I believe opportunities are arising to utilise the current tight financial situation to educate consumers and to change the culture of owning assets.
For example, websites such as rentroid.com.au are leading the way in ways to utilise current assets to generate cashflow. During the recent years of economic prosperity we have all acquired many unnecessary assets. Why not use them now to generate income?
I will be looking at how people who have purchased real estate and are now finding themselves financially stretched, could generate income from their assets. Similarly, those who own cars may be able share to generate income.
The US Economy
Tonight, on SBS, I watched a report on the US Economy and the history of policy decisions to this point. From the Reagan years through to the hope of the Obama days today. I am totally bewildered at the amount of money involved and astonished at the current rhetoric and culture of poor fiscal discipline and the huge greed of Americans and their parliamentarians. Still a culture of 'spend now, borrow now (but not off the citizens via Tax but in liabilities to other governments, namely China), deal with later' is standard. Starve the Bear, as it is called is still a key budgetary strategy. This is worrying when the debt graphs, spending graphs and unemployment graphs tend upward in the same fashion as Al Gore's climate change graphs bahave.
Not only does the US Economy seem to be in a seriously diar state, it is heading south, uncontrollably. Together with huge spending aimed at propping up spending towards rescuing a faltering GDP, the US is spending huge amounts on health care promises it can't keep.
The reason for huge spending on health care is mainly due to an aging population and existing policy aimed at supporting retirees with their health and supplementing the drugs they require to live longer. The reason retirees seem to be such a political target is that they are the majority age group who vote voluntarily. So the huge hemorrhaging of spending is politically driven, not rational policy, to keep the voters, those in the upper age bracket, happy.
No mention was made about other solutions to fix this slew in political focus away from an aging population toward a more all-encompassing focus. By this I would suggest a complete shift from voluntary voting, to compulsory voting would create a paradigm shift in the US political system. On face value this is a huge shift, but on a deeper level having each person accountable to their decision would be a huge step forward for the American people and its culture.
I notice that the Australian Government announced in its Federal Budget that it plans to increase the age of retirement over the coming years by 6 months each year. If this is included in the US Federal budget, changes to the projections may result in drastic changes to the forecast cost of future health care.
I acknowledge that this is a far more complex issue that outlined however there is no doubt that each US citizen will need to be accountable and more aware of their country's financial issues into the future.
Not only does the US Economy seem to be in a seriously diar state, it is heading south, uncontrollably. Together with huge spending aimed at propping up spending towards rescuing a faltering GDP, the US is spending huge amounts on health care promises it can't keep.
The reason for huge spending on health care is mainly due to an aging population and existing policy aimed at supporting retirees with their health and supplementing the drugs they require to live longer. The reason retirees seem to be such a political target is that they are the majority age group who vote voluntarily. So the huge hemorrhaging of spending is politically driven, not rational policy, to keep the voters, those in the upper age bracket, happy.
No mention was made about other solutions to fix this slew in political focus away from an aging population toward a more all-encompassing focus. By this I would suggest a complete shift from voluntary voting, to compulsory voting would create a paradigm shift in the US political system. On face value this is a huge shift, but on a deeper level having each person accountable to their decision would be a huge step forward for the American people and its culture.
I notice that the Australian Government announced in its Federal Budget that it plans to increase the age of retirement over the coming years by 6 months each year. If this is included in the US Federal budget, changes to the projections may result in drastic changes to the forecast cost of future health care.
I acknowledge that this is a far more complex issue that outlined however there is no doubt that each US citizen will need to be accountable and more aware of their country's financial issues into the future.
Find me on LinkedIN
Search 'Adrian Oest'
I also just created this group to get a further idea on how LinkedIN works. If you've ever rowed for AUBC, then please join so we can get LinkedIN.
Search 'Adrian Oest'
I also just created this group to get a further idea on how LinkedIN works. If you've ever rowed for AUBC, then please join so we can get LinkedIN.
Adelaide University Boat Club
http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/
Europe - My plans to date
Dates -
1) Leave Adelaide 21st of June arriving in Frankfurt
2) Goethe Course Hamburg - 29th June - 24th July
3) Meet Hannam in south of France, maybe watch the tour
4) Hopefully start in Mannheim in September
1) Leave Adelaide 21st of June arriving in Frankfurt
2) Goethe Course Hamburg - 29th June - 24th July
3) Meet Hannam in south of France, maybe watch the tour
4) Hopefully start in Mannheim in September
What drives Australia
If America is driven by emotion and Europe is driven by formality, I wonder what Australia is driven by?
KI Weekend
Just back from a great weekend at Kangaroo Island. Rose was a great host and much fun was had. Here are some photos!
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/ajoest/KIEaster
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/ajoest/KIEaster
The Frilled Neck Lizard
I attended a talk some weeks ago whereby the presented spoke how companies who wish to export need to behave like a Frilled Neck Lizard. For those not familiar with a FNL, this reptile has the ability to puff out a set of flats to make itself look considerably bigger than it is. The analogy focuses on the need to look bigger than you actually are to develop an export market. Further to this, the lizard is also agile and cunning which are also great business atributes. I enjoyed the presentation and appreciated the analogy.
This desciption resonated on a further level today when meeting people after a talk on innovation in Adelaide. I met one person who really inspired me and fitted the FNL analogy because he was able to take a product that he developed locally and now sells in over 122 countries. It was a fantastic chat and I really enjoyed meeting him.
The aspect that really drew home this analogy was actually the opposite experience that happened later in the 'networking' session later (I hate the term networking). After meeting a few people who are well established in SA business I really noticed how closed their minds were not only to me and the firm I work for but also the way they approached business. It was as though they felt the need to be negative to others was a way of establishing superiority. The actual fact is that these people I met haven't been as hugely successful as the first person I met that night who was more of an unassuming and personable character, no where near as successful.
By being negative and drawing in ones frills, you are less likely to be an agile business able to punch above your weight.
This desciption resonated on a further level today when meeting people after a talk on innovation in Adelaide. I met one person who really inspired me and fitted the FNL analogy because he was able to take a product that he developed locally and now sells in over 122 countries. It was a fantastic chat and I really enjoyed meeting him.
The aspect that really drew home this analogy was actually the opposite experience that happened later in the 'networking' session later (I hate the term networking). After meeting a few people who are well established in SA business I really noticed how closed their minds were not only to me and the firm I work for but also the way they approached business. It was as though they felt the need to be negative to others was a way of establishing superiority. The actual fact is that these people I met haven't been as hugely successful as the first person I met that night who was more of an unassuming and personable character, no where near as successful.
By being negative and drawing in ones frills, you are less likely to be an agile business able to punch above your weight.
Interviews
I was recently appointed to the board of a Tertiary Student Scholarship Trust and as such now have the task of interviewing potential recipients of small, but not insubstantial amounts of money that will hopefully make their life at University 'easier'.
What was astonishing was the in-experience of the candidates in both presenting themselves well for the interview and also the content of their application. Part of the process of the scholarship is to provide a medium for candidates to learn about how interviews work and the preparation required however for a simple scholarship application the majority of candidates left a lot to be desired.
If I thought I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, then please help the candidates! I'm not aiming to be critical of those who applied. Those who have come to ask for assistance clearly are in need over and above those who have their life under control. I am probably being more critical of their support networks and education. With proper guidance the simple things could be avoided.
Some tips:
- Be on time
- Complete the application fully and to the best of your ability
- Be honest
- Relax, the interviewers are there to help and offer assistance. If anything the interview is all about getting to know the candidate past their application.
What was astonishing was the in-experience of the candidates in both presenting themselves well for the interview and also the content of their application. Part of the process of the scholarship is to provide a medium for candidates to learn about how interviews work and the preparation required however for a simple scholarship application the majority of candidates left a lot to be desired.
If I thought I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, then please help the candidates! I'm not aiming to be critical of those who applied. Those who have come to ask for assistance clearly are in need over and above those who have their life under control. I am probably being more critical of their support networks and education. With proper guidance the simple things could be avoided.
Some tips:
- Be on time
- Complete the application fully and to the best of your ability
- Be honest
- Relax, the interviewers are there to help and offer assistance. If anything the interview is all about getting to know the candidate past their application.
Timing is Rowing Vs Timing in Music
In rowing, TIMING really is an allusive factor the defines our crew's stroke. Out of time and the boat isn't efficient, in time and the boat moves seemingly effortlessly.
I've often talked to my crews trying to make them understand if you follow someone you will be late. You actually need to anticipate what is going on; then make it happen together. If you can't do that, you can't row! At least won't be able to row in a crew boat.
I found this podcast randomly. It is a really interesting of James Brown, the famous musician. If you haven't listened to his music then this podcast will inspire you.
In his podcast MTT queries James Brown on timing and how he gets his band to work in absolute time. NOW. NOW. NOW. With silence in between is perfect timing if the entire band can do it. James Brown speaks of timing in a variety of ways:
- The power of knowledge being "because I know when, and you don't"
- Art of feeling when and where
- Keep it mellow, hey hey...I feel alright...ah ah...we'll go together
http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/programs/mtt_files/mtt_07.shtml
I highly recommend it if you want a different perspective on timing in rowing.
I've often talked to my crews trying to make them understand if you follow someone you will be late. You actually need to anticipate what is going on; then make it happen together. If you can't do that, you can't row! At least won't be able to row in a crew boat.
I found this podcast randomly. It is a really interesting of James Brown, the famous musician. If you haven't listened to his music then this podcast will inspire you.
In his podcast MTT queries James Brown on timing and how he gets his band to work in absolute time. NOW. NOW. NOW. With silence in between is perfect timing if the entire band can do it. James Brown speaks of timing in a variety of ways:
- The power of knowledge being "because I know when, and you don't"
- Art of feeling when and where
- Keep it mellow, hey hey...I feel alright...ah ah...we'll go together
http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/programs/mtt_files/mtt_07.shtml
I highly recommend it if you want a different perspective on timing in rowing.
Lance Story
Rob Prest and I were cruising up Norton then stopped for a break at the top..then a camera man got out of his car and started getting prepared.
We asked what was happening and he said that Lance was coming up with team Astana! He said they were cruising up and not far away. We rolled on for a bit very slowly. First came the Federal Police car and then a motorbike followed by 8-10 rider bunch (including Jack Bobridge). They went past pretty quickly followed by the team car and another car. The last car told us to say clear. We were then overtaken by two police bikes and decided to jump on their tail. They didn't seem to mind.
Rob and I had been planning to head up to Marble Hill anyway so followed them up the rest of Norton and past Scenic Hotel. They weren't going fast an no one minded. There were quite a few people at the scenic hotel waiting by the side of the road but we kept going....
The team mechanic had his head out of the car checking something out and then suddenly the whole bunch pulled up at the Marble Hill intersection. There was a bit of confusion...I thought they may had been lost or something but kept cruising through the police bikes and the team cars only to be toe to toe with Lance. He was kind of in the way!
Lance was shouting in a thick Texan accent: "His seat is kinda fucked" pointing to one of the riders' seats...
So, I said "G'day. How's it going?"
And he and the others replied with the usual kind of things. hi, hello, etc
The Lance says to Rob and I:
Gee, It's kinda hot out here boys.
At which point, I got totally nervous and staring to move my bike around him to take off.
Then finished with:
"Yeah, we've turned the weather on for you Lance. Have a great ride."
And Rob and took off....totally in shock!
All I've been thinking about all day has been the million other things I could have asked or done!
Can you sign my bike please?
Are you ready to kick some ass Lance?
Do you mind if we join you?
Wanna catch up for a drink later?
haha
Anyway, that's my Lance story!
We asked what was happening and he said that Lance was coming up with team Astana! He said they were cruising up and not far away. We rolled on for a bit very slowly. First came the Federal Police car and then a motorbike followed by 8-10 rider bunch (including Jack Bobridge). They went past pretty quickly followed by the team car and another car. The last car told us to say clear. We were then overtaken by two police bikes and decided to jump on their tail. They didn't seem to mind.
Rob and I had been planning to head up to Marble Hill anyway so followed them up the rest of Norton and past Scenic Hotel. They weren't going fast an no one minded. There were quite a few people at the scenic hotel waiting by the side of the road but we kept going....
The team mechanic had his head out of the car checking something out and then suddenly the whole bunch pulled up at the Marble Hill intersection. There was a bit of confusion...I thought they may had been lost or something but kept cruising through the police bikes and the team cars only to be toe to toe with Lance. He was kind of in the way!
Lance was shouting in a thick Texan accent: "His seat is kinda fucked" pointing to one of the riders' seats...
So, I said "G'day. How's it going?"
And he and the others replied with the usual kind of things. hi, hello, etc
The Lance says to Rob and I:
Gee, It's kinda hot out here boys.
At which point, I got totally nervous and staring to move my bike around him to take off.
Then finished with:
"Yeah, we've turned the weather on for you Lance. Have a great ride."
And Rob and took off....totally in shock!
All I've been thinking about all day has been the million other things I could have asked or done!
Can you sign my bike please?
Are you ready to kick some ass Lance?
Do you mind if we join you?
Wanna catch up for a drink later?
haha
Anyway, that's my Lance story!
Social lubricants
Every minute when making decisions, we aim to make the 'right' decision. What happens when the thought processes used to achieve this 'right' decision are so drastically influenced that the 'right' decision is very much out of kilter with reality?
I draft this note after attending a music festival at Bondi Beach over New Years Eve just gone.
Traditionally people chosing to have a big night out with the aim of having a good time have chosen alcohol as their chosen poison. Luckily alcoholic drinks come in a variety of different flavours and strengths to facilitate many tastes and situations. Since yeast was found to turn sugar into alcohol people have enjoyed fogging their minds in pursuit of enjoyment. The side effects of alcohol consumption range from relaxed happiness to collapsing in a puddle of your own spew and urine completely incompasitated. Worse than that drastic state is when that person effects others whether that be verbal abuse, physical abuse or using a car to ruin someones life. Alcohol would have to be one of the most regulated foods to ensure that people stay nearer the former state of happiness. Its probably one reason we must always line up and wait our turn to exchange money for that beautiful liquid. Also, alcohol being a valuable commodity, a big night out can really cost a lot of money.
In more recent times, those chosing to have a good time are chosing to use drugs of a variety of flavours and strengths to achieve that relaxed happiness. One pill, cheap, easy to source and administer, can provide that period of 'good times'. The side effects can be as drastic as those described for alcohol however the tendancy of drug users is to be far less aggressive. I pity the paramedics who constantly have to mop up the mess from irresponsible users of alcohol and drugs.
So the point i'm getting at without rattling on:
- There is little economical sense in chosing the 'right' choice of socially acceptable acohol use compared with using drugs.
- Drug users are generally far less aggressive compared with alcohol users
- Ease of use, although i'm not a user of drugs, seems to be easier with pills.
- All things are equal with respect to the clean up.
So, what is the right decision now? Do we consider these economical and practicle viewpoints or continue to encourage the 'wrong' decision by making the 'right' decision less attractive?
I draft this note after attending a music festival at Bondi Beach over New Years Eve just gone.
Traditionally people chosing to have a big night out with the aim of having a good time have chosen alcohol as their chosen poison. Luckily alcoholic drinks come in a variety of different flavours and strengths to facilitate many tastes and situations. Since yeast was found to turn sugar into alcohol people have enjoyed fogging their minds in pursuit of enjoyment. The side effects of alcohol consumption range from relaxed happiness to collapsing in a puddle of your own spew and urine completely incompasitated. Worse than that drastic state is when that person effects others whether that be verbal abuse, physical abuse or using a car to ruin someones life. Alcohol would have to be one of the most regulated foods to ensure that people stay nearer the former state of happiness. Its probably one reason we must always line up and wait our turn to exchange money for that beautiful liquid. Also, alcohol being a valuable commodity, a big night out can really cost a lot of money.
In more recent times, those chosing to have a good time are chosing to use drugs of a variety of flavours and strengths to achieve that relaxed happiness. One pill, cheap, easy to source and administer, can provide that period of 'good times'. The side effects can be as drastic as those described for alcohol however the tendancy of drug users is to be far less aggressive. I pity the paramedics who constantly have to mop up the mess from irresponsible users of alcohol and drugs.
So the point i'm getting at without rattling on:
- There is little economical sense in chosing the 'right' choice of socially acceptable acohol use compared with using drugs.
- Drug users are generally far less aggressive compared with alcohol users
- Ease of use, although i'm not a user of drugs, seems to be easier with pills.
- All things are equal with respect to the clean up.
So, what is the right decision now? Do we consider these economical and practicle viewpoints or continue to encourage the 'wrong' decision by making the 'right' decision less attractive?
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