This article explores the issue of the Eurozone talked about in lecture seven.

Greece, a country in great debt recently receives a Euros bailout loan and is now in need for “another 10.9 billion Euros” loan writes The Associated Press on September 26, 2011.  With the issue of the Eurozone, many individuals believe Greece may possibly become defaulted.

The article “Greece budget is ‘exhausted’: Official” is issued by The Associated Press in the September 29^th issue of the Vancouver Metro News.  Greece’s deputy prime minister announced Greece’s inability “to pay a new emergency tax without selling property” (Metro News).  As a result, the country’s parliament has implemented a new property tax that will be added onto citizens’ electricity bills; hence, many property-owners are now considering selling their homes.  The parliament’s declaration has also outraged many citizens.  The article reveals many Greeks, including “customs and tax-office workers” are now going on strike to demonstrate their discontent (Metro News).  The important problem many people, including economists question about is how Greece will resolve its debt problems and whether or not Greece will become defaulted.

The original article can be found in the September 29^th, 2011 issue of the Vancouver Metro News.

All the television commercials with that familiar red background advertising online streaming for only eight dollars per month will change. Netflix has recently announced the separation of businesses between their online streaming business Netflix, and the DVD-by-mail business Qwikster, Susan Krashinsky writes in The Globe and Mail. After this announcement, many Netflix customers have chosen to discontinue their services. Netflix has taken a risk to increase their prices and to separate their original services into two businesses, creating inconvenience for their customers.  Krashinsky cites a Netflix representative who publicizes a significant decrease in not only the number of consumers, but also a large decrease in the company’s stocks. These dramatic declinations have astonished and possibly have traumatized the company executives.

Netflix has made a bold decision and perhaps, did not consider the outcomes beforehand. This article reveals how a stable company like Netflix can experience a devastating change after one decision. Whether Netflix can return back to their original sales is unknown. In the short-term, the company appears to have made an incorrect decision; however, in the long-run, Netflix and Qwikster, may possibly become more successful after their separation.

Susan Krashinsky’s article: “Netflix offers a mea culpa- and a Defence”

In the article, Tina Rosenberg reveals there are supporters of the "profit, people and environment" idea.

In a The New York Times article, Tina Rosenberg addresses the expanding idea of B Corporations, companies that are aware of social responsibilities.  Rosenberg comments that these companies not only earn profits, but are also people and environment friendly.

The idea of B Corporations is slowly spreading as the population becomes more concern of the environment and more aware of worker benefits.  To see socially responsible companies in a world surrounded by money-oriented businesses is surprising.  Despite high costs to become a B Corporation, there are advantages.  Not only do companies have a better reputation, but in the article, Rosenberg also cites company founder, Strugatz, who claims that being a B Corporation has allowed his company to be acknowledged “into the marketplace quicker” http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com.  I think there are risks, such as the high costs and complicated document processes for company owners who want to establish B Corporations; however, in the long term, B Corporations may become successful due to their supporters in the company and society.

Tina Rosenberg’s article:

“Ethical Businesses With a Better Bottom Line”

B Corporations:

B Corporations Directory

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