From time to time, I bring to your attention to books that hit chords with the global trends and local challenges. Deborah Moggach’s book, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” brings together a fictional tale that addresses the conundrum of aging in a globalized economy. In Bangalore, India’s Marigold Hotel plays host to about 2 dozenContinue reading “India’s new boom: Grandma?”
Author Archives: andrewatnu
A Reason for Hope in Mali
With the inauguration of a democratically-elected leader, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Mali may finally jetison the uncertainty and violence of the last 18 months. Challenges Remain Despite this positive move, Keita has a lot of work to do. Many Malians remain internally displaced, for the underlying Tuareg separatist movement is still kicking. In addition, corruption remainsContinue reading “A Reason for Hope in Mali”
Should There Be A Travel Advisory Against Chicago?
Through your Facebook network or media articles, you may have come across the website, HowSafeisMexico.com . The website which is not openly credited to a specific author, provides a number of statistics that generally show that much of Mexico is very safe and open for business and tourism (as long as you use common senseContinue reading “Should There Be A Travel Advisory Against Chicago?”
Going Global Chicago-style
A joint project of the Brookings Institute and JPMorgan Chase analyzed what makes cities relatively global and recently produced a report. The writing describes “the 10 traits of globally fluent metro areas.” Globally fluent as far as I can tell means that the city matters. It tells other cities what to do and can onlyContinue reading “Going Global Chicago-style”
The Nation of Maybe Next Time
You don’t have to be a politico or even mildly observant to know that June has been a politics-overload. The Supreme Court provided grist for the mill on everything from the role of race in college admissions to effectively ending the pre-clearance process for voting changes. They also gave the right to states to decideContinue reading “The Nation of Maybe Next Time”
What Does Illinois Export?
What does Illinois export and to which countries? While overshadowed by Springfield politics regarding pensions, concealed weapons, and gay marriage, Governor Pat Quinn recently visited Mexico on a trade mission. This jaunt was the fifth such mission having previously visited: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, & China. Leaving aside FDI and trade in services (for this articleContinue reading “What Does Illinois Export?”
Global Chicago’s Summer Guide for Just About Everyone
The trees are flowering, and the weather is heating up. Spring has sprung and it’s time to take advantage of Chicago’s next season, construction…errr, summer! And with summer comes a plethora of amazing international events. For the Outdoorsy: International Sculpture Conference Outdoor Exposition (All Summer) Whether you’re biking, skating, walking or yachting on Chicago’s LakeContinue reading “Global Chicago’s Summer Guide for Just About Everyone”
Governor for the Day? The problem of over-simplification
Earlier today I came across a very interesting resource: an interactive model of the Illinois state budget. In case you have been living under a rock, Illinois is about as well-run as gymnasium managed by chimpanzees (and I fear that I give that state’s legislators too much credit in the comparison). The extent of Illinois’Continue reading “Governor for the Day? The problem of over-simplification”
Boeing goes Back to Business after Battery Troubles
After nearly three months, Boeing’s cutting-edge 787 was reapproved for commercial flight. Chicago-based Boeing’s new jet had suffered delays in the past related to its groundbreaking electronics system and composite body. However, the most recent problem related to its Lithium battery have been worse because this was after airlines had begun utilize the aircraft. EvenContinue reading “Boeing goes Back to Business after Battery Troubles”
Mali: Rebuilding?
Wars are not always easy, but in the case of Mali, it may be the rebuilding that is much more difficult. Malian & French troops quickly routed a Tuareg rebellion earlier this year. To prevent future spark ups, French and American troops are installing military installations in neighboring, Niger. However, the legacy of the latestContinue reading “Mali: Rebuilding?”
Andrew Levin 