1. Virginia
2. Utah
3. Washington
4. North Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Colorado
7. Idaho
8. Florida
9. Texas
10. Nebraska
http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/30/virginia-georgia-utah-biz-cz_kb_0731beststates.html
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Best Countries for Business
| R | Name | GDP Growth (%) | GDP / Capita ($) | Trade Balance ($bil) | Pop (mil) | Un Emp (%) |
| 1 | Denmark | 1.7 | 37,400 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 3.5 |
| 2 | Ireland | 5.3 | 45,600 | -12.6 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| 3 | Finland | 4.4 | 35,500 | 11.2 | 5.2 | 6.9 |
| 4 | United States | 2.2 | 46,000 | -747.1 | 303.8 | 4.6 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 2.9 | 35,300 | -111.0 | 60.9 | 5.4 |
| 6 | Sweden | 3.4 | 36,900 | 30.2 | 9.0 | 4.5 |
| 7 | Canada | 2.7 | 38,200 | 28.5 | 33.2 | 5.9 |
| 8 | Singapore | 7.5 | 48,900 | 41.4 | 4.6 | 1.7 |
| 9 | Hong Kong | 5.8 | 42,000 | 19.9 | 7.0 | 4.2 |
| 10 | Estonia | 7.3 | 21,800 | -3.1 | 1.3 | 5.2 |
| 10 | Switzerland | 2.6 | 39,800 | 67.9 | 7.6 | 3.1 |
| 12 | New Zealand | 3.0 | 27,300 | -10.0 | 4.2 | 3.5 |
| 13 | Australia | 4.0 | 37,500 | -51.0 | 20.6 | 4.4 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 3.5 | 38,600 | 59.3 | 16.6 | 4.1 |
| 15 | Norway | 4.9 | 55,600 | 55.8 | 4.6 | 2.4 |
| 16 | Israel | 5.1 | 28,800 | 5.9 | 7.1 | 7.6 |
| 17 | Iceland | 1.8 | 39,400 | -3.4 | 0.3 | 1.0 |
| 18 | Belgium | 2.7 | 36,500 | 11.0 | 10.4 | 7.6 |
| 19 | Chile | 5.2 | 14,400 | 8.2 | 16.5 | 7.0 |
| 20 | Portugal | 1.9 | 21,800 | -18.5 | 10.7 | 8.0 |
| 21 | Germany | 2.6 | 34,400 | 185.1 | 82.4 | 8.4 |
| 22 | Luxembourg | 5.0 | 80,800 | 11.3 | 0.5 | 4.4 |
| 23 | Austria | 3.3 | 39,000 | 12.6 | 8.2 | 4.3 |
| 24 | Japan | 1.9 | 33,800 | 195.9 | 127.3 | 4.0 |
| 25 | France | 1.8 | 33,800 | -35.9 | 64.1 | 8.0 |
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/6/biz_bizcountries08_Best-Countries-for-Business_Rank.html
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Best of the Best Places to Live 2008
Population: 70,100
Median home price: $288,950
Average property tax (2006): $4,526
Pros: Reasonable home prices; good schools; quick drive the nation's biggest mall
Cons: Very cold winters
Population: 129,400
Median home price: $207,739
Average property tax (2006): $1,675
Pros: Bike lanes; Old Town historic district; brand-new cancer center
Cons: Overcrowded schools
Population: 142,900
Median home price: $369,000
Average property tax (2006): $6,402
Pros: Close to Chicago; public library ranked the best in the nation among small cities; walkable downtown area
Cons: High property taxes
Population: 193,900
Median home price: $650,000
Average property tax (2006): $5,053
Pros: School district has won national recognition; more than 16,000 acres of green space
Cons: Very pricey homes
Population: 59,100
Median home price: $319,000
Average property tax (2006): $7,648
Pros: Plenty of jobs in the area; Princeton and Rutgers Universities nearby
Cons: High property taxes
Population: 102,800
Median home price: $133,500
Average property tax (2006): $1,095
Pros: University of Oklahoma; affordable housing
Cons: Gotta love that football -- schools close for games against rival University of Texas
Population: 92,300
Median home price: $193,931
Average property tax (2006): $3,854
Pros: Affordable housing; excellent schools; minor league baseball team
Cons: Can you take the heat?
Population: 97,500
Median home price: $355,000
Average property taxes (2006): $3,208
Pros: Historic Main Street lined with antique shops and teahouses; 950-acre nature preserve; three lakes
Cons: Traffic can be a headache
Population: 166,700
Median home price: $233,887
Average property taxes (2006): $3,345
Pros: Lots of green space; schools among best in nation
Cons: Flat terrain and grid layout don't provide much visual drama
Population: 61,800
Median home price: $200,830
Average property taxes (2006): $2,218
Pros: Strong economy; low home prices; good schools
Cons: A walkable downtown is still in the planning stages
http://www.walletpop.com/mortgages/best-places-to-live
http://www.walletpop.com/specials/best-of-the-best
Sunday, April 20, 2008
World's 20 Most Innovative Companies
No. 20: Boeing
The world is awaiting the arrival of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which, manufactured with 50% composites, promises to be lighter weight and use 20% less fuel than conventional commercial aircraft. The globally sourced project has been plagued by delays, however, which have begun to overshadow excitement over the plane’s groundbreaking technology.
No. 19: Reliance Industries
The Indian petrochemicals giant made it onto our list this year thanks to fans of its aggressive growth. But its ambitious plans to reach into grocery retailing, which is dominated in India by small shopkeepers who’ve rebelled against corporate entrants, have faltered.
No. 18: General Motors
CEO Richard Wagoner Jr. is making design a top priority in his efforts to jump-start GM’s struggling business, giving stylists a first crack at new models before engineers. Add in new hybrid-electric SUVs, along with plans for the ultrahigh-mileage Volt in 2010, and it’s clear GM is trying to shake its stodgy image.
No. 17: Walt Disney
Disney is Hollywood’s leader with online offerings. It was first to ship its TV shows online. These days it’s filling the Web with social networks for kids that let them become avatar “fairies” or join communities of pirate-playing gamesters. Digital revenues will jump this year by 25%, to $1 billion.
No. 16: Honda Motor
At a time when most carmakers are worrying about high gas prices, sales of fuel-efficient Hondas are growing. Next up, the automaker will introduce gas-sipping clean diesels, small affordable hybrids and, in 2010, a private jet that’s 30% more fuel efficient than rival offerings.
No. 15: Hewlett-Packard
The 69-year-old info tech company’s Innovation Program Office helps it to absorb the startup vibes from recent acquisitions. The new service “CloudPrint,” developed in a matter of months and inspired by the iPhone, helps users send documents to printers from their mobile devices.
No. 14: BMW
While other carmakers talk about hybrids and electric motors, this German maker of sports sedans has concentrated on getting the most out of existing technology. As a result, the latest BMWs and Minis challenge the Toyota Prius for gas mileage and low emissions.
No. 13: Research In Motion
Twenty-eight million thumbs on 14 million devices say RIM still dominates the wireless e-mail market. The makers of the ubiquitous BlackBerry are now reaching into the vast consumer market, putting it on a collision course with iPhone maker Apple.
No. 12: IBM
With over 3,000 scientists at IBM Research, Big Blue has been the leading U.S. patent winner for 15 years in a row. Now the new head of research, John Kelly III, plans on making bigger and bolder bets. One example: trying to invent the next-generation transistor.
No. 11: Amazon.com
Now far more than an e-tailer of physical goods, Amazon.com has added the ability to download videos and MP3s. And it's selling the very Web services it uses for its own operations to hundreds of startups, which employ the back-office tech programs to run their own companies.
No. 10: Nokia
The Finnish handset maker employs anthropologists who study mobile-phone users in emerging markets. Their insights have made Nokia the leader in India and China. As it pushes beyond hardware into Web services, it’s tapping outsiders to create games and offer feedback.
No. 9: Sony
Now that its electronics business is healthy and Blu-ray is the new DVD standard, Sony's priority is online content. Its PlayStation 3 video game consoles will soon feature Home, a 3D social networking and gaming world, and PlayStation Network, an expanded channel for music and videos.
No. 8: Procter & Gamble
The world’s largest consumer-products maker has out-hustled rivals in new product launches through more spending on design and willingness to turn to outsiders for ideas. But P&G is just as creative in finding new markets: It's now pushing to sell its products in overlooked neighborhood stores in developing regions.
No. 7: Nintendo
The video gamemaker is new to our top 25 after its wildly popular Wii console tapped an entirely new gaming audience. It recently launched a Wii fitness game that makes staying in shape a family affair. New service WiiWare will soon offer indie programmers a low-cost way to deliver games online.
No. 6: Tata Group
The Mumbai-based conglomerate jumps onto our list for the first time, fueled by its paradigm-busting $2,500 “Nano” car for the masses. The car, from its Tata Motors unit, is the world’s cheapest, thanks partly to a distribution model that sells the auto in kits to entrepreneurs who assemble them for buyers.
No. 5: Microsoft
Often mocked for following rather than leading, the software giant tapped its vast research arm to launch Surface, a new touch-screen computer that moves a step closer to the Holy Grail of natural user interfaces. To catch up with Google, it continues to pour research funds into perfecting search algorithms.
No. 4: General Electric
CEO Jeff Immelt is so encouraged by GE’s “ecoimagination” initiative that he’s raising the revenue target for green projects from $20 billion to $25 billion by 2010. This year, the industrial giant tapped Dartmouth prof Vijay Govindarajan to be its own in-house “chief innovation consultant.”
No. 3: Toyota Motor
Determined to retain its mantle as the hybrid leader among carmakers, the Japanese company plans to roll out a more fuel-efficient Prius in 2009. It’s also trying to match rival GM’s promise to deliver a plug-in gas-and-electric car using lithium ion batteries. Toyota is targeting 1 million hybrid sales annually by the early 2010s.
No. 2: Google
The search giant, which last year hiked R&D spending 72%, took on Microsoft in its own backyard with a concerted push into online office software. This year Google will try to expand beyond search ads into banner and video ads with its $3.2 billion acquisition of display-ad firm DoubleClick.
No. 1: Apple
Our repeat winner has rocked the wireless handset world with the iPhone, spurring rivals to imitate the touch-screen design. After just nine months on sale, it’s already No. 3 in the global smartphone market. Meanwhile some 150 million iPods have been sold since 2001.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/04/0417_mostinnovative/index_01.htm
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Popular & Busiest Locations
The Busiest Location Is: Karlsplatz, Munich, Germany
Fun Facts: The U.S. has the most McDonald's with 12,804 restaurants. Germany is in fifth place with 1,091 restaurants. More than 1/3 of all French fries sold in the United States are by McDonald's.
The Busiest Location Is: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Fun Facts: Their busiest store generates $2.8 million in sales a year.
The Busiest Location Is: Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nev.
Fun Facts: The average size of an Outback Steakhouse is 6,000 square feet, featuring a dining room and an island bar. It seats approximately 200 guests. Outback was established in March 1988 and is now a member of OSI Partners Inc. Other members include Cheeseburger in Paradise, Carrabbas, and Bonefish Grill.
4. Domino's
The Busiest Location Is: Outside Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Fun Facts: As of 2006, Domino's Pizza operates in five countries, with over 600 stores and approximately 14,000 employees. Domino's makes more than 60 million pizzas a year.
The Busiest Location Is: Samutprakarn, Thailand
Fun Facts: There are over 7,500 7-Eleven stores in North America and 33,700 globally. 7-Eleven's birthday is on July 11 (7-11), and the stores used to operate from 7 a.m. to 11.p.m.
The Busiest Location Is: 42nd St. between 7th & 8th Avenue, New York
Fun Facts: There are Applebee's operating in 49 states, one U.S. territory and 16 countries. Applebee's has 1,900 restaurants total and is the largest dining restaurant concept in the world.
7. Nordstrom
The Busiest Location Is: Southcoast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif.
Fun Facts: Nordstrom currently has 157 stores in the U.S., located in 28 states. Of those 157 stores, 103 are full-line retailers, 50 are Nordstrom Racks, and the rest are miscellaneous stores. The first Nordstrom was opened in 1901, as a shoe store.
8. Red Lobster
The Busiest Location Is: Times Square, New York
Fun Facts: The Times Square Red Lobster generates approximately $10 million in sales each year. The first Red Lobster opened in 1968.
9. Barnes & Noble
The Busiest Location Is: Union Square, New York
Fun Facts: Barnes & Noble, primarily a bookstore, is also the second-largest coffee house in the U.S. The first Barnes & Noble was created in 1873, by Charles M. Barnes, and based out of his home.
10. Whole Foods
The Busiest Location Is: Columbus Circle, New York
Fun Facts: Whole Foods currently has over 54,000 employees and has more than 270 locations in North America and the United Kingdom. The first Whole Foods opened in Austin, Tex. in 1980, and was staffed with only 19 employees.
http://money.aol.com/special/worlds-busiest-store-in-a-chain
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Global Companies 2000
| Rank | Company | Country | Industry | Sales ($bil) | Profits ($bil) | Assets ($bil) | Market Value ($bil) |
| 1 | HSBC Holdings | United Kingdom | Banking | 146.50 | 19.13 | 2,348.98 | 180.81 |
| 2 | General Electric | United States | Conglomerates | 172.74 | 22.21 | 795.34 | 330.93 |
| 3 | Bank of America | United States | Banking | 119.19 | 14.98 | 1,715.75 | 176.53 |
| 4 | JPMorgan Chase | United States | Banking | 116.35 | 15.37 | 1,562.15 | 136.88 |
| 5 | ExxonMobil | United States | Oil & Gas Operations | 358.60 | 40.61 | 242.08 | 465.51 |
| 6 | Royal Dutch Shell | Netherlands | Oil & Gas Operations | 355.78 | 31.33 | 266.22 | 221.09 |
| 7 | BP | United Kingdom | Oil & Gas Operations | 281.03 | 20.60 | 236.08 | 204.94 |
| 8 | Toyota Motor | Japan | Consumer Durables | 203.80 | 13.99 | 276.38 | 175.08 |
| 9 | ING Group | Netherlands | Insurance | 197.93 | 12.65 | 1,932.15 | 75.78 |
| 10 | Berkshire Hathaway | United States | Diversified Financials | 118.25 | 13.21 | 273.16 | 216.65 |
| 10 | Royal Bank of Scotland | United Kingdom | Banking | 108.45 | 14.62 | 3,807.51 | 76.64 |
| 12 | AT&T | United States | Telecommunications Services | 118.93 | 11.95 | 275.64 | 210.22 |
| 13 | BNP Paribas | France | Banking | 116.16 | 10.71 | 2,494.41 | 81.90 |
| 14 | Allianz | Germany | Insurance | 139.12 | 10.90 | 1,547.48 | 80.30 |
| 15 | Total | France | Oil & Gas Operations | 199.74 | 19.24 | 165.75 | 181.80 |
| 16 | Wal-Mart Stores | United States | Retailing | 378.80 | 12.73 | 163.38 | 198.60 |
| 17 | Chevron | United States | Oil & Gas Operations | 203.97 | 18.69 | 148.79 | 179.97 |
| 18 | American Intl Group | United States | Insurance | 110.06 | 6.20 | 1,060.51 | 118.20 |
| 19 | Gazprom | Russia | Oil & Gas Operations | 81.76 | 23.30 | 201.72 | 306.79 |
| 20 | AXA Group | France | Insurance | 151.70 | 7.75 | 1,064.67 | 70.33 |
| 21 | Banco Santander | Spain | Banking | 72.26 | 10.02 | 1,332.72 | 113.27 |
| 22 | ConocoPhillips | United States | Oil & Gas Operations | 171.50 | 11.89 | 177.76 | 129.15 |
| 23 | Goldman Sachs Group | United States | Diversified Financials | 87.97 | 11.60 | 1,119.80 | 67.16 |
| 24 | Citigroup | United States | Banking | 159.23 | 3.62 | 2,187.63 | 123.44 |
| 25 | Barclays | United Kingdom | Banking | 79.70 | 8.76 | 2,432.34 | 62.43 |
| 26 | EDF Group | France | Utilities | 81.60 | 7.69 | 271.66 | 170.81 |
| 27 | E.ON | Germany | Utilities | 94.04 | 9.86 | 200.84 | 126.22 |
| 28 | ENI | Italy | Oil & Gas Operations | 119.27 | 13.70 | 128.15 | 127.38 |
| 29 | Petrobras-Petróleo Brasil | Brazil | Oil & Gas Operations | 87.52 | 11.04 | 129.98 | 236.67 |
| 30 | PetroChina | China | Oil & Gas Operations | 88.24 | 18.21 | 111.70 | 546.14 |
| 31 | Procter & Gamble | United States | Household & Personal Products | 79.74 | 11.13 | 144.40 | 203.67 |
| 32 | Deutsche Bank | Germany | Diversified Financials | 95.50 | 7.45 | 1,485.58 | 56.27 |
| 33 | UniCredit Group | Italy | Banking | 63.67 | 7.19 | 1,077.21 | 77.46 |
| 34 | Telefónica | Spain | Telecommunications Services | 82.40 | 13.00 | 143.13 | 138.42 |
| 35 | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial | Japan | Banking | 49.49 | 7.50 | 1,591.56 | 98.14 |
| 36 | Volkswagen Group | Germany | Consumer Durables | 149.00 | 5.64 | 210.88 | 90.23 |
| 37 | IBM | United States | Software & Services | 98.79 | 10.42 | 120.43 | 157.62 |
| 38 | ArcelorMittal | Luxembourg | Materials | 105.22 | 10.37 | 133.65 | 108.82 |
| 38 | Daimler | Germany | Consumer Durables | 145.11 | 5.82 | 199.77 | 85.16 |
| 40 | BBVA-Banco Bilbao Vizcaya | Spain | Banking | 54.34 | 8.94 | 733.14 | 78.29 |
| 41 | Wells Fargo | United States | Banking | 53.59 | 8.06 | 575.44 | 96.37 |
| 42 | ICBC | China | Banking | 37.48 | 6.31 | 961.65 | 289.57 |
| 43 | Credit Suisse Group | Switzerland | Diversified Financials | 83.72 | 7.53 | 1,194.75 | 50.85 |
| 44 | HBOS | United Kingdom | Banking | 100.32 | 8.10 | 1,336.17 | 44.84 |
| 45 | Crédit Agricole | France | Banking | 101.59 | 6.49 | 1,662.60 | 45.73 |
| 45 | Nestlé | Switzerland | Food Drink & Tobacco | 94.76 | 9.38 | 99.06 | 188.11 |
| 47 | Fortis | Netherlands | Diversified Financials | 121.19 | 5.46 | 1,020.98 | 49.04 |
| 48 | Verizon Communications | United States | Telecommunications Services | 93.47 | 5.65 | 186.96 | 104.27 |
| 49 | France Telecom | France | Telecommunications Services | 77.31 | 9.20 | 137.09 | 87.89 |
| 50 | Siemens | Germany | Conglomerates | 103.20 | 5.42 | 126.72 | 118.47 |
| 50 | Wachovia | United States | Banking | 55.53 | 6.31 | 782.90 | 60.69 |
| 52 | Sinopec-China Petroleum | China | Oil & Gas Operations | 133.79 | 6.90 | 77.44 | 186.38 |
| 53 | Hewlett-Packard | United States | Technology Hardware & Equip | 107.67 | 7.85 | 88.57 | 122.04 |
| 54 | Lloyds TSB Group | United Kingdom | Banking | 58.74 | 6.53 | 701.08 | 50.95 |
| 55 | Royal Bank of Canada | Canada | Banking | 43.57 | 5.77 | 629.96 | 64.41 |
| 56 | Bank of China | China | Banking | 31.13 | 5.49 | 679.57 | 171.45 |
| 57 | Pfizer | United States | Drugs & Biotechnology | 48.42 | 8.14 | 115.27 | 152.17 |
| 58 | Johnson & Johnson | United States | Drugs & Biotechnology | 61.10 | 10.58 | 80.95 | 175.51 |
| 59 | Samsung Electronics | South Korea | Semiconductors | 92.26 | 8.56 | 87.49 | 87.84 |
| 60 | StatoilHydro | Norway | Oil & Gas Operations | 89.00 | 7.52 | 89.16 | 98.36 |
| 61 | Generali Group | Italy | Insurance | 102.16 | 3.17 | 486.43 | 60.79 |
| 62 | CCB-China Construction Bank | China | Banking | 29.16 | 5.93 | 697.44 | 126.55 |
| 63 | Microsoft | United States | Software & Services | 57.90 | 16.96 | 67.34 | 253.15 |
| 64 | Suez Group | France | Utilities | 64.96 | 5.37 | 114.89 | 83.56 |
| 65 | Zurich Financial Services | Switzerland | Insurance | 55.05 | 5.63 | 387.67 | 45.76 |
| 66 | Nippon Telegraph & Tel | Japan | Telecommunications Services | 91.57 | 4.06 | 149.71 | 60.27 |
| 67 | Sanofi-aventis | France | Drugs & Biotechnology | 40.95 | 7.68 | 104.98 | 101.17 |
| 68 | Honda Motor | Japan | Consumer Durables | 94.35 | 5.04 | 101.82 | 56.82 |
| 69 | Nokia | Finland | Technology Hardware & Equip | 74.54 | 10.52 | 52.62 | 145.66 |
| 70 | Munich Re | Germany | Insurance | 67.57 | 5.63 | 306.03 | 37.34 |
| 71 | Mizuho Financial | Japan | Banking | 32.52 | 5.28 | 1,272.17 | 48.80 |
| 72 | Novartis | Switzerland | Drugs & Biotechnology | 40.22 | 12.62 | 71.89 | 111.62 |
| 73 | MetLife | United States | Insurance | 53.01 | 4.32 | 558.56 | 41.32 |
| 74 | Roche Holding | Switzerland | Drugs & Biotechnology | 40.65 | 8.60 | 67.72 | 169.32 |
| 75 | Morgan Stanley | United States | Diversified Financials | 85.33 | 2.56 | 1,045.41 | 46.53 |
| 76 | Vale | Brazil | Materials | 33.23 | 10.26 | 74.70 | 161.39 |
| 77 | Rio Tinto | United Kingdom/Australia | Materials | 29.70 | 7.31 | 100.81 | 165.48 |
| 78 | China Mobile | Hong Kong/China | Telecommunications Services | 37.06 | 8.29 | 62.44 | 308.59 |
| 79 | GlaxoSmithKline | United Kingdom | Drugs & Biotechnology | 45.07 | 10.35 | 57.16 | 120.05 |
| 80 | BASF | Germany | Chemicals | 84.60 | 5.93 | 67.33 | 60.96 |
| 81 | RWE Group | Germany | Utilities | 56.17 | 3.64 | 119.50 | 68.19 |
| 82 | Sumitomo Mitsui Financial | Japan | Banking | 33.04 | 3.76 | 850.75 | 56.10 |
| 83 | BHP Billiton | Australia/United Kingdom | Materials | 39.50 | 13.42 | 53.36 | 190.62 |
| 84 | Time Warner | United States | Media | 46.48 | 4.39 | 133.83 | 55.83 |
| 85 | Banco Bradesco | Brazil | Banking | 36.12 | 4.11 | 192.65 | 59.80 |
| 85 | KBC Group | Belgium | Banking | 35.22 | 4.66 | 517.98 | 43.66 |
| 87 | Dexia | Belgium | Banking | 140.78 | 3.47 | 889.98 | 28.04 |
| 88 | Altria Group | United States | Food Drink & Tobacco | 38.05 | 9.16 | 57.21 | 154.20 |
| 89 | National Australia Bank | Australia | Banking | 38.88 | 4.06 | 499.44 | 43.95 |
| 90 | Cisco Systems | United States | Technology Hardware & Equip | 37.68 | 8.07 | 55.30 | 145.39 |
| 91 | Manulife Financial | Canada | Insurance | 33.08 | 4.01 | 178.58 | 59.18 |
| 92 | Bank of Nova Scotia | Canada | Banking | 28.02 | 4.25 | 431.30 | 48.08 |
| 93 | Intel | United States | Semiconductors | 38.33 | 6.98 | 55.65 | 115.59 |
| 94 | Unilever | Netherlands/United Kingdom | Food Drink & Tobacco | 54.82 | 5.30 | 53.40 | 92.75 |
| 95 | Toronto-Dominion Bank | Canada | Banking | 26.51 | 4.20 | 443.56 | 48.38 |
| 96 | Nissan Motor | Japan | Consumer Durables | 89.09 | 3.92 | 104.20 | 37.90 |
| 97 | Lehman Bros Holdings | United States | Diversified Financials | 59.00 | 4.19 | 691.06 | 27.05 |
| 98 | Carrefour Group | France | Food Markets | 112.40 | 3.15 | 75.73 | 49.95 |
| 99 | Commonwealth Bank | Australia | Banking | 26.48 | 3.80 | 360.42 | 51.86 |
| 100 | Boeing | United States | Aerospace & Defense | 66.39 | 4.07 | 58.99 | 63.32 |
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/18/biz_2000global08_The-Global-2000_Rank.html
Friday, April 4, 2008
World's Best First Class & Business Class
World's Best First Class
1. Qatar Airways
Flying first-class here means access to a separate terminal in Doha that mimics a five-star hotel with several fine-dining restaurants, a medical center, and a spa with sauna and Jacuzzi. On board passengers get caviar service, full-size pillows, white linen mattresses, Australian wool blankets and Bulgari toiletry kits. The seats are 79 inches long, have 15-inch LCD screens and come with a 23-inch meal table that allows dining for two, just as in a restaurant.
2. Singapore Airlines
Passengers here have total control of their experience including picking between Dom Perignon and Krug champagne and food whenever they want it and however they want it whether it's an extravagant five-course blowout or a quick meal served all at once. The seats are 82 inches long and 35 inches wide. Fliers are given a Ferragamo toiletry kits, Givenchy sleep suits and slippers. Seats flatten into beds with sheets, a down duvet and oversize pillows.
3. Cathay Pacific
Seats here become 'suites,' thanks to sliding panels that provide total privacy. They turn into 81-inch-long beds and have built-in massagers. Each flier also gets a personal closet to store belongings. Cathay got high marks for its food: It's one of the only carriers to have rice cookers, skillets and toasters onboard, so parts of meals are prepared fresh, like eggs made to order.
4. Malaysia Airlines
This airline is a winner for its service--welcoming and warm, yet efficient. The seats are individual pods that turn into 180-degree flat beds. Fliers also get plush blankets and pillows. Food includes Malaysian cuisine, like a signature satay. On the ground, Kuala Lumpur's first-class lounge has a new upscale restaurant.
5. Thai Airways
First-class fliers are greeted by a personal concierge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi's Airport who checks them in and escorts them through security. The lounge has wi-fi, a sauna and a spa offering Thai massages. When flying into Bangkok, a concierge fast-tracks fliers through immigration, customs and baggage claim. Seats on board become comfortable 180-degree flat beds. Other amenities include Bulgari toiletry kits, cotton pajamas and a choice of 22 entrees, which can be pre-ordered.
6. Emirates
Each of the roughly 18 seats in first-class can be transformed into a mini-suite by the use of sliding doors. Other perks include soft pajamas, slippers, 600 channels of on-demand entertainment, chauffeur service from select airports, seven-course meals served on bone china and access to lounges that have wi-fi, an extensive dining buffet and are decked out in Italian marble.
7. Jet Airways
This airline boasts the longest flat bed in the sky: 83 inches. Seats have 24-inch flat-screen televisions and can be configured so that two people can dine together. Champagne onboard is either Dom Perignon or Krug, and toiletry kits are filled with Bulgari products. Food includes a wide range of Indian and Western dishes. On the ground, an attendant escorts passengers through check-in and to the lounge.
8. Lufthansa
This airline, ranked third on the top-10 list, is a star performer on the ground. When fliers arrive at Frankfurt Airport, they lounge on couches and sip drinks while an attendant checks them in. After clearing security, they are led to a lounge where a chef cooks any meal of their choice. When it's time to board, they are driven to the aircraft in a Mercedes. Comfortable lie-flat seats and efficient service await them onboard.
9. Korean Air
Korean Air debuted a new first-class cabin last year that features a cocoon-like seat with a massage function that turns into a flat bed. The airline also placed in the top 10 because of its excellent ethnic food that includes choices such as steamed oxtail, Korean bibimbop and various top-grade meat dishes.
10. Qantas Airways
The lounges in Sydney and Melbourne have a library, a fine-dining restaurant, a business center and a spa that offers massages. Seats onboard are 6.5 feet long, and entertainment is video on-demand (400 channels). The designer silk toiletry kits--Akira Isogawa for men, Collete Dinnigan for women--are stuffed with Payot products. Meals are eight-course affairs.
http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/08/travel-airlines-firstclass-forbeslife-cx_sv_0809firstclass.html
World's Best Business Class
1. Singapore Airlines : This airline introduced a new business class in November 2006 that surpasses that of any other airline, according to Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax. Its 30-inch-wide lie-flat seats--the roomiest in the sky--come with full-size pillows and plush blankets. The bathrooms are 50% larger than average airline bathrooms; the menu is designed by Alfred Portale, chef of New York's Gotham Bar & Grill, and passengers get deluxe Givenchy kits.
2. Virgin Atlantic : Virgin came in No. 2 because of its stellar ground services. Passengers flying business class, known as Upper Class, get chauffeured cars to the airport in key markets, including New York City and London. The bright, modern lounges have large spas that offer free haircuts and massages. On board, there is a bar area, lie-flat seats and therapists who give neck and shoulder massages.
3. Cathay Pacific Airways : This airline is a high performer all around, both on the ground and in the air. Hong Kong passengers have separate security lines and comfortable lounges with wi-fi, high-speed Internet and a noodle bar. On board, the lie-flat seats stretch 6.5 feet long. The entertainment screen is 15 inches. Service? Exceptional.
4. Malaysia Airlines : This airline, ranked No. 10 last year, is now No. 4, thanks to changes that include (on the ground) a new restaurant in the lounge at Kuala Lumpur airport, complete with a team of chefs and proper waiter service. In the sky, the airline scored high for its food, which includes a signature Malaysian satay and seven kinds of bread. The comfortable lie-flat seats also get a thumbs-up.
5. Air New Zealand : This airline introduced its new business class, called Business Premier, a year ago. Amenities include 7-foot long lie-flat seats, a 10.4-inch video screen with nine channels of on-demand entertainment, lamb's wool blankets and brasserie-style cuisine emphasizing New Zealand ingredients and wines.
6. British Airways : British Airways' business class, called Club World, was the first to introduce lie-flat beds 10 years ago. Recently, the airline made these seats slightly wider and longer. On board, passengers get a Molton Brown toiletry kit and can expect service that Plaisted describes as consistently efficient though not overly warm. On ground, complimentary massages are available at the Molton Brown spa in lounges at major airports, including Heathrow and JFK.
7. Jet Airways : This Indian airline, which started service from Newark to Mumbai just this month, scores high for its Bulgari toiletry kits, lie-flat beds and tasty Indian cuisine, which might include choices like chicken tikka masala or spiced fish curry with basmati rice. One drawback: the lounges in its key Indian airports are lackluster and don't offer any of the bells and whistles of typical business class lounges.
8. Qatar Airways : Business class passengers have a premium terminal in Doha, Qatar, which makes for easy check-in and boarding. The lounge has marble floors, cascading waterfalls, a Jacuzzi, several treatment rooms for massages and a restaurant. The multilingual on-board staff represents more than 40 nationalities and offers the best service of any Middle Eastern airline. The seats are lie-flat, and the high-definition in-flight entertainment system offers satellite television.
9. Qantas Airways : Qantas has one of the best business class seats in the sky. The plush seats are called Skybeds, and they recline to a flat bed that is 6.5 feet long and almost 2 feet wide. Other pluses are a 10.2-inch touchscreen with a choice of over 60 movies, Ultraceutical toiletries and tasty cuisine that includes choices like a crab and potato galette and snapper poached in coconut milk.
10. Etihad Airways : Established just five years ago in Abu Dhabi, this airline has quickly become a major contender in the business class market. Perks include access to a multilingual staff, an in-flight entertainment system with a 15-inch entertainment screen, comfortable lie-flat seats and an extensive dining menu with Asian, Continental and Middle Eastern choices.
1. Qatar AirwaysFlying first-class here means access to a separate terminal in Doha that mimics a five-star hotel with several fine-dining restaurants, a medical center, and a spa with sauna and Jacuzzi. On board passengers get caviar service, full-size pillows, white linen mattresses, Australian wool blankets and Bulgari toiletry kits. The seats are 79 inches long, have 15-inch LCD screens and come with a 23-inch meal table that allows dining for two, just as in a restaurant.
2. Singapore AirlinesPassengers here have total control of their experience including picking between Dom Perignon and Krug champagne and food whenever they want it and however they want it whether it's an extravagant five-course blowout or a quick meal served all at once. The seats are 82 inches long and 35 inches wide. Fliers are given a Ferragamo toiletry kits, Givenchy sleep suits and slippers. Seats flatten into beds with sheets, a down duvet and oversize pillows.
3. Cathay PacificSeats here become 'suites,' thanks to sliding panels that provide total privacy. They turn into 81-inch-long beds and have built-in massagers. Each flier also gets a personal closet to store belongings. Cathay got high marks for its food: It's one of the only carriers to have rice cookers, skillets and toasters onboard, so parts of meals are prepared fresh, like eggs made to order.
4. Malaysia AirlinesThis airline is a winner for its service--welcoming and warm, yet efficient. The seats are individual pods that turn into 180-degree flat beds. Fliers also get plush blankets and pillows. Food includes Malaysian cuisine, like a signature satay. On the ground, Kuala Lumpur's first-class lounge has a new upscale restaurant.
5. Thai AirwaysFirst-class fliers are greeted by a personal concierge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi's Airport who checks them in and escorts them through security. The lounge has wi-fi, a sauna and a spa offering Thai massages. When flying into Bangkok, a concierge fast-tracks fliers through immigration, customs and baggage claim. Seats on board become comfortable 180-degree flat beds. Other amenities include Bulgari toiletry kits, cotton pajamas and a choice of 22 entrees, which can be pre-ordered.
6. EmiratesEach of the roughly 18 seats in first-class can be transformed into a mini-suite by the use of sliding doors. Other perks include soft pajamas, slippers, 600 channels of on-demand entertainment, chauffeur service from select airports, seven-course meals served on bone china and access to lounges that have wi-fi, an extensive dining buffet and are decked out in Italian marble.
7. Jet AirwaysThis airline boasts the longest flat bed in the sky: 83 inches. Seats have 24-inch flat-screen televisions and can be configured so that two people can dine together. Champagne onboard is either Dom Perignon or Krug, and toiletry kits are filled with Bulgari products. Food includes a wide range of Indian and Western dishes. On the ground, an attendant escorts passengers through check-in and to the lounge.
8. Lufthansa
This airline, ranked third on the top-10 list, is a star performer on the ground. When fliers arrive at Frankfurt Airport, they lounge on couches and sip drinks while an attendant checks them in. After clearing security, they are led to a lounge where a chef cooks any meal of their choice. When it's time to board, they are driven to the aircraft in a Mercedes. Comfortable lie-flat seats and efficient service await them onboard.
9. Korean Air
Korean Air debuted a new first-class cabin last year that features a cocoon-like seat with a massage function that turns into a flat bed. The airline also placed in the top 10 because of its excellent ethnic food that includes choices such as steamed oxtail, Korean bibimbop and various top-grade meat dishes.
10. Qantas Airways
The lounges in Sydney and Melbourne have a library, a fine-dining restaurant, a business center and a spa that offers massages. Seats onboard are 6.5 feet long, and entertainment is video on-demand (400 channels). The designer silk toiletry kits--Akira Isogawa for men, Collete Dinnigan for women--are stuffed with Payot products. Meals are eight-course affairs.
http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/08/travel-airlines-firstclass-forbeslife-cx_sv_0809firstclass.html
World's Best Business Class
1. Singapore Airlines : This airline introduced a new business class in November 2006 that surpasses that of any other airline, according to Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax. Its 30-inch-wide lie-flat seats--the roomiest in the sky--come with full-size pillows and plush blankets. The bathrooms are 50% larger than average airline bathrooms; the menu is designed by Alfred Portale, chef of New York's Gotham Bar & Grill, and passengers get deluxe Givenchy kits.
2. Virgin Atlantic : Virgin came in No. 2 because of its stellar ground services. Passengers flying business class, known as Upper Class, get chauffeured cars to the airport in key markets, including New York City and London. The bright, modern lounges have large spas that offer free haircuts and massages. On board, there is a bar area, lie-flat seats and therapists who give neck and shoulder massages.
3. Cathay Pacific Airways : This airline is a high performer all around, both on the ground and in the air. Hong Kong passengers have separate security lines and comfortable lounges with wi-fi, high-speed Internet and a noodle bar. On board, the lie-flat seats stretch 6.5 feet long. The entertainment screen is 15 inches. Service? Exceptional.
4. Malaysia Airlines : This airline, ranked No. 10 last year, is now No. 4, thanks to changes that include (on the ground) a new restaurant in the lounge at Kuala Lumpur airport, complete with a team of chefs and proper waiter service. In the sky, the airline scored high for its food, which includes a signature Malaysian satay and seven kinds of bread. The comfortable lie-flat seats also get a thumbs-up.
5. Air New Zealand : This airline introduced its new business class, called Business Premier, a year ago. Amenities include 7-foot long lie-flat seats, a 10.4-inch video screen with nine channels of on-demand entertainment, lamb's wool blankets and brasserie-style cuisine emphasizing New Zealand ingredients and wines.
6. British Airways : British Airways' business class, called Club World, was the first to introduce lie-flat beds 10 years ago. Recently, the airline made these seats slightly wider and longer. On board, passengers get a Molton Brown toiletry kit and can expect service that Plaisted describes as consistently efficient though not overly warm. On ground, complimentary massages are available at the Molton Brown spa in lounges at major airports, including Heathrow and JFK.
7. Jet Airways : This Indian airline, which started service from Newark to Mumbai just this month, scores high for its Bulgari toiletry kits, lie-flat beds and tasty Indian cuisine, which might include choices like chicken tikka masala or spiced fish curry with basmati rice. One drawback: the lounges in its key Indian airports are lackluster and don't offer any of the bells and whistles of typical business class lounges.
8. Qatar Airways : Business class passengers have a premium terminal in Doha, Qatar, which makes for easy check-in and boarding. The lounge has marble floors, cascading waterfalls, a Jacuzzi, several treatment rooms for massages and a restaurant. The multilingual on-board staff represents more than 40 nationalities and offers the best service of any Middle Eastern airline. The seats are lie-flat, and the high-definition in-flight entertainment system offers satellite television.
9. Qantas Airways : Qantas has one of the best business class seats in the sky. The plush seats are called Skybeds, and they recline to a flat bed that is 6.5 feet long and almost 2 feet wide. Other pluses are a 10.2-inch touchscreen with a choice of over 60 movies, Ultraceutical toiletries and tasty cuisine that includes choices like a crab and potato galette and snapper poached in coconut milk.
10. Etihad Airways : Established just five years ago in Abu Dhabi, this airline has quickly become a major contender in the business class market. Perks include access to a multilingual staff, an in-flight entertainment system with a 15-inch entertainment screen, comfortable lie-flat seats and an extensive dining menu with Asian, Continental and Middle Eastern choices.
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