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Albert Einstein said: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
So true!
We just finished some planning sessions, and this lesson showed its relevance several times.
This is a message that bears repeating.
If you focus on what you do well that gives you energy and sparks your passion, the rest seems to take care of itself ... and genius emerges.
Think how smart Google got so quickly.
Alternatively, think how much a company could learn if it figured-out how to survive (and thrive) for over a hundred years.
Here is a graphic that highlights several Corporate Centenarians.
Shiny and new has a place; but so does experience and perspective.
IBM, Xerox, Eastman Kodak, Nintendo, NCR, Western Union, Ericsson, Siemens and AT&T
This video demonstrating the power of superconductivity has been remarkably popular for a science video. Why? Because it is super cool!
Even if you don't think science interests you, this Quantum Levitation video will spark your imagination.
Tel-Aviv University, who is responsible for the demonstration, has posted an explanation of the science that makes this possible.
The video is courtesy of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), representing the science center and museum field worldwide. You can follow them on Twitter at @ScienceCenters.
View the Quicktime link to what is happening: Magnetic field expulsion.
Did you imagine new transportation systems, toys, or something else? Super cool!
Here are some of the posts that caught my eye. Hope you find something interesting.
Do 1-year-olds think a magazine is a broken iPad?
My kids can't understand how I did school-work without a computer or the Internet. Their kids may not believe that people used to do their reading on paper.
An analysis of VC deal activity at the internet angel and seed stages shows there has not been any sign of an investment slowdown. Not even close actually.
In fact, September 2011 angel & seed VC activity was up 172% since January 2010 and at the highest levels in the last seven quarters. You can see the actual trend based on real data here.
Also, last week, CB Insight's Q3's quarterly VC report came out which also showed that the sky clearly is not falling. Here are some of the headlines:
Of course, there is a lot more so go get the report here. It's free to download and 61 pages chock full of VC data goodness.
There is a slight, but potentially growing, disconnect between the S&P 500 Index and the Asian stock markets (specifically the Hang Seng).
On Friday the Hang Seng lost 1%. Moreover, looking at the recent price performance action … on a 20 day basis, the Hang Seng acting very different than other world markets.
Signal Financial Group just updated their seasonal chart series for the Hang Seng Index. It indicates that we could be at a turning point, with little upside expected based on historical patterns.
A Little Risk/Reward Exercise in Portfolio Diversification.
If the S&P continues to the upside … the Hang Seng may not follow. Thus, over the next few weeks, some traders may look at a potential Long S&P and Short Hang Seng play.
Just as an example, here is a quick look at a portfolio study covering 6 weeks, comparing the performance of a portfolio based solely on the S&P 500 Index versus a portfolio that is long the S&P (using 90% of capital) and short the Hang Seng (with 10% of capital).
Portfolio Allocation:
| Equity Portfolio: | 100% Long S&P 500 Index | |
| Mixed Portfolio: | 90% Long S&P 500 Index and 10% Short Hang Seng |
The chart below provides a basic analysis, identifying the differences between the two portfolios. The chart is divided into three sections: return comparison, risk comparison and portfolio change. The first section shows the percent return figures for the portfolios over a recent six week period. The second section focuses on risk, which is defined as standard deviation of return, over the same six week time period. The final section shows the net percentage change to the portfolio's performance based on the small 10% allocation to Hang Seng.
The diversification helps the risk/reward ratio in the study. That looks like something to watch for in the coming weeks. Hope it helps.
Occupying Wall Street or Defending Wall Street? ... Agitation is percolating and spreading.
Here are some of the posts that caught my eye. Hope you find something interesting.
Contrast your annual salary with a hedge fund legend (and someone who most probably earns a bit more than you). The interactive infographic "You vs. John Paulson" employs a wide array of comparisons, clocks, and sliders to keep you interested in
It was fun to put the numbers in context. For example, if you make $500K per year, according to the infographic, it takes Paulson less than an hour to make that. Or, put in a different way, Paulson can spend $300,000 the way I buy a cup of coffee.
Here Are Some Interesting Links for Your Weekend Reading
I've been spending time with more vegetarians lately. I'd be one too if meat grew on trees.
Meanwhile, it is getting to be Halloween ...
On a more serious note, here are some of the posts that caught my eye. Hope you find something interesting.
Lighter Links:
Trading Links:
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