This week, Humpday Headlines features some interesting bits. We can begin with the proposed Jobs Plan by President Obama. This is a $447 Billion plan that really has some good proposals in it. A $4,000 tax credit for businesses, a tax cut for workers, tax increases for the wealthy, and a plan to modernize the transportation infrastructure that made America king. These are all great plans, but financing this plan is what will be the issue in coming months. Republicans are adamant about lowering debt, and this plan would obviously increase it, albeit for a short time. Republicans also are fed up with Obama’s Administration, effectively making any negotiations difficult. But what’s important here is that America gets back to work and can effectively compete in the future. The aspects of the plan that addresses these two issues will be the most difficult to compromise on: a new tax code and increased spending on public education. Obama does have a track record for coming up with ambitious, “out of the box” ideas, but he also has a track record of watering down those ideas in order to “reach across the aisle.” Let’s just hope that this Jobs Plan actually helps who it’s supposed to; unemployed Americans.

In other news this week, there seems to be a face-off in the computing world as both Microsoft and Google are launching new Operating Systems (OS). Microsoft has unveiled its new Windows 8, so far well received, equipped with all new display features and apps. Windows 8 has been developed primarily for PC and Tablet markets. Google, on the other hand has excelled with the Android, taking the smartphone and tablet market by storm. They try once again with the new Ice Cream Sandwich Android OS. This is a big step for Google, as they have been attempting to break into the PC market. If the Ice Cream Sandwich OS does well in the tablet market, it will open doors to the PC market, which Microsoft reigns supreme. This will be one rivalry to watch.

Amazon.com has revealed its admiration for the quick ascension of Netflix, Inc. The online retailer is thinking of adding a new Netflix-like rental service for books. If the idea impresses publishers, this could be available by next year. Amazon.com has completely dominated the online retail market and this will be another notch under its belt. It’s too bad Borders, Inc. didn’t think of this. Let’s hope Amazon.com does better with customer loyalty than Netflix, Inc did.

In other book news, popular textbook company McGraw-Hill will split and spin-off its education division. McGraw-Hill will focus on its more lucrative business information unit, which includes Standard & Poor’s, financial information provider Capital IQ, and energy information provider Platts. Executives claim that the move will cut costs and lift the company’s stock price. This seems to be a great move for the company, but education takes a serious blow when McGraw-Hill doesn’t even have faith in it anymore.

Finally, I end this weeks’ Headlines with news from our backyard, Atlanta, GA. Popular morning radio show host, DJ, journalist and philanthropist Frank Ski will host the grand opening of his new restaurant, Frank Ski’s Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Atlanta this weekend. If you are looking for an elegant atmosphere, great fried Snapper and a cellar of wine choices, check out his new spot.

Now, we would appreciate your input, we can’t be the only ones with opinions on these topics. Anyone in Atlanta headed to Frank Ski’s? Does anyone have the new Windows 8 or contemplating the Ice Cream Sandwich? Would you rent books from Amazon? And what are your thoughts on the Jobs Plan proposed by Obama? Your thoughts and ideas are very much appreciated. Until next time remember: Plans are Nothing, Planning is Everything.