Vicissitudes of Oil Price (3) Consumers prop up

Consumers may be propping up a slowing economy: Paying less at the pumps, so they have more discretionary income.
 

Vicissitudes of Oil Price (2) Good vs Bad

Are oil prices good or bad? In general, it depends on whether you're an oil producer or an oil consumer. 
 

Vicissitudes of Oil Price (1) Warren Buffet

Berkshire Hathaway portfolio is so diverse that Warren Buffet will be just fine through the downcycle of oil prices. 
 

The endearing story of Julie Brown

Some inventions are world changing, and some are simple things that make life more comfortable. Julie Brown's pillowcase with a built-in blanket to keep your head warm is in the latter category. But it's an entryway to a profile of a charming woman who travels the country in her mobile home going to inventor groups and inspiring others.

I am curious as to how Julie Brown came to be without a family - no brothers or sisters, no children, nobody alive.  I find her story endearing, and her Chill Frill Pillowcase just as endearing.

I'm busy, my mind is working, I'm happy, I'm not bothering anyone, and I'm doing some good.

A lifetime of seeking for Brent Farley

Brent Farley is a cross between Thomas Edison and Ed Wood. He has hundreds of inventions described in notebooks or prototyped - some even patented - but success has eluded him. From "Sled Pants" to "Squirt Gun Shoes," Brent pursues each idea as though it may be his big break. His obsession with invention has greatly interfered with his life, but he can't stop. Brent calls it a sad story, but there's just as much inspiration as frustration in this portrait.

I love this man.  I love his inventiveness, persistence, and whimsy.  It's good that he acknowledges his downfall as a businessman, and perhaps in time he'll happen upon the right partners to move his concepts in the market.

Todd Greene pours himself into HeadBlade

Todd Greene built a brand around what he calls "Head Care," a combination of head shaving and skin care. His invention, the HeadBlade, makes head shaving easier for the millions of people who shave their heads. Here he tells the story of how he came up with the HeadBlade, and grew it from an idea to a successful business.

Inventor Todd Greene poured a year of his life, plus $150,000, and had a rather underwhelming first day of sales: Sold 8 out of 500 HeadBlades.  He kept going, at the behest and rationale from his wife.  He believed in his invention so passionately that selling them was just a matter of time.