The most advanced passenger jet is finally delivered to ANA. From Seattle to Tokyo, my two most favorite cities
Gig Harbor Parade Near Seattle With Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Musicians
Is China business unbeatable in manufacturing?
That has been the thought of most of the people close to China. Including those of us in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even Seattle for that matter.
It looks like invincible manufacturing power may not the case. We all know in sports, business, and even life, it is always safe to assume that there is someone tougher than you. The outsourced manufacturing mantle has historically passed to the places with the lowest labor costs. It looks like we are beginning to see that happen for China as well.
The BBC reports
China is losing its edge as the world’s cheapest place to manufacture goods, a new report suggests.
Indonesia and Bangladesh are benefiting most as rising costs in China force firms to switch production, it says.
The report by consultants KPMG says that minimum wage levels in China are now four times greater than other places in South and South East Asia.
You can read the full article here.
doing information technology right
“I am busy, but I am not hurried.”
People who execute their jobs like artisans are becoming few and far between. There is a huge market for people who want to work, and do it right.
Apple Computer Has More Money Than The US Government
Very interesting article here.
Of course, common knowledge to anyone in business.
That’s because Apple collects more money than it spends, while the U.S. government does not.
Although it looks like gridlock with the President blaming Congress, and vice versa, we believe that debate is good. This is really getting everyone thinking who wants to.
Entertainment Still Thrives
Even with economic difficulty, entertainment seems to still thrive. Our friends at Cirque du Soleil seems to be on an all out campaign to get more people to Kooza in Ginza, the trendy shopping district of Tokyo.
Wishing The Best To Steve Jobs
It sounds like Mr. Jobs has gone through some pretty serious health issues. We hope that he recovers soon.
From friends that know him, he seems to keep to himself. He has certainly been a market changing personality in business.
My gut feeling is we may lose him. I hope that I am wrong.
The Top Ten Best and Worst Communicators of 2010
(BrightCitizen.com) This is something we look forward to reading each year. The Decker blog makes their conclusions on the best and worst communicators of the year. Here’s that summary-
The 10 Best
1. Sebastián Piñera – Excellence above and below the surface
2. Scott Brown – Refreshing face and voice
3. Sandra Bullock – Grace under pressure
4. Admiral Thad Allen – Rock solid under pressure
5. Marco Rubio – Articulate power makes a new political star
6. Luke Russert – Chip off the old block, beyond his years
7. Buster Posey – Speaks softly, but carries a big stick
8. Elizabeth Smart – Character and maturity
9. Emmitt Smith – A winner at many things
10. Steve Jobs – Just has to be in the Top Ten, again
The 10 Worst
1. Tony Hayward – Appalling
2. Dick Fuld – Never learned
3. Christine O’Donnell, Joe Miller, Alvin Greene – Not ready for Prime Time
4. Gordon Brown – Consistent stumbler
5. Mel Gibson – Rant after rant
6. Jan Brewer – Inconsistent stumbler
7. Eric Massa – How can one believe?
8. Bertha Lewis – Like many under scrutiny, talks with forked tongue
9. Harry Reid – This politician is no stem-winder
10. Obama – Cadence, teleprompters and arrogance gets him here
Check the Decker assessment for 2010 here.
Apple Expands It’s Software Business
Today, US time, Apple will be opening their App Store for Mac.
They’ve got it for the iPhone, iPads, and other iOS devices but this marks the first time you can buy apps for your OSX devices.
What are the implications? Are they trying to control the market? It seems they will certainly become the middleman. Let’s see how it goes.
You can check out their store here.
Playing the Pirates Marketing Game
Disney has done an excellent job of creating a fad. The Pirates of the Caribbean advert promoting there move demonstrates the marketing power they have. They turned a theme park ride into a multi-million dollar brand. Probably why we saw people wearing all sorts of clothing designed with skull and crossbones integrated in the material in 2010. A bit morbid…
This advert in the subway stairwell in Ginza promotes the new movie and their website and probably costs them about $3000 USD. It is promoting Pirates of The Caribbean 4- On Stranger Tides to be releases in March 2011.
It will be interesting to see how long this fad can hang on. Evidently someone is buying it.