Manhattan Apartment for $45,000 Per Month

According to an article from Bloomberg, there's an eight room apartment overlooking the Hudson River available to rent for a mere $45,000 per month or $540,000 for the year. That's more than most people pay for a house!
With a lot of people putting off purchasing real estate, landlords are getting the high rental prices that they're asking for. The report by Bloomberg explains that apartments that rent out for more than $10,000 a month are no longer uncommon.

Pay $45,000 a Month Rent? Manhattan Has Line for Top Apartments
"Wall Street is one of the main reasons some Manhattan renters can afford to spend so much. Financial services provide 4.5 percent of jobs and 19 percent of pay in New York. Last year, the world's top five investment banks paid more than $20 billion in bonuses in the city.

So what does $45,000 a month fetch? Concrete floors inlaid with hand-made brass ingots. Venetian plaster walls, floating shelves of Macassan ebony, marble door surrounds, floors of African wenge wood. Seven balconies and about 6,100 square feet (570 square meters) of space. Tenants also get access to the building's lap pool, racquetball court, steam room and sauna." Bloomberg

# Money, Real Estate

Coal and the Economy

Here's another energy news story but about coal and it's importance and the reliance we have on it. Today everyone is focusing on oil prices and everything else to do with oil but we can't forget good old coal which has powered and warmed the world for centuries. With coal being used to produce over 50% of america's electricty, it's another important fossil fuel to watch, and since it to is a major polluter of the environment alternative sources of electricity are being developed. Like oil, coal is a large driving force behind the economy.

Coal keeps US economy burning
"More than half of the country's electricity is produced by burning coal, and as demand for energy increases, so does the pressure on those who supply it.

Mention to the average American that you're going to Wyoming, and they are as likely as anything to ask you why.

It is a fair question. Wyoming consists mostly of scrubby grassland or arid, tan-coloured mountains, and with just 500,000 people, it is the least populous state in the US.

But the people of America should be thankful to Wyoming, because its colossal treasure trove of natural resources is helping - literally - to power the US economy." BBC News

## Energy & Oil News

Google and eBay Partnership

Google has partnered with eBay to supply text based advertising on eBay's international websites while Yahoo supplies adverts for the US website. This could be another set back for Microsoft who is also trying to expand their online presence. Google continues to expand it's empire as it creates deals such as this, and it will be interesting to see what happens next in the battle between Google, Yahoo and Microsoft!

Google and eBay forge alliance
"Google and eBay announced a ground-breaking partnership on Monday that links the fortunes of the online giants at a time when their strategies had threatened to put them increasingly on a collision course.

The alliance, which echoes a deal reached in May between Yahoo and eBay, will further isolate Microsoft at a time when the software developer has sought partnerships of its own to accelerate its internet initiatives.

By creating a more complex network of dependencies between the leading online companies, the deal could also serve to dampen speculation about mergers in the industry that has been rife in recent months." ft.com

## Internet Company News, Major Company News, Google News

Investing in Green

All of you entrepreneurs and investors out there might take an interest in this article about green investing, it seems to be a rapidly growing sector which could prove to be worth while making some investment into or even starting a business with clean, green and renewable practices and products. This kind of business and investment could not only help the hip pocket but also help the planet that sustains us, because as we know without mother earth clean and green we may not be around for much longer!

Keen On Green
"Venture capital is cleaning up its act. Long berated for investing only in high-tech industries such as software and biotech, VC firms across the country are quietly lining up behind companies with environmentally friendly products and technologies.

So-called "green" or "clean" technologies like water purification, solar energy, biodiesel and waste reclamation are garnering billions in growth capital from a new breed of VC firms, and from many of the old guard in the VC industry, too."
Entrepreneur.com

# Entrepreneurial News, Socially responsible Investing News

Oil Pipeline Crisis

Apparently pipelines used to carry oil in Alaska are getting to the point where they are in serious need of repairs caused by corrosion. In recent times leaks have been found and production lowered to half at BP's Alaskan facility which is said could send oil prices through the roof. With most of the worlds oil infrastructure including oil pipelines being over 30-40 years old rust and corrosion could be the next big factor in pushing up the price of fuel.

Pipeline crisis 'could halve flow of oil
"he price of crude oil could hit $300 (£158) a barrel if BP's pipeline corrosion crisis in Alaska turns out to be an endemic problem for the industry, according to the leading oil industry analyst Matthew Simmons.

Mr Simmons, a US-based industry commentator and financier, said BP's discovery of unexpectedly severe corrosion in its pipelines at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, could just be the tip of the iceberg. He described the sudden emergence of the issue as the "Pearl Harbour Day" for energy".

The Independant

## Oil & Energy News

Microsoft Buying Companies

The giant software company, Microsoft purchased 23 companies in the past year, up from just 9 the year before. The big difference is that those 23 companies are much smaller than previous years.
While the 23 companies they have recently purchased are valued at about $650 million, just 3 companies purchased in 2003 were worth more than $2 billion.

Software Notebook: Microsoft in buying mood
"I think when they look at what they paid for Great Plains and Navision, and what they expected from those businesses, and how long it has taken to integrate them into Microsoft, they'll be very cautious about big acquisitions for precisely that reason," said Matt Rosoff, analyst at the independent Directions on Microsoft research firm" Seattle PI

# Major Companies

Warren Buffett Quotes

Here's some famous Warren Buffett quotes by the great stock market investor and "Oracle of Omaha".

• Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful".
  Warren Buffett Quote
• I look for businesses in which I think I can predict what they're going to look like in ten to fifteen years time. Take Wrigley's chewing gum. I don't think the internet is going to change how people chew gum.
  Warren Buffett Quote
• In the search for companies to acquire, we adopt the same attitude one might find appropriate in looking for a spouse: it pays to be active, interested, and open-minded, but it does not pay to be in a hurry.
  Warren Buffett Quote
• Great investment opportunities come around when excellent companies are surrounded by unusual circumstances that cause the stock to be misappraised.
  Warren Buffett Quote

There's plenty more great quotes by Buffett on the internet. Just do a Google search to find a bunch more of them.

# Business Quotes, Warren Buffett News

Six figure jobs without advanced degree's

There might be more six figure jobs around than you think and not all of them require medical school to obtain them. This listing has some jobs that might interest people driven to get to the top but without the top dregee's. Most of them still require a lot of training or experience to get there but they might be of interest to you as a new career path that you haven't explored yet!

Surprising six-figure jobs
"Want to make six figures? You're probably thinking you've got to work on Wall Street, a law firm or have gone through years of medical school to earn that kind of a salary. While all that helps, we found some surprising jobs that pay $100,000 or more. Even for those without an advanced degree, there are ways to hustle for a big paycheck." Forbes

# Money & Wealth News

Dell Exploding Laptops

While Michael Dell is spending some time in Sydney, Australia, the media are discussing the recall and how it could impact future sales. Pictures of Dell laptops exploding into flames have been splashed across every television channel and newspaper around the world.

Exploding laptop fears bring recall of 4m batteries
"The world's largest personal computer manufacturer issued a global warning that the Sony-manufactured lithium-ion batteries could overheat and catch fire. The recall comes after video footage of a flaming Dell laptop was posted on the internet." Times Online

# Internet Companies, Major Companies, Business Leaders

Worst American cars of 2006

It's nice to read about the best and most expensive cars of the year but this list features the worst American cars of the year 2006. The rating categories used includes the lowest gas mileage, the poorest job of holding value, the lowest safety ratings, the worst predicted reliability, the lowest percentage of satisfied owners, and get the worst U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air-pollution and greenhouse-gas scores.
Even though the cars on this list may have some problems in any or all of these categories many of them have still sold reasonably well including the Chevrolet Uplander minivan, which sold 73,000 units despite its poor reliability ratings. Check out the list to see if your car is on it!

The worst American cars of 2006
"Corvettes and Cadillacs demonstrate that American carmakers are building the best vehicles they have ever built. But some of their output, such as Buick's Terraza minivan, still leave a bit to be desired.

Consumer Reports, which generally avoids opinionated reviews, complains on its Web site of the Terraza's "stiff ride and noisy interior."" MSNBC

# World News

$2000 Grant for LPG Conversion

Amid rapidly increasing fuel prices The Australian government have started offering grants of up to $1000 for new vehicles and up to $2000 for existing vehicles to have LPG gas fuel systems fitted. There are already long queues to get an LPG conversion done so the wait will probably increases as motorists try to ease their running costs. With so many converting i wonder what will happen to the currently low LPG cost per liter (50 cents vs $1.40).

Motorists get $2000 to go gas
"The Prime Minister's battle plan to target spiralling petrol prices could save motorists travelling 20,000km a year about $1600 on their petrol costs.

But the Opposition has accused the Prime Minister of being a late convert to the potential for alternative fuels, such as LPG, to ease the nation's petrol price pain.

In a plan to be announced today, motorists will be offered grants of up to $1000 for new vehicles and $2000 for existing vehicles to convert cars to run on LPG - a procedure that costs between $2500 and $4000 for used cars." News.com.au

# Oil & Energy News

Next Generation WiFi

Wireless networks from mobile phone to internet networks are set to move to the next level called 4G and promises to be 4 times faster than current wireless technology. this means big things for mobile devices with video on demand, media sharing and super fast internet downloads just some of the things set to come with 4G. This new technology will mean big things for consumers and business alike as wireless usage continues to increase.

Taking WiFi to the WiMax
"Sprint Nextel, the No. 3 wireless carrier, Tuesday announced plans for a jazzed-up 4G -- fourth generation -- wireless network, using technology from Schaumburg-based Motorola and other industry leaders, that's expected to dramatically change how people use cell phones, laptops and other devices.

Among the applications coming in tests at the end of 2007 and commercially in 2008 using WiMax technology with Sprint and its partners, Motorola, Samsung Electronics in South Korea and Intel, could be:

•Video on demand and other video services. Consumers will be able to watch the movies or TV shows they want where they want on phones, laptops or other devices.

•Media sharing. The network is so robust that soccer moms will be able to shoot movies of their kids playing and then e-mail to friends and family from the sidelines.

•Super-fast downloads. Music and video files will be downloaded in seconds rather than minutes."
Chicago Sun Times

# World News

Wealth: Grow It, Protect It, Spend It and Share It

A book recently published by Knowledge@Wharton and written by Stuart E. Lucas is being featured over Wharton. He is a financial advisor and heir to the Carnation fortune (evaporated milk and non-dairy creamers).
There is a book review and excerpt from the book here.
Here's some of the major topics of the book..

• Principle #1: Take Charge and Do It Early
• Principle #2: Align Family and Business Interests around Wealth-Building Goals and Strategies
• Principle #3: Create a Culture of Accountability
• Principle #4: Capitalize on Your Family's Combined Resources
• Principle #5: Delegate, Empower, and Respect Independence
• Principle #6: Diversify but Focus
• Principle #7: Err on the Side of Simplicity When Possible
• Principle #8: Develop Future Family Leaders with Strong Wealth Management Skills

See more about "Wealth: Grow It, Protect It, Spend It and Share It" over at Wharton.

# Wealth News, Finance News

Motley Fool Tax Audit Myths

The Motley Fool guys have written about some common tax myths that people fall for and believe. Believing any myths about avoiding a tax audit is silly since the tax man can audit you anytime. The article says it doesn't matter what you do or when you file your return because the tax man is continually chasing people making incorrect claims regardless of what they do to avoid an audit. You don't want an audit so have a look to make sure your clued in.

Top Five Audit Myths
"I won't get audited because (insert common audit myth here)."

I've been in the tax biz for more than two decades, and I've heard many ways to complete that sentence. I'm regularly amazed by what some people say and, sadly, believe when it comes to the IRS and the dreaded audit.
Make no mistake: There will be more audits on the horizon. The IRS has said that it would be adding 2,200 new positions to its audit operations in 2005. Between 1996 and 2002, IRS audit staff declined by more than 25%, and the IRS is ramping up to recoup some of the audit money that was lost during that period. Motley Fool

# Tax News

Fake Banking Websites

Bankrate.com recently published an article about fake websites and how to avoid them. Anyone that has spent any amount of time online will have usually come across the fake bank websites or at least received their scam emails. They're the ones that are trying to tell you that there has been a breach of your account and you need to go online and enter your username and password. Once they have your password, they can also have your bank savings.
It's not just banks though, as major internet companies like Paypal and eBay also have an army of scammers preying on their customers.

Fake Web sites: Don't buy into the lie
"The guy who banks at XYZ sees what looks like a legitimate message. The contents can vary from requesting a routine update to warnings of a security breach. There's a live link to the bank site, and the customer is directed to click on it. Those who do are taken to an official-looking page where they're expected to enter both information on their accounts and their passwords. Once thieves have this info, they can raid the accounts." Bankrate

# Finance News, Internet

AOL Job Cuts

With the recent decision to open up the content of AOL to the general public, there has also come some job cutting. Not just a few jobs here and there either, it's serious job cutting!
About 5000 AOL employees will lose their jobs in Europe and the United States. That's about one quarter of the AOL workforce.

Free AOL to mean job cut of 5,000
"The news came just a day after Time Warner said it would offer AOL's e-mail and security software to high-speed Internet users for free early next month."
"Advertising.com is expected to become a major player in AOL's recently announced plans to increase advertising revenues by offering its services free to customers with high-speed Internet access. The company, founded in 1998 by Owings Mills brothers John and Scott Ferber, was acquired by AOL in 2004 for $435 million. Its technology places relevant ads on Web pages." Baltimore Sun

# Internet Companies, Major Companies

Al Jacobs Talks Interest Bearing Investments

In the latest Al Jacobs newsletter he talks about interest bearing investments, what kind of interest rates are possible and the return they can generate after long periods. His main focus is on high grade corporate bonds and suggests that these investments should be apart of everyone's portfolio and not just the rich as commonly thought! It's a good read.

Maximising Interest Rate Returns
"Before I get into specifics, I'’ll acknowledge that, from today'’s perspective, an anticipated annual 7.5% return may seem somewhat optimistic —though not as outlandish as it would have seemed in mid-2004 when both money market funds and savings accounts were yielding less than 1 percent. Since that time the Federal Reserve Board'’s 17 successive 1/4 percent rate hikes have brought the current Discount Rate to 6.25% and the prime to 8.25%. As a result, FDIC-insured bank savings accounts at 5% and 12-month CDs at 5.75% can be found."
On The Money Trail

# Retirement Planning News, Stock Market News

Forbes Most Expensive Houses

Forbes lists are always interesting and they have put together their latest listing of the most expensive houses in the world. These houses are mega expensive and sadly us normal folk probably wont ever see anything like these beauties but we can dream.

1. $139 million (£75 million)
   Updown Court
   Windlesham, England
2. $135 million
   Starwood Estate
   Aspen, Colorado
3. $125 million
   Maison de L'Amitie
   Palm Beach, Fla.
4. $100 million
   Waterfront Estate
   Istanbul, Turkey
5. $92 million (£50 million)
   Toprak Mansion
   London, England
6. $75 million (tie)
   Three Ponds
   Bridgehampton, N.Y.
7. $75 million (tie)
   The Portabello Estate
   Corona del Mar, Calif.
8. $70 million
   Pierre Penthouse
   New York, N.Y.
9. $65 million (tie)
   Locksley Hall
   Belvedere, Calif.
10. $65 million (tie)
    Gold Coast Mansion
    San Francisco, Calif.

Forbes.com
# Money & Wealth News, Rich List News,

Leadership Tips from Fast Company

Fast Company came up with 25 tips for good leadership from it's recent RealTime San Diego event. They include: (the person that said each tip is below.. for more details, see the full list at Fast Company).
1. Audit Your Company Cultures
Marcus Buckingham, coauthor of First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths

2. Informed People Don't Fear Change
Dick Brown, chairman and CEO of EDS

3. Beware "Aspirational Accounting"
Nolan Bushnell, founder, chairman, and CEO of uWink Inc.

4. Empower Your People -- Turn Them Loose
Dick Brown, chairman and CEO of EDS

5. Prevent Erosion of Human Assets
Marcus Buckingham, coauthor of First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths

6. Be Generous With What You Know
Tim Sanders, chief solutions officer at Yahoo

7. Expand Your Roster
Feargal Quinn, executive chairman of Superquinn

8. Don't Judge a Man by the Size of His Wallet
Bill Strickland, president and CEO of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and the Bidwell Training Center

9. Harness Your Skills for Good
Dr. Irwin Redlener, president and cofounder of the Children's Health Fund and president of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore

10. Groom Your People for Success
Marcus Buckingham, coauthor of First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths

11. Promote Brand Awareness Throughout Your Enterprise
Jim Goodwin, vice president of marketing at the Absolut Spirits Co.

12. Embrace Imperfection -- Fast!
Dick Brown, chairman and CEO of EDS

13. Don't Let the Venture Capitalists Get You Down
Nolan Bushnell, founder, chairman, and CEO of uWink Inc.

14. Allow Yourself to Dream
Dr. Irwin Redlener, president and cofounder of the Children's Health Fund and president of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore

15. Increase Your Net Worth
Tim Sanders, chief solutions officer at Yahoo

16. Use Every Teachable Moment
Dick Brown, chairman and CEO of EDS

17. Shine Some Hope
Bill Strickland, president and CEO of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and the Bidwell Training Center

18. Set a New Standard of Performance
Scott Bedbury, CEO of Brandstream

19. Laugh at Yourself
Nolan Bushnell, founder, chairman, and CEO of uWink Inc.

20. Get Up, Stand Up
Feargal Quinn, executive chairman of Superquinn

21. Stop Whining -- Start Seeking
Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of RealNetworks Inc.

22. Leaders: Move It or Lose It
Robert Sutton, professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University

23. Be Honest
Bonnie Reitz, vice president of sales and distribution at Continental Airlines

24. Don't Stretch This Rule
Scott Bedbury, CEO of Brandstream

25. What's Your Bottom Line?

# Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship News