Charles Dickens' famous opening sentence continues ... "it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity." More than 150 years later, our business world is possessed of similar contradictions. Sometimes the light you see at…
Today is a day to pause and reflect, if only momentarily, to witness the grand transition of power – peaceably and with dignity and respect – that is at the heart of the American experience. As even a casual student of history understands, the transition of power throughout the world…
I’ve been a little remiss lately, but I’m energized by the flood of information about the woeful TARP plan. The New York Times on Sunday sketched out the results they’ve uncovered, which are abysmal. Isn’t it amazing that in the infinite wisdom of our Washington leadership that they’ve ploughed $350 million into a program full of promise but bereft of results?
First, there is no obligation that the financial institutions receiving the TARP money have to publicly disclose what they’re doing with the money. (more…)
If this doesn't stir up your soul and start a warm feeling running through your blood – check your pulse. You might not still be with us! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM[/youtube] NOTE TO MUSIC FANS: You're in for a treat with Mark Johnson and Jonathan Walls' Playing for Change: Peace Through Music, a…
The North Bay Business Journal, a publication of the New York Times, is a weekly business newspaper which covers the North Bay area of San Francisco – from the Golden Gate bridge north, including the Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa counties.
**********************************************************************************
Article published – January 12, 2009
BUILDING A BUSINESS: It’s ’09: Do you know what your business stands for?
by Lary Kirchenbauer
The night sky is etched in vivid black and white tones, and in the back seat of a chauffeured car prowling the streets of Hoboken, N.J., a lawyer for a mob-connected union boss confronts his brother, Terry Malloy, about testifying against the mob in court.
Malloy, despondent over these threats, is stunned when his brother pulls a gun to emphasize his point. Their relationship had reached a nadir, and Malloy was distraught that his brother helped dismantle his fledgling boxing career. In his dark lament, he delivers the memorable line quoted above – that he “coulda been somebody.”
Our moms also told us to “be somebody” – although our behavior at a particular moment may have altered her tone … “Be somebody better than you’re being right now” or “Get off the couch and quit loafing.” (more…)
I've made several comments about executive pay on The Daily BULL, a favorite subject of our fine friends inside the beltway. As an aside, I'm reminded today that, in return, we need to shed more light on the extraordinary, self-indulgent fringe benefits enjoyed by members of Congress. Stay tuned for…
This year is likely to be a trying time for many of our friends and colleagues as well as ourselves. Let's vow to act urgently when someone calls on us for aid, be positive about the those things we can control and be compassionate when misfortune comes calling. Best wishes…
Some of you may remember my post about the Chanel exhibit celebrating a handbag? The absurdity of celebrating the anniversary of a handbag is the perfect metaphor for the excess consumption - and concomitant problems - that has crippled our economy. The good news is that the tour has been…
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Make sure you spend time with family and friends – and remember that relationships are more important than consumption.