Categories
Life

Happy holidays and remember exercise

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Last Updated on January 20, 2010 by stlplace

It’s that time of the year again, this year it put another perspective after such a crazy year in terms of financial and job markets. The other day I met my former boss at the mall, and was surprised to learn one of my co-worker passed away this year. I was aware of my co-worker health problem, but I could not believe his passing because he is about my age (I am not disclosing my exact age here but I think I am still fairly young).

Holiday tech gadgets gift ideas
Saw David Pogue (NY Times) holiday tech gadgets ideas from CBS Sunday Morning show. One thing caught my attention, the Philips DirectLife, basically it’s a wearable gadget one can wear on neck, or slip on belt, to track his/her daily physical activities, and can analyze whether he/she get enough walking in office (or gym). I think it’s a great idea. Here is a review, quote:

The system is available from the DirectLife online store now, and will run you $79 (until October 30th) and includes a 4-month membership. After the initial 4 months, membership will run you $12.50 a month. This product is available in the US and the Netherlands only at this time.

Categories
Investing video

Why I don’t like Gold as long term investments?

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Last Updated on December 17, 2009 by stlplace

The Gold has been doing very well lately, partly due to the depreciation of dollar, partly due to the fear of inflation, and last but not least, due to speculation. I think this Yahoo Tech-ticker interview explained why I don’t like Gold as long term investments very well. More importantly, it suggested alternative investments for gold.

Categories
Life

What you want your daughter to be?

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Last Updated on December 14, 2009 by stlplace

If you read my blog long enough, you may know I am not a big fan of Jim Rogers, the famous US investor who recently moved to Singapore: to help his daugher learn Chinese (Mandarin better) among other things.

Here is Jim’s take on life and his current job (link: Yahoo tech-ticker), which kind of hit my tone. I mean, some day, I want to semi-retire, spend more time with family and do things I always dream to do.

Categories
401k and Personal Finance

Year end tax tips 2009

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Last Updated on December 12, 2009 by stlplace

NBR at PBS is running a series of year end tax tips (link here). My take is in investing, taking gain/loss should first based on the investments prospectus (how you think your investments will work in the future), the tax should be secondary consideration. It is still important because in some cases you want to make sure you have enough cash to pay the tax from tax gain. With this in mind, here is the first video of the series. This one is about capital gain.

Categories
Travel

My random thoughts on Las Vegas, software

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Last Updated on December 5, 2009 by stlplace

I was in Las Vegas this week, attending a technology (software) conference. One tip to share at the beginning: Google Free Wifi at LAS airport. It appears my Boingo service does not have wifi spot here, but Google provided free Wifi during holidays until Jan 15. They even have some “google colored” bean shaped couch laying around for people to rest.

iPhone and Cloud computing
iPhone is everywhere, from the conference participants, and the travelers on the airport and in the airport. Easy to run out of battery appears to be a problem for iPhone. I found a guy using the Richard Solo battery charger (slightly small than iPhone), and there are couple Verizon Charge stations in the airport which are popular for iPhone and laptop users.