[(OT) ? for any international business minds]

So Microsoft wont take a chance of expanding there business in China because of the extreme piracy.

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When I worked in Shanghai a few years ago, Microsoft was setting up a big shop in Shanghai. However, it pertained to software development and not as much as trying to set up a marketing/distribution organization.

However, this is a common practice with organizations trying to enter the Chinese market. They may choose to establish a part of the business that employs Chinese resources to demonstrate what a good employer and organization they are. They can use that further themselves in the Chinese market. Financial institutions are another example of this practice.

Many companies trying to enter the PRC will encounter and expect losses when entering this market. But with this market size, a company like Microsoft will not be easily deterred from leaving. In spite of the govt. support for Linux, there will still be plenty of $ for MS. And I have seen policies like this change over time.

I am not going to repeat the intellectual property issues that have already been discussed. Suffice to say I could purchase any CD/DVD I wanted for the equivalent of $1 or $2 US.

This is a very brief summary but this discussion could take much longer.

[(OT) Webpage Question]

I'm thinking of getting a webpage just to do stuff like post pictures or even do a daily journal or something like that.  Any tips on who I should check with?  Prices?  What things should I look for?  Any help is appreciated.

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Try Smugmug. It's $29 for the year and unlimited space. I have been using it for a few months and it is as esy as it looks. You can use the basics and it works just fine. If you know HTML, you can snaz it up if you like. I tried a few of 'em and it was the best. I use it to share photos. The price also includes no ads or registration and it won't spam the people who use it. You can restrict which photos to publish. Send me a PM if you want more info.

[I'm so happy !]

I just got an email from the company CEO Rand Blazer informing me that I won a Platnium Beacon Award.  The highest award the company gives out.  This quarter only 23 of us got it out of the 16,000+ BearingPoint emlpoyees.

 

I had to share the good news.  I think I'll buy a Lotto ticket on my way home.

 

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I assume the award is not for grammar or spelling.

 

Therefore, congratulations. Based on percentages, it would seem to be a prestigious award.

[Raffle of 2 Season tix for Pats game]

My wife and I will be doing the 100 mile "Ride to Cure" in Asheville, NC to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and I will be raffling my two season tickets (sec 137, row 22) for the NE game (10/3) at the Tailgate for part of our sponsorship for the ride.

 

Tickets will be $5 each or 5/$20.

 

I was fortunate to be one of the first in the country cured of diabetes via an experimental transplant and it's time to get crackin' and make something like this available for children.

[New house - window question]

Anyone here have any experience with Marvin or Kolbe & Kolbe windows? We are building a house and chose the Marvins over Andersen but then heard about Kolbe & Kolbe. Anyone ever have Kolbe & Kolbe windows? Any builders around here?

[OFFICIAL who will be at the tailgate list]

Mr Info, Mrs Info, and two small info-boys will be there. We will not require a place to park.