Monthly Archives: January 2009

“It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.”

Posted on January 9, 2009 by mmjdiary

Ramalinga Raju, former chairman of Satyam, in announcing a $1 billion fraud at the company, that he says “started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books [that] continued to grow over the … Continue reading →

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The Yale Settlement and Some Advice for Grant Administration: Stanford Redux

Posted on January 9, 2009 by mmjdiary

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut reached a settlement with Yale University on allegations that this fine institution of higher learning had violated federal regulations on grant administration and accounting.  Without admitting guilt, Yale agreed to pay … Continue reading →

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“I am chagrined and astonished that my mind could play such a trick on me.”

Posted on January 9, 2009 by mmjdiary

Neale Donald Walsch, author of “Conversations with God,” on admitting that a story he posted on Beliefnet had actually been written by Candy Chand.  Mr. Walsch said he had come to believe the story, one he had told for 10 … Continue reading →

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A New Low: Cheating on a Personality Test

Posted on January 9, 2009 by mmjdiary

The Wall Street Journal ran a story that finds even the jaded Barometer shaking its head.  Many employers, lured in by consultants, have their job applicants take personality tests.  The tough questions on this test?  “You have to give up on … Continue reading →

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Madoff Lost His Mittens

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

When the court freezes your assets,keep your mittens. Bernard Madoff, the current $50-billion-Ponzi-scheme-king, whilst free on $10 million in bail, has been sending off gifts to relatives and friends, including $200 mittens, watches, cuff links,brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.  Total value … Continue reading →

Posted in You might have crossed a few ethical lines if . . . | 1 Comment

Citigroup’s Officers Decline Their ’08 Bonuses

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

The Barometer has but one word as a response, “Bully!”  Self-restraint and voluntary action will cure the CEOitis that is bound to influence laws and regs waiting in the wings.  Well done you, you Citi folks.  buy 10 mg cialis … Continue reading →

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China and Its Regulators and CEOs

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

China clearly has different performance standards for the heads of its regulatory agencies.  Last year, when the pet food poisoning occurred along with deaths from tainted prescription drugs, the head of the Chinese equivalent of our FDA was found guilty of accepting … Continue reading →

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Rangel Round-Up Redux

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

We now have a connection between AIG, the insurance giant we taxpayers now own a portion of, and Rep. Charles Rangel (D. N.Y.).  Maurice Greenberg (former CEO of AIG) has pledged $5 million to the City College of New York … Continue reading →

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Blago and Loopholes

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his coiffure appointed former Illinois attorney general, Roland Burris, to fill the Illinois Senate seat vacated by president-elect Barack Obama.  Illinois’s Secretary of State said he would not certify the appointment.  Harry Reid et al. threatened … Continue reading →

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“Some things slip.”

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

New York University political scientist, Paul Light, on Gov. Bill Richardson’s withdrawal of his nomination as President-elect Barack Obama’s commerce secretary.  Yes, but a publicly-disclosed and discussed federal investigation into a governor’s relationship with a state contractor ought to at least … Continue reading →

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Skilling Conviction Partially Reversed by U.S. Supreme Court; Sentencing Remand

Posted on January 8, 2009 by mmjdiary

Jeffrey Skilling, the former CEO of Enron, had a partial victory on the appeal of his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court. But, the Court’s reproduction of jurors’ comments about him had to sting despite the victory.   Mr. Skilling was … Continue reading →

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What a Real Guilty Sounds Like: The CFO for Bernie Madoff

Posted on January 7, 2009 by mmjdiary

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Ethics, Journalism, and Photos

Posted on January 7, 2009 by mmjdiary

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Posted in News and Events | 1 Comment

“Yeah, it would be like finding a gray area. In motorsports, we work in the gray areas a lot. You’re trying to find where the holes are in the rule book.

Posted on January 6, 2009 by mmjdiary

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