Current Affairs: The Next American Economy by William Holstein Technology Clusters and Ecosystems

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 9.2 percent in June 2011. That number remains frustratingly consistent each month as millions of Americans struggle to find work.

It’s clear that many of the jobs lost over the last several decades, and during the Great Recession of 2008, are extinct. It’s said that the definition of insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing, yet hoping for different results.

Government stimulus packages and extended unemployment benefits are Band-aids for what, William Holstein, author of the new book, “The Next American Economy-A Blueprint for a Real Recovery,” identifies as structural challenges in America’s economy. Holstein has traveled the United States writing about globalization and economics for major business publications.

How will our country reinvent its workforce for the 21st century, and in what industries? Holstein believes our economic rebirth lies in technology clusters and ecosystems.

Following is a cross-sectional synopsis of America and how it’s revitalizing itself with technology clusters and ecosystems. Discussed too, are lessons for all Americans Holstein addresses regarding the country’s current economic challenges.

Technology Clusters
Clusters promote knowledge-sharing and product innovation. They also champion technical and business processes by providing thick networks of formal and informal relationships across organizations. Clusters tend to happen by accident and are difficult to create.

Orlando’s technology cluster is based on computer simulation and modeling; and is rooted in part by U.S. military and major defense contractors’ decision in the 1950s to locate operations in the Orlando area. Disney’s influence … Read more

How to Improve Your Computer Skills With Computer Books and Ebooks

Are you looking for a computer book to improve your computer programming skills or general IT knowledge?

A distinguishing mark of professionals is that they keep up-to-date with the newest ideas, techniques and developments in their field. If you are a computer professional you should read every computer book and computer eBook which can help you to improve your computer skills.

You can find good Computer Books and eBooks on the Internet. Some of them can be purchased online, whereas other ones are free and can be easily downloaded.

Purchasing Computer Books

There are many online Book stores, which sell Computer Books and Computer Ebooks and the most famous one is surely Amazon. They have search facilities which allow to find what you are looking for in a way that is surely easier and faster than searching in a main street bookstore.

You can select a category from a menu (e.g. Databases, Programming, Linux and Unix, AS/400) or use the search facilities to find Books or Software in your area of interest.

If you browse some computer book among the possible choices, you will normally find a good product description which often includes the table of contents and, in many cases, you will find also reviews submitted by people who have read the book. Often there is also an average customer review which can be useful to decide if the purchase is worthwhile.

If you decide to buy, you can easily add your choices to a shopping cart and pay … Read more

Tips for Completing Your Social Security Application Online

Are you getting close to retirement? Get ready to submit your Social Security application online.

To cut costs, and in anticipation of the 80 million baby boomers who will be applying for retirement benefits in the next 20 years, the SSA is ramping up it’s website and online services.

If you haven’t been to the SSA website lately, you should stop by for a visit. In addition to a design makeover, the site is also more user-friendly with the top requested services listed right on the front page for easy access.

What Can You Do Online?

One of the services you’ll see is the ability to submit your application online. While most people go to the SSA website to apply for retirement benefits, that’s not the only thing you can do right on the website. Here are just a few things you can do online on the website:

– Apply for retirement, spousal or disability benefits
– Request a replacement Social Security card
– Sign up for Medicare, or request help with your Medicare prescription drug costs
– Appeal a decision (if you were denied disability benefits, for example)
– Estimate your future retirement benefits with the benefits calculator
– Change your address or telephone number
– Research popular baby names
– And much more…

Why Should You Submit Your Social Security Application Online?

If you’re one of the 10,000 baby boomers that are expected to retire each day between now and 2029, here are some reasons why you’ll want … Read more

What Is Bitcoin?

Bitcoins have become a very well known and popular form of currency over time. Though, what exactly is Bitcoin? The following article will go over the in’s and out’s of this currency that popped up out of no where and spread like a wildfire. What makes it different from normal currencies?

Bitcoin is a digital currency, it is not printed and never will be. They are held electronically and nobody has control over it either. Their produced by people and businesses, creating the first ever form of money known as cryptocurrency. While normal currencies are seen in the real world, Bitcoin runs through billions of computers all around the world. From Bitcoin in the United States to Bitcoin in India, it has become a global currency. However the biggest distinction it has from other currencies, is that it is decentralized. This means that no specific company or bank owns it.

Who created it?

Satoshi Nakamoto, a software developer, proposed and created Bitcoin. He saw it as a chance to have a new currency on the market free from central authority.

Who prints it?

As mentioned earlier, the simple answer is nobody. Bitcoin is not a printed currency, it is a digital one. You can even make transactions online using Bitcoins. So you can’t churn out unlimited Bitcoins? Absolutely not, Bitcoin is designed to never “mine” more than 21 million Bitcoins into the world at one time. Though they can be broken up into smaller amounts. One hundred millionth of a … Read more

Popularity of Golf: Technology & Region Expansion Leading to Demand for Golf Apparel

Golf is steadily shedding its elite status, as a new demographic of consumers is introduced to the sport. Today, golf continues to witness active participation from people across all ages in different parts of the world. The rising popularity of the sport has led to an increase in the number of international sporting events organized across the globe — Golf’s Ryder Cup scheduled to be held in France this year is a case in point. The increasing popularity of this sport has not only translated into a bigger TV audience for international sporting events, but has also pushed up sales of merchandising and golf equipment. Of particular significance has been the spurt in sales of golf apparel, with many brands broadening their range of offerings to cater evolving demand.

Advent of ‘Footgolf’ Likely to Introduce a New Consumer Segment to the Market

As golf is becoming a popular sport in various countries of Europe, playing footgolf has been witnessed as a recent trend among amateur golf enthusiasts. International government organizations such as FIFG (The Federation for International Footgolf) are taking various initiatives to organize global golf tourism and international sport events such as FIFG World Cup. Increasing participation of professional players in these events is likely to influence new players to take up this sport at a professional level – this in turn is likely to translate into increasing spending on apparel and equipment.

Technology Advancements to Underscore Lucrative Growth Opportunities

Emerging technological developments has led to significant transformations in … Read more

The Procedure of Mobile Application Development by a Mobile Application Development Company

Before when a team submits a proposal, they understand the need of the app, what are the features that can be incorporated and what are the client’s requirements. There are many key steps involved in creating a successful application.

If you want to reduce the risks and time associated with the application development then hire a mobile phone application development company for the best results which provides the below mentioned process for the standard development. They will have the competence to understand your business requirements and deliver you with cutting-edge mobile applications. There are different activities or steps in the process and they are mentioned below.

1. Research and discovery: The team of a mobile web application developer firm understands your vision and requirements. They provide all the possible solutions for any technological hurdles. Before committing to your project, they conduct research proof of concept and discover the type of business and its main technologies which have to be incorporated.

2. Planning and understanding the project: The team determines the immediate and long term requirements for your app development which even includes the third-party services also. It ensures that the objectives of your business, creative design and mobile technologies are properly communicated to the team members. They understand your needs and provide documentation for the process to be done.

3. Prototyping of the user flows: The custom mobile application developer platform provides an interactive visualization of the app and develop a proof of concept. They even create … Read more