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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
On Last Week's Disappointing Jobs Numbers
June 6, 2011 7:10 am | CommentsCNN Money reports on last week’s disappointing news that jobs aren’t being created as quickly as economists would hope, and sits down with Secretary Hilda Solis of the Department of Labor to ask if we’re falling into a double-dip recession. The truth is that while many businesses are doing better than a year ago, and want to hire, the economy isn’t as supportive as it could be.
Chrysler CEO On Paying Back The Bailout
June 3, 2011 7:29 am | CommentsChrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne sat down with CNN Money to talk about the automaker’s exit from dealings with the U.S. government, now that Fiat bought the last stake from the U.S. Treasury on Friday. As it stands, the government lost some $1.2 billion on the $12 billion loan, but Marchionne says it was a “phenomonal” deal for U.
'Jetson' Takes A Spill In His Jetpack
June 2, 2011 9:29 am | CommentsThe Martin Aircraft Company is hoping to be one of the first comanies to develop a jetpack that could be used in a variety of markets, like civil defense and recreation. While the jetpack does fly, they're currently testing the system for safety in emergency situations, hence the video below. I know I can’t be the only one who was hoping for a more dramatic fall-out, considering that only the company’s dummy, Jetson, was on the line.
Alcoa CEO On Lessons Learned From The Recession
June 1, 2011 10:06 am | CommentsThe world's largest producer of aluminum, Pittsburgh, Penn.-based Alcoa is nothing short of an industrial titan. In this video, Alcoa CEO and former Siemens executive Klaus Kleinfeld discusses his approach to corporate leadership and lessons learned from the all-too-recent “Great Recession.” If you’re having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
Robotic Trucks To Take Over Army
June 1, 2011 7:07 am | CommentsLockheed Martin is hard at work on trucks for the U.S. military that aren’t held back by their human drivers. A number of technologies, such as LADAR — or laser radar — allow the vehicles to see obstacles, and each other, in zero-visibility conditions. Lockheed’s solution is the best of both worlds as well, allowing soldiers to take over the wheel when needed, while remaining a passenger the rest of the time.
Patriotism Pays Off
June 1, 2011 6:55 am | CommentsMatthew Quinn, the owner of Quinn Flags, says that his American flag business has been booming since Osama bin Laden's death. In an industry that has been saturated with competitors since 9/11, Quinn says that the latest development has been exactly what the business needed to stay ahead of the game, with sales increasing upwards of 50 percent.
Are U.S. CEOs Worth Their Salaries?
June 1, 2011 6:51 am | CommentsWith more regulation — particularly in the financial industry — affecting the salaries of top-level executives, many are left wondering if talent is fleeing the country for “greener” pastures. At the same time, many Americans are wondering: Are CEOs overpaid? CNN Money sat down with Heidrick & Struggles CEO Kevin Kelly to discuss the issue.
Shoe Tying Best Practices
June 1, 2011 6:33 am | CommentsTerry Moore found that he had been tying his shoes the wrong way his whole life, so he got on stage at a TED conference to demonstrate a better way. Because IMPO ’s readers are so in-tune with best practices principles, why not implement his discovery in your own life? If you’re having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
Visualizing Our Humanity
May 27, 2011 7:01 am | CommentsArtist Aaron Koblin takes vast amounts of data — sometimes at the expense of a vast number of “sheep” — and weaves them into stunning visualizations. If you’re having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
The Future Of Robotics
May 26, 2011 8:07 am | CommentsAndrew Ng, of Stanford University, has long been trying to solve the complex problem of enabling robots to complement human life. According to him, robots have all the mechanical aptitude needed for any task currently done by a human — and at times, with more efficiency — but they fail when it comes to software.
Want A Personal Submarine?
May 25, 2011 7:46 am | CommentsThought expensive cars and multi-million dollar mansions were enough for the super-rich? That’s ridiculous. Private submarines are the new rage, and cost a pretty $80 million. For that price, you’re looking at jacuzzis, world-class kitchens, and gyms, all from the comfort of below the sea.
Rolls-Royce CEO Talks Failures, The Asia Issue
May 25, 2011 7:36 am | CommentsRolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes shares his secrets of success and his biggest mistakes. In 2009, in the midst of the global recession, the company's sales plummeted by 17 percent. However, Rolls-Royce quickly rebounded to post a record year in 2010. What's behind the success of one of the world's most renowned luxury automakers? If you’re having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
How To Manage People Born After 1992
May 25, 2011 7:34 am | CommentsOne way of dealing with the current skilled worker shortage would be hiring more young people, but that, of course, comes with its own set of unique challenges. The so-called “millenials,” people born after 1992, are extraordinarily good at multi-tasking and dealing with computers, but are quicker to jump ship, and don’t view work as the most important part of their life.
Boeing 'Tricks' Fliers Into Happiness
May 25, 2011 7:32 am | CommentsBoeing has been hard at work revamping their aerospace offerings with new models and better technology, but travelers have long complained about the interiors. Fortunately, the company is developing its new “Sky” interior, which will become standard in new 737s. While the fuselage is the same size, the company uses a number of visual tricks to make the interior seem larger and more comforting.
Shooting The 40mm Machine Gun
May 25, 2011 7:30 am | CommentsYouTube user FPSRussia is well-known for shooting off a wide range of dangerous and unique weapons, but this one probably takes the cake. The Russian accent-sporting firearms enthusiast takes on a WW2-era 40mm machine gun, which fires rounds about the same length as a man's forearm. If you’re having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.


