Monday, July 06, 2009
Quote of the Day
Being colorblind doesn't necessarily mean that you don't see color; it means that you discard its influence when you see it.
- Ward Connerly
- Ward Connerly
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Independence Day: Would You Have Signed?
The document is on the table.
Although some of your colleagues are making jokes, each one knows that the signature places the signer's head in a hangman's noose. To sign means you will be regarded as a traitor by the nation that has held your loyalty since birth. Your livelihood may be destroyed and your family doomed to a life of isolation and poverty. Many of your friends and associates will be under suspicion. Others will shun you. Your side, which has feeble and poorly-trained forces, will be fighting the greatest military power in the world. Despite all of the grand talk, the odds of success are small. Even if your side is successful, your new nation will be vulnerable to internal disputes and attacks from predatory powers. This theory of self-government, however attractive, might not work.
It's your turn. Will you sign?
Although some of your colleagues are making jokes, each one knows that the signature places the signer's head in a hangman's noose. To sign means you will be regarded as a traitor by the nation that has held your loyalty since birth. Your livelihood may be destroyed and your family doomed to a life of isolation and poverty. Many of your friends and associates will be under suspicion. Others will shun you. Your side, which has feeble and poorly-trained forces, will be fighting the greatest military power in the world. Despite all of the grand talk, the odds of success are small. Even if your side is successful, your new nation will be vulnerable to internal disputes and attacks from predatory powers. This theory of self-government, however attractive, might not work.
It's your turn. Will you sign?
Quote of the Day
Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.
- George Washington
- George Washington
Friday, July 03, 2009
Editing the Declaration
An excerpt from the "John Adams" series:
Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson discussing an early draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson discussing an early draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Questionable Advice
You've probably heard these tips in your career. They are not always wise.
- "Never turn down an assignment. You'll gain a reputation as a "can do" person and you'll learn something."
- "Fight for the most impressive office. People will judge you on your surroundings."
- "Don't hesitate to speak up at meetings. The most vocal person dominates."
- "Have an open door. Always take time out for people."
- "Keep score on who has gotten what and make sure you get your share."
- "Treat everyone exactly the same."
- "Focus on the results, not the efforts."
- "Don't worry about feelings. Only the numbers matter."
- "Strive to eliminate conflict. Good teams are harmonious."
- "Only act when everything is in order."
Profile: Dr. Doom
Is Nouriel Roubini a one-hit wonder? An excerpt from the Portfolio article:
Now the ridicule has turned into respect, not to mention countless TV appearances, speaking engagements, invitations to testify before Congress, new clients for the consulting firm he runs, and parties packed with young, beautiful admirers. But as the world searches desperately for signs of recovery, Doctor Doom faces his own potential doomsday scenario: If the economy turns up, he could go down as nothing more than a one-hit wonder. Unless he nails it again.
That might be tough. Not only has Roubini been a professional downer for years, his reasoning has frequently been off. He first predicted, incorrectly, that there would be a bust as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and later, again incorrectly, that the economy would tank as a result of trade imbalances. The collapse was initially triggered by subprime-credit problems, and he initially underestimated how devastating they would be. More than a few economists are convinced that Roubini’s call was less a matter of his genius and more about the simple fact that if you forecast a recession often enough, sooner or later you’ll be vindicated. “Nouriel Roubini has been singing the doom-and-gloom story for 10 years,” says Nariman Behravesh, chief economist for IHS Global Insight. “Eventually something was going to be right.”
Now the ridicule has turned into respect, not to mention countless TV appearances, speaking engagements, invitations to testify before Congress, new clients for the consulting firm he runs, and parties packed with young, beautiful admirers. But as the world searches desperately for signs of recovery, Doctor Doom faces his own potential doomsday scenario: If the economy turns up, he could go down as nothing more than a one-hit wonder. Unless he nails it again.
That might be tough. Not only has Roubini been a professional downer for years, his reasoning has frequently been off. He first predicted, incorrectly, that there would be a bust as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and later, again incorrectly, that the economy would tank as a result of trade imbalances. The collapse was initially triggered by subprime-credit problems, and he initially underestimated how devastating they would be. More than a few economists are convinced that Roubini’s call was less a matter of his genius and more about the simple fact that if you forecast a recession often enough, sooner or later you’ll be vindicated. “Nouriel Roubini has been singing the doom-and-gloom story for 10 years,” says Nariman Behravesh, chief economist for IHS Global Insight. “Eventually something was going to be right.”
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Despair Wear
Some unusual t-shirts from Despair.com:
- Community Chest [Too big to fail]
- Social media [Twitter]
- Government Motors [GM]
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