World of Ease

Archive for September, 2010

In the 21st century it sometimes seems as if society is moving to a time when all companies will be owned by the same master corporation. Instead of fearing the day the machine takeover, many activists fear the day when only a handful of corporations control everything. On a practical note, most companies don’t stand to gain much by buying or merging with completely unrelated fields and industries. The learning curve to succeed is much to high, if the company can even find the capital to make the initial and ongoing financial investment. So why do companies from TimeWarner to Southwestern Company to General Mills diversify?

Synergy is usually the first reason a company will diversify . This involves the principles of economies of scale and scope,when combining a manufacturing company with the firm that supplies raw materials provides lower operating costs and overhead. This calls for companies to be in the same or related industries. Another reason related companies merge is to expand market share. The SouthWestern family of companies are mostly closely-related industries that aligned with or were born out of the company’s original core business of book selling.

Other reasons for corporate diversification may be focused on financial health and viability, such as profit stability, growth, and generating cash flow from one business to support new ventures or shore up struggling corporate divisions.

The rising tides of new directions in cinema has always brought Hong Kong along in its wake, although sometimes Hong Kong is itself responsible for the wakes. At the moment, the cinema is in a peak period, where the number of interesting directors in the world finds a high concentration in Hong Kong. It’s still easy to find a hotel in Hong Kong , and now it’s as good a time to go as it ever was.

Not everyone is drawn to the place for its film scene, and to be sure, the clubs and restaurants make it one of the most fascinating and lively places in the world. But for film-goers it is especially dear, and the work of today keeps making new light in dark times. For all the history here that informs the filmmakers, there is a cinematic history that also helps to point out the new artistic directions.

The past meets the present, and if it sounds dialectical, then it’s important to remember that the famous Situationist film Can Dialectics Break Bricks? was in fact filmed here. Rene Vienet was making a film that was based in the idea of detournement, and the subject in this case was the martial arts film. And a whole lot more.

Singapore continues to grow in its popularity as a main tourist destination for Western visitors. It is recognized as one of the primary cultural centers in Southeast Asia. It rests on the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula and its location accounts for some of the amazing views and geographic features that are a standard part of its beauty and attraction. Meanwhile, there are a number of incredible cultural attractions and entertainment options in the city and these appeal to the tourists who fill the hotels Singapore as well as the local residents.

In addition to all of the performing arts establishments and companies that exist throughout the city and the great restaurants, nightclubs and shopping opportunities that abound there, some of the natural geographic features are also a main element in the city’s attraction. Parks like Fort Canning offer both natural beauty and recreational activities as well as serve as some of the historical landmark destinations. It is located in the heart of the downtown civic and cultural district which makes it extremely accessible for an afternoon concert or lunch time stroll. Some of the highlights in the park include the spice garden, the Battle Box and the Fort Canning Center. The Gothic Gates are an impressive introduction to this historic park and great guests as they arrive at the hill.