Dubai vs. China: A Study in Contrasts

Hello friends!  It has been a few days since the last post, but I have been trying to get home and what a feat that has been.  13 airports in 21 days means more physical groping that I am used to, and far too much of it done by burly women without soft hands (TSA, can we do something about this?).  However, the long and numerous flights gave me the opportunity to reflect on my travels and what most stuck in my mind was the dramatic contrast in just about everything between Dubai, business hub of the United Arab Emirates and China, business hub for the rest of the world.

So, first a few essentials you should know about Dubai.  Although thoroughly covered in numerous posts last week, all you really need to know is that the city is like Disneyland, everything is perfect and to the nth degree. The most luxurious cars, the largest and most opulent shopping centers (Gucci is a brand purchased by the middle class; true money prefers Hermes), and more importantly, it is a city that went from Arabian desert to an expatriate’s dream (limitless opportunity and no taxes. None.) in about twelve years. It’s the living proof that “build it and they will come” is not only a line from a great movie. Just how much did Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (crown prince of Dubai and chief planner of the city) accomplish in just over a decade? Here’s the aerial view from the top of Burj Khalifa located in downtown Dubai (it’s also the world’s tallest building):

The Burj Khalifa itself is a masterpiece to behold:

It’s so tall, the whole thing doesn’t fit in the viewfinder of a professional camera!  And yes, this building was built in less than five years.  Here in NYC, the 2nd avenue subway line has taken over what, like four decades and it still isn’t complete. However, what vision and money bring together, let no inept politician put asunder. The real surprise is that with all the opulence, grandeur and polished veneer, Dubai was basically bankrupt in 2008. Locals told me that the economic crisis was so bad that dozens of  abandoned Lamborghinis at the airport was a common occurrence as foreigners fled and left what they couldn’t afford, but bought for appearance sake years before.

However, Dubai is not a city to take the hits lying down.  Rather it took a page from American bankers and called  on its sister state, Abu Dhabi (the richest of the United Emirate States, also the largest crude oil exporter), for a big bailout and voila! Back in business. Well sort of. One can’t help but wonder if Dubai is the new Wizard of Oz,  where everything looks like emeralds, but really, it’s just the machination of some guy working like crazy behind a curtain to make it seem that way. Moreover, if one doesn’t know it isn’t real, does it really matter? Dorothy was happy as a clam until she realized Oz wasn’t what it seemed.

For myself, even after a week in Dubai, I still don’t know how much is real and how much is a wonderfully manufactured oasis.  I can say I loved the city,  its people (who are ALWAYS happy and kind),  and the open offer to citizens from all over the world who have an entrepreneurial spirit to join in the building of a new global economy.

Now, China. There is no disputing that after the United States, China has the largest economy in the world. It is worth disputing when, if ever, China will become the global superpower. The country has lots of money (helped by the communist government keeping the value of its currency artificially low, thereby making exporting more attractive and generating revenue), its people work hard (six days a week, 11 hour days Monday to Friday and 8 hours on Saturday) and the frills of life just aren’t there.  (This of course is with the exception of Shanghai, Beijing and to some extent Hong Kong, its commerce and political headquarters). Yet, with all the money China has amassed, and subsequently spent on buying American debt, the country still cannot afford a normal toilet or plumbing:

Saraliously, whose idea is it to put treads on the side of the bowl to indicate where to place your feet?  Hello, it’s a hole in the ground!  It is sort of instinct to squat like you learned to do when you were a kid and the urge hit you while in the middle of the woods.  Frankly, its impossible to do, so this particular toilet, in the Beijing airport none the less, went unused by moi. Also, what is with the garbage pail to throw used toilet paper in? Even Mexico is beyond this. No wonder why the entire airport smells like a dirty bathroom.

Never been to China?  Chances are if you did, this is what you would find:

No frills here kids, just utility. Sometimes you feel like China’s unspoken motto is, “who cares what it looks like, as long as money can be made inside”.   It appears to be working.

However, the Chinese do have a good sense of humor:

At a local high-end Chinese restaurant, many guests removed their shoes prior to eating. Roughly translated, this sign says “Don’t wear brand name shoes. If someone steals them, we aren’t responsible.” God bless the Chinese! Please take off your shoes to eat, but make sure you wear your worst pair.  Exactly the opposite of what would happen in Dubai.  There ladies there would shuffle in wearing their Chrisitans, Manolos and Jimmys only to toss them into a huge pile without giving a second thought to if they would be there when they were ready to leave (anyone else remembering the Sex and the City episode where Carrie had her shoes stolen while at her friends party?). Honestly, you just cannot make this stuff up.

Alas, the moral of the story (isn’t there always one): appearances may only run skin deep. One cannot really project the true wealth of an individual, or country for that matter, based on how it appears. After all, who would give more than two pennies for Mr. Microsoft Gates?  What I can tell you is that if you are looking to enjoy downtime, why not do it in a city that makes you feel like Cinderella at 11:59pm?  Midnight is bound to come, but the magic before is totally worth it!  Final words: Visit Dubai.  Make money with the Chinese.

Peace in the Middle East. Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Hello from Dubai!  I can already guess the reactions I will get for what I am about to say, but then again, how often do I hold my tongue for fear of reaction?  Rarely, so here goes. Dubai, the business hub of the United Emirates is the most tranquil, peaceful, kind place I have ever visited.  I thought Mexico was the mother of hospitality, and this place makes our southern neighbor seem like France by comparison.  Everywhere you go here people are smiling, laughing, enjoying life (it does help that there is massive money flowing like honey, nothing puts you in a worse mood than poverty), and it got me to thinking, why is it surprising that people are happy here and that life is peaceful?  After much thought, I realized it is most likely due to 2 things. The first is that as an American, I have grown up fearing the Middle East as the region is often painted as the monster of the modern world.  The second is that I don’t have a good grasp of what the religion and culture of the region actually are all about. This lack of knowledge tends to increase the fear factor and so I decided that enough is enough and took the advice of many locals and went to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding “Open Doors. Open Minds.” program. Founded by two Muslim men living in Dubai, who after being asked one too many times by their American business partners what life was like in an Arab household, decided to create a neutral place for anyone who wanted to learn about being Muslim, the traditions and the culture of the Emirati. During the three hour session, the centre prepares a typical Arabic lunch (hommos is actually Labenese) and creates a venue for discussion on the many topics that often seem too taboo to ask. While there were many poignant questions asked, and some less than intelligent ones, the topic I was most interested in was  gender roles and discrimination which seems so prevalent yet accepted.

For example, why do Emirati women have to wear an abaya (floor length black cloak) and veil over their hair?  Is it obligatory? Is it done to hide their bodies and sexuality from everyone except their spouse? In fact, women only have to wear the abaya while they are outside of their home. While inside, they wear what everyone else wears… skinny jeans and tank tops!  The reason for the abaya is that Emirati women believe that they must dress very conservatively while out in public as to not draw unwanted attention, thereby keeping the most private part of themselves only onto their family.   Practicality also has something to do with it. Rather than having to change into baggy clothes when they run out for milk or to drop the kids off at school, women just throw on an abaya and go. Emirati women are as busy as women anywhere else- time is money, so they try to save it as much as possible.

The head scarf is actually a more cultural dress in the Emirati and is only actually required when entering a mosque as it is a holy place. This is no different than women of other religions (Jewish and Catholic for example), who when in God’s holy place, cover their hair out of respect.  The Emirati women simply continue with the tradition established long ago and find it to be comfortable.  While I cannot imagine how comfortable having to retuck the end of the scarf all day long can be, who am I to question it.

One issue I did have is that Amy, the female guide at our lunch, said that similar to sunglasses, the black abaya actually shadows the body from the warmth of the sun and is quite comfortable.  Ah, Amy…I beg to differ. It was only 85 degrees on Monday and I was shvitzing like crazy in my abaya. Don’t believe me?  Here is the proof:

It was toasty underneath (somehow opening the slit and sticking my bare legs out didn’t seem an appropriate thing to do0. Honestly, I cannot even imagine what it must feel like in August when it gets upwards of 145 degrees, although it does explain the frequent washing. Actually the reason they do wash five times a day is that it is required prior to entering the mosque for the daily prayers.  Why might you ask?  According to  Mohammed, all men and women are created equal before God and therefore, whether the individual be a prince or a construction worker, once clean of all outside life before entering the mosque, they stand side by side and pray together in equality. Also, its a basic question of hygiene. If you had to lower your forehead and mouth to the carpet, you would want to make sure everyone’s feat walking on the carpet are clean, right?

Finally, as a woman I have always had a visceral negative reaction to the apparent gender inequality in Arab countries.  When this topic was brought up during the discussion,  I was very surprised to learn that there are five basic guaranteed rights to all women in the Emirates. They are: 1. The right to a dowry,  2. The right to an education  3. The right to divorce  4. Access to an education and 5. The right to marry.

Last time I checked, I didn’t have the right to a dowry, it might be a nice tool to convince the man you love to actually get down on bended knee (ladies, some of you know what I am talking about. Shoot, Beyonce sang about it).  Unlike what is often rumored, Emirati women can study any course of their choice (the government pays for all university studies and related expenses), choose their own spouse, work if they so choose, divorce their husband on the spot (no having to wait around to duke it out in court if they find their spouse cheating on them) and are free to interact with men whom are not their husbands, brothers or fathers.  Like most cultures and religions, there are the extremists whom misinterpret the Koran’s teachings and oppress women, but the overall majority of Emirati men treat their wives like queens and lavish gifts upon them as according to their religious teachings, just treatment and protection of women opens a door to heaven.

Although there were many other topics discussed during the session, these two were the most interesting for me because as a strong and independent woman, I always viewed the Emirates as oppressive to women.  What I found was that most woman I have spoken to absolutely love their life in the UAE and not unlike other cultures around the world,  follow customs they were brought up with because quite simply, it is what they know.

The most important thing I learned (again) is that knowledge is power and debunking myths or common misunderstandings is the best way to close the breach between distinct beliefs and cultures.

So, if you are planning on visiting Dubai, I encourage you to visit the Center for Cultural Exchange and if possible, get into Nizam’s group, he is funny, warm and will answer pretty much any question you have. Here we are below:  my new friend Nizam, one of my oldest and best friends Mar, and myself.

I must say goodnight for now, but tomorrow I shall be back with a special report on the Dubai Mall, the largest in the world (at least for one more year until Dubai beats its own record and builds one twice the current size)!

Will Unrest in the Middle East and Japan Kill Luxury?

Although many market analysts predicted the end of luxury fashion and lifestyle brands in mid- recession 2009 after retail sales of luxury products dropped more than 30% in less than six months, it seems that the majority have proved the experts wrong.  Burberry, LVMH and even Tiffany (hit quite hard by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami) posted better than expected earnings for the current quarter.  Higher-end retailers including Saks and Nordstrom also experienced growth (albeit minimal at about 2%) and both reported the largest growth segment to be spring 2011 designer collections.   It turns out that the extremely wealthy never stopped spending as predicted, and the aspirational customer who used to buy their “look at me, I made it” handbag on credit (forced to cease purchasing when money dried up),  has been replaced by the well-educated consumer who still holds an upper-income status and feel enough reprieve from the financial markets to indulge in their favorite four figure splurges again. The demand for luxury branded goods also continues to grow to unprecedented levels in developing countries such as China and Brazil.  So, if it is true that the luxury market is the shining beacon of hope for the retail industry, what has insiders buzzing with doubt and trepidation?  In one word? Instability.

The dramatic events in the Middle East and the disaster in Japan have brought new challenges to many luxury brands and retailers, especially in the more volatile areas such as Bahrain and Egypt, with the former experiencing more than a 50% decrease in luxury sales in the past six months.  Suzy Menkes, fashion writer for The New York Times, brings up a great point in that although many CEO’s are adverse to discussing money and market share while revolutionaries are dying every day in the fight for freedom, the ousting of dictators may actually be very good news for luxury brands.  Why?  Because history has shown that without a dictator, the likelihood of a middle class developing is quite high, and the middle class after all, is the aspirational shopper that sustains the life of many brands (what we call critical mass).  As Sidney Toledano, chief executive of Christian Dior in Paris, puts it “What we like is stability,”  “We want to go into countries where there is a middle class and where we see some immediate potential.”

To see Mr. Toledano’s point, look no further than Egypt.  In a country with over 83 million inhabitants, there are many luxury brands that have very minimal presence and are now hoping that as democracy takes root,  a market economy will also, thereby allowing brands to rush in and fight for market share of the disposable cash floating around (and believe me, there are many Egyptians with cash ready to burn).  To provide some perspective on the potential that the opening of a new market holds, consider for a moment that Fendi, one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands, has not a single branded item for sale in the entire country of Egypt.   You can bet Michael Burke, chief executive of Fendi (part of LVMH) is seeing the sunny side of Egypt’s unrest. In fact, Burke estimates that every dictator currently in rule represents a loss of one million customers.  Imagine the new streams of revenue just waiting to be accessed!  However, at this point all brands have is hope.  Only time will tell how much new-founded political stability and market access will help luxury brands’ bottom line.

Following the thread, if instability is the key to poor performance, it seems unlikely that Japan’s recent natural disaster will hold a long term negative impact on luxury sales globally, or even nationally.   This is especially true given the fact that the earthquake and tsunami occurred in the northeast region, not known as a hub for high end retail stores but rather for manufacturing plants (click here to read previous post on Japan’s affect on overall retailing).  However, what is most likely to determine how quickly luxury retail bounces back  is how the devastation will affect the mood of the Japanese people and their taste for luxury goods.

And what an appetite it is.  Japan accounts for 23% of world sales for hard and soft luxury goods (50% of Japanese women own a Louis Vuitton bag.  On a side note, I am moving to Japan, who is with me?!).  However, this number becomes less significant when you consider that 18% of those sales are made to visiting Chinese tourists who are likely  to continue similar purchasing habits by simply shifting tours and vacations to alternate cities (expect a spike in luxury sales in Singapore for the second quarter of 2011).

If the Japanese government is able to neutralize the nuclear radiation issue, return food and energy flow to the ravaged areas, and most importantly, restore the confidence of its people and the international community of its ability to maintain economic levels while simultaneously rebuilding; luxury brands should not experience a significant drop in sales.  This coupled with the fact that any dip will likely be coupled with a ticked increase from other developing countries with significant wealth creation (Brazil had the largest increase of billionaires in 2010), the luxury market should continue strong and prepare itself to strategically pursue potential new markets.

The Real Cost of Japan’s Destruction on Retail

If Miriam Webster defines globalization as “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets”, the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in the northeastern region of Japan has strained or completely shut the free flow of anything except water and nuclear radiation. Honestly, the idea of a nuclear nightmare of this magnitude is so “24“, only the sobering images of the destruction bring home that this in fact, did happen.  The lasting effects of this natural disaster are impossible to quantify at this point, but consider the following facts when trying to give dimension to how far reaching the consequences are:

• The cost of shutting down Japan’s automotive industry for even one day is equivalent to six billion yen ($73.3-million).  Oh, that is just for Toyota.  It’s another two billion yen for Honda.
• In 2009, Japan was responsible for 13% of global vehicle production and the U.S.  is the number one importer with 1.2 million vehicles.  That is a lot of Toyota Prius’ and Camry’s, not to mention the “number one selling sedan” Honda Accord. Gonna guess those numbers are most likely to decline in 2011.
• Although only about 8% of North-American built vehicles use Japanese manufactured parts, supply chains are so lean and global (so we as consumers can all pay less!), U.S. factories will face forced shutdowns by week’s end.  What does this mean? It may be kosher to say, but heck if there is a silver lining besides not having to hear about Charlie Sheen 24/7 is the opportunity for American automotive brands to get a leg up on foreign competition that generally wins the price/quality war given their lower labor costs and government subsidies (China anyone?).  So, if you are in the market for a new Honda or Toyota, expect to sit down while you wait because they aren’t coming anytime soon.  Or, take a look at the Ford Taurus or Chevy Impala.  Heck, the Cadillac STS is looking pretty good right now.

However, the automotive industry isn’t the only victim. In fact, the aftershocks have reached the deep pockets of luxury retailers.

Over the past decade, Tiffany & Co. has expanded into the Japanese market in search of additional revenue streams and brand growth.  Well, they did a great job as Japan now represents close to 20% of global retail sales.  Although it is true that the entire country was not physically affected by the earthquake/tsunami and only a small portion of Tiffany stores had to be closed, what is certain is that a devastation of this scale will likely dampen desire for luxury.  Who can think about a four carat cushion cut diamond when there isn’t adequate food or shelter?  However, lets be frank here, Tiffany & Co. is pretty likely to survive this down tick in revenue, but what about already struggling retailers like The Gap and American Apparel?

The Gap’s recent poor performance prompted CEO Glenn Murphy to go on record about his plans to helm a major turnaround for the juggernaut retailer. Well, a terrible first step is the fact that The Gap had to close at least 7 of the 131 namesake stores operating in Japan due to physical damage.    Without concrete information as to the percentage of sales derived from these shuttered stores, it is difficult to determine the scale of lost revenue.   But, if you thought you were going to see higher prices on denim come July given the high cost of cotton, that price tag just went up another $5.00. After all, someone has to pay for the lost income!

Then there is American Apparel.  Thank God I have a sense of humor because the problems plaguing this retailer are severe but so absurd its almost enjoyable.

Left to right: Irene Morales and  American Apparel CEO, Dov Charney.    Photos courtesy of American Apparel

Within the industry, the rumors of Charney sexually harassing and demanding sexual acts from his employees  are long-standing.  In fact, more than one lawsuit has been filed against him, but none have been proven in court (shocking, I know).  Well, add another shrimp to the barbie as it were because ex-employee Irene Morales filed charges this week against Charney to the tune of $250 million for enduring “years of sexual harassment and being forced to perform sexual acts for many months”. Classy Dov, Classy. Whether these claims are founded or not, I just think a guy who has confirmed he refers to the women in his office as “whores and sluts”  because, “some people like sluts”, deserves some sort of punishment. Don’t you agree?  And if not for that, how about for creating these fugly fashions?

Saraliously? What is up with the long pleated poly/rayon skirts?  Fugly, ugly, gross.

One retailer everyone is watching but not for the reason you would think is Japanese apparel behemoth, Uniqlo.

REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao

Although Uniqlo has only one retail store in the U.S. (right here in good old NYC), it is the Japanese equivalent to H&M or Zara and the CEO of its parent company, Fast Retailing, Tadashi Yanai has VERY deep pockets.  Despite the inevitable production delays the retailer will face as it deals with major disruptions in its supply chain, Yanai donated 1 billion yen from his own coffers to the relief efforts of northeastern Japan and another 400 million yen directly from the retailer. Now Dov, learn from Mr. Yanai.  To the best of my recollection, American Apparel didn’t make any donation to New York in 2001 when retail got slammed after our own disaster (albeit not natural).

So, the takeaways:  Don’t plan on buying an already in demand Toyota or Honda vehicle anytime soon, unless you are willing to take what is sitting in inventory.  Also, already escalating apparel prices are going to increase as supply chains are truly global and if a local hiccup becomes pneumonia on an international scale, imagine what an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation can do.  Finally, when disaster strikes good people show up to support those who need it so everyone, go eat sushi and donate where you can.  Oh, and Dov Charney is a total jackass.

The Christmas Miracle!

The Holidays: an expanding waistline, pretending to know all of my relatives names, playing Barbies with my nieces, watching Love Actually and recommitting myself to Hugh Grant (even though I am much better matched with Bill Nighy, sigh…), and going to church to celebrate the magic of the season and realizing I should spend much more time there.

Recent national events also made me recall the religious teachings I received when I was a young child, specifically the lesson taught in John 5: 1-47.  In this passage, Jesus travels to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with all the other Jews and happens upon a lame man who is laying next to the Bethesda fountain.  As Jesus often did, he spoke to those most disadvantaged and posed a question to the cripple.  He simply said, “Would you like to walk?”.   After a short time debating Jesus’ question, the man “yes”.  Jesus responded,  “Pick up your mat and walk”.  Without questioning the possibility of walking after more than 20 without the use of his legs, the man stood up and walked- a true miracle!  Stories like this are many in the bible and we as a nation witnessed something of a similar magnitude very recently….

Yes, our Lame Duck learned to walk!!

The last Congressional session before the non returning members exit and the newly elected ones enter tends to produce as many results as my friend at the gym who runs at 4.3 miles per hour and doesn’t understand why her legs aren’t slimmer.  Duhr, results requires effort!

Well it looks like our leaders (I am being quite generous with this term as it is the holiday season) actually got some laws passed.  Here are a few highlights:

1. Bush Tax Cuts Continue: Oh goody, we all get to keep more of our money for now and pay for it later as this new legislation will add another trillion or so to our deficit within the next two years. I hope you all know how to say hello in Chinese, as we will all be singing their, soon to be our, national anthem when they call in our debt.

2. Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Finally, those who sacrifice their lives for our country are allowed to be honest about who they are. It’s about time. However, let’s hope they can contain their elation, until next year when the bill is signed into order.

3. America Competes Act: Basically our leaders are seeing that we are falling behind the global standards for economic and scientific leadership and this is our official federal effort to get back in the game. Yawn- this is sounding like my gym friend again.

4. Finally, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will provide $4.2 billion in compensation and long-term health-care benefits for first responders who became ill from working at Ground Zero in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Although the bill had to be scaled back significantly from the original $7.4 billion because of concerns of how to pay for it, at least those who selflessly acted to save the people attacked that morning will now be able to get their medication, Dr. visits, etc.  Then again, if our health care system wasn’t broken, this wouldn’t be an issue.

So, it seems that while dreaming of a nice long holiday break filled with sun drenched beaches on the tax payers’ dime (do those holidays get scaled back since we have our extended tax breaks?!), the Congress found time to actually get some work done!  Mazel tov, a Christmas miracle indeed!

Russia to host 2018 World Cup

In a somewhat surprising upset, Russia won its bid to host the 2018 World Cup over the UK, Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium.  Well let’s see here, given that London is the host for the 2012 Olympic games, it was unlikely that the UK would prevail.  Although Netherlands is a MUCH better futbol /soccer country, Russia got a lot of support from its business leaders as they are salivating over the opportunity to expand into international markets.  Plus let’s be honest, does anyone really associate Russia with soccer? They are even further removed from the futbol world than the U.S.

Should be very interesting to see how Russia prepares to host the international community, this is a big PR opportunity so lets just hope that Putin pulls it together and remembers to use a approved Fifa soccer ball and not a nuclear arm mid-field!

Next. 2022 World Cup host contenders are Australia, the United States, Japan, Qatar and South Korea. Two things here: How many airlines actually fly to Qatar?  Is airport congestion due to the limited two runways a reasonable excuse to not forfeit?  Also, South Korea? Can’t wait to sit in the final match as the teams duke it out only to have the little neighbors in North Korea send a present over in the way of a lovely little bomb…. so go USA!

Rangel’s Angle

Sometimes life can seem so cruel. Take two intrepid boys, both with dreams of grandeur about making their mark in their respective professional fields. Both have a strong will and both will forever be indelibly linked with the Dominican Republic- but for very different reasons.

Exhibit A:

Ding Dong!  Yes, please.  World renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta just may be DR’s most prominent citizen, bringing refinement, high-brow class and elegance to the country.

Exhibit B:

Hmm. Class?  Elegance? Refinement?  Not so much- try something more along the lines of “beached whale”.

Oh Charlie Rangel, how are have you fallen.. well, wait, you cannot fall from an upwards perch where you never resided in the first place.  By the time you read this, you should be well aware that Congressman Rangel (D-Harlem) was found guilty on 11 of 13 ethics violations by the House’s Adjudicatory Subcommittee this past week.   Although many reports have surfaced regarding his “unethical practices”, including the use of four rent stabilized apartments as campaign headquarters, I would like to focus on a different topic- exactly  how in the world did this guy get reelected for the 20th time just a few weeks ago?

The answer is simple: Charlie Rangel is the “black hope”. Make no mistake about it, he is the Obama of Harlem.  He was born in Harlem, NY, went to undergrand and law school here and prospered his way all the way to Washington DC. He is in the mind of many, powerful,  affluent (enough so that he purchased that villa in DR where he was photographed sunning himself.. vomit) and has achieved what so many downtrodden Harlemites desire- position and financial means. However, is the fact that he possesses extremely poor judgment and is nothing short of a liar, not an issue for those who voted for him?

Apparently not. Rangel supports just about ever single government assistance one could hope for; Food stamps, discounts on gas and electric, discounted transportation, you name it, he is getting it for his constituents.  Currently, the face of Harlem is changing.  A new W hotel opened up, Marcus Samuelsson opened his new restaurant, Red Rooster on Lenox Av. and 125th street and the inundation of young white couples have left, African-Americans as the minority race in Harlem (currently 4 of every 10 residents is Black).  Essentially, young couples looking for the combination of space, affordability and location have moved up from the UES and UWS to Harlem, bringing with them higher rental rates and forcing those who cannot pay them, well out.  And where do those go who are displaced? Maybe Sugar Hill, but a safer bet is back from whence they came, namely Queens and Brooklyn.

For those who are on the cusp of loosing their beloved place in the Harlem community, Rangel’s angle is to maintain the status quo as long as humanly possible. Eschew the likelihood of a face lift for the borough in order to keep the   food stamps coming, the rent as low as possible, and the “woe is me” attitude affixed as tightly as any weave worth wearing.

Honestly, this is a classic case of the blind leading the blind.  How can a leader without ethical boundaries, or even the ability to give a clear, concise explanation of his actions, lead a neighborhood so desperately in need of advancement into a new era if he himself is the poster boy for “give me more for less, I deserve it” attitude.  Here is to hoping that Rangel will accept his punishment and go away, because at this point, Harlem is likely to keep electing him for another 20 terms and last time I checked, there is not veto for elections.

Seth Meyers, Me, China and Obama- the 4 Musketeers.

Seth Meyers and I are one. Saraliously, we are on the same page on so many issues that with quite a high rate of frequency, I feel like my mind is raped with no reimbursement of any kind at 11:35pm on Saturday nights.  If you were ever lucky enough to be a student of my Import/Export class at Parsons, then you know my position on China. Simply put, China owns us little Americans and in the event they ever choose to call in the $800 billion we owe them, well kids, get ready to see the color and headliner of your passport to change to red and “China’s Bitch”.

However, for some reason, the relationship between China and the U.S is a conversation that most people don’t want to entertain because there is a mental block to the idea that a thriving (um, okay, we will go with that) democracy could ever be submissive to a third world commie country.  Well, sometimes in order to swallow a particularly big pill, you have to laugh it all the way down.  So, click here here goes my vision of China- U.S. Relations as expressed  by the genius writer at SNL,Seth Meyers.

And, what else has changed in the past year? Coming off the G20 meeting two weeks ago, apparently not much and no President Hu, the check isn’t in the mail.  The only checks getting mailed out these days are those of the unemployment nature and on that note, can we bump up the $800 billion to say, a round $1 trillion? GM hasn’t quite been able to pay us all back yet… Watch here