Some see calamity where others see opportunity. There’s a lot of confusion and still a number of fiddlers who continue as if nothing is wrong or different. Let’s take a look at some examples.
We’ve been reading for more than 50 years about one type of survivalist—from those who built nuclear shelters to those who fled to the wilderness loaded with various weapons. Now comes a suburban version fueled by the economic meltdown.
While others see this as a time to push innovation to the extreme; witness the air-powered car—works for me!
Pity some of the affluent kids who are finding spending four or five thousand dollars (or more) on summer volunteer efforts overseas, but instead are having to work at more mundane jobs.
Honors have taken a big hit. All those glitterati studded fund raisers that honored this person or that are hurting, since far fewer are willing to pay for the honor. (What? You thought they were free?)
Apparently the fashion world doesn’t believe all the talk of the new frugality, since Tom Ford’s shorts cost $650 and Armani’s are $775. Prada’s are a steal at $465 or you can splurge on Thom Browne’s $1,495 seersucker man-skort.
I don’t hang out of the bleeding edge of techdom nor am I an early adopter, but I saw this and thought it would be interesting to y’all.
“The new system, Wolfram Alpha, showcased at Harvard University in the US last week, takes the first step towards what many consider to be the internet’s Holy Grail – a global store of information that understands and responds to ordinary language in the same way a person does.”
Next, a great 2-part post from Steve Roesler on why we fear success and what to do about it.
Third, here’s a way to do as the big shots do—even if you’re not around to enjoy the show. A kind of last hurrah with panache.
Finally, AIG beat out all comers to win the Consumerist’s Golden Poo Trophy as the 2009 Worst Company In America. I heartily concur with the final vote—Comcast, B of A and the rest don’t even come close.
It’s a new site dedicated to the premise that not all CEOs are bad guys.
So grab yourself some coffee, or a beer if it’s that time, and take a look at what some of the thousands of good CEOs are doing to have fun and/or give back.
Next up is a real treat and useful, too. I’ll bet that not even all my tech savvy readers know about some of these Google goodies; have fun, but don’t waste the entire weekend fooling with them.
Last up is a bit of laughter—or at least a few snickers. I hate 99% of the ads companies stick us with (I am so sick of being pitched illnesses and drugs) unlike the rest of the world who’s ads actually qualify as entertainment. But there is the other 1%, so that now and then we actually get a good commercial. The Layoff and the other four videosare definitely funny if you need a quick laugh. This isn’t an endorsement of the company—I have no knowledge of their products just their sense of humor.
Profits guaranteed. Isn’t it nice to know that some folks will make money as a result of the current disaster—and it isn’t even off stock options. All you need is a law degree and a spot at the right firm. Of course, you know who’s going to foot the bill, right?
Two other bits from Business Week; one could be considered investment intel and the other answers the question of why Ponzi schemes are popping up like mushrooms after a heavy rain.
Let Them Eat Big Macs
The swelling ranks of jobless can’t afford to dine out like they used to. While that’s bruising full-service restaurants, austerity is usually a plus for McDonald’s. The chain, which has been playing up its cheap eats, said on Jan. 26 that same-store sales jumped 7.2% worldwide in the fourth quarter, while operating income rose 11%. To pump up its numbers further in 2009, McDonald’s said it will spend $2.1 billion on construction, including 1,000 new outlets.
Ponzi, Ponzi Everywhere
Bernard Madoff may have pulled off the mother of all Ponzi schemes, but the downturn seems to be exposing lots of smaller-fry variants. On Jan. 26, for example, Nicholas Cosmo, suspected in a $380 million scam, surrendered to federal authorities on Long Island. The next day, FBI agents arrested Arthur Nadel, a Florida hedge fund adviser accused of bilking clients of tens of millions of dollars. Other cases in Florida, Georgia, Idaho, and Pennsylvania have recently come to light. Why now? Because in a downturn, investors often try to get their money out—and there’s no new cash coming in to pay them.
I keep getting asked why I’m not more surprised at what’s happened, both good and bad, in 2008. People know that I deplore the duplicity and stupidity that got us into this mess; they also know that I’m an econ-idiot and didn’t see it coming.
So why am I so calm? How can I just shrug and focus on moving forward, with nary a backward glance? Come to think of it, why is that my typical reaction to so many screw-ups?
So in deference to my friends and colleagues who’ve been asking, and in honor of the start of a new year, I’m going to share my secret here, publicly, with everyone.
While many people are adherents of Murphy’s Law, it doesn’t give nearly the mental, emotional, physical, even psychic protection that O’Brien’s Law gives.
What? You’re not familiar with O’Brien’s Law?
Then for your erudition I will state them here together, so you can understand why I’m a passionate believer in the O-Law as opposed to Murphy’s.
Murphy’s Law Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
O’Brien’s Law Murphy was an optimist.
And that, my friends, is why nothing really surprises me any more.
Some see calamity where others see opportunity. There’s a lot of confusion and still a number of fiddlers who continue as if nothing is wrong or different. Let’s take a look at some examples.
I don’t hang out of the bleeding edge of techdom nor am I an early adopter, but I saw this and thought it would be interesting to y’all. 
It’s a new site dedicated to the premise that not all CEOs are bad guys.
Do you like puzzles? Author Michael Brooks shows you 
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