Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Social Impact Fund

A $2 Billion fund is on the "Rise" that is seeking financial and social returns. It's great to see social causes that can make a positive impact on society and be profitable for investors. Of course the most rewarding feeling is that intrinsic feeling one gets at the end of the day.

TPG is heading the Rise Fund has had success in the growing economy of Myanmar with a company called Apollo Towers where they had 0 cellphone penetration to 70% in a short period of time. For those who are unfamiliar Myanmar just recently opened up to allow more than a few thousand tourists to visit their country each year and is poised for immense growth.

Board members will consist of Bono; eBay founder Pierre Omidyar; Jeff Skoll, who served as the first president of eBay; Laurene Powell Jobs; Richard Branson; Reid Hoffman; Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments; philanthropist Lynne Benioff; and investor Mo Ibrahim.

More information to come...

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The Ted Williams Book

Recommended by Warren Buffet and referenced in a recent podcast with the lesson and quote of the day: "Hit according to your style".

Apply probabilities to hitting and to get more hits swing at strikes and not balls. If its good you have to be swinging and not sitting by as the balls pass you by.

Enlighten yourself.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Facebook & Google Safety Check

Facebook has a safety check to let your friends and family know that you're safe in an emergency situation. After a Tsunami and the Earthquake in Italy this came into the eye of the public and helped us realize how great of a tool Facebook is for protecting the world in times of crisis. The most recent one that popped up today was for the Oakland Warehouse Fire:  https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/?crisis_id=1761642987430823

Today Google has announced something called Trusted Contacts (read more here https://blog.google/products/maps/let-your-loved-ones-know-youre-safe-our-new-personal-safety-app/) this uses your cell phone to let trusted contacts know your last known whereabouts.

For example: "Invite a trusted friend to virtually walk you home if you feel unsafe
Elliot stayed at the office later than normal and notices it’s awfully dark out. He opens Trusted Contacts and shares his location with Thelma. Now Thelma can walk him home — virtually. When Elliot gets home, he simply taps the banner at the top of the screen or from the lockscreen and stops sharing his location."

Sharing Location
It's great to see technology improving our lives and having two of the top tech companies compete by bringing innovative ideas and products to this world.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Two Uplifting Songs to Round out the year

Meteorites by Lights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQkQqOXiwqA from the 3 minute and 40 second mark.

Ruth B. Lost Boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3m_V1XNPxA This is the Peter Pan song about being one of the lost boys.

Happy Listening.
 
Official website