1. NYTIMES 4/29/13 Twitter Speaks, Markets Listen, and fears rise. Last Tues a hoax was perpetrated via Twitter claiming something dreadful had happened to the President and The White House. This news was relayed thru Twitter, through Bloomberg News to the flash traders , whose computers track key words and react; the stock market lost 150 points erasing 136 Billion in market share in seconds. Flash traders account for 65% of the US market. The nature of electronic trading exacerbated the problem. Your choice, do they create a large risk?
2. I was in Detroit last weekend for a Glass Exposition @ Habitat Galleries and enjoyed reading The Detroit Free Press. The Business section, featured an article, ” Fast furlough cash being offered at credit unions” . In anticipation of the Communities cash needs, the credit unions are offering ” furlough” loans at 5% interest. The sequester cuts will impact our Country during June or July and impact the GDP negatively by 0.5%. Further reducing discretionary spending is creating a hardship for those already living paycheck to paycheck. Consider consolidating debt under this program. We have a choice.
3. Detroit Free Press , News and Views, The editorial page encourages it’s readers to Tell us what you think. What should be the priority of the next state budget ? While a 2 nd columnist, encourages family values, ” make an island out of them”, stay with all of us! Great concept, also encouraged at The Henry Ford Museum, where individuality is showcased along with innovative programs for families and their kids. Visit Detroit and feel at home. Who says you can’t go home again? We have choices.
4.LOL WHAT’S NEW? NY TIMES BUSINESS SECTION: 4/29-30/13: No words, no gestures, just your brain at the control pad. MIT is reporting on the technology, often called the brain computer interface which was originally conceived by scientists to enable people with paralysis and other disabilities to interact with computers or control robotic arms, all by simply thinking about such actions. Before long these technologies could be incorporated into consumer technologies, too! The future is here.
While other Country’s and cities are continuing to encourage start- ups. Berlin is luring the 20-30 yrs olds by offering inexpensive rents and a ” cool” environment, providing bistros, coffee shops, art galleries . At first they were copying America’s business model, no more, they are luring the younger generation from 35 countries. They are serious about innovation. We have a choice.