Google vs. Cuil

I just read this article in the New York Times about a new start-up company, Cuil (pronounced "cool"), that is trying to give Google (and the other search engines) a run for their money. I say, "more power to 'em." If they can do it, I'll be impressed.

One thing I've noticed in my limited studying of product competition is that once a product has "cornered the market," so to speak, on the product, it has little chance of ever moving from that top-tiered spot.

Let me illustrate. What do you ask for when you blow your nose? A tissue or a Kleenex? The latter is the brand name owned by Kimberly Clark (and consequently one of the products that saved that company from an untimely demise).

Another example: What do you use when you want to write a note and stick it to your computer? A sticky note or a Post-it note? Obviously, the latter was designed and named by the company 3M, who is doing incredibly well in the marketplace.

Final example: When you want to search for something on the internet. Do you type the search query into a search engine? Or do you "Google" it? It will be a crazy day for cornered products when I hear someone say (or say it myself) "Why don't you just 'Cuil' it? But you don't have to take my word for it, check out the website yourself.

Housing Crunch

So the Senate just passed a bill (already passed by the House of Representatives) that allows the government to offer billions of dollars to two major lending corporations: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, among other provisions of the bill. The President is expected to sign it early next week. (Interesting that the Legislature works on the weekend, but the President doesn't) Anyway, I was a little concerned about this "bailout bill" because it gives these two corporations a free pass from bankruptcy with few strings attached. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the nations two largest lenders who account for more than half of the $12 trillion dollars in the mortgage market, have gotten a really good deal out of this. They were able to make themselves rich before the housing crisis by sepculating lenders and greedy homeowners. Then, when trouble hit, they had the audactiy to go to the government and say "Please, help us." And the federal government obligingly responded (I'm sure it has something to do with the billions of dollars spent on lobbying legislators each year by these two companies). Now, they can take advantage of the "bailout bill" and let the federal government "save" them while they make even more money now and in the future.

So what do we end up with? Bigger government, a precendence for government bailout, higher national debt threshold (from $9.5 trillion to $10.6 trillion with the passage of this new bill), and richer executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Was it worth it?

I guess some good things that came out of this was the salvation for first-time homeowners and the increase in flexibility for Section 8 low-income housing vouchers. Hoping to be a first-time homeowner myself in the future, I am grateful for the government "having my back." Although, I would like to think that I wouldn't get wrapped up in a home that I couldn't afford and then when trouble hits, depend on the government to bail me out while I maintain my lifestyle of frivolity and greed.

*For further information, read your newspapers ;)

Racism, Ageism, Sexism, and Religiousism...

What a monumental election cycle!! To be able to tackle so many diverse issues all at the same time! We got to see a slew of "isms" all come to the forefront via our presidential candidates. We had a Woman candidate and a Mormon candidate. We have an African American candidate and an Old Man candidate. How exciting!

I think that they have each handled their respective "ism" with grace and dignity and have really been able to open the issues up for more honest discussion.

Contrary to the title of this blog, I want to hear "your thoughts" on these issues related to the presidential race. Were you moved by Obama's speech on race? or by Romney's speech on religion and patriotism? (If you find anywhere McCain talking about his age, let me know)

I have been neglectful...

I apologize to all my readers - all 2 of you ;) that it has been so long since I've posted anything. I realized this the other day (and I even told Shiree) that since the Presidential race kind of slowed down once Obama secured the nomination, I haven't even been that interested in CNN. Surprising, I know. But I just wanted to explain why I have been so lazy in blogging lately. (I even missed posting on the 4th of July).

I will return stronger than ever!!!