xMas List 2009

I was afraid I might grow out of it, being over 30 now, but thankfully my family still asked me for a Christmas list this year. The question isn’t what do I need; I’m blessed with good health, an amazing and loving family, and more material possessions than billions of people around the globe. That’s certainly more than enough. 

But… they asked, right?! It would be rude to ignore such a request and the little kid in me still lights up with anticipation of Christmas morning. Some say I should be embarrassed by my child-like behavior; but it reminds me of the miraculous feeling of being filled with a spirit only Christmas bears. And unlike my childhood years, the pleasure I get from giving gifts is even greater than opening any package. 

So, what’s on my list this year? 

• American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger
• Gas or electric hedge trimmers
• Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business by Erik Qualman (Kindle version, of course)
• The Social Media Bible by Lon Safko (Kindle version)
• Wii Sports Resort game
• 56” virtual picture screen for iPhone http://www.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=77918&refsku=75928
• National Geographic Wall Size World Map http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/product/maps/wall-maps/world-maps/world-political-map-%28earth-toned%29%2C-mural 

If you’ve got any great suggestions for giving this Christmas, please pass them along! 

Happy shopping…     -bag

Black Friday = Green Monday?

 Many, some not admittedly, will be dancing through the malls later this week. On a day that we’ve come to identify as “Black Friday,” credit cards will be swiped, cash will be spent, and gifts stowed and hidden. Getting caught up in a marketing and advertising frenzy isn’t necessarily all that bad; many argue that the best deal has been had, all the while friends and family unite for the festivities. Not to mention all those Thanksgiving Day calories are certainly burnt away in the feverish dashes from store to store.

What amazes me about Black Friday is actually the following Monday. Inexplicably, by the open of business on Monday, Wall Street is anxious to report the heartbeat of retail across America. Some years markets will jump, other years they’ll sag, and sometimes they’ll flat-line. I’m not sure what to expect in 2009, but it won’t keep me from making a prediction: Rebound.

My economic intuitions say people have been holding back, while retailers have been saving the savviest of advertising and promotions to woo the eager spenders. While big purchases like cars and houses have slowed, many are ready to leave their homes and ignore the stress of the past year to savor the eggnog, Christmas music, and shopping.

Will you be shopping November 27, 2009? And, more importantly, will you be spending some of that hard earned cash? I’ll anxiously await the results in Monday’s financial analysis.

Happy Thanksgiving…      -bag

Catch This Wave; Google Wave

I’ve learned to surf, on the computer and on the beaches of Maui, but this wave is something brand new. I’ve only been a member of Google Wave for approximately a week, but I’ve been reading blogs and watching YouTube on this awesome web integrated application and I’m wowed!

The power of the software definitely comes in the number of avid users and so far, for me, that includes only the one friend that invited me to join – thanks, Anthony. I’m anxious to see how it could integrate into a work environment and would love to hear from any of you out there that have already adopted it for a work group or organization. It appears that Google Wave is a real-time collaboration tool via a thin web client. Collaborate through text, documents, video; I’m not sure what limits it really has for a cooperative setting.

And for the younger crowd that chat and text, I’m sure you’ll soon drop your MSN or AIM account and catch a wave with your friends. For those of you interested check out this link to learn more http://wave.google.com. And to Google… Keep rocking it out!

If anyone is interested in joining Google and riding a wave or two with me, leave me a message. I think I can invite new users to join. For more information try this resource: http://completewaveguide.com/.

Until tomorrow…     -bag

My Fire Is Kindled

For those doubters out there, I think electronic books have got it right this time. My Kindle arrived just over a week ago and it has quickly found its home in my man bag. The model I went with is the KindleDX (larger screen and PDF capabilities).

The initial use of this device is work related and the pilot process has begun as a way to stay green and reduce costs. So far, it’s got immense potential; I’ll keep you posted.

The readability, battery life, and ease of use are incredible. Whether you’re a tech savvy computer guru or a continued fan of the typewriter you’ll be able to navigate and consume the intuitive features of the Kindle.

Hot on the heels of the Amazon.com Kindle is the Barnes and Noble Nook. More similar in size to the standard Kindle, the Nook appears to be packed full of other features. For personal use I’d give it a really good look as you evaluate your future reading options.

HappE-reading!

Until tomorrow…     -bag

 

Red, White, and Blue

Veterans Day, or as some refer to it, Armistice Day, is celebrated on November 11th each year and honors the nearly 25 million veterans in the United States. I was curious what the significance of November 11th was for this day and after a brief bit of research learned that World War I officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

A year later, in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared the day Armistice Day, referring to the armistice treaty between the allies of the United States and Germany. It wasn’t until 1954, when President Eisenhower signed a bill to expand Armistice Day, that the name of the holiday officially changed to Veterans Day.

As a Nation we have since fought tirelessly to defend our freedom. We slip through many days without mention of the men and women around the world weathering harsh conditions and facing hatred to protect our great Country. Today as you drive down the road search for an American flag pounding in the wind and let yourself relish in the blood stained red stripes, the purity of the white stripes, and the perseverance of the bold blue holding together the individual 50 stars.

Thank you to the Veterans that gave us today and God bless those soldiers tending to us tomorrow.

Until tomorrow… -bag

Side note: according to dictionary.com, an armistice is a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warning parties.

Revisited: I’m Not A Good Neighbor

I’m excited to report that I’ve found the research I’ve been seeking. Thanks to the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Michigan State University, it is quite clear to me that I should never rake another leave. Read here for my scientifically proven logic: http://www.scotts.com/smg/learn/infoHowToArticle.jsp?detailId=11800002

I’m not sure that my good neighbor status will be reinstated based on these findings, but I’ll sleep much better tonight knowing my lawn will probably be the greenest on the block next spring (insert devilish grin here). As for my recently purchased John Deere backpack lawn blower – it’s still really fun to wear around the yard and my flower beds are flawless.

Word of advice: Don’t start the 175mph blower with your two year old close by, it scares them to death – oops.

Until tomorrow…     -bag

Scarlet and Gray

There’s no doubt that I’m rarely the optimist when it comes to Saturday afternoon football with my beloved Buckeyes. I had thoroughly convinced myself and prepared for a loss against that blue and white team in Happy Valley. I was so cynical that I even talked myself into believing that a 14 point loss would be a moral victory; ask my family, I was nauseating to listen to.

So, a dominating victory with near flawless execution left me dumbfounded (and quite thrilled)! Not only was it a beautiful fall day, but now my confidence has been built to an astounding level. Dreams of another Big Ten championship, a top ten finish in the coveted BCS rankings, and maybe even a BCS bowl game again this year — could it be?!

Certainly with two whopping week’s worth of games left on our schedule against an angry Iowa and that jaded team up north, my college football emotional rollercoaster hasn’t seen anything yet. I do know I hope the team that showed up against Penn State sticks around through the first week of January 2010.

Great win Bucks!

Until tomorrow… -bag

Bangladesh

Today was a big day for me and I’m excited to announce that I will be blogging from Dhaka, Bangladesh in the very near future. As a part of the NRECA International Program I will be assisting with a rural electrification project for a year or so. I will be working as a communications consultant and will be traveling in segments of close to a month at a time. I will also continue to serve in my current position at URE by working remotely and at our office when I am in the United States.

 

Dhaka is 11 hours ahead of my home eastern standard time, so please be patient with my DailyBAG posts being slightly ahead or behind normal. I do think that I’ll be posting some unique and exciting comments based on this experience… stay tuned.

 

In the meantime please wish me luck; I’ve got a busy schedule preparing for this opportunity.

 

Until tomorrow…     -bag

Global Recovery or Crisis? (revisiting last Thursday’s blog)

Last Thursday, October 29^th, my blog discussed an economic recovery in 2010. I stated my concerns of long-term issues related to the bailouts, but didn’t go into great detail.

Yesterday, I was reading the following article at WSJ.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125729703390626817.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEADNewsCollection) and thought that it addressed issues similar to the anxieties I raised, but expanded my concerns to a global scale. The article certainly provides additional statistics, which focus on the distress of cash-saturated markets, not just in the United States, but in many recovering economies around the globe.

If the bubble bursts in Asia prior to the U.S., how will our markets react? Will we slide below 6000 on the DJIA if it happens? Tonight I’ll just take comfort in my mother’s notorious line that “only time will tell”.

Until tomorrow…     -bag

The Gambler

Earlier this week, billionaire Warren Buffet made the biggest bet in his acclaimed career: a $44 billion wager on Burlington Northern Santa Fe, a railroad company. Many have rendered an opinion on his unique bid of an antiquated business, so I too will share my thoughts — you nailed it again, Mr. Buffet!

For the past 10 years I’ve preached, but only to a handful of close friends, that I’d love to own a railroad. Having visited Europe and witnessed firsthand the potential of an efficient, well-run railroad system, we’re missing the boat (or in this case the railcar) here in the United States. Notorious for his ability to snatch up deals and put mass amounts of capital to the test, I’m a thrilled share holder. My only regret is that I haven’t accumulated enough B shares to “upgrade” to an A class share. I wish I had prior to the upcoming 50-1 split.

Nonetheless, I’m anxious to see the future of railroads in the United States. The engineer running this locomotive is first class and I look forward to following my small Berkshire railcar from Fort Worth to Omaha.

Until tomorrow…     -bag