The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine is very interesting, though rather dense. I want to understand the financial crisis and this good has the data and insight to help me do that. The problem is that I cannot skim the book; luckily, I do not want to do that either. I need to digest the numbers and and try and look at them in a "big-picture" context. The author also references studies and memos that I want to consider on my own. I've found a few of those memos, and those are just as thick and interesting. This book turned out to be a multi-weeker as I am not finished.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wk12: The Big Short
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine is very interesting, though rather dense. I want to understand the financial crisis and this good has the data and insight to help me do that. The problem is that I cannot skim the book; luckily, I do not want to do that either. I need to digest the numbers and and try and look at them in a "big-picture" context. The author also references studies and memos that I want to consider on my own. I've found a few of those memos, and those are just as thick and interesting. This book turned out to be a multi-weeker as I am not finished.
Wk12: Post Office Fail
I was in D.C. and I thought that would make for an interesting postcard. FAIL. I tried to buy postcard stamps, but the post office I went to was only handling pick-ups and they would not let me "pick-up" some stamps. Whatever. I went to a bar instead and watched March Madness instead; I thought my mom would still approve.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wk12: AmeriCares - Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Fund
Donate to the AmeriCares Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Fund.
AmeriCares [AmeriCares.org] is an aid program that responds to disasters and humanitarian crisis all over the world. This groups has a high rank from Charity Navigator [CharityNavigator.org] and uses 98% of donations for program services. I liked how their have a long track record of providing necessary help around the world and how they have a programs designed for helping Japan after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami. I feel like I want to help those suffering in Japan right now and that this group can do that. AmeriCares is currently delivering basic hygienic items and working with local organizations in Japan is deal with food and shelter shortages.
AmeriCares [AmeriCares.org] is an aid program that responds to disasters and humanitarian crisis all over the world. This groups has a high rank from Charity Navigator [CharityNavigator.org] and uses 98% of donations for program services. I liked how their have a long track record of providing necessary help around the world and how they have a programs designed for helping Japan after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami. I feel like I want to help those suffering in Japan right now and that this group can do that. AmeriCares is currently delivering basic hygienic items and working with local organizations in Japan is deal with food and shelter shortages.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wk11: The Year of Living Biblically
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs is an interesting concept and liked his attitude towards the challenge. I, however, have yet to finish this book. I was going to take it to read on a cross-country flight, but of course I forgot it at home. I lapsed on my week during my trip and this book has now been relegated to the "to do" pile.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wk11: National Council on Aging
Donate to National Council on Aging
I like the idea of an organization not just caring for the elderly, but also promoting a better life for them. NCOA creates programs that provide meaningful and prosperous work for the elderly to supplement their income and offer a way for seniors to share their time. This works with their effort to find other programs that also keep the senior citizens healthy and dignified into their golden years. It just seems that NCOA is working with the elderly rather than for those that are finished with the older generation.
I like the idea of an organization not just caring for the elderly, but also promoting a better life for them. NCOA creates programs that provide meaningful and prosperous work for the elderly to supplement their income and offer a way for seniors to share their time. This works with their effort to find other programs that also keep the senior citizens healthy and dignified into their golden years. It just seems that NCOA is working with the elderly rather than for those that are finished with the older generation.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wk10: Tax Foundation
Donate to the Tax Foundation
I will be relocating later this year and I used the Tax Foundation's summary of different states tax-burdens to influence my choice. This is all public knowledge, though I like how this group put it together and ranked the difference locations. It is interesting to see how many taxes people encounter beyond just income tax with-holdings. Even if the Federal taxes seem high or not, everyone has to add in the local state, county, and city taxes that can easily double what you paid to Uncle Sam. This groups advocates for a more sensible tax code and premise and I think anything that makes live easier is a good idea.
I will be relocating later this year and I used the Tax Foundation's summary of different states tax-burdens to influence my choice. This is all public knowledge, though I like how this group put it together and ranked the difference locations. It is interesting to see how many taxes people encounter beyond just income tax with-holdings. Even if the Federal taxes seem high or not, everyone has to add in the local state, county, and city taxes that can easily double what you paid to Uncle Sam. This groups advocates for a more sensible tax code and premise and I think anything that makes live easier is a good idea.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wk10: Skip
My brothers came out for Spring Break and nothing productive on the reading front got accomplished. We did a lot of course. We went to the beach, but didn't swim. We went snowboarding when the temperature was in the 50s. We even made it out to the Pac-10 Basketball Tournament. If you add in drinking and bar hopping during the evenings, you can see they didn't leave me much time to read. This week is just a skip and I'll try to pick up the on Sunday.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wk9: Meridian Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wk9: Catch-up
I'm calling this week a "catch-up" week. I drove back to Arizona for my brothers 21st birthday and I didn't have too much time to read. I tried to go through my pile of started books, but I didn't get too far. Too much fun socializing and not enough reading. I did finish The Bell Jar, though.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wk9: Action Against Hunger
Donate to Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger works globally to end hunger. The organizations helps over five million people a year in 40 countries with food security/safety and water and hygiene. I like how they go beyond just feeding people and focus on the problems the cause the hunger. They work with the farmers to ensure their techniques are sustainable while also encouraging healthy and nutritious crops. They will also help educate the public about malnutrition and water safety to make sure every source of hunger is identified.
Action Against Hunger works globally to end hunger. The organizations helps over five million people a year in 40 countries with food security/safety and water and hygiene. I like how they go beyond just feeding people and focus on the problems the cause the hunger. They work with the farmers to ensure their techniques are sustainable while also encouraging healthy and nutritious crops. They will also help educate the public about malnutrition and water safety to make sure every source of hunger is identified.
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