Latest Browser Stats = Happy Web Designer

I just checked out the latest browser statistics (http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp) and I'm enjoying what I see. Internet Explorer 5 is finally so low, they're not even showing its numbers anymore while IE 6 continues its slide below 20% of users. Firefox also saw a 1% increase in one month.

If you're a web designer I hope you're no longer designing for IE 6. If your clients insist, educate them (www.iedeathmarch.org). If they still insist, charge them extra.

If you're not a designer or developer, you can still do your part - ditch IE 6 for good! Not sure what browser you're running? Go here: www.thismachine.info

Leah's First NY Solo Exhibition

My old friend Leah Raintree has her first solo NY exhibit opening at the Foley Gallery on Thursday January 22. If you're in the New York area I strongly encourage you to check out her show. Her drawings are incredible.

Fuel from Fat?

Apparently there is a doctor in Beverly Hills who drives his SUV everyday on.... "LipoDiesel". He claims to process the fat he removes at his clinic into a diesel fuel.

So if fat, corn and used fryer oil can all be made into fuels, why are we still buying it from other countries???

Check the LipoDiesel Doc's website: http://lipodiesel.org/

Listen to Warren.

I'm far from a Wall Street wiz. Hell, I'm an artist - probably the furthest thing from a finance or business person. But I think it's probably a good idea to listen to the most successful investor of all time in the current financial situation.

Warren Buffett briefly spoke with Fortune magazine about an idea he had for a modified Bail Out Plan. He proposes that the government put up 80% and turn to private investors for the other 20%. That would assure the government get the market rate for these bad assets and would give the government a better chance at getting most of its money back. Buffett even says the government could see a profit out of this alternative.

On the other hand he also said he didn't think $700 billion was enough - but he neglected to say what sum would do the trick.

My question for Buffett's plan is - are there enough willing and, more importantly, able private investors who could come up with $140 billion or more?? I know I don't have it.

See the full Fortune article here: http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/02/news/newsmakers/buffett.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008100216

Time to Save.

Today when I was checking out my bank account online, I found a little link on my bank's homepage. It linked to a page that had a statement I think we should all read and live by. http://ping.fm/fCilD

Now, I admit, this is nothing new or revolutionary. But it's nice to see a bank trying to promote responsible financial practices. It also never hurts to be reminded that we should all live well within our means. If we all did that in the past our country wouldn't be experiencing this financial crisis.

Selling Burritos with Politics

Today's ad agencies and marketing firms are forever coming up with new ways to pitch old products. This one is interesting: Qdoba has created a site where you can answer 5 questions and get your "Qdentity". The site will basically assign you a particular mexican food, that you can get at Qdoba, of course. Then you say which presidential candidate you prefer. The site tells you how you compare to others in the nation and in your state. Check it out: http://ping.fm/k2EvL

I like the idea behind it and the design is smooth and well implemented.

Stop Rushing to the Gas Pumps!

Turns out that Ike isn't the only thing to blame for the sudden jump in gas prices. The other culprit is ourselves! I remember getting a frantic call from my fiance last week saying "Go fill up! Gas prices are spiking and they're only going higher, you need to go get gas!!"

Of course, I didn't need to get any gas because I have no driving planned. I work at home and even if I really needed something I could probably walk to whatever I needed anyway. So I still haven't filled up.

Meanwhile, everyone else has rushed to the pumps in a panic, making a slightly limited supply even more limited. And we know what that means - the prices go even higher.

Everyone stay rational and only use what you absolutely need.

For more info:
http://ping.fm/irwW1