To those of you in that predicament, I propose a simple trick, inspired from my hero of the moment. I'd simply ask myself “How would Obama deal with that?” More on this later... 
The City should learn from that fiasco, make sure that the deliverables meet the objectives set and take appropriate precautions as similar projects are developed in the future.
These days, washers and dryers are downright... Beautiful. Their organic, rounded styling and their stunning colors make them sculptures you'd want to have in the middle of your living room, not inside your laundry! The problem with these handsome appliances is that their price mirror their sheer beauty. A great marketing ploy to get more money from consumers. Go to the any appliance website and compare an old fashion washer-dryer sets with its space-age counterparts. You'll see that if you're willing to double the investment, you can upgrade a trip back into the 1950's well into the 21st century!
I'm now in the middle of two projects that have rocked my mind and that wake me up at night with a flood of ideas I fall for. Don't get me wrong, no one has given me an award yet, it's just my own self-satisfaction at work. At any rate, I'm impressed to see that there's still a good supply of creativity left in me. Hopefully, that should carry me for another decade or two...
With what was nothing but a “glorified” station wagon, perhaps a bit more rugged and with more ground clearance, manufacturers realized they could significantly raise their prices and their profits just by giving the driver a more commanding view... Will the re-invention of the American auto industry return to basic common sense and re-legitimize the good old station-wagon?
Of course, this is solely seen from your own perspective, it's your very own time and it's the most valuable to you. The service rendered, due perhaps to your continuously improved skills might be better too, but chances are your client or boss doesn't see it in quite the same light. At any rate whether you're able to sell you time for more or not, you're now warned; it's awfully precious. Starting today, don't squander it anymore!
In trying moving things forward, there is always an ample of supply of reasons for not acting that never fail to come up. People have different values, are working from different agendas and operating at different speeds. All these variations create the kind of interferences that can jam up the gear box and bring everything to a complete stop. 
Lastly, if you are convinced that innovation and leadership are indeed the right things to do at a particular moment, it's no longer acceptable to delay their implementation. The “we'll do it later approach” is never acceptable as it constitutes an open door for not doing what we ought to. Instead, if it can physically get done now, it should. Call it “implementation as you go” if you will, but that simple habit hoists you up faster, affirms your leadership and overtime builds your competitive advantage...
When asked about how they deal with the current crisis, leaders, whether they're in business or politics, seem to focus on how they're minimizing the blow to the area they're responsible for, how they've been able to salvage what they had and how they've beaten the “average.” Nothing inspiring; they simply want to impress us on how they've been able to cover their rear-end and made it almost unscathed, so far... 
My wife and I have always sorted out the best of both worlds - the American “new” and the European “old” - and made a successful run with the “blend” we picked for ourselves. Straddling different cultures and customs and making the wisest choice possible between their respective attractions isn't always easy, but when exercised with some discipline and a clear sense of direction, it can lead to priceless benefits.
I am not talking here about reciprocation or some other situations where the decision of the other party is either leveraged by something dubious like a threat or some form of manipulation. Instead, I am suggesting the sound argument made in favor of a worthwhile idea that may be little known but can bring appreciable benefits. 
to have problems has been with my email application, in that case the Microsoft program called Outlook. After losing enough data each time I switch computer, I've decided to put an end to that “dysfunctional relationship” and consolidate all my communication into a web-based email service. It's been a hard job to funnel and rebuild all my available information into this new home, but with this done, I'm now feeling like born again. Beware of the Outlook trap!
...turn into a full blown depression? That's quite possible. People are scared, they've quit consuming and they've never been so down in years. The current situation is a good illustration that we the people have become our own worst enemies. What's needed now is some credible inspiration. Can Obama do it? Probably not, as all of his political capital is riding on what he says and he simply can't afford to make promises he won't be able to keep. What's needed is a creative initiative that can transmute all that negative energy of inertia into some positive action leading to a dynamic societal change. Has anyone got a good suggestion?
off-piste options accessible through a short hike. The Canyons win that one and this is another compelling reason for connecting the two mountains!
As I was ready to go back and seek more medical advice, just a week ago, it disappeared exactly as it came; suddenly, abruptly and without any warning or even easing out. My attempts to switch sleeping position didn't help a bit and the only plausible explanation is that the voodoo master who pricked me on the chest got tired of me and realized that I was so full of tricks that it wasn't fun anymore. At least that my diagnostic...
This way, when my new computer “kicks the bucket,” I won't have to struggle transferring addresses and retrieving my old email. In going into each account, I've found a few “good” email messages lumped into the “junk” folder. I've fixed the problem and addressed the missed message, but the lesson learned is that with multiplicity comes responsibility and I need to do a much better job managing my plural email accounts...
We all had an evening session during which we discussed and sifted through over 500 pictures. All went well as the various participants worked seamlessly together and brought their sincere attitudes and best perspectives into the process. Although it lasted for about three and a half hours, It went by quickly and effectively as we moved forward swiftly, by respecting each others and by letting enough good humor filter through the entire session. We're not out of the woods though and have much more work waiting for us this weekend...
There is a huge quantity of information I considered important that is now sitting in the old, dead computer forever. I'll never see it again and will forget it soon because I actually don't need it so badly. I'm now in the process of turning the page and by so doing discovering new ways to accomplish some of the tasks I'd always done without thinking much. After two days of feverish work I now know much more about my new computer and feel a little better. In fact, I start appreciating the newness and the new personality of my electronic companion. I don't feel totally reborn yet, but am now somewhat hopeful!
You need to change old habits, learn something new, give up old acquaintances and procedures - in one word, endure a major transformation. In fact, this kind of incident is what makes you realize that it's not just your old trusted administrative assistant that went belly-up, but a big part of yourself. You try to reload some programs that could sound trivial to others but are important to you – a sure sign that there's some clinging to the past - and realize they won't work anymore... I always sing the merit of personal re-invention, but now realize that I hate the process. Change remains a cruel exercise no one is ever looking for!
drove down to Salt Lake City, found a new computer and paid a premium to have the data transferred on the spot as tomorrow is Easter. Not the best way to buy, not much in terms of comparison shopping, but what else can you do, when resurrection is the only element that counts!
Two days ago I was discussing the practical aspect of successfully implementing a concept or gaining acceptance for an idea. There is the direct method of charging bull like a bull that rams into the subject without much preparation or strategy; that one albeit quick never produces much in terms of positive results. At the other end of the spectrum, there is an orchestrated “planting of the seed” that hopefully will grow, germinate and pretty soon invade its surrounding at everyone’s surprise. That’s a process that I’m eager to better understand and develop when it’s appropriate to bring new and strong ideas everyone can use and profit from. 
It’s a lot easier to be set in some way and never change course than being flexible, nimble and going with the flow. This approach requires more adapting but is also so much more fun. It means that everyday is different, every mistake is a learning experience and every hurdle a challenge that needs to be overcome. Call is adaptability if you prefer, but this form of espousing the changing reality of each new day truly is a gift that becomes priceless as time goes on…
A friend of mine who knows of my interest for economic topics just sent me some information on a book titled “20 proposals to reform capitalism.” Over the years, there have been heaps of books displaying similar names like “7 this or 12 that…” Every time, the cover looks appealing, the number well-rounded or suggestive, some of the ideas can be terrific, but not always the 12 twelve listed on the cover... 
According to Bruno Cercley, its president, the group aims to breakeven within 2 years, yet without closing any of its current production sites in France, Spain or Italy, hoping instead to build on their strengths. Just like for GM, these moves may prove to be “too little, too late” for Rossi. With the management unwilling to make courageous decisions, like consolidating ski manufacturing, cutting the number of models, changing its overall paradigm and embracing risks that these changing times demand, this may prove to be too mild a medicine. 
but was also instrumental in making the Portes du Soleil ski interconnect possible between 8 French and 4 Swiss neighboring mountain resorts. For his two latter achievements, nothing was easy and for the downhiller, co-credited with Georges Joubert for inventing and perfecting the “tuck” ski position, there was lots of obstructionism, jealousy and pettiness from locals to fend off along the way to building his vision. At any rate Jean, you’ve achieved it beautifully now and can be proud of yourself; heartfelt congratulations!
All became clear this past week when Bruce Rogers from Sun Valley, Idaho was skiing at Deer Valley Resort with a friend. He was skiing powder snow in the trees, when he suddenly stopped to catch his breath and survey the terrain. Suddenly a strange feeling swept all over him. The snow beneath his skis was moving and sucking him into the ground like quicksand. Rogers had stopped over a patch of snow sitting on top of what was the opening of a historic mine tunnel that was not accounted for. 
groomed runs to provide for enchanted skiing and the very best conditions of the years. In just 8 days, our local Park City mountains will all close for the season on a very high snow note, thanks to Mother Nature’s generosity and in spite of a terrible economic undertone…
around the world and as everyone becomes more mobile, this kind of situation is likely to becomes more the norm than the exception and brings a totally new dimension in the world of relationships; namely, the wonderful luxury to be just one smile and one hug away…
As anticipated, the G20 didn’t bring the expected powerful medicine to the bedside table of the international finances and economies. The $1.1 trillion help package isn’t much in view of a global GDP in the $70 trillion range and pales in comparison with the couple of trillions that the US has already pumped into its domestic rescue effort. 
it’s perhaps time for some fresh approach. Just like the prohibition of the early previous century, the “war on drugs” is a pipe dream and is never going to be “won.” I’ve long been a proponent of drug legalization and taxation as well as rehabilitation of drug users instead of jail time. 
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