For several decades, there was a trend in popular music named the “concept album.” Sadly, however, the trend seems to be dying: For decades, the music industry has been looking to the album charts to establish what made a hit. In the past 10 years, though, album sales have… Continue reading
Entries Tagged as 'Business'
The End of the Music Album and David Bowie Lyrics
September 2nd, 2010 · 5 Comments · Business, Culture, Entertainment, Marketing, Music, Personal, Politics
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Letter from Israel: Theories of Poverty in America and Israel
September 1st, 2010 · 16 Comments · Business, Culture, Economics, Education, Globalization, Immigration, Israel, Judaism, Letters from Israel, Personal, Politics, Religion, The Middle East
Twentieth in an ongoing series JERUSALEM — As much as I love working and writing from home during the day, there is one negative: The children next door. No, I don’t hate kids. Let me explain. Israel is a small, dense country. As a result, most people live extremely close to each other. The picture at […]
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Improving Journalism Worldwide Despite Political Bias
August 31st, 2010 · No Comments · Boston, Business, Culture, Education, Journalism, Marketing, Massachusetts, Personal, Politics, The Boston Globe
BOSTON — When I was an editorial assistant at the Boston Globe while in college in the summer and fall of 2000, the newspaper went through a major redesign. The “Metro” section was renamed “City & Region” (to improve branding in suburban areas). The newsprint, font, and type size were changed (to make the print […]
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How to Deal With Bill Collectors Calling at Work
August 29th, 2010 · 6 Comments · Business, Economics, Finance, Politics
In 2009, U.S. consumer debt was $2.5 trillion. In January 2008, more than 4% of credit cards were more than thirty days past-due. The total amount of U.K. consumer debt now exceeds the country’s GDP. These are just a few of the available statistics. I am sure it has only become worse. As a result, […]
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Demographic Factors, Changing Demographics, and Economic Trends
August 25th, 2010 · No Comments · Business, Culture, Economics, Finance, Politics
Mark Steyn has made a living from his catchphrase “demographics is destiny.” He is usually referring to the higher birth-rates of Muslims in Europe than native Europeans and the continent’s possible demographic future as a result. But the phrase may be useful in economic analysis as well. Goldman Sachs recently published a paper entitled “Current […]
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Housing Bubble Blog: After the Housing Boom
August 24th, 2010 · 6 Comments · Business, Culture, Economics, Finance, Politics
Did anyone who has been paying attention not see this coming: Sales of previously built single-family homes plunged in July to their lowest level since May 1995 as job fears trumped today’s low mortgage interest rates and relatively affordable home prices. The sales of existing single-family homes… Continue reading
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Why Economic Growth Will Not Return After Banking Crisis and Inflation
August 18th, 2010 · 1 Comment · Business, Economics, Finance, Politics
The latest government financial-aid package seems again to help the banks more than the public: Banks will get the biggest benefit from an Obama administration housing program designed to help unemployed homeowners escape foreclosure. Housing experts expressed concern that banks, not homeowners, will be helped by the White House’s $3 billion funding infusion — $2 […]
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Hindenburg Omen: Bad Sign?
August 15th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Business, Economics, Finance
A recent drop in the U.S. stock market has triggered the “Hindenburg Omen.” Worrying sign, future self-fulfilling prophecy, or faulty indicator?… Continue reading
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