Library Day

Went to the library today, because I had three books on hold waiting for me. After driving around looking for a spot for about 15 minutes (yes, I know I drove, shame on me, I should have walked or taken the Max). I picked up my books and headed home. Once I returned, I started looking at one of my finds and realized it was 11 years old already, when I thought I was reading only a year-old volume. Quite the difference, and a bit of a let-down when I realized I now have to do additional research to locate recent editions of similar subject matter. Any recommendations for titles in cognitive science or computational linguistics? Yes, I know I am a nerd, and embrace my nerdiness.

Consumer Choice in the Global Economy

I recently finished a book called, "A Year Without Made In China: One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy." A very humorous read, this is definitely a book that could easily be made into a re-enactment, documentary-type film. While I read a few negative reviews on Virtual Bookshelf on Facebook, other reviews on Amazon and overall ratings are complimentary. One of the criticisms of the book is the rational behind the boycott is not very well thought-out, but I argue that is one of the strong points of the book. The whole reasoning behind trying to avoid purchasing items from the leading producer of consumer goods is not out of moral obligation, protest of human-rights violations or Tibetan freedom debate, but simply to see if in the global economy a year-long boycott can be done. While this is author Sara Bongiorni's first book, I hope to read her future work as her humorous and casual-style is both informative and entertaining.

Sticking To It

My goal for the next month is to post a new article at least twice per week, but I am aiming for every other day if I can. I made a goal that I want to write a book in the next six months about the local talent and people making a difference in the community. After that I might be ready to write a collection of essays or stories from my travels abroad. While I digress, the consistent theme is that I want to write more to finally accomplish those writing tasks that are on my "bucket list." They've been there for a while now, and I am eager to do something about that and move them to the "goals completed" list.

How about you, is there something you have wanted to do but couldn't seem to find the time? What is stopping you? For me, I think my insecurity or forgetfulness are the biggest culprits. How about you?

DMZ - North and South Korea

I just came back from the de-militarized zone between North and South Korea, and it was an interesting trip. To think that this location has more land mines per square meter than any other is a little un-nerving.

I visited Dongducheon and saw all the notes and sad stories of the families that were caught up in this conflict, and how they just wanted to visit with each other. Then we went to the observatory and saw the DMZ itself, followed by a walk down to the tunnels.

The thing that makes this a little more appropriate is the current "war games" that are being acted out by the USA and the South Koreans. This and North Korea wanting to test fire a missle. Indeed it will be an interesting few days here.

Guest Writers

I recently invited a few of my colleagues to contribute to my blog. Steve (Pop) Tufty and Livia Blaszak may be writing about observations and discoveries of their own on occasion. If you are also interested in writing about sustainability, Asian culture, and other international business related themes, please let me know and I would be happy to add you to the list of writers.

Trucks and Mayonnaise

We went on two factory tours in the last two days. One was at Hino Motors (an affiliate of Toyota) and the other was at the Kewpie mayonnaise factory. Surprisingly, they were both extremely entertaining and our group learned a lot about effective assembly lines in practice. My favorite part of both was the sustainability measures taken in the mayonnaise factory: first, the factory is ISO 14000 certified. Another initiative the factory has taken is to eliminate waste of the eggs used in production, and over the years the company has expanded to use the shells for calcium supplements and chalk; they also use the egg yolks for emulsification and other food products; finally, the egg membranes are sold to cosmetic, medical product companies and others. I am wondering what Japan is investigating in the way of alternative materials to plastics. In the U.S. there are corn substitutes, but I have my reservations about the long-term repercussions. Is anyone familiar with alternative packaging abroad?

Kaizen, Akihabara and Ramen

This morning we heard from two different Japanese businessmen, one hailing from a career in banking and the other involved with Tokyo from the beginning of kaizen, and the process of eliminating waste toward continuous improvement. Even though it is originally a production method, I enjoy thinking about how the Toyota System can be applied to other industries, services and life skills including: studying and time-management.

As we were walking through the department stores in Ginza and the electronic stores in Akihabara, I was wondering what would happen if all retail were produced using "Just In Time," or nearly made-on-demand. Retail outlets have much less space in Japan, so reducing backstock is less of an issue, but I am thinking of back home where stores are crowded with stock items on the floor. Often what is out for consumer purchase does not even include backstock. Then, how is it that I can still go to the store and they will be out of the one item I want? Is it simply poor inventory management? I am not sure if that is the only problem. I know of one clothing retailer that attempted to limit backstock and offer customers incentive to order goods, but they went under and sold their brand to another clothing company. Certainly ordering more goods than can be sold is not a sustainable practice, but who is to blame? Is it marketing's fault for innacurate demand forecasting? Or maybe the customer's for inconsistent purchasing patterns? Personally, I believe sustainability and reducing waste are the responsibility of all.

On a lighter note, we went to a very delicious ramen shop, tucked away in a small alley near Akihabara station, where we pre-paid for our meal in a vending machine-type menu out front and gave our ticket to the cook when we walked in. Very dive-y, but amazing food nevertheless. The walk around the area was refreshing after sitting for so long, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead tomorrow.