travel

More China Stuff

As I am leaving China to return home to celebrate July 4th with my family, I thought I would share some interesting tidbits from just today’s China Daily, which gives good insight into what issues are important to Chinese business and society.

1. The government has worked to encourage “ODI” (overseas direct investment) by Chinese folks. Often the level of ODI is compared to “FDI” (foreign direct investment), which is also encouraged. They expect ODI to reach $180 billion this year while FDI will probably hit around $100 billion. Watch for more Chinese takeovers of companies throughout the world as the recession continues to lower values while China has huge foreign exchange reserves.

2. GM is struggling through bankruptcy but their sales in China increased almost 40% in the first half of this year, to almost 1 million cars. The car business here is booming big time.

3. They remain, understandably, extremely concerned about swine flu, not only because of the health issues, but as it may affect tourism. A school had 7 students down with the virus, so all the other 700 students plus faculty and parents are to remain quarantined in their homes for the next 7 days.

4. A very impressive report shows how in the last 20 years government efforts to subsidize mothers giving birth in hospitals rather than at home with midwives has very dramatically reduced the mortality rates both for mothers and newborns.

5. All the latest Michael Jackson news is covered in detail.

6. China has increased its goal of bringing nuclear power to more places by 2020. They feel alternative energy development is key. While nuclear power remains controversial in the US, here they are moving ahead full steam (no pun intended).

7. A Hong Kong listed toll road operator got the OK to complete an IPO in Shanghai. IPOs had been been “quietly” banned since last year. Good sign for markets throughout the world.  Thirty other companies have also gotten the go-ahead to go public here.

8. Local stock markets surged yesterday after reports that the recovery seems to have begun here and that positive earnings reports for the rest of the year are expected.

9. Madoff news is closely followed here.

10. British Petroleum and China National Petroleum Corp. have won a bid to develop oil fields in Iraq. This is a major contract for both.

Thanks so much to my friends in Guangzhou for a most memorable visit. I will return for sure! And happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans..

travel

Where’s Your Disney World?

I am headed to China next week on business as much of my family heads to Disney World in Orlando for several weeks. Often places are referred to as “Disney World for…” For example, people talk about Las Vegas as Disney World for adults. The annual NY boat show is Disney World for boaters. And so on. But there is nothing like the real thing.

I must admit that as an adult, Disney World is not really for me. Disney is a surreal world that is totally for the kids. Sure they have tried to add attractions to draw in young adults (and even older ones) and some do come. But let’s face it, Disney is for kids as much as Las Vegas is not.

I do believe our kids are overprogrammed, overcoddled, and too much disrespect is tolerated than when I was a kid. I remember spending time with friends laying on the grass, looking into the sky and just wondering about things. Kids today do not have a single minute free. Those that try to cut back feel pressure because all the other kids are doing it.

Then there is the frustrating political correctness these days. In my day (gosh I really sound old) there was the “smart” class in elementary school and then the “regular” classes. You had to actually try out to be in little league, and you found out if you won or lost your league, shockingly.

I am no expert on parenting certainly. But somewhere between the parents who live 100% for the kids (and I’m including parents who still do this when their kids become adults) and the parents whose kids are expected to abide by their convenience is probably the right way. And it’s OK for your kids to understand what their strengths are, and even what they may not be so great at.

And don’t forget to take the time to find your Disney World, where you can decompress and get extra enjoyment out of our fragile earthly existence.

travel

Here’s What Happens in Vegas…

As the travelogue part of Crisis Post continues, I thought I would get into the top 10 things I loved about Las Vegas, where I just attended the Reverse Merger Conference and stole a few extra days with the family.

1. My 7-year old son telling one of the conference attendees, “What happens in Vegas…well you know the rest.” Then later stumping me when he asked, “Dad, why does what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas?”

2. The great equalizer of a town, where four 20-somethings sharing a room for $89 enjoy it as much as the high rollers with their limos.

3. The ability to entertain clients and friends  in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

4. The improved smoke removal devices that make the casino easier to breathe, if not easier to come away a winner.

5. The cruise ship atmosphere with great shows and restaurants at every turn.

6. The ability to go there with kids and all really have a great time.

7. The little pool at the Venetian where chaise lounges are waiting for you in the pool.

8. Posing with the President (he’s really tall), well, the wax one, at Madame Tussaud’s.

9. The slot machines at the airport. Oh yeah, and the great 7 minute ride from the strip to your plane.

10. Again, like London, however, just not great bagels and not great pizza. Guess I’m just a New York snob at times, sorry.

Great fun time and great business done. Thanks LV.