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Rolling Stones

admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:36:21 +0000

Wired China

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:52:10 +0000

In the Atlantic by James Fallows (How the West Was Wired) October, 2008. The article details the difficulties of surviving in western China. The authors list several obstacles such as isolationism, poverty and a lack of education. Mr. Fallows highlights the work of college classmates Sayling Wen and Kenny Lin and their lofty goal of modernizing western China by connecting isolated areas with major cities via the internet. The duo succeeded on many fronts including the construction of a major business resort and the creation of a “Town and Talent” center focused on training citizens for life in major eastern cities. The “Town and Talent “centers have accomplished some goals. Abstract by Traci Turreo

Childhood Vaccination Elimination

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:31:13 +0000

In Mother Jones by Arthur Allen (Vaccine Skeptics vs. Your Kids) September/October, 2008. The author investigates the current trend by many parents of not vaccinating their children against common diseases such as whooping cough and measles. Reasons given for not vaccinating includes distrust of doctors, the supposed link to autism and a higher educational attainment level; Child vaccination supporters’ point to the success of aggressive vaccination requirements that have all but eliminated many childhood diseases from the industrialized world. Abstract by Teal McAllister

Boardroom Secrets

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:32:53 +0000

Facing Off with Facebook

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

That was the decision I made not long ago when our IT guy came to give me a report on how much bandwidth is going to Facebook. Texas poker games on company time? Great.

It’s not like we can take away the Internet, either. We need that for working and getting things done… that is, when the workers are getting more done than who has friended who or which SuperWall has the best scribble.

So I opened my own Facebook page. I sat down and made sure it looked great, company logo and all, and then I started looking for people in the office. Sure enough, I found a few. Well, it wasn’t long before we were all playing Vampire. I let everyone have a great time with it for three days, and then I called a meeting out of the blue.

I told everyone that it had been a lot of fun and thanked them, then I said that if they wanted to keep it up, I’d grant them a half hour break a day just to play. If they abused it, we’d have to shut the Internet down.

Guess what? It worked. Everyone gets a break now, people have their fun, and then they go back to work with a fresh mind. More work is being done and the mood has lightened up around the place. Can’t complain about that!

Minds vs. Money

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:19:20 +0000

In Fortune by Geoff Colvin (Brains vs. Brawn) 8, September, 2008. The author uses the piece in an attempt to prove his belief that intellectuals will always trump economic issues in our society. Mr. Colvin compares several “Brain vs. Brawn” items such as commodities, steel, microprocessors, pharmaceuticals, movies, clothing and automobiles. Mr. Colvin concludes that a smart investor can make money on a lucky commodity guess while a smart businessperson can always innovate and create new products. Abstract by Tina Wells

Green-Up Research

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:19:29 +0000

In the Economist by the Economist (The World in a Test Tube), 4, September, 2008. The authors investigate problems associated with the technology of climate change. The once promising development of Hydrogen cell vehicles are highlighted through an in-depth look at three significant problems: 1) the lack of hydrogen filling stations, 2) the cost of constructing hydrogen vehicles and 3) the amount of carbon dioxide produced from creating hydrogen. The impact and limitations of geo-engineering on combating global warming were discussed such as limiting research as it may cause more problems and thus give politicians a reason for ignoring the issue all together. Abstract by Steven Kamack

Canadian Sunbelt

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:26:15 +0000

In the Wall Street Journal by June Fletcher (Meet the Nouveaux Neighbors) 5, September, 2008. Florida and Arizona are becoming “Canada South” as Canadians flock to sunshine destinations in search of summer homes. A recent report indicated that a third of the real estate sells in Florida and Arizona were purchased by Canadians. Reasons given for the southern migration include the rising Canadian dollar, a strong housing market, and escalating home equity—properties in Canada grew by an amazing 11% in 2007 and are expected to rise an additional 5% for 2008. The influx of Canadians to Sunbelt states has allowed for the transfer of foreign traditions such as traditional foods and languages. Abstract by Steve Kramer

Crumbling Republicans

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:04:49 +0000

In the Rolling Stone Magazine by Sean Wilentz (How Bush Destroyed The Republican Party) 4, September, 2008. The article chronicles various troubles associated with President Bush and the Republican Party. Several recent incidences are highlighted including Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the indictment of DeLay, the fall of Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, the famous Mission Accomplished speech and the decision to polarize the threat of terrorism. The article also mentions the significance of the 2000 Republican Party Presidential race between Bush and McCain. Other figures mentioned include Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales and Karl Rove. Abstract by Tim Wells

Aqua Farm

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:10:48 +0000

On Scientific American.com by John Matson (Angling for a Better Way to Farm Fish—And Vegetables, Too), 28, August, 2008. Mr. Matson investigates the growth of “aquaponics” a type of farming that incorporates fish farming and hydroponic agriculture—the fish serve as the fertilizer and the plants serve as water purifiers. The main idea behind the concept is to mass produce food while limiting the environmental impacts. Opponents of the process point to the large amounts of fossil fuels needed to keep the systems running and the constant care required to assure the system is operating properly. Abstract by Brett Weblow

Poor Healthcare

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:38:22 +0000

In The Economist by the Economist (The Price of being Well), 28, August, 2008. The Economist investigates the completeness of a world health report commissioned by the World Health Organization. The report concludes that income is not the only contributing factor to health. Other things such as social, political and economic factors that have little direct influence on health play a significant role in determining if children live to their full lifespan. The authors provide several suggestions for improving the health of people in poor countries such as improving the quality of everyday life for women and children, investing in childcare and education and providing better working conditions. Abstract by Karen Flower