I read this article some time ago (link) and found it to be extremely insightful. It talks about human learning and how you can maximize retention by using the “Spacing Effect” effectively.

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Popularity: 16% [?]

The US President, Barack Obama, is proposing a stringent set of legislation to reign in the Wall Street firms and regulate their reckless and non-transparent state of affairs. Are we assuming that this legislation once in effect will prevent any kind of financial mess, of the extent that we have been witnessing over the last couple of years? Are we missing to take into account the role played by another group of stakeholders, who are also answerable to the general people for being counterparty in the US financial crisis? The credit rating agencies…

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Company: Bloom Energy

Industry: Clean Energy

What: Bloom Energy Server – a solid oxide fuel cell that uses hydrocarbons to generate electricity on the site where it will be used.

Competition: The clean energy sector is booming with various companies trying many different technologies. The entry bar is restricted only by scientific imagination & funding. However, not all technologies have been proven yet, and not all are likely to be commercially viable. So, while it is easy to enter the sector, the bar for success is very high.

The company is more likely to face competition from solar, wind, and other proven clean energy technologies. However, solar and wind power have higher installation & operating expenses, driving up the unit cost of power. …read more

Popularity: 14% [?]

MicroFinance Industry: Demographics and Demand
In 2008, the World Bank estimated that there are approximately, 828.0 million poor people, or approx. 150.0 million poor households in India. Microfinance penetration of these households is estimated to be at 22.6 million MFI clients in 2009. The total estimated demand for micro-credit in India was approximately $51.4 billion and total loan disbursements stood at approximately $4.30 billion i.e., 8.3% of the demand.

Future outlook and key trends for Indian MFIs: Reaching a critical mass
MFIs member base increased from 14.1 million in 2008 to 22.6 million in 2009. Increased scale and sophistication can lead to greater costs savings while ensuring greater access to funds for growth at lower costs, which could result in improved pricing for borrowers. …read more

Popularity: 11% [?]

Looking at the volatility in the world markets, and given the 5 year long term horizon, I am apprehensive about investing in the equity markets. Given that today even countries are at the risk of defaulting on their sovereign debt, debt markets also seem a risky proposition. Thus I would like to invest the 5.0 million into a business which has strong fundamentals and a high growth potential. And what better business to invest in than your own!!!

Industry: Sports

What: Indoor cricket training facility:  http://www.devoncricket.co.uk/userfiles/image/Indoor%20Centre%20Photos/DSC00812.JPG:

• Each facility will accommodate 4 full size nets (practice lanes) which can be rented out by the hour
• Each facility will also accommodate a bowling machine which can be rented out by the hour (http://www.ha-ko.com/cricketbowling.htm) …read more

Popularity: 9% [?]