There are many factors involved in the decision to volunteer in the community—including
time commitment, the opportunities for building social networks, the skill set needed for the volunteer position, and of course
the mission of the organization.
A vibrant Indianapolis powers a dynamic Indiana and the governor, the mayor and the members of the General Assembly should all recognize that.
There are four main points I want to cover directly and simply: oil prices, the obsession with homeownership, the usual desire
for more, and the need to understand economic history.
Assigning responsibility for what stuck us with a special session is a political post-session must, but playing the blame
game usually isn’t a productive exercise.
We are at a critical moment in environmental policy. We suffer a dearth of frankness on the matter that imperils the quality
of our decision-making.
To hold Carmel up as a healthy community is to turn a blind
eye to the mountain of debt run up by that city’s mayor. Healthy communities provide the fundamental necessities in a balanced
way that does not put undue burden on those who live in that "time and space."
This week, two community theater productions reinforce my decision not to give
"star" ratings.
Most of us were taught to give thanks to those who do well and make our lives better. Some of us would like to give our hearty
thanks to Mel and Herb Simon and their families for all they’ve done in our community and statewide.
People will always make the case that Indianapolis doesn’t need any more chain or franchised restaurants. I understand the
big-picture argument. I understand the desire for a greater regional culinary identity and the wish for a more adventurous
restaurant clientele. To be honest, though, a good meal can temporarily dismantle my regional pride.
This economy has been tough on just about everybody.
No matter what your choice of media, you can’t escape the news about companies and entire industries challenged by the recession. But what about the folks doing all that reporting?
Sometimes the news is just so good you can’t believe it, and that is just what happened with the state revenue forecast this
month.
Every day, we get more bad economic news. While I’m not smart enough to know when the global economy will rebound or how strong
the rebound will be, I do believe central Indiana and the Midwest are well-positioned to lead the recovery.
Last week, I made a presentation about social media to several hundred people at a Carmel Chamber of Commerce luncheon. We talked about Facebook and Twitter, YouTube and Flickr, LinkedIn, blogging and more. I didn’t answer the "how-to" question. I answered the "whether-to" question. With some important cautions, my answer was "yes."
You’ve heard all the nonsense from the mainline advisers and brokers. They say a buy-and-hold approach is the answer, the
market always comes back, and diversified investing is the key to long-term success. You are starting to get the sense that it’s all bull. Here’s why.
These days, the "buy local" crowd seems to have a stronger voice. I am gleeful about this for a variety of reasons, but it
is helpful to view some of their claims with a bit of skepticism. At least that is what economists should do.
Hoosiers identify many factors contributing to our state’s long-term economic difficulties. It is fashionable to blame our
workers. It is easy to decry a lack of natural amenities: no mountains, no coral reefs. Our public schools are inferior and
perhaps our higher education is overrated. Our taxes are too high but we have substandard government services. We ain’t got
no culture. Rarely do we hear anyone say that our problem is management.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would make a remarkable president. Governor/ presidentâ??it’s the same game, just a different scale.
The city is just beginning to digest the news that came out of left field regarding Indianapolis Water Co.’s bond transaction gone wild.
The two principal matters that all agree must be resolved are the biennial budget and a plan to return the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to solvency.
Cap and trade could lead us to a much cleaner, more prosperous future or it could devastate our economy.
