On the Risks Associated With Investment Plateau in Government Research and Development

groza learning center_educationThe United States, for the first time in several decades, will soon fall behind other countries in terms of the dollars invested in research and development. This includes research and development across all industries, including, perhaps most notably, technology as well as education.

As the Groza Learning Center has repeatedly pointed out when discussing its approach to education, the innovative strategies they have implemented to such an impressive degree of success stem from a continued commitment to research and development. Even though the government of the United States has become increasingly known for its partisan divides and general inability to reach almost any agreement that extends across the political aisle, the issue of continued investment in research and development is one of the few that can be legitimately referred to as entirely bipartisan.

If there is any argument to be made against increased investment in government research and development, it is that the private sectoris more than capable of driving innovation without requiring vast amounts of taxpayer dollars to do so.Some calling for a reduction in government spending on technological research and development might even make reference to the many impressive technologies that have come out of the private sector in recent years, citing, perhaps, the iPhone as an example. A supporter of continued and robust government investment would easily counter that argument by noting that most of the technology undergirding the iPhone — GPS, computer networking, microchips and Siri, for example — were all the direct result of government research and development.

Stuart Lyall Details Strategies for Planning a Vacation to Australia

Stuart Lyall is one of the most respected travel planners around and has shared his travel expertise with vacationers heading to destinations both far and wide. A native of Australia who is also known for his deep knowledge of Asia’s best travel destinations, Lyall took some time away from his busy professional schedule to share some advice on how to plan the perfect vacation to Australia.

“Know Thyself”

According to Stuart Lyall, many first-time visitors fall into a fairly predictable pattern and visit all of the places in Australia that everyone always visits. While most visitors enjoy these destinations and certainly do not regret targeting them as a part of their travel plan, Lyall pointed out that it is simply more ideal to try to individualize a travel plan based on the unique interests of the traveler. This will require some fairly in-depth research in the early stages of the vacation planning process, but the effort is often entirely worthwhile and ensures that travelers are able to experience the best possible version of Australia.

Adopt a Relatively Broad Planning Focus

Stuart has often noted the value of retaining some flexibility while creating a travel plan, and he prefers to create a relatively loose outline that provides enough structure that time is not likely to be wasted but also gives travelers the option to make changes on the fly or to act spontaneously when appropriate. Of course, Stuart Lyall also pointed out that some travelers prefer more structure than others, so he often focuses on a balanced approach to planning that takes the personal preferences of the traveler into consideration.

Focus on Quality of the Experience, Not the Quantity

Many travelers make the mistake of trying to squeeze as many experiences as possible into a relatively short timeframe. Stuart counsels his travel clients that the quality of the experience is what matters most, and taking the time to truly enjoy an experience is far better than rushing from one place to another in the interest of doing as much as possible. It would be best to plan for a lengthy stay in Australia to really get a full sense of everything the country has to offer, but that is not always practical. In those circumstances, Stuart suggests identifying just a few places or activities that can be enjoyed without being cut short by other plans.

How Professionals Like Kim Bettasso Benefit From The Information Age

The Information age, also known as the digital age and the computer age, has changed our lives and how we do business by bringing about a technological revolution which started in 1969 with the Internet, but what about before the Internet in 1969? Since then, it’s obvious we have come a long way and as fast as technology around us evolves and upgrades every few months, it seems as though this is only the beginning as the technological revolution continues to pick up more and more speed, driving us wherever our imaginations dare to go.

Business will never be the same again. Everything is done online, even filling out job applications and now ordering fast food and checking into a salon for a haircut can be done through the comfort of your computer or smartphone. You can even set up a portfolio as we can see here with Kim Bettasso as our example. She has set up her personal profile which goes into detail of who she is, what she does and what she has already done. You can even see her achievements, experience and other qualifications as well as her work history and so much more. The technology today has made it so easy to find a professional such as Kim Bettasso, look at their success and get in contact with them in a matter of seconds. Truly, truly amazing to be connected.

As far as the future of the information age that has changed our world, who knows what to expect next? From the look of the way technology is heading, it will have something to do with artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The convenience seems to be getting more convenient, and that could pose as a problem in the near future.

 

On the Benefits of Using Technology in Moderation

There has been plenty of ink spilled over concerns regarding continual advances in technology affecting every aspect of our life, with many authors jumping to absurd conclusions that predict nothing short of doom. These hyperbolic musings frequently go too far, but even though the authors of these diatribes are usually dismissed as Luddites or as representatives of a simple anachronism, there might be some truth in their extreme warnings.

It is true that technology has pervaded nearly every aspect of our lives, and yet we do not quite understand the manner in which relying on technology affects our interpersonal relationships or our cognitive development. Even Pope Francis has conflicting views on the subject, warning that social media “can stop people from learning how to live wisely, to think deeply and to love generously.

These kinds of statements have come from others as well, and there is something to be said for using technology in moderation. There is no iron-clad doctrine regarding what is too much and what is too little, but most people are sensible enough to recognize the frivolous use of technology. When it comes to personal interaction, face-to-face encounters should be prioritized over all else. It is rude to communicate via text or social media while in the company of others, and the result of this type of behavior — as Pope Francis suggested — is an adverse impact on the quality and depth of conversation.

That does not mean technology will ruin everything. It makes perfect sense, for example, to take full advantage of technology to develop a long-term investment strategy, and Kimra Bettasso of 401K Retire Logic is a perfect example of technological balance. The financial advisor uses technology to complement her vast knowledge and understanding of retirement strategies to assist clients rather than wholly relying on an automated system that may have design flaws.

How Fitness Tracking Devices May Positively Influence Mental Health

The technology market is flooded with wearable technology that allows users to receive a whole host of data reflecting the current state of their physical health. These devices track any number of things, with some merely working as a sort of digital pedometer and others tracking nearly every aspect of physical health. These latter devices, many of which track heart rate, sleep quality and a number of other physiological aspects of health, may have a somewhat surprisingly positive impact on mental health as well.

Athletes are often the first to invest in these types of devices, recognizing the value of being able to track the quality and consistency of their workouts. The rest of the population is catching on as well, realizing that these devices may be able to provide the type of feedback that allows them to make positive lifestyle changes that lead to a desired goal or health outcome. Many people who wear these devices are surprised to learn how inaccurate they have been regarding the amount of calories they burn in relation to the amount of calories they consume, while others discover that they have been grossly overestimating the intensity of their daily workouts.

While this data will allow serious and recreational athletes to improve on the efficiency of their physical activities, it is also possible that this wearable fitness technology could help those who are dealing with a number of different mental health issues. As Dana Sibilsky would likely note, psychiatric issues are incredibly complex and can be influenced by any number of factors, including sleep quality and rates of physical activity. With regard to sleep quality, many people have no idea that the type of sleep they get each night is not as good as it should be. This simple change is enough to significantly increase energy levels and possibly mitigate the effects of a mental health issue.

Of course, wearable technology is not a solution. It does, however, provide accurate feedback regarding physical health that can be used to influence mental health. The constant physical feedback can also serve as a motivating force for those who find it difficult to exercise on a daily basis or to simply engage in some sort of physical activity. When used properly, this kind of feedback may be able to increase the efficacy of psychiatric care.

SF Giants are Clowns

The San Francisco Giants are a bunch of clowns.  Million dollar  ball players but clowns none the less.  The real fools are the ball team franchises that pay them millions. images (5) images (6) What ever happened to playing for the love of the game.  Is it really necessary to charge kids twenty five bucks to see a game? How about we cut the player pay to a level that would allow kids free?  No it has become a money making business.  Arthur Falcone biography tells a story of true baseball love. The few that really love baseball are the ones that have to pay the most.  You even have to pay the cable provider to see the games.

Old Tech

New tech vs. old tech is a good topic.  Old tech tells us what works and what doesn’t.  Beta Max failed as VHS worked.  Both eventually become obsolete due to CD technologyimages77YJH3XG untitled (353).  What to do with all the VHS tape.  I guess that the best thing to due is adapt to the best tech as it comes.  That can be an expensive proposition.  If the old tech is still doing what you need why let it go.  ArtFalcone.com is an old school site. I like the old scool stuff because I am getting too old to keep up.  Old tech is an old friend that you know is obsolete.

Play Ball!

untitled (317) untitled (316)I know you baseball fans are ready for your team to get playing.  The baseball industry has become big business.  Cities have built huge ball parks too accommodate their professional ball teams. The San Francisco Giants are no different.  The revenue that a ball franchise brings to a town is huge.  If the team wins all the better.  The success of the team will translate to higher attendance to the games and more revenue for the supporting businesses.  Luke Weil is a fan that is past ready. If you are past ready for baseball to get going join the club.  Season is going now!

San Francisco Giants Fans are Crazy

images2WK0K4CR imagesOVXBJZCRThe fan base for the San Francisco Giants is crazy.  by that I mean that they are devoted to the team no matter what happens.  They follow them to training camp and watch their every move online and on the TV.  They spend a fortune for sports packages on cable to see every game. They spend a fortune on the tee shirts and hats for their whole family.  The wives are forced to wear the stuff too of suffer their husbands wrath.  This obsession is part of the appeal that make the games fun to watch.  Brandon Hopkins is as crazy as fans come. Just imagine how crazy the fans can get.

SF Giants Baseball

images (10) images27IL3FB5The baseball fans of the San Francisco Giants are some of the most loyal fans you can find.  They follow them to training camp just to get a look at the players for the year.  The live their stats and study their games like a programmer.  The end result is a finely tuned fan machine.  The highly programmed robots buy up everything Giants related.  They wear the hats and tee shirts every day.  They even make their kids wear this stuff too.  In the Joe Olujic interview you will get the idea of what a fan thinks. Fans are always looking for way to show their team pride.