Who Really Killed the Twinkie?…..Why High Powered People Cheat and Get Caught…..Econ Recon: Still No Recession in Sight….So Much for the “Four Hour Work Week”

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.”

E. P. Powell –  Author, (1833-1915)

Who Really Killed the Twinkie?

One of the past week’s top business stories was the possible demise of the Twinkie, Wonderbread and other products made by Hostess Brands.  Some blame greedy management and private equity firms that have owned the company;  others point to the multiple unions and restrictive health, pension and work rules.   One writer suggests that both the owners of the company and the union forgot what business they were really in and that their preoccupation with each other blinded them to the realities of the their respective marketplaces.  Take a minute to learn more about “Who Really Killed the Twinkie”

Why High Powered People Cheat and Get Caught

Regardless of how you feel about his career, most people would agree that General David Petraeus would probably like to rewind the clock on recent events if he could    Most recipients of this newsletter occupy CEO or high management positions.  Petraeus is only the most recent example of how the mighty fall….but the real question is why DO they fall?  This brief article from Forbes explores the “Three Reasons Why High Powered People Cheat and Get Caught.”  

Econ Recon

Economist Brian Westbury looks at the post-election environment and in a one page analysis shares why he thinks there is “Still No Recession in Sight.” 

Vistage Staff Economist and ITR Economics Principal Alan Beaulieu  continues his commentary on the doings in Washington regarding the impending Fiscal Cliff and points out   An Interesting Concession.

So Much for “The Four Hour Work Week”

A few years ago, a young man named Timothy Ferris wrote a book with the seductive title,  “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.”   It became a best seller and a second edition was recently released.   If you’ve read the book, you don’t doubt that Ferris has achieved a four hour work week…..at least for himself….and you may wonder whether a four hour work week is in your future.   If you’d like to find out, check out this brief article from the Smithsonian that summarizes a study from the Harvard Business School which took a hard look at the “Ferris Formula” and shares some important caveats to consider before you quit your day job and set your sites on working half a day a week!!!