to excel in a better school district. I grew up very poor and my parents worked hard on their own to send me to good schools and raise me in good neighborhoods without any government assistance. It would have been nice if my parents didn't have to work as hard to provide for me during that time.
Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. In Burlingame, on Bellevue Ave, I have seen family of 8 or more all stuff into a 1-bedroom apartment to take advantage of the situation, and the individuals who live in those units will many times loiter around the area and both steal and vandalize from surrounding apartments. They also immediately make the area around the apartment feel unsafe in the evening as they loiter outside late into the night.
Personally, I believe that there should be less Section 8 and/or Low Income housing in upscale areas and the individuals who apply for these units should be restricted and highly regulated. I have lived in various apartments in usually upscale neighborhoods and have seen this assistance significantly abused. This ends up defeating the purpose of the housing as well as decreases the desirability of the area for others.
On top of that, Section 8 and Low Income housing decreases the supply and increases rent for the rest of us, hard working individuals who fund the program in the first place. Individuals and families who take advantage of the government's helping hand should be eliminated from wasting my hard earned tax money. Instead, the should have random check-ins to make sure only one family lives there as well as a performance component that measures their children's classroom grades. Only families who meet both criteria should be allowed to remain. If they only aspire to become a member of a gang, they don't need to do it in an upscale area.
End of the day, people who are driven to excel will do so no matter what difficulties face them. People who do not will just take what is given to them for granted.
My 2 cents.
Cutting off pedestrians on a crosswalk
I was just leaving a wonderful dinner with my girlfriend for her birthday when, while crossing the street on a crosswalk, I had an Asian woman in a Kia SUV cut us off. We were literally already half-way across the intersection when I saw the lady take a left from the oncoming street into us. She made the turn about 3-feet ahead of where we were, into the wrong direction of traffic.
To be honest, I don't think she was even paying attention and she didn't even realize we were on the crosswalk until the very last minute. She stopped to "wave" at us an apology, but seriously?
I understand the law states that when a pedestrian is crossing a crosswalk, vehicles are not allowed to make turns through the crosswalk until the individual is completely crossed. Given, no one really follows this rule, but it would be nice if the vehicle (considering it's over 3,000 lbs of steel) to leave some more buffer.
Unfortunately, it was in the evening and I did not have my cell phone with me, otherwise I would have a picture of her and her vehicle.
To be honest, I don't think she was even paying attention and she didn't even realize we were on the crosswalk until the very last minute. She stopped to "wave" at us an apology, but seriously?
I understand the law states that when a pedestrian is crossing a crosswalk, vehicles are not allowed to make turns through the crosswalk until the individual is completely crossed. Given, no one really follows this rule, but it would be nice if the vehicle (considering it's over 3,000 lbs of steel) to leave some more buffer.
Unfortunately, it was in the evening and I did not have my cell phone with me, otherwise I would have a picture of her and her vehicle.
Job vs. Career vs. Calling
I am the first to admit that I have not found my Calling. I think everyone in this world one way or another is looking for that holy grail of "why we are here?" A famous designer Stefan Sagmeister defined the work we do into three distinct segments. Job, Career, and Calling.
For the past few years I was driven by advancement and promotion. I no longer paid attention to my hours and worked endlessly to increase both my performance as well as my learning and professional growth. I have had some amazing bosses and mentors during this period of time -- many at the top of their industry and profession.
Right now, a "Calling" is as mysterious to me as when I had a "Job" and was trying to envision a "Career". A Calling is a very foreign concept that I conceptually understand but do not yet know how to achieve.
One way others have reflected and both found and achieved their Calling is through "time off". Taking sabbaticals from their work. Stefan describes how he closes his New York Studio 1-year every 7-years in order to explore and experience new things. The head chef/founder of el Bulli in Barcelona take sabbaticals as well.
I believe traveling for me can and may have the same affect. One action item I need to pursue is to spend less money on material possessions/ car related events and more traveling to parts of the world I have never seen. I have never been a big vacation individual. I worked throughout the first 8-years of my life not taking any vacations and racking up my PTO. The two week long vacations I have taken during this 8-year period were to Maui and Europe. The vacations came years apart, and Maui wasn't really anything different. Fortunately, I came out of my travels to Barcelona and Italy with a new-found understanding of the world as well as a feeling of there are so many things to learn and see -- I can only imagine what waits beyond the borders of other countries.
My own translation of this concept is that if you're doing the same thing day-in and day-out, things get stale very quickly and no new ideas or experiences will happen. This is because there will be a very low chance one will experience anything new in the same environment. Once in a while, a break from your job/career can translate to higher performance and more success in the long run. But the key to taking time off is there needs to be an action plan of what you wish to experience or explore.
I have frequently experienced a "Job" and more recently experienced a "Career". Hopefully one day I will experience my "Calling" following this process.
What's your calling?
- Job: done for money, 9:00 - 5:00
- Career: advancement and promotion
- Calling: intrinsically fulfilling.
For the past few years I was driven by advancement and promotion. I no longer paid attention to my hours and worked endlessly to increase both my performance as well as my learning and professional growth. I have had some amazing bosses and mentors during this period of time -- many at the top of their industry and profession.
Right now, a "Calling" is as mysterious to me as when I had a "Job" and was trying to envision a "Career". A Calling is a very foreign concept that I conceptually understand but do not yet know how to achieve.
One way others have reflected and both found and achieved their Calling is through "time off". Taking sabbaticals from their work. Stefan describes how he closes his New York Studio 1-year every 7-years in order to explore and experience new things. The head chef/founder of el Bulli in Barcelona take sabbaticals as well.
I believe traveling for me can and may have the same affect. One action item I need to pursue is to spend less money on material possessions/ car related events and more traveling to parts of the world I have never seen. I have never been a big vacation individual. I worked throughout the first 8-years of my life not taking any vacations and racking up my PTO. The two week long vacations I have taken during this 8-year period were to Maui and Europe. The vacations came years apart, and Maui wasn't really anything different. Fortunately, I came out of my travels to Barcelona and Italy with a new-found understanding of the world as well as a feeling of there are so many things to learn and see -- I can only imagine what waits beyond the borders of other countries.
My own translation of this concept is that if you're doing the same thing day-in and day-out, things get stale very quickly and no new ideas or experiences will happen. This is because there will be a very low chance one will experience anything new in the same environment. Once in a while, a break from your job/career can translate to higher performance and more success in the long run. But the key to taking time off is there needs to be an action plan of what you wish to experience or explore.
I have frequently experienced a "Job" and more recently experienced a "Career". Hopefully one day I will experience my "Calling" following this process.
What's your calling?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Coach John Wooden -- Life Lessons
I randomly ran into this video while surfing the Ted.com site and I love the message that the speaker is communicating to his audience. In the path I took myself and through my own life experiences, I have come to the same conclusion.
The formula for success is clearly laid out by John (from his father) as the following:
Ultimately, success is a peace of mind attend only through self satisfaction and knowing you've made the effort to do the best you are capable.
The formula for success is clearly laid out by John (from his father) as the following:
- Never try to be better than someone else
- Always learn from others
- Never cease to be better than who you can be.
Ultimately, success is a peace of mind attend only through self satisfaction and knowing you've made the effort to do the best you are capable.
The "Fun" Theory
There is something that was lost during my progression through life that I recently realized: fun. As a kid, we were all attracted to what was fun to us. Even my loyal, but slightly retarded doberman innately chooses what's fun for him through his decisions throughout the day.
Just yesterday, my girlfriend was telling how when she was walking our dog, the local high school students were hesitant and scared of the dog. Yet a young boy not much more than 5 years old came up to her asking to pet the animal -- because it was fun. There was no hesitation, no ingrained fear that was learned and imposed by parents and/or society.
Somehow, as we grow up, more and more of things that we enjoy and that "makes things fun" becomes suppressed by things "we have to do" and "what we can't do". As the video below clearly shows, when you make things more "fun", much more people will be inclined to use it. This is a very important lesson. The fundamental, primal emotional connection we have with "fun" overrides all of the rules and logic we imposed on ourselves.
As a marketer, if we are able to create products and services that tap into this primal emotional state that we all seek, the more successful we will be. This is one reason why certain items are such an emotional purchase. Everyone's idea of fun is unique and different. But one example is cars. Everyone knows a Toyota Yaris can get us from point A to point B just as effectively as a nicer car, but emotions makes up a large portion of what we think is fun (or "cool") and what is not.
We can apply this to our everyday lives as well. Everything good takes hard work, but if we learn to seek and find the fun things (and humor) in what we do everyday, it will just make your day that much better.
For more interesting videos, sponsored by VW, please go here.
Just yesterday, my girlfriend was telling how when she was walking our dog, the local high school students were hesitant and scared of the dog. Yet a young boy not much more than 5 years old came up to her asking to pet the animal -- because it was fun. There was no hesitation, no ingrained fear that was learned and imposed by parents and/or society.
Somehow, as we grow up, more and more of things that we enjoy and that "makes things fun" becomes suppressed by things "we have to do" and "what we can't do". As the video below clearly shows, when you make things more "fun", much more people will be inclined to use it. This is a very important lesson. The fundamental, primal emotional connection we have with "fun" overrides all of the rules and logic we imposed on ourselves.
As a marketer, if we are able to create products and services that tap into this primal emotional state that we all seek, the more successful we will be. This is one reason why certain items are such an emotional purchase. Everyone's idea of fun is unique and different. But one example is cars. Everyone knows a Toyota Yaris can get us from point A to point B just as effectively as a nicer car, but emotions makes up a large portion of what we think is fun (or "cool") and what is not.
We can apply this to our everyday lives as well. Everything good takes hard work, but if we learn to seek and find the fun things (and humor) in what we do everyday, it will just make your day that much better.
For more interesting videos, sponsored by VW, please go here.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
First rainstorm of the season
... and why you shouldn't drive fast.
It's amazing how much of what I learned in life is through mistakes that I have made. I'm probably one of those few individuals that is bound to repeat history because I cannot learn by example. My driving is one of them.
I actually used to "think" I was a very good driver in high school -- and drove fairly carelessly. I had many reason that made me believe that. I learned to drive as well as took my exam on a fully manual vehicle -- stick/manual transmission, no power doors, brakes, steering, windows. I mean, the car didn't even have a stereo.
Unfortunately, I was a horrible driver, as most teenagers learned sooner or later. I got into two big accidents in my car during the first 6-months of driving. One of the accident was from an individual who ran a red light and t-boned my car, so I guess there is only one accident that was my fault.
Being careless, and late for school, I wasn't paying attention when I made a left turn on the driveway into high school and I tagged an undocumented Mexican worker riding his bicycle to Stanford. Fortunately, I wasn't going so fast. The worker probably saw it as a lottery and being inexperienced and young I actually drove him to his work where the worker's manager proceed to convince me to admit fault, then called a Stanford officer who wrote me up with 2-points on my license based on the worker's statement alone. Lastly, the worker tried to sue my parents. Thankfully, our insurance company took care of all of it.
This was a very important lesson for me though, and I have spent the rest of my tenure as a driver never getting in another accident with anything that can sue me. I have, though, hit a deer, coyote, and a bird -- though none of them were my fault.
Here are the lessons I have learned during my 13-years as a driver.
It's amazing how much of what I learned in life is through mistakes that I have made. I'm probably one of those few individuals that is bound to repeat history because I cannot learn by example. My driving is one of them.
I actually used to "think" I was a very good driver in high school -- and drove fairly carelessly. I had many reason that made me believe that. I learned to drive as well as took my exam on a fully manual vehicle -- stick/manual transmission, no power doors, brakes, steering, windows. I mean, the car didn't even have a stereo.
Unfortunately, I was a horrible driver, as most teenagers learned sooner or later. I got into two big accidents in my car during the first 6-months of driving. One of the accident was from an individual who ran a red light and t-boned my car, so I guess there is only one accident that was my fault.
Being careless, and late for school, I wasn't paying attention when I made a left turn on the driveway into high school and I tagged an undocumented Mexican worker riding his bicycle to Stanford. Fortunately, I wasn't going so fast. The worker probably saw it as a lottery and being inexperienced and young I actually drove him to his work where the worker's manager proceed to convince me to admit fault, then called a Stanford officer who wrote me up with 2-points on my license based on the worker's statement alone. Lastly, the worker tried to sue my parents. Thankfully, our insurance company took care of all of it.
This was a very important lesson for me though, and I have spent the rest of my tenure as a driver never getting in another accident with anything that can sue me. I have, though, hit a deer, coyote, and a bird -- though none of them were my fault.
Here are the lessons I have learned during my 13-years as a driver.
- Drive slower in the rain. This is especially true when it's the first rain of the season. Grime and grease from vehicles collect in the asphalt all spring, summer and early fall. The first rain of the season brings this slick onto the surface of the road. Driving on this sometimes can be like driving on black ice -- you don't know when you will hit that "patch". Better to be safe than sorry.
- Don't make sudden movements. Usually, it's aggressive and sudden movements that cause the car to loose control. The less traction there is on the tires with the road, the more likely you will crash. Rain, snow, fast driving, aggressive maneuvers, can all contribute to less traction.
- Don't tailgate. Do don't honestly think in an emergency you can stop in time if you're only 2-3 feet behind the car in front of you, do you?
- Pay attention. Don't be doing your makeup, or watching TV, or texting while you are driving. I had instances where I almost got rear ended by an individual who was on the phone and not paying attention to what was going on in front of them. Don't get me wrong, I am guilty of that as well once in a while, but it's not a good habit to get into. You are driving a vehicle that's likely over 3,000 lbs -- and very dangerous. I don't think a text, or applying a mascara, is worth possibly you going to jail for the rest of your life, do you?
- Be aware. This plays more into being a defensive driver. Pay attention to what is going on around you while you are driving. Be aware of the individuals who are not paying attention, of the car that's about to merge, of vehicles that may or may not be in your blind spot. Plan out exits. In a sudden emergency, you will react much faster because you don't have to spend the extra time to figure out who's around you, where you can go, etc.
- Drive slower in the evening. Kind of self explanatory. Your headlights is not a great substitute for sunlight. In the darkness, your vision is limited, and one has to react much more quickly. Going slower buys yourself more time to react. This probably would have kept me from hitting the coyote and/or deer.
- Don't cheap out on tires. Your car's tires are the only contact points your vehicle has to the road.
- Don't merge into a faster lane if you are slow. If you are significantly slower than oncoming traffic, and do not plan to speed up, don't merge in front of someone suddenly just because you don't want to be in the right most lane. That's just asking for an accident to happen.
- Left lane only to pass. Don't you hate idiots who hog the left lane and then go slow? I loved my experience in Italy. Drivers are required by law to let traffic pass if they are too slow. In addition, they leave left lanes open only for passing. This actually makes driving much safer. The risk of collision comes when the slow driver forces other traffic to try to navigate around them.
- Stay away from bicyclists and pedestrians. This translates to drive SLOW when you are in anywhere residential or local. Why? This is because you cannot afford to hit any bicyclists or pedestrians. They will never follow the law, yet they will always win (and you will always get sued or go to jail) if you ever hit them with your vehicle.
- Also, get to know your car. The car you drive, whether it's a Yugo or a Ferrari, will communicate to you and let you know when you are approaching the vehicle's limit. The limits for each vehicle is unique and change depending on the weather and road conditions. Cars are designed to stay on the road, and if you start pushing the vehicle a bit too much you can actually start to feel the vehicle get unsettled and uneasy. Learning how your car communicates will also help you become a better driver.
The economy and poserballing
Tough times, tough times.
I'm pretty sure this isn't the case with the individual who owns the BMW e46 M3 (and license plate "BAUCE") with the bumper Zip-tied on, but it's a pretty funny illustration. During the debt fueled economic boom, everyone was trying to flaunt their wealth and show everyone how "hood" rich they are.
Even now, and I was guilty of this at one point when I was younger, individuals who lived at home buy $40,000-50,000 cars on credit. Seriously? Why would you think you're "pimpin'" if your still living with mommy and daddy? Where are you going to take the "gold digger" you lured from the club with your car?
It's pretty funny to see how those individuals are living during this recession though. Pimped out and modded cars with custom license plates once showed off with pride now being held together with zip-ties because they can't even afford to fix a bumper. Oh, the joys of having cash in the bank!
Oh well, live and learn.
I'm pretty sure this isn't the case with the individual who owns the BMW e46 M3 (and license plate "BAUCE") with the bumper Zip-tied on, but it's a pretty funny illustration. During the debt fueled economic boom, everyone was trying to flaunt their wealth and show everyone how "hood" rich they are.
Even now, and I was guilty of this at one point when I was younger, individuals who lived at home buy $40,000-50,000 cars on credit. Seriously? Why would you think you're "pimpin'" if your still living with mommy and daddy? Where are you going to take the "gold digger" you lured from the club with your car?
It's pretty funny to see how those individuals are living during this recession though. Pimped out and modded cars with custom license plates once showed off with pride now being held together with zip-ties because they can't even afford to fix a bumper. Oh, the joys of having cash in the bank!
Oh well, live and learn.
Monday, October 12, 2009
2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat Extended Cab
It's always sad when the time comes to see an old car off. This is especially true when this was a vehicle my father has had for his company since 2000. The 9 year old car had done it's job and is now ready for a new home.
My favorite part of this vehicle is the respect it commands on the highway when you're changing lanes and/or merging. Cars around it generally respectably get the hell out of the way. This vehicle has also had a starring role in at least 8 of my moves (yes, I move around a lot). Because of the extra long bed and massive cargo room, I was usually able to make the move in one trip (and save on renting out a UHAUL).
One highlight of the vehicle is the 6.8L V10 engine. That's almost a 428 cubic inch of displacement! I can't begin to speak to how much torque an engine of this displacement generates...
Ad below:
2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Lariat 4dr Extended/ Super Cab 4WD Long Bed. Construction truck. 4 wheel disk anti-lock brakes (ABS). Dual Air Bags.
6.8L V10 SOHC 20V FI Gas Engine, 4-speed automatic transmission. 310 hp, 425 torque.
130,000 miles.
One owner.
Fully Loaded Options:
- Power windows
- Power door locks
- Tilt Wheel
- Power seats (two Captain chairs (bucket seats), seats 5)
- Running Boards
- Full leather
- Alloy wheels
- Camper/ Towing Package with Power and telescoping mirrors
- Premium sounds with Single Compact disk
- Two tone paint
- Trailer Hitch
- Center Console
- Limited Slip Differential
- Electronic, shift-on-the-fly 4x4
Additional add-on:
- Custom Spray on truck bed liner and mat
- Custom construction rack
Extremely reliable, strong and powerful engine. Always dealer serviced. Great build quality (see details here http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f250superduty/2000/review.html). Minor dents on door and hood. Selling because upgrading fleet.
Serious buyers only.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1417831712.html
My favorite part of this vehicle is the respect it commands on the highway when you're changing lanes and/or merging. Cars around it generally respectably get the hell out of the way. This vehicle has also had a starring role in at least 8 of my moves (yes, I move around a lot). Because of the extra long bed and massive cargo room, I was usually able to make the move in one trip (and save on renting out a UHAUL).
One highlight of the vehicle is the 6.8L V10 engine. That's almost a 428 cubic inch of displacement! I can't begin to speak to how much torque an engine of this displacement generates...
Ad below:
2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Lariat 4dr Extended/ Super Cab 4WD Long Bed. Construction truck. 4 wheel disk anti-lock brakes (ABS). Dual Air Bags.
6.8L V10 SOHC 20V FI Gas Engine, 4-speed automatic transmission. 310 hp, 425 torque.
130,000 miles.
One owner.
Fully Loaded Options:
- Power windows
- Power door locks
- Tilt Wheel
- Power seats (two Captain chairs (bucket seats), seats 5)
- Running Boards
- Full leather
- Alloy wheels
- Camper/ Towing Package with Power and telescoping mirrors
- Premium sounds with Single Compact disk
- Two tone paint
- Trailer Hitch
- Center Console
- Limited Slip Differential
- Electronic, shift-on-the-fly 4x4
Additional add-on:
- Custom Spray on truck bed liner and mat
- Custom construction rack
Extremely reliable, strong and powerful engine. Always dealer serviced. Great build quality (see details here http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f250superduty/2000/review.html). Minor dents on door and hood. Selling because upgrading fleet.
Serious buyers only.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1417831712.html
Saturday, October 10, 2009
You're not the first
Although BMW's most recent vehicle design has fallen out of favor, I'm still always entertained by how creative their ad agency is. One prime example is their advertisement for their certified used cars, with the caption, "you know you're not the first."
Unfortunately, that's where the similarities of a hot lady and an used car ends. I highly doubt that attractive lady will come any cheaper just because she's used. But the ad does bring up a good point.
There is a big stigma for used vehicles -- especially in the Asian community. Growing up in a relatively traditional household, I realized that many Asians look down on individuals who purchased used vehicles. This is because there is a perception that they had to purchase used because they could not afford the price of the new vehicle. In addition, there is always the fear that the previous owner may have inadvertently damaged the car prior. Lastly, my father summed it up best, "it's like a pair of boxer, why would you want to wear an used pair?"
A nice car is a nice car whether it's new or used. As long as the vehicle is properly taken care of and maintained, many times you can get all the excitement and performance of the new vehicle at a significant discount from MSRP. Many used vehicles also come with factory warranty, so it is a win-win situation for a potential buyer.
Being a finance guy, and an individual who has purchased both new and used vehicles, I really do not see the difference. I would much rather purchase a vehicle used for cheaper as I have better things to do with my savings than to throw it away just to "show off" I bought it new. There is one important difference though, unless you are aware of what you're getting yourself into, do make sure you purchase the vehicle under warranty. Vehicles out of warranty, especially the "attractive" German models, are very expensive to maintain and repair.
Why else do you think their Service Department always look so nice? ;-)
Unfortunately, that's where the similarities of a hot lady and an used car ends. I highly doubt that attractive lady will come any cheaper just because she's used. But the ad does bring up a good point.
There is a big stigma for used vehicles -- especially in the Asian community. Growing up in a relatively traditional household, I realized that many Asians look down on individuals who purchased used vehicles. This is because there is a perception that they had to purchase used because they could not afford the price of the new vehicle. In addition, there is always the fear that the previous owner may have inadvertently damaged the car prior. Lastly, my father summed it up best, "it's like a pair of boxer, why would you want to wear an used pair?"
A nice car is a nice car whether it's new or used. As long as the vehicle is properly taken care of and maintained, many times you can get all the excitement and performance of the new vehicle at a significant discount from MSRP. Many used vehicles also come with factory warranty, so it is a win-win situation for a potential buyer.
Being a finance guy, and an individual who has purchased both new and used vehicles, I really do not see the difference. I would much rather purchase a vehicle used for cheaper as I have better things to do with my savings than to throw it away just to "show off" I bought it new. There is one important difference though, unless you are aware of what you're getting yourself into, do make sure you purchase the vehicle under warranty. Vehicles out of warranty, especially the "attractive" German models, are very expensive to maintain and repair.
Why else do you think their Service Department always look so nice? ;-)
Friday, October 9, 2009
BMW vs. Audi -- fight to the death
There is no denying that although BMW may not be the "Ultimate Driving Machine", they are great vehicles to drive. Performance, stability, balance. In fact, I owned two of them back-to-back. There has always been this competition between BMW and Audi. Historically, and based on user experience, Audi has always been the black sheep of this competitive family.
Audi was known in the 1990s and early 2000 as an unreliable vehicle (although my experience with BMW has been less than stellar). The designs were traditional and uninspiring compared to the incoming E46. In addition, they have fallen short of expectation in terms of handling and performance. Audi is based on a FWD architecture -- with the engine sitting well in front of the front axle. This design causes a very unbalance vehicle. In their previous vehicles, as much as 60% of the weight of the car was biased towards the front axle. This translates to severe under-steering when the vehicle is pushed near it's limit.
BWM took advantage of this and created ads to make fun of that deficiency.
In 2005, the company started a major turnaround. They started designing amazing (gorgeous) looking cars, focused on quality and reliability. The company had perfected their diesel powered Le Mans car that won back to back championships. In addition, in 2009, they completely redesigned the A4 using the A5 platform. The interior of the new vehicle was as big as the outgoing A6, and the new 2.0T engine had as much torque as my old Porsche. Because of this new decision, going forward, Audi will have a Front mid-ship platform similar to Infiniti G series and Nissan Zs, coming closer to the holy grail of 50/50 weight distribution. The result should be a car much more balanced and better handling and much more competitive with their BMW counterparts.
Audi was known in the 1990s and early 2000 as an unreliable vehicle (although my experience with BMW has been less than stellar). The designs were traditional and uninspiring compared to the incoming E46. In addition, they have fallen short of expectation in terms of handling and performance. Audi is based on a FWD architecture -- with the engine sitting well in front of the front axle. This design causes a very unbalance vehicle. In their previous vehicles, as much as 60% of the weight of the car was biased towards the front axle. This translates to severe under-steering when the vehicle is pushed near it's limit.
BWM took advantage of this and created ads to make fun of that deficiency.
In 2005, the company started a major turnaround. They started designing amazing (gorgeous) looking cars, focused on quality and reliability. The company had perfected their diesel powered Le Mans car that won back to back championships. In addition, in 2009, they completely redesigned the A4 using the A5 platform. The interior of the new vehicle was as big as the outgoing A6, and the new 2.0T engine had as much torque as my old Porsche. Because of this new decision, going forward, Audi will have a Front mid-ship platform similar to Infiniti G series and Nissan Zs, coming closer to the holy grail of 50/50 weight distribution. The result should be a car much more balanced and better handling and much more competitive with their BMW counterparts.
Personally, I think BMW has taken a bit of a turn for the worse since 2005. Chris Bangle pushed forward some controversial designs that I don't believe will stand the test of time. With the onset of BMW reportedly developing a FWD based 0-series based on the next Mini platform. Looks like BMW and Audi are becoming more and more alike.
Obama wins Nobel peace prize
Damn, our boy here is on a roll! Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. There is no denying that many individuals OUS disliked the former President Bush and welcomed the change that came with Obama, but this award definitely comes unexpectedly.
From my understanding, may individuals who win the award are given recognition for the work that they have already completed. I believe President Obama is one of the few who got this award for the policies he has just implemented.
Although I don't think Obama is anywhere near the same level as Mother Teresa. The takeaway I see from this award is the world is showing their support and backing for our new President. I hope this doesn't take away from the value the actual award represents.
From my understanding, may individuals who win the award are given recognition for the work that they have already completed. I believe President Obama is one of the few who got this award for the policies he has just implemented.
Although I don't think Obama is anywhere near the same level as Mother Teresa. The takeaway I see from this award is the world is showing their support and backing for our new President. I hope this doesn't take away from the value the actual award represents.
Why I don't take the bus
Many people are proponents of taking public transportation. I for one do not enjoy taking buses in San Francisco. From my limited experience living in the city without a car, the bus ("Muni") is filled with some serious crazies.
When I lived in Boston I enjoyed riding the public transit. The T (Boston Subway system) and the bus system were usually filled with individuals who were either students and/or young professionals.
But in SF, it's a whole different story.
There's always someone who's borderline mentally unstable or some homeless guy riding the Muni. I end up having to smell the odor of someone who bathes less than my dog or sit in the proximity of someone who is just not dealing with a full deck of cards.
Here is an example of what someone filmed:
Dave Chappelle couldn't have said it better in the clip below:
I think Muni should install surveillance cameras on all of their buses to record crazies. Maybe even have a more expensive, upscale bus that weeds out the crazies and mentally retarded.
Until then, I think I will continue driving.
When I lived in Boston I enjoyed riding the public transit. The T (Boston Subway system) and the bus system were usually filled with individuals who were either students and/or young professionals.
But in SF, it's a whole different story.
There's always someone who's borderline mentally unstable or some homeless guy riding the Muni. I end up having to smell the odor of someone who bathes less than my dog or sit in the proximity of someone who is just not dealing with a full deck of cards.
Here is an example of what someone filmed:
Dave Chappelle couldn't have said it better in the clip below:
I think Muni should install surveillance cameras on all of their buses to record crazies. Maybe even have a more expensive, upscale bus that weeds out the crazies and mentally retarded.
Until then, I think I will continue driving.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tax implications of buying a home
This isn't going to be a very in depth or scientific article about the tax process, but more so what I experience during my first two years of home ownership. Since I bought my home in December 2007, I really only benefited from this during the 2008 tax year.
One of the beauty of buying a home is the generous tax breaks you get for both your property taxes as well as any interest you may have paid on the mortgage. Even though there are a lot of tax benefits from owning a home, but they may not come in the way you think they should. First of all, you still have to diligently pay all of your mortgage payments as well as any outstanding property taxes you may owe on the home throughout the year (monthly for the mortgage payments, November and February for property taxes) -- and you get some of it back at the end of the year.
Given how new my loan is, most of that payment consist of interest payments. Whatever interest I have paid throughout the year for my mortgage, as well as any property taxes, are added up and deducted from my gross salary. After various other deductions and additions, my accountant comes up with my final taxable income. If I make $100,000 per year, and I have paid out $46,000 in interest and property taxes, my net taxable income could be $54,000. The end result is I'm in a much lower tax rate, and the taxes withheld throughout the year at the $100,000 rate will be refunded back to me.
If you wish to get more of that dispensable income throughout the year, you can also up your deductions on your W-9. This way, you can get more of your income in each paycheck, but receive less cash back at the end of the year.
If this is a rental or investment property, there is a maximum allowable deduction you can take for the property of I believe around $25,000 per year. Anything addition gets rolled up into a "bankable" balance that can be cashed in when you sell your property.
Below is a great article from Nolo about investment properties:
"Top Ten Tax Deductions for Landlords
Learn about the many tax deductions available to rental property owners.
Every year, millions of landlords pay more taxes on their rental income than they have to. Why? Because they fail to take advantage of all the tax deductions available for owners of rental property. Rental real estate provides more tax benefits than almost any other investment.
Often, these benefits make the difference between losing money and earning a profit on a rental property. Here are the top ten tax deductions for owners of small residential rental property.
1. Interest
Interest is often a landlord's single biggest deductible expense. Common examples of interest that landlords can deduct include mortgage interest payments on loans used to acquire or improve rental property and interest on credit cards for goods or services used in a rental activity.
2. Depreciation
The actual cost of a house, apartment building, or other rental property is not fully deductible in the year in which you pay for it. Instead, landlords get back the cost of real estate through depreciation. This involves deducting a portion of the cost of the property over several years.
3. Repairs
The cost of repairs to rental property (provided the repairs are ordinary, necessary, and reasonable in amount) are fully deductible in the year in which they are incurred. Good examples of deductible repairs include repainting, fixing gutters or floors, fixing leaks, plastering, and replacing broken windows.
4. Local Travel
Landlords are entitled to a tax deduction whenever they drive anywhere for their rental activity. For example, when you drive to your rental building to deal with a tenant complaint or go to the hardware store to purchase a part for a repair, you can deduct your travel expenses.
If you drive a car, SUV, van, pickup, or panel truck for your rental activity (as most landlords do), you have two options for deducting your vehicle expenses. You can:
* deduct your actual expenses (gasoline, upkeep, repairs), or
* use the standard mileage rate (55 cents per mile for 2009; 58.5 cents per mile for July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and 50.5 cents per mile from January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008). To qualify for the standard mileage rate, you must use the standard mileage method the first year you use a car for your business activity. Moreover, you can't use the standard mileage rate if you have claimed accelerated depreciation deductions in prior years, or have taken a Section 179 deduction for the vehicle.
5. Long Distance Travel
If you travel overnight for your rental activity, you can deduct your airfare, hotel bills, meals, and other expenses. If you plan your trip carefully, you can even mix landlord business with pleasure and still take a deduction.
However, IRS auditors closely scrutinize deductions for overnight travel -- and many taxpayers get caught claiming these deductions without proper records to back them up. To stay within the law (and avoid unwanted attention from the IRS), you need to properly document your long distance travel expenses.
6. Home Office
Provided they meet certain minimal requirements, landlords may deduct their home office expenses from their taxable income. This deduction applies not only to space devoted to office work, but also to a workshop or any other home workspace you use for your rental business. This is true whether you own your home or apartment or are a renter.
For the ins and outs on taking the home office deduction, see Home Business Tax Deductions or Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide, both by Stephen Fishman (Nolo).
7. Employees and Independent Contractors
Whenever you hire anyone to perform services for your rental activity, you can deduct their wages as a rental business expense. This is so whether the worker is an employee (for example, a resident manager) or an independent contractor (for example, a repair person).
8. Casualty and Theft Losses
If your rental property is damaged or destroyed from a sudden event like a fire or flood, you may be able to obtain a tax deduction for all or part of your loss. These types of losses are called casualty losses. You usually won't be able to deduct the entire cost of property damaged or destroyed by a casualty. How much you may deduct depends on how much of your property was destroyed and whether the loss was covered by insurance.
9. Insurance
You can deduct the premiums you pay for almost any insurance for your rental activity. This includes fire, theft, and flood insurance for rental property, as well as landlord liability insurance. And if you have employees, you can deduct the cost of their health and workers' compensation insurance.
10. Legal and Professional Services
Finally, you can deduct fees that you pay to attorneys, accountants, property management companies, real estate investment advisors, and other professionals. You can deduct these fees as operating expenses as long as the fees are paid for work related to your rental activity."
One of the beauty of buying a home is the generous tax breaks you get for both your property taxes as well as any interest you may have paid on the mortgage. Even though there are a lot of tax benefits from owning a home, but they may not come in the way you think they should. First of all, you still have to diligently pay all of your mortgage payments as well as any outstanding property taxes you may owe on the home throughout the year (monthly for the mortgage payments, November and February for property taxes) -- and you get some of it back at the end of the year.
Given how new my loan is, most of that payment consist of interest payments. Whatever interest I have paid throughout the year for my mortgage, as well as any property taxes, are added up and deducted from my gross salary. After various other deductions and additions, my accountant comes up with my final taxable income. If I make $100,000 per year, and I have paid out $46,000 in interest and property taxes, my net taxable income could be $54,000. The end result is I'm in a much lower tax rate, and the taxes withheld throughout the year at the $100,000 rate will be refunded back to me.
If you wish to get more of that dispensable income throughout the year, you can also up your deductions on your W-9. This way, you can get more of your income in each paycheck, but receive less cash back at the end of the year.
If this is a rental or investment property, there is a maximum allowable deduction you can take for the property of I believe around $25,000 per year. Anything addition gets rolled up into a "bankable" balance that can be cashed in when you sell your property.
Below is a great article from Nolo about investment properties:
"Top Ten Tax Deductions for Landlords
Learn about the many tax deductions available to rental property owners.
Every year, millions of landlords pay more taxes on their rental income than they have to. Why? Because they fail to take advantage of all the tax deductions available for owners of rental property. Rental real estate provides more tax benefits than almost any other investment.
Often, these benefits make the difference between losing money and earning a profit on a rental property. Here are the top ten tax deductions for owners of small residential rental property.
1. Interest
Interest is often a landlord's single biggest deductible expense. Common examples of interest that landlords can deduct include mortgage interest payments on loans used to acquire or improve rental property and interest on credit cards for goods or services used in a rental activity.
2. Depreciation
The actual cost of a house, apartment building, or other rental property is not fully deductible in the year in which you pay for it. Instead, landlords get back the cost of real estate through depreciation. This involves deducting a portion of the cost of the property over several years.
3. Repairs
The cost of repairs to rental property (provided the repairs are ordinary, necessary, and reasonable in amount) are fully deductible in the year in which they are incurred. Good examples of deductible repairs include repainting, fixing gutters or floors, fixing leaks, plastering, and replacing broken windows.
4. Local Travel
Landlords are entitled to a tax deduction whenever they drive anywhere for their rental activity. For example, when you drive to your rental building to deal with a tenant complaint or go to the hardware store to purchase a part for a repair, you can deduct your travel expenses.
If you drive a car, SUV, van, pickup, or panel truck for your rental activity (as most landlords do), you have two options for deducting your vehicle expenses. You can:
* deduct your actual expenses (gasoline, upkeep, repairs), or
* use the standard mileage rate (55 cents per mile for 2009; 58.5 cents per mile for July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and 50.5 cents per mile from January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008). To qualify for the standard mileage rate, you must use the standard mileage method the first year you use a car for your business activity. Moreover, you can't use the standard mileage rate if you have claimed accelerated depreciation deductions in prior years, or have taken a Section 179 deduction for the vehicle.
5. Long Distance Travel
If you travel overnight for your rental activity, you can deduct your airfare, hotel bills, meals, and other expenses. If you plan your trip carefully, you can even mix landlord business with pleasure and still take a deduction.
However, IRS auditors closely scrutinize deductions for overnight travel -- and many taxpayers get caught claiming these deductions without proper records to back them up. To stay within the law (and avoid unwanted attention from the IRS), you need to properly document your long distance travel expenses.
6. Home Office
Provided they meet certain minimal requirements, landlords may deduct their home office expenses from their taxable income. This deduction applies not only to space devoted to office work, but also to a workshop or any other home workspace you use for your rental business. This is true whether you own your home or apartment or are a renter.
For the ins and outs on taking the home office deduction, see Home Business Tax Deductions or Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide, both by Stephen Fishman (Nolo).
7. Employees and Independent Contractors
Whenever you hire anyone to perform services for your rental activity, you can deduct their wages as a rental business expense. This is so whether the worker is an employee (for example, a resident manager) or an independent contractor (for example, a repair person).
8. Casualty and Theft Losses
If your rental property is damaged or destroyed from a sudden event like a fire or flood, you may be able to obtain a tax deduction for all or part of your loss. These types of losses are called casualty losses. You usually won't be able to deduct the entire cost of property damaged or destroyed by a casualty. How much you may deduct depends on how much of your property was destroyed and whether the loss was covered by insurance.
9. Insurance
You can deduct the premiums you pay for almost any insurance for your rental activity. This includes fire, theft, and flood insurance for rental property, as well as landlord liability insurance. And if you have employees, you can deduct the cost of their health and workers' compensation insurance.
10. Legal and Professional Services
Finally, you can deduct fees that you pay to attorneys, accountants, property management companies, real estate investment advisors, and other professionals. You can deduct these fees as operating expenses as long as the fees are paid for work related to your rental activity."
The Lost Symbol -- Freemasons
After a lot of publicity as well as numerous recommendations to read Dan Brown's latest book, "The Lost Symbol", I finally gave in and last week bought the book. The previous book I have read from Dan Brown was over 6 years ago (The Da Vinci Code). Dan Brown has an amazing ability to weave fact and fiction together into an exciting novel where one does not really know what is true or false.
The latest book involves deeply the Freemasons and paints them in a very favorable light. There has been many questions on why Dan chose the Freemasons as the centerpiece of his book and it is explained as part of the letter here:
"as you might imagine, I have been repeatedly asked what attracted me to the Masons so strongly as to make it a central point of my book. My reply is always the same: “In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together’ in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie."
In essence, a lot of the teachings of Freemasonry is deeply ingrained in the society we live in today, including the separation of Church and State. One of the oldest examples of religious tolerance.
The latest book involves deeply the Freemasons and paints them in a very favorable light. There has been many questions on why Dan chose the Freemasons as the centerpiece of his book and it is explained as part of the letter here:
"as you might imagine, I have been repeatedly asked what attracted me to the Masons so strongly as to make it a central point of my book. My reply is always the same: “In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together’ in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie."
In essence, a lot of the teachings of Freemasonry is deeply ingrained in the society we live in today, including the separation of Church and State. One of the oldest examples of religious tolerance.
How to start up a business
Maybe Entourage is starting to become more mature in Season 6 (or maybe it's my "old" age). I'm starting to realize that in between Ari's rants and emotional outbursts, there is actually some very useful life lessons incorporated into the entertainment.
This clip demonstrates does a great job in summarizing how to starting a business. I have heard bits and pieces here and there, but nothing that put it all together in 2 minutes. The writers of Entourage did a great job at that. "No one is going to invest in a business because you think you can".
Business plan:
This clip demonstrates does a great job in summarizing how to starting a business. I have heard bits and pieces here and there, but nothing that put it all together in 2 minutes. The writers of Entourage did a great job at that. "No one is going to invest in a business because you think you can".
Business plan:
- What do you need (office space, insurance, how many employees)?
- What do you project to earn?
- What do you need to break even?
- What point can your investors see some profit?
Rants on Mint.com -- things to improve
After my initial few days of euphoria from using Mint.com, I find myself using this service less and less these past few days. It's not the technology is lacking, in fact, the pie charts and graphs are great ways for me to monitor my spending and saving habits. The interface is very simple and user friendly -- like using an Apple Computer. I am not annoyed by the ads and shameless "promotions", being in the same industry, I am aware that they do have to make their money somewhere (since the service is free to the consumer).
But I am not satisfied with the service. The only parallel I can draw is that this was for a very long time the same fundamental difference between "Mac"/Apple and PC users. Traditionally, the "Mac" or an Apple Computer appeal to the users who has never used a personal computer before. They want something simple, easy to use, and quick to learn. On the contrary, most traditional PC users were individuals who were more computer savvy and wish to have more control over individual preferences and settings. No one will argue that back in the 1990s, Macs were much easier to use than Microsoft Windows based PCs, but you could do a lot more with a PC.
I signed onto Mint.com hoping for a fully integrated financial solution, but that was not the case. For the traditional individual who has just a basic checking and savings account, this is a service that will be very useful for them. For those who has more advanced needs and a more complicated financial portfolio, there is some holes that still needs to be fixed.
The "Budget" feature on the homepage is a very interesting and useful function, and I love their "rollover" feature. I have noticed that the initial settings are artificially low for me. Considering Mint.com has the technology to automatically categorize most of my spending, and claim they have over 616 days of my spending and saving history on record, they should have enough information to calculate my average spending for each category as a starting point. If the goal is for me to control my spending and spend less than the month before, this would be a great way for someone to start managing their budget without having to go through a lot of set-up work. Of course, the option should still be there if said individual chooses to modify such setting. If you choose to not take advantage of the budget "rollover" function, Mint.com should also give you an option to have the previous month budget be the next month budget if you end up spending less the month before.
My next gripe with Mint.com is that they are still not fully integrated with realistic market metrics. I do not feel I should have to input my own car value. Shouldn't they be integrated with KBB ("Kelly Blue Book") or Edmunds? In addition, the partner they use to calculate home values is seriously lacking -- the service calculated my recently appraised $720,000 condo to be worth $400,000.
Lastly, they are not yet integrated with all of the financial institutions. I do enjoy having one dashboard where I can see my 401K, Roth IRA, and my bank accounts. They unfortunately do not have an option for me to integrate my whole life policy (which has cash value) or any other more advance portfolios.
My overall review of Mint.com is the service is a great start, but there is still a long way to go. Hopefully, one day, all of us will be able to manage and keep track of our finance with only one dashboard.
But I am not satisfied with the service. The only parallel I can draw is that this was for a very long time the same fundamental difference between "Mac"/Apple and PC users. Traditionally, the "Mac" or an Apple Computer appeal to the users who has never used a personal computer before. They want something simple, easy to use, and quick to learn. On the contrary, most traditional PC users were individuals who were more computer savvy and wish to have more control over individual preferences and settings. No one will argue that back in the 1990s, Macs were much easier to use than Microsoft Windows based PCs, but you could do a lot more with a PC.
I signed onto Mint.com hoping for a fully integrated financial solution, but that was not the case. For the traditional individual who has just a basic checking and savings account, this is a service that will be very useful for them. For those who has more advanced needs and a more complicated financial portfolio, there is some holes that still needs to be fixed.
The "Budget" feature on the homepage is a very interesting and useful function, and I love their "rollover" feature. I have noticed that the initial settings are artificially low for me. Considering Mint.com has the technology to automatically categorize most of my spending, and claim they have over 616 days of my spending and saving history on record, they should have enough information to calculate my average spending for each category as a starting point. If the goal is for me to control my spending and spend less than the month before, this would be a great way for someone to start managing their budget without having to go through a lot of set-up work. Of course, the option should still be there if said individual chooses to modify such setting. If you choose to not take advantage of the budget "rollover" function, Mint.com should also give you an option to have the previous month budget be the next month budget if you end up spending less the month before.
My next gripe with Mint.com is that they are still not fully integrated with realistic market metrics. I do not feel I should have to input my own car value. Shouldn't they be integrated with KBB ("Kelly Blue Book") or Edmunds? In addition, the partner they use to calculate home values is seriously lacking -- the service calculated my recently appraised $720,000 condo to be worth $400,000.
Lastly, they are not yet integrated with all of the financial institutions. I do enjoy having one dashboard where I can see my 401K, Roth IRA, and my bank accounts. They unfortunately do not have an option for me to integrate my whole life policy (which has cash value) or any other more advance portfolios.
My overall review of Mint.com is the service is a great start, but there is still a long way to go. Hopefully, one day, all of us will be able to manage and keep track of our finance with only one dashboard.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Entourage -- Catching up with past episodes
My obsession with the show Entourage comes and goes in spurts. I spend a day or two at times catching up on all the past seasons and episodes that I missed then proceed to neglect the show for the next 6 - months.
Another reason is probably because I never had continuously had HBO. I may end up with it for a couple months as part of a special then end up canceling it when it is time to renew. Because of this, I always end up missing episodes.
Fortunately, there are several sources where one can get their Entourage fix for free, and online. They are here, and here.
Lessons in Negotiation -- Entourage Style
It has been a while since I have seen Entourage, but recently while on Facebook I found this great clip that sums up very well, although very dramatically, the lessons in negotiation.
I have experience this many times myself, in a lot of ways it's like playing poker. You find out what you are willing to pay for the company, then figure out the weakness and focus of the opposing party.
Many times what is valuable to them may or may not be what is important to you. Giving the perception that you're willing to trade something valuable to them for something less valuable is many ways how you get a deal done. I'm always amazed at the points in negotiation where the seller digs in. This may be because of a bad adviser, or an inexperienced attorney, but almost always they are points that the seller should not be worrying about. In the end, this benefits us because we can give in on areas that really does not matter and in exchange get something that is much more valuable and beneficial for the acquiring firm.
Of course, knowing your opponents weakness helps as well.
I think this short clip just convinced me that when I settle into my new place, I'm going to both need HDTV as well as HBO. For those who are too cheap to get HBO, you can watch it online here.
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