M: We’re Having a (Divorce) Party

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The primary referenced article makes mention of summer of 2010 as the “the Summer of Divorce.” While that was disputed even within the article, recent months have seen one very contentious divorce – that of former Los Angeles Dodgers owners Charles and Bonnie Bronfman – as well as an announcement of the separation and impending… Read more »

M: Golf Legend/Leader Passes

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The golf world mourns the passing of legend Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros. The Spaniard was known primarily as the showman that led the Europeans to victory over the United States in the 1985 Ryder Cup. However, golf insiders know that Ballesteros also accumulated a record 50 European titles and 90 tournament wins, which include two British… Read more »

M: A Guitar for Heaven

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In the ultimate tribute to a partner, Pedro Martin Ureta honored his deceased wife’s wishes and cultivated an immense tree garden into an aerial delight – a guitar. Shortly after marrying Mr. Ureta, Graciela Yraizoz saw a shape while flying over the pampa. That’s when she came up with the idea of creating a guitar…. Read more »

M: It’s Not About the Money (Or Is It?)

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Following a year when CEO pay raises were flat, 2010 offered huge gains for many bosses of top companies. Average CEO pay jumped 11%. Topping the list was Viacom’s Philippe Dauman with compensation estimated at $84.3 million. While the biggest across-the-board raises tended to be in oil and gas and telecommunications, all industries showed substantial… Read more »

M: Planning for a Royal Future

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We might as well jump on the royal bandwagon. But seriously, where else could the need for planning be more evident than with the event that took place on April 28, 2011 and what is to follow? No other monarchy in the world receives as much attention as the British royal family. In recent decades,… Read more »

M:Oops, Another Security Breach (and Communication Misstep)

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After delaying an announcement for more than a week, Sony finally admitted its network had been hacked, compromising the data of 77 million users of PlayStation and potentially putting their credit information at risk. The backlash was immediate. In its defense, Sony argued the delay was necessary to give the company time to conduct investigations…. Read more »

M: Is the Phone Too Smart?

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Research is emerging on the social implications of smart (cellular) phone usage. This research along with revelations by Apple that iPhones catalog phone usage along with location is raising ethical concerns. While firms such as Google and AT&T claim that any data gathered is done so anonymously, research clearly indicates that the level of knowing… Read more »

M: The Business Cycle

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Shawn Bravender is an avid cyclist and cycling is his preferred method of commuting. Naturally, riding a bike to and from work causes a few concerns (e.g., hygiene, appropriate business attire), so when Bravender’s employer gave him the task of figuring out how to make it work, he did. The move may become more common… Read more »

M: Shop at Home the Wal-Mart Way

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Retail giant Wal-Mart is testing home delivery in California. The move is in response to similar tests by Amazon and Sears. Wal-Mart already has a successful home delivery business in Europe and recently brought a top-level executive from that subsidiary to the United States. In addition, the company purchased Kosmix to help develop a new… Read more »

M: No Band-Aid Approach to Growth

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Rumors indicate that medical giant Johnson & Johnson is once again looking to acquire a medical equipment manufacturer. The suspected target is Swiss-based Synthes. Johnson & Johnson’s medical equipment sales appear to be at a plateau, so the company would like to acquire a company that offers some protection against competition. QUESTIONS: Should Johnson &… Read more »