Alexandar Tzanov ~ The Titan

This morning I came across this picture of Francisco Dao (founder of StrategyandPerformance.com), at the TechCrunch August Capital Party, giving the finger to the camera. There used to be a time when I found this to be funny. I used to do it myself a lot. I guess it was a comical way to show friendly intentions, that is, if the finder is accompanied with a smile! Thinking about this it seems childish, but I know that many adults do it amongst friends, and apparently at social gatherings or professionals. I occasionally do it as well, but it is rare and the number of people I do it to I can count on the fingers of one of my hands.

I could care less when people utilize their middle finger to express some sort of emotions. But, I do find it inappropriate when amongst professional peers. Despite the fact that the environment is a party, people do notice what others at the event do and say. They do talk amongst themselves and after the party, as well as almost always there is someone recording audio or video or images. Then they get posted and someone writes something about what You did, even those who do not share…

On the way to work this Friday morning I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio). They broadcasted an interview conducted by host Renee Montagne with General Electric’s CEO Jeffrey Immelt. Mr. Immelt spoke at an economic forum in Montreal earlier in June. He is asking for the United States to increase its exports, especially in areas where there has been or there is a lot of potential for success. That’s great, I agree with him, but he also states that American companies and products have to be competitive in the countries they are being sold in. He often used China as an example.

I’m all for “Made in America”. There are American made products that can be competitive in China, but we have to remember that Chinese workers work for very little, long hours, and under conditions that will not be allowed in America. These and number of other factors, like unions, cost of living, health care, taxes, etc. are affecting the cost of manufacturing these “competitive” products for the Chinese market. Because of the labor laws, or lack there of, and inexpensive manufacturing cost so many products are made in China and so many American jobs are outsourced to that…

Sarah Palin looked sad last night. She appeared to have a hard time holding the forced smile on here face while John McCain was presenting his farewell speech, which by the way was great, much better than John Kerry’s. I think that Sarah Palin was sad that she did not get to play vice president!