Author: 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.

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.

from the “Show me state” 😀

Obviously this is not a good year in terms of economy, we are all affected by the recession (and high unemployment rate) in some way. Last I heard, 1 out 4 mortgages in the US are under-water (yours truely got to be in the lucky 25% in this case).

But there are still many things to be thankful for, e.g., about 90% of the people (who want to work) still got jobs; thanks to Bernanke and Geithener, we are not getting Great Depression 2.0 (we are getting Great Recession instead); the stock market actually rebounded significantly (aka most of 401k got back to where it was a year ago, provided we did not jump in and jump out in the wrong time), more importantly credit market got new life (again thanks to B&G).

We still got Macy’s Parade. We still eat Turkey (oh well, although President Obama pardoned one as a symbolic move). We still got black Friday, although with the web we can do that online (pretty much).

Last but not least, we will have a baby.