Monthly Archives: October 2012
Cyberwarfare… It’s no longer science fiction
Really? Tax-Exempt?
Note: The expressions in this post may offend some folks’ senses- but all of our sensibilities.
Stereotype Threat
Remember being told that our five closest friends tell more about us than we think? Well, there’s a whole lot more to this fact.
A level playing field? Or scorched earth?
So, is this a fairness issue- or one designed to augment the coffers of the states? Many local vendors complain that their markets are jeopardized because they must charge sales tax, while the same products delivered from Amazon are tax-free. Many states see the revenue potential from taxing Amazon (and other internet company) sales in their domains and salivate with glee.
A Celebration of Science?
On the day before my birthday, something phenomenal happened. Leaders from the US Senate, the House, and scientists, researchers, University Presidents, and corporate CEO’s, along with a few other advisors, held a conference. It was entitled “A Celebration of Science”. (The website has since disappeared. However, it has become an annual celebration- you can find events by search ‘celebration of science’.) This from leaders that have seemingly been denying the need for science in our policies. (What would you call it when climate change and evolution are denied and some believe that a woman’s body exudes something (miracles?) to prevent getting pregnant from a rape?)
Let’s Make a Deal…
Over the years, we’ve worked with various ventures that were seeking funding. We also had a venture or two of our own for which we sought additional funds. These searches included going public, finding angel investors, and securing venture capital funds.
Requiem for a Heavyweight
The day after tax day… 2007. I am summoned to visit a potential client with a problem. They have been using PCLaw (a superb accounting system for lawyers, accountants, and consultants- i.e., anyone who needs to track and bill time) for several years, a program with which I was and am intimately familiar. We talk and agree that I will assist them to resolve their current problems.
Finance is NOT a dirty word
The Myths of CEO compensation
I have been having debates with my friends and colleagues for years over executive pay. You, too, have heard me rail that there is no financial or business reason to allow an executive to receive compensation of 100, 200, or 500 times the average pay of the corporation s/he leads. When I was growing up, executive compensation rarely exceeded 10 times the average pay. I realize I am old- but this inflation is not only ridiculous, it’s as dangerous as that obtaining in pre-World War II Germany!