Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Opinion & Prospective

Hear Dan’s viewpoints about how things work and the intended and unintended consequences, delivered with humor to keep you entertained and engaged.

They are delivered with humor, breaking down the barriers of reality, truths versus illusions, and manufactured narratives.

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Keep The Change You Filthy Animal!

Catchy phrases can be a lot of fun when used in the context of jabbing a friend, just as a form of simple humor. Many fun phrases are derived from past movies or novels, lending them significant cultural history.

The Great Transformation: Transforming Ourselves, Our Country, and Our Way Of Life.

The primary transformation is about ourselves, as we learn and adapt to the rapid changes around us.

How Bad Is the Office Property Glut Today?

The U.S. office market is still facing a significant glut, though there are signs of gradual improvement.

Idioms: Learning about idioms is not just an exercise; it’s a fun journey into the cultural history of language.

Idioms are not just linguistic tools; they are cultural treasures that carry the vivid imagery and history of a society. Here are 20 of the most significant idioms, each with its own unique story and cultural significance:

Identity, Ideology, and Estrangement: Understanding Family and Friendship Breakdowns in Polarized Times

In an era of heightened ideological polarization, families across America are grappling with a painful reality: loved ones becoming so radicalized that they reject facts, embrace illusions, and sever ties with anyone who disagrees.

When Ideologies Become so Radicalized that the Participant will Falsify any Illusion to Defend their Beliefs?

When someone’s ideology becomes so radicalized that they will believe any illusion to defend their beliefs, several psychological and social dynamics are often at Play. Radicalization may manifest in the form of extremist views on the world in general, financial pressure, family pressure, politics, and religion.

The Alarming Scope of Financial Elder Abuse

Elder financial crimes account for an estimated 20% of $73 trillion in assets held by older Americans—approximately $14.6 trillion misappropriated or stolen. To put this in perspective:

Financial Elder Abuse in Real Estate Lending: A Cautionary Tale

According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), only 1 in 44 cases of financial elder abuse is reported. Victims are three times more likely to die and four times more likely to enter a nursing home without funds. With an estimated $14.6 trillion at risk, vigilance is critical.

Earners (Workers Who Pay Taxes) vs The Non-Productive (So-Called Bureaucratic Worker) Class and The Parasitic Takers Who Produce Nothing But Expect Everything as an Entitlement.

It’s a question of profound significance. It delves into economic productivity, social policy, and cultural values, making it a topic of great interest and relevance. Who earns, pays taxes, and contributes to the economic engine of the U.S., and who are merely takers who subsist while exploiting the productive people? I intend to exclude those who are genuinely in need of help because of age, mental, or physical handicaps.

Milton Friedman, Most Influential Economist in the 20th Century.

Milton Friedman (1912–2006) was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, renowned for his strong advocacy of free-market capitalism and his foundational contributions to the development of monetarism. His ideas continue to shape modern economic policies, making him a significant figure in the field.

The Seemingly Smart Borrower Refuses to Pay for Adequate Property Insurance

Fools Rush in Where Wise Men Never Tread

Who is Howard Roark from the Novel, The Fountainhead?

Howard Roark is the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel The Fountainhead. He’s a fiercely independent and idealistic young architect who represents Rand’s philosophy of individualism and creative integrity. Roark is known for his uncompromising commitment to his own architectural vision, refusing to conform to traditional styles or societal expectations.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930: Part II

What are the economic and geopolitical consequences of raising tariffs today as compared to 1930

“Who is John Galt?”

Who is John Galt?” This enigmatic question, immortalized in Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, serves as a poignant expression of despair and confusion in the face of societal decline and bureaucratic overreach.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930: Part I

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, officially known as the Tariff Act of 1930, was a U.S. law that raised import duties on thousands of goods to protect American businesses and farmers during the Great Depression. Sponsored by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley, it became infamous for its unintended economic consequences, serving as a cautionary tale against hasty policy decisions.

When Clouds Are Seeded, The Weather Is Impeded

Seeding clouds can bring rain, and sometimes too much rain, causing material damage and loss of life.

AB-1893, California: Builder Remedy

Here’s a comprehensive summary of California Assembly Bill (AB) 1893, which significantly reforms the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and its Builder’s Remedy provisions, effective January 1, 2025:

Streamlined approval process to accelerate housing development (California).

In California housing legislation, a streamlined approval process—often referred to as a streamlined ministerial approval process—is designed to accelerate housing development by removing discretionary barriers and simplifying local review procedures.

Why Should the State of California Require All Above-Ground Electrical Lines to Be Replaced with Underground Lines?

Having electrical lines underground offers several key benefits, especially in terms of reliability, safety, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages:

The Concept of Benchmarking and How Critical Thinking Contributes to Its Success

Benchmarking is a strategic process used in business, economics, and management to measure an organization’s performance against industry best practices or best practices from other sectors. It helps identify areas for improvement, set performance goals, and drive innovation.