How Liberal is MSNBC?

MSNBC is largely considered "liberal", even "flaming liberal" in the eyes of those who describe themselves as conservative. I've noticed this for a long time and it has even showed up in its sister network's (NBC) approach to the news. However, I didn't think it reached the point that other media that is often described as liberal in their own right, would start to take notice. But MediaBistro.com has noted just such a phenomenon.

"Add the Washington Post and Time Magazine to the list of organizations recently questioning the leftward shift by MSNBC. That list also includes the New York Times, the Associated Press...oh, and the White House."

We all know the White House has been unhappy, since President Bush is the network's primary target each day. But the New York Times? The Washington Post? Time Magazine? Who would have guessed. The article continues:

Time magazine's James Poniewozik takes on Keith Olbermann following the anchor's Special Comment on Friday. "Olbermann is edging ever-closer to self-parody, or, worse, predictability," he writes. "He sounds like just another of the cable gasbags he used to be a corrective to."

Continuing: An MSNBC insider gave TVNewser another take. "MSNBC has doubled down on Keith Olbermann, but they give up a lot in doing that," our insider said. "They didn't set out to be left wing, they didn't want to be left wing. But Keith Olbermann let the freak flag fly and did huge numbers as a result. I believe there's a revolt coming."

Than there is the Washington Post: Howard Kurtz writes about what "top NBC journalists," are saying about the network.

"NBC and its cable outlet have become more integrated since MSNBC moved to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters in New York last fall, a trend accelerated by the sharing of journalistic talent during the campaign," writes Kurtz. "Some top NBC journalists say privately they are troubled by the overlapping identities."

He writes of their primary night coverage, "anchored by (Chris) Matthews, a one time Democratic operative, and Olbermann, the 'Countdown' host who recently finished one anti-Bush commentary by instructing the president to 'shut the hell up.'"

Kurtz quotes people from Ed Gillespie of the GOP to Democrat Terry McAuliffe who charge MSNBC with pro-Obama bias. NBC SVP Phil Griffin disagrees. "To call us an arm of the DNC is a joke," he says. "We have people with multiple points of view. Everyone is getting a little thin-skinned. We argue and debate every topic."

This writer contends that those arguments are being done by journalists who are defending positions against the Matthews and Olbermanns out there with views that they don't actually maintain. That is a tough task to say the least. MSNBC is quickly becoming one of the most liberal networks on television and it is over flowing into the editorial views of NBC. That is costing that network's anchor (Brian Williams) in ratings. I agree with Time Magazine, if Olbermann keeps this up, we will be turning to the Daily Show for serious content.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

$300 Billion Farm Bill Subsidizes Rich Farmers and High Prices

The Congress passed a scandalous farm bill designed to subsidize rich farmers and to actually pay farmers to not produce. Neither policies make sense when times are good, but are disastrous in light of our current economic situation.

The government is printing money like there is no tomorrow in order to cover its expenses. It is trillions in debt and is unable to cover its cost through revenues thanks to spending being out of control. In an environment such as this, the government has no business creating such a bill. President Bush agrees and has vetoed the legislation saying "At a time when net farm income is projected to increase by more than $28 billion in 1 year, the American taxpayer should not be forced to subsidize that group of farmers who have adjusted gross incomes of up to $1.5 million," the president said in his veto."

The bill provides $40 billion for some of America's richest farmers (those who have incomes of up to $1.5 million) and an additional $30 billion to pay farmers to keep their land idle. With grocery prices rising rapidly due to the rise of alternative fuels and ethanol and the need of more goods that will continue to assist such alternatives, do policies such as these make sense?

So what about the rest of the subsidy (the other $200 billion)? The vast majority of it goes to food stamps and other welfare programs. It is typical. Two separate issues that could not typically garner enough support on their own, passes because of political pandering in an election year.

Bush's veto is likely to be overridden by the Congress. We should consider overriding them by sending them home this November.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Maxine Waters Gets Honest

I worked in Washington, DC many years ago; first as an aide to now retired US Sen. Gordon Humphrey (R-NH) and later as a policy analyst to DC think tanks and as a political consultant. What is hard to find among the politicians I dealt with and what seems harder to find today are those who are noted for being candid. With that, I stand impressed with the unusual amount of honesty displayed by Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California.

Waters is a liberal. Maybe the most liberal in Congress. Most Democrats have read the party's official playbook and know that it simply isn't safe to describe one as a liberal. Barack Obama has the most liberal voting record in the Senate, according to the National Journal, but won't let that word leave his mouth regarding anyone, let alone his own record. You simply don't do it. Maxine Waters did though. She recently told oil executives what "this liberal" intended to do to them. Those words alone caught me by surprise, but she didn't stop there. Oh no, not there.

She went on the say that she had every intention to work towards the government socializing the oil industry. That's correct. Socialize. She paused when she said it (see video, above). "Did I go too far?" her face seemed to be asking. She tried to change the spin a little, by saying "taking over" the industry, but the word was out there and her correction was almost more ominous than her initial statement. Her colleagues sitting by her were honestly shocked by her words as well.

But Waters isn't like most politicians. She described the riots in South Central L.A. following the Rodney King verdict as a "rebellion" that was justified. She was ranked among the 13 most "corrupt" Members of Congress (out of 535 in the House and Senate combined) by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. She has represented California 35 for almost 20 years, but it is still one of the poorest areas in the state with a median income that is approximately half of the rest of the state. In spite of all these things, Waters gets reelected by over 80 percent every election cycle. I guess with that type of good fortune, in spite of remarkably poor performance, you can call yourself a socialist -- er, liberal -- without much cause of concern.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

An Interesting Approach to Memorial Day

During yesterday's service at our church (First Baptist in Houston), we had little slips of paper falling out of our bulletins when they handed them to us when we walked in. I thought it was a printing error (excess paper or something) and I picked it up and began to roll it up to throw it away.

One of my kids pointed out there was print on it and I looked. Sure enough it did and I found it had information on one of our heroic troops who died in the war against terror. Everyone who had a bulletin that day got a similar sheet. My sheet honored Lance Cpl. Louis W. Qualls of Temple, Texas. We all prayed for the families of the individuals on those sheets. Following that, we had a slide show with orchestra. It was a very memorable experience.

I say this, not to boast about my church, although I certainly am proud of the respect they had for our falling, but to simply remind people what Memorial Day it is all about. Remembering those who have -- and continue -- to sacrifice for our country. To see others who have made such a sacrifice, and to remember what they have done, visit here. God bless the United States and our troops.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Libertarians Choose to Help Democrats

The Libertarian race for President has been one of the most contentious that the party has seen in years. Maybe even decades. Eight candidates contended until this weekend, with a final ballot tonight going to former Congressman Bob Barr. The one time Republican Congressman from Georgia was a traditional Conservative for many years in most respects. Fiscal issues, the war in Iraq, and the Republican party's perceived tightening on personal freedoms (e.g., the Patriot Act) "forced" Barr to change parties.

Other contenders included an individual who had recently been pursuing the Democrat's nomination for President. Former US Senator from Alaska, Mike Gravel was eliminated after four of six ballots. In many respects, Gravel was as traditional of a Democrat as Barr was a republican. The only areas Gravel and Barr have in common are the war and civil liberty issues.

It is assumed that a Barr candidacy would harm Republicans more and Gravel would have been a distraction to the Democrats. Maybe the Libertarians believe the Democrats have enough problems with Ralph Nader and wanted to give them a break. More likely it is that Republicans today are more ideologically similar to Libertarians.

Here is a quick break down of where Barr stands:

* The complete elimination of the Income Tax and the repeal of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution that authorizes it.

* In a twist away from traditional Libertarian policies, Barr strongly emphasizes the securing of the borders. His website doesn't detail how he would accomplish such, but Libertarians have traditionally said that you simply have to eliminate the Welfare State that attracts the wrong people to this country. Other wise, immigration is an economic positive. Barr implies a slightly more proactive position.

* Regarding national defense, Barr argues that the US military is used as "Soldiers of Fortune," charged to make sure oil continues to flow to meet our economic needs. He ascribes to a Jeffersonian view of "no entangling alliances."

Will Barr matter? It is too early to say, but I am sure Republicans are anxious about keeping every single potential vote in November.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

The Real Reason the Saudis Won't Provide More Oil

The media is up in arms over the fact that Saudi Arabia has told the United States that it won't be increasing its supplies of oil into the market. Talk show hosts have been up in arms, arguing that the Arab nation is gouging the US and other Western countries with high prices. Why don't they just provide more oil? Why be so greedy? Don't the Saudis know what we have done for them? It appears the situation may not be that simple.

According to energy economists, the Saudis are suppose to double its output over the next ten years. However, it is being reported by the New York Times that "capacity will probably stall near current levels, potentially creating a significant gap in the global energy supply" according to government officials and energy executives in both the US and Saudi Arabia. Just recently a friend of mine told me that the stock market advise newsletters were about to release this story. But it is really old news because the article is over four years old.

So over four years this story was out there, but little has been done about it. This is just among a long list of reasons why we have needed a national energy policy. Four years ago gas was a little more than half the price it is today. That was the time to take advantage of important information such as this, but I am sure the politicians didn't want us to be alarmed. Maybe if we ignored it, the problem would some how go away.

The United States is sitting on approximately 200 years worth of oil based on current consumption levels according to most analysts in the energy industry. It is at places we may not like to explore -- Alaska, the coast of California, and the coast of Florida. But our technological abilities to pursue such in a manner that is environmentally sound and with minimum impact is better now than ever and our freedom, economy, security, and future hang in the balance. We should have taken action four years ago. We should have taken action four decades ago. We certainly better take action today.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Weak Dollars and Weak Dollar Stores

For quite some time we have heard about the fact that the dollar is losing its value. Well this reality hit close to home when I recently made a stop at a 99 Cents Only store. I wanted to visit because I have been curious to see if these popular stores have been affected. You have heard about the "shrinking dollar", but a shrinking dollar store? That is exactly what has happened to the massive dollar store chain.

99 Cents Only stores have been around for more than two decades and have enjoyed nothing but growth. In the Houston area, I have noticed a couple of the chain stores have closed and the one I went to this week actually shrunk. It is about 2/3rds the size it use to be. They literally moved the shelves and put up black plastic above the last aisle to cut it off from the rest of the building. Being curious and knowing I would write about the subject, I asked what happened and why. They pointed out the obvious, but wasn't sure why the company made the decision. Was it because of a lack of items available that they can sell for that low price? A need to pay lower rent (although I have no idea how they will lease the rest of the building)? Or was it a need to shrink the store so they could lay off people? I may never know, but I have to assume it has to do with the weak dollar.

It doesn't stop there, we have a local chain called King Dollar, which is home of "Nothing Over $1." Well, that was the case until a month ago when the latter portion of the sign became "Nothing Over $1.09." There are no rumors of it becoming the $1.09 King. It simply doesn't sound right.

These are among the most tangible signs of the weakened economy that I have seen yet and they are very real (in spite of the light approach I take here). Of all the issues the government needs to address, strengthening the dollar should be one of its biggest priorities.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

How Hillary Clinton Can Win

There is a scenario in which Hillary Clinton can win. That is by getting the nomination in 2012. It is safe to say the Democratic Party has absolutely no intention of getting her the nod. To me, as an outsider (I am not a Democrat), I believe the Democratic machine decided very early to choose Obama. Not the rank and file voters (like those from Florida and Michigan who supported the New York Senator and are being disenfranchised), but the leadership.

They do this because Democrats haven't been able to win a Presidential election without minority (and African-American) support in particular. Now, if they go with Hillary, they will alienate this important demographic. However, Hillary has no intention to give up and she has no interest in waiting until 2016 to run. I believe she is officially running for 2012.

It will be difficult, maybe even impossible, for Clinton to beat Obama if he is an incumbent in 2012. She is passionate about making sure that there is a Republican in that office when 2012 comes around. The best way of doing that is by making sure Sen. John McCain wins this year. Furthermore, with the Republican Senator being in his early 70s already, there is a very good chance that the seat could be completely wide open in 2012 and create a tremendous opportunity for all contenders.

Who would have bet that Hillary Clinton would become McCain's best supporter? Politics does make strange bed fellows.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

yourBusinessChannel.com Is Worth Visiting

I love those things that gives us a window into the future of business and business media in particular. It is hard to tell what we see will end up filling that void on the front end. Sites we like and don't like are largely based on preference. Every once in a while, however, I find a site that simply "wows" me. That is the case with yourBusinessChannel.com.

My exposure to the site first came through an email that had a subject line asking "Are you receiving my emails?" I get hundreds of emails daily and I often have a bias towards those whose name I recognize. There was a good chance that I missed previous ones or I dismissed them as spam. But I was looking now and I opened the link to the site and to my surprised I was very impressed.

It helped to have low expectations -- when you get suggested links as often I do, that is always a sound thing to do. But when I got to yourBusinessChannel.com, I noticed immediately that it loaded very fast yet enjoyed plenty of "flash," had a huge number of links that begged to be viewed, and several other practical resources. The number of resources they have are impressive, including sources of business ideas, how to build a business, how to create revenue streams, and more.

The site has so many resources and links, I'm reluctant to say what it "is" and "is not' without more research, but it appears it is not a typical business news site. It isn't competing against CNBC, MSNBC, or other business media sites. Rather, it is more of a high tech clearing house of business information, with great tools that allow business in people to add more content to their sites, create additional revenue streams, and find other practical business information.

The only down side, if there is such, is that the site seems to require you provide email to access any of its video content. There is no charge for much of it (although there is for some of it), they just want your email, etc. This is contrary to what is standard in business today. However, who knows, maybe the time is right for such an approach.

The website sought me out for advise because of the work I have done with the Houston Business Show site and I am, of course, flattered. I will be surprised, however, if there is anything I can add to add to this excellent website.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

That Stubborn Recession

That stubborn recession. Won't it ever come? What? Surely we are in one? You have to wonder in light of a recent press release from the Conference Board which provides updates of economic activity. The problem is simple. It takes two quarters (six months) of continued economic decline to have a recession. We have been crying "recession" for almost a year, but have struggled to tie together months of decline. It has been really difficult for the doomsayers.

The Conference Board today has only made it even tougher. In a recent press release they point out that there has been an 0.1 percent increase in the Composite Index of Economic Indicators in April and this is the second month in a roll that we have seen such an increase. In March it went up 0.4 percent. It doesn't bode well for those who celebrate decline. The index measures the following ten areas (from Investopedia.com):

1. the average weekly hours worked by manufacturing workers

2. the average number of initial applications for unemployment insurance

3. the amount of manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials

4. the speed of delivery of new merchandise to vendors from suppliers

5. the amount of new orders for capital goods unrelated to defense

6. the amount of new building permits for residential buildings

7. the S&P 500 stock index

8. the inflation-adjusted monetary supply (M2)

9. the spread between long and short interest rates

10. consumer sentiment

The most recent report average a net increase in the above areas. Read the complete release for more details.

I admit, I have seen indicators that the economy is a little softer than I would normally like to admit and I know places other than my Houston have been hard hit. I have seen office space available longer than most would prefer, I have seen a jump in the price of our family's gallon of milk, and other signs of struggle. But this is a remarkably resilient economy and seems to be quietly proving that in spite of headlines with a really negative message.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Did Obama Protest Too Much?

President Bush took his political opponents on in Israel by comparing them to those who tried to placate Hitler in the days leading up to World War II. Barack Obama quickly rose to the occasion by protesting "I resemble that statement." Okay, not those exact words, but Bush didn't point the finger at any particular person and Obama quickly assumed he was talking about him. I guess "if the shoe fits, wear it."

The protest reminds me of situations that break out in my house. I find a mess in the kitchen that you can tell was caused by kids and ask "who is responsible for..." and, of course, before I even finish, the most guilty party yells "not me." I'm afraid Obama protests too much.

Obama is a traditional "progressive" and has described himself in those terms -- "jobs, peace, and freedom" (although I have no idea how his policies will generate any of the above). Many Democrats are talking about appeasement as well, but they are doing it for pragmatic reasons. Many initially supported the war (e.g., Hillary Clinton) and argue they based that decision on the data they had seen. It was, in their opinion, the right decision at the time. Some, like Dennis Kucinich, made an ideological choice. No matter how bad the data looked (and it obviously had some credibility because much of the international community came up with similar results), he would vote against it. All along, Obama claimed he would have done the exact same thing.
Obama used this commitment as a wedge between Clinton and the most liberal forces that dominate his party. Clinton implies that it was easy for Obama to criticize since he was in the Illinois Legislature as a State Senator when she voted for the war. I guarantee you, he was telling the truth. He is an ideologue. A pacifist. He would vote "no" regardless of what he say. And those are dangerous positions for the leader of the free world to hold.

It requires a certain degree of pragmatism to be President, in my opinion. You have to be philosophical, but you have to be able to make decisions based on political, economical, and national security realities. Obama is proving over and over again that he doesn't have that ability. What do we expect from the man the National Journal calls the most liberal in the US Senate? Obama reminds me of Neville Chamberlain, a progressive in his own right who believed humans had evolved too much for Hitler to drag the world into conflict. Chamberlain was wrong and so is Barack Obama.

The above article originally appeared at RedState.com. It was edited for BizPlusblog.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

China's Population Control Program and An Earthquake

The recent devastating earthquake to hit China has many rethinking the Draconian 1979 policy that made it illegal for couples to have more than one child. Why? Because it appears that thousands may have lost their only child due to this natural disaster. China's rich have paid thousands in fines to be exempt from the policy, but what about the many poor that dominates this region that didn't have that luxery? There are other reasons why this policy is a disaster and I discussed them in a previous article commemorating the US reaching 300 million. Here is an excerpt from that article:

The reality is, countries are not poor because of how many people they have. They are poor because of economic policies. One of my favorite examples is Singapore, which is the second most densely populated independent country in the world. In spite of the fact that Singapore has almost twice as many people per square mile as the much poorer Mexico, it is one of the most affluent countries in the world and has the highest standard of living in Asia, and is ranked 11th in the world. Instead of encouraging population control, it has education programs and tax incentives that encourages large families. It has virtually no natural resources of its own, but the people enjoy high incomes and unemployment of less than 3 percent. This is, of course, one of the lowest unemployment levels in the world (the US, which has around 10 percent of the population per square mile, is at 5 percent). This didn't happen by accident, but by policies that support economic freedom, wealth creation, and by avoiding taxation that weakens economic growth.

We learn from Singapore, one of the most "over populated" countries in the world, that large numbers of people don't hurt economies. Government policies do. China and India's economic renaissance is proving that every day as they change their policies and move towards free markets.

If "more people" is "bad", why does virtually every city in the country encourage people to move to them and as towns lose numbers it is a sign of decline? The common sense behind the need for more people in cities works the same for countries, as long as the policies of the government work.

I hope that China learns this lesson and uses this tragedy as an opportunity to change a program that makes good science fiction but terrible policy.

Warning: the above video is graphic and disturbing to some.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Houston Area Job Board

Recently dBusinessNews released the following announcement:

Kevin Price, Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) announced the addition of a new jobs board on HoustonBusinessShow.com. "The job board is new to the Houston Business Show, but is powered by one of the most powerful companies on the Internet when it comes to finding jobs and employees." From day one individuals will find 1.5 million jobs online.

In addition to over a million jobs in thousands of areas, the site offers numerous additional tools including:

* How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

* Find Out What Your Background Shows

* How to Get your Resumes in Front of Hiring Managers

* How to Get More Exposure to Employers

* And Get a Free Salary Report (learn what others in your field are making.

Many of the resources on this site are free and tools are available for both those looking for a job and looking to hire.

Visit the Houston Business Show Jobs site today to post a job, post a resume, and explore the many great resources for employers and potential employees. Email us at Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com if you have any questions.

I am, of course, delighted by this addition and wanted to share it with my readers. The great thing about it is that you can post to find a job or an employee anywhere.

Listen to a helpful audio program on dealing with job loss by clicking here. It is an interview with Kathie Bowersox of Quantum Leap Success Coach.

Obama Demonstrates Major Weakness

Hillary Clinton won big in West Virginia, bigger than many pundits expected. When I saw the numbers on TV this morning I thought I was suffering from sleep in my eyes. Hillary Clinton won 67 percent and Barack Obama has a mere 26 percent. I knew she was suppose to win big, but I was shocked. John Edwards, who has been out of the race since February, had 7 percent. Clinton's margin of victory over Obama was greater than Obama's numbers over a candidate who is no longer running. If that doesn't make him and his supporters nervous, nothing will.

Clinton won by margins of 2 to 1 and a full 75 percent in the exit polling wanted to see this race continue. The Senator from New York has given every assurance that she plans on accommodating her new favorite state. The message to Kentucky (one of two states, with Oregon coming up in a couple of weeks), a state very similar to West Virginia politically is "jump in, the water is still great" for those entertaining supporting Clinton.

West Virginia is a heavily Caucasian state. People in that ethnic group expressed serious concerns about whether Obama is trustworthy and electable. Is this parochial racism common only in this geographical area or is this an indication of serious weaknesses that needs to be over come? Obama's supporters have argued that Democrats can't win without enthusiastic black support. They are to the Democrats what the "Religious Right" is to Republicans, it is argued.

However, using the same analogy, is Barack Obama the Democratic equivalent of religious leader Pat Robertson? Robertson was a well educated (Yale Law School), son of a US Senator, and successful business leader in his own right. He too appeared to be the ideal candidate for many Republicans on paper when he ran in 1988 and was certainly able to move crowds. In the end his strengths ended up being his weakness. It has come later for Obama, but could Obama be unraveling?

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Diane Sawyer Provides Sigh of Relief

After Barbara Walter's scandalous and embarrassing book Audition (which would better be described as "Outrageous"), I'm sure virtually everyone who knows anyone that is a media personality is holding their breath. Walter's casually exposed relationships that she had been discreet about for decades, exposed things that she agreed to keep in confidence, and did more to damage her career in a few weeks than all her adversaries combined did over years.

Concern of other "tells too much" (more honest than "tell alls", in my opinion) have been eliminated when it comes to at least one major media personality. Diane Sawyer, a former White House aide who has dated and has known well many major characters in history would be, I'm sure, one with much to say about those individuals. She has tastefully decided to keep that information to herself according to MediaBistro and TV Week's Insider Q&A. Much of this has to do with her love of her morning show, Good Morning America. According to MediaBistro:

"She'd like to increase, "if I can, some of my specials in prime time;" and that she doesn't keep a diary, so don't look for a memoir. The Insider: Speaking of looking back, it's been a week in which Barbara Walters' memoir has made headlines screaming from every tabloid show and cover. Can you envision writing a memoir?

Ms. Sawyer: No.

The Insider: Can you envision having to promote a memoir?

Ms. Sawyer: Ummmm, no. But I don't keep a diary. I don't tend to assemble things. I also don't have Barbara's amazing history. I think she has written such a beautiful and courageous book, because she and I had a long lunch about her book and what she was doing, and I know that she did it in part because she thought, "Here all these years, people have let me into their real lives, but I can't write a book that isn't about my real life."

Sawyer has a decidedly different spin on the Walter's book, than I do, but it is clear that we can't expect a book from Sawyer. At least not any time soon. I would prefer she would argue "good taste," rather than lack of personal history, but I'm glad to see that another trash book won't be making it to market any time soon.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Media Has Made Its Choice for President

While people are going to the polls in West Virginia in what is expected to be a Hillary Clinton landslide, the media has begun the formal anointing of Barack Obama as the Democrat's nominee. Both candidates are being described as having "different styles" and are clearly entering a different stage by the mainstream media.

Most of the networks have discussed Obama's "new swagger" as a "presumptive nominee," but none seem to provide tangible examples of how this is seen in reality and not mere projection. Reality had Obama saying that if he would claim to be the nominee he would be "presumptuous" considering that Hillary was just days away from racking up a win in West Virginia.

Meanwhile, we are told that Hillary is starting to take a more "conciliatory tone" and will soon be transitioning from opponent to party unity. The reality I have seen has Hillary remaining strident and some of her allies alluding to the possibility of another "bomb" going off more dangerous than Rev. Wright in the Obama campaign.

What is interesting is that all the networks, including Fox, seem to be on the consensus train. I for one believe that Obama is much more than likely to get the nod, but the current discussion in media seems to be little more than wishful thinking.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Premium Pricing at MLB Games

I've never noticed it before, but this year I found that the Astros have premium pricing. When certain teams come into town, they charge significantly more for those tickets. Those teams are the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox and the costs for seeing them are very high.

For example, the "third level" of the stadium (AKA "cheap seats"), start as low at $1 for children 3-14 to $22 at better locations for adults. On the nights of "premium pricing," the seats disappear for the kiddos and the lowest price you can pay is $17 and goes all the way up to $32 for nose bleed seats.

On the second level the range is $22 to $52 on regular nights and $30 to $75 for when the Bronx Bombers and the Sox come to town. For the first level the range is $26 to $50 and $36 to $75 for those "special games."

I know this isn't because of interleague play because the Rangers are coming and we are paying the standard fare for them. What I don't know is this is something being done by the league or as a means of garnering extra revenue for the Astros, but I don't like it. The Sox and Yankees have acted like they were in a league of their own for ages, now we got to pay like that is the case.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Time Magazine Rates Top 100 Influential

Time Magazine likes to rank. They rank events, books, people, and more. This past week they ranked the top 100 most influential. Sadly, I failed to make the list...again. None the less there are several interesting characters that made the list and it makes for interesting reading.

The list is too long to go into here, so pick up the magazine or visit the website. Here's a quick preview of the categories and notables:

Leaders and Revolutionaries

The Dalai Lama, Vladimir Putin, and the US Presidential candidates lead the list. What was funny to me about the list is that virtually all of these "revolutionaires" are anything but revolutionary. They tend to be very establishment indeed.

Heroes and Pioneers

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie (no, I'm not joking), Oprah Winfrey, Oscar Pistorius lead this list. Many meet Hollywood's odd criteria of heroic, but Oscar is definitely worthy for the list. I do believe Oprah is a pioneer and has revolutionized media.

Scientists and Thinkers

Michael Bloomberg, Craig Venter, and Jill Bolte Taylor were the top three. I actually liked the section better than mosts. Time actually looked for serious thinkers and not merely the easiest names to draw from. Sure, they had their politically correct choices, but there were also some heady people on this list.

Artists and Entertainers

Lorne Michaels, Miley Cyrus, and Robert Downey, Jr. lead this list. I found this disappointing. Downey has largely been a disaster for years -- a brilliant and talented disaster -- but a disaster none the less. Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live has stumbled on a good year with the elections -- his first in years (if not decades), but the 100 most influential? Right.

Builders and Titans

Indra Nooyi, Ali al-Naimi, and Rupert Murdoch are the tops of this list and many on here (Murdoch is an exception) are people you haven't heard of before. Why? According to Time and other major media, the US has begun to decline in influence.

Check out the list, it is interesting reading. I would love to hear from others who have views on this list.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Will "Crest" Change Its Name to "Crust"?

I remember when I was a kid I use to love Mad Magazine. Each issue would take on the cultural, political, and popular icons with its entertaining humor. I remember reading a faux commercial for the popular toothpaste brand, "Crest" and called it, "Crust" in which it celebrated how the brand will lead to your teeth falling out of your head.

That isn't likely to happen using Crest, but there is concern that the brand's new "Pro-Health" mouthwash is making their customers' teeth turn brown! The Today Show showed a lovely teenager with shiny white teeth who was seeing that glow supplanted with the dingy look caused by the Crest mouthwash. Furthermore, they are suffering from bad breath.

It appears to be only a small percentage of the population that is actually having problems with the product and those that do find the discolor problem easily treated, but it doesn't take many to cause a fuss. I don't even use the product, but the "word of mouth" (sorry, I couldn't resist) buzz has me writing about it.

Major brands like Crest -- part of the Proctor and Gamble family -- can't afford such bad press. Expect changes and notifications of such rather quickly.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Recession Resistant Cities

Recently, Forbes magazine did its survey of the ten most "recession proof" cities. I didn't like the term "proof" and softened it with "resistant," because a bad turn in the economy could change everything. I love Forbes and lists like this and was particularly delightful with its choices.

So what are the top ten?

Number 10, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Get used to seeing Texas, it is one of only two states that has more than one city on the list and it enjoys four cities at that. With median home prices up 5 percent, unemployment at a paltry 4.3 percent, and a 5.6 percent increase in jobs in the crucial education and health care areas, DFW is looking pretty.

Number 9, Charlotte, NC. Median home prices are up 3.3 percent, unemployment is a modest 5.4 percent, and there has been an increase of more than 4 percent in the growth of professional, business services, leisure, and hospitality. Obviously a strong city, but some numbers (like unemployment) are going in the wrong direction (up from 4.7 percent since last year). Why wasn't DFW above this?

Number 8, Seattle, WA. The "emerald city" enjoys a median home price up 1.2%, unemployment at 4.3 percent, and employment growth in leisure and hospitality, 4.1%; manufacturing, 2.6%.

Number 7, Houston, TX. I would make it higher on the list, but I am also the poster boy for the city's chamber of commerce. Median home prices are up 1.1 percent, unemployment: 4.2% (acutally less than last year from 4.5%), and key job growth areas that include natural resources, 5.9% and construction, 4.7%.

Number 6, Salt Lake City, UT. Median home prices are up 2.5%, unemployment is a remarkably low 3.1 percent (slightly higher than last year), and key growth areas of education and health services (both up 5.5%).

Number 5, Raleigh, NC. Median home price is up 4%, Unemployment is a low 4.2% (from 3.7%), and their key growth includes rofessional and business Services, +7.4%; education and health, +6%.

Number 4, San Jose, CA. This one made me scratch my heads! Most of California is being taxed and regulated into oblivion, so this is a healthy exception. How healthy? Median home prices are still going up, way up to 11.2%, unemployment is a healthy 5.2% (from 4.7%). and it's
key growth area is in Information is up 4.5%.

Number 3, Austin, TX. Median home prices are up a vigorous 6.4%, unemployment is an extremely low 3.6% (from 3.8%), and the key growth areas are natural resources and construction, 5.1%; and leisure and hospitality, 5.3%

Number 2, San Antonio, TX. Texas' number one city according to Forbes enjoys a median home price increase of up 7.9%, unemployment at 4% (from 4.3%), and key growth areas include construction, 6.3%; and leisure and hospitality, +4.9%.

When I do articles such as this I feel like a disc jokey, and you can almost hear the drumb roll and wild deep voice with "NUMBER ONE..."

Oklahoma City. This is interesting and maybe even a little disappointing. It is linked almost entirely to energy and includes the following numbers: Unemployment: 3.5% (from 4.7% in February 2007) and key growth areas in leisure and hospitality, +6%; construction +11.5% from 2007.

Interesting choices, all largely accurate in my opinion (although I could disagree here and there). All of them are in the West and South and they are also among the fastest growing areas in population in the country. I can speak from personal experience that Houston can absorb more people.

Most of the cities rest comfortably in states with very pro-growth economic policies. They tend to be Right-to-Work, less regulatory, pro growth tax focus, etc. San Jose is about the only one on the list that doesn't have such an approach. How can other states become "recession resistant?" By implementing similar policies as most of the states on this list.

For a copy of the free audio program and free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

NYT, MSNBC, and the Convergence of Media

For quite some time I have been singing the praises of the convergence of media. The more media can combine its forces -- radio, web, print, TV, and more -- the greater the reach those media will enjoy. I recently noted another example of this with the recent joint project between the New York Times and MSNBC.


I first got word through updates from Media Bistro:

TVNewser received this internal New York Times email from an anonymous tipster, apparently detailing a new program beginning today on MSNBC. The email:

MSNBC (Check your local listings) Today at 2:00 p.m.


The New York Times Special Primary Edition, a new NYT/MSNBC political program hosted by John Harwood debuts today at 2 p.m. Guests include Adam Nagourney, Pat Healy, Jeff Zeleny, Gail Collins and other Times reporters.


This is the first in a series of special programs featuring Times journalists which MSNBC hopes to broadcast throughout the rest of the political season. Segments will also run on NYTimes.com.

We hope you will tune in.


We have calls in to MSNBC to find out more information...

More: Could this be a further expansion of the 4-month old between NYT and CNBC?

Update: The hour kicked off with Harwood and MSNBC's Contessa Brewer (not mentioned in the original email) anchoring, with the NYT's Nagourney on set. A NYT logo is seen in the lower third...

I didn't get to see it, but I am interested in seeing it in the future. It is an example of the world's most significant print publication reaching out into the electronic world of TV to find new audience. Expect more of it. It is the convergence of media and it works.

For a copy of the free audio program and free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Denny's Gets Tough with Competition

Recently I had breakfast with a business associate at Denny's and found it a very interesting experience. When I walked in the store I saw signs comparing Denny's to the competition. How they offered "real food" versus the wimpy breakfast meals of the competition. In fact, you begin to get the impression that eating breakfast anywhere else but Denny's means you are either stupid, or you like wimpy food.

This emphasis doesn't end at the locations. I visited Dennys.com and noticed the slogan for the company and seen often in the site is "Real Breakfast 24/7." They are definitely putting other restaurants on notice.

This message is also seen in their new TV commercials, which they display with pride at Denny's website. The "heroes" in these commercials -- those demanding their Denny's breakfast -- are not particularly endearing or attractive (typically the best actors for such spots), but they are tough. They want their Denny's and they want it now.

I don't know if these ads are successful or not, but they are being noticed. In an environment with so many commercials that are easy to ignore, this is certainly saying something.

For a copy of the free audio program and free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Today Show's Lack of Environmental Concern?

I like the Today Show because it is a brilliant combination of engaging personalities, excellent interviews, even attractive video, and good old commercialism. No TV show leverages every minute of its air time to make money better than Today.

However, Today is ultimately positioned as a news program and rarely does a week go by where they don't take someone to task for "failing to go green," for being "environmentally insensitive," or telling people clever ways to be successful conservationists. With that, I am surprised that the program has gotten a pass from the blogosphere and others for its recent "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" segments.

Obviously the feature is extremely popular, taking Matt to exotic locations around the world in a week. This year his destinations were (in this order and from the site):

* Day One, Buenos Aires. "On the first leg of his global adventure, Matt visits a city known for steaks, wine, the tango and more..."

* Day Two, Amsterdam. "Matt jumps the pond to the city of bikes, red lights ... and tulips."

* Day Three, Laos. "Matt's third stop on his adventure takes him to Southeast Asia, to the the landlocked Communist country of Laos."

* Day Four, Istanbul. "For the best of both the East and West, Matt heads to Istanbul on the fourth leg of his journey."

* Day Five, Seychelles. "Matt finishes his adventure in an island paradise known for eco-tourism"

It has been an exciting five day journey with great sights and sounds (see video above). But look at the above destinations and a map and you will find that the show criss-crossed around the world adding thousands of miles to the journey as it practically flew over future locations. It boasted being the longest journey for Matt in the history of the feature, but with significant additional energy cost. Then again, the show enjoyed a boost in ratings this week, so I guess life is full of trade offs.

For a copy of the free audio program and free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Attracting Buyers Instead of Sellers

The latest "hot button" on my radio show is the importance of attracting buyers and not sellers in your marketing. It seems like a "no brainer," after all, no one purposefully seeks people who want to sell to them, they want to find people who want to make a purchase. Ironically, their marketing often has the exact opposite effect.

How does that happen? It is really quite simple. Every day, business people are eagerly developing slick radio, print, TV, and web ads with the intention of attracting new customers. The car dealer who is hoping to snag a few customers, the home builder developing a new subdivision, or the accountant wanting to help more businesses with their taxes. All with smart intentions, but they often suffer the wrong results.

When they write these ads they fill them with broad hyperbole that says little about the company, bore potential customers with songs they don't want to hear, or make claims that every other company can boast (you are open FIVE DAYS A WEEK? What a concept!).

Meanwhile there are untold numbers of account executives who are in desperate need of customers. There has been a major shift as to where people go for their news and information and most in media sales can't keep up with the changes. They are losing customers faster than they are gaining them.

So while the rest of us shun print advertisements, clever radio spots, TV ads, and other propaganda. These account executives often look for such content exclusively. They will spin their radios away from their favorite songs if they think there is a potential buyer -- that could be you -- out there waiting for them to call. Just think, spending thousands on an advertisement that solicits other advertisement sales people.

So what can buyers do differently? They can emphasize their differences with other companies by shying away from price competitive approaches and focusing on the things that separate them from the pack. They can position themselves as the expert and instead of placing their content where people don't watch, read, or listen, but where such gets attention. This form of sophisticated marketing makes a major difference in a company's performance.

So it is time to ask the question, is your marketing working for you or is it merely attracting more sales people? We want to help you answer that question in a new audio program available at no cost by emailing info@houstonbusinessshow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.