When I was in elementary school, I was part of a gifted program. (I can hear my critics laughing — but, indeed, it’s true.) From second to fifth grade, gifted students were kept together and placed with teachers who implemented a unique curriculum. Read the rest at Puget Sound Business Journal.
Author Archives: alex.berezow
How Dangerous Is the Wuhan Coronavirus?
The political and economic effects of the new coronavirus – both in China and across the globe – hinge overwhelmingly on just how successful efforts to stop its spread are likely to be. Forecasting these, therefore, requires us to take a closer look at the mechanics of both contagion and containment. Read the rest at Geopolitical Futures.
Crime, Homelessness and Decorum Should Be Top Priorities for Seattle City Council
We are now in the year 2020, a metaphor for perfect vision. Though President George H. W. Bush once derided that “vision thing,” Seattle is in dire need of one. The mayor and City Council should embrace the following priorities. Read the rest at Puget Sound Business Journal.
Chinese New Year 2020: The Year of the Coronavirus
The biggest political and economic effects of pandemics come from public panic and panicked government responses, not the disease itself. Read the rest at Geopolitical Futures.
A Healthy Dose of Perspective Will Help You Be Happier in 2020
I hate to be the skunk at the garden party, but I fear that 2020 will be an awful lot like 2019 — only worse. My latest for Puget Sound Business Journal.
The UK Election Should Serve as a Warning to Democrats
The British general election dealt a devastating blow to the Labour Party. The Conservatives have won the largest majority in Parliament since Margaret Thatcher’s reelection in 1987. Read the rest at The National Interest.
Seattle and Washington State Quickly Become a Lost Cause for Moderates
Those of us wishing that decency and practicality would emerge victorious at the ballot box were left defeated and dejected. Conditions were ripe for an overhaul at the City Council. Yet, Seattle voted in favor of the status quo, and the rest of the state voted for dysfunction. Read the rest at the Puget Sound Business Journal.
We Have More to Fear from Big Tech than Big Government
I like to tell people that I have experienced three life-changing events: The day I got married, the day my daughter was born and the day I bought a MacBook. Read the rest at Puget Sound Business Journal.
Change Is Inevitable, But NIMBY Fights Continue
I have mixed emotions as I see a skyscraper going up in the U District. Apparently, at least eight more are on the way. These uneasy feelings were compounded when I visited Kerry Park, and much to my dismay, I no longer recognized the skyline of Seattle. Read the rest at Puget Sound Business Journal.
Too Many Businesspeople Are Duped by Pseudoscience
As a scientist who has spent time in the business world, I am continually shocked by how some of the greatest business minds are susceptible to pseudoscience and magical thinking.
In a way, it’s not surprising. Businesspeople, and CEOs in particular, must be relentlessly optimistic. When investors are scarce and revenues are dwindling, it is a survival strategy. That probably explains why executives often recommend fluffy self-help books — it’s sort of like the prosperity gospel for entrepreneurs. Read the rest at Puget Sound Business Journal.