Are you concerned about inflation, a recession, or even a depression in the early 21st Century? If you are concerned about either one or the real possibility of all the economic woes that potentially face the United States you are surely not alone as more and more people find they are having real trouble paying their mortgages and putting food on the table as money dries up, home values plummet, grocery prices escalate and petroleum prices sky rocket.
America's economic picture is driving the election primaries of both parties as well as the independents. As Tip O'Neill once opined, all politics are local. If your perception is, "it's the economy stupid" you want one candidate. If housing prices are holding in your neighborhood, you want another candidate.
It was not many days ago that our collective major concern was the War in Iraq and American service members scattered around the world in harms way as Islamic Jihadists swore their destruction. If you have a son, daughter, wife, husband, mother or father on their fourth or fifth tour of duty with the United States Military in Iraq as the Tennessee Mountain Man and Computer Man do that may well remain your driving force and you probably support yet another candidate. But it appears to be more and more clear that across the board, America's primary concern in the 2008 election year rightly or wrongly is the economy.
There is a raging disagreement between those well heeled gurus in the know who live on the upper side of town about whether or not we are in a recession. Many on the Fox Business Channel seem to believe we are and that Chairman Ben Bernanke of the United States Federal Reserve Bank is behind rather than in front of the curve. Bernanke disagrees although he did seem to tell congress in middle January, 2008, that we could be in danger of sliding in that direction.
The federal government apparently agrees with the view that a recession is imminent if not in full throttle otherwise why would the captain of the ship be ordering the life rafts deployed with all haste. Both political parties are rushing to get cash back in the hands of the people hoping they will spend it on new purchases driving the economy forward.
Grand ma who was already having a problem deciding whether to buy the medicine her doctor prescribed or the food her body needed and who remembers the great depression don't have any doubts. She has seen the horse and buggy, the model T, the iron horse, the air plane, Sputnik, the man in the moon and a man on the moon and air conditioning (although she can't afford any) replace the funeral home fan along with a recession or two in her life time, and she knows a recession when it comes roaring through her family.
Since Grand ma knows little to nothing about GNP/GDP. She basis her observations on the real life of real Americans struggling to survive, not on the fancy mathematical maneuvering and stats of professors and practitioners isolated in their ivory towers or professional politicians lost in the bowels of government hidden inside the Washington Beltway.
The truth is real people are hurting. There is plenty of blame to go around and probably more than one solution to the recession issue. It is after all a complicated issue, and some business types like auto manufacturers and home builders are hurting more than others.
It does not help that we have shipped so many manufacturing jobs off shore and over taxed and imposed other burdens on businesses to the point many have been forced to either close their doors or move their operations outside the United States.
Remote Helpdesk 1 has seen many businesses come and go over the years. We have seen a recession or two ourselves, and we have learned that there are some fairly safe options for entrepreneurs during an economic turn down. In fact there are some who do much better in tough times.
Tired of punching a clock, lost your job or just want to be your own boss? In bad times there are always ways to thrive if you are perceptive and agile. Never feel that because a recession is under way that there are no opportunities for you.
You might want to consider one of these: the health industry, collections, funeral parlor, auto repair, used furniture outlet, used clothing and household items store, pawn shops also thrive in such times, tutoring, selling on an online auction, internet ad business... use the computer between your shoulders as well as the one on your desk to come up with options.
If you are already in business, this is not the time to become despondent. It is time to drive forward. You can't sit and wait for your ship to come in. There are opportunities! Increase advertising, get more personally involved in your community and your church and business and professional organizations, slash your prices to bare bones if you need to, visit current and dormant accounts and customers and make sure they know you are still around and that you appreciate them.
Remember, we have been here before. You are not going through this alone. It is cyclical, and this too shall pass. In the mean time, make up your mind to enjoy the ride. You have little choice but to take the trip so determine to arrive stronger, happier, and richer as a result of the experience that God, in His wisdom has allowed you to conquer with His provision and guidance.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
South Africa - I demand
It has been a dark week in South Africa and for once it has nothing to do with the local energy supplier. A racist video has surfaced and negative images have flashed across the globe and the international media have turned on the country saying that our purported “transformation” is only a façade. The country is hurting.
Compare this to the way the UK’s national pride has swelled this week when the story broke that Prince Harry had quietly been going about his duties in Afghanistan for the last 2 months. The “Brits” are proud of the prince because he proved he is a true leader – he could have stuck his head down and done drills on a UK base – instead he accepted the responsibility of being a leader and walked out with the rest of the troops to do battle.
Last night I sat around a table where there were 3 highly qualified engineers all taking their skills out of the country. None of them wants to go but the lack of leadership around tackling socio-economic problems is a worry for them. They can live with a bit of crime, they can live with electrical problems now and then – they can’t live with uncertainty.
This editorial is a not a “soft and fluffy” filler piece – it’s a damn battle cry for THE LEADERS in this country to stand up. I’m not talking about politicians – they are not leaders. Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma are not leaders until they show they can lead. When they step up to the plate and start acting like leaders they cease to become mouthpieces, until they can do that they don’t feature. Jacob Zuma – if you want to lead this country down the line – you go and get in the trenches with everyone else.
I am talking to the principals at the school who are developing the minds of the next generation of young South Africans, I am talking to the business owners who are losing skilled staff and whose very livelihoods depend on their businesses being successes. I am talking to Alan Knott-Craig of I-Burst – damn straight sir – you lead – you tell your staff why SA is the best place on earth.
Ordinary South Africans – you have the same responsibility. Make demands of your leaders. If your business holds weekly staff meetings then you demand that your boss steps up and tells you every reason why you SHOULD be here and contributing to the. If you are a pupil in a school you demand that your principal takes responsibility for pushing your education and for inspiring you to learn more.
Before readers turn to me and say its very difficult to become inspired by this when they are being attacked in their own homes, taxed to death, frightened of what the next president might do and having their businesses crippled by electricity supply issues. I’ve also been shot at, I’ve also lost a bucket load of business at the end of last year but I refuse to accept it. We have a responsibility to ourselves to show our generation can and will lead.
We need to look at ourselves. We are quick to blame and complain but when was the last time we volunteered and gave something back? When the electricity crisis hit how many of us made any effort to change to energy savings globes? We sat around blaming people and not taking the responsibility to make a difference by finding ways to conserve energy. We show plenty of “ingenuity” by making and distributing spoof videos but we can’t do the same for education material? What about all these people who complain about crime – when was the last time you got involved in a community development or neighbourhood community forum? Hell when was the last time you actively went out and made a donation to a charity that your own business or school didn’t organise?!
An article cannot change the way a community thinks. What it can do is it can make its own demand of the leaders in this country. If one leader can inspire those around him then this concept will be “paid forward” to the next leader and so on
South Africa – demand your leaders in all walks of life stand up and lead – the true measure of them is not how they perform when things are easy and business is successful. They are measured how they perform in adversity.
Compare this to the way the UK’s national pride has swelled this week when the story broke that Prince Harry had quietly been going about his duties in Afghanistan for the last 2 months. The “Brits” are proud of the prince because he proved he is a true leader – he could have stuck his head down and done drills on a UK base – instead he accepted the responsibility of being a leader and walked out with the rest of the troops to do battle.
Last night I sat around a table where there were 3 highly qualified engineers all taking their skills out of the country. None of them wants to go but the lack of leadership around tackling socio-economic problems is a worry for them. They can live with a bit of crime, they can live with electrical problems now and then – they can’t live with uncertainty.
This editorial is a not a “soft and fluffy” filler piece – it’s a damn battle cry for THE LEADERS in this country to stand up. I’m not talking about politicians – they are not leaders. Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma are not leaders until they show they can lead. When they step up to the plate and start acting like leaders they cease to become mouthpieces, until they can do that they don’t feature. Jacob Zuma – if you want to lead this country down the line – you go and get in the trenches with everyone else.
I am talking to the principals at the school who are developing the minds of the next generation of young South Africans, I am talking to the business owners who are losing skilled staff and whose very livelihoods depend on their businesses being successes. I am talking to Alan Knott-Craig of I-Burst – damn straight sir – you lead – you tell your staff why SA is the best place on earth.
Ordinary South Africans – you have the same responsibility. Make demands of your leaders. If your business holds weekly staff meetings then you demand that your boss steps up and tells you every reason why you SHOULD be here and contributing to the. If you are a pupil in a school you demand that your principal takes responsibility for pushing your education and for inspiring you to learn more.
Before readers turn to me and say its very difficult to become inspired by this when they are being attacked in their own homes, taxed to death, frightened of what the next president might do and having their businesses crippled by electricity supply issues. I’ve also been shot at, I’ve also lost a bucket load of business at the end of last year but I refuse to accept it. We have a responsibility to ourselves to show our generation can and will lead.
We need to look at ourselves. We are quick to blame and complain but when was the last time we volunteered and gave something back? When the electricity crisis hit how many of us made any effort to change to energy savings globes? We sat around blaming people and not taking the responsibility to make a difference by finding ways to conserve energy. We show plenty of “ingenuity” by making and distributing spoof videos but we can’t do the same for education material? What about all these people who complain about crime – when was the last time you got involved in a community development or neighbourhood community forum? Hell when was the last time you actively went out and made a donation to a charity that your own business or school didn’t organise?!
An article cannot change the way a community thinks. What it can do is it can make its own demand of the leaders in this country. If one leader can inspire those around him then this concept will be “paid forward” to the next leader and so on
South Africa – demand your leaders in all walks of life stand up and lead – the true measure of them is not how they perform when things are easy and business is successful. They are measured how they perform in adversity.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
World Magazine
World Magazine is a biweekly full colored English publication of U.S. This is one of the most prestigious and renowned magazines of the world. World magazine believes in the philosophy of “The Truth is Truth”. World Magazine is engaged in reporting authentic news in its original form based on truth. Since its first published edition, the World magazine has maintained the reputation of its name.
The contents being published in World Magazine is always independent of any influence or inhibition from any political parties or interest group, or celebrity influence. No matter, who is in the context of news, they only publish the news of people’s interest. They don’t even hesitate in criticizing U.S. President. All news, sections, featured columns, and stories are result of extensive research and expertise of its correspondents.
Even the advertisements published in World magazine follow all the strict neutral principles of magazine. Any kind of influenced news content, public addressing or press releases are avoided. The World magazine has proved itself as voice of general public, always fighting for truth, and it has been always criticizing the administration for corruption or its bad moves which might affect people.
The World magazine always looks for challenging, informative and suggestive stories rather than just glamorous or fashion based content. Although, magazine covers all aspects of the news: national, international, cultural, politics, business, medicine, science, technology, and sports. There are regular featured columns written by prominent correspondents.
The World Magazine claims, “We stand for factual accuracy and biblical objectivity, trying to see the world as best we can the way the Bible depicts it. Journalistic humility for us means trying to give God's perspective. We also distinguish between journalism and propaganda: We're not willing to lie because someone thinks it will help God's cause.”
The exclusive nature of news contents and magazine’s commitment to provide the best in terms of news makes it people’s favorite. People love to read their favorite magazine. The best way to ensure your copy of this prestigious magazine is to take subscription.
You can subscribe for world magazine on MagazineLand.com, that too at cheap discounted news stand’s price. Magazine Land is a one stop source for all kinds of magazine subscriptions. You can get your favorite magazine on a much less price.
The contents being published in World Magazine is always independent of any influence or inhibition from any political parties or interest group, or celebrity influence. No matter, who is in the context of news, they only publish the news of people’s interest. They don’t even hesitate in criticizing U.S. President. All news, sections, featured columns, and stories are result of extensive research and expertise of its correspondents.
Even the advertisements published in World magazine follow all the strict neutral principles of magazine. Any kind of influenced news content, public addressing or press releases are avoided. The World magazine has proved itself as voice of general public, always fighting for truth, and it has been always criticizing the administration for corruption or its bad moves which might affect people.
The World magazine always looks for challenging, informative and suggestive stories rather than just glamorous or fashion based content. Although, magazine covers all aspects of the news: national, international, cultural, politics, business, medicine, science, technology, and sports. There are regular featured columns written by prominent correspondents.
The World Magazine claims, “We stand for factual accuracy and biblical objectivity, trying to see the world as best we can the way the Bible depicts it. Journalistic humility for us means trying to give God's perspective. We also distinguish between journalism and propaganda: We're not willing to lie because someone thinks it will help God's cause.”
The exclusive nature of news contents and magazine’s commitment to provide the best in terms of news makes it people’s favorite. People love to read their favorite magazine. The best way to ensure your copy of this prestigious magazine is to take subscription.
You can subscribe for world magazine on MagazineLand.com, that too at cheap discounted news stand’s price. Magazine Land is a one stop source for all kinds of magazine subscriptions. You can get your favorite magazine on a much less price.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Electricity - Right or Privilege?
Without blowing my own horn – am I the only one who doesn’t think that this Eskom price hike is the worst thing in the world?
The Problem – Eskom does not have enough capacity to meet the countries demands - resulting in blackouts and the now infamous term of “load-shedding”.
The Solution – build more infrastructure to cope with the demand.
The South African response – GASP! You can’t do that because us consumers are already battling away here and this is just going to hit us harder… but we still want electricity and when we don’t get it we are going to complain.
A lot of South Africans have been very surprised to learn that we currently enjoy some of the lowest electricity tariffs in the world. Even post these price hikes we will still be attractive compared to other countries.
So Eskom gets, say a 60% price hike which is inevitable – if you want electricity that is what it is going to cost. However this raises two issues for me:
1. What are they going to do with the billions that will go into their coffers?2. Who exactly do these increases get applied to?
Where is the money going?If the money is just going to go into commissioning another old coal plant then it is just money being wasted. One must remember that Eskom has two more plants already coming online and these will meet South Africa’s grid demands by the end of 2008. A new coal plant being commissioned in 2010 will not make an iota of difference to consumers now.
However if Eskom were bright they would start addressing one of the major problems which is HOW South Africans are using their electricity and how Eskom is supporting these consumers.
Bluntly:- Their call-centre is kak and consumers are going nuts in the dark trying to figure out what is happening- Eskom do not have maintenance skills and regimes in place to maintain the infrastructure they do have – I do not mean to be facetious but with the maintenance issues the company has been having, one cannot help but imagine monkeys running around the power plants trying to work out what is wrong.- It should be a priority exercise to remove all non “energy-saving” bulbs from houses and from circulation in shops. If this had been done 5 years ago we would not be experiencing at least 30% of the problems that we are seeing now- Establishment of gas and nuclear energy infrastructure as well as alternative energy systems to take non priority stuff off the grid- Instead of criticising business and mines for their consumption and telling them to stop working so hard so that Eskom can recover – they should be working with these guys to subsidise independent energy supplies for the mines that don’t pull from the centralised grid – mines can go on churning out revenue and making money without being a strain on the electricity supply.
Who do these increases get applied to?This I think is the crux of my argument. The trade unions and politicians all came out very aggressively saying that these price hikes were unacceptable and going to hurt consumers – blah blah blah. It became something of a political hot potato and Eskom apparently took a step back and was being quoted in newspapers as saying that these increases will not be applied to the lower income consumers.
This is where I become a bit grumpy.
Is electricity a right or a privilege? The way Eskom is talking at the moment electricity is a privilege – if I want electricity in my house or business then I must pay for this. This is fine but then it is a privilege for everyone not just those who can afford it.
If it is a basic human right then it must be subsidised by somebody and not me subsidising somebody else.
I am not sure how true it is but I know when the load-shedding was at its worst a few people I know joked that it is better for them to go back into the townships because at least there they knew they got a regular, reliable electricity supply. If this is true then it grates me big time.
At the end of the day – I have no issue with the increases – the reality is that South Africans have been spoilt and Eskom has been mismanaged. Now when the cracks eventually become too big we are shocked by the big increases. I do however have an issue with the way the increases are to be utilised and I hope that Eskom and government come out with a proper and fair strategy that South African consumers can understand and accept.
The Problem – Eskom does not have enough capacity to meet the countries demands - resulting in blackouts and the now infamous term of “load-shedding”.
The Solution – build more infrastructure to cope with the demand.
The South African response – GASP! You can’t do that because us consumers are already battling away here and this is just going to hit us harder… but we still want electricity and when we don’t get it we are going to complain.
A lot of South Africans have been very surprised to learn that we currently enjoy some of the lowest electricity tariffs in the world. Even post these price hikes we will still be attractive compared to other countries.
So Eskom gets, say a 60% price hike which is inevitable – if you want electricity that is what it is going to cost. However this raises two issues for me:
1. What are they going to do with the billions that will go into their coffers?2. Who exactly do these increases get applied to?
Where is the money going?If the money is just going to go into commissioning another old coal plant then it is just money being wasted. One must remember that Eskom has two more plants already coming online and these will meet South Africa’s grid demands by the end of 2008. A new coal plant being commissioned in 2010 will not make an iota of difference to consumers now.
However if Eskom were bright they would start addressing one of the major problems which is HOW South Africans are using their electricity and how Eskom is supporting these consumers.
Bluntly:- Their call-centre is kak and consumers are going nuts in the dark trying to figure out what is happening- Eskom do not have maintenance skills and regimes in place to maintain the infrastructure they do have – I do not mean to be facetious but with the maintenance issues the company has been having, one cannot help but imagine monkeys running around the power plants trying to work out what is wrong.- It should be a priority exercise to remove all non “energy-saving” bulbs from houses and from circulation in shops. If this had been done 5 years ago we would not be experiencing at least 30% of the problems that we are seeing now- Establishment of gas and nuclear energy infrastructure as well as alternative energy systems to take non priority stuff off the grid- Instead of criticising business and mines for their consumption and telling them to stop working so hard so that Eskom can recover – they should be working with these guys to subsidise independent energy supplies for the mines that don’t pull from the centralised grid – mines can go on churning out revenue and making money without being a strain on the electricity supply.
Who do these increases get applied to?This I think is the crux of my argument. The trade unions and politicians all came out very aggressively saying that these price hikes were unacceptable and going to hurt consumers – blah blah blah. It became something of a political hot potato and Eskom apparently took a step back and was being quoted in newspapers as saying that these increases will not be applied to the lower income consumers.
This is where I become a bit grumpy.
Is electricity a right or a privilege? The way Eskom is talking at the moment electricity is a privilege – if I want electricity in my house or business then I must pay for this. This is fine but then it is a privilege for everyone not just those who can afford it.
If it is a basic human right then it must be subsidised by somebody and not me subsidising somebody else.
I am not sure how true it is but I know when the load-shedding was at its worst a few people I know joked that it is better for them to go back into the townships because at least there they knew they got a regular, reliable electricity supply. If this is true then it grates me big time.
At the end of the day – I have no issue with the increases – the reality is that South Africans have been spoilt and Eskom has been mismanaged. Now when the cracks eventually become too big we are shocked by the big increases. I do however have an issue with the way the increases are to be utilised and I hope that Eskom and government come out with a proper and fair strategy that South African consumers can understand and accept.
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