Wednesday, December 12, 2012

IT BUBBLE: THE DOOM OF 2000


The IT bubble burst long back, and with it, did many fortunes...

The idea of these companies was to work towards monopolising the sector that they functioned in, with the help of network effects and rope-in as many subscribers as possible, rather than think about ways to earn revenues from the same. What added to their miseries were the increased spending in the technology that would enable Y2K switchover. The companies soon realised that all these investments were of no use for them. Whatever be the case, this bubble is recalled as the worst that the Silicon Valley has seen till date. It wiped off almost 50% of IT-based companies across the world... rough patch indeed! Some of the prominent names that were shaven off were: Webvan, Pets.com, Kozmo.com and Floorz.com. The online grocer Webvan was based on a good idea, but its main problem was that in the midst of all the euphoria, it felt that it could mushroom quickly but it died-out in just 18 months. Webvan had raised $375 million through an IPO, expanded to 8 US cities, and had ordered $1 billion to build high-tech warehouses. During its short life time, could boast of an Mcap of $1.2 billion, but then reality struck and all was gone. Another name that faced the music was America Online (AOL) that acquired Time Warner on January 11, 2000. This merger is said to be the beginning of the doom for this company (refer to story titled ‘Atleast, we spared their pants!’; page 48). 

Though this crash is now a thing of the past, it has taught a valuable lesson to many investors – never forget to question the fundamentals of the business you are investing in... And if you still don’t believe us, ask those who were stripped to the bone during the crash that was!


 Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Yo! Barack can’t get it up!

History shows Dutch have been more successful than Americans

The Brits couldn’t do it, Soviets got it premature, the US couldn’t even get it up, while the Dutch seem to be having a field run. We mean the Afghan strategy! Our suggestive innuendos aside, US led allied forces in the inhospitable terrain of Afghanistan can’t seem to get their counter terrorism strategy up and running.

Being the hub of Osama Bin Laden and epicenter of world terror, the sheer unfamiliarity of the land despite years of yankee presence in Afghan is hitting the Obama administration too hard. While Hameed Karzai wants Obama out of Afghanistan, now Obama is returning the sentiment, giving hints for him to be nudged out. But wait, all is not lost. There is a ray of hope, specifically in the central province of Uruzgan, vindicated by the Dutch Army controlling the region.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Can Obama ‘barrack’ racism?

Believe it or not, the world will witness the resurgence of a new era of racism than the end of it...

Obama’s win in the US Presidential election and his swearing in as the first African-American President was predicted to be a case study on the beginning of a new era But perhaps history doesn’t want it to happen that way. And thus even before the euphoria over his historic swearing in has settled down, the dark side of the American racism has started raising its dirty head. And for some it was not absolutely unexpected either. And the more unfortunate thing is that even Obama’s charisma and his incredible campaign for nearly one and a half years could not bridge much of the deep divide that run deep between the Whites and the Blacks of the US.

President elect Barack Obama himself was skeptical about it. His confession at a civil rights group’s convention stating – ‘our work is not over, mere electing me President doesn’t mean our work is over, we got more work to do’ to the NAACP bears testimony to it. In fact, the ugly aspect of racism was blatantly evident in the presidential election result itself. The voting pattern between two presidential candidates- John McCain and Barack Obama was biased and discriminatory. A closer scrutiny at the voting pattern reveals that McCain won greater support in white dominated counties of states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Northern Texas. For example, about 80% of the voters in Arkansas are Whites and 70% of them unanimously voted for McCain. The same was witnessed in case of Obama who equally gained greater support from Blacks and minority groups. Research reveals that 67% of Latinos and 62% of Asian voters voted in favour of Obama. It wasn’t a surprise that 88-95% of Black voters who comprise 13% of total the US population unhesitatingly supported him. Well, even the most die hard optimist who would love to find a silver lining in it would accept rather grudgingly that if this does not exemplify racism then nothing else perhaps does. However, moving further, what was a little more horrifying than this was the fissures among the Democrat leaders. Reports state that when Obama was to take oath, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was busy convincing Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and other Democract leaders to replace Obama’s vacancy at the Senate by any of the two White women (Veteran Affairs Chief Tammy Duckworth or Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan) and rejecting the three potential Black candidates namely Jesse Jackson, Jr. Danny Davis and Emil Jones.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Cape Grace hotel

Cape Grace is a refreshingly different luxury hotel that is situated in the centre of Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront that is famous for shopping. Apart from 121 guest room and suites, the hotel also has a privately owned luxury yacht called ‘Spirit of the Cape’ which is exclusive for the Cape Grace guests and would take you to the famous beaches like Camps, Bay and Clifton. The hotel has also appeared in the 2009 Gold List.

THE VIEW: The hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Cape Town, set against the backdrop of sea and mountain. It is situated on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and has a stunning view of the Table Mountain and the harbor. Cape Grace’s fourth-floor terrace suites and spa have the best views of the sea; so when you go there, you know which rooms to ask for!

ARCHI TYPE: Cape Grace has a classic straight line look with all the windows, walls and ceilings having linear dimensions. The rooms and suites are custom designed suiting the guests’ need. Each room gives a tribute to the local artisans with hand-painted fabrics and leather and glass items adorning the rooms.

BON APPETIT: Signal Restaurant in Cape Grace offers a variety of cuisines to choose from as it is influenced by various cultures and regions that have at some point in history invaded the city. One can go to the restaurant at any time of the day. Bascule Vinothèque gives an outlook of a coffee shop during the day, and, by night, changes into a happening bar.

AROUND THE CORNER: Having the best location in the city, some of the best places see are V&A Waterfront, which is a popular tourist attraction. Table Mountain is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. ‘Spirit of the Cape’ can take you to some of the other popular tourist destinations that you could choose.

FROM UNDER THE CARPET: Though the hotel has one of the best locations, it doesn’t score much on the architectural front.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

ELECTIONS: PM CANDIDATES

Not a single seat won yet, but the PM candidates are ready

It was refused on the grounds that it will not set a good precedent. However, the Advani lobby believes that being senior to Advani, Shekhawat can make a dent into his prospects. As if that wasn't enough, during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the name of Narendra Modi cropped up suddenly. However, Digvijay Singh, Congress General Secretary, says to B&E, “Narendra Modi is accused of the Gujarat riots. How can he become PM?”

Meanwhile, on the Congress front, Rahul Gandhi is being projected by many senior party leaders like Pranab Mukherjee and Arjun Singh. Manmohan Singh, meanwhile has been assured by 10 Janpath that he will be the first choice. With names of so many wannabe PMs already doing the rounds, don't be surprised if you get an entirely unexpected candidate leading the country eventually. Our farcical coalition politics has a habit of doing that.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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Monday, December 3, 2012

US OFFICIAL LIST OF TERRORISTS: AND AN ANALYSIS OF WHY YOUR NAME COULD FEATURE THERE

January 20, 2009, Bush leaves the White House; but before that, he ‘updates’ the ‘official’ US terrorists list.

Corporation being preferentially allocated to China by the Chinese government.” That then “would weaken the ability of the US to influence the oil and gas supplies of the Nation through companies that must adhere to United States laws.” The CNOOC deal therefore threatens “to impair the national security,” and “the President should initiate immediately a thorough review of the proposed acquisition, merger, or takeover.” From Dubai Ports to Singapore’s Temasek, all investments by foreign countries have faced similar opposition in the US.

Clearly, when the US drains out oil from Iraq, then it’s not a problem the Pope should worry about, but if some other country goes in for a legal acquisition of a powerful US company, then Nostradamus inferences are redrawn to ensure that such moves are nipped even before the bud is born. If Iran is the latest to face the brunt of Mr.Bush’s rottweiler-like attitude – who wants the world to stop trading with Iran completely – what is not often told is the fact that there are several Israeli companies, like Medent [quoting Steve Rodan, Jerusalem Post Service] who do brisk business running up to hundreds of millions of dollars at the same time with Iran.

Bush might be leaving on January 20, 2009; but has ensured that NCTC stays in absolutely safe hands. The current NCTC Director, Michael E. Leiter, is pretty well qualified. One hears that just a few handful of years back, Mr. ‘well qualified’ Leiter served as the Dy General Counsel and Assistant Director of the US President’s Commission on “US Intelligence Capabilities Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction!” Gotcha Elvis!!! Rock on!!!


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Invaluable advice, incredible truth and inspirational guide

Invaluable advice, incredible truth and inspirational guide from a dyslexic

The announcement made headlines around the world and had dozens of blog sites buzzing with activity. Was Virgle joking? Of course they were joking. Fifteen years before Apple started selling iPods, Sir Richard used to joke about portable digital music players. In fact Virgle brand is now registered.

Referring about entrepreneurial failures, bailouts and payouts, Sir Richard believes that many elements of leadership can be prepared in advance, planned and rehearsed. One doesn’t have to be Winston Churchill to be a good leader. The higher up you go in a company, the more perilous your job position is if you don’t perform. Often chief executives, managing directors and large company bosses are told to resign from their high-profile companies by investors because they have made a hash due to poor business decisions. In the United States, for example, Angelo Mozilo, the CEO of Countrywide Financial, Citigroup’s boss Chuck Prince and Merrill Lynch’s Stan O’Neal, all departed with $100-million-plus compensation packages despite their business being caught in the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. Too many top executives are given massive payouts and allowed to merrily walk away, leaving others to sort things out. The author feels that the opposite should ideally happen. In most cases, leaders should stay on until problems are sorted out – or a solution found – and then they can go with a fraction of the money that they would earn if successful.

In this book, Business Stripped Bare, Sir Richard also provides one of the basic but important business messages, which resulted in the success of Virgin mobile, which at one stage had appeared deep in troubled waters soon after the signing of the launch deal on 1st August 1999. This piece he wrote in his notebook: ‘Let people know exactly what they are paying for – and reward those who stay with us. James said think tins of beans! (The more beans they buy the more cheaper the price)’.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

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