N'to - Trauma (Worakls Remix)

I like this.

Small companies in poor countries

The Economist | Small companies in poor countries: Looking for a Google http://www.economist.com/node/21564265?

Why aren't entrepreneurs in poor countries as successful as their counterparts in rich countries?  The answer may surprise you - lack of management skills.

Does sustainabilit reporting make successful companies?

See the full PwC GMA financial report here [pdf].

An analysis of the financial performance of CPG companies alongside sustainability reporting shows companies that report have stronger financial results. Disclosure on sustainability, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, continues to spread through the corporate world, and the information flow—whether through Bloomberg terminals, supplier sustainability scorecards, or annual reports—keeps growing. In 2010, 70% of S&P 500 companies submitted voluntary disclosures to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),up from 56% in 2007.

Of interest in the article: PwC looked at the financial performance of CPG companies that produced sustainability reporting, versus those that didn’t – and concluded that sustainability reporting companies were on average, more successful than their counterparts

•  Reporting companies had a high gross margin
• Reporting companies had a high median SG&A spending as a percent of sales
• Reporting companies had a higher free cash flow to sales performance
• Reporting companies had a higher return on sales

The caveat with all of this is, of course, that correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation.

• Are reporting companies more successful because they report, or,
• Are successful companies reporting more because they have the luxury to do so; value transparency and sustainability reporting; and the capability that makes them a success financially, also makes it easier for them to produce sustainability reports (as the measuring just ain’t easy)

I’m willing to bet on the second bullet.

How Libya makes us squirm

Here is the dilemma: launch military action to save civilian lives -- and yes, civilians were threatened -- but only because they wanted to oust an autocrat (tyrant, etc.). When civilians started to march to that drum, when did they stop becoming civilians, and started to become a "rebel" military force? And are rebels owed the same protection as civilians? If the rebels were to massacred, it will be a civilian massacre. But if they win this conflict, and change the leadership in Tripoli, then they would do so as a rebel army.

It's no secret that the west would rather no deal with Gaddafi. The man easily flips between lunacy and pragmatism (yes -- remember eight years ago, when he decided to "change" his stripes). But will the west stop short of holding off Gaddafi's forces, or will they assist the rebels militarily? Will the west go all the way and enable a regime change?

Taking out Gaddafi's air force was one thing, but crippling his military is another. If it was just the air force, Gaddafi's forces could still crush the rebellion. And that's the problem. Other autocratic regimes -- the rest of the Arab world, Russia and China -- are looking on in horror. While the west would never dare run bombing campaigns against China and Russia, the rest of the Arab world may be up for grabs. And that is a bit concerning for the Arab League, and that's why they will pull support for the bombardment of Libya. Which will just position the west as again bombing the Muslim world.

Sometimes, you just can't win.
in reference to: Libya: Shifting sands | Editorial | Comment is free | The Guardian (view on Google Sidewiki)

Congratulations to the Huu-ay-aht, Ka:yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h', Uchucklesaht, Toquaht and Ucluelet

It is a big deal that these five first nations will finally be granted status as a people, in Canada. It ends, for these first nation people anyway, a hold over from the days of colonialism. Naturally, with great power, comes great responsibility, and that includes the responsibility not to make the same economic and environmental mistakes Canada has made in plundering this great land; and the responsibility to the children not born yet.

I wish the Huu-ay-aht, Ka:yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h', Uchucklesaht, Toquaht and Ucluelet all the best. They're going to need it.
in reference to:

"The Maa-nulth Treaty, Vancouver Island's first modern-day treaty, comes into effect April 1 and the five Maa-nulth First Nations from around Barkley Sound and Kyuquot Sound, are finalizing individual laws, strategizing economic development projects and planning individual celebrations as well as a joint celebration in Port Alberni on April 2."
- Citizenship at hand for five Vancouver Island bands (view on Google Sidewiki)

It's coming ...

World Habitat Day

Tomorrow, October 4th, is World Habitat Day -- a day designated by the UN to bring attention to the sorry state of housing for the world's population. Habitat for Humanity is one of those organizations that's putting sweat to the problem -- not thinking about the problem -- just working to fix it. Check out the link below for more.

in reference to:

"Every week, more than a million people are born in, or move to, cities in the developing world. As a result, the urban population of developing countries will double from 2 billion to 4 billion in the next 30 years. (Kissick, et al: 2006)   By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world’s population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)"
- World Habitat Day Oct. 4, 2010 - Social Media News Release (view on Google Sidewiki)

Five minutes of Twisted Frosties

You go to Brampton by the 407. That's why it doesn't take you that long.
Cause they have Indian food there.
Not because your parents live there?
My parents aren't Indian.
Your parents are Canadian.
Are they?

Can I take the 407? If I found a route on how to get there? I have to ask you, because it's a toll route. Because you're the one it's registered under.
OK.
Because the bill goes to you.
So.
So, it's common courtesy to ask before you do it.
Does it matter what I say?
Yes it does.
How so?
Because ... if you tell me no, that I can't use the 407, I won't use the 407.
Oh.
If you tell me how much it is, then I can pay you back at least a portion of it.
A lot of money.

How often do they bill you?
Hmm?
How often do they bill you? Every a month, or every time you use it?
Every month.
On average, how much do you pay?
Depends.
Course, that's why I'm asking you for an average.
I don't know, I don't have all my bills. I don't know for what period you want the average.
Oh god.

July 2010.
I can't remember what the bill was. Probably because I haven't seen it yet.
For June 2010.
It was a long time ago, I don't remember.

That's nice. There's fireworks out there.
Must be somebody's birthday.