Friday, March 25, 2011

03.25.2011






Dateline: 24 March 2011

AxSA Factoid of the Week

Real power in baseball starts at the pitcher’s mound. Perhaps that is why the MLB invests $1 billion per annum into some of the most capable pitching arms on the planet. The investment, though quite large, has been paying off. For the seventh year going, the league has hosted more than 73 million fans across 30 ballparks, and its revenues for 2010 reached $7 billion.

News & Commentary

Japan

Economic Cost from Japan Quake Estimated at ¥25 Trillion

Japan Today

When factoring in power shortages, the actual figures could be worse…Read More


The Cost of Calamity

The Economist

Statistically speaking, the effects of disasters are usually temporary. Will that be the case in Japan? Read More


Economics

U.S. Auto Dealers Raise Some Car Prices after Japan Crisis

Japan Today

Models like the Prius and some vehicles from Infiniti and Acura could be in short supply…Read More


Portugal Woes Steal EU Show

Globe & Mail

A debt crisis in Lisbon threatens to provoke a new round of EU concerns…Read More


Dress For Success, but Don’t Bother the Taxman

Financial Post

If you were thinking of deducting that Ferragamo tie or those Louboutin heels, you might do well to think again…Read More


Finance

$5 ATM Fees Coming Our Way

CNN Money

Banks are testing the tolerance thresholds of non-customers by tacking on transaction fees of as much as 25%...Read More


AxSA Recommends

Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul

Onward Book (Pre-order)

To see the oral introductory from Howard Schultz, click here.

Book Description:

In 2008, Howard Schultz, the president and chairman of Starbucks, made the unprecedented decision to return as the CEO eight years after he stepped down from daily oversight of the company and became chairman. Concerned that Starbucks had lost its way, Schultz was determined to help it return to its core values and restore not only its financial health, but also its soul. In Onward, he shares the remarkable story of his return and the company’s ongoing transformation under his leadership, revealing how, during one of the most tumultuous economic times in history, Starbucks again achieved profitability and sustainability without sacrificing humanity. Offering readers a snapshot of a moment in history that left no company unscathed, the book zooms into show, in riveting detail, how one company struggled and recreated itself in the midst of it all. The fast-paced narrative is driven by day-to-day tension as conflicts arise and lets readers into Schultz’s psyche as he comes to terms with his limitations and evolving leadership style. Onward is a compelling, candid narrative documenting the maturing of a brand as well as a businessman.


Onward represents Schultz’s central leadership philosophy: It’s not just about winning, but the right way to win. Ultimately, he gives readers what he strives to deliver every day—a sense of hope that, no matter how tough times get, the future can be just as or more successful than the past, whatever one defines success to be.

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