Start Soapbox The Vermont legislature is debating and is likely to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. Both Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce have testified in support of this civil rights legislation and it enjoys wide-spread support from the business community in Vermont. Unfortunately, Governor Douglas has indicated that […]
*Start Soapbox*
The Vermont legislature is debating and is likely to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. Both Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce have testified in support of this civil rights legislation and it enjoys wide-spread support from the business community in Vermont. Unfortunately, Governor Douglas has indicated that he will veto this legislation. I did have an opportunity to bend his ear a bit at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, but he told me he probably will not reconsider his veto promise.
It is unknown whether there will be sufficient votes in the Vermont House to override the expected veto but I am heading down to the State House to lobby again for this important legislation. Vermont was the first state to make slavery illegal, it was the first state to make civil unions legal and it is time to finish the job and provide our co-workers, neighbors, family and friends with the same rights of marriage that heterosexual couples enjoy.
This is clearly a workplace issue as we expect all of our employees to be able to exercise the same rights and privileges regardless of their sexual orientation. Our jobs are stressful enough without the added burden of less than full equality for all employees. This is why companies large and small have joined together to support this legislation and signing this statement:
bq. The people of Vermont have long aspired to live together under fair laws that recognize our equality and common humanity.
As business leaders, we support the freedom to marry in Vermont. We understand that strong businesses thrive in strong communities. We know that our ability to recruit the most talented employees depends on our ability to attract them to a state with fair and inclusive laws. And we understand that Vermont’s national leadership in civil rights is an important part of who we are as a state.
Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual choice, we support full civil marriage for same-sex couples.
I am confident that the Vermont legislature will, in fact, pass this legislation and override the Governor’s veto. This human rights issue’s time has come and I expect that Vermont will once again establish itself as a leader in providing equal rights for all.
*End Soapbox*
Share your opinion on this issue at the Small Dog blog: “Barkings!”:http://blog.smalldog.com/article/marriage-equality-is-a-workplace-issue/
There is a lot of talking going on about reforming the way health care is delivered in this country and how solving this dilemma is an essential part of our economic recovery. Unfortunately, the one solution that will do the most to reform health care is not on the table. This is single-payer health care. […]
*START SOAPBOX*
There is a lot of talking going on about reforming the way health care is delivered in this country and how solving this dilemma is an essential part of our economic recovery. Unfortunately, the one solution that will do the most to reform health care is not on the table. This is single-payer health care. In a single payer system, one entity–usually the government–acts as the “payer” for health care. This is medicare for all–the most efficient government run health care system in the world. That may come as a surprise, but the administrative burden in medicare is a few orders of magnitude lower than the burden of our private system.
Similar to most of the industrialized world, each American would be entitled to comprehensive health care. All hospitals, doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other health care providers would bill one entity for their services. Care would be based upon need, not upon the ability to pay, what kind of job you have or if you have insurance.
Hospital billing would be eliminated. Instead, hospitals would have an annual lump sum global budget. Medical providers would either receive a fee-for-service, salary or negotiated fee. Where we now have gigantic billing departments at hospitals, at doctor’s offices and at insurance companies who sent out those difficult to understand EOBs. Under a single payer program, much of this overhead and administrative burden would be eliminated.
We are already using public financing to pay for over 50% of the cost of health care via medicare, medicaid, government employees and local government taxes (i.e. school taxes). A single payer plan would save over $150 billion in administrative costs according to a GAO report in 2002. Further, a report by the Congressional Budget Office projected that single payer would reduce the total health care cost by $225 Billion by 2004–despite the expansion of comprehensive coverage to everyone.
There simply is no other plan that provides this type of savings and this type of universal coverage. The notion of mandates on individuals or companies does not save this money and the loopholes will be abundant. The Band-Aids that are being considered maintain a huge dispersed bureaucracy to handle collections and payment and will not provide the savings, much less the universal care that everyone professes to desire.
How does this relate to economic recovery? The single most uncontrollable element of overhead is health insurance. The automakers are saddled with health care costs that represent a great cost in the value of a car than the steel it is made from. The cost to cover an employee and family exceeds the minimum wage in many states. When I started in business, I was able to cover an employee and their family for $1500 a year. Now, that same coverage (actually, inferior coverage) costs over $14,000!
The most common source of labor strife is health care costs as employers try to push more of this cost burden onto their employees through higher deductibles, co-pays and premiums. Worse yet, the system is voluntary and an employer can simply drop coverage or reduce benefits without recourse. In fact, it might be a competitive advantage in seeking business. If your overhead is lower because a company does not offer its employees health insurance, it can bid lower for business.
Economic recovery will be significantly hampered and slowed if we do not address health care reform and I applaud President Obama for recognizing this fact. I find, however, his reluctance to even give single-payer consideration to be short-sighted and dooming health care reform to ‘fiddling around the edges.’
It is time to join the rest of the industrialized world and adopt universal health care with a single-payer health care system. Of the 27 industrialized nations in the world, only one does not guarantee its citizens universal access to comprehensive health care. That one is the USA and resolving that is one of the first steps to full economic recovery.
*END SOAPBOX*
START SOAPBOX These words are sometimes referred to as a curse; however, we certainly are living in extraordinary times. The change that occurred this week was a complete shift in the political paradigm. As I was watching Barack Obama give his inaugural speech and saw the millions of smiling, hopeful faces waving flags, I called […]
*START SOAPBOX*
These words are sometimes referred to as a curse; however, we certainly are living in extraordinary times. The change that occurred this week was a complete shift in the political paradigm. As I was watching Barack Obama give his inaugural speech and saw the millions of smiling, hopeful faces waving flags, I called my mom who has witnessed many more historical moments than I have. She was overcome with emotion and crying in joy about these interesting times. She said that she has not ever seen anything like this.
The change transcends simply a new President and a different party in control. This is a change that is all about hope and a celebration of our country’s political system. It is a tribute to some revolutionary folks who got together a few hundred years ago and formulated a government with the people as holders of the true power. President Obama tapped into this source of power, utilized his gift of eloquence and combined it with a modern network of email, text messages and internet presence to launch a new era of hope.
I am not naive enough to think that Barack Obama has super powers and that magically all problems will disappear. However, if this new paradigm means that we come together rather than split apart and work together to solve problems, I do not think any problem is too big to solve.
For too long, there have been two Americas. One was comprised of the privileged, wealthy and powerful, and the other was made up of the powerless and disenfranchised. The mosaic of faces that I saw at the inauguration–black, brown, white, young and old–waving flags and smiling and crying in joy gives me hope that President Obama can truly lead us to recover that greatness that makes the USA so unique.
The most poignant part of this change was captured by President Obama in his speech when he said:
“This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed–why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
It is fitting that a black man was able to stand proudly and take the oath of office of the most powerful position on earth at the same Mall where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. moved a nation with his “I have a dream…” speech.
In MLK’s timeless words:
__I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.__
This was a day of change not only for our nation but an inauguration for the world.
*END SOAPBOX*
Apple reported their 1st Quarter financial results on Wednesday after the market closed. Reporting for the Oct-Dec 2008 period, Apple posted the highest revenue and profit in the company’s history! I have run out of verbs to describe Apple’s performance, as quarter after quarter, year after year, they post record sales and profits. In the midst of the worst economic crisis in generations and a horrible retail environment, Apple continues to innovate and sell while the management team leads Apple to financial success.
Apple posted revenue of $10.7 billion and a net profit of $1.61 billion for the 3 months. If you count iPhone and Apple TV revenue that Apple spreads over 24 months, Apple had $11.8 billion in sales and a $2.3 billion profit. These are simply amazing numbers in good economic times; in the current climate, they are unprecedented. It was the first time ever that Apple posted quarterly revenue in excess of $10 billion. Apple now has $28.1 billion in cash and short-term securities and is not seeking a government bailout.
Earnings per share were $1.78, which was well above Apple’s guidance of $1 and well above the “whisper” number of $1.36. Apple provided optimistic guidance for the next quarter while cautioning that their crystal ball is a bit foggy given the economic climate. They are projecting revenue of $7.6 billion to $8 billion with earnings in the neighborhood of $1/share.
Here’s some other highlights:
*The Mac Business*
* Apple sold an astounding 2.5 million Macs, 728,000 desktops and the balance MacBooks and MacBook Pros. This is a continuation of a trend from desktop to laptops that we have seen over the past few years.
* Apple saw declines in the educational market due primarily to the poor economy.
During the analyst call Tim Cook was skeptical about netbooks because of the slow processors, cramped keyboards and displays, but continue to watch the space and has ideas.
*Apple TV*
There was a lot of speculation about the Apple TV over the past few months, but Tim Cook reported that Apple TV sales were up 300% and that Apple will continue to invest in the product but still considers it a “hobby.”
*iPhone*
* Apple sold 4.3 million iPhones, easily surpassing their goal of 10 million for calendar year 2008. This represents 88% growth in units and 417% (!!) growth in revenue year over year.
In response to questions about competition, Tim Cook said that Apple is suited up and ready to face competition, and that they welcome it. He went on to say that Apple will fiercely protect its intellectual property in a not so veiled threat to Palm and the Palm Pre.
*Apple Retail*
* Apple’s retail stores continue to mirror our experience in that about 1/2 of the sales of Macs are sold to new to Mac customers (“Switchers”).
* 515,000 Macs were sold at Apple retail, and while year-over-year, revenue per store was down for the quarter, Apple retail stores are averaging $7 million in quarterly revenue.
* Apple plans to open 25 stores worldwide in 2009 and half of those will be outside the USA.
*iPods and iTunes*
* 22,727,000 iPods were sold, an all-time record for Apple.
* Apple retains 73% of the MP3 player market and remarked upon the huge success of the App store on iTunes.
In other news, Microsoft posted quarterly results that missed expectations and will lay off 5,000 employees. They said they could no longer offer profit forecasts for the rest of the fiscal year.
For Apple, the news is quite different. Exceptional products, exceptional management, exceptional performance and a laser-like focus on innovation and quality have put Apple in this enviable position. This greatest story in American business continues!
It just was not the same to see a Macworld Keynote without Steve Jobs, but I thought that Phil Schiller did an admirable job of showing off the latest from Apple.
The top four innovations from my point of view were:
1) iPhoto – the changes to iPhoto are simply astounding. It is the most advanced photo management system for consumers ever conceived. It will make your photo library more accessible, more manageable and more useful than ever before. iPhoto is reason enough all by itself to buy a Mac!
2) iMovie – the new features in iMovie have me thinking about taking a video camera with my on my upcoming safari to Tanzania. The ability to manipulate your videos and the new tools introduced make video editing even within my capabilities.
3) The Mac Box Set – The new package @ $169 of iWork, iLife and Leopard is a great way to get folks stuck back with Tiger finally into the modern age!
4) DRM-free iTunes – YES, this will make managing your music library as easy as managing your photo library. It is a credit to Apple that the record labels have finally seen the light and dropped the requirement for DRM on music. Apple has demonstrated that they have the market for music no one else can touch.
Plus, I like a lot of the features in the new MacBook Pro 17-inch, especially the new battery. While I know some will complain about the non-removable battery, I am sure that it can be replaced by Apple Service Providers and with a 1000-cycle life and up to 8-hours on a charge, you do not have to carry a spare battery just to get through the day!
I was surprised to see Tony Bennett as the musical star at the end of the keynote but Artie was enraptured and applauded wildly.
It just was not the same to see a Macworld Keynote without Steve Jobs but I thought that Phil Schiller did an admirable job in showing off the latest from Apple. The top four innovations from my point of view were: iPhoto – the changes to iPhoto are simply astounding. It is the most advanced […]
You are looking fine in 2009
Drink fine wine in 2009
Cubbies Vine in 2009
Toe the line in 2009
I have been making annual predictions in Kibbles for over a decade, so here’s an HTML version of this year’s gaze into that dusty MacPlus.
*SPORTS*
*MLB Baseball*
It’s this year, it really is! Chicago Cubs go all the way to the World Series and become world champs. I’m buying my traditional sports book ticket when I go to Vegas for CES next week. Count on it–this year is “next year;” Cubs over the Yankees in 6.
*NBA Basketball*
Boston Celtics World Champions–boy, do I like the sound of that. Yes, they will repeat, beating the Lakers in 7.
*NFL Football*
The Chicago Bears will find a new quarterback that will be their first all-pro since Sid Luckman.
*NHL Hockey*
OK, I won’t slam hockey this year; yearning for the days of Mikita, Hull, Hall and Moose Vasko, I am predicting that the Blackhawks will win the Stanley Cup.
*WEATHER*
Another good start to the winter, but temperatures will be unusually warm with little snow until mid-February with at least three dumps of over 2 feet this year. An early and dry spring will give way to a warm May and June, a wet July and a hot August. It will be one of the most brilliant fall foliage seasons. There will be an active hurricane season in the Caribbean Sea.
*POLITICS*
Barack Obama will embark on the most massive economic recovery in the history of the country, providing millions of new jobs and stimulating the creation of new industries for energy conservation, renewable energy product and electric cars.
A new spirit of bi-partisanship will allow Congress and the White House to work together to make progress on important issues like health care reform within the first 6 months of the administration.
Al Franken will finally win the disputed Minnesota Senate seat becoming the first avowed comedian in the US Senate.
*WORLD*
* The US will begin withdrawing troops from Iraq with less than 50,000 troops left by Christmas 2009.
* Troop build-up will continue until the fall when a cross-border attack with Predator drones makes a confirmed kill of Osama bin Laden.
* Troop strength will be reduced by Christmas with the strengthening of the Afghani government and the cut-off of support for that Taliban.
* Afghanistan will continue to demand attention and the US will learn what the Russians have learned before, that a hot war in Afghanistan is a morass.
* A renewed diplomatic effort, led by Hillary Clinton will result in an Isreali/ Palestinian 2-state solution but only after the Israeli army effectively dismantles Hamas.
* The USA will loosen the embargo on Cuba, allowing travel and free flow of capital. Cuba will become a renewed tourist destination for Americans.
*ECONOMY*
* Gas prices will reach a low of $1.40/gallon and then begin a sharp rise in the summer based both on increases in the gasoline tax and increases in demand.
* Energy efficiency will be the mantra of US car companies and they attempt to re-invent themselves with the help of taxpayer money. Development and production of more efficient vehicles will begin.
* The stock market will rally in January and February, decline in the spring and rebound by the end of the year. The Dow will break 10,000 by year-end.
* Unemployment will rise to to a national level of 8.8% by mid-year and will decline to below 6% by year-end.
*APPLE*
* Apple stock will recover with the economy and hit $175/share by July.
* Apple will continue to post record revenues and earnings despite the poor economy.
* Apple will introduce a netbook (something between an iPod touch and a MacBook Air)
* Apple will introduce at least one new form factor for Macs
* Apple will spend some of its $25 Billion in cash on an interesting acquisition.
* Apple will allow its top independent resellers to sell the iPhone.
*SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS*
* Small Dog Electronics will open one large and one small new store in 2009.
* Small Dog will post record revenues and profits.
* Small Dog Electronics will hold another successful eWaste event with over 150 tons recycled.
* Small Dog Electronics will win at least one prestigious award.
*PERSONAL*
* I will not wear a tie again this year
* I will see hippos in the wild
* I will not buy a new motorcycle
* I will lose 25 pounds and keep it off
