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in Forbes
by
Scott Woolley, 19 May 2008
The television wars, and the billions in profit monopolized by cable and satellite companies, are upon us. Woolley explores Semzi, Philip Wiser’s innovative broadcast system. Services like Amazon Unbox and AppleTV feature an a la carte format; Semzi's set top box will provide full on-demand access to favorites like ESPN, CNN, and HBO at half the monthly cost of cable. How? Semzi has sublet digital broadcasting capacity from TV stations around the country and negotiated network programming contracts. Though Woolley is optimistic about Semzi's prospects, the headline "Cable Killer" may be a bit much -- the space is very competitive, a fact under-emphasized by the author.
Posted 5:17, 20 May 2008
This abstract was written by
Greg DeSantis
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Erika Brown, 21 April 2008
Thanks to the efforts of chief executive John Shegerian, Electronic Recyclers International provides a second chance for more than just busted computers; one-third of its employees are ex-cons and former addicts. As part of the firm's "second chances" program, these workers are offered a chance at new life while providing the same service to discarded electronics. While it seems like an odd business model, it has produced undeniable results: ERI brought in $30 million in revenue last year, and Shegerian expects that figure to double this year. This interesting piece explores ERI's secrets to success as well as how Shegerian -- a former addict himself -- built his rehabilitation business.
Posted 11:15, 17 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Brian Willett
and edited by Brijit.
Subjects/Tags:
in Forbes
by
David Whelan, 21 April 2008
Due to the apparent failure of Medicare privatization -- which was intended to save taxpayers money -- the federal health care program might be on the operating table after the next president is inaugurated. Opponents of the plan allege that private Medicare costs $10 billion more than government-run Medicare would, and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain have all spoken out against it. In this well-researched piece, Whelan crunches the numbers and explains exactly where Medicare went wrong, pointing to such factors as 2003 legislation that "hiked the payments to lure more insurers into the market," pushing spending to 128 percent of its normal level.
Posted 2:27, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Brian Willett
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Mary Ellen Egan, 21 April 2008
In this fascinating article, Egan examines a little-known sector of mega-retailer Target: its crime lab. Originally established to help catch store shoplifters, the lab now assists local police departments in cases involving armed robbery, murder, and sexual assault. The results are truly impressive; Egan details several instances in which the crime lab was able to find incriminating evidence. Though there are some concerns that the lab's involvement in non-Target cases might blur the line between police work and business, all non-store work is performed on a volunteer basis, and the lab's creator insists that personal information is treated as such. A well-written article that provides a very different look at the corporate giant.
Posted 11:16, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Sarah Erdreich
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Robert Langreth, 21 April 2008
For sufferers of chronic back pain, or even acute episodes, surgery is likely not the answer, as Langreth explains in this informative article. He reviews the research on back pain, which shows that low-tech, non-invasive techniques such as chiropractor visits, exercise, movement, and painkillers such as naproxen or ibuprofen are more beneficial than expensive, painful surgeries. Rather than the traditionally prescribed bed rest, returning to a normal routine as soon as possible will also shorten recovery time.
Posted 9:50, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Bethany Stotts
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Robert Langreth, 21 April 2008
There's new hope for the 5.2 million people suffering from Alzheimer's, with several medical trials aiming to reduce amyloid clumps (a symptom of the disease). Proponents of anti-amyloid medications believe hindering amyloid buildup could stem the disease, allowing patients to retain their faculties for years. But it is a high-risk venture, Langreth argues in this well-balanced article, especially since little research proves that amyloid is the cause of Alzheimer's rather than a symptom; critics argue that other culprits could include neurofibrillary tangles and an absence of the protein presenilin.
Posted 9:48, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Bethany Stotts
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Elizabeth Corcoran, 21 April 2008
William Miller couldn't care less about retirement. The former computer scientist, software expert, and venture capital consultant chairs Nanostellar, a firm developing the next generation of chemical catalysts for use in catalytic converters. Using a proprietary mix of gold, platinum, and palladium, Nanostellar's technology can reduce the toxic emissions from diesel cars and trucks by up to 40 percent, an improvement large enough to convince some European companies to retrofit existing vehicles. With his upbeat but practical outlook, Miller is clearly one octogenarian unwilling to rest on his laurels.
Posted 9:45, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Laura White
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Rich Karlgaard, 21 April 2008
With US health care costs spiraling out of control, businesses and politicians alike have proposed ways to cut costs. Hillary Clinton, for example, has proposed universal health care, which Karlgaard sees as "Orwellian" and unnecessary; he solicits preferable options from Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, such as company-hired doctors to diagnose employees, eliminating the need for costly office visits. In this insightful column, Karlgaard also lauds South Korean president Lee Myung-bak for his bid to "transform Asia's third-biggest economy through a mix of tax cuts, deregulation and privatisation, sticking to his promise to boost economic growth to 7 percent a year in spite of the global market turmoil."
Posted 9:39, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Brian Willett
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Evan Hessel, 21 April 2008
Most people recognize Panda Express as a mall food court staple, selling Asian meals for around $8. But the company's chairman, Andrew Cherng, is causing a stir in the business world with his unique, holistic approach to management. Cherng's philosophy is, in part, that a business can't be successful if its employees are unhappy, and so he exhorts everyone in his company to maintain a healthy work-life balance, offers wellness seminars, and encourages managers to forge bonds with their employees in order to achieve this goal. While some view Cherng's approach as potentially litigious, Cherng's willingness to put his employees first is a welcome anomaly in the business world.
Posted 9:06, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Sarah Erdreich
and edited by Brijit.
in Forbes
by
Steve Forbes, 21 April 2008
In this loosely structured article, the author gives vent to conservative views on various economic issues. He goes from lamenting the weak dollar to promoting free development of new technologies, from steering clear of price controls to avoiding regulation of pharmaceutical advertising, and from supporting health insurance reform to prolonging the trade embargo with Cuba. Basically, commentator Forbes is unhappy with the policies of the current administration and fears that no better policies will emerge in the next administration. On the topic of stocks, Forbes says that values will rise once the government decides "to buck up the buck."
Posted 9:03, 16 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Cath Stockbridge
and edited by Brijit.