I've included the video of the CNBC town hall meeting between President Obama and voters. I like to think that CNBC is not too friendly to the President, or unfriendly for any particular reason, so I don't think the audience is stack up for or against the President.
I just think that anyone a President interacts with ordinary Americans, it is worth watching, especially in an election year.
It's called "Investing In America".
Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mobile Warriors Feeding The Pig
From time to time, Onxo has offered mobile tips. Batteries, security, you name it. Just search "tip" and you'll find a couple of useful ones.
But now, we'll also offer tips for your wallet if we come across anything that'll help mobile warriors keep their gears and services. And hopefully, we'll also get a tip or two from our readers.
Tonight, I'm sitting here working on some diagrams for work watching Babylon 5 on Hulu. One of the commercials was the "feed the pig" one where this lady and the pig was laughing about her happy retirement.
Anyway, I checked out their site. Interesting. Offers very few things that I don't already know. But as I got thought their tips, much of it hinges on one thing.
Self-control.
Am I right? It's about self-control. Living within your means no matter how Steve Jobs' reality distortion field comes through your laptop screen and makes you want to have the next Apple gear or how nice and greatly improved the Blackberry Curve are or Windows Mobile 6.5 may rock. DSi is coming. You want it but do you really need it?
That's what it's all about. Remember that. Here are a couple of links I've found. I'll continue to update them and hopefully it'll help us through these though times together.
- Feed The Pig
- ABC News: High Tech, Low Cost - how to save up to $5000. Well, not quite. But a good read.
- Free Wi-Fi: Don't pay for it at Starbucks or Borders. Go online and see what other places offer it for free. Dave the Mobile Warrior recently visited a local Vons and found that he could access the Internet there through an access point on his iPhone.
Mobile warriors, appreciate any other tips you can share with the rest of us.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Recession Watch
This isn't a mobile post but it's important to mobile folks just to the same. Heck, it's important to everyone.
News.com has posted an article about websites that filled regulatory voids to help people avoid scams. As you probably know by now, the Madoff Ponzi Scam has set off a wave (three other ones that I can name off the top of my head) other criminal scams as the recession hit and investors started asking questions - like can I have my money back.
It's quite simple, my fellow mobile warriors. If it's too good to be true, it always is. There is never a sure thing in an investment. There is always a certain level of risk. Otherwise, everyone would be doing it, right?
News.com listed a couple of sites where you can visit for scams updates and maybe find out if you're a potential scam victim.
- Scam Victims United - I really like this one. It lists an easy to see menu of types of scams and each scam is explained to the visitor of how it works, how you can protect yourself, and resources for victims.
- Scam Warners - There's a forum for you to get into right off the top. It's when you click on "Useful Links" that you find a lot of resources.
Frankly, both sites go hand-in-hand, each offering varying levels of information and presentation. Both very useful. I hope everyone go and visit, not as victims, but to educate ourselves against scumbags. Given how vulnerable we all are in these tough times, there are those who would pray on us.
Via CNet News
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Economic Impact on 4G Deployment
Techworld has referenced a report that the global recession and competitive pressure from LTE will have a great impact on WiMax, and not in a good way. But I also wonder what kind of impact this will have on 4G deployment in general.
By and large, governmental stimulus packages from the $700 billion TARP fund, the pending $600 billion waiting for President-elect Barack Obama to sign in January, $600 billion stimulus from the Chinese government, and dozens of other ones from various nations are used mainly to prop up failing financial systems or stimulate employment through large scale infrastructure projects. I don't see many intended to lay out networks for wireless networks.
Maybe I just haven't heard about it. But roads and bridges are probably something more pressing than building out LTE, WiMax, or other 4G networks to politicians. Already companies are cutting back on upgrades and other expenditures if they're not already trimming their workforce. Next generation wireless broadband could take longer to come to your neighborhood.
Source: Techworld
By and large, governmental stimulus packages from the $700 billion TARP fund, the pending $600 billion waiting for President-elect Barack Obama to sign in January, $600 billion stimulus from the Chinese government, and dozens of other ones from various nations are used mainly to prop up failing financial systems or stimulate employment through large scale infrastructure projects. I don't see many intended to lay out networks for wireless networks.
Maybe I just haven't heard about it. But roads and bridges are probably something more pressing than building out LTE, WiMax, or other 4G networks to politicians. Already companies are cutting back on upgrades and other expenditures if they're not already trimming their workforce. Next generation wireless broadband could take longer to come to your neighborhood.
Source: Techworld
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Shopping This Fall - Pricing
This is not a direct concern to just mobile warriors but shoppers in general.
In the last few weeks, we've all noted a sharp drop in crude prices and just as much of a drop at the pumps. There are a couple of reasons for this. Early in the year when gas prices were near $5 in some places (thank goodness we came close in LA but did not cross it), folks started shying away from driving and took up public transportation.
Maybe you also noticed prices at the supermarket has gone up as well. Well, now that prices are down now, much much lower, people have gotten used to not having to drive as much. I love to see $2 a gal prices (after taxes of course) but I don't know if that'll happen.
Now, electronics for this Christmas and Holiday Seasons? I put this out there because in my industry, we watch crude closely. We have seen raw materials drop like a big stone. We're seeing not a snowball effect. We see big boulders dropping in the last couple of months and may well continue through the first quarter of 2009 if the economy doesn't pick up.
I was talking with a co-worker about our situation and I got think about consumer electronics.
So, back to electronics. Right now, there may be a lot of computers, laptops, and HDTV made in Asia and shipped to the US when things were expensive. Now that raw materials are dropping and shipping costs are down, what happens to those electronics with higher costs?
Plus, even with costs dropping, businesses are not picking up orders like before for two reasons I see. One, we're in the middle of a recession. At least on Main Street, it feels like it. Two, costs are still going down and businesses are thinking why order now when it'll be cheaper next month.
Anyway, I think if we pick our timing right, we can still get great deals. Amazon, Target, Walmart and Best Buy (BB lowered their financial numbers today) still have financial targets to meet and they'll have to compete really hard for shrinking consumer dollars.
A Rasmussen report survey showed 66% of consumers will spend less this year than last year. Why it doesn't say how much less, it may simply mean consumers are going to be more picky.
Anyway, if you know how we can all collectively stretch our dollar this winter, please share it with us.
In the last few weeks, we've all noted a sharp drop in crude prices and just as much of a drop at the pumps. There are a couple of reasons for this. Early in the year when gas prices were near $5 in some places (thank goodness we came close in LA but did not cross it), folks started shying away from driving and took up public transportation.
Maybe you also noticed prices at the supermarket has gone up as well. Well, now that prices are down now, much much lower, people have gotten used to not having to drive as much. I love to see $2 a gal prices (after taxes of course) but I don't know if that'll happen.
Now, electronics for this Christmas and Holiday Seasons? I put this out there because in my industry, we watch crude closely. We have seen raw materials drop like a big stone. We're seeing not a snowball effect. We see big boulders dropping in the last couple of months and may well continue through the first quarter of 2009 if the economy doesn't pick up.
I was talking with a co-worker about our situation and I got think about consumer electronics.
So, back to electronics. Right now, there may be a lot of computers, laptops, and HDTV made in Asia and shipped to the US when things were expensive. Now that raw materials are dropping and shipping costs are down, what happens to those electronics with higher costs?
Plus, even with costs dropping, businesses are not picking up orders like before for two reasons I see. One, we're in the middle of a recession. At least on Main Street, it feels like it. Two, costs are still going down and businesses are thinking why order now when it'll be cheaper next month.
Anyway, I think if we pick our timing right, we can still get great deals. Amazon, Target, Walmart and Best Buy (BB lowered their financial numbers today) still have financial targets to meet and they'll have to compete really hard for shrinking consumer dollars.
A Rasmussen report survey showed 66% of consumers will spend less this year than last year. Why it doesn't say how much less, it may simply mean consumers are going to be more picky.
Anyway, if you know how we can all collectively stretch our dollar this winter, please share it with us.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Economic Relief Tip (sort of): Codeweavers Free Software Tomorrow Only
Okay...this tip is kind of specific for certain mobile warriors. Specifically, Mac and Linux users.
Tomorrow only, Codeweaver will allow free downloads, one license per user to download one of their products.
Tomorrow only, Codeweaver will allow free downloads, one license per user to download one of their products.
- Crossover Mac - Allows Macs to run Windows applications without Windows
- Crossover Games - Allows Mac/Linux to run windows games without Windows
- Crossover Linux - Allows Linux machines to run Windows applications without Windows
You get one download. Mac or Linux. I know what I'll be downloading and what I'll be using it for. Here's a description of Codeweaver products. And here is the press release for tomorrow's deal.
You'll save about $40! I will save $80 since I don't have to buy Parallels for my MacWind. Woohoo!
Link: more info at TUAW
Monday, October 20, 2008
Economic Relief Tip: Save On T-Mobile Billing
Good friend, Dave, has sent us another tip for economic relief. Waiting for Congress just isn't enough. We do what we can.
A link from Fatwallet describes how we can let "Dave the Mobile Warrior" (Well, there's the Joe the Plumber) save 10% off his monthly bill.
So, if your bill is $100 or so, you're talking approximately $10 off. I think it only reflects the service portion, not including taxes.
Still, every little bit helps. Especially for those of us who have 3G tabs now.
NOTE: That's right! I got my G1 today!
Source: Fatwallet
A link from Fatwallet describes how we can let "Dave the Mobile Warrior" (Well, there's the Joe the Plumber) save 10% off his monthly bill.
So, if your bill is $100 or so, you're talking approximately $10 off. I think it only reflects the service portion, not including taxes.
Still, every little bit helps. Especially for those of us who have 3G tabs now.
NOTE: That's right! I got my G1 today!
Source: Fatwallet
Friday, October 17, 2008
oDesk Offers Jobs For Some Mobile Workers
I came across oDesk via Web Worker Daily. It's sort of an online depository for remote workers who can be hired out to jobs by companies all over the world. It pairs prospective talents, that maybe some of you, with global employers.
For the most part, they offer jobs for folks with technical skills:
For the most part, they offer jobs for folks with technical skills:
- Web or software developers
- Web or graphic designers
- Freelance writers
- Data entry professionals
These are just a few that are in high demand. And here's an interesting fact about oDesk: 40% of 10,000 plus jobs posted each month are offered by foreign companies. And oDesk collects the salary on behalf of the remote talent and pays in US dollars. Here are also some facts about how oDesk works.
- A "buyer" will post a job and provider (you) can see to fill the job.
- Interviews take place over e-mail, chat, or over phones.
- Many buyers "test drive" providers by offering small tasks for providers to complete to evaluate the best fit.
- Buyers are able to keep track of employees online. Providers offer logs, screen shots, and memos.
If this is for you, head on over the WWD and read the article. Also, keep in mind about Web Worker Daily for tips and news pertinent to mobile warriors.
I hope this helps some folks. Here are some sites that might be of interest to you.
Via Web Worker Daily (See also an older WWD link)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Eighteen More Months of Economic Pain for Main Street Mobile Warriors
I know very little about stocks. Or the stock market or the deriviatives that's screwing everyone over.
But I feel your pain. That's because I'm feeling it as well.
The government has made some efforts to shore credit situation. That may be a good thing but for main street mobile warriors, it is not going to affect our situation much. Largely, we're feeling down. And when the consumers are scared and apprehensive, it's not a good thing given that the growth in the US economy for the better part of this decade is consumers burning through their savings and into credit. And when we aren't feeling it, no one else will.
So, I've formed a committee of friends,coupon clippers, in the art of saving and we'll try to come up with ways that will help my fellow mobile folks stretch the dollar and get through the tough times.
Here's one now that I did last night. My DSL contract ends in a month. I went ahead and sign up for another year. I think you can get pretty low rates, some as low as $14.99. Otherwise, they will jack it back up to $30 or $40. So if you're under some kind of a deal, find out when it ends. You can either sign up for another deal or go with the lowest rate you can find.
According to Silicon Alley Insider , we could be in this for another 18 months. I've heard ten years at the extreme. I forgot where I read that but supposedly that guy predicted this.
Anyway, check your DSL ASAP.
But I feel your pain. That's because I'm feeling it as well.
The government has made some efforts to shore credit situation. That may be a good thing but for main street mobile warriors, it is not going to affect our situation much. Largely, we're feeling down. And when the consumers are scared and apprehensive, it's not a good thing given that the growth in the US economy for the better part of this decade is consumers burning through their savings and into credit. And when we aren't feeling it, no one else will.
So, I've formed a committee of friends,coupon clippers, in the art of saving and we'll try to come up with ways that will help my fellow mobile folks stretch the dollar and get through the tough times.
Here's one now that I did last night. My DSL contract ends in a month. I went ahead and sign up for another year. I think you can get pretty low rates, some as low as $14.99. Otherwise, they will jack it back up to $30 or $40. So if you're under some kind of a deal, find out when it ends. You can either sign up for another deal or go with the lowest rate you can find.
According to Silicon Alley Insider , we could be in this for another 18 months. I've heard ten years at the extreme. I forgot where I read that but supposedly that guy predicted this.
Anyway, check your DSL ASAP.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Mobile Tip (sort of): Presidential News And Poll Tracking
I watched the debate on my laptop because I was at work late. Got to love the Internet. After the debate, I was all over the place (place being the Internet) trying to find out what other voters think (less so of the political eggheads on TV).
Anyway, 34 days left until Americans head to the poll, I'm totally into this. Can't wait for the next debate (Tuesday night by the way. Town hall session.)
As a political junkie, I can't get enough of polls. So, I went to Rasmussen Reports where they offer a lot of numbers. Found the daily tracking poll. You can enter your e-mail for daily tracking data.
Also, you can sign up with Yahoo Alert to have them send you alerts via e-mail or messenger. It's perfect for those with Mobile Me on the iPhone, Blackberries, and other mobile devices with push mail. Use it to keep track of news, subject matter, stocks, or any blog (you know...like Onxo).
Whatever your political affiliation, as Americans and Main Street mobile warriors, we should at least say connected be knowledgeable pertinent issues. This is the twenty-first century.
If there are other ways you can share with us on keeping track of the Presidential race, please let us know.
Anyway, 34 days left until Americans head to the poll, I'm totally into this. Can't wait for the next debate (Tuesday night by the way. Town hall session.)
As a political junkie, I can't get enough of polls. So, I went to Rasmussen Reports where they offer a lot of numbers. Found the daily tracking poll. You can enter your e-mail for daily tracking data.
Also, you can sign up with Yahoo Alert to have them send you alerts via e-mail or messenger. It's perfect for those with Mobile Me on the iPhone, Blackberries, and other mobile devices with push mail. Use it to keep track of news, subject matter, stocks, or any blog (you know...like Onxo).
Whatever your political affiliation, as Americans and Main Street mobile warriors, we should at least say connected be knowledgeable pertinent issues. This is the twenty-first century.
If there are other ways you can share with us on keeping track of the Presidential race, please let us know.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Economic Woes Got Tech Companies Worried
How worried are tech companies?
Worried enough for Microsoft's general counsel to implore the United States House of Representatives to pass the $700 bail-out, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
Since Monday, tech heavy Nasdaq took a nose dive as investors bailed on Intel, Google, and Micosoft (among others).
Without credit tight and banks hoarding cash, a lot of companies, not necessarily the ones I mentioned here (they're all cash rich), will cut back on expansion or upgrades. In Google's situation, a companies may cut back on advertising.
Furthermore, Dell and HP had mentioned they were cutting back on research and development for 2009. I am sure it's not a coincidence the announcements came as tech spending will be curtailed in the short-term.
No one know how long this will last. Nor how innovations will be affected by all this.
I keep track of a set of stocks myself and it was ugly. The Senate passed a similar legislation tonight that the House rejected on Monday. It remains to be seen if the House will follow their counterparts in the Senate.
I hope and pray all my fellow mobile warriors will weather this. Even if this bail-out, whether you support it or not, does get passed by Congress, it'll take a while for the credit system to go through the macroeconomic jungle to get to those of us on Main Street.
Note: Steve Balmer seems unable to make up his mind on this issue. Read here for more.
Worried enough for Microsoft's general counsel to implore the United States House of Representatives to pass the $700 bail-out, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
Since Monday, tech heavy Nasdaq took a nose dive as investors bailed on Intel, Google, and Micosoft (among others).
Without credit tight and banks hoarding cash, a lot of companies, not necessarily the ones I mentioned here (they're all cash rich), will cut back on expansion or upgrades. In Google's situation, a companies may cut back on advertising.
Furthermore, Dell and HP had mentioned they were cutting back on research and development for 2009. I am sure it's not a coincidence the announcements came as tech spending will be curtailed in the short-term.
No one know how long this will last. Nor how innovations will be affected by all this.
I keep track of a set of stocks myself and it was ugly. The Senate passed a similar legislation tonight that the House rejected on Monday. It remains to be seen if the House will follow their counterparts in the Senate.
I hope and pray all my fellow mobile warriors will weather this. Even if this bail-out, whether you support it or not, does get passed by Congress, it'll take a while for the credit system to go through the macroeconomic jungle to get to those of us on Main Street.
Note: Steve Balmer seems unable to make up his mind on this issue. Read here for more.
Economic Woes for Mobile Warriors
There are different types of mobile workers these days. Those who work from home, coffee shops, or on the road. Then there are those who work for themselves or the "man".
As we come up, by my count, our twentieth month of economic slowdown for Main Street folks, I wonder how mobile warriors are being affected. I visited a couple of Starbucks and bookstores like Borders this past weekend due to circumstances and I found a lot of folks still carrying on.
Those who blogged for their dear livelihood were still there with their latte and there does not seem to be any kind of cutback aside from myself.
I wonder if this is the same for the rest of you. Especially those who might have worked for one or two of those financial institutions that are no longer active as of last week.
I also wonder if outsourcing, no longer the leading news story these days, are still taking place. Any input would be helpful to everyone.
Best wishes and luck for everyone of you, my friends.
Related Link: Web Worker Daily
Note: I don't go by government numbers. Macroeconomic growth means nothing to you and me who struggle in a daily basis. For the record, despite our current near-credit paralysis, we're still not in a recession. Yet.
As we come up, by my count, our twentieth month of economic slowdown for Main Street folks, I wonder how mobile warriors are being affected. I visited a couple of Starbucks and bookstores like Borders this past weekend due to circumstances and I found a lot of folks still carrying on.
Those who blogged for their dear livelihood were still there with their latte and there does not seem to be any kind of cutback aside from myself.
I wonder if this is the same for the rest of you. Especially those who might have worked for one or two of those financial institutions that are no longer active as of last week.
I also wonder if outsourcing, no longer the leading news story these days, are still taking place. Any input would be helpful to everyone.
Best wishes and luck for everyone of you, my friends.
Related Link: Web Worker Daily
Note: I don't go by government numbers. Macroeconomic growth means nothing to you and me who struggle in a daily basis. For the record, despite our current near-credit paralysis, we're still not in a recession. Yet.
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