Archive for August 4th, 2008
August 4th, 2008
High School students have a chance to “pitch” their product or service idea in a contest sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. The Venture Club of Rockford Area Ventures, led by Nick Parnello will mentor students in the explanation and promotion of their ideas. The process ends with a contest where students compete for a cash prize. A video documentary will be developed as the students work at refining their ideas and how to explain them. The documentary will include interviews with students and highlight the excitement of the competition. The pilot project begins at the Roosevelt Center, building on inventor sessions held last semester.
The volunteers from the Venture Club are experienced inventors and product developers. Interacting with the youth and helping inspire youthful creativity are what the Club is offering to them. Anyone interested in participating can contact Nick Parnello at 815-965-3522.
 The Venture Club meets at 7:00 pm every last Wednesday of the month. Anyone is welcome to attend. Monthly topics are posted on www.eigerlab.org/events.htm.
August 4th, 2008
David Brooks, who writes for the New York Times, wrote an eloquent piece about the complexities of education and technological change. To paraphrase would be an injustice. This link will bring you to the article.
Of special note is his attention to a report from James Heckman of the University of Chicago. Professor Heckman’s research shows the skills gap many companies face may have less to do with I.Q. and more to do with one’s home environment.
August 4th, 2008
Factory orders climbed more than expected in June, while a barometer of capital spending by businesses also increased.
Orders for manufactured goods increased 1.7%, following a 0.9% jump in May, the Commerce Department said Monday.
Dow Jones Newswires had projected that factory goods orders would rise 0.6% in June.
Demand for durable goods grew 0.8% in June. Durables are expensive goods made to last at least three years.
Factory orders in June for non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft increased 1.2%, after falling 0.3% in May. Those bookings are seen as a yardstick for capital spending by businesses. Non-durable goods factory orders climbed in June by 2.5%, after increasing 1.7% in the prior month and 3.5% in April. The increases likely reflect rising prices for oil and food, which both fall under the broad non-durables category.
