Tuesday
Where's the money?
So, you've graduated. Mom and Dad are proud, now it's time to start earning your keep.
You've worked hard to earn that degree. Now it's time get a job.
What's a degree worth ? Find out..
You've worked hard to earn that degree. Now it's time get a job.
What's a degree worth ? Find out..
Monday
A Jacket that plays music and connects to a mobile phone!
German chipmaker Infineon and Bavarian clothes firm rosner on Monday presented the latest item for the man who has everything -- an electronic jacket that plays music and connects to a mobile phone.
The "mp3blue" garment features sewn-in Bluetooth wireless technology and an MP3 music player controlled by a textile keyboard on the sleeve, the companies said in a statement.
They jacket is tipped to retail for around 600 ($736) and is aimed at "technologically progressive, fashion-conscious men." more..
The "mp3blue" garment features sewn-in Bluetooth wireless technology and an MP3 music player controlled by a textile keyboard on the sleeve, the companies said in a statement.
They jacket is tipped to retail for around 600 ($736) and is aimed at "technologically progressive, fashion-conscious men." more..
Sunday
Get rich quick(er): 4 strategies
A few ASAP wealth-building strategies to turbocharge your net worth.
You're well past the age of 6. But admit it: when it comes to meeting your financial goals, you're not past the impatience of a first-grader on a car trip.
You're always wondering: Aren't we there yet? If you're frustrated with how far you haven't come at this stage, you may want some ideas about how to hit the gas on your wealth building or debt reduction.
With that in mind, here are four ASAP strategies that may help.
You're well past the age of 6. But admit it: when it comes to meeting your financial goals, you're not past the impatience of a first-grader on a car trip.
You're always wondering: Aren't we there yet? If you're frustrated with how far you haven't come at this stage, you may want some ideas about how to hit the gas on your wealth building or debt reduction.
With that in mind, here are four ASAP strategies that may help.
Thursday
Digital music player market set to double in 2004
Gadget-loving music fans will buy more than 10 million digital music players in 2004, in one of the year's biggest consumer buying crazes, a study showed on Wednesday.
The popularity of gadgets like Apple Computer's iPod, which can store thousands of songs in a pocket-sized device, is propelling a spending spree in mobile music players not seen since the early years of the Sony Walkman.
According to London-based research firm Informa Media, consumers worldwide will buy 10.8 million next-generation players in 2004, from cheaper flash-memory units to players equipped with hard drives and massive memory, bringing the total installed base to 21.5 million units by the end of the year. more..
The popularity of gadgets like Apple Computer's iPod, which can store thousands of songs in a pocket-sized device, is propelling a spending spree in mobile music players not seen since the early years of the Sony Walkman.
According to London-based research firm Informa Media, consumers worldwide will buy 10.8 million next-generation players in 2004, from cheaper flash-memory units to players equipped with hard drives and massive memory, bringing the total installed base to 21.5 million units by the end of the year. more..
Tuesday
Techs climb on Internet strength
Yahoo!, eBay help Nasdaq move higher; Microsoft's $30 billion buyback rocks after-hours trading.
Technology stocks charged ahead Tuesday, lifted by Internet stocks such as Yahoo! Inc. and online marketplace operator eBay Inc., which is due to issue its earnings after Wednesday's close.
The tech-laced Nasdaq Composite index rose 33.24 points, or 1.8 percent, to close at 1,917.07, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor index finished 10.21 points, or 2.5 percent, higher at 423.47.
But the big news that rocked after-hours trading Tuesday was Microsoft's plan to repurchase up to $30 billion of its stock. The software giant also said it would begin issuing a quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share and issue a one-time special payout of $3 a share to stockholders. more..
Technology stocks charged ahead Tuesday, lifted by Internet stocks such as Yahoo! Inc. and online marketplace operator eBay Inc., which is due to issue its earnings after Wednesday's close.
The tech-laced Nasdaq Composite index rose 33.24 points, or 1.8 percent, to close at 1,917.07, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor index finished 10.21 points, or 2.5 percent, higher at 423.47.
But the big news that rocked after-hours trading Tuesday was Microsoft's plan to repurchase up to $30 billion of its stock. The software giant also said it would begin issuing a quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share and issue a one-time special payout of $3 a share to stockholders. more..
The $56 billion questions
Quiz: Find out how much you really know about Microsoft. Try Me!
Monday
Entrepreneurship: Radical Change, Entrepreneurial Opportunity
A key to exploiting radical technological change is to clear your vision of historical constraints and see new opportunities with a fresh perspective.
Mary Tripsas, Assistant Professor in the Entrepreneurial Management unit at Harvard Business School, is interested in how radical technological change transforms industries, and how such change affects established firms and creates entrepreneurial opportunities. Learn about her research ..
Mary Tripsas, Assistant Professor in the Entrepreneurial Management unit at Harvard Business School, is interested in how radical technological change transforms industries, and how such change affects established firms and creates entrepreneurial opportunities. Learn about her research ..
Sunday
Companies Brace for Microsoft Update - Is your Business prepared ?
Microsoft's SP2(Service Pack 2) comes in response to a series of attacks that have plagued the software giant's products, taking advantage of vulnerabilities to spread viruses, steal personal information and otherwise wreak havoc.
Some companies rushing to make their applications compatible or trying to negotiate last-minute Microsoft changes complain that SP2 is creating headaches.
"The changes Microsoft is proposing for SP2 will have serious negative consequences on the consumer experience of many applications and Web sites," RealNetworks spokeswoman Erika Shaffer said. The Microsoft rival makes a digital music and video player and sells subscription download services.
The new system bolsters security on Windows, its built-in Internet Explorer browser and Outlook Express e-mail. Among the changes, a Windows Firewall will automatically be turned on, helping to guard against attack. The browser has been fortified, and a new attachment manager will offer tougher policing against e-mail-borne attacks.
The changes in the way Windows polices itself particularly the newly strengthened firewall could cause troubles for applications that are used to working with Windows' old ways. Some say that's particularly true of applications that regularly interact online, such as gaming programs or music services.
Security experts say it's tough to know how many companies may have to change their products to be compatible.
The company has delayed SP2's release, originally scheduled for June, amid efforts to improve compatibility. Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe says the "vast majority of applications" should function properly when SP2 comes out.
In the end, analysts believe most consumers will avoid major problems because most companies that have problems will fix them by the time SP2 is released. Gartner Research estimates that a mere 3 percent of applications that run on Windows won't work once SP2 is out. more..
Some companies rushing to make their applications compatible or trying to negotiate last-minute Microsoft changes complain that SP2 is creating headaches.
"The changes Microsoft is proposing for SP2 will have serious negative consequences on the consumer experience of many applications and Web sites," RealNetworks spokeswoman Erika Shaffer said. The Microsoft rival makes a digital music and video player and sells subscription download services.
The new system bolsters security on Windows, its built-in Internet Explorer browser and Outlook Express e-mail. Among the changes, a Windows Firewall will automatically be turned on, helping to guard against attack. The browser has been fortified, and a new attachment manager will offer tougher policing against e-mail-borne attacks.
The changes in the way Windows polices itself particularly the newly strengthened firewall could cause troubles for applications that are used to working with Windows' old ways. Some say that's particularly true of applications that regularly interact online, such as gaming programs or music services.
Security experts say it's tough to know how many companies may have to change their products to be compatible.
The company has delayed SP2's release, originally scheduled for June, amid efforts to improve compatibility. Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe says the "vast majority of applications" should function properly when SP2 comes out.
In the end, analysts believe most consumers will avoid major problems because most companies that have problems will fix them by the time SP2 is released. Gartner Research estimates that a mere 3 percent of applications that run on Windows won't work once SP2 is out. more..
IM giants MSN AOL and YAHOO join forces - Now Easy Messaging to benefit Corporate users
After years of mudslinging, Microsoft, America Online and Yahoo on Thursday made a surprising overture toward peace in the instant-messaging wars.
The companies announced that later this year Microsoft's Live Communications Server (LCS), which offers instant messaging for corporate users, will connect with AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and its own MSN Messenger.
However, the three public IM clients will still not connect with one another for public users. Instead, it means corporations that use LCS will allow employees to chat with the Big Three public (IM)Instant Messaging services as well.
The Instant Messaging connectivity with AOL and Yahoo will launch on a trial basis at the end of the year when LCS 2005 launches, and then launch officially during the first half of next year. more..
The companies announced that later this year Microsoft's Live Communications Server (LCS), which offers instant messaging for corporate users, will connect with AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and its own MSN Messenger.
However, the three public IM clients will still not connect with one another for public users. Instead, it means corporations that use LCS will allow employees to chat with the Big Three public (IM)Instant Messaging services as well.
The Instant Messaging connectivity with AOL and Yahoo will launch on a trial basis at the end of the year when LCS 2005 launches, and then launch officially during the first half of next year. more..
Friday
Remote access for small companies
Sometimes smaller is better!
That's what Aventail says. On Monday, the company will announce the EX-750, a less-expensive version of its SSL VPN--or Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network--product, which provides secure remote access through a Web browser. The EX-750 has all the same features as the company's larger EX1500, but it supports fewer users and is priced much lower than its flagship product, the company said.
Aventail is one of the first companies in the SSL VPN market to address small and midsize businesses. Vendors, including Aventail, Check Point Software Technologies, Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, Nokia and Nortel Networks, have until now focused on large companies.
The small-business market could be a perfect fit for SSL VPN technology, which is often thought of as much easier to deploy and manage than other technologies, such as IPSec. SSL VPNs also let users connect to the corporate network from any computer, allowing workers from small companies, who don't have company-issued laptops, to work from home computers. more..
That's what Aventail says. On Monday, the company will announce the EX-750, a less-expensive version of its SSL VPN--or Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network--product, which provides secure remote access through a Web browser. The EX-750 has all the same features as the company's larger EX1500, but it supports fewer users and is priced much lower than its flagship product, the company said.
Aventail is one of the first companies in the SSL VPN market to address small and midsize businesses. Vendors, including Aventail, Check Point Software Technologies, Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, Nokia and Nortel Networks, have until now focused on large companies.
The small-business market could be a perfect fit for SSL VPN technology, which is often thought of as much easier to deploy and manage than other technologies, such as IPSec. SSL VPNs also let users connect to the corporate network from any computer, allowing workers from small companies, who don't have company-issued laptops, to work from home computers. more..
Thursday
eBay plugs into digital-music market
Online auctioneer eBay has announced that it is allowing a select group of its customers to begin selling digital music files over its Web site as part of a test to see if the company can successfully move into the download services market.
The surprise move by eBay into the promising digital-download sector follows this week's news that Apple Computer's market-leading iTunes service has crested 100 million transactions. Other big-name vendors are also rushing to establish themselves in the space, including entertainment giant Sony, which, like Apple, offers both digital-content downloads and the devices used to play the files. more..
The surprise move by eBay into the promising digital-download sector follows this week's news that Apple Computer's market-leading iTunes service has crested 100 million transactions. Other big-name vendors are also rushing to establish themselves in the space, including entertainment giant Sony, which, like Apple, offers both digital-content downloads and the devices used to play the files. more..
Tuesday
The $1M question
Game Show Gains!
Ken Jennings' solid run on 'Jeopardy!' has landed him $972,960. Think you can do the same?
During his 29th romp on "Jeopardy!," Ken Jennings dominated the first two categories before his opponents could even find their buzzers.
Landing a spot of "Jeopardy!" may be as competitive as the game. The process of elimination begins with a 50-question test and is quickly followed by a mock game, videotaped by host Alex Trebek. Making it past either round isn't a guarantee you'll be called in for an actual taping either. The producers keep an active file of candidates for the show and call people in as needed.
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" has the best payout potential, thanks to the $10 million Super Millionaire contest, the show has given away more money than any other program on the air. The biggest game show gain, $2.18 million won by Dr. Kevin Olmstead in April 2001, also came from the "Millionaire" ranks.
If you're ready to get your game on, both Jeopardy!" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" are holding auditions.
Just remember, how well you play the game determines how much you win. more..
Ken Jennings' solid run on 'Jeopardy!' has landed him $972,960. Think you can do the same?
During his 29th romp on "Jeopardy!," Ken Jennings dominated the first two categories before his opponents could even find their buzzers.
Landing a spot of "Jeopardy!" may be as competitive as the game. The process of elimination begins with a 50-question test and is quickly followed by a mock game, videotaped by host Alex Trebek. Making it past either round isn't a guarantee you'll be called in for an actual taping either. The producers keep an active file of candidates for the show and call people in as needed.
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" has the best payout potential, thanks to the $10 million Super Millionaire contest, the show has given away more money than any other program on the air. The biggest game show gain, $2.18 million won by Dr. Kevin Olmstead in April 2001, also came from the "Millionaire" ranks.
If you're ready to get your game on, both Jeopardy!" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" are holding auditions.
Just remember, how well you play the game determines how much you win. more..
Sunday
Experts: Now Is Time for Mortgage Rates
Jump in now. That's the advice from experts to people who are thinking about refinancing a home or buying one, in light of the recent drop in mortgage rates.
Those falling rates are seen as temporary. Forecasters predict rates will again start to slowly climb through next year.
Rates on 30-year mortgages hit a low this year of 5.38 percent. After that, those rates — along with rates on 15-year mortgages — moved upward in anticipation of an increase in short-term rates by the Federal Reserve. Thirty-year rates hit a high this year of 6.34 percent in the middle of May.
The Fed, wanting to head off inflation, ordered its first rate increase in four years on June 30, boosting a key short-term rate to 1.25 percent, from a 46-year low of 1 percent.
Fed policy-makers also held to the view that future rate increases would probably be gradual. But they also made clear that they would do what was necessary to keep the economy and inflation on an even keel. more..
Those falling rates are seen as temporary. Forecasters predict rates will again start to slowly climb through next year.
Rates on 30-year mortgages hit a low this year of 5.38 percent. After that, those rates — along with rates on 15-year mortgages — moved upward in anticipation of an increase in short-term rates by the Federal Reserve. Thirty-year rates hit a high this year of 6.34 percent in the middle of May.
The Fed, wanting to head off inflation, ordered its first rate increase in four years on June 30, boosting a key short-term rate to 1.25 percent, from a 46-year low of 1 percent.
Fed policy-makers also held to the view that future rate increases would probably be gradual. But they also made clear that they would do what was necessary to keep the economy and inflation on an even keel. more..
Friday
Lottery fever: How to take the cash?
Big-ticket lottery payouts like the recent $294 million offer intriguing financial choices.
When a 68-year-old cleaning woman won last week's $294 million Mega Millions jackpot, she joined a select group of people: multi-millionaire lottery players.
It is also further evidence of the super-sizing trend in lotteries. Prizes have grown so gargantuan that anything less than $100 million looks like chump change. more..
When a 68-year-old cleaning woman won last week's $294 million Mega Millions jackpot, she joined a select group of people: multi-millionaire lottery players.
It is also further evidence of the super-sizing trend in lotteries. Prizes have grown so gargantuan that anything less than $100 million looks like chump change. more..
Need a snooze? Company sells naps
In the city that never sleeps, a startup company tries to peddle a little bit of shuteye.
High above the bustling streets, honking taxicabs and crowded sidewalks, on the 24th floor of the landmark Empire State Building, is MetroNaps, a month-old company offering New York's version of the Spanish siesta: a 20-minute nap.
Stressed-out customers arrive in a quiet, darkened room filled with futuristic chairs, or "napping pods," where they can pay $14 for their snooze. After 20 minutes, the sleeping pod wakes up the customer with a combination of vibrations and light. more..
High above the bustling streets, honking taxicabs and crowded sidewalks, on the 24th floor of the landmark Empire State Building, is MetroNaps, a month-old company offering New York's version of the Spanish siesta: a 20-minute nap.
Stressed-out customers arrive in a quiet, darkened room filled with futuristic chairs, or "napping pods," where they can pay $14 for their snooze. After 20 minutes, the sleeping pod wakes up the customer with a combination of vibrations and light. more..
How much is your time worth ?
Here's how to think about whether you should pay for any service that may make life easier.
Ian Walker of the University of Warwick in England came up with a formula a few years ago to help assess the monetary value of your time. He takes into account your gross hourly wage, your marginal tax rate (the top tax rate you pay), and the cost-of-living in your area.
The formula is based on the assumption that what you make is an indication of how you value an hour of your time because that's what you're willing to sell it for to an employer. Theoretically (although not practically), you could always be working and earning money instead of cooking, mowing the lawn, doing the laundry, etc.
But the worth of your wage also depends on the cost of living in your area and your taxes, since they determine how far your wage will go when it comes to spending it.
Here's Walker's formula (algebra-phobes may want to close their eyes now):
The value of your time = [Wage(100-Tax rate)]/Cost of living.
more..
Ian Walker of the University of Warwick in England came up with a formula a few years ago to help assess the monetary value of your time. He takes into account your gross hourly wage, your marginal tax rate (the top tax rate you pay), and the cost-of-living in your area.
The formula is based on the assumption that what you make is an indication of how you value an hour of your time because that's what you're willing to sell it for to an employer. Theoretically (although not practically), you could always be working and earning money instead of cooking, mowing the lawn, doing the laundry, etc.
But the worth of your wage also depends on the cost of living in your area and your taxes, since they determine how far your wage will go when it comes to spending it.
Here's Walker's formula (algebra-phobes may want to close their eyes now):
The value of your time = [Wage(100-Tax rate)]/Cost of living.
more..
Wednesday
Get Rich Quick(er) : 4 Strategies
Here are a few ASAP wealth-building strategies to turbocharge your net worth.
You're well past the age of 6. But admit it: when it comes to meeting your financial goals, you're not past the impatience of a first-grader on a car trip.
You're always wondering: Aren't we there yet?
If you're frustrated with how far you haven't come at this stage, you may want some ideas about how to hit the gas on your wealth building or debt reduction.
With that in mind, here are four ASAP strategies that may help. Full details..
You're well past the age of 6. But admit it: when it comes to meeting your financial goals, you're not past the impatience of a first-grader on a car trip.
You're always wondering: Aren't we there yet?
If you're frustrated with how far you haven't come at this stage, you may want some ideas about how to hit the gas on your wealth building or debt reduction.
With that in mind, here are four ASAP strategies that may help. Full details..
Tuesday
Entrepreneurship: Radical Change, Entrepreneurial Opportunity
A key to exploiting radical technological change is to clear your vision of historical constraints and see new opportunities with a fresh perspective. Michael J. Roberts interviews HBS professor Mary Tripsas.
Mary Tripsas, Assistant Professor in the Entrepreneurial Management unit at Harvard Business School, is interested in how radical technological change transforms industries, and how such change affects established firms and creates entrepreneurial opportunities. Senior lecturer Michael J. Roberts, publisher of Harvard Business School's NewBusiness, recently spent time with Tripsas to learn more about her research. more..
Mary Tripsas, Assistant Professor in the Entrepreneurial Management unit at Harvard Business School, is interested in how radical technological change transforms industries, and how such change affects established firms and creates entrepreneurial opportunities. Senior lecturer Michael J. Roberts, publisher of Harvard Business School's NewBusiness, recently spent time with Tripsas to learn more about her research. more..
Economy Set for Best Growth in 20 Years
The economy appears headed for a banner year despite a springtime spike in energy prices and a recent increase in interest rates.
In fact, many analysts are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, will grow by 4.6 percent or better this year, the fastest in two decades. more..
In fact, many analysts are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, will grow by 4.6 percent or better this year, the fastest in two decades. more..
Saturday
Dot-Com IPOs ! They're Baaaaack
Salesforce.com has a little 1999 in it. The company still carries a dot-com in its moniker even though others have dropped the suffix for fear of being typecast. It can party in a style reminiscent of 1999, throwing galas for such dignitaries as the Dalai Lama with entertainment from such stars as David Bowie. And like many companies circa 1999, Salesforce.com is pitching a revolution that will upend the establishment. A recent initial public offering with a first-day pop of 56% completes the flashback.
The big question is whether this company, which hosts customer relationship management software and delivers its services through the web, can rekindle some of the IPO heyday of five years ago. Experts at Wharton say it’s unlikely that the euphoric — some would say ridiculous — days of heady valuations for the latest and greatest companies will return. Nevertheless, Salesforce.com’s IPO, which basically serves as a warm-up act for Google’s expected big splash, is a nice confidence builder for the stock market, technology companies and Internet players. Why? “In 2001, 2002 and 2003 the IPO market was shut down in a way it hasn’t been before,” says Andrew Metrick, a finance professor at Wharton. “It could be the return of a more healthy stock market as good companies raise capital.”
Indeed, other Internet players such as comparison-shopping company Shopping.com and RightNow Technologies – a Salesforce.com rival – are also preparing to go public. more..
The big question is whether this company, which hosts customer relationship management software and delivers its services through the web, can rekindle some of the IPO heyday of five years ago. Experts at Wharton say it’s unlikely that the euphoric — some would say ridiculous — days of heady valuations for the latest and greatest companies will return. Nevertheless, Salesforce.com’s IPO, which basically serves as a warm-up act for Google’s expected big splash, is a nice confidence builder for the stock market, technology companies and Internet players. Why? “In 2001, 2002 and 2003 the IPO market was shut down in a way it hasn’t been before,” says Andrew Metrick, a finance professor at Wharton. “It could be the return of a more healthy stock market as good companies raise capital.”
Indeed, other Internet players such as comparison-shopping company Shopping.com and RightNow Technologies – a Salesforce.com rival – are also preparing to go public. more..
Friday
Can I afford advice ?
It's simple enough to find a brokerage that will let you buy and sell stocks for a fee. But what if you also want a little advice?
These days, a lot of brokers prefer to call themselves consultants or "wealth managers" and don't want to spend too much time with people who have less than $500,000 or even $1 million to invest.
So what kind of advice the rest of us can get. (And what does it costs.) Most brokerages offer a baffling array of service levels, and at the old full-service firms fees and commissions are often negotiable.
To give you a starting point, here's a sampling of what four major firms are offering to what you might call investing's middle class -- people with $100,000 or less to put to work. more..
These days, a lot of brokers prefer to call themselves consultants or "wealth managers" and don't want to spend too much time with people who have less than $500,000 or even $1 million to invest.
So what kind of advice the rest of us can get. (And what does it costs.) Most brokerages offer a baffling array of service levels, and at the old full-service firms fees and commissions are often negotiable.
To give you a starting point, here's a sampling of what four major firms are offering to what you might call investing's middle class -- people with $100,000 or less to put to work. more..
