I’ve never been one for mainstream news. As affiliates get closer, and closer to being infotainment, I find myself growing closer to CSpan and websites along the lines of the tv program. Unfortunately, these places are like eating oatmeal for breakfast. They’re good for you, but there’s no secret fun prize waiting at the bottom of the box. Flipping by CNN, or Fox News, or MSNBC I’m blown away by the headlines of “The government is fixing this”, or “Obama establishes X To solve the economy”.

When are we going to realize that the economy is driven by us, not the government. Don’t get me wrong, the government has a large role to play, but nothing as significant as the power we hold as consumers, employees, and employers. The economy is a natural flowing process, and one that is bigger than any one entity can control. No matter how some try. Businesses fade, and grow, and very little of that has to do with governmental involvement. Which is why it depresses me to flip by these news programs with only ideas being shown from the government on how to fix things.

Sure, it’s easy to say “regulations were lifted on this, or the senate passed this bill”, but where’s the accountability on ourselves? Wal-Marts, and AIGs (no offense Wal-Mart), and other corporations are built by us. Providers can only provide, if the people in need buy into what the provider is selling. Businesses can’t sustain on invisible money, even if our dollars are becoming more transparent. Before the word ‘bailout’ was uttered, this money was obtained through us. We gave it away trusting in other human beings to do the right thing. I really am not a pessimistic person, but should we really give our money to others and not question how it’s being used? Do you buy a computer without making sure it’s going to run right?

The government didn’t question AIG with the bailout, and look what happened. If AIG couldn’t handle their own wealth, and asssets what made the people involved with the bailout think they would do any better with money given to them?

So, I’ve rattled on about consumer responsibility and government; but how do we fix it? It definitely won’t be easy, and if anyone thinks it’s going to be a quick fix you’re treading dangerous water. For a problem that has been in summation since our credit system was established, sending large amounts of money to various companies isn’t the answer. The true solution lies in all of us. The government can prop the businesses up, but what happens after that? Will we have learned our lessons? Are we going to make sure that the money we put away for safe keeping in 401ks, and other various systems are being used right?

If the economy is built by us, will we make sure that it survives after the recession?

Tags: Politics by JohnnyV - 1 Comment »

I think we all knew, or have heard that animals dream. If you’re one of the six million to view the dreaming dog that runs into a wall, then you know that animals dream. After watching the video, I decided to do some research on animals, and find out just exactly what’s happening when they dream. The results are very interesting.

Just in case you haven’t seen the video yet, here’s Bizkit the Sleep Walking Dog…

What you see above, is dream patterns that resemble much of how humans dream. In this article, about an ongoing study at MIT, we learn much about how and what animals are dreaming of. The research could one day help with many mental illnesses that are based around memory (Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia).

In the study at MIT, they tested rats to find out what causes their brains to dream the way they do. They sent the the rats on a circular track, and monitored their brain patterns. Later when the rats slept, the monitored their brain patterns yet again. When the rats entered REM sleep, and began dreaming their brain patterns were exactly the same. So much in fact the researcher believes they’ve discovered a link between thoughts, and motions during the day with what happens in dreams.

Ok, are you bored by science? Here’s another Bizkit video…

Tags: Links, Videos by JohnnyV - 1 Comment »

Don’t look now, the boss is behind you…Whoo, that was a close one. Luckily, Twitter doesn’t take long to check or update right?

Tsk Tsk.

The phenomenon known as Twitter continues sweep across the nation as users update their lives at 140 characters per entry. Just like all great things on the internet, people take advantage of using it at work. Twitter, is probably the greatest social platform to use while at work. It takes short attention spans to use, and information flies like crazy.

Does that make it right though? I’m not judging mind you, I don’t think there’s one person who’s been on Twitter who hasn’t snuck a peak at work. Instead of doing it in secrecy, why not turn it into a positive for your business?

Twitter unlike other social networking sites is perfect for advertising. If you bring up the ‘a’ word to your boss, and also mention that it’s free you’ll instantly have her/his attention. Also, if your boss puts you in charge of it that gives you even more credibility for tweeting the day away.

Tags: Internet by JohnnyV - No Comments »