Random

• Guam shoppers haven't gotten the recession memo, yet. This afternoon the mall was PACKED and people (locals & tourists!) were loaded down with full shopping bags -- just like Christmas.

• Starbucks has launched VIA, its new instant coffee, in London. The reviews seem positive. Apparently 80% of UK adults are already instant coffee drinkers. It doesn't make much difference to me. I'll drink fresh brewed or instant -- Starbucks or McDonald's -- whatever -- as long as it has enough chocolate in it. ~ link

• The economic downturn marks the beginning of the end of the MBA, says Matthew Stewart. I say nonsense -- utter nonsense. People have been sounding the demise of the MBA for years -- all the while the MBA programs in the US (and now around the world) continue to grow. My guess is that the degree will morph a bit to deal with the new global realities (it is after all an academic degree built on pragmatism) -- perhaps even become a bit more balanced. But it ain't goin' away anytime soon. Disclaimer: I'm not an MBA nor do I desire to be one. I'm just glad that there are others with such training to balance me out.

• Texas, the only US state obstreperous enough to require students to pledge allegiance to the state flag each day, will get to keep God in the pledge. "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." ~ link

• Is the global population shifting into reverse? This is why we're not worried about saddling our great-grandchildren with debt. At some point there won't be great-grandchildren. ~ link

• Colleges are dismantling computers labs because they are not longer needed. ~ link