Articles written by Hal Lillywhite - Page 3

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About me - Hal Lillywhite

A gifted teacher and fascinating speaker, Hal has the ability to help people understand complex issues. He uses stories, interesting examples and other aids to interest and understanding. He offers seminars and consulting in decision-making and dealing with

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Society & Lifestyle > Economic Values Minimum wage: Is it fair?: 12 of 54
One good way to think about things like minimum wage is to imagine what it would be like without it. Actually in this case we don't have to imagine, there was a time when there was no minimum wage in the U.S. All we have to do is look at what happened to workers back then.For example one young man didn't want to stay on the f... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Commentary: When journalism becomes fiction: 9 of 40
I've been involved in lots of events that made the news, first in the army and now as a member of a search and rescue team. I quickly learned that what gets reported in the news is somewhat related to what really happened but hardly trustworthy.For example, the news report of one rescue described how the subject fell down a c... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Liberals and the minimal state doctrine: 1 of 4
Adam White's distinction between "classical" liberals who believe in very limited government and "modern," "progressive," or "positive" liberals is an example of how a word can be hijacked to have a meaning quite contrary to what it once conveyed. It is, I suppose, a tribute to those supporting the ideas included in "positive... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Backpack fitting tips: 1 of 4
Modern backpacks are a far cry from what I remember as a youth. They will carry the load on your hips, not your shoulders and will hold that load close to your back so it doesn't pull you over backwards. About the only thing they won't do is make a heavy load light, your legs still have to carry everything you put in your pac... More..
Personal Finance > Stock Market Should you invest in mutual funds or individual stocks?: 7 of 25
Think about it: mutual funds are run by people who study the market full time. They are considered experts. Do you think you will beat them at their own game?In addition, few people can afford to spread their investments over the hundreds of companies represented in the typical mutual fund. If you invest all your money in jus... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking How to guard your food from animals while backpacking: 2 of 7
Wild animals like to eat and they prefer easy meals. That is no surprise of course. The problem is that careless or ignorant humans can inadvertently provide those easy meals to them. This creates two problems:First, the humans who provided the easy meal are likely to go hungry, andSecond, the animals who get those easy meals... More..
Personal Finance > Stock Market Investing in the stock market as a route to wealth: 3 of 10
How do you make a small fortune in the stock market? That's easy: Start with a large fortune.Actually, while there may be some truth in the above joke, the stock market can provide financial gains - if you are careful and don't get greedy. I have made a lot of money in that market. (Though truth be told, much of it was from o... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Football Should fans boycott college football because of the BCS ranking system?: 4 of 13
Talk about "throwing the baby out with the bathwater!" Boycotting all of college football would punish many innocent programs along with the culprits. I think that there is little doubt that the BCS system is badly flawed.In fact I have to suspect that the whole thing was created partly to help certain strong conferences main... More..
Personal Finance > Financial Planning How budgeting can improve your life: 18 of 55
A budget improve your life? Like many I've thought of a budget as a straitjacket rather than as something to help me enjoy life. I was wrong.Properly used, a budget is the best tool available to allow you to do what you want with the money you have. It may look attractive to just buy something without making sure it fits into... More..
Business > Business Strategy Ways to develop an effective risk management strategy for a business: 1 of 3
As a consultant and seminar leader on risk topics (among other things), my first reaction to this subject is that I don't like the term "risk management." In most cases we don't manage risk, what we manage is ourselves. Risk is an important aspect of that self-management. Obviously this single article is not enough to fully d... More..