#261: 8 Reasons Why Gas Will Hit $5 This Year

Click on the thread title to read this article from MSNBC. Just as Wall Street has worked its way back to 2008 levels and unemployment has ticked lower, this bump in the road to recovery is likely to hit Americans hard in multiple ways as fuel price increases filter down through increased prices for consumer goods.

#260: The Graveyard Shift

Great illustration of JIT included in this segment!

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#259: Why Pinterest Is So Addictive

Click on the title of the post to reference this article from Fast Company.

Business students should consider the power of social media not only from the user perspective, but from the perspective of companies that are reaching millions with a message that isn't always intended. Where businesses used to control their message through purchased advertising in print and media placements, more and more businesses are now reaching potential customers through You Tube, facebook, Twitter,
blogs, and, now, through Pinterest. Pinterest is considered to be one of the friendlier environments because of the nature of its use. Users may post products on their "want" lists and books and movies are recommended to others. Locally, Paducah Bank has created a Pinterest site. Speaking from experience, it is a little addictive, but I'm not personally in need of Pinterest rehab at this point!

#258: Automakers Shift Gears, Embrace Joint Ventures

Click on the title for this entry to read an interesting article from MSNBC on how cooperation among competitors leads to a "win-win" among auto manufacturers. Dr. Deming would love this!

#257: Power To The People

Technology helps to mobilize the masses in response to proposed political, social, and business changes in ways we couldn't imagine 5 years ago.

#256 Facebook Prepares for IPO

It looks like Facebook's planned IPO is destined to be big news leading up to the actual offering in May as financial commentators debate whether it's revenues merit all the hype and whether they can maintain their promise of privacy in their efforts to grow those revenues.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

#255: Some Thoughts on Responsible Consuming

From the NPR show PRI's The World, Peter Thomson comments on how America's gadget addicted consumers can promote responsible labor practices in China and elsewhere. Click on the post title to read his comments.