Gentlemen (and Ladies), The Rider and the Elephant; “Just Say No”; Uber or Not?; Econ Recon

American Gentlemen (and Ladies)

The #MeToo Movement began in 2017 with the revelations of the actions of Harvey Weinstein and others who used their positions of power to sexually harass the women around them. WSJ columnist and Reagan White House speech writer Peggy Noonan reflects on this injustice, reminding us that this is an old problem, and she suggests an old solution.  Her recent column,  American Needs More Gentlemen, is a good read for all.

The Rider and the Elephant

If you’ve already abandoned your New Year’s resolutions at least you have lots of company. Maybe some reflection on the basics of behavioral change are in order before you make another resolution. Dan Heath offers some tips in this regard that may be helpful in a two minute video “The Elephant, the Rider and the Path.”

Dan and brother Chip Health have written several books that could be part of your 2018 reading list: “Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard”; and  “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.”

“Just Say No”   2.0

…and while we’re on the subject of behavior, it is certainly true that what we choose not to do is as important as what we do.  Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett have some sound advice on the power of  “No.”

Uber or Not?

Remember the dot com bust of 2000-2001? Too much money pursuing unsustainable business models seemed to describe the entire industry. Things seem much more rational now, but perhaps the fever still exists in some corners. To wit, consider Uber and Lyft. To the dismay and consternation of cab companies, Uber and Lyft came out of nowhere with loads of capital and began buying what was once the well protected (ie regulated) market share of taxicab companies. They seem to be unbeatable and they are certainly beloved by their users.

Much of what we read about the prospects for high flying companies comes from top management or the business press. A different perspective comes from one man who has driven both a cab and his own car for Uber; he thinks the newcomers’ businesses are fundamentally flawed. Find out why he thinks “the ride share model is appealing to customers who like cheap rides and who do not realize that it will not last.” 

Econ Recon:

Heart Attack or Heartburn? It had to happen.The Dow lost over 1,000 points in the past week after a nearly 9,000 point climb since late 2016. Is this the beginning of a bear market or an overdue and healthy correction? Dr. Brian Wesbury in a new Wesbury 101 video says fear not! The market isn’t having a heart attack, just suffering a little heart burn!

Saving Millennials: Many Baby Boomers think the Millennials are delaying their appointment with adulthood. But if financial responsibility is a sign of maturity then maybe Gen Y has arrived! Lauren Saidel-Baker of ITR Economics points to data suggesting that Millennials are saving!