What to say about 2020? It’s one we’ll always remember, I think everyone can agree with that. COVID-19 reared its head within the first few months (…as early as 2019 in Wuhan, China). If you’re reading this, you’re not part of the 1.8 million deaths reported worldwide. Not only the deaths, but unemployment reached an all-time high of 14.7% this April, more than 100,000 small businesses permanently closed their doors. I’ll spare everyone my experiences… but looking forward to continued growth, personally and professionally in 2021. I am very excited to share that I published two books this year, the most recent being Color Your Word! A Creativity Outlet for Nerdy Adults, and your support would mean a lot.
Thank you to everyone who’s visited eBrand Me and contributed to its organic growth of more than 50% over last year’s traffic, with eyeballs spanning the globe bringing site visitors from the US, Germany, China, the UK, India, Canada, France, the Phillipines, Australia, Russia, and more. So, thank you. I shared less than I did in 2019, and I’ll repeat that I’m happy you find the content useful and hope to provide more value in 2021.
Wish you an amazing year to come, in whatever way you define amazing. Last but not least, here are the top 5 posts this year.
Best regards,
Lawrence Jean-Louis
Bonds, Bubbles, Bust, & Michael Burry in “The Big Short”
A review of The Big Short, based on the true story surrounding the housing market crash from the viewpoints of Mark Baum, Charlie Geller, Jamie Shipley, and Michael Burry (then head of Scion Capital).
It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s what you know for sure just ain’t so.
How Joseph Lister Inspired Listerine and Louis Pasteur the Term Pasteurization
For the second year in a row, How Joseph Lister Inspired Listerine and Louis Pasteur the Term Pasteurization, made it to the top 5. This time, knocked down to number #2. In this post, you’ll learn more about Louis Pasteur, the artist turned chemist born 1822 in Dole, France, who inspired Joseph Lister — and is best known for his explanation on how heat treatment made foods safer — from which the term pasteurization is derived. He is remembered for his breakthroughs in the causes and prevention of diseases, and created the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax. At one point, Listerine, was once presented as a solution to clean your floors, your scalp, and even gonorrhea.
Shut Your Face, They’re Reading What?
A new addition… here you’ll discover some recommended reads from the likes of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Jeff Bezos, Tim Ferriss, and more.
Retirement Benefit Plans For Your Small Business
These days, retirement can last for 30 years or more and an individual may need up to 80% of their current annual income to retire comfortably, while the average monthly benefit paid by the Social Security Administration is $1,200. In this post, business owners will learn more about benefits packages available to them… from the popular 401(k) to the out of favor but still very much relevant defined benefit plan. A retirement plan can attract and retain better employees, reducing new employee training costs.
Ray Harryhausen: Monsters, Myths & Lore
Born the only child to Martha and Fred W. Harryhausen on June 6, 1920, Ray Harryhausen was the grandson of Frederick L. Harryhausen who’d migrated to San Francisco from Germany in the 1850s.
Discover or revisit some of his work, such as 20 Million Miles to Earth, Jason and the Argonauts, Clash of the Titans, and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad.
“Looking back, I always knew in my head what I was aiming for, but alongside that was the fear I wouldn’t succeed.”
—Ray Harryhausen
10 South Florida Incubators that Support Small Businesses & Startups
Many small businesses face some of the same problems in their early days such as financing, marketing, and mentorship. Here you’ll find 10 South Florida incubators, essentially an organization that offers small business & startups resources needed to develop within a shared space.
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