Here is a very interesting article regarding consumption, obesity, America, and some of the issues we face. I think it is important to note that we, as Americans, are all Fat and Obese in our own right. It may not be in the proverbial spare-tire waist that is so common throughout our country, but it may be in our consumption, attitudes, lifestyles, vehicles (read SUVs), clothing, enetertainment, etc. From the article, it states:
"According to the latest Pew Global Attitudes survey, a comprehensive opinion poll of public attitudes in America and 16 other countries, the USA is routinely seen as greedy by Western publics. For example, 67 per cent of the Dutch, 64 per cent of Britons and 62 per cent of Canadians see Americans as greedy. Perhaps most striking of all, 70 per cent of Americans see their fellow compatriots as greedy (10)."
This survey result is striking, yet understandable. I've travelled throughout Europe and Asia, and I've been in discussion with folks about our consumption. Our consumption is synonymous with greed in a lot of the world. And, I can't necessarily dispute that assertion. It is true, we, as a society, have become very greedy. We consume like there's no tomorrow. The amount of waste a given individual produces in a year in the U.S. is phenomenal. I don't know the exact numbers, but I recall articles I've read that cited the tonnage consumed per person, and it is high. However, I have to agree strongly with the article that consumption truly is the mark of a better standard of living, not worse. As such, as the article says, all should "aim to be fat Americans".
But, it is still critical that we ask ourselves if all our consumption is necessary. Can we curb it? Should we curb it? Is there an argument that an increase in consumption isn't necessarily bad; however, that increase needs to be in moderation. Excess consumption is not appropriate, regardless of our standard of living, and how Fat or Phat we try to live.
In reference to the issue of world hunger cited in the article (namely 815 million of the world populous received insufficient nutrition in 2002), I think the greater issue is not the ability to produce enough food to solve world hunger. World hunger will be solved, not by the developed world producing food and shipping it over (as there is an inherent flaw with this theory), but in growing the food in the respective countries, and teaching the local people proper farming techniques. The inherent flaw with shipping food over from the developed to the undeveloped world is the lack of infrastructure. The undeveloped third-world countries simply do not have the necessary infrastructure in place to distribute the food and get it to the people who need it most. And, until a better infrastructure is put in place, the problem will persist. When governments are corrupt, and guerillas intercept food supplies, and the roads simply suck, and there aren't sufficient vehicles to transport the food, and the heat spoils the food, and there is no orderly distribution network, how can we ever expect to solve the problem by growing more food in the developed world!? It doesn't make sense.
However, teaching proper farming techniques, and then empowering the farmers to implement the techniques, will have a lot more powerful effect on solving the problem of hunger. In addition, and I know this is a sore spot for many, GMOs promise a level of solution yet to be realized. Today, crops can be modified to be more resilient, stronger, more productive, in a shorter time through genetic modification and manipulation. But, the caveat with GMOs is the increased price of the seed. In these third world countries, farmers simply don't make the proper margins to be able to afford GMOs.
So, once again, the wheel continues to spin without moving forward or back.
The Article
Friday, September 09, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
New iPod Nano
Apple has done it once again. They've introduced their new iPod Nano. Much cooler than the shuffle. Frankly, I think the shuffle is kind of a joke in many ways. It leverages the iPod brand name, but that's about all
it does. It really is no different than any other flash player out there.
Now the iPod Nano, on the other hand, is saweet!!
Available in 2GB and 4GB models. They will retail for $250 & $200 respectively. It incorporates the wonderful click wheel on the larger iPods. In addition, it has a color screen allowing for viewing of photos, or the current music album you are listening to.
Apple owns the mp3 player market with 53% of the market, and with the new Nano, they'll probably hold on to that lead.
Pics courtesy of: Apple and Cnet
Age Expectancy
I'm supposed to live to the age of 87.9 years old. WooHoo!!!
Check out this site by Aging Research
They have a quiz you can take that will then calculate your life expectancy based on current habits, trends, gender, ancestry, etc.
Hopefully this quiz will motivate many to take better care of themselves.
Check out this site by Aging Research
They have a quiz you can take that will then calculate your life expectancy based on current habits, trends, gender, ancestry, etc.
Hopefully this quiz will motivate many to take better care of themselves.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Katrina Blog, from Downtown New Orleans
Here's a blog by the CEO of DirectNIC.com who's offices are located in downtown New Orleans. They have a myriad of photos and an ongoing blog about the progress, developments, etc. in the massive cleanup after Katrina.
Here are the photos
Here's a link to the Blog
Here are the photos
Here's a link to the Blog
Future Retail Business Opportunities
I was visiting with a friend the other night, and we were discussing the developments in the retail space and the ramifications of ecommerce on more traditional brick-and-mortar. Now, we all know that the internet craze of the late 90s was a little left-of-center when everyone was forecasting the doom of brick-and-mortar. However, I think there will continue to be some level of doom for the traditional brick-and-mortar as we know it today.
Think about it, I'm in my mid-20s, and I make over 50% of all my consumer purchases online. Why? Because it is faster, more convenient, 95% of the time cheaper, and I don't have to pay for gas (see my rants below on gas prices). But, even more important with my purchases, I many times still physically experience the product before making a purchase. In other words, many times I'll visit traditional brick-and-mortar retail locations to learn more about the product, handle it, and look it over. Then, I go home, on the net, and find the lowest price and make a purchase.
Come on, this behavior is nothing new. Almost everyone I know does similar things with their purchases. Many brick-and-mortar mom-and-pop shops complain of this kind of behavior. But, in my mind, this behavior presents a business opportunity. Consumers will always want to physically interact on some level with the product before making a purchase. So, if many brick-and-mortars are going to struggle because of increasing purchases online. Then, where and what is the way to allow consumers an opportunity to touch, feel, taste, smell etc. the product before making the purchase.
How can you blend the benefits of the brick-and-mortar, with the convenience and price of ecommerce. Perhaps offering a line of credit to customers, allowing them to "demo" a product for a period of time before choosing to buy it or return it? I can see it now, an ecommerce retail site offering their customers the opportunity to order, receive, and experience the product in person before having to decide whether or not if they want to purchase it. If, after a set time, say 15 days, the customer doesn't return the product, the ecommerce site automatically bills their line of credit. Otherwise, the customer returns the product. Or, even better, the customer then ships the product to another customer, who has requested the same product and wants to "experience" it before making a purchasing decision. Thus, creating a community where customers "share" with eachother.
Customizable, community-driven, customer experiences. Just think!!
Customer Made is huge!!
Think about it, I'm in my mid-20s, and I make over 50% of all my consumer purchases online. Why? Because it is faster, more convenient, 95% of the time cheaper, and I don't have to pay for gas (see my rants below on gas prices). But, even more important with my purchases, I many times still physically experience the product before making a purchase. In other words, many times I'll visit traditional brick-and-mortar retail locations to learn more about the product, handle it, and look it over. Then, I go home, on the net, and find the lowest price and make a purchase.
Come on, this behavior is nothing new. Almost everyone I know does similar things with their purchases. Many brick-and-mortar mom-and-pop shops complain of this kind of behavior. But, in my mind, this behavior presents a business opportunity. Consumers will always want to physically interact on some level with the product before making a purchase. So, if many brick-and-mortars are going to struggle because of increasing purchases online. Then, where and what is the way to allow consumers an opportunity to touch, feel, taste, smell etc. the product before making the purchase.
How can you blend the benefits of the brick-and-mortar, with the convenience and price of ecommerce. Perhaps offering a line of credit to customers, allowing them to "demo" a product for a period of time before choosing to buy it or return it? I can see it now, an ecommerce retail site offering their customers the opportunity to order, receive, and experience the product in person before having to decide whether or not if they want to purchase it. If, after a set time, say 15 days, the customer doesn't return the product, the ecommerce site automatically bills their line of credit. Otherwise, the customer returns the product. Or, even better, the customer then ships the product to another customer, who has requested the same product and wants to "experience" it before making a purchasing decision. Thus, creating a community where customers "share" with eachother.
Customizable, community-driven, customer experiences. Just think!!
Customer Made is huge!!
GM still not seeing the light & Gas Prices
GM still doesn't seem to quite get it. They have now successfully introduced a vehicle, the HHR a successfully whopping 4 years after its competition was introduced, the PT Cruiser by the in-its-own-right infamous DaimlerChrysler. In fact, I've read that the development & design of the HHR was actually headed up by the same guy that headed up the PT Cruiser. At any rate, welcome to the table, GM, 2.5+ years after the hot demand for the PT Cruiser has tapered off.
To add further hurt to the whole situation, GM is now readying the launch/introduction/further downward spiral/self-suicide of their redesigned, next-gen gas-hogs, their SUVs. And, Katrina definitely doesn't help the situation given the incredible jump in fuel prices. GMs own research suggests that "gasoline prices must rise to $2.50 to $3 a gallon for a sustained period to change vehicle-buying decisions" (source). Well, GM, welcome to Katrina, a dip in oil supply, and an ever-increasingly-consumption-driven US consumer who demands more and more, at lower and lower prices. I'm sorry, but SUV sales simply won't be where they were before given the economic conditions we are in. Seriously, average gas prices have been well over $2.50 for over half a year now. GM's nonluxury SUV sales are off 27.2%. That's over 1/4 of their total sales!! Let's do the math, full-size truck sales has grown 16.7% over the last 6 years. Naturally, GM's revenues and profits from that segment have increased in-line with the growth. However, in less than one year, their sales in the same segment is now off 27.2%.
OK, come again. It took 6 years for the segment to grow less than 17%, yet, in less than a year, GM's sales are now off by 27.2%. What it took 6 years to grow, in less than a year GM has dropped by 150% off the respective growth.
GM (and Ford) wake up!! The SUV craze appears to be finally dwindling. Consumers are now regaining their brains, and buying vehicles that actually make sense.
Don't get me wrong, I like many aspects of SUVs. But, it's only a matter of time before American consumers realize they don't need to experience 13mpg to go pick up their obesity-rich McDonalds Value Meal (supersized, nonetheless).
To add further hurt to the whole situation, GM is now readying the launch/introduction/further downward spiral/self-suicide of their redesigned, next-gen gas-hogs, their SUVs. And, Katrina definitely doesn't help the situation given the incredible jump in fuel prices. GMs own research suggests that "gasoline prices must rise to $2.50 to $3 a gallon for a sustained period to change vehicle-buying decisions" (source). Well, GM, welcome to Katrina, a dip in oil supply, and an ever-increasingly-consumption-driven US consumer who demands more and more, at lower and lower prices. I'm sorry, but SUV sales simply won't be where they were before given the economic conditions we are in. Seriously, average gas prices have been well over $2.50 for over half a year now. GM's nonluxury SUV sales are off 27.2%. That's over 1/4 of their total sales!! Let's do the math, full-size truck sales has grown 16.7% over the last 6 years. Naturally, GM's revenues and profits from that segment have increased in-line with the growth. However, in less than one year, their sales in the same segment is now off 27.2%.
OK, come again. It took 6 years for the segment to grow less than 17%, yet, in less than a year, GM's sales are now off by 27.2%. What it took 6 years to grow, in less than a year GM has dropped by 150% off the respective growth.
GM (and Ford) wake up!! The SUV craze appears to be finally dwindling. Consumers are now regaining their brains, and buying vehicles that actually make sense.
Don't get me wrong, I like many aspects of SUVs. But, it's only a matter of time before American consumers realize they don't need to experience 13mpg to go pick up their obesity-rich McDonalds Value Meal (supersized, nonetheless).
Friday, September 02, 2005
BzzAgent Research
I don't know if you are familiar with BzzAgent, but it's a slick WOMM (Word Of Mouth Marketing) firm that has legions of evangelists who go around proselyting for various products in a "marketing campaign". The firm leverages the power of word of mouth through their evangelists, and, as such, are able to help companies introduce or push products in a more unique, personal way. After all, you are more likely to receive product advice from a friend to influence your purchasing behavior than you are a magazine or TV ad. Well, for you technical folk out there, here is a link to a white page, research done by Dr. Walter Carl of Northeastern University.
Link to the White Paper THE VALUE OF MANAGED WORD-OF-MOUTH PROGRAMS
Link to the White Paper THE VALUE OF MANAGED WORD-OF-MOUTH PROGRAMS
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Dad's Birthday
Today is my dad's birthday. I just wanted the world to know that he's the coolest dad in the world. He is an incredible example to me and I really look up to him in so many ways.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Climbing Kings Peak in Utah
So, I just returned from a weekend trip climbing Kings Peak in Utah. Kings Peak is the tallest peak in Utah, sitting at a phenomenal 13,528 feet. Yeah, I know, I'm hardcore. Actually, the climb is pretty straightforward, and not overly difficult. Other than being in decent physical shape, there really aren't any other requirements to climb this mountain. The round trip is anywhere from the low 20s to about 29 miles, depending on which route is chosen.
While hiking out to Dollar Lake, my brother spranged his ankle. So, the following day, when we hiked out to ascend Kings Peak, we decided to climb up the shortest route, or Anderson Chute. Anderson Chute takes you up to the saddle that then leads up to the Peak. It took us approximately one hour to ascend the Chute. The chute is the most technical of the three options for getting to the saddle. However, after having done botht he trail and the chute, let me tell you, always do the chute. The trail simply takes too long. We finally summitted the peak, only to find storm clouds overhead and quite a bit static. We were shocking eachother, the rocks, and our hair was buzzing. Needless to say, we got off the summit ASAP. The weather was very sporadic. It was quickly alternating between sun, rain, and snow. But, sure enough, once we got off the peak, and started hiking the trail back, and the sun came out to bake us all the way back to camp. Once we arrived at camp, however, it started to pour rain. The trail back, which loops around the backside of the mountain simply takes phenomenally too long. I strongly recommend both ascending and descending through Anderson's chute. Considering my brother had a spranged ankle, he commented that he would have been able to descend the chute.
The image is taken from Summitpost.org. This image is taken of in the valley where dollar lake is. The trailhead is north of this area and you hike south into the valley. In the image, you can see Andersons Chute on the left, right below the peak furthest left. The peak furthest left is Kings Peak.
It's a sweet climb, and I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
The World
Check this out. A land development company in UAE is master planning/developing a set of 300 islands in the shape of "The World ". These islands will consist of various resorts, hotels, fauna, villages, homes, etc. Hurry up, and you too can be an investor in this unique development. I've never been to UAE, but, from a friend, the sand there is incredible. I wouldn't mind my own unique island retreat on The World.
What money can buy. . .
What money can buy. . .
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Postsecret Blog
Well, I've been away from my blog for a little while. Sorry? That is, if anyone even reads it at this point. (all indicators point to "no") At any rate, I found this incredible website of mortal people experiencing mortal life realizing mortal issues, and yet being so human in their expression. Essentially, it is a blog where people mail in secrets they have never told a soul. For many, it is a release from the secret as soon as they share it. While for others, it appears to be an ever darkening fall into their depression, addiction, disorder, etc.
Check it out: Postsecret Blog
Check it out: Postsecret Blog
Friday, June 03, 2005
Follow up on my Hip Hop Marketing comment below
Hip hop is truly a veritable force for marketers to be reckoned with. Hip Hop culture pervades our society on so many levels. If you notice, most new cars have rims at least 16-17 inch in diameter. Now, I'm not saying that Hip Hop culture is the sole cause of this. However, surely big rims, dubs, daytons, etc. have pushed the envelope of how big rims can go. Arguably, auto racing motorsports have pushed larger rims, but not to the sizes we see today.
But, the whole image of Hip Hop has revolutionized everything from fashion, automobiles, to design. If you watch MTV , VH1, BET , and other programs, they have many Hip Hop influenced threads throughout their programming.
Marketers need to stand at attention. However, and more importantly, companies in all industries need to become aware that segmenting out target markets with Hip Hop elements can prove very fruitful to their ability to capture new customers.
I think as we move forward, we will see an incredible amount of "niche markets" being successfully exploited and developed. This means new opportunity for new businesses. Small businesses tend to be significantly more agile and responsive than larger businesses. Less than ten (10) years ago, hip hop culture was just starting to come up as a force of influence. Now, it pervades many aspects of everyone's life. What has happend with hip hop on a macro scale is the example of what is going to happen on a more micro, niche oriented scale.
Some of my supporting reasons for my "niche markets" claim include:
1. The internet. The internet is incredible in its scope and power. It can truly change the world, and has. Get a computer in the hands of a Citizen of a Communist country, and they will see, through the internet, that their Communist way is not the best. The internet, thus, will allow more and more companies to market their products to more and more segmented niches for a lower and lower cost.
Shoot, TV advertising is losing its luster and effectiveness with the advent of TiVo. Not to mention that men aged 18-24 spend more time online than they do in front of the tube, plasma, liquid crystal, or whatever you watch.
2. Trends of consumers. As the world becomes one global marketplace through various technologies, including the internet, there will be an increasing demand, by consumers, to have unique product that sets them apart. In many ways, it is beautiful how we are becoming one global marketplace. However, this globalization will somewhat sterilize the once-uniqueness of brands, and result for more uniqueness.
Recently I was reading how the demand/sales for pro-athlete footwear has gone down. Have consumers become numb to the marketing line of "If a pro wears it and endorses it, then I should too"?
3. In Seth Godin's book, "Purple Cow" book, he argues that all the big products that satisfies the whole nation and/or world are already here and done. We need to specialize, differentiate, and find niches to exploit. Stay focused on a niche, and screw the rest. If you can't conquer a market niche, what makes you think you can conquer the whole nation as a market? Maybe your product that you are married to isn't as good as you thought.
In visiting with a friend on this topic, he mentioned a story about a Q&A session Harley Davidson hosted at a recent trade show. Many of their avid, loyal fans questioned their marketing strategy and complained that Harley could get a lot more business if they'd quit solely targeting baby boomers and go after the whole motorcycle crowd. The senior executive for HD replied, "We haven't even converted 5% of the baby boomer market, let alone the rest of the motorcycle crowd!" Duh, there's a reason HD struggled until lately. Because they didn't have a target, niche market to exploit.
As an aside, baby boomers are a great opportunity. You have a market retiring with more money than any retirees previous, with more disposable income, longer life expectancy, and a higher level of health. All those attributes combined result in a very lucrative market with a lot of opportunity.
4. Technology, combined with globalization, will allow more products, produced in lower quantities, available to solve more unique problems. As more of the world converts to the web, the ease of inventors, entrepreneurs, and others will ease the connection of high-quality IP with a capable manufacture in a developing country to manufacture the product.
You can see that the basic thrust of my argument is that technology, namely the internet, is going to further revolutionize the consumer, how they live, and what products they buy. As such, figuring out a way to create more unique, niche oriented products can open an enormous window of opportunity for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and business.
But, the whole image of Hip Hop has revolutionized everything from fashion, automobiles, to design. If you watch MTV , VH1, BET , and other programs, they have many Hip Hop influenced threads throughout their programming.
Marketers need to stand at attention. However, and more importantly, companies in all industries need to become aware that segmenting out target markets with Hip Hop elements can prove very fruitful to their ability to capture new customers.
I think as we move forward, we will see an incredible amount of "niche markets" being successfully exploited and developed. This means new opportunity for new businesses. Small businesses tend to be significantly more agile and responsive than larger businesses. Less than ten (10) years ago, hip hop culture was just starting to come up as a force of influence. Now, it pervades many aspects of everyone's life. What has happend with hip hop on a macro scale is the example of what is going to happen on a more micro, niche oriented scale.
Some of my supporting reasons for my "niche markets" claim include:
1. The internet. The internet is incredible in its scope and power. It can truly change the world, and has. Get a computer in the hands of a Citizen of a Communist country, and they will see, through the internet, that their Communist way is not the best. The internet, thus, will allow more and more companies to market their products to more and more segmented niches for a lower and lower cost.
Shoot, TV advertising is losing its luster and effectiveness with the advent of TiVo. Not to mention that men aged 18-24 spend more time online than they do in front of the tube, plasma, liquid crystal, or whatever you watch.
2. Trends of consumers. As the world becomes one global marketplace through various technologies, including the internet, there will be an increasing demand, by consumers, to have unique product that sets them apart. In many ways, it is beautiful how we are becoming one global marketplace. However, this globalization will somewhat sterilize the once-uniqueness of brands, and result for more uniqueness.
Recently I was reading how the demand/sales for pro-athlete footwear has gone down. Have consumers become numb to the marketing line of "If a pro wears it and endorses it, then I should too"?
3. In Seth Godin's book, "Purple Cow" book, he argues that all the big products that satisfies the whole nation and/or world are already here and done. We need to specialize, differentiate, and find niches to exploit. Stay focused on a niche, and screw the rest. If you can't conquer a market niche, what makes you think you can conquer the whole nation as a market? Maybe your product that you are married to isn't as good as you thought.
In visiting with a friend on this topic, he mentioned a story about a Q&A session Harley Davidson hosted at a recent trade show. Many of their avid, loyal fans questioned their marketing strategy and complained that Harley could get a lot more business if they'd quit solely targeting baby boomers and go after the whole motorcycle crowd. The senior executive for HD replied, "We haven't even converted 5% of the baby boomer market, let alone the rest of the motorcycle crowd!" Duh, there's a reason HD struggled until lately. Because they didn't have a target, niche market to exploit.
As an aside, baby boomers are a great opportunity. You have a market retiring with more money than any retirees previous, with more disposable income, longer life expectancy, and a higher level of health. All those attributes combined result in a very lucrative market with a lot of opportunity.
4. Technology, combined with globalization, will allow more products, produced in lower quantities, available to solve more unique problems. As more of the world converts to the web, the ease of inventors, entrepreneurs, and others will ease the connection of high-quality IP with a capable manufacture in a developing country to manufacture the product.
You can see that the basic thrust of my argument is that technology, namely the internet, is going to further revolutionize the consumer, how they live, and what products they buy. As such, figuring out a way to create more unique, niche oriented products can open an enormous window of opportunity for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and business.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
My Rant on GM
I'm sure most of you know that GM, and Ford's, credit rating has been downgraded to Junk. Surprise, Surprise!! As a somewhat avid automobile enthusiast, alright, I'm an addict, but don't even start me on Subarus, seeing their credit score plummet through the floor is no surprise. I think the problem can be directed to a few causes.
1. Uninspiring design. Seriously, who thinks the new Chevy Malibu is a smash hit? Fleet cars, here we come!!! Again. And what about the incredibly hideous, almost on par with the Asstek, Uplander . Until GM beefs up its design, they ain't goin' nowhere. Cadillac simply can't carry the whole company. (At least they are moving in the right direction by removing their underperforming brands like Oldsmobile.
2. Too much overhead. Now, I'll admit, I haven't pored over their financials, however, GM spends in excess of $3 billion a year on advertisements. That's advertisements alone. OK, now I understand that they are the World's Largest Automobile Manufacturer, but come on, that's $3.5 billion trying to push crappy product on a consumer that won't buy it. Not to mention the current ad campaign pushing the 1 million+ people that rely on GM (retirees included) for an income. But, if they have 1 million relying on them, maybe the problem was developing long before now. Management just failed to figure things out.
But, alas, the U.S. government will probably bail out the Big 3, or 2, if necessary. Though, Bush recently said that he wouldn't help because "the big 3 need to learn how to compete with the competition" (this is paraphrased, as I can't find the article where I read this). But, and I can't remember where I read this, over 10% of the U.S. population's jobs rely on the automotive industry. Which means that the Government, for sake of national security, would probably do something to help out the ailing big 2. At a minimum, Kudos to Chrysler for having such a successful smash with their 300C and Magnum. I mean, this stuff is bling, it's even showing up in Rap videos.
All together now, "Hip hop culture is here to stay and a veritable force for fashion, trends, and lifestyle." At least most marketers are now realizing this.
1. Uninspiring design. Seriously, who thinks the new Chevy Malibu is a smash hit? Fleet cars, here we come!!! Again. And what about the incredibly hideous, almost on par with the Asstek, Uplander . Until GM beefs up its design, they ain't goin' nowhere. Cadillac simply can't carry the whole company. (At least they are moving in the right direction by removing their underperforming brands like Oldsmobile.
2. Too much overhead. Now, I'll admit, I haven't pored over their financials, however, GM spends in excess of $3 billion a year on advertisements. That's advertisements alone. OK, now I understand that they are the World's Largest Automobile Manufacturer, but come on, that's $3.5 billion trying to push crappy product on a consumer that won't buy it. Not to mention the current ad campaign pushing the 1 million+ people that rely on GM (retirees included) for an income. But, if they have 1 million relying on them, maybe the problem was developing long before now. Management just failed to figure things out.
But, alas, the U.S. government will probably bail out the Big 3, or 2, if necessary. Though, Bush recently said that he wouldn't help because "the big 3 need to learn how to compete with the competition" (this is paraphrased, as I can't find the article where I read this). But, and I can't remember where I read this, over 10% of the U.S. population's jobs rely on the automotive industry. Which means that the Government, for sake of national security, would probably do something to help out the ailing big 2. At a minimum, Kudos to Chrysler for having such a successful smash with their 300C and Magnum. I mean, this stuff is bling, it's even showing up in Rap videos.
All together now, "Hip hop culture is here to stay and a veritable force for fashion, trends, and lifestyle." At least most marketers are now realizing this.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
Howdy, this is my start
Hello world. Here's the beginning of a blog that I hope will be helpful, insightful, and very informative. I am a nut for knowledge. I tell people that I have an insatiable craving for constant knowledge. But, truly, knowledge doesn't do much for you until applied. Once applied, it becomes wisdom that can then be used over and over again. But, enough philosophy for now.
I'm currently an unemployed vagabond with many ambitions, ideas, etc. I'm currently developing a few business ventures of my own. These include:
1. A footwear technology I invented early on (read, when I was in 5th Grade). And,
2. Outsourcing business to China.
Hopefully, through this process, I can get the ball rolling and make some career progress.
I recently returned from a trip to China where I visited with various manufacturers, including visiting a shoe manufactory. Needless to say, understanding the manufacturing process of shoes helped to alleviate the apprehension I have regarding my idea. See how powerful applied knowledge can be!?
So, I'll keep ya'll posted on the progress and development of the technology. USPTO , here we come!!
I'm currently an unemployed vagabond with many ambitions, ideas, etc. I'm currently developing a few business ventures of my own. These include:
1. A footwear technology I invented early on (read, when I was in 5th Grade). And,
2. Outsourcing business to China.
Hopefully, through this process, I can get the ball rolling and make some career progress.
I recently returned from a trip to China where I visited with various manufacturers, including visiting a shoe manufactory. Needless to say, understanding the manufacturing process of shoes helped to alleviate the apprehension I have regarding my idea. See how powerful applied knowledge can be!?
So, I'll keep ya'll posted on the progress and development of the technology. USPTO , here we come!!
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