The Culture of Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Wall Street was a movement that began on September 17, 2001 against the powers of major banks and Wall Street’s fault in the economic recession. This movement has spread across North America, including 100 American cities. The occupiers have named themselves the 99%, who’s wealth continually grows in difference from the rich. Supporters of the movement seek a change in the unfair economy ruled by the world’s richest 1%.

The shared beliefs and values motivating the 2000+ occupiers was the basis of the culture which bound together the protesters. Occupy Wall Street’s organizational culture was based off the mutual agreement members shared on the unfair distribution of wealth, corporate and government corruption, and unemployment. Although the reasons for the occupation were negative, the environment was positive and supportive. Occupy Wall Street was born from the power of the protesters, therefore, the organization truly was the people. Although the measurable change created by Occupy is debatable, the inspiration and solidarity showed the power and potential of society. I believe the message and values the culture of Occupy Wall Street created was the change they sought.

Occupy Wall Street: To Big To Ignore

 

Citations

Various Supporters.”About.” 25 November, 2011. <http://occupywallst.org/about/>

Contributors. Wikipedia. “Occupy Wall Street.” 25 November 2011. 25 November, 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street#Organization_and_group_process>

Youth Empowered

I found Sonia Sidhu’s blog on Social Enterprise at its Finest, to show the growing trend in society to uplift and inspire youth.  Youth United will empower the young to believe in and contribute to the change they seek for their future.I find many of the social issues, Youth United, wishes to tackle in line with those of We Day.
Founded by Craig and Marc Kielburger, We Day sets to unite youth across the globe in a movement of positive change. Young people fill stadiums across the world all in support of the education and inspiration of possible change through the power of youth.

WE DAY

We, the youth, will become the leaders and the deciders of global change. I believe organizations such as Youth United and We Day are helping to shape the trend of empowering youth. They also entice more young people to become change makers and make tackling social issues ‘cool’. Craig Kielburger and Jyothindra Nath are both social entrepreneurs whom organize and create social ventures with the importance of youth in consideration. They are harnessing and uplifting a power which will undoubtedly affect the future.

 

Citations:

Sidhu, Sonia. Social Enterprise at its Finest. 21 November, 2011. 25 November, 2011. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/soniasidhu/2011/11/21/social-enterprise-at-its-finest/>

WeDay. 25 November, 2011.<http://www.weday.com/about>

 

CO2 Calculator

An online calculator which reveals the amount of CO2 being emitted from hot water use, has been made available for UK homes. Producers, Energy Saving Trust, states the personalized report will relate carbon emissions and the cost of the water and energy to the amount of water used in the household. 6% of the UK’s CO2 emissions are attributed from energy used in the water sector, 89% of which come from home and businesses. Energy Saving Trust also provides readers with access to energy and water saving tips.

By countries setting a tone towards the importance of sustainability, businesses are likely to follow suit. This online calculator is a great strategy for companies and households to make the connection between water and energy efficiency. UK businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on this online resource and recognize their corporate social responsibilities.

Sources:

Kinver,Mark. Water CO2 Calculator for UK Homes Goes Online. Science and Environment Reporter, BBC News. 16/06/10. 22/11/11. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10310883>

Qwikster Quick to End

Qwikster was the short lived video by mail section of Netflix. After losing an estimated 1 million customers and plumiting stock prices, Netflix has decided to reverse its plan to divide its video-by-mail and video streaming services.

The class discussion whether it was a good or bad decision to divide Netflix and charge for both services, can now be concluded as bad.

Netflix had successfully positioned itself as number one in consumer minds, created a strong comparative advantage, and connotation around it’s brand name. Netflix was a consumer favourite because of its low cost and easy to use format. It’s comparative advantage lay in Netflix’s positioning in an unoccupied niche, which provided a wide range of videos through two methods of delivery. Netflix’s brand name is distinctive and up until its blunder, a consumer favourite. This new section of the original Netflix required two accounts and charged consumers more. Qwikster was seen as a betrayal and could alter the brands positioning in consumer minds.

Shares of Netfilx rose 10% after the news of its reversal plan, however, they once again turned down. With the decision to kill Qwikster, only time can tell if Netflix can regain its momentum and consumer trust.

Citation:

Burrus, Logan. Goldman, David. CNN Money Tech. October 10,2011. October 10,2011. <http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/technology/netflix_qwikster/?iid=SF_T_LN>

Pictures:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=netflix&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=htECkY4R5bPu4M:&imgrefurl=http://www.fastcompany.com/1726352/netflix-on-competition-from-amazon-hulu-plus-hbo-time-warner&docid=w0EXNbfmEzdxpM&w=620&h=349&ei=yqWUTqiIIKfdiAKb54HzBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1026&vpy=293&dur=923&hovh=168&hovw=299&tx=37&ty=90&page=1&tbnh=159&tbnw=204&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=qwikster&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Va4&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=o5QcqCXxhG0foM:&imgrefurl=http://bigshinyrobot.com/&docid=5v_Oy4sS3_592M&w=660&h=371&ei=jqaUTt_pOMeuiQKs18SpBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=355&page=1&tbnh=87&tbnw=155&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=37&ty=34

NewBay Finds NewHome at RIM

RIM acquired NewBay in a $100 million deal on October 6th,2011. NewBay is an Irish software company who creates technology which allows users to share and create digital content through their phones.

In class, almost all of the students clicked in associating BlackBerrys and RIM with BBM. We affiliated RIM with nothing else than the invention of BBM and could not recall any other major milestone or advancement in the company. Research In Motion, has fallen behind in the mobile race and failed to live up to its name. RIM is no longer associated with strong innovation and technological advancement.

I believe RIM’s tactic of purchasing NewBay will allow them to get back in the race. NewBay is an established company who has created software for T-Mobile, ATT, and Verison, with offices around the world in US, UK, Germany, Australia and South Korea. They need to continue in this direction or risk being a one hit wonder with the invention of BBM. The development and application of this new technology could be the company’s leading strategy in its mission to be the leader of the mobile industry.

Citation:

Collins, John. The Irish Times. October 7, 2011. October 9,2011. <http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/1007/1224305388261.html>

Pictures:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=RIM&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=rn-2z4I3f_DkdM:&imgrefurl=http://crackberry.com/rim-purchases-blackpad-com-domain-blackberry-tablet-now-one-step-closer-reality&docid=GWq7wTgH5uB9TM&w=600&h=261&ei=GSGSTuCyBO_WiALUgNXMCA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=1829&page=1&tbnh=107&tbnw=246&start=0&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=105&ty=44

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=NEWbay&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=ARwUr6lIXNvhIM:&imgrefurl=http://americas.enterprise-ireland.com/optimus-works-with-newbay-to-launch-mobile-social-networking-service/&docid=eZU9EwC6dOUx2M&w=283&h=142&ei=9SKSTqqGN43PiAKcmv3NCA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=801&page=1&tbnh=80&tbnw=160&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=130&ty=39

 

Amazon’s Fire Extinguishable?


The IHS iSuppli Teardown Analysis Service recently revealed that the Amazon Kindle Fire, is selling for $10 more than the cost to produce the device. The cost of materials is $191.65, after manufacturing the total comes to $209.63 and the selling price is $199.99. However, this is exactly what Amazon wants, they plan on competing with the IPad and other tablets by offering the lowest price on the market.

As Liesl Bellack stated the Kindle’s point of difference is its competitive pricing.

However, I think that its very dangerous for Amazon to depend on only its content sales. Much like the Lieber Case, trying to fight off competition by only price will be a bigger hindrance on the company in the long run. The Kindle offers less than half the applications the IPad does, so consumers are rightfully paying only half the price of the IPad. The competitive pricing isn’t a strong enough point of difference for the Kindle Fire to rely on. I don’t think Amazon has created a product that will emerge as a serious threat against the IPad.

Citations:

Slatter, Brennon. PCWorld. Oct 4, 2011. October 5.2011. <http://www.pcworld.com/article/241076/kindle_fire_teardown_pegs_price_at_20963.html>

Picture:

Reardon, Marguerite. CNET News. September 29, 2011. October 5, 2011. <http://www.pcworld.com/article/241076/kindle_fire_teardown_pegs_price_at_20963.html>

Safe-Injection Site Saved

Vancouver’s Safe-Injection Site was saved last week from closure by the Supreme Court of Canada. The plaintiff, the federal government, argued its existence goes against criminal drug laws. However, B.C. lawyers won by maintaining its position under the health-care policy and advocating its prevention of  infections and death. Although Insite does allow the use of illegal substances, the Court ruled that it would also be denying users protection for life and security under the Charter of Rights. This has opened doors for the possibility of new sites across Canada, including Montreal.

I agree with the Courts decision to keep Insite open. Being a Vancouverite, I feel safer knowing the streets are cleaned up. Having fewer addicts on the streets also presents Vancouver as more distinguishable city with tourists. I think that other cities, such as Montreal, should adopt this system as well, but only after much consideration of its necessity. Vancouver’s downtown East Side is a very confined area consisting of a very high population of the city’s homeless drug addicts. So the site has produced little evidence that it attracts more drug use. Montreal needs to examine whether they too have such a location.

Insite Vancouver

Citation:

Author Unknown. Montreal Gazette. October4, 2011. October 4, 2011. <http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Safe+injection+sites+Montreal+Plan+carefully/5501451/story.html>

Pictures:

<http://www.google.com/imgres?q=safe+injection+site+vancouver&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=GQdCb3wR4NTGrM:&imgrefurl=http://www.myspace.com/marijuanasteve/photos/67028345&docid=8oF01YDuN64wFM&w=600&h=449&ei=SMqLTqeTEcrpsQKfy7G0BA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=831&vpy=161&dur=1457&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=73&ty=60&page=5&tbnh=169&tbnw=236&start=52&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:52>

<http://www.google.com/imgres?q=safe+injection+site+vancouver+site&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=pSFKReHoedp2VM:&imgrefurl=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/04/safe-injection-site-saves-first-nation-lives/&docid=uEfNbeZyXerPsM&w=615&h=359&ei=rMiLTt7xFIGqsQL-2KipBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=215&vpy=174&dur=1045&hovh=124&hovw=213&tx=430&ty=76&page=2&tbnh=124&tbnw=213&start=22&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:22>

 

Michigan’s Government Intervention on Childhood Obesity

Michigan Governor Snyder, is proposing a new system to track childhood obesity, inorder to halt the ever growing numbers of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers, and various other diseases, associated with obesity. It would become mandatory for doctors to report the body mass index of children under the age of 18, to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. Other than the self inflicting complications that arise from obesity, Columbia University studies reveal a 66 billion dollar cost to the American healthcare system annually.

Much like the Russian vodka case, a visibly harmful problem has arisen, which warrents the need of government intervention. Areas with a denser population of overweight people can be found and targeted. This could give way to patterns being found explaining why places have higher obesity levels, when children begin showing signs of becoming over weight, and other insightful models. With a more accurate number of childhood obesity cases the government will be able to produce better solutions, which will benefit the society in the long run.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/14/us-obesity-michigan-idUSTRE78D63G20110914

Super Size Me

Picture: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=weight+scale&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1366&bih=575&tbm=isch&tbnid=enCOa0doyw55fM:&imgrefurl=http://www.qrbiz.com/buy_weight-height-scale&docid=gO6-rEYme1sCPM&w=825&h=894&ei=zIJxTr-8JuTiiALV1tm4Ag&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=998&page=2&tbnh=165&tbnw=129&start=12&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:12&tx=61&ty=62

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qKric3SJRk