CornerstonesWorld.com Article & News Blog

2011-07-04T12:43:00.003+03:00

Lou S asked: "Do we live in symbiosis with our data-driven devices or are we now being driven by our own inventions? Are you the victimized ballerina that can't stop dancing in her beautiful, new red slippers? Or do you whistle while you work and live a more balanced version of our modern day self-invented fairytale?"

I wrote: I believe that devices much like software and websites are there to serve us and enhance our life, making tasks (whatever they are) easier. The problem is human insatiability - we tend to overindulge and overcrowd our day by taking too much on our plate - if before the invention of a car a man could walk 10km per day to the market and be perfectly happy with a day's work and after the advent of motor vehicles 100km became a mundane experience, nowadays people nonetheless push the limit and try to cover 500km or more per day. Before phones and emails, contacting door-to-door 20 customers per day was an exuberant feat of brilliant salesmanship, whereas now, salespeople are expected to contact that many people per hour... It is the users' prerogative whether to use or be used - I don't think anyone doubts that we are still smarter than the machines, but like a potent drug, our resistance is worn down and we use more and more if we don't consciously say "enough is enough" and set sensible boundaries. Lest we resist we become slaves - not to the machines, but to our own greed. As the saying goes - don't blame the tools... :)

Cheers!

About the author: Oleg K. Temple has worked as an editor and consultant on numerous projects advising various start-ups and fledgling SMEs (mostly in the travel, accommodation, tourism and HR sectors) for over 12 years. His main project has been The Cornerstones of World Business, international business directory focused on bringing to light the best companies from each country and state, providing them with affordable advertising and marketing opportunities while encouraging them to engage in lucrative B2B and B2C relations. For travel information such as hotels in California, accommodation New York, hotels Illinois and other destinations across Europe and USA; or if you seek reliable financial, real estate, consultancy, insurance, construction or shipping partners - welcome to CornerstonesWORLD.com.

2011-07-01T20:30:00.001+03:00

Uploaded new article "Managing stress in Business" please +1/Tweet/Like http://ping.fm/fF1FV

Managing Stress in Business

2011-06-28T20:55:00.002+03:00

Journalist Diana R. asked: "I'm looking to speak with small-business owners who have unique stress busting techniques -- beyond the standard glass of red wine or practising yoga."

Here's my take on her question:

There is no "silver bullet" elixir. Stress management is a process, not a quick fix and to understand how it works, one must first analyze and understand its nature. There are essentially two ways to handle stress: 1) confront it (active venting): i.e. give it an outlet, a form of expression - usually physical (sports, sex, dancing, etc.), but also music, art and other expressive activities or 2) escape it (passive dispersal): i.e. divert your attention, thereby deflecting stress and starting the healing process without taking further damage. Let it dissipate by engaging in activities that take your mind off the stress source (attention-demanding games such as chess, video games, books, movies, new hobbies - e.g. learning a new language are great ways to diffuse stress). Drug-unassisted sleep is also right up there, among the top avenues of escape.

Unfortunately, there are wrong forms of both solutions e.g. road rage and conflict or drug use and "drinking to forget"; as well as the false security rendered by the placebo of trying to delegate/outsource the management of one's stress to a psychologist or, worse still, a "life-coach". This is precisely why managing one's psyche is much like watching one's weight - one needs a steady, healthy "diet" or mix of varying activities to keep the mind balanced. The first step in managing stress is, of course, admitting that it exists and will continue mount up if not properly handled. Without realizing this step any and all therapy is useless. The second step is to mitigate its impact by bleeding it off through activities as given above (combined with proper rest and diet) and the third step is to curb the source's emissions. All of these must be undertaken consciously, with iron discipline and determination. Empirically we find that this is far ‘easier written than done’ (for example when one's roof and household hangs in the balance), however, we must ground our emotions and remember that just like youth, money can't buy health and living with stress is like taking up residence next to a nuclear waste dump because the land is cheap; it is in one word: stupid. Stress will inevitably gnaw through one’s nerves resulting in tumours and heart disease and no amount of business success is worth that, so become a "StressWatcher" and choose life over money every time!

2011-06-11T17:58:00.001+03:00

Working on two articles, another press release, news items, blog... and more. Busy-busy-busy! :)
http://ping.fm/ImyiE

Q&A Management on LinkedIn

2011-04-17T18:57:00.003+03:00

Sonia asked: "Can someone be a good leader but not a great manager?"

This is a question that is just as relevant to Recruitment Professionals in California, as it is to recruiters in London, Consultants in Brussels and elsewhere. So here's my answer:

I subscribe to many of the views presented above. Leadership and management call for very different skill sets, I find it to be a serendipitous occurrence when the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ come together in the right proportions within one individual.

A leader is basically a salesman - able to project his passion unto others and garner their succour and support for his cause. He is a visionary and inspiration is his mojo. Great leaders lead by example.

A manager on the other hand is an organizer by nature - following a course already plotted by the leader is his primary function. His virtues are patience, consistence, prioritizing, etc.

A leader is typically brash, opting for high-risk/high reward plans, he is high in influence, initiative and dominance, he is an idea engine and a spontaneous strategist, whereas a manager is a level-headed executor that ensures the long-term goals are met and the wheels keep spinning.

So a leader with nil managerial skill is fire out of control that will eventually burn itself out, unless a manager steps in to harness the raw power and channels it productively, whereas a manager without a leader would have nothing to manage, as he is not the creative innovator/initiator, his gifts lie in organization and maintenance. A leader is focussed on the end goal, whereas the manager navigates all the hurdles on the way to it.

When the leader strikes a spark to light the fire, the manager takes over and maintains it, keeping the dream alive!

Read more business strategy and travel articles in our article section on The Cornerstones of World Business.

Oleg K. Temple, April 2011

Q&A recruitment on LinkedIn

2011-04-17T18:29:00.003+03:00

Casey asked "For employers - How far in advance do you hire for a position? ASAP, 1 month before the need, 2 months if you have the notice, etc? I personally have new graduates that come to me far before their graduation seeking employment... (However) many of the positions that I fill, are almost immediate needs. Do most companies wait till the last minute, or do you make every attempt to fill an opening as soon as possible when you know there's an opening (and considering you have the budget approval for the position!)"

For recruiters to work smoothly with corporate HR departments, they need to know the clients' preferences and agenda. Of course, trends and strategies vary wildly across the board for instance, recruitment companies in New York, which is a dense population centre, will certainly differ from what recruiters in Alameda California are up to. So here's my answer:

Indeed a lot depends on the level of the opening. Middle-management and below we hire spontaneously, within a month of start date, whereas senior level staff such as chief accountants, heads of R&D and c-level execs we typically attract on probation which commences after basic training and the process can take as long as half a year. However, you mention students who have not even completed their studies... imo such untried talent that has not been battle-tested is not suitable for senior management, no matter how bright it is. Experience and references are far more important than exam results - there is no test in the school curriculum for "responsibility", "tenacity", "patience", "dedication" and countless other crucial virtues needed to run a company. I care not if my director has mastered the latest vernacular jargon - what I need to know is that he is willing to put in the extra hours when needed and will not fold under pressure like a wet tissue.

Anyway, just as there is no one-size-fits-all job interview or trial, so there is no one single deadline strategy. I suggest you keep a stable of pre-screened candidates that are able and willing to jump at your call, so that you can deliver as the client requires.

Oleg K. Temple, April 2011

2011-04-16T19:31:00.001+03:00

Article on social trends: http://ping.fm/z9Ui3

2011-03-21T20:18:00.001+02:00

Please support IMAT in their heroic efforts to provide medical aid to JAPAN: http://ping.fm/DIlqE

2011-03-17T10:28:00.001+02:00

If you have already donated to charity for JAPAN, contact us and we will reward your company with FREE promotion for the donated sum!

2011-03-16T13:20:00.001+02:00

Aid to Japan well below help for Haiti: http://ping.fm/gYQ2d

2011-03-14T15:39:00.001+02:00

Please join us on LinkedIn to help Sendai, Japan: http://ping.fm/gXUFc

Heal Sendai

2011-03-13T14:30:00.009+02:00

As an incentive to donate, The Cornerstones of World Business is offering 50% OFF on all prices with proceeds to be donated to the citizens of Sendai via the Japanese embassy. To benefit from this action and help those most in need, please use the contact us form and write “Help Sendai” plus your company’s details and our sales person will get in touch with you shortly thereafter.

Help heal the damage done by the worst earthquake in Japanese history Here is a list of charities and relief organizations you can support in order to help bring aid to those affected by the quake and subsequent tsunami:

* The American Red Cross has set up a special designation for disaster relief efforts in Japan. To donate, click here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to instantly donate $10.

* International Medical Corps says it is putting together relief teams and supplies to aid Japan “and other affected countries.” Donate here.

* GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

* World Vision’s Disaster Response Fund.

· You can also donate $10 to the Red Cross by sending a text message with the word "REDCROSS" at 90999. The donation will be charged to your next wireless phone bill.

* Click here to donate to AmeriCares’ emergency relief response.

* Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.

* Reminder: Google’s Crisis Response Center / Person Finder.

Other corporate incentives:

· American Airlines is offering 250 AAdvantage bonus miles for donations of $50 or more and 500 AAdvantage miles for donations of $100 or more to the American Red Cross.

· The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) provides relief services to animals affected by disasters. Donate here.

SHE-E-Os

2010-10-04T19:23:00.003+03:00

At a business forum a female user postulated an opinion “SHE-E-O's can you handle it! For a long time men have held the reins of the Board Room. The tide has turned and now women are taking over and taking charge. How will this affect the men?” Why should it affect ‘the men’ I thought, so I reverted thusly: “In my experience, sex of the individual is irrelevant after the initial tests of will and qualifications that come with joining any new team - the new guy or gal must prove that he/she is fit to lead and has got what it takes. Having said that, reverse discrimination sometime does come into play, as certain women feel threatened, expect preferential treatment and blame all mishaps and clashes on men "not being able to take direction" from a female colleague/boss. Basically, I feel that people of the right calibre (SHE-E-Os and HE-E-Os alike), who are worth their salt don't pay any mind to the issue of sex, as they are confident in their abilities and thus, successful. They weigh real achievements and results before deciding their position, whereas people who are emotionally fragile and insecure to begin with, look for excuses for their failure and of course, the easiest refuge is race sex or religion, i.e. personal bias. As long as women keep bringing the sex thing up it will continue being an overdramatized problem. As long as women keep bringing the sex-thing up it will continue being an overdramatized and overpatronized issue. One should take responsibility for their leadership skills and not blame the "tools”. Do you agree?

Triskaidekaphobia

2010-08-13T21:07:00.004+03:00

Dictionary.com’s hot word of the day was “Triskaidekaphobia”, fear of the No. 13. So why all the hype about Friday the 13th sapping our good luck?

Turns out that Friday was named after one of two Norse goddesses, Freya or Frigga and some traditions consider “Frigga’s Day” to be unlucky.

Many cultures have an issue with 13 and many architects are known to actually omit a 13th floor. The precise circumstances that made Friday and 13 such an intense combination for superstition are unclear, but a study speculates that businesses lose millions of dollars in revenue from phobias of the day. Some possible origins revolve around the Battle of Hastings, the Knights Templar, or the goddess Frigga once again.

Quite a few interesting beliefs and taboos still haunt homes in Eastern Europe as well. Most of these are adhered to automatically, despite the fact that few remember their source or deeper meaning. For instance: never say "thank you" for medicine or it won't work; never shake hands across a threshold… A particularly sinister superstition revolves around counting the calls of the cuckoo bird in the forest to learn the number of years you still have ahead of you.

We all know the general "touch/knock wood" to deter the bad luck of running into a mishap just mentioned, a form of the "never say never" proverb, I guess. In these parts, an alternative to touching/knocking on wood is throwing a pinch of salt behind you or spitting 3 times over your left shoulder to dissuade demons - the former is somewhat of a contradiction on how it is unlucky to spill salt. We all know the one about attracting years of bad luck equal to the pieces of mirror one has shattered. Some superstition is specific to Latvia as the country's roots lie in pagan beliefs, as can be seen from its folklore symbols here: www.cornerstonesworld.com/article/Latvian-Folk-Costumes. The summer solstice or Ligo holds a specific significance for the Latvian people and in many ways even trumps Christmas as a National holiday. Even in contemporary Latvia it is widely believed that couples can temper their love by jumping together over a Ligo bonfire and that he who sleeps on Ligo night (23-24th of June) will be sleepy and unlucky until the next Ligo. Following the midnight celebrations, couples generally part company with their friends and sneak off in the pre-dawn twilight into the musky spring forest “to seek out the magic glowing fern”, the key to perpetual luck and prosperity.

Whatever the source that drives public opinion, it’s certain that, however much we want to believe that rationality informs our decisions, logical and systematic thought has limits and thus, keen businesspeople keep their fingers on the pulse of the consumer to sense the ebb and flow of demand, the driving force of all business.

2010-06-27T22:02:00.001+03:00

Completed article: Will the Eurozone umbrella hold or fold? http://ping.fm/gcENl

2010-05-29T22:03:00.001+03:00

Working on a groovy http://ping.fm/DhKxs upgrade and update to be launched at the end of summer.

2010-05-29T21:58:00.001+03:00

Updated the Dutch accommodation cat. http://ping.fm/Bku5G Enjoy!

2010-02-25T15:57:00.001+02:00

As CN deal fails, Hummer goes belly up(?): http://ping.fm/ekEqE

2010-02-21T22:05:00.003+02:00

Choice conf. hotels Malta: Victoria, Corinthia Palace &more: http://ping.fm/4tNRM

2010-02-21T22:05:00.001+02:00

CornerstonesWORLD.com: business event calendar available for Vienna, Austria 2010: http://ping.fm/5lVwg

2010-02-21T22:04:00.001+02:00

CornerstonesWORLD.com: event calendar for Antwerp, Belgium 2010: http://ping.fm/EgyV6

2010-02-11T15:57:00.001+02:00

Hans Rosling's brilliant insight into WORLD social mechanics: www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_shows_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen.html

2010-02-11T15:19:00.001+02:00

CornerstonesWORLD.com: Business event calendar 2010 now available for Malta! http://ping.fm/yOr9p

2010-02-11T15:18:00.001+02:00

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”— Thomas Edison

2010-02-11T15:07:00.001+02:00

Interesting US soc.netwk. study210m fBookers by Pete Warden: http://ping.fm/cxTNe

Birth of the First Super Skyscraper

2010-01-03T21:42:00.004+02:00

With the completion of the Dubai Tower (Burj Dubai in Arabic) it seems, Sheikh Mohammed’s soaring vision for the emirate approaches its zenith: to be the world’s leader in every endeavour – be it ski slopes in the desert, man-made islands or super-skyscrapers.

The sky-piercer’s precise height will be revealed at its opening ceremony tomorrow, however architects involved have hinted it could be towering over 820m. The colossal structure is in a league of its own, estimated to beat its closest inhabited rival, Taiwan’s Taipei 101 (standing at an impressive 510m) by over half the former record-holder’s height and will become undisputedly the highest structure ever constructed by man anywhere!

The spaceship-like building transverses several climatic zones and the temperature atop this 169-story monolith of modern architecture is at least 6 °C lower than at its base. In full bloom, Burj Dubai is estimated to shelter about 25,000 people at any one time. The tower is home to 900 private apartments (which, the developer claims, sold out within 8 hours of hitting the market despite being tagged at ~US $40 000/m2), interior design by Giorgio Armani. The first of the Italian designer’s planned 4 hotels will also be located on 15 floors of Burj Dubai and other hotels, with 5 – 7 star rating will likewise be housed here. Other planned marvels include: on the 76th floor, the highest swimming pool in the world and the most elevated place of worship (a mosque on the 158th floor).

Built in just over 5 years since construction began on September 21 2004, this breathtaking building is part of a 2 km2 development called "Downtown Burj Dubai" near Dubai's main business district. Adrian Smith is the tower's chief architect and the primary builder is a joint venture of South Korean Samsung C&T, who also built the Taipei 101 and Petronas Twin Towers. The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US $4.1 billion; and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US $20 billion.

Another note-worthy crown jewel of the Downtown Burj Dubai is the amazing 218 million US$ Dubai Fountain. It is 275 meters long, longer than two football fields and 25 % larger than the Fountains of the Bellagio in Nevada. Pushing up 83,000l of water into the air, shooting jets of water as high as 150 meters! The lake is festooned with over 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors. The beam from the fountain is visible over 20 miles away and from 200 miles up in space, making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and perhaps the entire world.

Investors may still be reeling from the 50% crash in property prices, but doubtlessly, all involved in the realization of this tremendous architectural achievement are waiting with anticipation as their baby is set to create history on the morrow.

New Horizons in 2010

2009-12-31T20:25:00.009+02:00

Oftentimes we are so engrossed in our Earthly affairs that we are unable to admire the big picture. So in 2010, as you vie for advantage and superior position in the human Rat Race, remember to stay connected to the Universe and do something positive for the greater good – who knows where this journey leads? Picture this: The fastest man-made object ever built, the Pluto-bound New Horizons probe, ripping through space at around 31,000 miles per hour – about 40 times the speed of sound – is now about 1.527 billion miles from Earth, closer to Pluto than home! This astonishing distance has been accomplished in just a little under four years after its launch. This craft will be the first to sail by Pluto, the planet or dwarf planet or plutoid, and on to the other objects lurking in the Kuiper Belt on the outer fringes of the solar system.

“Today, 29 Dec 2009, New Horizons crossed a milestone boundary– henceforth we’re now closer to Pluto than to Earth. Go New Horizons!” the mission’s controllers tweeted Tuesday.

The New Horizons is not an orbiter; it will fly past the former planet like an arrow and continue into the unknown. However, during nine days around July 14, 2015 when the craft approaches and then passes by Pluto, it will capture and send back to us approximately 4.5 gigabytes of data.

Having accomplished its primary mission, the probe will continue moving away from the sun, just like Pioneer and Voyager missions before it.

Think of that when you face what may seem to you like insurmountable odds – if we can visit Pluto, surely you can handle your business and reign in your worldly problems! Best wishes and best of luck in 2010 from The Cornerstones of World Business Team!!

Editor’s Focus: Eye on Latvian Real Estate (part 2 of 2)

2009-11-06T19:06:00.002+02:00

By Oleg K. Temple, October 2009.

Unless you've read part one of this article (and perhaps even if you have), you may think I've gone soft in the head when you read the next phrase: it is a good time to be in Latvia! Sure, prices for real estate have crashed through the basement and (largely due to the 3% VAT increase in January this year with another +2% VAT hike looming in 2010) commodity prices have escaped up the chimney taking consumers' income with them in a puff of smoke.

Swedish Meteorite hits Latvia: a cynical hoax

2009-10-30T10:16:00.004+02:00

This week Latvia fell on her face again, the trip wire and mud puddle were cordially sponsored by an aggressive Swedish Telecom company in an alleged attempt to cheer up the people.

The Local reports: Residents of Mazsalaca, a town located near the Estonian border, were startled on Sunday evening by a streak of light that zoomed across the sky, followed by a loud crash, setting the ground on fire.Emergency crews arrived on the scene to find a 10 metre-wide crater, still smoldering at the centre. The scene led some officials to speculate the explosion had been caused by a meteorite, according to several media reports. But experts soon cast doubt on the meteorite theory, citing the supposed meteorite's all-too-perfect characteristics."This is not a real crater. It is artificial," Uldis Nulle, a scientist at the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, told the Associated Press.
On Monday, telecoms operator Tele2 confirmed its role in carrying out the stunt, which Latvian Interior Minister Linda Murniece called "cynical mockery", according to the AFP news agency.

"Our goal is to inspire the people of Latvia," Janis Sprogis, a spokesperson for Tele2’s operations in Latvia, told the Latvian news agency LETA regarding the motivation behind the company’s hoax. "As we can see, with this Latvia made the news all over the world, everyone wants to know about Latvia, and this is not because of the crisis, the hard times and so, but because there is something creative and exciting happening here. It is a unique achievement and part of our communication," he said.

Unfortunately, the stunt did indeed achieve world-wide review and contributed further to Latvia's notorious reputation as a country to be watched (out for). When the dust settles and the government officials have been appeased with a belly-rub and an appropriate compensation, Tele2 will no doubt benefit from the action - as the saying goes, there is no such thing as negative publicity. However, sadly, all the action achieved with the local consumer is: show the people that some large companies are so out of touch with reality that they would rather burn money in a hole to fuel a scandal, than do something positive like build an orphanage; create a fund to subsidise a few hundred new businesses or reduce prices to help the people bear the weight of the crisis. Intelligent people recognize the stunt for what it is: a selfish, wanton squandering of funds on cheap publicity at the expense of the country's fragile reputation. Yes, the group got its promotion and has been noted around the world - so has the agency that came up with the "brilliant" campaign of "standing atop a drowning man's back to be seen better". I sincerely hope the government does not sell out and makes good on its threat to press criminal charges against the perpetrators of this dastardly lie. If this destructive creativity is not nipped in the bud, some "genius" might decide to burn down Old Riga or fake a tsunami to flood the town next year; just because he can afford to pay for the damage...

Latvia: Milestones on the Road to Economic Recovery

2009-10-21T12:33:00.002+03:00

By Oleg K. Temple, October 2009.

So let's pick up where we left off, thus far we have examined the factors that significantly eroded the competitiveness of Latvia such as unwarranted wage increases and low productivity. We have established that Latvian policy makers under the firm hand and watchful eyes of the IMF, the European Commission and other powers have opted for the high road of domestic discipline and restrained spending while uprooting and eradicating problems that have disharmonized the economy. By choosing to crack down on the problems of the economy and reinforce the foundations for sustained competitiveness, the programme aims to avoid the ephemeral success of floating the Latvian lat, while sweeping the real problems under the rug. Experts agree that for the first time, the young country's government seems to be doing what is actually needed, but is it too little too late? Is there a chance that the crisis will continue to escalate until it boils over and the government buckles to the devaluation sermons of the Scandinavian press?

Read further here.

Baltic Tiger: In the Eye of the Storm

2009-10-12T21:12:00.004+03:00

By Oleg K. Temple, October 2009.

Unemployment, defaults, foreclosure and bankruptcy have become the bywords of our time. The domino effect that hit the rest of Europe in 2008 was but a glancing blow to some countries such as Norway. The country domestically contained the crisis largely, by virtue of being outside the EU and continued full sail in true Norse fashion. Currency Expert Chuck Butler* comments that the Norwegian krone is HSBC's preferred G10 currency where the bank expects a sustained appreciation over the next 18 months. Whereas the crisis wasn't as kind to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, countries that were much more vulnerable, colliding with the recession maelstrom head-on. Indeed, the Baltic countries were caught off-balance in their 3^rd stage of transition to the Economic Monetary Union of Europe. After a decade of unprecedented growth without foundations and safety measures, the inexorable economic law kicked in and the Baltic house of cards built on the shifting marsh of inexperience imploded with a bang. Today, the dust is beginning to settle and it is time to look to the future.

Read further here.

Editor’s Focus: Eye on Latvian Real Estate (part 1 of 2)

2009-10-01T10:27:00.004+03:00

By Oleg K. Temple, September 2009.

It's no secret that of late, Latvia has become singled out as the "sick man of Europe" — a country crippled, maimed and burned by an overheated economy gone berserk, which has now coughed its last and ground to a halt. Doomsayers foretell a long cold winter ahead, before a slight seasonal revival in 2010.

Read further here.

Editor's Focus on Business

2009-09-22T23:23:00.003+03:00

By Oleg K. Temple, September 2009.

This month we're kicking off a new series of articles entitled "Editor's Focus" with the aim of illuminating the dark recesses of business to give you an insight of how experts navigating the dangerous waters of mid- and post-crisis economies are keeping their decks dry. Join me, Oleg K. Temple on a thrilling quest for clarity amidst the chaos and meet the giants that thrive atop the tough, green-leafed beanstalks of business.

Read further here.

The Bane Of Riga’s Restaurants

2009-09-17T23:02:00.004+03:00

By Oleg K. Temple, September 2009.

Blatant malpractices and gross breaches of ethics cast a dark, ugly shadow on Riga's restaurant and bar scene threatening the welfare of honest establishments and marring their hard-earned reputations. The government has, thus far, maintained an aloof, taciturn approach to the issue and restaurant owners, whose business interests are at stake, now take matters into their own hands, determined to procure the elixir that stems and eradicates the escalation of fraud and lawlessness in the business.

Read further here.

2009-09-16T23:48:00.003+03:00

BBC reports that the super-rich of Russia are losing their influence in politics as well as a large portion of their wealth due to the crisis. It's about time that Russia's oligarchs got a taste of the real world. Mr. Maxim Kashulinsky of Forbes Russian Edition says that they work better under pressure? I disagree, they get more done when no one's watching is more like it. In times of crisis when everyone (including the government) needs money, it is so much easier to get officials to bend the rules when it comes to things like public safety, waste management and environmental issues, taxes, import/export duties, etc. The courts are drowning in cases with everyone suing everyone. Quick deals are made behind closed doors, away from the prying eyes of the press and in all this chaos the gears of business turn smoothly greased along by "strategic investments" and "special favours". Yes, the oligarchs, even those who went from the status of billionaire to millionaire within a couple of months, can really get a lot done for a lot less. Yes, they work much better in this time of crisis when the officials are either off chasing their tails or sitting near their table on hind legs begging for tasty morsels. The crisis defines them, how else does one become a billionaire in less than 10 years? Many major actors, business people and hoteliers cannot claim that status after a lifetime or even a family history of achievement and people just from beyond the iron curtain say they earned that money honestly? I don't think so...

WANTED: Local Sales Representatives

2009-09-14T23:55:00.002+03:00

Candidates with no corporate sales experience need not apply. We are looking for partners who currently own a media/marketing/sales company or have relevant telemarketing experience and a recommendation from a credible agency. Knowing HOW to sell is key. This job offer is open to candidates from Europe and North America only, work opportunities for partners in Asia and South America will become available in 2010.

CornerstonesWORLD.com is a dynamic International Business Directory aiming to bring small, medium and large businesses together, give them a common voice and chance to be noticed on the internet (without being eclipsed by big companies with marketing budgets of >100k). We now seek Country and State Sales Representatives who could serve CornerstonesWORLD.com Members in their region. This is a job any confident, disciplined, respectable, ambitious and organized person can do. With a couple of clever phone calls, followed by info emails, arrange meetings with company executives and illustrate the many benefits of paying the small yearly fee for a Membership and/or banners. Remuneration is commission-based, so representatives must be result-oriented: 20 – 40% of sales price.

We need people with a fire to get ahead in life and a genuine approach and understanding of business. An honest, organized and hard-working person can make a decent living working from home or part-time. Please send your CV and recommendation letters to our contact form and a representative will contact you within a week of your email.

2009-09-12T19:31:00.002+03:00

Seems that the Grand Daddy of online scams is still very much alive and kicking gullible, gold-bedazzled gobblers hard in the waddle. Scambusters reports that the Financial Crimes Division of the US Secret Service receives approximately 100 telephone calls from victims/ potential victims and 300-500 pieces of related correspondence per day about this scam! The scam artists aim to delude the victim into thinking that this is a unique offer to participate in a very lucrative -- although morally questionable -- arrangement.

The NG Advance Fee Scheme mostly targets SMEs, as well as charities. This fraud (recently encountered in Russia, Australia, New Zealand and the US), involves the receipt of an unsolicited letter, wherein an NG citizen claims to be a senior civil servant or hail from a similarly exalted position and informs the recipient that he is seeking a reputable foreign company into whose account he can deposit funds usually over $10 million, which the NG govt. overpaid on some procurement contract. Terrible business, delete any such emails and whatever you do, NEVER, EVER get involved!

2009-09-11T22:35:00.003+03:00

BBC News reports that Samoa, for logical, economic reasons induced by its geographic location, made a traffic switch to left-hand drive at 06:00am on the 7th of September 2009. Samoa's valiant attempt at this amazing feat was only made possible because Samoa has just 20 000 cars on its roads and 20% of these were already right-hand drive standardized. The Samoan government believes that vehicle prices will subside as it opens the door to used cars from New Zealand, Australia and Japan. And so, at dawn on Monday morn, a cacophony of blaring sirens and clanging church bells signaled the traffic redirection and mercifully, the drivers soberly complied and no chaos ensued. The latter perhaps a direct boon of the special two-day holiday declared by the government to ease traffic combined with a three-day ban on alcohol sales.

Not a popular move:
In April 2008 about 18,000 people - approximately 10% of Samoa's population - demonstrated against the change in the capital, Apia. Critics claim that the government failed to heed the wishes of the people or conduct any proper feasibility studies. Not all road signs have been modified to ensure safe driving conditions. Samoa's Chamber of Commerce estimated that the change cost at least $300m (£185m) in direct and indirect costs to the Samoan economy.
The change does not bode well with the local bus owners who are forced to either buy new vehicles or modify the existing ones.

Some Switcheroo did-you-knows:
One-third of the world drives on the left. All recent changes have been to the right. Sweden went right in 1967. Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana went right in the 1970s.

2009-09-09T11:31:00.001+03:00

Just a month has passed since the new and improved Cornerstones of World Business: international business, hotel & travel directory was opened to the public on line. So much has happened since we presented the revamped and heavily upgraded website, the long-awaited fruit of a two year-long brainstorm. A major improvement is the My Cornerstones user console where registered users and Members may edit their details and adjust their promotional corporate profiles thereby creating a living, interactive advertisement for their company. Databases are actively being updated, in the past month we have launched Croatia business directory, opened the Canadian accommodation section and upgraded the accommodation section of Poland. Japanese and Australian databases are in the making and Turkey will also follow soon. The article section is being updated with monthly culture, travel & business -related stories as well as interviews with prominent professionals from various business sectors. Quite aside from the new vibrant design and powerful content, The Cornerstones of World Business aims, as always, to bring together SMEs and give them a strong voice by providing access to cheap, long-term, manageable and dynamic tools that allow them to take charge of their marketing destiny. The Elite Business Directory also provides the business traveler and tourist with a wealth of free information about active companies with a strong affinity for new business.

We would love to hear your opinions and impressions, click here to contact us, tell us about your experiences and how we can improve the International Business Directory further to better meet your specific needs. What sector of business would you like to read about next in our articles section, the database of which country should we update or create in your opinion? Whatever questions or comments you have, let us know so that we take appropriate action - communication is key.

Magical Sounds of Japan at an Amber Sunset

2009-08-26T18:12:00.002+03:00

On Monday, the 10th of August, 2009 the Latvian Spa Town of Jūrmala resonated to the deep, bold sounds of Joji Hirota (廣田丈自) and the Taiko Drummers. Joji Hirota is an internationally-renowned master of percussion who studied under the great Maestro ltto Ohba of Hokkaido. Since the 1970s Master Hirota has been forging his skill to perfection with fiery passion and dedication through countless concerts around the world. Over the years, Master Hirota has seeded numerous percussion ensembles and trained countless disciples in his unique understanding and style of drumming.

Read further here.

Doldrums at the Shodō 書道 Calligraphy “seminar” of Riga “Takai” 2009

2009-08-22T23:43:00.004+03:00

Truly, the organizers of this travesty need to procure an unabridged copy of "PR for Dummies" and try to grasp the basic idea at the very least.

Shoddily nailed together by a Latvian Kendo club this event was probably the sorriest display of incompetence I have had the misfortune to witness. The chaps should just stick to their fencing and leave organization of important events to the professionals.
Read further here.

RIGA's Phoenix

2009-08-22T20:16:00.009+03:00

The House of the Blackheads on Ratslaukums (Town Hall Square) was first built in 1334 by the merchant association the Great Guild and was frequently used by the Town Council of Riga to hold meetings and host celebrations.

In the 15th century it became the meeting place of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, an association of wealthy bachelor merchants. The Brotherhood bought the ownership rights to the building in 1713. The House of the Blackheads was the oldest public building in Riga and one of the most outstanding monuments of the Mannerism age not just in Latvia, but in the entire Baltic region!

Read further here.

Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay —

2005-10-06T11:36:00.000+03:00

Now open on the private island of Lana'i—a paradise of spectacular sea coast and enchanting highland forest —Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay offers sublime tranquillity and a wealth of recreational pursuits. A white-sand beach bordering a protected marine preserve. Sweeping ocean views. Two acclaimed golf courses. Hiking. Horseback riding. Aquatic adventures. All cradled within the spirit of Aloha.
Learn more about the hotel HERE.

Sofitel Las Dunas Costa de Marbella

2005-08-13T12:20:00.000+03:00

Discover the new Sofitel Las Dunas in Marbella

Beachfront hotel in the heart of the Costa del Sol, the Sofitel Las Dunas is situated near the lively town of Marbella, 80 km away from the international airport of Malaga. Member of the "Leading Hotels of the World", this superb building, inspired by Andalusian Moorish art, offers a luxurious setting bathed in the magic of the Mediterranean sea. The subtropical landscaped gardens and the fountains contribute to the peace and charm of the place.

More info here.

Mozilla or Internet Explorer?

2005-08-10T12:59:00.000+03:00

CornerstonesWorld.com definitely recommends the Mozilla browser. Browsing has never been so easy and safe! Download Mozilla FireFox for free here and read why so many users have switched to the FireFox. "The mission of the Mozilla project is to preserve choice and innovation on the Internet."

Kempinski Preferred Partner opening new hotels across Europe

2005-08-10T12:52:00.000+03:00

Our Preferred Partner hotel chain Kempinski will be opening several new luxury resorts between 2005 and 2007 at the following locations: Belgium, Spain, Slovakia, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria. Read more about it here.