Friday, February 5, 2010
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Great Business Idea
Synergy. Innovation is only about synergy. It does not involve anything that we don't know, but solely consists of new combinations of the things we do know. Synergy drives business and world progress. I thought of a great business idea today. Let me know what you think.
Most people commute to work from the suburbs. They spend lots of time on the train, on average about 30min. There are lots of things you can do with that time on the train. I propose that a car of the train is arranged like a salon. A row of chairs with stylists that do quick blow drys and make-up applications. It could be a subscription service, and you have your hair and makeup done for you every morning on your way to work. It would allow you to sleep in longer, look great for that promotion, and would bring the luxury of a personal hair and makeup stylist to the average working woman. Turn around time could easily be 20 minutes or less, and I estimate that at least 40 (20 on each side), stations could be set up in just one car.
Most people commute to work from the suburbs. They spend lots of time on the train, on average about 30min. There are lots of things you can do with that time on the train. I propose that a car of the train is arranged like a salon. A row of chairs with stylists that do quick blow drys and make-up applications. It could be a subscription service, and you have your hair and makeup done for you every morning on your way to work. It would allow you to sleep in longer, look great for that promotion, and would bring the luxury of a personal hair and makeup stylist to the average working woman. Turn around time could easily be 20 minutes or less, and I estimate that at least 40 (20 on each side), stations could be set up in just one car.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Contractual Law
The largest debate with bank bonuses today is that they were formally written in contracts, and therefore the bankers are entitled to them. If contracts are not upheld, it completely undermines the basic workings of capitalism, and an economy cannot grow without faith in business contracts.
For more insight into the philosophical debates on this issue, I suggest looking back at the discussions during the anti-slave movement. The contract argument was the same argument used for why slavery was acceptable.
Liberal contract theory found it very hard to argue against slavery.
- – hence individual could in theory exchange services for life in exchange for maintenance and protection – hence contract theorists have difficulty saying why slavery should be prohibited – have the right to alienate one‟s Property in the Person for as long or as in whatever manner one sees fit – restrictions are an arbitrary paternalism – i.e. freedom to subordinate yourself in any manner that you please
For more insight into the philosophical debates on this issue, I suggest looking back at the discussions during the anti-slave movement. The contract argument was the same argument used for why slavery was acceptable.
Liberal contract theory found it very hard to argue against slavery.
- – hence individual could in theory exchange services for life in exchange for maintenance and protection – hence contract theorists have difficulty saying why slavery should be prohibited – have the right to alienate one‟s Property in the Person for as long or as in whatever manner one sees fit – restrictions are an arbitrary paternalism – i.e. freedom to subordinate yourself in any manner that you please
5 Laziest Legal Ways of Getting Rich
1. Buy into means of production.
2. Look for and work for a large private company that has the potential of an IPO within 10 years and offers stock benefits to employees.
3. Marry rich. Men, you can now also marry rich men :)
4. Don't spend money. This is probably the laziest way because it means you never have to shop. Although it does require creativity.
5. Become a professor. Steal your students' ideas.
6. Hire a bunch of unpaid interns looking to get 'work experience'. Sell their services in some way...there is intellectual capital even in interns!
Here are a few hints: Never buy Kleenex; Toilet paper does the trick. Don't buy hangers, ask a retailer for their plastic ones that they throw away with each new shipment. Don't use any means of transport other than walking or running. I guess in places like New York, you may need to swim as well. Never buy any hair products other than Shampoo and Conditioner; body lotion is the same as defrizzer, shine gel, and pommade for your hair---3 products in one! Never buy a book, find it online or go to your local library....same for newspapers. Never buy a magazine, read it at the store! Go to the Apple store for computer and internet usage. Use free trials at all of the gyms in your cities. Be at your friends house when they happen to be cleaning out their closet. If you want to save electricity at home, charge all of your electronics at work under your desk. Reuse dishes to save on the water bill. Get all of your pens from your bank or wherever free pens are supplied.
I would love to hear your ideas for a frugal lifestyle!
2. Look for and work for a large private company that has the potential of an IPO within 10 years and offers stock benefits to employees.
3. Marry rich. Men, you can now also marry rich men :)
4. Don't spend money. This is probably the laziest way because it means you never have to shop. Although it does require creativity.
5. Become a professor. Steal your students' ideas.
6. Hire a bunch of unpaid interns looking to get 'work experience'. Sell their services in some way...there is intellectual capital even in interns!
Here are a few hints: Never buy Kleenex; Toilet paper does the trick. Don't buy hangers, ask a retailer for their plastic ones that they throw away with each new shipment. Don't use any means of transport other than walking or running. I guess in places like New York, you may need to swim as well. Never buy any hair products other than Shampoo and Conditioner; body lotion is the same as defrizzer, shine gel, and pommade for your hair---3 products in one! Never buy a book, find it online or go to your local library....same for newspapers. Never buy a magazine, read it at the store! Go to the Apple store for computer and internet usage. Use free trials at all of the gyms in your cities. Be at your friends house when they happen to be cleaning out their closet. If you want to save electricity at home, charge all of your electronics at work under your desk. Reuse dishes to save on the water bill. Get all of your pens from your bank or wherever free pens are supplied.
I would love to hear your ideas for a frugal lifestyle!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Inventions
I wonder if when futurologists projected the invention of computers, they saw it in a dream first. In my dream last night, someone handed me a stack of polaroids that were electronic and changed photos, basically like a digital picture frame but the size of a polaroid. I thought about the reality of it, and it is definitely possible! But it would only be popular among the nostalgia generation of polaroids.
Changing Education
The way in which we are taught today is complete BULLSHIT. Please excuse my audacity, but I have been a victim of the western education system. This may seem rash, but I blame any possible psychological problems that I have solely on our educational system. Simply, it offers no inspiration or true test of character.
I have spent 6 months in classes. Classes end and I have 6 months left to take exams that are 100% of my grade and write a dissertation. 6 months to learn and 6 months to produce. Furthermore, due to the absurd rules of the educational system I am currently a part of, I cannot see my exams or recieve feedback on my dissertation, i.e. Learning from mistakes is not a concept in the UK. I pay to learn for 6 months, and then I pay to be in depression for 6 months. I want to learn! I don't care about a grade or how these specific people in the universe think I did, I want to learn new ways of thinking and challenge them, not regurgitate.
In a conversation with a fellow student, I mentioned that if I were a professor, I would give A's to the students that rebelled against the system and used humor in their answers. If anything, at least they had a personality. But even more importantly, they show free thinking. I believe that the only goal of universities should be to produce free thinkers, otherwise, what's the point of education?
Uh oh, after writing this post, I'm anxious to drop out (why do we even call it that) and just start my career. I already know that I would pass even if I took the exams tommorow, but I'm anxious to start my life.
I have spent 6 months in classes. Classes end and I have 6 months left to take exams that are 100% of my grade and write a dissertation. 6 months to learn and 6 months to produce. Furthermore, due to the absurd rules of the educational system I am currently a part of, I cannot see my exams or recieve feedback on my dissertation, i.e. Learning from mistakes is not a concept in the UK. I pay to learn for 6 months, and then I pay to be in depression for 6 months. I want to learn! I don't care about a grade or how these specific people in the universe think I did, I want to learn new ways of thinking and challenge them, not regurgitate.
In a conversation with a fellow student, I mentioned that if I were a professor, I would give A's to the students that rebelled against the system and used humor in their answers. If anything, at least they had a personality. But even more importantly, they show free thinking. I believe that the only goal of universities should be to produce free thinkers, otherwise, what's the point of education?
Uh oh, after writing this post, I'm anxious to drop out (why do we even call it that) and just start my career. I already know that I would pass even if I took the exams tommorow, but I'm anxious to start my life.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Futurology Predictions
1930-2000 Geopolitics determined by factor mobilization.
2000-3000 Other factor of prodction, labor, becomes the primary factor motivating geopolitics and empire. Numerous examples from imperial pasts shed light on the potential that labor mobilization has to determine the future. When looking for a job these days, people are advised to pick a location, move there, and then begin looking for a job around that geographic location. Now, with the crisis, we are expected to be more open-minded in regards to geographic destination, but my generation is stubborn.
Additionally, glimpses of our stubbornness will be seen constantly in the work place as we expect to see things done on our own terms. I went to a lecture by a former Yahoo! executive the other day, and I couldn't believe how far behind he was on how business is expected to be done these days by the younger generation. We need to be offered consulting jobs to large corporations because if anyone knows how to get things for free (albeit illegally) it's us! We are great cost-reduces. Example number 1: TVs are going to become irrelevant. I watch all of my TV on my computer whenever I want. I don't need to schedule my day around a show nor spend money on a large device that I need to dust each week. The same goes for a stereo.
Human capital is the largest missed opportunity within any organization. "Back in the day", people's entire lives were defined by their jobs. I hate to break the news but today, the question "What do you do" upon meeting someone for the first time has become inappropriate. We can no longer be defined solely by our occupations (unless we are entrpreneurs in which our lives are our jobs), but most do many spectacular things outside of the office. Technology has allowed us to become so much more efficient with our time. Now, the hardest job for a corporation is to figure out how to capitalize on those external skills and talents. I recommend the free market approach.
Speaking of free market within corporations, I do not like the office supply industry because I view it almost as a public good. I believe that according to the model, in a free market, each employee should be responsible for supplying their own necessary supplies for work. Thank god, we have not perfected the model because I will need a new computer with my first job!
2000-3000 Other factor of prodction, labor, becomes the primary factor motivating geopolitics and empire. Numerous examples from imperial pasts shed light on the potential that labor mobilization has to determine the future. When looking for a job these days, people are advised to pick a location, move there, and then begin looking for a job around that geographic location. Now, with the crisis, we are expected to be more open-minded in regards to geographic destination, but my generation is stubborn.
Additionally, glimpses of our stubbornness will be seen constantly in the work place as we expect to see things done on our own terms. I went to a lecture by a former Yahoo! executive the other day, and I couldn't believe how far behind he was on how business is expected to be done these days by the younger generation. We need to be offered consulting jobs to large corporations because if anyone knows how to get things for free (albeit illegally) it's us! We are great cost-reduces. Example number 1: TVs are going to become irrelevant. I watch all of my TV on my computer whenever I want. I don't need to schedule my day around a show nor spend money on a large device that I need to dust each week. The same goes for a stereo.
Human capital is the largest missed opportunity within any organization. "Back in the day", people's entire lives were defined by their jobs. I hate to break the news but today, the question "What do you do" upon meeting someone for the first time has become inappropriate. We can no longer be defined solely by our occupations (unless we are entrpreneurs in which our lives are our jobs), but most do many spectacular things outside of the office. Technology has allowed us to become so much more efficient with our time. Now, the hardest job for a corporation is to figure out how to capitalize on those external skills and talents. I recommend the free market approach.
Speaking of free market within corporations, I do not like the office supply industry because I view it almost as a public good. I believe that according to the model, in a free market, each employee should be responsible for supplying their own necessary supplies for work. Thank god, we have not perfected the model because I will need a new computer with my first job!
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