Believe it or not, we just went through one of the shortest U.S. presidential campaigns since World War II. With the Internet, 24/7 cable-television news coverage and forests sacrificed for vague, one-note mailers, it just seemed like the edge of forever.
“And now,” says the moderator, shuffling a few papers, “it’s time to discuss foreign trade and corporate taxation in depth. We’re sure that both Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama have plenty to say in this vital area, and the first question tonight is ….”
Miss that bit of this year’s U.S. presidential debates? Don’t worry – everyone did.
MOJAVE DESERT, Calif. – Some people go to Las Vegas to get away from it all. And after two days of the Trade Show Shuffle and elbowing through the crowd on The Strip, it’s a pleasure to get away from them.
For an event where expectations were uncertain at best, the 2008 StonExpo Marmomacc Americas seems destined to get a passing grade.
Or, as one exhibitor said, “you get what you get, and you’re happy.”
There are trade shows and conventions throughout the world for dimensional stone. And then there’s Verona.
MARMOMACC, Day 2 – "This year," said a U.S. stone-tools seller during a quick chat here, "breaking even is doing good."
MARMOMACC, Day 1 – In Verona, North Americans used to look for European products to sell in the United States. It’s a sign of our current economy that several American companies are doing the reverse … and selling their products to European customers.
HEATHROW — It's a nicely appointed airline lounge, with gray leather seats and sharp Swiss granite flooring and countertops holding light eats and drinks for the very frequent traveler.
There’s no point in hiding any longer – yes, I’m Derivative Man, and one of the four people in the world who really understand Wall Street finance. I’ve been huddled with our nation’s leaders for six days on the bailout, and you don’t want to be in a room with these people for 16 hours straight. When Sen. Charles Schumer decided to give a working example of naked shorts at midnight last Wednesday ….
Granite countertops seem to be fading from local TV screens – save for some consumer advertising – but don’t think the reports on radon and radiation are gone for good. If there’s any life in the theme for getting back on the tube, it’s slightly more than a month away.