Sorry for the lack of posting lately but, with taking down Christmas stuff, dealing with a move and being in Vegas for a bachelor party, the blog got put onto the backburner.
In the next few weeks you will see some changes. Let me know what you think about them. I think you'll find them refreshing and necessary at the same time.
Anyway, for those that didn't see Obama's inaguration here is a good speech.
Dan Ross
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Taking Action in 2009...How to Make This Nation Great Again (cause we have DEFINITELY fallen off our perch.)
So the biggest theme of Robert Alter's book is ACTION. Alter is spot-on when he declares that action was more important to Roosevelt than policy substance: Activism that attacked the Depression's symptoms was as effective politically as finding a cure. Given that our economic slowdown is at its EXTREMES (stock market, consumer sentiment, debt levels, credit crunch, bank health, etc) that time period is our only comparison from a historical perspective.
From Amazon.com
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Some speeches live forever, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 inaugural address, carried to tens of millions of Americans by radio at the lowest depths of the Great Depression, remains among them. Eight days later, FDR delivered his first "fireside chat." When a special session of Congress adjourned after exactly 100 days, major programs for economic regulation, relief, reform and recovery were in place. Hope and optimism had been restored.
Take Action in 2009
The Now Famous Words of Barack Obama "Yes We Can"
The Authors of Every Monday Matters at Google's Headquarters
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
From Amazon.com
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Some speeches live forever, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 inaugural address, carried to tens of millions of Americans by radio at the lowest depths of the Great Depression, remains among them. Eight days later, FDR delivered his first "fireside chat." When a special session of Congress adjourned after exactly 100 days, major programs for economic regulation, relief, reform and recovery were in place. Hope and optimism had been restored.
Take Action in 2009
The Now Famous Words of Barack Obama "Yes We Can"
The Authors of Every Monday Matters at Google's Headquarters
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Obama vs. FDR - The first 100 Days (great videos)
So, did you vote?
Were you a Republican, Democrat or Independent voter?
Did the person you voted for end up winning the presidential race?
Does that even matter?
These are a few questions I pose because I've thought about them quite a bit both BEFORE and AFTER the election.
At the end of the day, the person that won the nomination has to bring the country back together and then get the country to take ACTION to try and improve the country and our future.
Here are a few great books/videos that I've come across that I'll be reflecting upon, and acting on, in 2009.
FDR and Obama's first 100 days
Dan Ross
http://www.betterbizbooks.com/
Were you a Republican, Democrat or Independent voter?
Did the person you voted for end up winning the presidential race?
Does that even matter?
These are a few questions I pose because I've thought about them quite a bit both BEFORE and AFTER the election.
At the end of the day, the person that won the nomination has to bring the country back together and then get the country to take ACTION to try and improve the country and our future.
Here are a few great books/videos that I've come across that I'll be reflecting upon, and acting on, in 2009.
FDR and Obama's first 100 days
Dan Ross
http://www.betterbizbooks.com/
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Citigroup and their forecasted losses
Citigroup has taken more than $40 billion in writedowns since the middle of 2007.
Apparently they indicated in their meeting on Monday with employees that losses will be $4.9 billion in Q3 with losses going up $1 to $2 billion each quarter. That means next June the company could lose up to $10 billion.
Anyone else need a stiff drink after reading that?
Wow. Where was the board during all of this? I mean, these guys lost an INSANE amount of money and no one seems to be losing their shirt except the U.S. taxpayers (for the time being). I sure as heck feel now that Robert Reubin shouldn't be the Treasury Secretary in Barack Obama's Cabinet as the guy has been paid $15 million per year as a board member and investment banker at Citigroup since leaving the Clinton presidency. What was his role in this?
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
Apparently they indicated in their meeting on Monday with employees that losses will be $4.9 billion in Q3 with losses going up $1 to $2 billion each quarter. That means next June the company could lose up to $10 billion.
Anyone else need a stiff drink after reading that?
Wow. Where was the board during all of this? I mean, these guys lost an INSANE amount of money and no one seems to be losing their shirt except the U.S. taxpayers (for the time being). I sure as heck feel now that Robert Reubin shouldn't be the Treasury Secretary in Barack Obama's Cabinet as the guy has been paid $15 million per year as a board member and investment banker at Citigroup since leaving the Clinton presidency. What was his role in this?
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
Friday, November 14, 2008
Citigroup (C) & Robert Roubin / Obama
So what is interesting here is this:
1) Roubin was an advisor/banker at Citigroup and Board Member. He is an an economic advisor to Barack Obama and possible Treasury Secretary. He had that role with Bill Clinton. Should a guy that clearly was asleep at the wheel re: risk management and enriched himself the entire time get such a role? I don't think so.....
2) Citigroup is really the reason that the banks got $25 billion each (Citigroup, Wells, JPM, Bank of America) in loans from Paulson via their "closed door" meeting that was highlighted in a 60 minutes video link I posted about a month ago. Ken Lewis of Bank of America is interviewed.
Citigroup is 60%-70% international. If they go under the "counter party" risks (ie. exposure of other worldwide banks/nations) would go THROUGH the roof and take down the entire global financial system.
If you look at their losses they have some of the highest amongst all banks in writedowns associated with mortgages - I am sure they will eventually be passed by Wachovia.
Additionally, look at their exposure to consumer credit. Henry Blodget estimated it at $500 billion in exposure. A 10% writeoff is $50 billion!
Just something to keep an eye on.
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
1) Roubin was an advisor/banker at Citigroup and Board Member. He is an an economic advisor to Barack Obama and possible Treasury Secretary. He had that role with Bill Clinton. Should a guy that clearly was asleep at the wheel re: risk management and enriched himself the entire time get such a role? I don't think so.....
2) Citigroup is really the reason that the banks got $25 billion each (Citigroup, Wells, JPM, Bank of America) in loans from Paulson via their "closed door" meeting that was highlighted in a 60 minutes video link I posted about a month ago. Ken Lewis of Bank of America is interviewed.
Citigroup is 60%-70% international. If they go under the "counter party" risks (ie. exposure of other worldwide banks/nations) would go THROUGH the roof and take down the entire global financial system.
If you look at their losses they have some of the highest amongst all banks in writedowns associated with mortgages - I am sure they will eventually be passed by Wachovia.
Additionally, look at their exposure to consumer credit. Henry Blodget estimated it at $500 billion in exposure. A 10% writeoff is $50 billion!
Just something to keep an eye on.
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizBooks.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
VC John Doerr on Obama and "Green" Innovation
I think people need to be thinking of the impact of falling gas.
Will we go back to gas guzzlers?
Will innovation stop in green technologies?
Will we STOP implementing them due to economics that don't appear favorable, especially during these tough economic times?
If you are looking for a "green" revolution than today's economy is like the "perfect storm" for that segment of the economy. Lithium Ion battery powered vehicles will get pushed out, etc. I hate to say it but there is a direct correlation with gas prices.
Now, in a few years I think we'll be back at $100 oil but, until then, it makes me sick......
FYI, look for the Chinese to lead in the "green revolution." They have TONS of engineers, a HUGE national focus on this (they have polluted their environment big time) and they still have another 700 million people to bring out of poverty in the next century :) This part of the economy will be a HUGE export for them, in my opinion. Solar already is.....but wind and cheap CLEAN COAL solutions will be coming soon! APWR is the stock ticker symbol of a chinese wind turbine company for anyone looking into that sector of the company. Keep your eyes on it!
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizIdeas.com
Will we go back to gas guzzlers?
Will innovation stop in green technologies?
Will we STOP implementing them due to economics that don't appear favorable, especially during these tough economic times?
If you are looking for a "green" revolution than today's economy is like the "perfect storm" for that segment of the economy. Lithium Ion battery powered vehicles will get pushed out, etc. I hate to say it but there is a direct correlation with gas prices.
Now, in a few years I think we'll be back at $100 oil but, until then, it makes me sick......
FYI, look for the Chinese to lead in the "green revolution." They have TONS of engineers, a HUGE national focus on this (they have polluted their environment big time) and they still have another 700 million people to bring out of poverty in the next century :) This part of the economy will be a HUGE export for them, in my opinion. Solar already is.....but wind and cheap CLEAN COAL solutions will be coming soon! APWR is the stock ticker symbol of a chinese wind turbine company for anyone looking into that sector of the company. Keep your eyes on it!
Dan Ross
http://www.BetterBizIdeas.com
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