On Chinese Currency, Be Careful What You Wish For

China lets the Yuan trade more freely. In consequence, we risk losing the dollar’s strategic advantages.

Insights Into Japanese Consumers And The Cute Factor – With Matthew Alt and Brian Salsberg

In some ways news coming out of Japan seems to paint a less than rosy picture, but to hear two American expatriates – Matthew Alt of AltJapan and Brian Salsberg of McKinsey and Company – talk about their daily lives while offering views of the country they have come to love, brings perhaps a much needed perspective to examining Japan as a whole. Alt is awaiting the release of his new book, ‘Yurei Attack,’ forthcoming this summer, and again treated us with a discerning analysis of contemporary Japanese culture. Salsberg, a principal at one of the world’s largest management consulting firms, provided a comprehensive portrayal of the Japanese consumer, a subject that’s often at the focal point of his professional research in the last five years. Both felt fortunate to partake in Tokyo life, a cosmopolitan city that – as they both agreed – is still one of the greatest, if not the greatest city in the world.

Year Of The Protester? I Protest!

Why are we always championing people willing to tear everything down but not those who wish to bring something positive into this world. When I read that the “Person of the Year” was the protester… my eyes went red…. my collar tightened and I started to blow steam out the top of my head (or did I just dream that?). I did get really upset and instead of complaining about it, I thought I would try to make my point of what is needed most in the world today. Please send me your thoughts.

The Middle East and Iran: A Dangerous Conundrum

The Middle East has been of strategic importance to the west since oil was found there but it become more and more unstable as the years go by. The Arab Spring has done us, in the west, no favours, and now Iran provides the supreme challenge by threatening to acquire nukes. But that is not all pan Arab alliance supporting radical Islam in also on the cards and that is really scary…

The Impending Decline of the USA As a World Power

The Second World War ended in 1945 by the dropping of two Atomic Bombs on Japan. This feat itself needs scrutiny and is the start of the decline of the West. Japan, it has been conclusively proved was a defeated nation at the start of 1945, yet the USA thought it fit to Atom bomb Japan.

Development and Developing Countries

Development is a process that refers to improving economic performance, living standards and other factors that affect the well-being of the people living in a country. The determination of whether a country has become “developed” is often based on a combination of development indicators.

An Expat Life in Japan Since The Tsunami – With Brian Salsberg of McKinsey and Company

Behind every book is a life, or lives, as is the case of the business title “Reimagining Japan.” Actually many lives, over 80 in total, including the editors that brought the book to life and published, during one of the most challenging eras in recent Japanese history. When the earthquake reached Tokyo on the afternoon of March 11, Brian Salsberg was busily transmitting the final manuscript of Reimagining to an overseas printer. That wouldn’t be the last time the disaster and Salsberg’s book would cross paths. As news of trouble at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima began to develop, and the crisis deepened, Salsberg and his team agreed on a comprehensive revision and the results paid off. A book born in an hour of crisis was suddenly the book that many readers sought for answers.

India’s Love Affair With Gold

India has a love affair with gold, and it goes beyond buying small “pretties” to adorn the body. In India, the dream is to acquire gold – and as much of it – as you can afford. For there, gold isn’t merely a component of jewelry, it’s a wearable display of riches.

So, Is the Firing of Big Missiles the New Alpha Male Chest Pumping Display or What? Humans

Isn’t it amazing that every time any nation wants to have negotiations on peace, someone fires off a missile. Any time there are trade negotiations or there is tough talk in international diplomacy, someone fires off a missile. The funny thing now is that every country has missiles of all different types.

Status of Thais Abroad and Money Transfer Options

Reasons vary behind the growing economy of Thailand. Remittances by its oversea-working population are a strong factor. According to the Thailand Migration Report of 2011, deployment of Thais to other countries for work opportunities has experienced fluctuations for the past years. This means that there are significant increases and decreases in the number of Thais who work abroad due to improved job opportunities in their country.