Description: Commentary: Starving the government is not patriotic Source: Moneywatch.com Date: 08/12/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ceos-and-tea-partiers-shut-up-and-pay-taxes-2011-08-12 Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments presented. Do you agree with them?
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Where you’ll feel the downgrade
Description: CNNMoney’s Poppy Harlow explains how S&P’s downgrade of the US credit rating may impact mortgages, car and student loans. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/06/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/08/06/n_impact_credit_downgrade.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the expected consequences of the S&P’s downgrade. How would these changes be expected to impact the overall economy? How can this problem… Read more »
Your Smartphone May Soon Be Your Wallet
Description:  Around the world, people use their cellphones to pay for groceries and other retail goods, but the technology has been slow to take hold in the U.S. Google and Visa are among the companies aiming to change that, MarketWatch’s Georgia Wells reports. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 08/02/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/your-smartphone-may-soon-be-your-wallet/2D4AB7BB-2075-41B3-B303-FBDF27502A9B Questions for discussion:… Read more »
Would You Like a Smile With That?
Description: SOMETHING weird is happening inside a Pret A Manger sandwich shop on Broadway in Midtown Manhattan. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 08/06/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/business/pret-a-manger-with-new-fast-food-ideas-gains-a-foothold-in-united-states.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: How is the management of this business different from most other`s in this industry? Do you think their approach will allow the company to succeed?
Carlos Slim Lost About $6.7 Billion This Week as S&P 500 Index Fell 7.2%
Description: The Mexican billionaire’s stock portfolio, measured in U.S. dollars, has dropped about 9.5 percent since July 29 and is valued at about $64.4 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That compares with a 7.2 percent slide in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 08/05/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-05/slim-loses-8-billion-in-four-days-as-mexican-holdings-suffer.html Questions for discussion: What… Read more »
Roaste.com: A Website for Coffee Cognoscenti
Description: The three-year-old online marketplace is selling more java from independent roasters by appealing to opinionated drinkers Source: Businessweek.com Date: 08/04/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/roastecom-a-website-for-coffee-cognoscenti-08042011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in the report. What other marketing ideas would you recommend to these businesses?
Drop in earnings no problem for Amazon
Description: Amazon may sacrifice some profits as it invests, but investors focus more on the big sales increase and a solid outlook. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/27/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/07/27/mkts_am_amazon_0727.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the reasons for the jump in share value even though earnings fell? What does this report suggest about the connection… Read more »
Automakers profitable! Who would have thought?
Description: AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson explains how the car industry is on the road to recovery despite an overall decline in new car sales. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/27/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/07/27/n_ceo_autonation_cars.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the current state of the automobile business. Why are sales improving? Why is the industry so important for… Read more »
The Edison of Silicon Valley
Description: Steve Perlman, Silicon Valley’s self-styled Thomas Edison, has found a way to increase wireless capacity by a factor of 1,000 Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/27/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-edison-of-silicon-valley-07272011.html Questions for discussion: Describe the technological development and why it would be a major breakthrough for the industry. Who would benefit and who would be harmed, if… Read more »
U.S. and Europe Battle Over Carbon Fees for Airlines
Description: Sharply divergent climate change policies on opposite sides of the Atlantic are setting off political fireworks as European environmental regulators prepare to extend their reach across the ocean. Starting Jan. 1, the European Union will require all carriers entering or leaving its airports to either reduce their emissions or pay a charge  whether… Read more »
