Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett on Thursday became the first person to fly around the world solo without stopping or refueling ? 67 hours and 23,000 miles after taking off in his spindly-looking, experimental jet.
Milwaukee’s Income Growth Lags Region, Nation
Household income in the Milwaukee area remained below national and regional averages through 2003, according to figures released Thursday, the result of an economy battered by recession and changes in how the nation does business.
Greenspan Backs a Consumption Tax
“Many economists believe that a consumption tax would be best from the perspective of promoting economic growth – particularly if one were designing a system from scratch – because a consumption tax is likely to favor saving and capital formation,” Mr. Greenspan said.
But the Fed chairman warned that shifting to a new system would raise difficult “transition issues,” and he cautioned against “going for purity” in any kind of tax overhaul.
Telco’s have failed US on Broadband
Broadband is the perfect example. The private market has failed the US so far. At the beginning, we led the world in broadband deployment. But by 2004, we ranked an embarrassing 13th. There are many places, like Philadelphia, where service is lacking. And there are many places, like San Francisco, where competition is lacking. The result of the duopoly that currently defines “competition” is that prices and service suck. We’re the world’s leader in Internet technology – except that we’re not.
Google & Microsoft
People are Talking…
Quite a bit of conversation over at www.schoolinfosystem.org Johnny Winston, Jr. adds some interesting notes on Eugene Parks.
SBC Pushes Municipal WiFi Ban in Texas
A Texas legislator has filed a massive telecommunications bill in Austin this session that, in part, bans Texas cities from participating in wireless information networks. SBC Communications said cities should be allowed to offer wireless Internet access in public places, such as parks and libraries. But a company spokesman said they should not directly compete with private enterprises by providing services to residents and businesses.
SBC is our local monopoly telco provider.
How Marketing Drives Pharmaceutical Sales
I’ve always wondered about the utility of drug advertising. Every now and then, I’ll drive by a billboard that says “Ask your doctor about Bextra”. Having no idea what Bextra (insert name of drug here) is, I’m amazed that these efforts pay off at all.
Bernadette Tansey digs into the drug industry’s marketing practices.
Jim
Huge Selection of New & Used CEO’s
Computer generated advertising is…. funny. Here’s a screen shot of a Google Adsense series of advertisements, including an Ebay offer: Chief Executive Officers: Huge Selection of New & Used on one of my blog entries. Maybe this is the right approach to the problem of severely overpaid CEO’s, auction them off on ebay….
Customer Service 101 – Midwest Airlines
I hope Milwaukee based Midwest Airlines continues to survive the industry’s turmoil. They do provide great service (and actually respond to email, what a concept….).