Beliefs
Scandanavian Nonbelievers, Which Is Not to Say Atheists (New York Times Permalink)
By PETER STEINFELS Published: February 28, 2009
Americans may believe that a society with little religion would be immoral. Phil Zuckerman, a sociologist, found the opposite in Denmark and Sweden.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Generation B: Boomers in Line , ,
In frigid temperatures, mid-career job applicants wait to be seen by prospective employers.
What Are You Doing? Media Twitterers Can’t Stop Typing
The TV Watch (New York Times Permalink)
What Are You Doing? Media Twitterers Can’t Stop Typing
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY Published: February 28, 2009
The Internet has revolutionized society by giving anyone — including journalists — an instant and unfiltered outlet for self-expression.
What Are You Doing? Media Twitterers Can’t Stop Typing
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY Published: February 28, 2009
The Internet has revolutionized society by giving anyone — including journalists — an instant and unfiltered outlet for self-expression.
Friday, February 27, 2009
In hard times, more U.S. women try to sell their eggs
In hard times, more U.S. women try to sell their eggs
(Source Reuters)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Drawn by payments of up to $10,000, an increasing number of women are offering to sell their eggs at U.S. fertility clinics as a way to make money amid the financial crisis.
Nicole Hodges, a 23-year-old actress in New York City who has been out of work since November, says she has decided to sell her eggs because she desperately needs cash.
"I'm still paying off college. I have credit card bills and, you know, rent in New York is so expensive," Hodges, who has been accepted as donor and is waiting to be chosen by a couple, told Reuters Television.
Hodges said there was also some satisfaction in helping an infertile couple have a child. "Yes, the money is very nice, but it's nice to be able to let a mother who wants to be a mother be a mother," she said.
Fertility organizations across the country said there had been a growing interest. The Center for Egg Options in Illinois has seen a 40 percent increase in egg donor inquiries since the start of 2008.
New York City's Northeast Assisted Fertility Group said interest had doubled and the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine said it had received 10 percent more inquiries.
The Reproductive Science Center of New England, which does not deal directly with egg donors, said it had gone from no inquiries to now receiving several a month.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends that total payments to donors be capped at $10,000.
Read more...
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE51Q3LB20090227
(Source Reuters)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Drawn by payments of up to $10,000, an increasing number of women are offering to sell their eggs at U.S. fertility clinics as a way to make money amid the financial crisis.
Nicole Hodges, a 23-year-old actress in New York City who has been out of work since November, says she has decided to sell her eggs because she desperately needs cash.
"I'm still paying off college. I have credit card bills and, you know, rent in New York is so expensive," Hodges, who has been accepted as donor and is waiting to be chosen by a couple, told Reuters Television.
Hodges said there was also some satisfaction in helping an infertile couple have a child. "Yes, the money is very nice, but it's nice to be able to let a mother who wants to be a mother be a mother," she said.
Fertility organizations across the country said there had been a growing interest. The Center for Egg Options in Illinois has seen a 40 percent increase in egg donor inquiries since the start of 2008.
New York City's Northeast Assisted Fertility Group said interest had doubled and the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine said it had received 10 percent more inquiries.
The Reproductive Science Center of New England, which does not deal directly with egg donors, said it had gone from no inquiries to now receiving several a month.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends that total payments to donors be capped at $10,000.
Read more...
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE51Q3LB20090227
Is Alternative Energy a Giant Capital Pit?
Alternative Energy Is a Giant Capital Pit, Kedrosky Says: "There's No There There"
Many green energy advocates say the annual $15 billion of related spending in Obama's plan isn't nearly enough, while critics say so-collared green-collar jobs are a myth and, regardless, won't do much to help an unemployed machinist in the Rust Belt.
Investor and blogger Paul Kedrosky of Ten Asset Management says such debates miss the broader point: Unlike during the growth of computers, when the industry coalesced around the Mac and Windows OS, there is no agreed upon alternative energy platform. As a result, nobody really knows how much money we need - or don't need - to invest in clean tech, which he says is more akin to drug discovery (biotech) vs. traditional tech.
Many green energy advocates say the annual $15 billion of related spending in Obama's plan isn't nearly enough, while critics say so-collared green-collar jobs are a myth and, regardless, won't do much to help an unemployed machinist in the Rust Belt.
Investor and blogger Paul Kedrosky of Ten Asset Management says such debates miss the broader point: Unlike during the growth of computers, when the industry coalesced around the Mac and Windows OS, there is no agreed upon alternative energy platform. As a result, nobody really knows how much money we need - or don't need - to invest in clean tech, which he says is more akin to drug discovery (biotech) vs. traditional tech.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
London Fashion Week with sofeminine.co.uk
London Fashion Week
Invitations to Schwab’s show came with inbuilt 3D glasses which saw the audience peering through them to see 3D marble prints popping out from the curvaceous dresses. Featuring tulip-shaped skirts, waist-cinching belts and slash details, the collection gave a nod to the 1950s and was a true celebration of women’s curves.
http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/news/luxury/n28528.html
Invitations to Schwab’s show came with inbuilt 3D glasses which saw the audience peering through them to see 3D marble prints popping out from the curvaceous dresses. Featuring tulip-shaped skirts, waist-cinching belts and slash details, the collection gave a nod to the 1950s and was a true celebration of women’s curves.
http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/news/luxury/n28528.html
Japan's 40 Richest
Special Report
Japan's 40 Richest
(Forbes: Tatiana Serafin, 02.18.09, 10:00 PM EST)
Even the soaring yen couldn't pull up the fortunes of Japan's richest people.
At least someone is making money these days.
Japan's retail tycoon Tadashi Yanai, whose Uniqlo stores sell affordable apparel, has added $1.4 billion to his wealth to become Japan's richest person for the first time. He is now worth $6.1 billion and has moved up to No. 1 from No. 6 last year, becoming the fifth person in as many years to take the top spot in Japan.
Yanai's good fortune aside, most of Japan's richest lost money in the past year as the country slipped into a recession, business confidence hit its lowest level in 34 years, and the Nikkei stock index dropped 45% since its June peak. More ...
Japan's 40 Richest
(Forbes: Tatiana Serafin, 02.18.09, 10:00 PM EST)
Even the soaring yen couldn't pull up the fortunes of Japan's richest people.
At least someone is making money these days.
Japan's retail tycoon Tadashi Yanai, whose Uniqlo stores sell affordable apparel, has added $1.4 billion to his wealth to become Japan's richest person for the first time. He is now worth $6.1 billion and has moved up to No. 1 from No. 6 last year, becoming the fifth person in as many years to take the top spot in Japan.
Yanai's good fortune aside, most of Japan's richest lost money in the past year as the country slipped into a recession, business confidence hit its lowest level in 34 years, and the Nikkei stock index dropped 45% since its June peak. More ...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Marlies Dekkers on Trend de la Crème
Marlies Dekkers on Trend de la Crème
Gothic Church-Inspired Lingerie by Marlies Dekkers Is Paradoxical Chic
If you've ever wondered what nuns wore under those dowdy habits, look no further than the Summer '09 lingerie collection by Netherlands-based Marlies Dekkers. Her designs, which she describes as 'beautiful and seductive, but at the same time powerful and independent' combine modern detailing with Gothic cathedral arches. (Sound familiar?) "I just won't rest until women all over the world are proud of their own bodies, determined and seductive in all aspects of their lives," boasts Marlies. "If I can help this come about with my designs then I will be a very happy woman!" Amen, sister. Amen.
A Credit Crisis time Rolls Royce
A Credit Crisis time Rolls Royce?
The 200EX points to a new Rolls-Royce for people who are just wealthy, not super-wealthy.
Opulence light
The 200EX features a new, lower and wider Rolls-Royce grill. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional 'Parthenon' style and more like a jet intake," Rolls-Royce designer Ian Cameron said in a statement.
A production version of this car will go on sale early next year. Pricing is expected to be between $250,000 and $280,000, considerably less than the $340,000 starting price of the larger Phantom.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Spaceship-like car to hit U.S. roads
Spaceship-like car to hit U.S. roads
(03:15) Rough Cut Reuters Video
Feb 18 - A three-wheeled, all-electric vehicle is set to go into mass production later this year despite a snub from the U.S. government.
There is also a gasoline version. The two-seater Aptera electric version has a 100 mile range per charge and can be recharged by plugging into a regular electric outlet.
The gasoline version has a range of 100 miles per gallon (42 km per litre) because of its low drag and weight.
With 4,000 orders already, the California-based company plans to make about 10,000 cars initially, with a price tag of between $25,000 and $40,000 depending on whether buyers want an electric, hybrid or traditional power train.
# SOUNDBITE: STEVE FAMBRO, APTERA CO-FOUNDER
# SOUNDBITE: PAUL WILBUR, APTERA PRESIDENT AND CEO
# SOUNDBITE: CARLTON LUND, ON WAITING LIST TO PURCHASE CAR
# SOUNDBITE: JEFF BOWMAN
(03:15) Rough Cut Reuters Video
Feb 18 - A three-wheeled, all-electric vehicle is set to go into mass production later this year despite a snub from the U.S. government.
There is also a gasoline version. The two-seater Aptera electric version has a 100 mile range per charge and can be recharged by plugging into a regular electric outlet.
The gasoline version has a range of 100 miles per gallon (42 km per litre) because of its low drag and weight.
With 4,000 orders already, the California-based company plans to make about 10,000 cars initially, with a price tag of between $25,000 and $40,000 depending on whether buyers want an electric, hybrid or traditional power train.
# SOUNDBITE: STEVE FAMBRO, APTERA CO-FOUNDER
# SOUNDBITE: PAUL WILBUR, APTERA PRESIDENT AND CEO
# SOUNDBITE: CARLTON LUND, ON WAITING LIST TO PURCHASE CAR
# SOUNDBITE: JEFF BOWMAN
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mexico: The Third War
Mexico: The Third War
February 18, 2009 | 1923 GMT
By Fred Burton and Scott Stewart
( Source Stratfor Global Intelligence, click on link to read the article)
Mexico has pretty much always been a rough-and-tumble place. In recent years, however, the security environment has deteriorated rapidly, and parts of the country have become incredibly violent. It is now common to see military weaponry such as fragmentation grenades and assault rifles used almost daily in attacks.
In fact, just last week we noted two separate strings of grenade attacks directed against police in Durango and Michoacan states. In the Michoacan incident, police in Uruapan and Lazaro Cardenas were targeted by three grenade attacks during a 12-hour period. Then on Feb. 17, a major firefight occurred just across the border from the United States in Reynosa, when Mexican authorities attempted to apprehend several armed men seen riding in a vehicle. The men fled to a nearby residence and engaged the pursuing police with gunfire, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). After the incident, in which five cartel gunmen were killed and several gunmen, cops, soldiers and civilians were wounded, authorities recovered a 60 mm mortar, five RPG rounds and two fragmentation grenades.
Make no mistake, considering the military weapons now being used in Mexico and the number of deaths involved, the country is in the middle of a war. In fact, there are actually three concurrent wars being waged in Mexico involving the Mexican drug cartels.
February 18, 2009 | 1923 GMT
By Fred Burton and Scott Stewart
( Source Stratfor Global Intelligence, click on link to read the article)
Mexico has pretty much always been a rough-and-tumble place. In recent years, however, the security environment has deteriorated rapidly, and parts of the country have become incredibly violent. It is now common to see military weaponry such as fragmentation grenades and assault rifles used almost daily in attacks.
In fact, just last week we noted two separate strings of grenade attacks directed against police in Durango and Michoacan states. In the Michoacan incident, police in Uruapan and Lazaro Cardenas were targeted by three grenade attacks during a 12-hour period. Then on Feb. 17, a major firefight occurred just across the border from the United States in Reynosa, when Mexican authorities attempted to apprehend several armed men seen riding in a vehicle. The men fled to a nearby residence and engaged the pursuing police with gunfire, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). After the incident, in which five cartel gunmen were killed and several gunmen, cops, soldiers and civilians were wounded, authorities recovered a 60 mm mortar, five RPG rounds and two fragmentation grenades.
Make no mistake, considering the military weapons now being used in Mexico and the number of deaths involved, the country is in the middle of a war. In fact, there are actually three concurrent wars being waged in Mexico involving the Mexican drug cartels.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
Click on image and download PDF
Click on image and download PDF
With anticipation growing ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, the official Match Schedule has been released. To find out where the games will be played in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Tshwane/Pretoria between 11 June and 11 July 2010.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Amsterdams toerisme zakt in
Volgens de laatste cijfers heeft Amsterdam met een sterke teruggang van het toerisme te kampen.
Niet geheel onverwachts overigens.
De dure Euro speelt een rol evenals de inmiddels wereldwijde recessie.
Voor de toeristen speelt de voortdurende puinzooi in Amsterdam ook een rol, niet in de laatste plaats de wijd verspreide opbrekingen en de Noord-Zuid lijn chaos.
Factoren van de belang zijn ook de dure en niet bepaald gastvrije Horeca, de onbewuste gevolgen van de betutteling (die ook tot toeristen doordringt), en in het algemeen het gebrek aan allure van de stad. De grauwsluier van de gezapige middelmatigheid die al jaren over de stad hangt wordt ook door de toerist gevoeld.
Verder het onvermogen van het Gemeentebestuur om een effectief prostitutiebeleid te voeren (c.q. de Wallen en de hoeren).
En niet in de laatste plaats de bijkans eeuwigdurende verbouwingen van de belangrijke musea.
Het zakkenvullend parkeerbeleid van de gemeente begint inderdaad vruchten af te werpen in die zin dat er ook gewoon minder dagjesmensen en auto's komen.
Niet geheel onverwachts overigens.
De dure Euro speelt een rol evenals de inmiddels wereldwijde recessie.
Voor de toeristen speelt de voortdurende puinzooi in Amsterdam ook een rol, niet in de laatste plaats de wijd verspreide opbrekingen en de Noord-Zuid lijn chaos.
Factoren van de belang zijn ook de dure en niet bepaald gastvrije Horeca, de onbewuste gevolgen van de betutteling (die ook tot toeristen doordringt), en in het algemeen het gebrek aan allure van de stad. De grauwsluier van de gezapige middelmatigheid die al jaren over de stad hangt wordt ook door de toerist gevoeld.
Verder het onvermogen van het Gemeentebestuur om een effectief prostitutiebeleid te voeren (c.q. de Wallen en de hoeren).
En niet in de laatste plaats de bijkans eeuwigdurende verbouwingen van de belangrijke musea.
Het zakkenvullend parkeerbeleid van de gemeente begint inderdaad vruchten af te werpen in die zin dat er ook gewoon minder dagjesmensen en auto's komen.
VSB-fonds ontslaat personeel en halveert budget
VSBfonds blijft actief in Mens & Maatschappij en Kunst & Cultuur
15-02-2009
Als gevolg van een reorganisatie blijft VSBfonds de komende jaren alleen actief in de sectoren Mens & Maatschappij en Kunst & Cultuur. Hiervoor is een jaarlijks donatiebudget van € 26 miljoen beschikbaar. Het fonds stopt per 16 februari 2009 met het toekennen van donaties aan projecten op het terrein van Sport en Natuur & Milieu.
VSBfonds heeft duidelijke keuzes gemaakt en niet voor de 'kaasschaafmethode' willen kiezen. Hierbij is het fonds teruggegaan naar zijn wortels die ruim 200 jaar terug in de tijd gaan. De focus van zijn rechtsvoorgangers op 'ontwikkeling en beschaving van de gewone mens' wijzen, indien vertaald naar de huidige tijd, naar kern activiteiten in de sectoren Mens & Maatschappij en Kunst & Cultuur. Sport en Natuur & Milieu staan net iets verder af van dit gedachtegoed.
VSB-fonds ontslaat personeel en halveert budget
(Bron NRC)
Het fonds richt zich alleen nog op de sectoren ‘mens en maatschappij’ en ‘kunst en cultuur’. Van de 68 medewerkers worden er 33 ontslagen.
De maatregelen zijn een gevolg van de ineenstorting van Fortis, waarin het VSB-fonds met 2 procent van de aandelen (50 miljoen) een groot belang heeft. Door de enorme daling van het aandeel Fortis werd het vermogen van het VSB-fonds vorig jaar gehalveerd. Het donatiebudget gaat met meer dan de helft omlaag naar 26 miljoen euro per jaar.
15-02-2009
Als gevolg van een reorganisatie blijft VSBfonds de komende jaren alleen actief in de sectoren Mens & Maatschappij en Kunst & Cultuur. Hiervoor is een jaarlijks donatiebudget van € 26 miljoen beschikbaar. Het fonds stopt per 16 februari 2009 met het toekennen van donaties aan projecten op het terrein van Sport en Natuur & Milieu.
VSBfonds heeft duidelijke keuzes gemaakt en niet voor de 'kaasschaafmethode' willen kiezen. Hierbij is het fonds teruggegaan naar zijn wortels die ruim 200 jaar terug in de tijd gaan. De focus van zijn rechtsvoorgangers op 'ontwikkeling en beschaving van de gewone mens' wijzen, indien vertaald naar de huidige tijd, naar kern activiteiten in de sectoren Mens & Maatschappij en Kunst & Cultuur. Sport en Natuur & Milieu staan net iets verder af van dit gedachtegoed.
VSB-fonds ontslaat personeel en halveert budget
(Bron NRC)
Het fonds richt zich alleen nog op de sectoren ‘mens en maatschappij’ en ‘kunst en cultuur’. Van de 68 medewerkers worden er 33 ontslagen.
De maatregelen zijn een gevolg van de ineenstorting van Fortis, waarin het VSB-fonds met 2 procent van de aandelen (50 miljoen) een groot belang heeft. Door de enorme daling van het aandeel Fortis werd het vermogen van het VSB-fonds vorig jaar gehalveerd. Het donatiebudget gaat met meer dan de helft omlaag naar 26 miljoen euro per jaar.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Het Creationisme is pure onzin
Het Creationisme is pure onzin en feitelijke pseudowetenschap
Ik had niet gedacht dat ik in dit Darwin jaar (en, International Year of Astronomy, the Universe is Yours to Discover) nog stelling zou moeten nemen tegen een stel idioten die het in hun hoofd gehaald hebben om huis aan huis miljoenen brochures te gaan verspreiden om het Creationisme te propageren.
Maar binnenkort valt de Bijbellezers propaganda dan toch in de brievenbus.
Ik ben benieuwd of die met miljoenen steun van Urkervissers en andere Biblebeltfanaten gefinancierde brochure ook in de bussen met de Nee/Ja stickers voor ongewenst drukwerk gaat vallen.
Ook vraag ik me af of die zwartekousenkerk brochure met zwart geld gefinancierd is, in Urk werd indertijd nogal wat zwarte vis via de afslag verkocht.
Maar voor de oprechte gelovigen in die kringen geldt al heel lang: "het doel heiligt de middelen".
Heel lang geleden zat ik op een christelijke basisschool en eens in de week kwam daar zo'n gereformeerd domineetje godsdienstles geven.
Op een zeker moment ging het over het heelal, toen stelde ik in mijn jeugdige onwetendheid een vraag waarop de heer godsknechtje geen antwoord wist en zei dat ik dat soort dingen niet mocht vragen.
Zodoende ben ik al op zeer jeugdige leeftijd Atheïst geworden en met veel plezier gebleven.
(Het was net in de tijd dat de Spoetnik over Nederland kwam, en ik met een nachtkijker ook het heelal begon te bestuderen en er allerlei vragen opkwamen.)
Wie op de website van de Creationisten kijkt en ziet wie er in het Comite van Aanbeveling zit, weet precies uit welke hoek de wind waait. (Conservatieve intolerantie en anti-wetenschappelijke ideeën scoren hoog, Christelijke Taliban avant la lettre).
Dat Minister Maria van der Hoeven (toen Wetenschap, nu floppende Economie) een aantal jaren terug heel onwetenschappelijk het Creationisme en 'Intelligent Design' aanprees is nog daar aan toe, - het was in de Bush tijd die de oorlog in Irak begon met 's morgens vroeg in de Bijbel lezen om wat kruistochten inspiratie op te doen (het heeft hem weinig geholpen).
Maar dat we nu na alle EO nonsens nog een zootje dooie bomen in de bus krijgen met propaganda om vooral niet zelfstandig te denken vind ik wel het toppunt.
Desondanks: "Leve de vrijheid van meningsuiting!"
Hoewel, het is net alsof verdomme iemand je een traktaatje van de Jehova's in je fikken duwt in plaats van de Scientific American.
Ik had niet gedacht dat ik in dit Darwin jaar (en, International Year of Astronomy, the Universe is Yours to Discover) nog stelling zou moeten nemen tegen een stel idioten die het in hun hoofd gehaald hebben om huis aan huis miljoenen brochures te gaan verspreiden om het Creationisme te propageren.
Maar binnenkort valt de Bijbellezers propaganda dan toch in de brievenbus.
Ik ben benieuwd of die met miljoenen steun van Urkervissers en andere Biblebeltfanaten gefinancierde brochure ook in de bussen met de Nee/Ja stickers voor ongewenst drukwerk gaat vallen.
Ook vraag ik me af of die zwartekousenkerk brochure met zwart geld gefinancierd is, in Urk werd indertijd nogal wat zwarte vis via de afslag verkocht.
Maar voor de oprechte gelovigen in die kringen geldt al heel lang: "het doel heiligt de middelen".
Heel lang geleden zat ik op een christelijke basisschool en eens in de week kwam daar zo'n gereformeerd domineetje godsdienstles geven.
Op een zeker moment ging het over het heelal, toen stelde ik in mijn jeugdige onwetendheid een vraag waarop de heer godsknechtje geen antwoord wist en zei dat ik dat soort dingen niet mocht vragen.
Zodoende ben ik al op zeer jeugdige leeftijd Atheïst geworden en met veel plezier gebleven.
(Het was net in de tijd dat de Spoetnik over Nederland kwam, en ik met een nachtkijker ook het heelal begon te bestuderen en er allerlei vragen opkwamen.)
Wie op de website van de Creationisten kijkt en ziet wie er in het Comite van Aanbeveling zit, weet precies uit welke hoek de wind waait. (Conservatieve intolerantie en anti-wetenschappelijke ideeën scoren hoog, Christelijke Taliban avant la lettre).
Dat Minister Maria van der Hoeven (toen Wetenschap, nu floppende Economie) een aantal jaren terug heel onwetenschappelijk het Creationisme en 'Intelligent Design' aanprees is nog daar aan toe, - het was in de Bush tijd die de oorlog in Irak begon met 's morgens vroeg in de Bijbel lezen om wat kruistochten inspiratie op te doen (het heeft hem weinig geholpen).
Maar dat we nu na alle EO nonsens nog een zootje dooie bomen in de bus krijgen met propaganda om vooral niet zelfstandig te denken vind ik wel het toppunt.
Desondanks: "Leve de vrijheid van meningsuiting!"
Hoewel, het is net alsof verdomme iemand je een traktaatje van de Jehova's in je fikken duwt in plaats van de Scientific American.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
What is exactly a trend?
What is exactly a trend?
(Source Trendwatching.com)
How about: “A statistically significant change in performance of measured data which is unlikely to be due to a random variation in the process.” That won't get the creative juices going. So consider the following definition, which we came up with years ago and which still holds pretty well:
A manifestation of something that has unlocked or newly serviced an existing (and hardly ever changing) consumer need,* desire, want, or value.
At the core of this statement is the assumption that human beings, and thus consumers, don't change that much. Their deep needs remain the same, yet can be unlocked or newly serviced. The 'unlockers' can be anything from changes in societal norms and values, to a breakthrough in technology, to a rise in prosperity.
Example? One of the core human needs is to be in control, or at least to have the illusion of being in control. No wonder then, that the online world is so addictive. After all, it firmly puts the individual in the driver's seat.
Just give it a try: apply the above definition to your daily spottings and observations of how consumers behave, and how that behaviour is forever changing, and you will find that many seemingly unconnected business success stories will start to make sense. Successful innovations often satisfy existing, dormant needs in new and attractive ways.
Rereading Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs never hurts.
(Source Trendwatching.com)
How about: “A statistically significant change in performance of measured data which is unlikely to be due to a random variation in the process.” That won't get the creative juices going. So consider the following definition, which we came up with years ago and which still holds pretty well:
A manifestation of something that has unlocked or newly serviced an existing (and hardly ever changing) consumer need,* desire, want, or value.
At the core of this statement is the assumption that human beings, and thus consumers, don't change that much. Their deep needs remain the same, yet can be unlocked or newly serviced. The 'unlockers' can be anything from changes in societal norms and values, to a breakthrough in technology, to a rise in prosperity.
Example? One of the core human needs is to be in control, or at least to have the illusion of being in control. No wonder then, that the online world is so addictive. After all, it firmly puts the individual in the driver's seat.
Just give it a try: apply the above definition to your daily spottings and observations of how consumers behave, and how that behaviour is forever changing, and you will find that many seemingly unconnected business success stories will start to make sense. Successful innovations often satisfy existing, dormant needs in new and attractive ways.
Rereading Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs never hurts.
20 Evolution Revelations to Celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200th Birthday
20 Evolution Revelations to Celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200th Birthday (CLUSTER)
(TREND HUNTER) Charles Darwin would have been 200 years old today, and to celebrate the man who developed the theory that the human species evolved through a process he called natural selection, we have amassed this… [More]
When the chips are down, Singapore singles go dating
When the chips are down, Singapore singles go dating
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Singapore's economic downturn may prove to be Cupid's ally as dating agencies in the city state have reported a spike up in the number of singles signing up to find partners, the Straits Times said on Saturday.
Matchmakers, online dating networks and agencies were bracing for a slowdown when the economy took a turn for the worse last year but instead have seen a jump in their numbers, the newspaper said.
"Members have been telling me that they are feeling more anxious and lonely, and the economic recession has made them more worried," Matthew Tan, founder of a dating web site Gomoviedate.com, told the English-language daily.
Some agencies pulled in up to 50 per cent more members while others have attracted almost twice the number of participants in the past four months from the same period last year.
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Singapore's economic downturn may prove to be Cupid's ally as dating agencies in the city state have reported a spike up in the number of singles signing up to find partners, the Straits Times said on Saturday.
Matchmakers, online dating networks and agencies were bracing for a slowdown when the economy took a turn for the worse last year but instead have seen a jump in their numbers, the newspaper said.
"Members have been telling me that they are feeling more anxious and lonely, and the economic recession has made them more worried," Matthew Tan, founder of a dating web site Gomoviedate.com, told the English-language daily.
Some agencies pulled in up to 50 per cent more members while others have attracted almost twice the number of participants in the past four months from the same period last year.
Austerity is hip and becomes cool
Austerity is hip and becomes cool
Patrick Deneen alerts us to an encouraging new trend: making austerity cool. It's not really coming about out of an intent to be virtuous, but out of necessity, given the grim economic forecast. In an interesting twist, though, USA Today reports that people are becoming competitively frugal -- turning "keeping up with the Joneses" inside out. That's great! Forecasters suggest that this is not just a temporary thing, but a long-term shift:
Small cuts can also have a big effect on the economy. If cutting back becomes a cultural mind-set, it can be very hard to turn around.
"The new status isn't how much you've got, but your ability to show what you don't spend," says futurist Watts Wacker, who advises businesses on trends.
"This is a seminal moment. It's not a fad that will die out when the economy picks up."
Read more on Patrick's Blog
Patrick Deneen alerts us to an encouraging new trend: making austerity cool. It's not really coming about out of an intent to be virtuous, but out of necessity, given the grim economic forecast. In an interesting twist, though, USA Today reports that people are becoming competitively frugal -- turning "keeping up with the Joneses" inside out. That's great! Forecasters suggest that this is not just a temporary thing, but a long-term shift:
Small cuts can also have a big effect on the economy. If cutting back becomes a cultural mind-set, it can be very hard to turn around.
"The new status isn't how much you've got, but your ability to show what you don't spend," says futurist Watts Wacker, who advises businesses on trends.
"This is a seminal moment. It's not a fad that will die out when the economy picks up."
Read more on Patrick's Blog
Friday, February 13, 2009
Luxury out of style?
Luxury out of style?
(01:38) Report Reuters Video
Feb. 12 - Luxury retailers are finding themselves out of vogue in the recession.
Half of all consumers who make more than $200,000 a year think luxury brands are becoming commodities. That mentality is wreaking havoc with luxury retailers who find themselves struggling to cope with the recession. Bobbi Rebell reports.
SOUNDBITE:
# Milton Pedraza, CEO, The Luxury Institute
# Howard Davidowitz, CEO, Davidowitz and Associates
(01:38) Report Reuters Video
Feb. 12 - Luxury retailers are finding themselves out of vogue in the recession.
Half of all consumers who make more than $200,000 a year think luxury brands are becoming commodities. That mentality is wreaking havoc with luxury retailers who find themselves struggling to cope with the recession. Bobbi Rebell reports.
SOUNDBITE:
# Milton Pedraza, CEO, The Luxury Institute
# Howard Davidowitz, CEO, Davidowitz and Associates
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