http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2011/11/financial-markets

Response to External Blog “No Such Thing as Risk Free”

No such thing as risk free

After reading the blog post by A.C.S | NEW YORK on the economist, I fully agree with the written opinion that there is no such thing as a risk free investing environment. As stated within the blog, people tend to assume things, like having a lower interest rate in banks creates a higher rate of return, yet they fail to take into account that there might be inflation rates, as well as default risks.

Bonds, pensions, funds are common items that create a delusion among people giving them a confidence feeling that there are no risk involved within these investments. I believe these low or no risk options of investments actually hold a greater threat, as people don’t know the consequences. They fail to assume that at critical times, even the government doesn’t have the money to fill the gap caused by a miscalculation of an investment; this event is being reflected upon an event that is happening in Europe at the moment. Many fail to see pass things such as nominal returns, which still includes tax and investment fees. Due to the complexity of the low risk investments, various factors are usually overlooked causing a misconception of true probability.

https://blogs.ubc.ca/claudrcommerce101/2011/10/09/apples-future-with-gay-ceo/

http://gawker.com/5834158/tim-cook-apples-new-ceo-and-the-most-powerful-gay-man-in-america

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/203853/20110825/tim-cook-gay.htm

http://www.gallup.com/poll/147662/first-time-majority-americans-favor-legal-gay-marriage.aspx

Apples future with gay CEO?

Upon reading Claud’s post, I refused to agree with his decision where he expressed Apple should not hire Tim Cook as a CEO simply based on his sexuality. Tim Cook is the most powerful gay man in America due to his change of position in replacing Steve Jobs as CEO in Apple Inc. As Claud stated, the Apple Team would support Tim Cook, if he announced his sexuality publically.

It is fact that some parts of society is still having problem with the sexuality mindset, however, we can tell that the world is now shifting away from that sector of extremeness. American’s have been highly against the spread of this sexuality trait, however new research proves that for the first time Americans has a majority that favors gay marriage. Not only will Apple not be critique in the future for having a gay CEO, but it might be placed on a stage for first being equal and fair among all people; can be similarity compared with technology, you might not know what the affect might be, but it does not mean the method or solution should not be tried. Talents are replaceable; brand images can be changed, being the first to employ equity is forever.

Should the Pipeline be built?

Response to David Yu’s Blog https://blogs.ubc.ca/davidyu/

 Unlike David, who believes that the pipeline should not be built, I on the other hand fully support the construction of this pipeline. After consideration I believe that the pros outweigh the “chance cons”, because they only happen under the condition when a disaster submerges. Building a pipeline has many advantages tied to it; the employment rate created by the pipeline is immense which in turns will create more rotation inside the economy. The oil industry will be bumped to an even higher level of efficiency as the “Keystone Pipeline Project” is completed, with its new ways of transportation the support cities that it runs through. Alberta, through Nebraska towards Houston, will gain an economic boost, because of the increased ease flow of oil lowering the price.

With any certain amount positives, behind will always follow a trail of negatives on a certain percentage of happening. The nearby communities, will only be affected if the construction is processed through without any thoughtful planning; projects are usually ran through a series of tests and percentages weighed against each other before proposal thus proving that the pros usually out the cons in ceteris paribus (with all other things constant).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15473954

Sony, top Japanese Electronics Company, has recently taken over their cellphone branch Sony Ericsson. The reason for the change of control was due to the fact that Ericsson pointed out that there isn’t much collaboration between a electronics equipment and mobile phone company, meaning there is no “synergy”. Along with the purchase Sony has also acquired the patents that has followed the company. Sony was proven to be resistant towards branching out with another company, through their slow actions towards connecting their PlayStation games onto any handsets (Xperia Play).  This combination also makes it easier for their consumers to connect between the devices as stated by Sony’s Chairman Sir Howard Stringer.

The switch of control over the Sony Ericsson Company is an exceptional decision; this will give further potential for Sony to develop. The company can now innovate gaming smartphones that combined the qualities of their most famous PSP handheld series. By taking the route of games plus phones they are creating a new segment within the smartphone industry being unique and first. Also by leading both companies under the same structure and management, collaboration will be much more efficient, and new ideas, strategies are passed much more effortlessly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15461732

Apple patents touchscreen unlock gestures

Recently Apple has established a new patent over the unlocking feature on either a smartphone or tablet, which comprise of a touchscreen motion. This proposal was submitted in June 2009 consisting of various unlocking techniques and styles. The newly made patent will possibly be Apple’s new weapon towards it’s rival manufacturers; with specific focus on main competitors such as Android, and W7 phones. Attacks were mostly directed at the Android because Steve Jobs “vowed to destroy it”, due to the fact that it was a “iOS rip off”. Although other companies such as Samsung has been actively fighting back with their patents, but they were unsuccessful.

I believe this patent by Apple is very unethical due to the fact that it is patenting something that is so simple, which everyone should have the right to use. The patent is also in other words, too general or cover too many areas of innovations restricting other companies from using them. A touchscreen unlock function, I am sure, is not new to many, and can be said or recognized as a daily or normal function. Why should something so simple be patent, which reframes some people from using it? Apple mainly covers 16% of the software in the smartphone market, which means the other 84% of the smartphone users wouldn’t be able to further utilize this straightforward practice.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15172238

Apple unveils refreshed iPhone 4S, but no iPhone 5

Recently Apple has uncovered their newest product under their cellphone range; known as the iPhone 4S. To many consumers’ dismay, it was not the long waited iPhone 5 but only an upgrade from the old iPhone 4. Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook made this announcement; the product will officially go on sale October 14th 2011.  Apple’s stock had dropped almost by 5% in the first few minutes of the announcement. Many exclaimed this iPhone 4S is a major disappointment, as the long awaited changes have not been presented, but only an alternation of inner parts.

The product was indeed somewhat of a disappointment among the public, but I believe it was an act of genius towards the business world. Apple is a leading major in the phone market thus they are using the inelasticity demand for their phones to continuously get consumers to buy new products with old faces. The other companies can’t copy this method due to the fact that other mobiles are in fact very elastic. Also because of the recent death of Steve Jobs, I believe Apple’s shares will not fall but rise. Consumers will be the need to praise this great individual thus purchasing this product.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15212913

Toyota to export made-in-India vehicles from 2012

By March 2012, Toyota Indian joint venture has announced that it will for the first time ship Indian-made cars to overseas. The cars are specially designed for a South Africa climate, involving any different road conditions, and local preferences. The joint in Indian makes 160,000 cars each year; the expectant number of vehicles that will be produced in 2013 is estimated to be 310,000. Japan Toyota currently holds 89% of the shares to the Indian Joint, while the Indian’s Kirloskar Group holds the other 11%. Many other Japanese companies have already tackled the market such as Honda, and Nissan.

It was a smart choice for Toyota to cement their relationship with their Indian counter part and release a brand new line of products overseas. By aggressively expanding their products into the South African markets; they would be able to gain initial dominance in that area. This move also gives them a way to advertise their products worldwide, while keeping the cheap production costs in India; using this stepping-stone to further established their products. Toyota is able to present the quality of their products to their new consumers, which should be a level higher than the local companies in South Africa.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15220297

Dutch trains to get ‘bag toilets’

Recently the Dutch National Railways has developed new equipment, which became an addition to the first aid bag. Surprisingly it was an emergency urinal bag in case of a train power failure. Facts showed that 16% of the passenger trains actually do not have toilets; a chemical powder would be inside the bag to instantly turn the liquid into solid. There were some disagreements from the crowd saying that the method would be inconvenient.

The new product emergency plastic bags in a certain perspective may seem unreasonable, and somewhat outrageous; personally I would find it very beneficial to the business. If the product has been proven useful in the near future, the company would be able to branch of this product, and use it as a focus in its advertisement. As the “market laws” state either to be first to enter the market, or be first at something new in order to keep that image in the head of the consumers. The Dutch National Railways would be able to control this variable and be the only company with an instant urgency washroom bag. In my opinion, the product will be a benefit rather than a child’s joke.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15220895

Microsoft Skype deal gets green light in Europe

Microsoft decision to purchased Skype was allowed to run smoothly as they get a major approve from the European Commission.  The deal first surfaced the business world in the month of May this year. The equilibrium price decided was at $8.5 billion; stated by European Commission this deal would not highly effect the already competitor filled market such as Google. This is to date, Microsoft’s biggest takeover, with Skype already having over 650 million global users.

This is a smart move by Microsoft in my perspective. The trend of video calling is starting to pick up, as oppose to the traditional text conversation; as MSN’s popularity began to fade, Skype’s rose. With the purchase Microsoft is now able to combine the best of both worlds providing their consumers with many more options, from texts, to video, and even phoning. Not only does this promote Skype but also Microsoft will be receiving a lot more attention from users and leaders alike for it’s new communication methods. Microsoft now can sink into different markets with Skype such handheld electronics, computer – phone alternative matching up to competitors like Apple in their face time function.

http://www.ethikospublication.com/html/socialmediaethics.html

Think Before You Tweet: Social Media Codes of Conduct

By Alexandra Theodore

Best buy Co. Inc., electronics company, in previous years, created a new “social media policy”, which targets the actively developing online digital media domain. The company felt it needed a set of rules to govern its workers; the rules “moves and evolves” constantly. During this period, one of the employees was suspended after their creation of a viral cartoon video, degrading one of the retailer brands “the iPhone”

Suspending a worker that has defamed one of the company’s retailer products may seem correct under normal circumstances, but in this case is unethical without understandable clarifications. As stated by Kathleen Edmonds, social media policies need to be able to grow and adapt with the ever-advancing online world. The actions of the worker had not, at the time, broken the rules; thus it was unfair, and unethical for the company to instantly include potential policies. Suspending workers who breached the social media code is ethical, only if the code was clearly presented to the workers at each new revision.