Comments for Webster Pacific LLC http://websterpacific.wordpress.com Strategic and Financial Consultants Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:40:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Whitney Tilson on School Reform by Don Nguyen http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/159/#comment-915 Don Nguyen Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:40:12 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/159/#comment-915 While it is true poor teacher quality is a large part of our education dilema--I think the root cause our problems are set in the non-merit based system that is pervasive in public education today. The vast majority of students today view a High School Diploma as their highest educational ambition, and for them the current system breeds a culture of mediocrity--rewarding students who aim only to slip by. This is clearly evident when looking at the California High School Exit Exam statistics where a significant portion of our state's twelfth graders lack basic math, reading and writing skills yet have been allowed to 'pass' all their courses. This phenomenon of mediocrity is not isolated to merely students, but to teachers as well. The Teacher's Union was once a beneficial instrument that afforded teachers with needed protections, unfortunately the institution has lost it's utility and is now quite harmful to the quality of out education. The Teacher's Union has constantly strived to enforce a system where all teachers are compensated similarly regardless of performance, resisting any attempts to reform to system. No solution to our nation's education problems will come easily, but we can look at systems in place in other nations as a perspective guide. In Switzerland students are given the choice of what "level" of secondary education they choose to pursue. Students who complete the most rigorous High School level are given a place in national universities while those in the lower levels are expected to complete apprenticeships. Their system ensures that students, regardless of what high school level they are in, are encouraged to perform well whether it be to continue on to college or to secure a good apprenticeship. Until the United States can solve its culture of mediocrity public education will not improve. While it is true poor teacher quality is a large part of our education dilema–I think the root cause our problems are set in the non-merit based system that is pervasive in public education today. The vast majority of students today view a High School Diploma as their highest educational ambition, and for them the current system breeds a culture of mediocrity–rewarding students who aim only to slip by. This is clearly evident when looking at the California High School Exit Exam statistics where a significant portion of our state’s twelfth graders lack basic math, reading and writing skills yet have been allowed to ‘pass’ all their courses. This phenomenon of mediocrity is not isolated to merely students, but to teachers as well. The Teacher’s Union was once a beneficial instrument that afforded teachers with needed protections, unfortunately the institution has lost it’s utility and is now quite harmful to the quality of out education. The Teacher’s Union has constantly strived to enforce a system where all teachers are compensated similarly regardless of performance, resisting any attempts to reform to system.

No solution to our nation’s education problems will come easily, but we can look at systems in place in other nations as a perspective guide. In Switzerland students are given the choice of what “level” of secondary education they choose to pursue. Students who complete the most rigorous High School level are given a place in national universities while those in the lower levels are expected to complete apprenticeships. Their system ensures that students, regardless of what high school level they are in, are encouraged to perform well whether it be to continue on to college or to secure a good apprenticeship.

Until the United States can solve its culture of mediocrity public education will not improve.

]]> Comment on Who Sees What by B. Blair http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/04/04/who-sees-what/#comment-905 B. Blair Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:36:05 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/04/04/who-sees-what/#comment-905 Unfortunately it is much more complicated than this. For example, the confidentiality of most HR information must be protected. In addition, most mid-to-large sized companies have many overlapping requirements to protect information that come from: contracts with suppliers and customers; joint venture agreements; statutory requirements for privacy and security (e.g., HIPAA, PCI); protection of legal privilege, etc. Even within this, it gets very complicated. Unfortunately it is much more complicated than this. For example, the confidentiality of most HR information must be protected. In addition, most mid-to-large sized companies have many overlapping requirements to protect information that come from: contracts with suppliers and customers; joint venture agreements; statutory requirements for privacy and security (e.g., HIPAA, PCI); protection of legal privilege, etc. Even within this, it gets very complicated.

]]> Comment on Who Sees What by Ken Kaufman http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/04/04/who-sees-what/#comment-904 Ken Kaufman Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:07:11 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/04/04/who-sees-what/#comment-904 I have to disagree assuming that employees already know about payroll. I think they should assume the opposite. I have to disagree assuming that employees already know about payroll. I think they should assume the opposite.

]]> Comment on Rules For Buying A Business by Brendan Mosby http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/rules-for-buying-a-business/#comment-901 Brendan Mosby Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:36:48 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/rules-for-buying-a-business/#comment-901 clairenortel -- Have you checked out any local small business groups? They should be able to help you and assist you. It might be needed, because it can get tough. I also recommend <a href="http://www.biztrader.com" rel="nofollow">BizTrader.com</a>, which is an online global marketplace where you can invest in, buy, and sell a business. You can also find a lender through the site should you need one. There's a wide selection of business, so you should find what you’re looking for. Check it out and good luck! clairenortel — Have you checked out any local small business groups? They should be able to help you and assist you. It might be needed, because it can get tough.

I also recommend BizTrader.com, which is an online global marketplace where you can invest in, buy, and sell a business. You can also find a lender through the site should you need one. There’s a wide selection of business, so you should find what you’re looking for. Check it out and good luck!

]]> Comment on Rules For Buying A Business by clairenortel http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/rules-for-buying-a-business/#comment-900 clairenortel Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:28:06 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/rules-for-buying-a-business/#comment-900 Interesting article. I'd like to run a business, and buy doing so, buying a small business instead of starting one from scratch. I don't necessarily want to buy out someone. In any case, I've been looking to for small businesses for sale, but I haven't found that really look promising. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks. Interesting article. I’d like to run a business, and buy doing so, buying a small business instead of starting one from scratch. I don’t necessarily want to buy out someone. In any case, I’ve been looking to for small businesses for sale, but I haven’t found that really look promising. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

]]> Comment on Webster Pacific video by Steph http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/webster-pacific-video/#comment-894 Steph Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:43:17 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/webster-pacific-video/#comment-894 Dear Tom, I think the video illustrated very succinctly what Webster Pacific's aims and areas of expertise are. I think that the verbal presentation was well done, but the video and audio quality could be improved. You are an engaging presenter but the bright white background makes the video less visually appealing. I think that this undercuts the quality of the image of Webster Pacific, which you are trying to convey in this particular form of media messaging. I know someone who would be willing to help you revamp the video to make it more stylish, but still retain the original finesse and goals you had in mind. Best, Stephanie Dear Tom,
I think the video illustrated very succinctly what Webster Pacific’s aims and areas of expertise are. I think that the verbal presentation was well done, but the video and audio quality could be improved. You are an engaging presenter but the bright white background makes the video less visually appealing. I think that this undercuts the quality of the image of Webster Pacific, which you are trying to convey in this particular form of media messaging. I know someone who would be willing to help you revamp the video to make it more stylish, but still retain the original finesse and goals you had in mind.

Best,
Stephanie

]]> Comment on The Winner Within by jennifer http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/02/03/the-winner-within/#comment-4 jennifer Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:01:47 +0000 http://websterpacific.wordpress.com/2007/02/03/the-winner-within/#comment-4 Quote Reference Check I believe it was Ezra Pound (poet) not General W.J. Slim that made this quote... When you can not make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take - choose the bolder. Quote Reference Check

I believe it was Ezra Pound (poet) not General W.J. Slim that made this quote…

When you can not make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take – choose the bolder.

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