Keep on Growing

Another Emperor With Holes in His Clothing

I have been interested in the "destination clubs" like Exclusive Resorts, as a way to own a second home without the headaches of an actual house, and the flexibility to move between locations. Now the WSJ reports on the bankruptcy filing of one of the pioneers in the field.  Sometimes something that sounds too good to be true, isn't.

The Long Tail is Short on Substance

Not to sound like a jealous author, but Chris Anderson's Long Tail doesn't ring true to me (okay, I only read the article in the New Yorker, not the whole book, kinda busy these days).  Today, Lee Gomes in the Journal skewers the book.  This emperor may have some clothes, but not the wardrobe he's claiming.

Great Moments in Reporting with a Straight Face

Today's Wall Street Journal (I only read in print and can't link to the story) has a front-page story on Terry Lundgren, the CEO of Federated Stores, that is a scream, perhaps literally.  "When Terry Lundgren planned his wedding last summer, he painstakingly deliberated the reception room's layout, chose the menu and handpicked the wine selection.  Then he went a step further, designing the wedding gown for his fiancee, Tina Stephan. ... Over the course of five fittings, during which Ms. Stephan was blindfolded, Mr. Lundgren worked with designer Vera Wang to construct the dress he had in mind."  The article quotes Mr. Lundgren: "I wanted something very unique, that no one had done before."

Poor Ms. Stephan.  Honey, those of us who have married controlling nut jobs feel your pain, even if you don't as yet.