The worldwide economy is going through a fundamental shift from local markets to a global market. Technology of all kinds is driving it, from production to distribution, and especially in advertising.
Advertising revenue on the internet will grow from a little under 5% of all advertising dollars to over 10% in the next 4 years.
"The firm now expects the global online ad market to grow at a 25 percent clip annually for the next five years, up from a previous forecast in the low 20 percent range.
In the next year the Wall Street firm expects the online ad market to grow to $26.4 billion worldwide and to $33.2 billion in 2007.
Forrester Research, meanwhile, said that those who have the Internet are spending more than 30 percent of their media time nowadays online, a metric that prompted JMP to increase its market share expectations for Internet advertising in the U.S.
JMP now expects online advertising at $13.2 billion in the United States this year, or 4.7 percent of total advertising revenue, to soar to $35.9 billion in 2010, when the Internet will command 11.1 percent of all ad dollars spent."
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
US Immigrations statistics
"Nearly 7.9 million immigrants - about half of them believed to be illegal - settled in the United States between January 2000 and 2005, boosting the total number of immigrants in the nation to 35.2 million, the study said.
About 1.8 million immigrants during that period entered California, more than any other state, according to the study by the D.C.-based think tank that favors immigration control and analyzed Census Bureau data.
'The 35.2 million immigrants living in the country in March 2005 is the highest number ever recorded - 2 1/2 times the 13.5 million during the peak of the last great immigration wave in 1910,' said Steven Camarota, the center's director of research."
About 1.8 million immigrants during that period entered California, more than any other state, according to the study by the D.C.-based think tank that favors immigration control and analyzed Census Bureau data.
'The 35.2 million immigrants living in the country in March 2005 is the highest number ever recorded - 2 1/2 times the 13.5 million during the peak of the last great immigration wave in 1910,' said Steven Camarota, the center's director of research."
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Open Source Office
Distribution of power in the marketplace can lead to multiplication of power for the leader instead of dilution of power. In today's open-information world, is there any other option? It seems to me the issue for leaders is how to motivate the hearts and minds of employees as collaborators rather than how to direct them as workers.
"In the old gray-flannel organization, the executive suite was where the action was. In what’s now known as the open-source workplace, power is distributed. The ceo is no longer omnipotent --and the truly effective ones don’t want to be. The best ideas may evolve from the bottom up and sometimes from the outside in. New technologies such as private workplace wikis and blogs are disrupting command-and-control corporate structures. Any employee can create, edit, refine, comment on, or fix an idea. What some used to dismiss as a recipe for chaos is more likely a path to greater productivity.
The workplace becomes more transparent as power and information are instant-ly shared.
"Companies are even reaching outside their ranks to the virtual commons. Online fan clubs help lego Group design toy kits, so they sell out fast with no marketing. Procter & Gamble executives tap the wisdom of online crowds at InnoCentive, a Web network of 80,000 scientists, to find solutions for problems that stump their own staff. Such “peer production,” as some call it, creates value out of social behavior. In the new office, products, business plans, and even meeting agendas are created collectively instead of individually. "
"In the old gray-flannel organization, the executive suite was where the action was. In what’s now known as the open-source workplace, power is distributed. The ceo is no longer omnipotent --and the truly effective ones don’t want to be. The best ideas may evolve from the bottom up and sometimes from the outside in. New technologies such as private workplace wikis and blogs are disrupting command-and-control corporate structures. Any employee can create, edit, refine, comment on, or fix an idea. What some used to dismiss as a recipe for chaos is more likely a path to greater productivity.
The workplace becomes more transparent as power and information are instant-ly shared.
"Companies are even reaching outside their ranks to the virtual commons. Online fan clubs help lego Group design toy kits, so they sell out fast with no marketing. Procter & Gamble executives tap the wisdom of online crowds at InnoCentive, a Web network of 80,000 scientists, to find solutions for problems that stump their own staff. Such “peer production,” as some call it, creates value out of social behavior. In the new office, products, business plans, and even meeting agendas are created collectively instead of individually. "
Best Ideas of 2005 - limits of geography
While physical separation is becoming less important with the universal implementation of communication technology, cultural distance becomes more and more significant as we increasingly work together with people of different backgrounds. Bridging those differences will become more and more crucial to success economically, socially, and politically.
"While the post-geographic world has made it possible for far-flung workers to collaborate like neighbors, there are challenges. Your Shanghai team members may be waking up just as the Chicago-based folks are going home--and London may need you online at 3 a.m. The result is a day that could conceivably span 24 hours, if the limits of human biology didn’t kick in. People must learn to work to the ebb and flow of their own schedule--and reach out in new ways. Though geography may have become less relevant, the need for community never goes away."
"While the post-geographic world has made it possible for far-flung workers to collaborate like neighbors, there are challenges. Your Shanghai team members may be waking up just as the Chicago-based folks are going home--and London may need you online at 3 a.m. The result is a day that could conceivably span 24 hours, if the limits of human biology didn’t kick in. People must learn to work to the ebb and flow of their own schedule--and reach out in new ways. Though geography may have become less relevant, the need for community never goes away."
Best Ideas of 2005 - Innovation
Concise and insightful commentary that can give leaders direction for the future:
"The Knowledge Economy is giving way to the Creative Economy. Information has become a commodity like coal or corn. People once thought that superiority in technology and information would ease the economic pain of outsourcing manufacturing to Asia. But it turns out that a good deal of knowhow--software writing, accounting, legal work, engineering--can be outsourced to places like India, China, and Eastern Europe, too.
"The solution: Focus on innovation and design as the new corporate core competencies. To prosper, companies have to constantly change the game in their industries by creating products and services that satisfy needs consumers don’t even know they have yet. That’s how loyalty is built. Mastering new design methods and learning new innovation metrics are the keys to corporate success, if not survival. Smart companies now have a senior-level executive charged with driving innovation or sparking creativity. Perhaps it’s even the CEO."
"The Knowledge Economy is giving way to the Creative Economy. Information has become a commodity like coal or corn. People once thought that superiority in technology and information would ease the economic pain of outsourcing manufacturing to Asia. But it turns out that a good deal of knowhow--software writing, accounting, legal work, engineering--can be outsourced to places like India, China, and Eastern Europe, too.
"The solution: Focus on innovation and design as the new corporate core competencies. To prosper, companies have to constantly change the game in their industries by creating products and services that satisfy needs consumers don’t even know they have yet. That’s how loyalty is built. Mastering new design methods and learning new innovation metrics are the keys to corporate success, if not survival. Smart companies now have a senior-level executive charged with driving innovation or sparking creativity. Perhaps it’s even the CEO."
Sunday, December 11, 2005
A New Idea in Outsourcing
This cracks me up! Today I read that gamers around the world can hire Chinese to play their games online for them in order to win points. What a concept - outsourcing your entertainment!
"'For 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, my colleagues and I are killing monsters,' said a 23-year-old gamer who works here in this makeshift factory and goes by the online code name Wandering. 'I make about $250 a month, which is pretty good compared with the other jobs I've had. And I can play games all day.'
He and his comrades have created yet another new business out of cheap Chinese labor. They are tapping into the fast-growing world of 'massively multiplayer online games,' which involve role playing and often revolve around fantasy or warfare in medieval kingdoms or distant galaxies."
"'For 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, my colleagues and I are killing monsters,' said a 23-year-old gamer who works here in this makeshift factory and goes by the online code name Wandering. 'I make about $250 a month, which is pretty good compared with the other jobs I've had. And I can play games all day.'
He and his comrades have created yet another new business out of cheap Chinese labor. They are tapping into the fast-growing world of 'massively multiplayer online games,' which involve role playing and often revolve around fantasy or warfare in medieval kingdoms or distant galaxies."
Reports of protests in China
There are now over 50,000 protests a year in China. Many different reasons, but the striking thing to me is the freedom people feel to protest, and the fact that the protests are reported. With today's communication technologies, events cannot be covered up even if the government wanted to.
"The state-run Xinhua News Agency said police opened fire on villagers in Dongzhou, a village in Guangdong province, after a mob formed a blockade on the road and began throwing explosives at officers. Three villagers were killed and eight were wounded, Xinhua said, quoting the Information Office of the neighboring city of Shanwei.
However, residents told The Associated Press that as many as 20 people were killed when police opened fire on a crowd of thousands protesting against inadequate compensation offered by the government for land to be used for the new power plant. Villagers said dozens of people were missing."
"The state-run Xinhua News Agency said police opened fire on villagers in Dongzhou, a village in Guangdong province, after a mob formed a blockade on the road and began throwing explosives at officers. Three villagers were killed and eight were wounded, Xinhua said, quoting the Information Office of the neighboring city of Shanwei.
However, residents told The Associated Press that as many as 20 people were killed when police opened fire on a crowd of thousands protesting against inadequate compensation offered by the government for land to be used for the new power plant. Villagers said dozens of people were missing."
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Satellite facts
Interesting to know how many satellites are up there, and where they come from. As much as we hear about the Chinese catching up in the space race, right now the numbers are pretty lopsided.
It will continue to change, though. I remember talking with a satellite tracker 25 years ago, and asking him how to know where the satellites come from. His answer? There's only 2 guys up there.
"The United States has 413 satellites in space snooping for the government, checking on the weather and relaying the latest pop music, a new database says. That's more than the 382 the rest of the world has spinning above the Earth."
It will continue to change, though. I remember talking with a satellite tracker 25 years ago, and asking him how to know where the satellites come from. His answer? There's only 2 guys up there.
"The United States has 413 satellites in space snooping for the government, checking on the weather and relaying the latest pop music, a new database says. That's more than the 382 the rest of the world has spinning above the Earth."
When Laws Collide
5 Protesters in Singapore were bringing a lawsuit for having their protest broken up by the police. While they were a lawful assembly, the fact that they mentioned the case of a scandal of a charity in Singapore as cause for transparency in government agencies, was considered insulting and abusive, which, according to the judge, takes higher priority than the freedom of assembly.
He called their actions "tantamount to an insinuation of mismanagement and financial impropriety".
"The thrust of the protesters' case, argued by lawyer M Ravi, is that the Constitutional right of freedom of speech, assembly and association (Article 14) allows fewer than five persons to protest peacefully.
.
Justice Rajah's decision, however, hinges on the sections in the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act that deal with causing harassment, alarm or distress. Under this law, anyone who uses abusive or insulting words with the intent to harass can be found guilty of an offence."
He called their actions "tantamount to an insinuation of mismanagement and financial impropriety".
"The thrust of the protesters' case, argued by lawyer M Ravi, is that the Constitutional right of freedom of speech, assembly and association (Article 14) allows fewer than five persons to protest peacefully.
.
Justice Rajah's decision, however, hinges on the sections in the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act that deal with causing harassment, alarm or distress. Under this law, anyone who uses abusive or insulting words with the intent to harass can be found guilty of an offence."
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Another View from Down Under
Last week Singapore hung a convicted drug smuggler from Australia. Leading up to the execution, there was a lot of attention in the news to the pleas by various Australian officials for leniency in his case.
Today the front page of a local Singapore paper ran a different story - an editorial by an Australian bemoaning the tragic effects of lenient sentencing in their country and asking if that really protrays a higher view of the sanctity of life than does a society that takes justice more seriously.
Western liberal societies have to seriously grapple with these questions of values. Whether or not their civil liberties are worth the cost of high crime and other social costs. And whether they can really sustain the freedom of those civil liberties, when the undergirding system of moral values based on Judeo-Christian teaching (which resulted in moral restraint from personal religious convictions and group religious pressure) have been largely stripped away.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the liberal civil liberty movements that wanted to bring freedom from religion and its strict moral codes to modern society, ended up being responsible for the move toward more severe authoritarian governments out of a need to provide more protection to citizens from the runaway expression of immoral behavior?
"The results of our moral relativism and revolving-door justice can be seen everywhere — bars on windows, security doors, a general loss of trust, an often demoralised police force, an entrenched heroin sub-culture dominated at the bottom by glassy-eyed cretins and at the top by double-talking ideologues."
Today the front page of a local Singapore paper ran a different story - an editorial by an Australian bemoaning the tragic effects of lenient sentencing in their country and asking if that really protrays a higher view of the sanctity of life than does a society that takes justice more seriously.
Western liberal societies have to seriously grapple with these questions of values. Whether or not their civil liberties are worth the cost of high crime and other social costs. And whether they can really sustain the freedom of those civil liberties, when the undergirding system of moral values based on Judeo-Christian teaching (which resulted in moral restraint from personal religious convictions and group religious pressure) have been largely stripped away.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the liberal civil liberty movements that wanted to bring freedom from religion and its strict moral codes to modern society, ended up being responsible for the move toward more severe authoritarian governments out of a need to provide more protection to citizens from the runaway expression of immoral behavior?
"The results of our moral relativism and revolving-door justice can be seen everywhere — bars on windows, security doors, a general loss of trust, an often demoralised police force, an entrenched heroin sub-culture dominated at the bottom by glassy-eyed cretins and at the top by double-talking ideologues."
Saturday, November 12, 2005
China prepares for 2008 "war"
This was the headline in the sports section of a Singapore newspaper yesterday.
A westerner in an individual-oriented society would have a hard time understanding the Chinese patriotism and national sports fervor growing around the Beijing Olympic Games.
Chinese see this as their chance to show the world how developed they are, and take their rightful place in the top echelons of world powers.
"For Chinese athletes to get exceptional results at the Beijing Olympics is to fulfill the demands of the people for higher achievements in bringing glory to the nation," Sports MinisterLiu Ping said.
Don't think that Chinese are all dissidents because they don't enjoy many western freedoms and know that there is much corruption in their government. Chinese LOVE their country and the leaders are very clever at using things like sports and the Olympics to unify people, as they also do in other ways such as anti-Japanese and anti-western propaganda.
A westerner in an individual-oriented society would have a hard time understanding the Chinese patriotism and national sports fervor growing around the Beijing Olympic Games.
Chinese see this as their chance to show the world how developed they are, and take their rightful place in the top echelons of world powers.
"For Chinese athletes to get exceptional results at the Beijing Olympics is to fulfill the demands of the people for higher achievements in bringing glory to the nation," Sports MinisterLiu Ping said.
Don't think that Chinese are all dissidents because they don't enjoy many western freedoms and know that there is much corruption in their government. Chinese LOVE their country and the leaders are very clever at using things like sports and the Olympics to unify people, as they also do in other ways such as anti-Japanese and anti-western propaganda.
Riots in France
Wow, pretty strong words in this opinion piece about what he regards as Western governments' "retreat from reality" in how they deal with immigrant populations.
" European countries especially have thrown their doors open to a large influx of Moslem immigrants who have no intention of becoming part of the cultures of the countries to which they immigrate but to recreate their own cultures in those countries.
In the name of tolerance, these countries have imported intolerance, of which growing antisemitism in Europe is just one example. In the name of respecting all cultures, Western nations have welcomed people who respect neither the cultures nor the rights of the population among whom they have settled."
Has Western "tolerance" become a hindrance to a healthy civil society? I don't think the multicultural tolerance of modern liberal society was a part of, or even foreseen by, the founders who depended on a strong cultural moral base to make the freedoms of society work. Unfortunately, in the name of "tolerance," we've torn away the morality and now don't seem to have a basis for building coomon values or practices or order other than resorting to more authoritarian government, which has always been anathema to Western democracy.
" European countries especially have thrown their doors open to a large influx of Moslem immigrants who have no intention of becoming part of the cultures of the countries to which they immigrate but to recreate their own cultures in those countries.
In the name of tolerance, these countries have imported intolerance, of which growing antisemitism in Europe is just one example. In the name of respecting all cultures, Western nations have welcomed people who respect neither the cultures nor the rights of the population among whom they have settled."
Has Western "tolerance" become a hindrance to a healthy civil society? I don't think the multicultural tolerance of modern liberal society was a part of, or even foreseen by, the founders who depended on a strong cultural moral base to make the freedoms of society work. Unfortunately, in the name of "tolerance," we've torn away the morality and now don't seem to have a basis for building coomon values or practices or order other than resorting to more authoritarian government, which has always been anathema to Western democracy.
Coming to a Phone or PDA Near You
Amazing to me how quickly the commercial landscape has changed for digital video. It was, what, one month ago that Apple introduced the iPod with video? And now, the technology that no one talked about before that, has got every media company scrambling to line up their deals.
They sniff this could be the Next Big Thing, like digital music after the iPod made it user-friendly in 2001.
"The deal bears some similarity to recent agreements NBC and ABC have struck with DirecTV and Apple Computer. All are meant to adapt the business model of a broadcast television network to changing technologies and viewer habits, and find additional ways to be paid, beyond the advertising that has been broadcasting's sole source of revenue."
They sniff this could be the Next Big Thing, like digital music after the iPod made it user-friendly in 2001.
"The deal bears some similarity to recent agreements NBC and ABC have struck with DirecTV and Apple Computer. All are meant to adapt the business model of a broadcast television network to changing technologies and viewer habits, and find additional ways to be paid, beyond the advertising that has been broadcasting's sole source of revenue."
Mis-managing Diversity
We're seeing sudden recognition of social inequality in French society. It seems like a policy of ignoring external differences, while a noble sentiment, can serve to promote the opposite of its intention: hiding inequality instead of eradicating it.
"France's Constitution guarantees equality to all, but that has long been interpreted to mean that ethnic or religious differences are not the purview of the state. The result is that no one looks at such differences to track growing inequalities and so discrimination is easy to hide."
"France's Constitution guarantees equality to all, but that has long been interpreted to mean that ethnic or religious differences are not the purview of the state. The result is that no one looks at such differences to track growing inequalities and so discrimination is easy to hide."
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Global Search
Google would seem to be the poster company of globalization. After all, their mission is to organize and accessize the world's information.
It is not only tremendously helpful to users, but it is also beginning to pay off, since it is helpful to sellers and advertisers, too. So while the world is globalizing, it is segmentizing in advertising and sales. Google's expanding reach into these markets is scaring executives of big companies like Wal-Mart.
"Google, which tends to keep its plans secret, certainly has the wealth to fund ambitious ventures. Its revenues are growing by nearly 100 percent a year, and its profits are rising even faster. Its executives speak of the company's outlook only in broad strokes, but they suggest all but unlimited horizons. 'We believe that search networks as industries remain in their nascent stages of growth with great forward potential,' Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, told analysts last month"
It is not only tremendously helpful to users, but it is also beginning to pay off, since it is helpful to sellers and advertisers, too. So while the world is globalizing, it is segmentizing in advertising and sales. Google's expanding reach into these markets is scaring executives of big companies like Wal-Mart.
"Google, which tends to keep its plans secret, certainly has the wealth to fund ambitious ventures. Its revenues are growing by nearly 100 percent a year, and its profits are rising even faster. Its executives speak of the company's outlook only in broad strokes, but they suggest all but unlimited horizons. 'We believe that search networks as industries remain in their nascent stages of growth with great forward potential,' Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, told analysts last month"
Friday, November 04, 2005
Satellite data reveals Beijing as air pollution capital of world
This doesn't surprise anyone that's been there! I visited Beijing twice this summer, and the haze is so bad, it was depressing.
"According to the European satellite data, pollutants in the sky over China have increased by about 50% during the past 10 years. Senior officials warn that worse is still to come. At a recent seminar Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the environmental protection agency, said that pollution levels could more than quadruple within 15 years unless the country can slow the rise in energy consumption and automobile use."
Those who know China respond: Fat chance! Explosive increase in car use that has caused huge traffic and pollution problems, seems only likely to escalate.
"According to the European satellite data, pollutants in the sky over China have increased by about 50% during the past 10 years. Senior officials warn that worse is still to come. At a recent seminar Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the environmental protection agency, said that pollution levels could more than quadruple within 15 years unless the country can slow the rise in energy consumption and automobile use."
Those who know China respond: Fat chance! Explosive increase in car use that has caused huge traffic and pollution problems, seems only likely to escalate.
China Reportedly Shuts Down Blog
Remarkable to me is not the fact that the government blocked a blog, but that average Chinese citizens are becoming reporters and social critics through use of media like the internet.
I do no think this makes them "dissidents" or "anti-government" or "pro-democracy." But they are becoming more engaged in social issues, and are less fearful of government recrimination.
This blogger is a teacher in Sichuan province.
"one of Wang's most recent posts dealt with a campaign by peasants in the southeastern province of Guangdong to remove a village chief accused of corruption.
China has the world's second-largest population of Internet users, with 100 million people online.
I do no think this makes them "dissidents" or "anti-government" or "pro-democracy." But they are becoming more engaged in social issues, and are less fearful of government recrimination.
This blogger is a teacher in Sichuan province.
"one of Wang's most recent posts dealt with a campaign by peasants in the southeastern province of Guangdong to remove a village chief accused of corruption.
China has the world's second-largest population of Internet users, with 100 million people online.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
A Safer World?
Can it be that the world is getting both safer and more dangerous at the same time? While conflict and violence worldwide is down, it is closer than ever. We see it faster, more intimately, and it appears more personally threatening.
Thia commentary from Seth Godin's blog:
Today's Globe & Mail reports that over the last 12 years, the number of armed conflicts in the world has gone down by 40% and the number of extremely deadly conflicts (more than 1,000 battle-related deaths) is down by more than 80%.
A different source reports that New York is the safest large city in the US, with serious crime continuing to drop.
And it's much harder to get sick from bad sushi, too. (has to do with aggressive refrigeration.)
So, what's going on? Why is everyone so tense?
The internet doesn't help. Today, bad news anywhere in the world shows up in your browser in seconds. Second, there are people making a full time living (and increasing their power) by scaring us (and not just on Halloween). And lastly, it's human nature. Vivid images have more impact on us than cold statistics. If I had accompanied this post with a picture of someone in a gutter, the 80% decrease in serious wars over a decade would quickly be forgotten.
Optimism is hard. But it's usually worth it."
Thia commentary from Seth Godin's blog:
Today's Globe & Mail reports that over the last 12 years, the number of armed conflicts in the world has gone down by 40% and the number of extremely deadly conflicts (more than 1,000 battle-related deaths) is down by more than 80%.
A different source reports that New York is the safest large city in the US, with serious crime continuing to drop.
And it's much harder to get sick from bad sushi, too. (has to do with aggressive refrigeration.)
So, what's going on? Why is everyone so tense?
The internet doesn't help. Today, bad news anywhere in the world shows up in your browser in seconds. Second, there are people making a full time living (and increasing their power) by scaring us (and not just on Halloween). And lastly, it's human nature. Vivid images have more impact on us than cold statistics. If I had accompanied this post with a picture of someone in a gutter, the 80% decrease in serious wars over a decade would quickly be forgotten.
Optimism is hard. But it's usually worth it."
Monday, October 31, 2005
A Matter of Perspective
I've been reading all over the place how badly things are going for US President Bush - disaster after disaster that now threaten to make his administration ineffectual for the next 3 years.
Along comes Michael Barone with a different take on last week's events.
"George W. Bush's administration has come through what many have been saying would be its worst week, and it has turned out to be -- well, if not one of the best, then one that is far more encouraging than most of the mainstream media expected."
Yes, he actually means that good things happened last week that lay the foundation for the Bush administration to make advances in its agenda.
What a difference in perspective from most of the accounts I've read. Which points out how the overwhelming majority of news reposting is really analysis/opinion pieces, not just factual reporting of events. I suppose it's a part of contemporary society, that we want reporting on the "feeling" of things, how people react to news, and not just the events themselves.
Along comes Michael Barone with a different take on last week's events.
"George W. Bush's administration has come through what many have been saying would be its worst week, and it has turned out to be -- well, if not one of the best, then one that is far more encouraging than most of the mainstream media expected."
Yes, he actually means that good things happened last week that lay the foundation for the Bush administration to make advances in its agenda.
What a difference in perspective from most of the accounts I've read. Which points out how the overwhelming majority of news reposting is really analysis/opinion pieces, not just factual reporting of events. I suppose it's a part of contemporary society, that we want reporting on the "feeling" of things, how people react to news, and not just the events themselves.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Under Rice, Powell's Policies Are Reborn
What is the difference between Rice's success and Powell's failure pushing the same agenda?
In one word: travel.
Colin Powell was a great leader, but had a major weakness as Secretary of State - he didn't like to travel.
Condoleeza Rice seems like she is visiting with a different head of state every other day. What a globetrotter!
Her tireless rounds with world leaders gains her major credibility as the spokesperson for American foreign policy, both inside Washington, in foreign capitols, and in press pages around the world.
In one word: travel.
Colin Powell was a great leader, but had a major weakness as Secretary of State - he didn't like to travel.
Condoleeza Rice seems like she is visiting with a different head of state every other day. What a globetrotter!
Her tireless rounds with world leaders gains her major credibility as the spokesperson for American foreign policy, both inside Washington, in foreign capitols, and in press pages around the world.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Just the Facts, Ma'am by John Leo
Turns out that much of what was reported in New Orleans after the Hurricane was rumor and exaggeration. Is this a postmodern subjectivizing of news - trying to communicate the feeling more than the content?
"Personally, I don’t need reporters to supply righteous indignation. I can handle that on my own. What I need is reporters who separate rumor from fact and just tell me what they know for sure actually happened."
"Personally, I don’t need reporters to supply righteous indignation. I can handle that on my own. What I need is reporters who separate rumor from fact and just tell me what they know for sure actually happened."
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Daggers Drawn Over DVDs
Yes, all the competition over technology formats, like the next generation DVD, make it kind of confusing for the average consumer. What to buy so that my stuff doesn't become obsolete?
But it is kind of fun to watch all the tech and media heavyweights battling it out
And in the end, won't it ALL become obsolete? Something better will definitely come along.
In the meantime, everybody will probably produce everything in multiple formats, and there will probably be price wars that make buying the things more attractive. Can you believe I can buy a 21" TV and a DVD player together for about $120?
The most interesting part of this all to me is how global the technology and media businesses have become. These companies do not represent US vs. Japan vs. Germany or any alignments like that. They are much more multinational.
However, China is still pretty much of an outsider in the global tech arena, and trying hard to catch up to get a slice of the pie as a designer and owner as well as a contractor of technology.
But it is kind of fun to watch all the tech and media heavyweights battling it out
And in the end, won't it ALL become obsolete? Something better will definitely come along.
In the meantime, everybody will probably produce everything in multiple formats, and there will probably be price wars that make buying the things more attractive. Can you believe I can buy a 21" TV and a DVD player together for about $120?
The most interesting part of this all to me is how global the technology and media businesses have become. These companies do not represent US vs. Japan vs. Germany or any alignments like that. They are much more multinational.
However, China is still pretty much of an outsider in the global tech arena, and trying hard to catch up to get a slice of the pie as a designer and owner as well as a contractor of technology.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
The 400 Richest Americans
Now look at this list. 4 of the top 5 are technology fortunes, and 5 of the top 10 are from one family.
How things change and yet stay the same.
1 William H. Gates
2 Warren E. Buffett
3 Paul G. Allen
4 Michael Dell
5 Lawrence Ellison
6 Christy Walton
7 Jim C. Walton
8 S. Robson Walton
9 Alice L. Walton
10 Helen R. Walton
How things change and yet stay the same.
1 William H. Gates
2 Warren E. Buffett
3 Paul G. Allen
4 Michael Dell
5 Lawrence Ellison
6 Christy Walton
7 Jim C. Walton
8 S. Robson Walton
9 Alice L. Walton
10 Helen R. Walton
Another way the internet has changed the world
Adverstising.
The internet is the first real worldwide medium. Now advertisers are putting more and more of their money on reaching web-surfers eyeballs.
Chrysler's internet advertising budget will grow from $200 million in 2004 to $400 in 2006. Wow!
Just a reminder of how rapidly and fundamentally the internet has changed the world.
"Google effectively reinvented online advertising with the targeted, classified-like text links that you now see everywhere. Soaring profits from selling those ads have helped drive Google's stock market capitalization to some $85 billion, making Google the most highly prized media company in the world. But while the old guard is keeping a watchful eye on Google, the company they really fear—and the one advertisers increasingly love—is Yahoo."
The internet is the first real worldwide medium. Now advertisers are putting more and more of their money on reaching web-surfers eyeballs.
Chrysler's internet advertising budget will grow from $200 million in 2004 to $400 in 2006. Wow!
Just a reminder of how rapidly and fundamentally the internet has changed the world.
"Google effectively reinvented online advertising with the targeted, classified-like text links that you now see everywhere. Soaring profits from selling those ads have helped drive Google's stock market capitalization to some $85 billion, making Google the most highly prized media company in the world. But while the old guard is keeping a watchful eye on Google, the company they really fear—and the one advertisers increasingly love—is Yahoo."
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
China Clamps Down
China Clamps Down on Internet News, Blogs - Los Angeles Times
Why do I consider this encouraging? A couple of reasons.
One, the government announced it. For the most part, gone are the days when the government is acting secretly. They know the word is going to get out anyway, so they are trying to "spin" the news themselves. (Remember the SARS coverup and then reaction?) What do western politicians say, stay ahead of the news cycle? They are trying to win the opinion wars with their citizens rather than just controlling what they hear (which they cannot do).
Second, they are developing regulations. For the most part, gone are the days when law enforcement is left up to the whim of local officials. Chinese citizens are demanding more of their government in controlling corruption and standardizing law enforcement.
This is another step in the move toward law-based public regulation, away from bureaucrat-based public regulation.
Are there many more steps to public involvement in shaping legislation? I think it is already happening as government takes into consideration the reactions of its people.
Why do I consider this encouraging? A couple of reasons.
One, the government announced it. For the most part, gone are the days when the government is acting secretly. They know the word is going to get out anyway, so they are trying to "spin" the news themselves. (Remember the SARS coverup and then reaction?) What do western politicians say, stay ahead of the news cycle? They are trying to win the opinion wars with their citizens rather than just controlling what they hear (which they cannot do).
Second, they are developing regulations. For the most part, gone are the days when law enforcement is left up to the whim of local officials. Chinese citizens are demanding more of their government in controlling corruption and standardizing law enforcement.
This is another step in the move toward law-based public regulation, away from bureaucrat-based public regulation.
Are there many more steps to public involvement in shaping legislation? I think it is already happening as government takes into consideration the reactions of its people.
Feng Shui Disharmony
Even in China, Feng Shui Disharmony - Los Angeles Times:
Much of what Overseas Chinese consider "Chinese-ness" was eradicated in China over the past 50 years. Sometimes they are surprised when they travel back to China to find that mainland people think and act differently than overseas Chinese, who have retained more of their cultural roots, including Daoist and Buddhist practices.
However, a lot of these practices are sneaking back in, in China. What was labeled "superstitious" and considered foolish and backwards by the government and more educated people in Chinese cities is now creeping back into everyday life.
This is a sign that government control is loosening over cultural life and beliefs in China (whether actively or passively), and a sign that old beliefs die hard. They may be dormant, but it's hard to eradicate worldview. You may outlaw practices, but the underlying beliefs are harder to get rid of.
"Mao Tse-tung denounced feng shui for its propensity for fraud. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, it was derided as a legacy of China's feudal society. Practitioners often were persecuted. To this day, feng shui masters cannot get business licenses or legally advertise their services in China. People here understand that the practice falls in the category of superstitious activity, which is illegal."
Much of what Overseas Chinese consider "Chinese-ness" was eradicated in China over the past 50 years. Sometimes they are surprised when they travel back to China to find that mainland people think and act differently than overseas Chinese, who have retained more of their cultural roots, including Daoist and Buddhist practices.
However, a lot of these practices are sneaking back in, in China. What was labeled "superstitious" and considered foolish and backwards by the government and more educated people in Chinese cities is now creeping back into everyday life.
This is a sign that government control is loosening over cultural life and beliefs in China (whether actively or passively), and a sign that old beliefs die hard. They may be dormant, but it's hard to eradicate worldview. You may outlaw practices, but the underlying beliefs are harder to get rid of.
"Mao Tse-tung denounced feng shui for its propensity for fraud. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, it was derided as a legacy of China's feudal society. Practitioners often were persecuted. To this day, feng shui masters cannot get business licenses or legally advertise their services in China. People here understand that the practice falls in the category of superstitious activity, which is illegal."
Friday, September 23, 2005
China's Yuppies
Here's a glimpse at the emerging young middle class in Chinese cities.
It's an anecdotal window on their worldview and aspirations, not comprehensive by any means, but still interesting. I think the rest of the world could really benefit from making friends with aspiring Chinese like this who will be the opinion-shapers of their country in coming years.
"Here, indeed, is the key. The "xiao zi" are not rebels; they are optimistic about China's future. But they know China still has huge problems, that there is a dangerous gap between urban well-to-do and the rural poor. They know China's headlong growth carries risks, and that they must compete in a market economy."
They are pragmatic and ambitious, idealistic in many ways but not political idealogues. They want their government to address social problems, but beyond that, they are content to improve their own lives and not get involved in politics or social action.
It's an anecdotal window on their worldview and aspirations, not comprehensive by any means, but still interesting. I think the rest of the world could really benefit from making friends with aspiring Chinese like this who will be the opinion-shapers of their country in coming years.
"Here, indeed, is the key. The "xiao zi" are not rebels; they are optimistic about China's future. But they know China still has huge problems, that there is a dangerous gap between urban well-to-do and the rural poor. They know China's headlong growth carries risks, and that they must compete in a market economy."
They are pragmatic and ambitious, idealistic in many ways but not political idealogues. They want their government to address social problems, but beyond that, they are content to improve their own lives and not get involved in politics or social action.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Shenzhen Rises
Just about anybody who has spent time in China could give you this quote from an article on the birth and growth of Shenzhen:
Said Rick Cui, a computer engineer who bolted Atlanta for a job in Shenzhen two years ago: "Here all anybody talks about is how to make money."
Said Rick Cui, a computer engineer who bolted Atlanta for a job in Shenzhen two years ago: "Here all anybody talks about is how to make money."
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Is Innovation Shifting to Asia?
Seems like more engineering breakthroughs are occurring in Asia. Is it true innovation, will it affect other domains like management and arts, or is it just a technology development?
What's So Great About Two-Party System?
This AP article questions whether the LDP's big win will help or hurt the Japanese political system.
My question is, in this age of globalization, where countries are competing against each other, do governments need internal competition to make them effective?
Can governments like Singapore's and China's and Japan's reform themselves so that their societies improve and citizens are more prosperous because it is in their self-interest, without pressure from a strong opposition party?
My question is, in this age of globalization, where countries are competing against each other, do governments need internal competition to make them effective?
Can governments like Singapore's and China's and Japan's reform themselves so that their societies improve and citizens are more prosperous because it is in their self-interest, without pressure from a strong opposition party?
Reactionary Government
We all know the stories of government waste, like these quoted in Monday's USA Today article, "Some Say Congress Going Overboard on Aid." Groups (like Congress) have a harder time being disciplined than individuals (like heads of agencies) do. There will always be this kind of over-reaction. The important thing is to prepare ahead of time so that the incidents that lead to it are minimized.
"The federal government has a long record of responding quickly to disasters, only to see money diverted for questionable uses that have little or nothing to do with its intended purpose.
"For example, Ervin's successor, acting DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner, is investigating why the government bought new clothing, furniture and appliances after last year's Florida hurricanes for residents of Miami-Dade County, which mostly escaped damage.
"There was waste, as well, in money spent after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve security. Small business loans meant to help recovery from the attacks went to a day care center, a veterinarian's office and a golf course hundreds of miles away in Georgia, the Associated Press found. Grand Forks, N.D., got more biochemical protective suits than it has police officers. And a contractor hired to help find airport screeners drew $5.4 million for nine months' work, according to a federal audit."
"The federal government has a long record of responding quickly to disasters, only to see money diverted for questionable uses that have little or nothing to do with its intended purpose.
"For example, Ervin's successor, acting DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner, is investigating why the government bought new clothing, furniture and appliances after last year's Florida hurricanes for residents of Miami-Dade County, which mostly escaped damage.
"There was waste, as well, in money spent after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve security. Small business loans meant to help recovery from the attacks went to a day care center, a veterinarian's office and a golf course hundreds of miles away in Georgia, the Associated Press found. Grand Forks, N.D., got more biochemical protective suits than it has police officers. And a contractor hired to help find airport screeners drew $5.4 million for nine months' work, according to a federal audit."
Monday, September 12, 2005
Rebuilding America
I've been a big supporter of de-regulation and downsizing of government ever since I started voting in the '70s. But like most Americans, I'm angry at how inept our government appears in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
This opinion in the LA Times criticizes Republicans for demonizing big government. We need to look to government to take the lead in rebuilding our cities, not only in New Orleans. While private enterprise and voluntary organizations are wonderful, we need more of an activist government marshalling their energies, not a passive government waiting for the initiative of others.
This opinion in the LA Times criticizes Republicans for demonizing big government. We need to look to government to take the lead in rebuilding our cities, not only in New Orleans. While private enterprise and voluntary organizations are wonderful, we need more of an activist government marshalling their energies, not a passive government waiting for the initiative of others.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
American Compromise
This article in today's NY Times illustrates one of the shortcomings of Ameican society - how debate and compromise on issues to try and please everybody sometimes leads to solutions that seem to please nobody.
Why do we find a shortage of bold moves by public leaders that create value for American society? Are efforts doomed from the start because of competing opinions in American culture?
Why do we find a shortage of bold moves by public leaders that create value for American society? Are efforts doomed from the start because of competing opinions in American culture?
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Why pop stars don't run the world
"He's very difficult to deal with because he won't agree to things that he doesn't believe he can deliver, although that is very frustrating and annoying and infuriating," Bono told reporters while standing next to Martin. (Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada)
Remember that when you hear Bono agree to something.
Remember that when you hear Bono agree to something.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Poll: 3 in 10 in U.S. Give Tsunami Aid
An issue that I think is often overlooked in news reports of America's contribution to other societies in need, is the strong contributions of Aerican individuals, companies, and charitable organizations.
This report mentions that private giving virtually matches the amount of aid given by the US government for tsunami relief. And I am sure many more dollars are given through countless small chrities in the US that will never be reported or accounted for.
The US has a strong history of charitable giving for social issues, both in its own societies and for other countries in need. Americans believe in personal responsibility and not just relying on the government to act.
I recall an Afghan woman in the US commenting on the different attitude by Americans following the Afghan war - "If I show a picture of starving children to American friends, they will inevitably ask me, 'How can I give?' I never get that response from Europeans or Middle Easterners."
Americans are compassionate and generous, whether it is disaster relief or regime change. They want to get personally involved and help the hurting or oppressed.
Other societies may cynically attribute America's generosity to a desire to gain politically. But if they look at the response of private Americans, I think they need to honestly ask what are the social values that lead to this kind of response from Americans, and why don't we find it as often in other societies?
Yahoo! News - AP Poll: 3 in 10 in U.S. Give Tsunami Aid
This report mentions that private giving virtually matches the amount of aid given by the US government for tsunami relief. And I am sure many more dollars are given through countless small chrities in the US that will never be reported or accounted for.
The US has a strong history of charitable giving for social issues, both in its own societies and for other countries in need. Americans believe in personal responsibility and not just relying on the government to act.
I recall an Afghan woman in the US commenting on the different attitude by Americans following the Afghan war - "If I show a picture of starving children to American friends, they will inevitably ask me, 'How can I give?' I never get that response from Europeans or Middle Easterners."
Americans are compassionate and generous, whether it is disaster relief or regime change. They want to get personally involved and help the hurting or oppressed.
Other societies may cynically attribute America's generosity to a desire to gain politically. But if they look at the response of private Americans, I think they need to honestly ask what are the social values that lead to this kind of response from Americans, and why don't we find it as often in other societies?
Yahoo! News - AP Poll: 3 in 10 in U.S. Give Tsunami Aid
Do the Math: Money Plus Merit Equals Better Teachers
Here's some clear thinking on an emotionally-charged issue.
Could the same rationale be applied to pastors and church planters? That is, that the greatest contributor to the spiritual health of the society is inspiring, devoted, caring pastors that lead with humility, vision, and passion?
Could devotion to God in our churches and society in general be motivated by stronger role models in our churches and Christian ministries? Would our spiritual leaders be strengthened by greater emphasis on their nurture and care by more mature mentors, rather than depending on them to care for themselves as well as for those who follow them?
I am not talking about economic incentives, as he is in the article, however I do think we would benefit by paying greater attention to the development of our pastors.
How could we develop and support systems that would enhance their ability to inspire and care for others and lead the way in greater devotion to God?
Do the Math: Money Plus Merit Equals Better Teachers
Could the same rationale be applied to pastors and church planters? That is, that the greatest contributor to the spiritual health of the society is inspiring, devoted, caring pastors that lead with humility, vision, and passion?
Could devotion to God in our churches and society in general be motivated by stronger role models in our churches and Christian ministries? Would our spiritual leaders be strengthened by greater emphasis on their nurture and care by more mature mentors, rather than depending on them to care for themselves as well as for those who follow them?
I am not talking about economic incentives, as he is in the article, however I do think we would benefit by paying greater attention to the development of our pastors.
How could we develop and support systems that would enhance their ability to inspire and care for others and lead the way in greater devotion to God?
Do the Math: Money Plus Merit Equals Better Teachers
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