Jim begins his visit with Joan by talking about the patriarch of Kiplinger, Mr. Austin Kiplinge, who just turned 88 the same week the Kiplinger Letter celebrated its 83rd anniversary. They move on to talk about events at the U.N., then about the upcoming November Congressional elections. They wrap up with a discussion on hiring seniors, inflation, the price of oil and at least one Supreme Court case.
Joan and Jim talk about the challenges the U.S. is having in getting China to compete on a more equitable way, including not stealing our intellectual property. They move on to talk about several legislative issues that are before Congress and what are the chances of passage of each one. Finally, they discuss the price of oil and how the recent drop will impact the economy and politics.
Joan and Jim talk about the impact of the slowing housing market on the overall national economy. They also talk about the prices of various energy products, especially gasoline. Next they talk about how to use Health Savings Accounts in your small business as a way to add value to employees. And finally, they discuss the impact of hurricanes, etc., on the price of insurance.
Joan and Jim talk about the political environment for incumbents in the upcoming fall mid-term elections. They also talk about new terrorism laws being proposed, the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on small businesses, the future of renting software over the Internet, and the general condition of the economy.
Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about the recent terrorist plot to blow up airlines. They move on to talk about economic conditions around the globe and how they will affect the U.S. economy. Next they discuss the Fed and interest rates, followed by what's happening in the auto industry. They wrap up by talking about the new FICA wage base, the future of labor unions, the dropping prices on computers and the future of Cuba.
Joan joins Jim to talk about the issue of cyber-security and its impact on e-business. They go on to talk about the economy, global trade talks, pension reforms, and the possibilities of a minimum wage increase.
Joan talks with Jim about the challenges of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, where it's likely to go, and the impact on the region and the U.S. marketplace. They go on to talk about the economy and whether a recession is possible later this year. Next they discuss immigration, increasing insurance costs and finally, President Bush's first veto ever.
Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about working with venture capitalists, including their general investing goals plus the kinds of deals they're currently looking for. They move on to talk about the economy, President Bush's first veto, the future of the estate tax, sponsoring stock cars and the high cost of air travel.
Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about the jobs creation picture for the economy over the next 12 months. They move on to talk about some of the issues facing the world regarding middle east tensions. Next they talk about small business health plans, the potential global consolidation of the auto industry, and finally some important small business issues, including the new SBA Administrator, Steven Preston.
Joan and Jim talk about the dangers of "creeping protectionism" first and then move on to talk about the impact of increased interest rates on small businesses. They also talk about increases in travel expenses and what that will mean for the increased use of meeting technology. Next they talk about Net Neutrality and how this debate is shaping up, and they wrap up with a little Congressional politics.
