Online Journal April, 2010

Apr
30
2010

Written by:
Shali Zhu

The Gap in States’ Education Budgets

Are you using state grants to help pay for your college education? If so, you may want to start searching for other ways to cover your tuition next year. With many states facing tough budget cuts, a number of them are pulling back on funding for education – and for state grants in particular. The Arizona state legislature announced in March that it has ceased funding for two grant programs, namely the Postsecondary Education Grant and the Private Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance Program, for the 2010-11 school year. Just this past week, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), administrator for the state’s Monetary Award Program grant, stated that it is suspending awards for students who have yet to submit their Free Application for FAFSA for the upcoming academic year. In addition, the California Student Aid Commission may be cutting back on state grant funding for undergraduate students, pending a decision by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Apr
29
2010

Written by:
Wade Senti

The Future of the Economy

It’s been just over a year since the Obama Administration has taken office – with various agendas for reform on Wall Street and with the Healthcare system, one must ask – what will the cost be to the business community?

The answer is – higher taxes.

One tax, the capital gains tax, is administered based on the individual income tax bracket as well as the length of the given investment. Notably, there are some breaks with certain investment types (i.e. clean energy, environmental).

Since the election, those in business have winced at the idea of an increase in the capital gains tax – citing a disincentive to invest publicly and privately, move real estate, and ultimately – catalyze economic growth.

Apr
28
2010

Written by:
Jimmy Connolly

BT BASES Entrepreneurship Conference--Video

In case you missed the National Entrepreneurial Bootcamp sponsored by Princeton’s BT and Stanford’s BASES, we now have video of much of the conference, including a keynote speech by venture capitalist Roelof Botha. Check out the videos here, and thanks to BASES for processing the footage.

Apr
26
2010

Written by:
Raymond Addai

The Revolution of Apple Inc.

Not many years ago, Apple was struggling in its long standing competition with Microsoft in the technology industry. Many people talked about Microsoft as being a monopoly in the computer industry. However, things have changed.

With the invention of the iPod, a couple years back, Apple was able to increase not only its customers but its revenue. Apple was then able to keep these customers by constantly making innovative products such as the iTouch, iPhone, and MacBook Pro. Even though, Apple has been around for decades , only in recent years is it now giving Microsoft a strong competition in the computer industry. As a result, this past year, Apple was able to survive the economic recession and still earn an overall profit for their annual revenue while Microsoft was not.

Apr
25
2010

Written by:
Jimmy Connolly

Business Today's Executive Video Interviews: Robert Kisilywicz of SES Americom

Here is the link our second video interview of the year, featuring Robert Kisilywicz of SES Americom. Thanks to Allan Amico and Julia Vill for conducting the interview.

Apr
24
2010

Written by:
Wade Senti

Making the Transition – A reality check

The feeling is strange, it seems eerie, but its real – friends are getting married, children are born, and careers are taking form. Life after college seems to be bitter sweet, with new challenges, and new opportunities. To some it seems as though innocence has been lost.

This spring thousands of college graduates will embark on a new journey – into the real world. According to CNNMoney.com, many may find that their salaries have shrunk – and that job offers are much more limited as compared to years past.

As reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, those graduating with a four-year degree could expect to make 1.7% less entering the workforce in 2010 than in 2009.

Regardless, while prospects maybe tougher than ever before, with a flooded market of currently unemployed, part-time individuals, as well as many baby boomers – it can be deceiving to believe that a bright future lies ahead.

Apr
22
2010

Written by:
Paul Shin

Apple's New Operating System

Apple launched a new Operating System called iPhone OS 4.0 on April 8th. OS 4.0 includes tools for multitasking and folder organization that were identified the iPhone’s main drawbacks. Apple also added iPad’s popular function, iBooks and developed a more sophisticated email system. OS 4.0 concentrates on business management tools to target the enterprise market as well. The ‘Game Center’ tool for social game network has been created to compete with Window Phone 7’s breakthrough development of ‘Game Hub’ that had integrated Xbox Live into a mobile system.

Apr
21
2010

Written by:
Thomas Loeffler

Differentiating America

While technical (IT) skills will now and forever be in high demand, global business is on pace to see these skills become a standard. Job seekers planning to differentiate themselves strictly through their technical background have their days limited. The facts: First, the majority of workers with technical backgrounds in India and China are much more advanced than those of the United States. Second, those countries like India and China will sometimes suffer from effects of brainwash as their skilled citizens are leaving to take jobs in countries like the United States. Third, the market for jobs in the United States is not becoming any less competitive as these skilled immigrants enter the United States. Following these assertions and our current lack in ownership of our debt, America should be concerned with how we, as job seekers, can differentiate ourselves in the next decade.

Apr
19
2010

Written by:
Thomas Loeffler

The Game of Politics

There is often a stigma associated with the word politics. The negative connotation of comes from the belief in the cut throat in attitude from some participants. However, one can contribute in the game without this disposition. How? The development of a strong work-ethic and a genuine interest for the well-being of others is the best answer. Further research to educate one’s knowledge of the topic is also useful. This brief article may act as a catalyst for curiosity.

Apr
16
2010

Written by:
Shali Zhu

The (Tax) Benefits of Higher Education

Now that the tax season has ended, do you know how much education tax credit you accrued in the past year? While many college students do not have to file tax forms separate from those submitted by their parents, the fact that they are in college may help their parents save hundreds of dollars in taxes. The federal government offers a number of tax credits to help alleviate the rising cost of higher education, the two most prominent of which are the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.

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