Category Archives: Business

What Type of Entrepreneur Are You?-Part I

Posted in Business by

Have you ever wondered what kind of entrepreneur you may be? Some clues might be found in your zodiac sign. Here are some insights into the entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses of each sign, and some examples of successful entrepreneurs to inspire you.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Arians are bold, passionate and adventurous. They love to take risks and try new things. They are natural leaders who inspire others with their enthusiasm and charisma. Aries entrepreneurs are often pioneers in their fields, creating innovative products or services that challenge the status quo. However, they can also be impulsive, impatient and aggressive. They may act without thinking, or clash with others who don’t share their vision. Aries entrepreneurs need to learn to balance their energy and passion with patience and diplomacy.

Some famous Aries entrepreneurs are: Steve Jobs (Apple, co-founder of Pixar), Hugh Hefner (Playboy), Larry Page (co-founder of Goggle), Lady Gaga (singer and business owner/entrepreneur), and Reese Witherspoon (actress and producer).

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taureans are practical, reliable and hardworking. They value stability, security and comfort. They are loyal, trustworthy and dependable. Taurus entrepreneurs are often experts in their fields, providing high-quality products or services that satisfy their customers’ needs. They are also good at managing their finances and resources. However, they can also be stubborn, possessive and resistant to change. They may stick to their routines, or hold on to their ideas or possessions too tightly. Taurus entrepreneurs need to learn to embrace change and innovation, and to let go of what no longer serves them.

Some famous Taurus entrepreneurs are: Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook, now Meta), Jessica Alba (The Honest Company), David Beckham (soccer player and businessman), Adele (singer and songwriter), and Dwayne Johnson (former wrestler, currently actor and producer).

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Geminis are curious, versatile and communicative. They love to learn new things, explore new possibilities and share their ideas with others. They are witty, charming and adaptable. Gemini entrepreneurs are often creative, innovative and original. They can come up with brilliant solutions or inventions that appeal to a wide audience. They are also good at networking, marketing and promoting their businesses. However, they can also be restless, inconsistent and superficial. They may lose interest in their projects, or switch from one thing to another without finishing anything. Gemini entrepreneurs need to learn to focus, commit and follow through.

Some famous Gemini entrepreneurs are: Donald Trump (former US president and businessman), Kanye West (rapper and fashion designer), Angelina Jolie (actress and humanitarian), Morgan Freeman (actor, narrator, and business owner), and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (actresses and fashion moguls).

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers are caring, nurturing and emotional. They value family, home and community. They are loyal, compassionate and supportive. Cancer entrepreneurs are often driven by a sense of purpose, passion or mission. They want to make a positive impact on the world or help others in some way. They are also good at creating a cozy, comfortable and inviting atmosphere for their customers or clients. However, they can also be moody, sensitive and defensive. They may take things personally, or overreact to criticism or feedback. Cancer entrepreneurs need to learn to manage their emotions, and to accept constructive criticism as a way to grow.

Some famous Cancer entrepreneurs are: Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post), Richard Branson (Virgin Group), and Tom Cruise (actor and producer).

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are confident, generous and charismatic. They love to shine, express themselves and inspire others. They are natural leaders who have a strong sense of self-worth and pride. Leo entrepreneurs are often ambitious, creative and visionary. They can create impressive products or services that attract attention and admiration. They are also good at motivating, influencing and persuading others to join their cause or buy their products. However, they can also be arrogant, egocentric and domineering. They may be too self-centered, or demand too much loyalty or praise from others. Leo entrepreneurs need to learn to be humble, respectful and collaborative.

Some famous Leo entrepreneurs are: Barack Obama (former US president and author), Jennifer Lopez (singer and actress), and J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter).

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos are meticulous, analytical and organized. They value efficiency, quality and perfection. They are diligent, reliable and detail-oriented. Virgo entrepreneurs are often skilled, knowledgeable and professional. They can provide excellent products or services that meet high standards of quality and accuracy. They are also good at planning, managing and optimizing their businesses. However, they can also be critical, fussy and nitpicky. They may be too hard on themselves or others, or focus too much on the flaws or errors rather than the big picture. Virgo entrepreneurs need to learn to relax, appreciate and enjoy their achievements.

Some famous Virgo entrepreneurs are: Warren Buffett (investor and philanthropist), Beyoncé (singer and entrepreneur), Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba), and Cameron Diaz (actress and author entrepreneur).

Southpaw

Posted in Business by

Did you know that about 10% of the world’s population is left-handed? That means that one in every ten people you meet prefers to use their left hand for writing, eating, and other tasks. Being left-handed can have some advantages, such as being more creative, having better spatial skills, and being able to use both sides of the brain more efficiently. But it can also have some challenges, especially in a world that is designed for right-handed people.

Left-handed people often face difficulties in everyday situations, such as using scissors, can openers, keyboards, and musical instruments that are made for right-handed people. They may also struggle with school desks, spiral notebooks, and pens that smudge their writing. Left-handed guitarists and violinists must re-string their instruments, while left-handed saxophonists do not exist. Gum wrappers are right-handed (really!), as are apple corers, Polaroid cameras, scissors, can openers, wristwatches, and the typical power saw and rifle. Even merry-go-rounds and the average classroom desk favor the right-handed.

The kitchen can be very treacherous; as a result of mishaps and accidents from using right-handed equipment, guests, family, and a lot of lefties themselves simply conclude it’s due to clumsiness. And that’s not always so. 
Right-handed tools cause one to use the wrong leverage and pressure. Counterclockwise equipment would enable lefties to achieve the proper equilibrium needed.

Fortunately, there are some businesses that cater to the needs and preferences of left-handed people. For example, there are online (and physical) stores that sell products such as left-handed scissors, knives, watches, guitars, and mugs, like thelefthandedstore.com, leftyslefthanded.com, and anything lefthanded.co.uk. These businesses not only provide useful and comfortable products for left-handed people but also create a sense of community and pride among them.

Gadgets aren’t the only block.

Some left-handed people even experience discrimination or stigma from others who think that being left-handed is abnormal or unlucky.

Throughout history, being left-handed was viewed as negative. Even today, sometimes I will STILL get unsolicited comments: “Hey, you got your watch on the wrong hand“, “Why are you writing that way? Here, let me position that for you“, or “You’re not cutting that right. You’re WHAT?! Oh, then you weren’t taught any better.” (I kid you not!)

Teachers, especially in Catholic schools, traditionally always tried to make a leftie go against nature and attempt to write right-handed (Ronald Reagan was a born lefty who was switched to the right), which can cause stuttering or other problems.

Left-handed students are often among the best AND the worst in their class. It’s a paradox, for there are many lefties in gifted and advanced classes; 20% of Mensa members consist of left-handers. Yet there are also a high number of lefties with learning disabilities and in remedial classes, and their dropout rate’s higher.

Children were often punished for using their left hand, for it was widely believed that being a lefty was a sign of Satan!

In many cultures, the left hand (and even the left side of the body) was considered bad. The Eskimos believed that every lefty was a sorcerer. In Japan, a man could divorce his wife for being left-handed. And until very recently in Taiwan, lefties were strongly encouraged to switch to the right hand.

Many languages, including English, use the same word for “right” and its meaning is “correct, proper.” In those same languages, the word “left” has many negative meanings; “clumsy, awkward, insincere, unlucky, malicious,” etc. (Ouch!) The Italian word for left is sinistra, from which the word “sinister” is derived. In French, it’s gauche, which also means “clumsy or awkward.” 
Even sunbathers traditionally associated their left side with evil, since people facing north would see the sun set, or disappear, on their left.

Which writing hand a person uses is NOT an absolute indicator of favored hand, because there are many who may write with their left, but use their right hand for everything else, or vice versa. 
Facts: 
– One person in ten is left-handed. 
– If both parents are lefty, 50% of the kids will be. 
– If both are right-handed, only 2% will be lefty. 
– There are more lefty boys than girls. No one knows why. 
– Older women will produce more lefties than younger ones. 
– 4 of the 5 original MacIntosh computer designers were left-handed. 

There are studies that imply that lefties don’t live as long as right-handed people. It’s because (so they say) lefties have a weaker immune system, and are more accident-prone. (OKAY; probably brought on using a very right-handed product!)

There’s even a theory that being left-handed is due to brain damage during birth, and that difficult or stressful births happen more frequently among left-handed babies.

In spite of the inconveniences lefties have dealing in a mostly right-handed world, there are a few things that lefties do BETTER than righties. And they are:

1. BOWL-The spin that makes the ball curve into the strike pocket is counterclockwise and uncomfortable to a righty. But to a lefty, it’s clockwise and familiar. Lefties have been conditioned to it from turning doorknobs, screws, etc.

2. PLAY PIANO-When learning piano, you’re taught the treble staff (right-hand keys) first, then the bass (left-hand keys) in relation to it. A lefty plays the base more strongly and easily, making for a more balanced performance.

3. TYPE-Most of the major keys are on the left side of the computer keyboard (or typewriter for “old school” style).

4. PLAY BASEBALL-Lefties excel at this. The batter’s nearer first base, the first baseman covers the field better, and the pitcher keeps an eye on the first batter.

5. PLAY PING-PONG-A right-handed opponent of a lefty is faced with an unfamiliar spin and hop on the ball. Also, a ball that’s met by a righty’s weak backhand becomes a strong lefty forehand. Look out! 

Swimming also favors the lefty. Neurologists have shown they adjust more easily to underwater vision. Remember Mark Spitz? 

Southpaws make fantastic tennis players; it’s been estimated that at any given time, about 40% of the top pros are lefties.

One out of every four Apollo astronauts were left-handed. And there’s a high number of engineers and drafters, for lefties have tremendous math ability. 

Here’s a partial list of some famous lefties:

Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn (also the mother of Kate Hudson), Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Bateman, Jim Carrey, Phil Collins (of one of the best rock groups ever, Genesis, successful solo artist, and the father of Lily Collins), Natalie Cole, Ted Koppel, Peter Fonda, Bruce Willis, Matthew Broderick (married to Sarah Jessica), Pat Robertson, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve McQueen, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Queen Victoria, Prince William (many members of the British royal family were and are lefties), Carol Burnett, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Harry Truman, Drew Carey, Morgan Freeman, Prince, Tim Allen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Paul McCartney (plays left-handed guitar), Nicole Kidman, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Ringo Starr, Robert DeNiro, Bill Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Ben Stiller, Kermit the Frog (his creator, Jim Henson, was a leftie), Winona Ryder, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Rock Hudson, Richard Pryor, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix.

On the infamous side, there’s Jack the Ripper, The Boston Strangler, John Dillinger, and Tiny Tim (Well, we can’t all be perfect).

There’s a special day for left-handers on August 13th called Left-handers International Day (It was first celebrated on Friday the 13th, 1976, by the LI organization to address all the myths and “theories” about lefties).

One final thing: If you are right-handed, DO NOT sit next to a leftie if you’re both eating or writing. Elbows will collide!














One final thing: If you are right-handed, DO NOT sit next to a leftie if you’re both eating or writing. Elbows will collide!

Taylor Swift’s Economic Impact

Posted in Business by

Taylor Swift is not only a pop superstar, but also a powerful economic force. Her latest tour, The Eras Tour, has become one of the most successful and impactful tours of all time, generating billions of dollars for the local economies of the cities she visits. Here’s how Swift’s tour is boosting consumer spending, creating jobs, and supporting various industries across the United States.

The Eras Tour is a unique musical experience that showcases Swift’s entire discography, from her debut album Taylor Swift to her latest release. Fans can choose which era they want to see live or attend multiple shows to witness the evolution of Swift’s artistry. The tour has been met with unprecedented demand, selling out stadiums and breaking records.

According to Forbes, The Eras Tour has the potential to generate a staggering $4.6 billion in consumer spending in the United States alone. This figure is based on a data report from research company QuestionPro, which surveyed fans attending the shows and estimated their spending on various aspects, such as tickets, travel, accommodation, food, clothing, and merchandise.

The Eras Tour is not only benefiting Swift and her team but also the local businesses and communities in the cities she performs. Fans are not just attending the shows, they are making a whole trip out of it, contributing to the tourism and hospitality sectors.

For example, Swift’s upcoming shows in Cincinnati are expected to have a massive economic impact of $48 million, according to data from the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and Visit Cincy. The majority of the spending is expected to be seen in the downtown area, but businesses from across the region will see a boost in revenue. Similarly, Swift’s shows in Chicago are expected to spin up $50 million for the local economy, according to data from Choose Chicago and World Business Chicago.

The Eras Tour is also creating jobs and supporting various industries that are involved in producing and delivering concerts. These include transportation, security, catering, stage design, lighting, sound, merchandising, and more. According to CBC News, Swift’s tour employs about 200 people directly and another 600 indirectly at each venue. The tour also supports local artists and musicians who open for Swift or join her on stage as special guests.

The Eras Tour is a testament to Swift’s influence and impact as an artist and a businesswoman. She has created a cultural phenomenon that transcends music and stimulates the economy. As economist Brett House said, “Taylor Swift is a real representative, along with the Eras Tour, of the huge consumer spending power that still exists out there.”

Home Economics

Posted in Business, Science by

Home economics, also known as family and consumer sciences, is a field of study that deals with managing household and family affairs, such as cooking, nutrition, budgeting, child care, sewing, and more. The term “home economics” was coined in 1899 by the American Home Economics Association, which later became the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The origins of home economics can be traced back to the 19th century when women’s education was expanding and social reform movements were advocating for better living conditions for families. Home economics emerged as a way to teach women practical skills and scientific knowledge that could improve their domestic lives and contribute to social welfare. Some of the pioneers of home economics were Ellen Swallow Richards, who founded the first laboratory for sanitary chemistry at MIT; Catharine Beecher, who promoted domestic education for women; and Martha Van Rensselaer and Flora Rose, who established the first college-level home economics department at Cornell University, and Margaret Murray Washington, principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, later known as Tuskegee University (and was married to the school’s founder and president, Booker T. Washington).

Home economics became a popular subject in schools and colleges across America in the early 20th century, especially after World War I and the Great Depression, when families faced economic hardships and food shortages. Home economics courses taught students how to prepare nutritious meals, preserve food, make clothing, manage finances, and practice hygiene. Home economics also played a role in social movements such as women’s suffrage, civil rights, and environmentalism, as home economists advocated for women’s rights, racial equality, and the conservation of natural resources.

In the second half of the 20th century, home economics underwent several changes and challenges. As more women entered the workforce and pursued higher education, home economics expanded its scope to include career development, consumer education, family relations, and human development. Home economics also faced criticism from some feminists who argued that it reinforced traditional gender roles and stereotypes. In response, home economists revised their curriculum and pedagogy to reflect the diversity and complexity of contemporary families and consumers.

In the 21st century, home economics continues to evolve and adapt to society’s changing needs and interests. Home economics has embraced new technologies such as computers, the internet, and social media, which have transformed the way people communicate, learn, shop, and manage their households. Home economics has also addressed new issues such as globalization, sustainability, health care, aging, and diversity. In 2023, home economics celebrates its 124th anniversary as a field of study that aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

Source: “The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live” by Danielle Dreilinger


TV Commercials: A Brief History

Posted in Business by

Television commercials are a form of advertising that use short videos to promote a product, service, or idea. They are one of the most common and influential types of media in our society, reaching millions of viewers every day. But how did they start and how have they changed over time? Here’s a brief history:

The first TV commercial in the world was aired in 1941 in the United States, before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. It was a 60-second spot for Bulova watches, showing their logo and slogan “America runs on Bulova time“. The company paid only $9 for this historic ad.

In 1955, TV advertising began in Britain, with the first commercial being for Gibbs SR toothpaste. It was broadcast on ITV, the first commercial television network in the UK. The ad featured a catchy jingle and a smiling man brushing his teeth.

In the 1960s, TV commercials became more creative and sophisticated, using catchy slogans, jingles, celebrities, and humor to attract viewers’ attention. Some of the most iconic campaigns of this decade include Coca-Cola’s “Things Go Better with Coke“, Volkswagen’s “Think Small“, and Avis‘ “We Try Harder“.

In the 1970s, TV commercials became more diverse and socially conscious, reflecting the changing values and attitudes of society. Some of the ads that addressed social issues such as racism, sexism, and environmentalism include Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing“, Virginia Slims‘ “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby“, and Keep America Beautiful’s “Crying Indian“.

In the 1980s, TV commercials became more competitive and aggressive, using comparative advertising, testimonials, and endorsements to persuade viewers to buy their products. Some of the ads that used these strategies include Apple’s “1984“, Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation“, and Nike’s “Just Do It“.

In the 1990s, TV commercials became more interactive and engaging, using technologies such as digital effects, animation, and computer graphics to create stunning visuals and stories. Some of the ads that used these innovations include Budweiser’s “Frogs“, Energizer’s “Bunny“, and Reebok’s “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker“.

In the 2000s, TV commercials became more integrated and personalized, using platforms such as social media, online video, and mobile devices to reach targeted audiences and create viral campaigns. Some of the ads that used these channels include Dove’s “Real Beauty“, Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like“, Burger King’s “Subservient Chicken“, “Puppy Love” by Budweiser, and “The Force” by Volkswagon.

Today, TV commercials are still evolving and adapting to the changing media landscape and consumer preferences. They are using new formats such as interactive, addressable, and native ads to deliver relevant and customized messages to viewers. They also use new metrics such as engagement, sentiment, and conversion to measure their effectiveness.

TV commercials have come a long way since their humble beginnings in 1941. They have become an integral part of our culture and society, influencing our tastes, opinions, and behaviors. They have also become an art form in their own right, showcasing creativity, innovation, and storytelling.

Little-Known Business Facts: Did You Know That….., Part 2

Posted in Business by

Celebrities and Notable People

Walter Cavanaugh, “Mr. Plastic Fantastic“, has 1,497 different valid credit cards.

In 1988, Michael Jackson earned an estimated $60 million dollars.

Over 450 million copies of author Barbara Cartland’s books have been sold-a record.

When he died, Elvis Presley’s estate was valued at $10 million dollars.

Former Yippie Jerry Rubin declared in 1980 that “My goal is at the age of 35 to act like I’m 15.” Within a few years, he was running a “networking” service and talking about how wonderful it was to make money.

Ivan the Terrible built the Kremlin-then gouged the architect’s eyes out to prevent him from ever designing another structure like it.

J. Paul Getty-at one time, the richest man in the world-had a pay phone in his mansion.

Julius Caesar’s autograph is worth $2 million dollars.

Mother Jones was Mary Harris Jones, a crusader for the rights of laborers.

The Ringling Brothers was originally a family orchestra, not a circus.

James Smith, founder of the Smithsonian Institution, never visited the U.S.

Norman Rockwell started painting Saturday Evening Post covers at the age of 21.

It took Noah Webster 20 years to write his dictionary.

Jack Nicholson was paid $61 million to appear in Batman.

Ringo Starr once claimed he wanted to get rich in order to open a chain of hair dressing salons.

Money

In 1986, the TV show “Wheel of Fortune” earned over $100 million dollars.

In 1984, a Canadian farmer began renting ad space on his cows.

Each $1,000 raise in a wife’s salary increases the chances for divorce or separation by 1%.

The average bank teller loses about $250 every year.

Laid end-to-end around the equator, it would take 257,588,120-dollar bills to circle the earth.

Until 1857, foreign coins were considered U.S. money if they were made of a precious metal.

In Italy, a whole year’s salary is the proper amount to pay for an engagement ring.

In 1936, a cabin on the Hindenburg airship cost $750 for a trans-Atlantic flight.

China employed over 6 million people to work on their 1990 census.

The British pound got its name because it was originally equal to the value of a pound of silver.

In 1991, General Motors was no. 1 on the Fortune 500 list-but 485th in profitability.

Nearly all psychiatrists have been attacked by one of their patients.

The average dollar bill has a life span of 18 months.

Your wedding ring is the one thing that creditors cannot seize if you go bankrupt.

Supermarket tabloids spend about $4 million a year buying celebrity gossip from informants.

During Desert Storm, one ribbon-maker shipped 30 million yards of yellow ribbon in a month.

Nearly 13% of lawyers admit to having six or more drinks a day.

In 1977, there were over 15,000 discos in the U.S.

Until 1967, LSD was legal in California.

Miscellaneous

The first stewardesses were on United Airlines in 1930; they had to be registered nurses.

One in ten truck drivers is a woman.

Canada owns more U.S. real estate than Japan.

The average person spends over 9 hours preparing their taxes.

On average, the French take twice as long on their business lunches than we do.

According to a recent study, housewives feel more stressed than working women.

It costs parents about $5,800 dollars to care for a newborn in its first year.

Garbage collectors and warehouse workers suffer the most on-the-job back injuries.

“When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary.”-William Wrigley, Jr.

Japan recycles more than half its household and commercial waste.

A company in Australia makes coffins out of recycled newspapers.

Source: “Uncle John’s 4-Ply Bathroom Reader” by The Bathroom Readers’ Institute, 2003

Little-Known Business Facts: Did You Know That….., Part 1

Posted in Business by

Products and Inventions

The zipper was invented in 1893; it was originally intended for shoes.

Kotex was first manufactured as bandages during World War I.

Levis were invented for the California gold miners in l873.

The first transcontinental phone call was from New York to San Francisco, in l9l5.

Chanel No. 5 is the most popular perfume in the world.

The “first electronic computer” was built in l889 for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Contact lenses were invented in l887.

The LaCoste shirt is named after French tennis star Rene LaCoste, the l927 Davis Cup winner.

The first bra was invented by a French designer in l902. But bras didn’t catch on until I9l3.

The first sound recording ever made was “Mary Had a Little Lamb“, in l877 by Thomas Edison.

The first all-talking movie was called “The Lights of New York.”

One company manufactures an edible set of Monopoly, made of chocolate and butterscotch.

The first sperm banks opened in l964; they were located in Tokyo and Iowa City.

The largest airline in the world is Aeroflot, the official Soviet airline.

The first known brothel opened its doors in 550 B.C. in Athens, Greece.

In l984, the National Coca Company of Peru introduced toothpaste with cocaine in it.

The first pay phone was installed in a Hartford, Connecticut bank in 1889. The price: 5 cents.

Thomas Edison demonstrated the first practical electric lightbulb on December 20th, 1879.

Alexander Graham Bell was 29 years old when he invented the telephone. Bell also installed the White House’s first telephone.

The name condom comes from Dr. Charles Condom (1630-1685). This product was originally made of linen and was invented in the early 1500s.

The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung (doo-doo, poop!), used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C.

A whopping 60% of all new cars sold in the 1980s were recalled for some defect.

It takes eight seconds to make a baseball bat in a bat factory.

The first chain store was the A + P; It was founded in 1842.

The patent for the ball-joint pen was awarded to John J. Loud of Weymouth, Mass. in 1888.

Ford Motor Co. manufactured a plastic auto-the first ever-in 1941.

Painting accounts for almost half the cost of auto assembly.

Scissors were invented by Leonardo da Vinci.

There are about 30,000 robots in the U.S.

The first advertisement to discuss body odor was a 1919 ad for the deodorant Odo-Ro-No.

There are 600 million phones on Earth.

A Brannock Device is the thing shoe salespeople use to measure feet.

Dr. Seuss designed the first animated color TV commercial in 1949, for Ford.

The all-aluminum can was introduced in 1964.

The first “streamlined swimsuits” of the early 1900s were made of wool and weighed as much as 20 lbs.

The first electric toothbrush was developed and tested on dogs. They reportedly enjoyed it.

On a typical day, your name is transmitted between computers five times.

The first rodeo wasn’t held until l847.

The U.S.

In Los Angeles, there are more cars than people.

Americans spend $8 billion a year on porn.

More Americans visit Tijuana than any other foreign city.

In l980, a secretary at John Deere and Co. was fired for “making a Xerox copy of her bottom.”

According to one poll, 50% of American kindergarteners believe TV commercials.

There are three times as many astrologers as astronomers in America.

About 96% of all American children can recognize Ronald McDonald. And 7% of all working Americans have worked at McDonald’s at some time.

Almost 90% of American doctors are male.

98% of American homes have at least one TV.

Only 53% of Americans have ever been to a dentist.

America’s first nudist organization was founded in 1929, by 3 men.

In l989, gamblers lost a record $4.43 billion in Nevada casinos.

The U.S. uses more steel making bottle caps than car bodies.

Before l863, mail service in the U.S. was free.

U.S. airports are busier on Thursdays than any other day.

The average American carries $27 on them. On the average, American men carry more cash than women do.

Casinos in Las Vegas don’t have clocks in them.

39% of Americans think the best way to get rich is to win a lottery.

In 75% of American households, women manage the money and pay the bills.

About 70% of Americans who go to college do it just to make more money.

63% of the Americans who earn minimum wages are women.

The U.S. bought Alaska from the Russians for about 2 cents an acre.

American kids’ allowances titled $8.6 billion in 1989.

Two-thirds of the world’s lawyers are in the U.S.

The U.S. Dept. of Defense spends about $6,000,000 on recruiting-every day.

One out of five American families doesn’t have a bank account.

Americans make $500 million worth of illegal long-distance calls annually.

90% of American businesses are family owned.

About half of American men polled say they enjoy money more than sex.

American teenagers spend over $70 billion a year.

A parking space in one New York City “condo garage” sells for $29,000.

There are about 30,000 robots in the U.S.

Among American cash crops, marijuana outranks corn in yearly value.

Nearly 50% of Americans read, work, or watch TV while they eat dinner.

In anonymous surveys, 40% of Americans confessed to cheating on their taxes.

Every year, Americans send three billion Christmas cards.

The average American kid will watch 30-40,000 TV commercials this year.

The number one use of gold in the U.S: Class rings.

Americans spend over $400 million on toys every day.

A cab ride from Los Angeles to New York costs $6,000.

Six billion pens are thrown away every year in the U.S.

Americans throw away around 10% of the food they buy at the supermarket.

Trash disposal costs the U.S. over $l0 billion a year.

More than 28 million Americans buy Christmas presents for their dogs every year.

Americans buy two billion disposable razors and razor blades every year.

An estimated 79% of all Americans have bought lottery tickets.

An estimated 70% of all Americans visit shopping malls at least once a week.

Each year, Americans consume 9 billion franks-an average of 87 per person.

The average American uses two pine trees’ worth of paper products each year.

According to recent surveys, 20% of American families don’t have a bank account.

70% of Americans have been to Disneyland or Disney World.

Americans spend $2 million a day on exercise equipment.

Source: “Uncle John’s 4-Ply Bathroom Reader” by The Bathroom Readers’ Institute, 2003

Rediscovering Science (and Some Female Groundbreakers)

Posted in Business, Science by

Special Note: This will still be the American Food/World of Business blog, but every so often, I’d like to feature a science article. One reason is because science can overlap into and with many diverse fields, including business and food.

The other reason? Please continue:

I have recently fallen in love with the field of science, realized during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and continuing strong today.

It wasn’t always so; while growing up and attending school, I (like many women then-and a lot of men too) thought science was one of the most boring topics on the earth, comparable to “watching paint dry.”

I now know that the problem was the way the subject was taught and presented.

In my own humble way, a personal mission will be attempted to make science as accessible and interesting as possible.

To start off, here are a few Did You Know That…..

80 percent of all code breakers during World War II were female.

That paper bag your take-out comes in? It was invented by a female.

The process that made the shirt on your back possible, the first computer program, wireless tech, or nuclear fission? All were invented, discovered, or created by women.

A woman named Rosamund Franklin was also instrumental in the discovery of DNA, instead of only James Watson and Francis Crick. By January 1953, Franklin concluded that DNA takes the double-helix form (you’ve seen it). She then sent her findings to a prestigious science journal-a full day before Watson and Crick completed their model of the structure. No coincidence here; Watson and Crick’s model was based on a photo of the double helix that Franklin had taken, which they got their hands on through nefarious means. Watson even told Franklin to her face that he didn’t think she was smart enough to interpret her own photos correctly. Watson and Crick were awarded a Nobel prize in 1962; Franklin never was.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell actually discovered pulsars, but her male supervisor was awarded the 1974 Nobel Prize instead.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was a British mathematician and programmer who created the first-ever computer program. She was a visionary, the first person to ever develop theories on the potential importance of computers. These theories and further notes influenced Alan Turing’s 1940s work on the first legit computers. The U.S. Dept. of Defense has a computer language named Ada in her honor, and there’s an Ada Lovelace Day every October 13th, to raise the profile of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

On January 23rd, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) became the first woman in America to earn a medical degree.

Her younger sister, Emily Blackwell (1826-1910) also became a doctor, earning her medical degree in 1854.

Of the more than five million U.S. patents that have been granted since 1790, only about 5 percent have a woman’s name on them.

White men often took credit for women’s inventions, sometimes at the request of women of color who feared that white consumers wouldn’t want to purchase their items. Or women of color would pass as “white” (inventors didn’t have to put their race on patent applications). Women in general were often denied access to education and tools that made it possible to invent stuff in the first place.

Mary Sherman Morgan (1921-2004) was one of the world’s first female rocket scientists.

She developed hydyne fuel, a combustion powerful enough to propel a satellite all the way into space (a feat the U.S. had not yet accomplished). Hydyne increased thrust by 12 percent and effectively launched the United States’ first satellite, Explorer I, into orbit on January 1, 1958 (but the spacecraft’s designer, Wehner von Braun, was credited and lauded as the savior of the space program; NASA was developed that July).

Morgan’s passing in 2004 received no major accolades, but that was about to change due to one of her four children, son George. A play (2008) and complete biography (2013) of his mom’s life and work, Rocket Girl, received wide acclaim.

Elizabeth Magie (1866-1948) actually invented the Monopoly board game. In 1903, Magie developed and patented what was then called the “Landlord’s Game.” But Charles Darrow is credited with the invention; he had played a version of Magie’s game, copied the rules, and then sold it to Parker Brothers. Darrow went on to make millions.

Ruth Wakefield (ca. 1903-1977) created the first chocolate chip cookie in 1938.

Wakefield was a dietician, food lecturer, and graduate of the Framingham State Normal School Department of Household Arts in Massachusetts.

She and her husband bought a tourist lodge near Boston in 1930. It was called the Toll House Inn and became famous due to Ruth’s cooking (her chocolate chip treat was originally called Toll House Cookies).

In 1939, Wakefield sold the recipe rights and the Toll House name to Nestle for $1.

She became a company consultant (hopefully, with really decent money) for many years.

Grace Hopper (1906-1992) developed COBOL, the most used computer programming language of all time, and created the first compiler (a program that translates high-programming language into machine code for computers to read. Hopper also worked at Harvard on one of the first computers as part of the Mark I programming staff and as a member of WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II.

The late actress Hedy LaMarr (1914-2000) was best known as a sultry screen siren, but she was also an amazing inventor, often collaborating with composer George Antheil.

During World War II, LaMarr developed the technology to auto-target torpedoes.

At the time, an enemy could easily send the weapons off course by broadcasting interference at the same frequency as the signal that controlled them. 

LaMarr randomized the frequencies controlling the torpedoes, with Antheil assisting.

This same technology was later used to develop Wi-Fi!

For further interest in STEM, medicine, and exploration/adventure, check out:

girldevelopit.com-A nonprofit that provides affordable, accessible software-development programs across the U.S.

girlswhocode.com-Offers a wide variety of programs to help gain computing skills; the Summer Immersion Program has seven weeks of intensive training.

hackbrightacademy.com has a ten-week,women-only course that takes you from beginner to software engineer (90% of the graduates get job offers!). There are also scholarships for those from traditionally marginalized backgrounds.

girlsintech.org-for women interested in tech and entrepreneurship. There are conferences, a two-month bootcamp, mentorships, and much more.

Million Women Mentors; their website is mwm.stemconnector.com-If you’re interested in medicine or medical science, but not sure where or how to start, look here.

amwa-doc.org-This is the American Women’s Medical Association, which fights for improvements for women in medical science. Anyone in health services (doctor, nurse, resident, med student, health care worker, caregiver, for a few examples) or who is simply a supporter of women in medicine can join.

women.nasa.gov/outreach-programs/-Encouraging all women of any age to get involved in outer space.

exxpedition.com-Offers a series of all-women voyages that focus on data gathering concerning the harmful effects of toxins in our environment. The trips go everywhere and women with all kinds of skills are needed, from filmmakers, scientists, maintenance, cooks, etc.

Source: “Wonder Women-25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History” by Sam Maggs (female), and my own recollections

Cutting Costs on (Some) Financial Expenses

Posted in Business by

 Here are a few simple, easy ways to save on personal expenses and make some extra money:

FINANCES

 Bank any unexpected or “windfall” money (but take some and get something you’ve always wanted to have or plan for something that you’ve always wanted to do; then bank the reminder).

If you have to use an ATM, only use those at your own bank to avoid service charges (if you’re able to; sometimes you have to use what’s closest).

Use cash as much as possible.

Buy printed checks from mail-order or online companies.

If you’re able to, try for a FREE checking account.

Prepare your own tax returns.

For those still employed, sign up for any automatic savings plans or deductions the company offers.

Open a savings account that compounds and pays interest daily.

If you use money orders, shop around. The charges vary (the banks tend to be the most expensive).

Keep a record of your spending to become aware of where your money goes.

FOR EXTRA INCOME

 At the end of each day, put aside all your loose change. Then deposit it regularly at week’s end. It adds up (especially pennies).

Have a garage sale.

Donate old clothes to a charity or one of the online thrift shops for a tax deduction.

Make craft items to sell at local, state, and county fairs.

If you have clerical skills, have a pleasant speaking voice, or both, you can work at home as an online office assistant, call center representative, online tutor, or an online content writer/producer for websites.

Kids who are old enough can work to earn extra cash-mowing lawns, running errands for neighbors, or pet sitting.

Sell old clothing, furniture, and other items through thrift or consignment shops

Cook meals for elderly people in your neighborhood. 

If you were good at a particular subject in school, or are currently a “mini-expert” on several topics, consider becoming a tutor at a local school, community college, or learning center.

 GENERAL 

Grow your own herbs (not necessarily “weed “!).

E-mail (or write) a fan letter to companies whose products you like; You may receive coupons, often for free items.

 Clean windows with newspapers instead of paper towels.

Go to the movies in the afternoon, instead of in the evening.

Enter all the contests you can, as often as possible as long as they’re FREE.

Dress up or add accessories to an outfit you already own instead of buying a new one.

Grow plants from seeds or cuttings to give as gifts.

 If possible, buy gifts and holiday decorations for the next season when they go on sale after the current holiday season ends.

Instead of eating out, buy take-out food and eat at home.

If you have just one or two (maybe three) pairs of underwear that need cleaning, use some dishwashing liquid and hand-wash them.

Get rid of unnecessary luxuries.

If feasible, use public transportation (it IS cheaper, but with that being said, not everyone enjoys riding and possibly dealing with masses of strangers. Use your own judgment).

Don’t buy on impulse.

Watch out for any “rent-to-own“; avoid them if possible.

Sew as much as possible. If you don’t know how, learn (It will come in handy).

How Emotions Influence Financial Behavior

Posted in Business by

Here are a few ways:

Just because you can do almost anything with money doesn’t mean you can do everything.

Choices must be made; we must choose things not to do. When we spend money on one thing, it’s money that we cannot spend on something else, neither right now nor anytime later. These are Opportunity Costs.

Mental Accounting is operating our financial behavior much like organizations and companies do, allocating our money to categories, or accounts, and setting a budget for clothes, rent, bills, etc. These categories control what we spend and how we spend it, etc.

Receiving money from a negative source (drug dealing or selling guns, for example) that you don’t feel good about, so you try to “launder” it by donating the tainted money to charity or other good things or causes is Emotional Accounting.

The Pain of Paying is exactly what it implies; it’s some version of mental pain when we pay for things, at any price. If we happen to consume something while thinking about the payment, the pain of paying will deeply color the entire experience, making it far less enjoyable. Things like credit cards, auto-pay, debit cards, etc. are ways to “lessen” the pain, but the pain is still there.

To avoid the pain of paying, we increase the time between payment and consumption and decrease the attention needed to make payment (like paying for a trip or an item well in advance of enjoying or receiving it).

There are basically three types of times we can pay for a product or service: Before consumption or enjoyment; during consumption; or after consumption.

When we are drawn to a conclusion by something that should not have any relevance to our decision, Anchoring is what happens. This concept influences the price we are willing to pay (how much is it at the dollar store or the local Piggly Wiggly, for example? That’s what I’ll go by).

Herding is a part of anchoring; it’s the idea that we will go with the crowd, that we assume something is good or bad based on other people’s behavior. If they like it, do it, and pay for it, it must be good.

Basing our financial decisions on similar decisions we ourselves have made in the past is Self-Herding.

Confirmation Bias occurs when we interpret new information in a way that confirms our own preconceptions and expectations. It’s also when we make new decisions in ways that confirm our previous decisions.

The idea that we value what we have more simply because we own it is the Endowment Effect.

Ikea Effect-The harder it is to make something, the more we feel that we had some part in creating it, and our love for it increases even more. Investing effort creates extra love!

We don’t want to give up what we own partly because we overvalue it, and we overvalue it partly because we don’t want to give it up. This is the concept of Loss Aversion. Here’s an example:

  1. Could we live on 80 percent of our current income?
  2. Could we give up 20 percent of our current income?

The answers to both questions should be “yes,” because they’re the same question. But most people will say yes to no.1 and no to no.2. Why?

It’s the “give up” part in no. 2 that most will focus on.

Segregating Gains plays on loss aversion in this way: It’s one painful loss against many pleasurable gains. When a product has many features, it’s in the seller’s interest to highlight each one separately and to ask for one for all of them. To the consumer, this promotional practice makes the whole seem much more appealing than the sum of its parts.

The concept of Sunken Costs is finding that once we’ve invested in something, we have a hard time giving up on that investment. Therefore, we’re likely to continue investing in the same thing, not wanting to lose that investment. So often we throw good money after bad, adding a dash of wishful thinking.

Transparency reveals the work that goes into a product or service, allowing a company to show us that they’re working hard, earning our money. We don’t value things much unless we know there’s a lot of effort involved or at least the appearance of effort.

When we use specific terms to describe an experience, like the “bouquet” of a wine, that’s an example of Consumption Vocabulary. Consumption vocabulary gets people to think, focus, and pay attention, to slow down and appreciate an experience in a different way, and then experience the world in a different way.

Enjoyment of something comes from both the sensation of the thing (taste, the sound of a song, etc.)-and what’s happening in our brain to co-create the total experience of it, the full consumption experience.

Language can enhance or reduce the quality of the consumption experience-and that’s the primary reason it so powerfully influences the way we value something.

When language supports an experience, it changes and enhances that experience and how we value it.

When consumption vocabulary also describes the process of production, we appreciate the item even more.

Reward Substitution is a way to fight self-control. We value a reward in the future much less than we value a reward in the present even if the reward in the present is much, much smaller.

Source: “Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter” by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler, 2017.