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Category Archives: 21st Century
The Environment Bomb
In 1968, Professor Paul Ehrlich published a best seller entitled “The Population Bomb” predicting a population explosion for the world. This has turned out to be premature decades later. Why? It’s not the number of people that matters most. It’s … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Economics/Politics, Environment
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Fresh Water Recycling
Although the oceans cover 75% of the earth’s surface, the saltwater does not provide us with ready consumption. Fresh water accounts for only 3% of all the water in the world. Of this paltry percentage, 69% of the fresh water … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Environment, Inspiration
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Electric Cars: A Strategic Industry?
The 2012 Beijing Auto Show marks two big trends: First, China has already overtaken the US as the world’s largest auto market. Second, hybrid and electric cars have gained increasing importance. These two trends are nurtured by the Chinese government’s … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Environment, Game Changer, Inspiration, Science/Technology
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The Retail Revolution in America
The traditional retail business in America used to be small outlets owned and run by families, the so-called “mom and pop” shops. Nowadays, their survival is increasingly threatened by big chain stores such as Costco, Wal-Mart and Target that offer … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Business/Investment
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Emerging Industry: What Holds It Back?
An emerging industry must overcome three kinds of hurdles: vision, market, and government. The first one is the biggest handicap. If an investor thinks that something cannot fly, he won’t put in the money until another investor proves him wrong. … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Business/Investment
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Emerging Industry: What Makes It Big?
Emerging industry means two things: new and potential for growth. To evaluate the future success of an emerging industry, we need some insight as to whether the newness can gain traction, how big is the potential market, and what is … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Business/Investment
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“Drill, Baby, Drill”: Will It Work?
During the Republican National Convention of 2008, the slogan “Drill, Baby, Drill” showed how far the oil industry had managed to dictate to a major political party. The commercial purpose is obvious. Big Oil wants less government regulation, hence a … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Economics/Politics, Environment
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Electric Battery: A Critical Enabling Technology
What is an enabling technology? The brain is the ultimate enabling technology without which no human invention is possible. Since food nourishes the body and the brain, agriculture, both traditional and modern, qualifies as an enabling technology, too. A third … Continue reading
Alternative Energy: Handicaps and Promises
Until the invention of mechanical power, humans had been relying on energy derived from muscles and natural forces such as horses and wind for a long time. During the period between 1770 and 1870, three types of engine were invented … Continue reading
The Rise and Fall of Oil
The age of oil began about 120 years ago with the commercialization of the internal combustion engine. At the current consumption rate of 85 million barrels a day (mbd), by the year 2025, world consumption is projected to reach 120 mbd. Over 90% of the increase will come from … Continue reading
Posted in 21st Century, Business/Investment, Science/Technology
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