Misc. — Page 9

The Truth about Education

March 18, 2007 by Chris 5 Comments

“WE SIMPLY CANNOT sustain an economy based on innovation unless our citizens are educated in math, science and engineering,” said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, who recommended that the nation double its graduates by 2015. Gates testified on U.S. competitiveness before a Senate committee Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

I travel and write on a popular forum started by the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki, and I can’t believe the vast amount of ignorance towards basic education (and higher education). Many people of the forum believe that math, science and engineering are worthless in today’s society and argue that business is the “way to go”. They argue that they don’t need a public education or a college education to succeed and actually want to do away with advanced mathematics and science because they “don’t use them in the real world”. One guy actually said that schools should offer classes in critical thinking and common sense instead of advanced math and science. Really? I guess he will just invent the next microchip or vaccine using common sense while walking down the street. Last time I checked, mathematics is the sharpest tool for developing a critically thinking mind.

Too many of these people complain (or place blame) that society and the government wasted their time in school. Maybe so but I attended public school and graduated with a degree from college and never blamed anyone for wasted time because if I did waste anything; it was my own fault.

You don’t need a college or even high school degree to become wealthy and successful but the country and human evolution needs educated people that can fuel the growth of the economy. Maybe some of these ignorant people just can’t see past their own false beliefs and fall prey to an author that continues to sell fear to make his own fortune. It’s easy to place blame on others for your own faults in life but remember that only you can change your path in life; educate yourself!

If it wasn’t for people that have acquired this advanced knowledge, some Rich Dad followers wouldn’t be writing on their computers on the World Wide Web by using a wireless router on a broadband connection while watching HDTV on a 60” flat panel LCD. They seem to forget that technology advances society and business can only succeed, grow and increase revenue by taking advantage of these technologies.

How can our society advance technologies if we eliminate the basic subjects in schools? We can’t have 100% business people and 0% intellects and inventors. Only so many people can run successful businesses if the country lacks intelligent minds that increase and develop future technologies. And education is the only way to develop these minds in the fields of MATH, SCIENCE and ENGINEERING.

Too many people on the RichDad forums talk down to these subjects and completely miss the point of human evolution. Without technology – you and I have NOTHING!

What is technology?

Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species’ usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species’ ability to control and adapt to its environment. In human society, it is a consequence of science and engineering, although several technological advances predate the two concepts.

Technology has affected society and its surroundings in a number of ways. In many societies, technology has helped develop more advanced economies (including today’s global economy) and has allowed the rise of a leisure class.

We use technology to control the world in which we live. Technology is people using knowledge, tools, and systems to make their lives easier and better. People use technology to improve their ability to do work and increase wealth.

Bottom line: I enjoyed the original book Rich Dad Poor Dad but I feel that Robert Kiyosaki’s latest books and herd of sheep are feeding on fear and false pretenses. I have argued in these forums that the same people who argue against basic education also make numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes in their writings. I pointed this out and they explained that they don’t have the time to check their spelling. Maybe they didn’t learn how to use a spell check (a simple technology) or they are just too lazy to care. Either way, I wouldn’t want to do business with them. Our education system could use a makeover but eliminating math, science and engineering would be devastating. The lack of promoting these subjects is already hurting us around the world.

Filed Under: Education, Misc.

Thank you!

March 14, 2007 by Chris Leave a Comment

I wanted to take the time to thank everyone that has sent their support over the past week through this blog and through e-mail. It means a great deal to me to have my extended “web family” support me at such a low point in life.

My father was great at everything he did, especially running his restaurants. He loved the market and traded them in since the 1970’s. He lost interest as the late 1990’s approached as the “technology stocks” never really meshed well with his strategy. I was first introduced to the market by my father and even helped him do some basic research when I was a teenager. I remember researching companies such as HP, MSFT, Intel and Oracle before going off to college. He taught me to buy as a stock was basing or catching support above the 200-d m.a. It was a simple strategy but one that works to this day. My father was also the first one to teach me about options although I have never really hit my stride (yet).

He will be missed as he always had a smile on his face and was one of the sharpest men I ever met. He could tell a joke or respond to anything faster than most but I’ll never forget how he could solve a math problem in his head with lightning speed and accuracy. He was the life of the party and that may have cut his life short but I can definitely say that he lived a fun and full 58 years. He would also ask me what is taking me so long to get back to doing what I do best. So with that, I will try to catch up with my newspapers and possibly start writing to the blog tomorrow.

Thank You Again!

Filed Under: Misc.

Sad News

March 9, 2007 by Chris 34 Comments

Hello everyone,
I wanted to take the time to let you know that my father, Dominic Victor Perruna – 58 yrs old, passed away on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 and I have been grieving with family. Things began about a week and a half ago when my father collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. They told him he had a really high blood sugar level and gave him medication and sent him home. He seemed to be doing ok until he suffered a massive heart attack around 8pm Wednesday night while taking his nightly walk with his two dogs. He was found by his 82 yr old mother (my grandmother). She called the paramedics, but they were unable to revive him.

Please understand that I won’t be posting to the blog until further notice. Thank you so much!

Official Newspaper Obituary
PERRUNA, DOMINIC V.
March 09, 2007

Dominic V. Perruna, of Spring Valley, passed away at his home, March 7, 2007, of a massive heart attack. He was 58. Dom was one of the owners of the family business, Perruna’s Restaurant in Spring Valley. He is a past member of the Spring Valley Lions Club and the Rockland County Restaurant and Hotel Association. He attended St. Joseph’s School, Spring Valley Senior High and Pace University in White Plains. He is survived by his loving and devoted parents, Victor and Adele Perruna, his adoring sister, Lynda Haubner, his brothers, Victor J. Perruna, Tom and his wife, Doreen Perruna, and John and his wife, Lisa Perruna. His former wife and mother to his children, Patti Perruna, his loving children, Christopher and his wife Gisela Perruna, and Tina Perruna. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and three great nephews. Dom will be remembered always for his fun loving ways and his ability to tell a joke at anytime.

Filed Under: Misc.

My Interview at StockTickr

March 6, 2007 by Chris 6 Comments

I am excited to announce that I was recently interviewed by Dave over at StockTickr. He runs a great site with a free portfolio tracker with options to upgrade for the serious investor.

So what is StockTickr?
StockTickr is a free portfolio tracker with an important twist: all watchlists are shared among all users! There are hundreds of users sharing their watchlists right now via StockTickr.

StockTickr is a great way to generate trading ideas by browsing the stocks on the site. Because all watchlists are shared, you can view reports on the most popular stocks added recently or see which stocks have been the most profitable for StockTickr users.

What is StockTickr Pro and the StockTickr Trading Journal?
StockTickr Pro gives you access to a trading journal which calculates the expectancy of your trading system, automatically captures charts for your daily chart review (it plots your entry, stop, and exit points for you), and helps you figure out what is working and not working in your own trading.

My interview can be found through this link: Chris Perruna Interview

Here is an example of a few of the questions asked:

StockTickr: Tell us a little about yourself, Chris.

StockTickr: What do you like to do outside of trading?

StockTickr: How did you get started trading stocks?

StockTickr: Most traders have a horror story about losing their shirt when they first started trading. What’s yours?

StockTickr: What single lesson did you learn along the way that has helped you the most in your trading?

StockTickr: Describe your style of trading. How long do you typically hold stocks?

StockTickr: What’s your exit strategy for winning and losing trades?

And much more!

Head on over to Dave’s excellent site to view this interview and many others from great bloggers such as TraderMike, Howard Lindzon, Brett Steenbarger and even Van K. Tharp. I highly recommend his book, Trade your way to Financial Freedom, as I am currently reading the newly released and updated version. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone over my original copy.

Enjoy!

Filed Under: Misc.

History & Experience Tell All

March 5, 2007 by Chris 3 Comments

I am going to repeat the quote that I wrote last Monday in the post titled General Market Update; from a fund manger from Oppenheimer Capital named Eugene D. Brody:
“Sell stocks whenever the market is 30% higher over a year ago”

Here’s another quote from Victor Sperandeo (I highly recommend his book):

“…the median extent for an intermediate swing in the DOW during a bull market is 20 percent. This doesn’t mean that when the market is up 20 percent, it’s going to top; sometimes it will top earlier, sometimes later. However, what it does mean is that when the market is up more than 20 percent, the odds for further appreciation begin to decline significantly.”

“Thus, if the market has been up more than 20 percent and you begin to see other evidence of a possible top, it’s important to pay close attention to that information.”

I tend to agree with what Vic Sperandeo says especially since I think his book is one of the best around. By reading his entire book, you will understand where he is coming from and how he concluded that 20% represents a key number where odds decrease significantly. History always repeats!