12.21.12 Apocalypse: 11 Months to Live

2012 Mayan Prediction

December 21 is the day we all die. According to various interpretations of the ancient Mayan calendar, the day we all perish will be just about the time we start stressing about what well be giving Uncle Bob and Aunt Clara for Christmas.

Never mind that weve had 40 such predictions since 2000; this one is etched in stone dating back centuries and has more than its share of true believers:

It Takes A Genius to Screw Up 90 Percent of the Time

Shortly after toilet training, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart began an unprecedented life as one of the world's great musical composers. The truth is: that's a lie. But the "Baby Mozart" path became an unrelenting pursuit for many parents convinced their child was the next genius in waiting. While Mozart's first great concerto was finished when he was 21, he stumbled, flubbed and plagiarized much of his work prior to his breakout. A young genius he wasn't but determined he was.

Screwing up has taken a bad rap for too long.

Manufacturing is making a revival in America! And manufacturers are hiring again!

quit your job, start a business, entrepreneurship training

Qualifications? Able to work 24-hour shifts, seven days a week, no breaks, no sick leave, no healthcare. Yes, manufacturing is making a comeback but if you’re human, you're ineligible.

It’s all about the bottom-line, efficiency and . . . robotics. Humans? Mechanical whimps, too independent, unnecessarily creative. These, however, are the key qualifications for our new local economies.

2012: The Year of the Local Entrepreneur

Occupy Oakland March

The next step in the Occupy Movement needs to instigate long term solutions that have a direct impact on our personal economics and revitalizes our communities. Beyond the posturing and blustery pitches made by our leaders and politicians, real change will happen when we create our own agenda.

We need to go into Phase Two: Occupy Our Local Economy.

Where Are They Now? Urban FIRE Graduate Follow Up (Part 3 of 3)

Fermin and Sandra, Our Cuban Kitchen

Have you ever had authentic Cuban food?  Even here in the San Francisco Bay Area, a foodie mecca for high quality international cuisine, Fermin and Sandra have something unique to offer.  The flavors they create taste like something a Cuban grandmother would cook for me for a Sunday evening family dinner.  It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying to your stomach and your soul.  For our final installment of "Where are They Now", we tell you the story of Fermin and Sandra, husband and wife, Urban FIRE Grads, and owners of Our Cuban Kitchen...

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