Why All People Should Strive to Become Good Writers

Most people would probably agree that there is a strong correlation between someone’s composition skills and his or her ability to communicate ideas (at least on paper) to others. However, some writing averse souls might ask, “Why should I care about developing these capabilities if I work in a field, which does not require me to craft lengthy communiques or other documents?” In answer to this question, I believe that all individuals should attempt to become proficient writers because, by doing so, they might also be able to develop business-savvy traits related to the identification of key elements in a process, the ability to see the big picture, and the mastery of root cause analysis concepts. As such, even workers who rarely draft memos, much less essays or business plans, should take the time to learn the ins and outs of good composition.

Learning to “Separate the Wheat from the Chaff”

Good writers are usually adept at, to borrow an old cliche, “separating the wheat from the chaff.” They are able to identify and use relevant supporting information. Likewise, they can readily ascertain and remove data that is not germane to the topic. As it turns out, a person who wants to run an efficient enterprise needs to possess these same traits. After all, one must have a knack for zeroing in on the most productive elements of a process or product (and eliminating "waste") if he or she wants to get the most out of it. Therefore, individuals might be able to enhance their efficiency-related skills by working to improve their writing skills. I believe that these men and women sometimes can also use this training to help them strengthen their abilities to grasp big picture concepts.

Writing Skills and Big Picture Thinking

Usually, people who want to move up the corporate ladder need to be able to recognize and understand the meta-trends and meta-narratives, which are pertinent to their particular line of work. While the ability to ‘see the big picture’ is to some extent innate (eg. related to one’s I.Q.), some studies show that an individual can improve his or her abilities in this area by mastering writing-related concepts. To wit, if one is going to create a viable narrative, he or she needs to be able to craft a strong thesis and ensure that all of the components in the paper logically refer back to this main argument. In order to pull this feat off, the person will need to be able to think strategically—to be cognizant of how each piece fits within a larger pattern. In this way, someone who works to master the P’s and Q’s of good composition might, as a byproduct, also tend to see an improvement in his or her meta-analytical skills.

The Flip Side of the Coin – Root Cause Analysis

People who spend time developing their writing skills might also enhance their abilities to ascertain the root cause(s) of a phenomenon. In my experience, individuals who are adept at crafting strong essays are also good at zeroing in on a narrative’s underlying argument or idea. Translating this skill to the business world, they are able to identify a corporate infrastructure’s key weaknesses or ascertain the primary causes of a problem. Most readers would probably agree that companies covet men and women who possess this skill.

Summing Things Up

In short, I believe that all people, even ones who rarely have to create any type of document, might derive benefits from learning how to write well. That is because individuals who seek to master grammatical techniques can sometimes, as a byproduct of this process, strengthen their abilities to pinpoint the important elements in a process, improve their meta-analytical skills, and enhance their capabilities to identify the root cause(s) of a problem or issue. In this way, men and women who work hard to master composition-related concepts will not only become better communicators, they will also develop other important skills, which will likely improve their chances of moving up the corporate ladder.

#writing #learning #skills #business #education 

-- Anthony Matthew Hopper

Note: I originally published this post on LinkedIn. All citations are embedded as links within the text. 

Photo: The photograph is mine (taken on 12/20/2015)

2012 Commentary: Romney Might Want to Reconsider His China Policy

Abstract: Mitt Romney has promised Americans that he will force China to "play by the rules." The Republican candidate, if he becomes president, may want to reconsider taking a hard-line approach to China.

Mitt Romney's views on China have come to the forefront over the last few days. Throughout the campaign, Romney has accused the Chinese government of using unfair tactics to keep its country's exports high and to entice companies to move jobs out of the United States and into China.

Romney has assured Americans that he will force China to "play by the rules." Recent media stories have hinted that the Republican candidate, if elected president, would not keep one of his key promises -- to label China as a "currency manipulator." Perhaps Romney should reconsider his entire China policy, as it contains some serious flaws.

Romney has accused China of engaging in a number of unfair economic practices, including currency manipulation, fraud, and theft of intellectual property. He asserts that China's policies have harmed U.S. companies and have cost many Americans their jobs. Romney is almost certainly correct in his assessment. Bloomberg News estimates that American job losses resulting from the U.S. trade deficit with China may be as high as 2.7 million.

The next president should work with China to correct these abuses. However, he will need to proceed carefully. For one thing, China plays a key role in keeping U.S. borrowing costs low. The country holds more than $1 trillion in American debt. At the same time, China is a key player in the world economy. If China's manufacturing sector were to slow down, it would negatively impact numerous countries, including the United States. Finally, many Americans benefit from the current status quo, which provides them with access to affordable goods.

Romney has stated that he will use sanctions, tariffs, and other harsh measures to pressure China to "play by the rules." If the Republican candidate becomes president and follows through on this promise, he might end up harming the U.S. economy instead of helping it. Romney's policies, if successful, could cause the Chinese economy to stall, thereby hurting the world economy. American families (especially those living near the poverty line) might also suffer, as the price of Chinese made goods would almost certainly increase. In the worst case scenario (however unlikely), China could retaliate by selling American bonds en masse and by refusing to buy more. Romney would then have a real crisis on his hands.

If he is elected president, Romney must pressure China to "play by the rules." However, he needs to proceed carefully. He cannot treat China too harshly, or he risks harming the U.S. economy instead of helping it.

-- Anthony Hopper

#presidentialelections #GOP #Obama #Romney #Republican #Democrat #China #Asia #economy

2012 Commentary: Virginia's Leaders Should Focus on Three Key Issues in the Coming Months

ABSTRACT: Virginia’s elected officials should focus their efforts on three key issues over the next year. These issues revolve around the fiscal cliff, the state's health insurance exchange, and the 2013 gubernatorial election.

Virginia's elected officials should focus their efforts on three key issues over the next year. Perhaps most importantly, they must plan ahead in case the fiscal cliff scenario becomes a reality. Additionally, the governor and state delegates need to work together to create a blueprint for Virginia's health insurance exchange. They also need to pass legislation to ensure that the 2013 gubernatorial election runs smoothly.

Plan for the Fiscal Cliff

The president and Congress have until Jan. 1 to broker a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff -- a series of preset tax increases and budget cuts. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the federal government's 2013 budget will be cut by approximately $109 billion. The cuts will hit Virginia hard; federal spending accounts (directly or indirectly) for around 33 percent of the state's economy. A George Mason professor estimates that more than 207,000 Virginian workers will lose their jobs in 2013 if the federal cutbacks occur. Virginia's elected officials have begun to prepare for this event. They have set aside $30 million, which can be used to help citizens impacted by the fiscal cliff, and the governor has asked state agencies to prepare in advance for federal cutbacks. However, Virginia's elected officials should devote even more attention to this issue in the coming weeks.

Draft a Blueprint for the Health Insurance Exchange

The Affordable Care Act mandates that states, including Virginia, need to have operational health insurance exchanges in place by 2014. In 2011, Virginia passed a law declaring its intent to create an exchange. However, the governor has so far refused to work with state delegates to finalize a blueprint for the exchange. State officials have to submit this plan to federal authorities soon if they want Virginia, and not the U.S. government, to run the state's health insurance exchange when it becomes operational in 2014.

Ensure the 2013 Gubernatorial Election Runs Smoothly

Many Virginians waited in long lines to cast their votes in the most recent election. They also had to deal with issues relating to the new state voter I.D. law. Virginia officials need to work to correct these problems before the gubernatorial election on Nov. 5. They have a number of options open to them, including hiring more election-day workers and adjusting absentee voting rules.

-- Anthony Hopper

#Virginia #history #politics #opinion

How Poor Financial Decisions Turned Me from a Prince into a Pauper

ABSTRACT: When I graduated from college, I was in pretty good financial shape. I had around $20,000 in assets and no debts. By the time I turned 29, I had few assets and had amassed over $30,000 in loans. Here is what happened?

Prince - Courtesy of Microsoft Office

When I graduated from college, I was in pretty good financial shape. I had around $20,000 in assets and no debts. I appeared to have a bright financial future ahead of me; however, I did not take advantage of my good fortune. By the time I turned 29, I had few assets and had amassed over $30,000 in loans.

Suffice to say I made a number of poor financial decisions during my 20s that turned me from a prince into a pauper. I am now almost 40 years old; however, I am still dealing with the repercussions from these youthful mistakes. I could have avoided a majority of these pitfalls by eschewing risky investments, by spending more time honing my negotiating skills, and by creating a financial game plan.

Undone by Risky Investments

When I was in my 20s, I felt like I would live forever. I assumed that I would have plenty of time to overcome any financial mistakes. Investing for me became a game, and I wanted to hit the jackpot. As such, I put a significant amount of my earnings (and most of my savings) into high risk stocks and questionable business ventures. Worse, I invested in these companies without fully researching them.
I paid a high price for these errors. During my 20s, I lost tens of thousands of dollars due to failed investments.

Hampered by Poor Negotiating Skills

Pauper - Courtesy of Microsoft Office

Looking back on my 20s, I regret not spending more time developing my negotiating skills, which were subpar. As a result, I was never able to obtain the best salary, to maximize my return (when there was one) on a business venture, or to get a superb deal on a high priced item. Each time I entered into a negotiation, I would make a key mistake, such as starting the price to high or accepting an offer too soon. I lost a lot of money as a result of these errors.

Stymied by the Lack of a Financial Game Plan

When I look back on my 20s, I most regret not creating a financial game plan. If I had taken the time to carefully plan out my future, I might have eschewed risky investments and put more time into honing my negotiating prowess. I almost certainly would have made better career decisions. For instance, I likely would not have chosen to work for a company that barely paid a living wage when, with a little effort, I could have located better paying jobs.

-- Anthony Hopper

Time Should Have Chosen Mario Draghi as 2012 Person of the Year

ABSTRACT: Time magazine has chosen President Barack Obama as its 2012 Person of the Year. If I were selecting the winner, I would have opted for Mario Draghi. Here is why.


Time magazine has chosen President Barack Obama as its 2012 Person of the Year. If I were selecting the winner, I would have opted for Mario Draghi. As head of the European Central Bank, Draghi significantly influences monetary policy in 17 European countries, containing more than 330 million people. In this role, the Italian banker helped forestall a major world economic crisis in 2012 by pumping money into European banks. As important, he established the OMT program, which authorized the ECB to buy an unlimited number of short term bonds from distressed member nations. Draghi's actions allowed struggling European countries keep their borrowing costs in check while at the same time protecting the Euro currency.

Even more notable, Draghi managed to convince quarrelsome member nations to agree to a unified plan to save the Euro. This was no easy task, as leaders like Germany's Angela Merkel and France's François Hollande differ significantly with regards to their economic beliefs and political aims. The European media is keenly aware of Draghi's accomplishments. The Financial Times recently selected him as its Person of the Year.

#politics #finance #2012 #awards #Time

-- Anthony Hopper

2012 Commentary: The U.S. Presidential Election Could Be Upended by These Five Game Changers

Abstract: These five game changing events could radically alter the U.S. presidential landscape between now and Nov. 6 when Americans go to the polls.

The media is intensely focused on the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Many of the articles attempt to parse through current data to determine who will win in November. Other stories try to gauge how future changes in one potential issue, such as the economy, will impact the final vote. While this information is valuable, it is worth remembering that the presidential election is still almost six months away. Any of a number of future occurrences might significantly alter the election landscape. Few if any authors provide readers with a list of these issues. With that in mind, here are five potential game changers.

The Weather: Per Reuters, the hurricane season, which "officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30," kicked off a little early this year with the formation on Saturday of the season's first tropical storm, Alberto. It is possible that a large hurricane will hit the U.S. in the next few months. Such an event might radically alter President Obama's re-election chances for better or worse.

The Middle East: To say that the region is unsettled would be an understatement. There are a host of simmering disagreements between the U.S. and hardline regimes like Iran, between Israel and its neighbors, and amongst Sunni and Shiite Muslim sects, that could suddenly erupt into a full conflagration at any time in the next few months. Per a Log Cabin Democrat article, the Iranian nuclear issue may be close to reaching this tipping point.

Healthcare Legislation: The Supreme Court will soon render its verdict on President Obama's healthcare legislation. The Los Angeles Times notes that this decision will have a significant impact on the presidential election. However, it is unclear which candidate will benefit from the Supreme Court's decision.

The European Financial Crisis: Many Americans assumed that the Europeans had the crisis under control only to see it flame up again in recent weeks. As Yahoo Finance notes, if the situation deteriorates further, it would have obvious consequences for the American stock exchanges and perhaps for the economy as a whole. Per The Week, "[t]he White House views the crisis, and its potential impact on the U.S., as one of the biggest challenges facing Obama's re-election bid."

Immigration: According to USA Today, the Supreme Court will decide in June whether or not to uphold a controversial Arizona law cracking down on illegal immigration. If the justices decide to keep most or all of the law in place, it will likely thrust the immigration issue onto the national stage.
Each of these events has the potential to impact the U.S. presidential election contest in significant yet unpredictable ways. To use an old cliché, it is still anybody's game.

-- Anthony Hopper

#politics #elections #opinion #Obama #Romney

2012 Commentary: What Matters in Virginia This Election Year? Housing, Unemployment, Gay Marriage

ABSTRACT: Virginia is one of the key battleground states that will play a decisive role in determining who wins the presidential election. Here is a look at some of the issues that are important to Virginia's voters.

Over the next few months, President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, will spend inordinate amounts of time and money to secure Americans' votes in the upcoming presidential election.
Both sides will focus a lot of attention on the Commonwealth of Virginia, a swing state whose 13 electoral votes are very much in play.

PBS calls the state a former "Republican bastion." Virginians voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election from 1964 to 2008. Over the past few years, that has changed, as large numbers of Democratic-leaning voters have migrated to Virginia from other areas. This group helped Obama carry the state in 2008. Either party's candidate could win in Virginia in 2012.

- Real Clear Politics compiled data from six surveys taken between March 13 and May 2, which shows Obama ahead of Romney by 3.2 percent.
- In the most recent poll, sponsored by The Washington Post, Obama leads Romney, 51 percent to 44 percent.

In short, the state's electoral votes are still up for grabs. The outcome may hinge on three, key issues:

Unemployment

The unemployment rate will be a major issue in all of the battleground states, including in Virginia. According to a May 14 Reuters article, Virginia's doing very well. In March (the most recent month for which there is state level data), it had a 5.6 percent unemployment rate, which was well below the national average of 8.2 percent. However, a Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicates that only certain areas of the state are benefiting from this hiring boom. Parts of southern and eastern Virginia are still dealing with double-digit unemployment rates.

The Housing Market

The housing market crash impacted large numbers of Virginia homeowners. Many people saw their home values drop significantly while others were forced to abandon their residences. While the current market outlook is not rosy, it is improving. Per Reuters, year-over-year home prices increased by 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2012 for the state of Virginia as a whole and 5.94 percent in heavily populated northern Virginia. Even more importantly, the Virginia Association of Realtors reports that residential home sales increased by 4.3 percent in the first three months of this year as compared with the first quarter of 2011. The Reuters article notes that the housing rebound may aid Obama's chances of winning Virginia in November.

Gay Marriage

Obama recently decided to publicize his support for gay marriage. According to The Washington Post, the president's announcement might not sway large numbers of voters one way or the other; in a recent poll, Virginians ranked gay marriage as the least important "among the 10 policy issues that were included in the survey." However, the article notes that the issue could be decisive in a tight race, though it is unclear at this time which candidate will benefit the most. Obama's support for gay marriage will likely galvanize younger voters while at the same time "motivate[ing] evangelicals who might otherwise be tepid about [voting for] former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney."

-- Anthony Hopper

#politics #Obama #Romney #elections #opinion

Corporations Should Not Focus Solely on Maximizing Shareholder Value

Abstract: Many experts will tell you that a for-profit corporation's only goal should be to maximize shareholder value. However, in reality, companies have other obligations which stem from their social nature.
 

NYC's Downtown as seen from the Empire State Building (1).

A person who reads the finance section of his or her favorite news site on any given day might come away thinking that the only goal of any for-profit corporation is to maximize stockholder equity. Some articles, like this one on Yahoo Voices, explicitly state that a company "should always strive to maximize shareholder wealth." Other stories implicitly suggest the same thing when they focus almost solely on a company's success or failure in improving its bottom line. Per articles like this one in the Huffington Post, any other goal, such as providing excellent customer service, is only legitimate in so far as it helps the corporation maximize profits. While this is an important goal, it should not be the only one.

If for-profit companies were independent actors, they would be justified in focusing exclusively on maximizing shareholder value. However, as an article from Corporate Governance notes, corporations, like people, are social entities that depend on others to help them achieve their goals. As such, they have obligations to their communities, which develop from these relationships. For instance, companies are fictitious creations that depend on society to legitimize their existence and to provide them with rights. Most Americans would probably agree that, in return, these corporations should obey whatever laws are promulgated by the communities they serve even if adherence to these rules limits their profit potential. Additionally, as outlined in the Corporate Governance article, companies also depend on their communities for workers, customers, and goodwill, among other things. Many theorists assert that, due to these relationships, corporations have an obligation to give something back to these localities.

Our society also espouses the belief that corporations have some obligations to their employees. At heart, a company is a community which is inhabited and maintained by its employees. These individuals should have certain rights that are part and parcel of their membership in a corporate culture. As such, company executives have legal obligations to create a workplace that is free from sexual harassment, to pay their employees what is owed, etc. More generally, these executives should also try to create a corporate ethos that centers on treating employees with dignity and respect even when not legally required to do it. Many large corporations, such as Dow Jones & Company and IBM, recognize this fact and commit themselves to ensuring this type of corporate culture.

Of course, as The CQ Researcher Blog notes, a corporation who invests in its community and treats its employees well often reaps financial benefits from these actions. A thriving locality can purchase more goods; happy employees will work harder. However, I would argue that companies' responsibilities extend to both groups even if there is no financial gain.

Companies do not operate in vacuums. They have obligations to their communities as well as to their workers, which derive from their mutual relationships. As such, a corporation's key goal might be to increase shareholder wealth; however, that should not be its sole purpose.

1. Photographer: Marlith
    Date: April 4, 2008
    Title/Description: NYC's Downtown as seen from the Empire State Building
    Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
    (click on the title for photo, credits, and permissions).

-- Anthony Hopper

#business #finance #ethics #corporations #stocks #US

April 2012 - UPS' First Quarter Results Disappoint Investors, but the News Is Not that Bad

Abstract: UPS released its quarterly results this morning and investors were disappointed. However, a review of the company's financials indicates that its balance sheet remains strong.

United Parcel Service (UPS) released its first quarter results on Thursday. Per the information on its website, UPS' total revenues for Q1 2012 were 13.14 billion, a $560 million increase over Q1 of 2011. The company's operating profits for this period were $1.57 billion, which is a minor increase over the $1.47 billion it earned in Q1 2011. The uptick in UPS' year over year profits was probably due both to improvements in its operating margins (11.9% in Q1 2012 v. 11.7% in Q1 2011) and a 4.3% rise in total volume. The company touted its increase in earnings per share, which were up by 10% ($0.09) compared to Q1 2011. Part of the increase can probably be explained by the fact that UPS has spent significant amounts of money over the past few months to buy back its shares. In Q1 2012, "UPS repurchased 7.1 million shares for approximately $550 million."

UPS' free cash flows were strong, as it generated $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2012. The company's strong cash flows should allow it to continue its share buyback program, as well as fund its $.057 per share quarterly dividend.

Investors were not thrilled with the slight increase in UPS' earnings, as the company's stock price lost 1.76% of its value to finish the day at $78.25. Per Reuters, investors bid the stock down because they are worried about the company's ability to maintain sales volumes in Europe and due to the fact that UPS' earnings missed analysts' targets.

While investors were not thrilled with UPS' 2012 Q1 earnings report, many are likely satisfied with the company's stability. UPS pays a $0.57 per share dividend and is spending significant amounts of money to buy back its shares. Just as important, the company is in strong financial shape at this time, so it should be able to weather any downturn in Europe's economy.

-- Anthony Hopper

#finance #stocks #UPS #business #financials #markets $UPS

April 2012 - Exxon Mobil's First Quarter Results Are a Slight Disappointment

Abstract: Exxon Mobil announced its first quarter results today, and investors were slightly disappointed, as they bid the share price down almost 1%. On the plus side, the results indicate that the company is a solid performer and is in no financial danger.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) released its first quarter results on Thursday. Per the information on its website, Exxon's total revenues for Q1 2012 were roughly $124 billion, which is a $10 billion increase over Q1 of 2011. However, the company's expenses increased at a faster pace than its revenues for this same period, rising from approximately $95 billion to over $106.5 billion. The significant uptick in expenses was primarily responsible for the fact that Exxon's total Q1 2012 revenues of $9.45 billion represented an 11% decrease as compared to Q1 of 2011. On the positive side, Exxon's earnings per share of $2.00 only represented a drop of 7% as compared to the same quarter in 2011. The difference between the two figures can be attributed to the fact that the company spent about $5 billion on stock repurchases during the first quarter of this year.

Exxon's cash flows were also strong, as it generated $21.8 billion in the first quarter of 2012 "from operations and asset sales." Per Barron's, Exxon's cash on hand, totaling "more than $19 billion," and its strong cash flows will allow the company "to maintain its share buyback program, while supporting the higher yield [on its dividend payments]."

In its quarterly report, Exxon also touted its commitment to "invest about $37 billion per year over the next five years." The Barron's article notes that this investment will pay off for the company in the long run by helping it to maintain or increase production of oil and natural gas.

Investor reaction to Exxon Mobil's quarterly results was tepid. They bid Exxon shares down slightly; the per share price dropped by 0.9 % to finish at $86.07. An analyst interviewed by The New York Times reflected the views of many investors when he said that "the quarter was O.K."

While investors were not thrilled with Exxon's 2012 Q1 earnings report, many are likely satisfied with the company's stability. As the aforementioned Barron's article notes, the company is in excellent financial shape. More importantly, it recently increased its quarterly dividend by 21% to $0.57 per share and is spending significant amounts of money to buy back shares.

-- Anthony Hopper

#finance #stocks #UPS #business #financials #markets $XOM

2012 Commentary: President Obama's Proposal to Curb Oil Speculation is a Savvy Political Move

Abstract: President Obama’s proposal to curb oil speculation will likely not have any long term impact on pump prices. However, his plan might help him with the electorate, and, in the end, that is all that matters in November.

Fuel barrels (1)

Earlier today, President Obama asked Congress to enact several measures which are aimed at curbing oil prices. His plan seeks to reduce oil speculation by forcing traders who buy on margin to hold more cash reserves and, per the Los Angeles Times, by "boost[ing] funding for regulators and increas[ing] penalties for market manipulators." While Obama's proposal is not likely to have any significant, long-term impact on oil prices, it is a savvy political move.

President Obama's plan for curbing oil speculation is unlikely to garner the Republican support it needs to pass through Congress. Per MSNBC, even if Obama's proposal were to become law, it might not have much of an impact on oil prices. Regardless, the president scored some important political points with today's speech.

As the aforementioned MSNBC article noted, Obama portrayed himself as a champion of middle-class interests with today's announcement. Men and women who are struggling to fill up their gas tanks due to the high pump prices will note that the president tried to do something to help them out. Many people might also applaud Obama for standing up to the oil industry and to Wall Street. Even though the elections are still almost seven months away, Americans are unlikely to forget about the president's plan; they will constantly be reminded of it by his re-election campaign ads.

The president can also use this opportunity to draw a strong contrast between himself and Republicans. As previously mentioned, the latter group will almost certainly oppose the plan to curb oil speculation. Obama can rely on this fact to help him portray Republicans, and especially Mitt Romney, as out of touch. He can argue that their refusal to pass his legislation is indicative of their support of big business over the interests of Main Street. The President would especially benefit from any protracted Congressional battle over his proposal, as it would keep the topic on the media's radar for a longer period of time.

President Obama's proposal to curb oil speculation will likely not have any long term impact on pump prices. However, his plan might help him with the electorate, and, in the end, that is all that matters in November.

1. Photographer: Trevor MacInnis
    Date: April 8, 2005
    Title/Description: Fuel Barrels
    Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic
    license (click on the title or caption to see the photo, credits, and permissions).

-- Anthony Hopper

#Obama #oil #oilprices #gasoline #markets #finance #business #politics #Democrats #Republicans

2012 Commentary: The Jacksonville Jaguars May Be the Big Loser in the Tim Tebow Trade

Abstract: It is too soon to determine if either the Jets or the Broncos will benefit from the Tebow trade. However, one can already discern a loser. The Jaguars missed a golden opportunity to turn their fortunes around when they refused to trade for Tebow.

EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida (1).

Fox News has reported that the New York Jets have acquired Tim Tebow from the Denver Broncos for a fourth round draft pick. It is too soon to say whether or not either the Jets or the Broncos will benefit from this trade; however, one team has already lost. By refusing to go after the young quarterback, the Jacksonville Jaguars missed a golden opportunity to turn their franchise's fortunes around. Here are three reasons why the Jaguars should have pounced on the opportunity to sign Tim Tebow and what their failure will cost the organization.

Missed Opportunity to Increase Revenue

CNBC's Darren Rovell notes that the Jacksonville Jaguars had the second worst attendance record on a per capacity basis in 2012, having filled only 81 percent of their seats. The club could have immediately turned its fortunes around if it had signed Tebow. For one thing, the Jaguars could have used the quarterback's immense popularity in the state to sell out all of their home games. Additionally, if they had added the Florida star to the roster, the Jaguars would have almost certainly been able to increase their revenues from sports memorabilia sales and via adding new sponsors. Rovell also asserts that the Jaguars' immediate revenue gains from a Tebow trade would have more than paid for his salary for the 2012-2013 season, which is only $1.15 million.

Tebow's Presence Could Have Changed the Franchise's Long Term Outlook

What many sportswriters, and apparently also the Jacksonville Jaguars' front office, fail to recognize is that by acquiring Tebow, the Jaguars might have been able to attract thousands of new fans who would have remained devoted to the franchise for years to come. The quarterback is unique in that a large percentage of his followers adore him not because of his athletic skills but due to his values and his charisma. They will likely support him ad infinitum, even if he does not perform well on the field. These men and women would have thrown in their support with the Jaguars if that organization had signed Tebow. More importantly, these fans would have continued to cheer for the Jacksonville franchise long after Tebow retired from the game if they believed that the organization had treated him well during his tenure with the team. Edwin Alexander hints at this potential in a Yahoo article on Tebow, though he does not discuss the issue in any detail. Alas, Jacksonville missed out on this golden opportunity to develop its long-term fan base when it let the New York Jets acquire the young quarterback.

Tebow's Presence May Have Drawn Other, Quality Players

Of course, Tebow may have helped the Jaguars win on the field even if he did not play well at quarterback (or at any other position for that matter). Having watched some of Tebow's games on television, I am amazed at the level of devotion he inspires in other players. It is possible that Tebow's presence in Jacksonville would have attracted some good NFL athletes who might never have considered playing for the team otherwise. We will never know if this phenomenon would have occurred, but it was a feasible scenario. Now the Jaguars will have nothing to offer stars to induce them to come play for a rebuilding team located in a small market.

Whatever you might think of Tim Tebow personally, I hope you can agree that the Jacksonville Jaguars have missed a golden opportunity by not trading with the Denver Broncos to acquire the young quarterback. This decision may haunt the organization for years to come.

1. Photographer: Excel23
    Date: April 27, 2011
    Title/Description: EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
     Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain
     Dedication (click on the title/link for photo, credits, permissions).

-- Anthony Hopper

#Jaguars #JacksonvilleJaguars #Jags #Tebow #football #NFL #Broncos #opinion

Five Steps to Keep in Mind When Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

Abstract: According to some experts, you will likely be involved in several car accidents during your driving lifetime. Therefore, it pays to know how the auto insurance claims filing process works. This article will help guide you through the process.

Damaged 2006–2009 HSV Clubsport (E Series) R8 sedan (1)

At some point in our lives, most of us will have a car accident. In fact, the average American will be involved in three to four such incidents over the course of his or her driving lifetime. Therefore, it makes sense for you to take a few minutes to research the car insurance claims filing process. You never know when this information will come in handy.

With that thought in mind, here are five important steps to note when filing an auto insurance claim.

Call the Police

Whether you are involved in a simple fender bender or in a more serious accident, you should immediately call the police. Even if you think the cops might not have jurisdiction (eg. in a private parking lot), you should still call them just in case. When the police officer arrives, he or she will fill out an incident report. You can refer to this document as evidence to help you back-up your side of the story with the insurance company. It goes without saying that you should always double check the incident report before the cop leaves the scene, to make sure that it is filled out correctly.

If you feel that you have been injured in the crash, you should also call an ambulance (or have the police officer call one for you).

Notify the Insurance Company

If the police officer determines that you are not at fault in the accident, you can usually file your claim with the other person's car insurance plan. Otherwise, you will need to contact your insurance company and file a claim. In either case, you should file your claim immediately, as the remuneration process does not start for you, until you fill out a claim.

Most of the time, you will only need to provide the insurance company with basic information about yourself, your vehicle, and the accident. You can usually complete this task online or over the phone. I prefer talking to a live person. Unlike a computer, a human being will sometimes be able to provide me with a useful, but little known, tidbit about the particular company's claims filing process. You should make sure that you take care of issues, such as determining who is going to pay for the rental car, during this step in the process.

Quickly Fax All Relevant Information

You insurance company will likely want you to fax information, such as a copy of the police report and hospital reports (if applicable), to its processing headquarters before it begins working on the claim in earnest. You should fax the required information as quickly as possible.

Get Ready for the Inspection

Depending on who is at fault, either your insurance company or another firm will call you within a few days of the accident to schedule a vehicle inspection. The company's claims adjuster will review the vehicle, with an eye to determining the monetary damage. In order to ensure that the process goes smoothly, you should confirm the date of the visit with the claims adjuster and plan to review the vehicle with him or her if possible. Regardless, you need to make sure that the adjuster can gain access to the vehicle at the appointed time.

Follow-up with the Insurance Company

Sometimes the insurance company will finalize the claim rather quickly. In other cases, the insurance companies representing you and the other people in the accident will disagree about who is at fault. In those cases, the claim might go to an arbitrator. The process, called subrogation, can take several months or longer. In any case, you should routinely follow-up with your insurance company to ensure that the process is going smoothly and to see if you need to submit any additional information.

These are the basic steps in the insurance claims filing process. You might have to take other steps, such as appealing your claim or even taking the insurance company to court yourself. However, you would usually only take those actions once the initial claim has been finalized.

-- Anthony Hopper

#insurance #cars #autos #autoinsurance #carinsurance #accidents #wrecks #drivers #drive #information

Sources

Caputo, Sal. (2003). "8 Steps to Filing an Auto Insurance Claim." Bankrate homepage.
21 Century Insurance. (2014). "Filing an Auto Insurance Claim after an Accident."
Startin, W. Lane. (2011). "How to File an Auto Insurance Claim: What the Adjuster Does and How You're Compensated in an Auto Insurance Claim." Car Insurance Guidebook.

1. Photographer: Jason Eade
    Title: Damaged 2006–2009 HSV Clubsport (E Series) R8 sedan, photographed in Western Australia, 
            Australia.
    Date: September 12, 2009
    Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons Attribution 2.0.
    (please click on the title/link to see the photo/credits/permissions)

Four Popular Florists in Roanoke, Virginia

ABSTRACT: The Roanoke Valley, located in southwestern Virginia, is known for its beautiful scenery. The area is also home to several high quality florists. In this article, you will find information on four of the more popular flower shops in Roanoke, Virginia.

Flower vase (1)

The Roanoke Valley, located in the foothills of southwestern Virginia, is home to around 330,000 people. Many individuals are attracted to Roanoke because of its rich mix of urban and bucolic settings. The area also contains several high quality florists. These flower shops are adept at creating floral arrangements both for individuals and for large events.
Here is your guide to four of Roanoke's finest flower shops.

Stritesky's Flower Shop

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Sat. from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: 6614 Peters Creek Rd.; Roanoke, Va 24019
Phone: (888) 880-1390

Stritesky's Flower Shop has been a cornerstone of the Roanoke community for years. The family owned company specializes in creating flower arrangements for birthdays, weddings, funerals, and other events. The company also sells corsages and fruit baskets. For a small fee, Stritesky's will provide same-day delivery to residencies, as well as to a range of event locations. On the downside, the florist is closed on Sundays.

George's Flowers

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sat. from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Locations: 1953 Franklin Rd.; Roanoke, Va 24014 and 1917 Franklin Rd., STE 105; Roanoke, Va 24014
Phone: (877) 408-0512

George's Flowers is a family owned florist. The company creates everything from cut flower arrangements to casket sprays. Customers can choose from a wide variety of flower-based items, ranging in price from $12.50 to over $300.00. Individuals can pick-up their flowers at the shop, or they can request that George's Flowers deliver the items to a specific location in the Roanoke Valley-for an additional fee. The flower shop has won numerous local awards, including the Roanoker Magazine's 2013 platinum (top) award for freshest flowers. The florist is closed on Sundays.

Fallon Florist, Inc.

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sat. from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: 23 W. Church Ave.; Roanoke, Va 24011
Phone: (800) 253-2975

Fallon Florist is an FTD dealer. Like the other flower shops listed in this article, the company sells a wide variety of floral arrangements and items. However, it is the only one located near downtown Roanoke City. The company will deliver to most locations within the Roanoke Valley, though its delivery fees vary based on location.

Blumen Haus-Dove Florist

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri. from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sat. from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: 3212 Brambleton Ave.; Roanoke, Va 24018
Phone: (800) 763-2411

Blumen Haus-Dove Florist is a family owned flower shop, which has been "serving the Roanoke area" for over 35 years. Like the other area florists, the company sells a wide a wide variety of flower arrangements, running the gamut from corsages to intricate funeral designs. Blumen Haus-Dove also sells a variety of potted plants. The flower shop is closed on Sundays.

-- Anthony Hopper

#florists #flowers #Roanoke #Virginia #VA #floral #plants

1. Photographer: Mark Buckawicki
    Date: January 5, 2014
    Title/Description: A flower arrangement in a glass vase
    Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain
    Dedication (see link/title to see photo, credits, permissions)

Which Tie Should You Wear to an Interview?

ABSTRACT: Men might be tempted to put on the first tie they find in the closet, when they are getting ready for an interview. However, experts suggest that potential hires put some thought into choosing the right tie. Here is why.

A Windsor knot (1).

Most fashion authors focus on women's clothing or apparel. However, men can also sometimes benefit from a little fashion advice, especially when it comes to interview attire. Men, as well as women, need to dress properly if they want to make a good impression with their interviewers. In that regard, men oftentimes overlook one key piece of clothing-the necktie.

Here are five things that all men should keep in mind, as they are deciding which tie to wear to an interview.
Always Wear a Tie: A man should always dress up for an interview, even if the company allows employees to wear casual clothes to work. And this means that he should wear a tie. An interviewer will often judge a potential hire based on what he is wearing. If that person arrives at the interview without a tie (and a suit coat), the hiring manager might assume that the interviewee does not really want the job. While we might question the fairness in this assumption, it happens all the time.

Wear a Tie with a Little Pizazz: This one might surprise many people. However, some fashion experts suggest that men wear ties with a little pizazz, when they interview for jobs. The experts argue that potential hires, who wear ties with creative designs or color patterns, will stand out in the interviewers' minds. With that said, the experts caution against going overboard with this idea-no brilliant colors or "joke ties." And they should still dress conservatively.

Stick with the Necktie: Experts warn men against wearing bow ties to interviews. Many hiring managers will equate a bow tie wearing man as someone who jokes around too much. The interviewers might also question the potential hire's willingness to be a team player.

Printed Designs Only: Everyone wants to make a lasting impression with the hiring manager. However, experts warn men against wearing woven ties to interviews, as "they can be overpowering for the interviewer." The employer will be so focused on the tie that he or she might not pay attention to what the interviewee says about his qualifications for the job-and that is a bad thing.

Make Sure the Tie is Clean and Pressed: It goes without saying that men should always choose ties that are clean and wrinkle free, when they are interviewing for a job. An individual who wears a soiled tie to an interview might as well have dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. A hiring manager will often dismiss the man upon first sight if that person's tie is not spotless.

-- Anthony Hopper

#interviews #HR #jobsearch #jobs #jobapplicants #business #advice #guide #clothing

1. Photographer: Joostdemeij
    Date: February 18, 2007
   Title/Description: A windsor knot.
   Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons -  GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
   (click on the link/title for more information).

I Am Happy Renting My Residence Instead of Owning It

Abstract: Many people tout the benefits of home ownership. However, I feel that renting is a better financial option for me because I do not have to spend money or time on home maintenance and repair.

Over the years, I have listened to numerous people, running the gamut from housing experts to friends, who have touted the benefits of home ownership. They note that a home owner can build up equity in his or her house over time. By contrast, a person who rents the same residence for decades will have nothing in the bank to show for it. Proponents of home ownership also point to the tax benefits that come with financing a house on credit. I have heard all of these arguments time and again; however, I am not swayed by them. I have not owned a house in years and do not think that I will purchase one again anytime soon.

Courtesy Microsoft Office

One of the key advantages for me, as a renter, is that I never have to spend money to fix any structural problems. For a homeowner, it is a different story. Over time, he or she will almost certainly have to spend thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars to fix the roof, to repaint the house, and to perform other maintenance functions. A March 2010 article in Houselogic.com estimates that "[o]ver time, annual maintenance costs average more than $3,300." Contrast that figure with my annual repair and maintenance costs, which are usually zero.

Perhaps more importantly, if the roof collapses or the plumbing goes awry, I do not have not devote any of my precious time to locating a repair company. I also do not have to take time off from my job to ensure that the people I hired to fix the problem are doing quality work. I can simply call my landlord and let him worry about those issues. By contrast, a homeowner will likely devote a significant amount of his or her own time to maintenance and repairs. This represents a lost opportunity cost for the owner; the time he or she spends at these tasks cannot be used for other purposes, such as earning a paycheck. While I could not find a site that would quantify these costs, I bet that, over time, they represent a significant expense for homeowners.

Sometimes I am tempted to become a homeowner. However, when I stop to consider how much money and time I would have to spend on upkeep and repairs if I owned my home, I inevitably come to the conclusion that I am happy to remain a renter.

-- Anthony Hopper

#housing #renting #homes #homeowners #homeownership #personalfinance #finance #business #personal #renting #opinion

First Person: I Left My Career Behind

When I graduated from Roanoke College in 1996, I chose to accept a job with a small, mail order pharmacy. Over the next four years, I flirted with the idea of going back to school; however, although I would file applications to graduate schools from time to time, I did not seriously consider leaving my position with the company for several reasons. For one thing, while I may have grasped the concept of aging at an intellectual level, I did not have any experience with the subject. I felt as if I would stay young forever and thus did not feel any pressure to go back to school. At the same time, I did not know what vocation I wanted to pursue. Finally, I was concerned that I might not perform well in graduate school even though both my standardized test scores and undergraduate GPA were quite high; I worried that I did not have enough self-discipline to do the work required for my graduate courses.

Courtesy of Microsoft Office

My feelings on the subject began to change in December of 2000. One night, I was playing a word game with family and friends. I could usually come up with needed words at a lightning fast pace; however, on this night, it seemed as if my synapses were not firing as quickly as they should. Looking in the mirror, I also realized that other things were changing as well; I was losing hair and some fine wrinkles were forming on my hands. I realized for the first time that I was aging, and I felt that I needed to make a choice concerning whether or not to go back to school. I pondered the matter for several months and made my decision in late 2000. I still did not know whether or not I could produce graduate level work or even which field I might want to pursue a degree in. Regardless, I decided I wanted to become a college professor.

After researching the matter, I opted to resign from my job in May 2001 and enroll in a graduate level, Liberal Arts program. I felt that this decision allowed me to try out a number of fields to see which ones I enjoyed. I could also determine whether or not I was ready for graduate school. During this period, I lived at home, thereby saving money on rent and food. At the same time, I had some savings and used a portion of these funds to pay for the graduate courses. Finally, I worked part-time as a realtor. I did not make much money at this profession; however, I earned enough cash to pay for some of my schooling.

I ended up matriculating in the University of Virginia's graduate program in English with the goal of using that degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. (though not necessarily one in Literature). I obtained the M.A. degree but decided later on that I did not want to become a professor. In retrospect, perhaps I made the wrong decision when I left my job; however, at the time, I believed it was the correct choice.

-- Anthony Hopper

#careers #business #finance #personalfinance #personalinterest #education #school #graduateschool #English

First Person: My $139,000 Tax Bill

Abstract: I recount my shock at receiving a letter from the IRS stating that I owed more than $139,000 in back taxes. I discuss what I did to remedy the situation.

In March 2007, I submitted my income information to my tax planner. During 2006, I had tinkered with day trading stocks and had made a small ($2,000-$3,000) profit on sales of over a million dollars. I received my tax documents back and was overjoyed to note that I only owed the Internal Revenue Service around $200 and the Commonwealth of Virginia even less. I promptly mailed my tax forms to the appropriate agencies and forgot about the matter.

I was shocked to receive a final notice from the IRS in October 2008 which claimed that I owed more than $139,000 in back taxes along with several thousand dollars in penalties. The statement threatened legal action if I did not respond within a certain number of days. I do not recall receiving any previous statements; the IRS may have sent them to an old address.

Courtesy of Microsoft Office

I called the IRS and asked for an extension. My tax planner and I analyzed the documents and noticed that we had neglected to include several pages worth of stock transactions on the original return. By his own admission, my tax analyst worked for many hours to fix the errors caused by my oversight. Once he had completed this task, I sent an amended tax return to the IRS and settled with them for around $200-$300. At that point, I thought the nightmare had ended.

Little did I know that the IRS had informed the Commonwealth of Virginia about my supposed tax debt; however, the agency did not notify the state about my amended tax return. In the spring of 2009, I received a notice from the Commonwealth of Virginia asking for me to pay tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes. It took me a few months to fix this issue, partly due to my negligence in submitting the proper forms on time. In the end, the Commonwealth of Virginia charged me twice as much as the IRS in taxes and penalties.
My experiences with both the IRS and state tax authorities changed the way I prepare my taxes. Even in years where my tax returns are fairly straightforward, I spend some time making sure that I have collected all the pertinent information, and I carefully review my returns for errors. I learned my lesson the hard way.

-- Anthony Hopper

#personalfinance #personalinterest #finance #business #taxes #IRS #debt #stocks #markets

An Innovative Plan to Help Offset Budget Cuts at NASA and at the NIH - 2012

ABSTRACT: The Obama administration recently released its proposed, federal budget for 2013, which calls for funding cuts at NASA and at the NIH. The article discusses a possible, bi-partisan method for staving off these spending cuts.

President Obama's administration recently released its proposed federal budget for 2013, and the news is not encouraging for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which will realize a 0.3 percent decrease in year over year funding per USA Today. Employees at the National Institutes of Health are not cheering either. According to California Healthline, the NIH's budget will be frozen at current year levels (effectively a funding cut, since the inflation rate is greater than 0 percent). Congress may decide to cut spending for these two agencies even further when it sends the final budget to the President for his approval later this year. Regardless of who wins in November, the federal government will find it difficult if not impossible to boost funding for either NASA or the NIH anytime soon. The next Congress will have to deal with a debt load that, according to the Wall Street Journal, was approximately $15.194 trillion dollars in January 2012 and is growing larger with every passing day.

NIH Building 10 (1)

Some people might not worry about the cuts to NASA and to the NIH. However, it is important to remember that these agencies perform vital functions. NASA funded research not only expands our nation's knowledge of the universe, it also (per the agency's website) helps to foster the development of new, consumer technologies like the computer mouse. The NIH plays an even more vital role in our society. It oversees basic research on diseases and other healthcare issues that private companies will not perform for cost-benefit reasons. Any cuts to the NIH budget will imperil these studies.

With one change to IRS tax forms, the federal government might be able to increase funding to both of these agencies without having to raise new taxes or cut budgets for other programs. If nothing else, it would let the American people decide whether or not the work of NASA and the NIH is of value to them. Simply put, Congress and the President could authorize the IRS to include two donation boxes on its tax forms allowing people to contribute to one or both of the agencies. The opt-in process would not force anyone to give money; however, it would offer them an easy opportunity to donate if they so choose. In short, this legislation would provide Americans with a democratic method for voicing their support for (or disapproval of) NASA and the NIH.

Legislation authorizing the use of a donation box on an IRS form would break new ground, but the idea of voluntarily contributing money to the federal government is not new. In fact, a Wall Street Journal article notes that " Americans made gifts totaling $10 million over the past five years to the U.S. Treasury." Per their websites, both NASA and the NIH accept donations from private citizens. Further, the government could take precautions to make sure that neither the IRS nor any other government agency actively solicited the public for donations, thereby limiting any commingling of private and public interests.

While it is true that Congress and the President would have to overcome a number of potential obstacles to pass this legislation; they should nonetheless give the idea some thought. It is a bipartisan funding strategy that might appeal to constituents of both parties as well as to independents; a rare accomplishment in this age of divided politics.

1. Author: Chris Spielmann
    Date: July 2002
    Title/Description: A side view of Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center (Building 10) at the National 
                               Institutes of Health (NIH).
     Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Author's note on the site (see the title/link for more info.).

-- Anthony Hopper

#NASA #space #NIH #health #healthcare #space #astronomy #stars #politics #taxes #donations

The Fiscal Cliff: Have We Been Here Before?

As we all know, the U.S. government is only a few days away from going over the fiscal cliff.  The fiscal cliff consists of a combination of mandatory spending cuts and tax increases.  Forbes estimates that the total in tax increases and spending cuts will siphon around $500 billion out of the economy in 2013 (Forbes estimates the spending cuts will be $109 billion).  That is a huge chunk of change and might be enough to cause the U.S. economy to go back into recession.  The key word being,"might."

Franklin D.Roosevelt, 1933 (3)

As a history buff, I wondered if the United States had been in this predicament before.  At some point in our past, did the federal government massively ramp up its budget in reaction to a severe economic downturn?  Did the president and Congress (perhaps fearing that the U.S. debt was too high to be sustainable) subsequently cut spending by a significant amount while at the same time raising taxes?

The answer to that question (or questions) is yes.  From 1933-1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, working with Congress, spent heretofore unheard of amounts of federal money (at least during peace time) in an effort to ameliorate the effects of the Great Depression.  By 1937, the U.S. economy had improved markedly.  Some (perhaps even Roosevelt) believed that the depression was over.  Unemployment was still around 14% but was significantly lower than at the height of the crisis (when it may have been as high as 25%).  As important, factories were producing more than they had in 1929.  Roosevelt and Congress responded by cutting federal spending significantly.  In that same year, the U.S. government started collecting a new payroll tax to cover future Social Security payments (1).  Sound familiar?

The payroll tax increase and spending cuts almost certainly had a hand in derailing any gains the U.S. economy had made since 1933.  During the 1937-1938 "recession," the stock market tanked, production dropped off significantly, and unemployment went to 20% (2). 

The U.S. economy has changed markedly since 1937, and the Great Recession was not nearly as severe as the Great Depression.  Nonetheless, I think we can learn something about the ramifications of going over the fiscal cliff by looking at the causes of the 1937-1938 "recession."


1. McElvaine, R. S. (1984). The Great Depression: America, 1929-1941. New York: Times Books.
     pgs. 75, 297-298.
2. Ibid., 298-300.
3. Photo of Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Photographer is Elias Goldensky.  The photo was taken on Dec.
    27, 1933.  It is located on Wikimedia Commons and is in the public domain.