You gotta love the new millennium. Come on folks, we now have a chance to reap the benefits of unprecedented economic growth. Contrary to eco-friendly opinion, there are megatons of resources yet to exploit for the good of humanity.

The media is very helpful in maintaining this 'bigger is better' mentality of unlimited growth. Advertising space clearly makes them one of the prime benefactors of this success story.

Maybe this is the century that we can actually "Biggie" size business worldwide?

Even the Chinese were willing to fake big New Year's celebrations for the western media. In reality, of course, they go by another calendar altogether. They're really starting to like big bad money-grubbing capitalism. The kind that walks over dead bodies for a buck. Kind of like the state capitalism the Communists practiced so effectively on the backs of the peasantry. This time, however, (under the watch of the success-hungry media), the peasants get a few pesos in the process.

In Berlin they were singing "We are the Champions" as midnight rolled around, even though a favourite German pastime lately has been to figure ways out, to not only rebuild the wall, but to build it about 20 feet higher this time. There's too much money to be made without the hassle of having to subsidize the dilapidated east block. Too bad Chancellor Kohl turned out to be a corrupt money-bagger. He was good at making money. Sharp western business people went to the east as soon as the wall came down and took their brothers and sisters for all they had. Now, there is nothing left, and we all agree, the wall should go back up. As they say in Germany: "Aufwiedersehen suckers! "

The peasants of the world are hanging around western white collar necks like clutch-monkeys. They should be thankful that there are some business people from the west that take some interest in their resource exploitation potential. How do you think the Saudi's go their cash?

As annoying as the incessant skirmishes in Asia and Africa might be to the western news-viewer, you may be glad to know our military strategists have found a solution to the problem. We now let third-world countries settle their own scores, the old fashioned-way. This frees up more working capital for other, more worthy projects. Third world armies sent to war should be happy that we are supplying them with ever more destructive firepower.

Witty business people can use this money. It allows the west to maintain a comfortable level of financial fluidity while letting old feuds ride out naturally. Rwanda is an excellent example. This wonderful African nation is now a quiet peaceful place with many new investors providing exciting blue collar opportunities for the remaining population. Any objections?

Hot spots like Sierra Leone, Liberia, East Timor, Kashmir, Mozambique etc, etc? Well.... I suppose time will tell. Sometimes its best to step back and let nature take its course, wouldn't you agree?

Besides, what do you think remote controls for. Good business is not always pretty, but the next fuzzy-feely set of commercials will make you feel better again.

Environmentalist fanatics have droned on incessantly about global warming and how much we need tropical forests. Tiring really. Nobody seems to mind a milder climate, nor do people seem to be suffocating, even though the majority of tropical forests have already been slashed. It all sounds like a lot of hype doesn't it?

The new Millennium will bring fortunes to the fortunate who ignore the hysteria and proceed with business at hand. Those left sucking on straws probably won't be the ones owning shares, nor are they likely to be connected to the web.

C'est la vie!

Admit it folks, the dapper look is still in. Just look at the business section of your national newspapers. Those sleek Banker outfits, smiles and handshakes. Especially the announcements of newly hired staff are thrilling. Three piece suits, 2 piece connections and one more piece of the pie for the good guys, who successfully manipulated more stock or just bought a nice pair of shoes.... or a television network. It simply pays to have cash.

It's cleaner and sleeker than the grungy third-world look, as I'm sure you will agree.

It's nice to see young people getting involved in politics as well, but I think there were enough turtle costumes and loud mouthed teenagers with funky hairdo's in news footage from "Seattle", to last us an entire millennium. Ironically, these teens grew up in diapers manufactured by the very system they reject so (in) sincerely. It's also noteworthy that there are a lot of smokers in the eco-teen population. They dread pollution resulting from industrial processes, yet they don't mind to inhale hot toxic clouds of poisonous gases directly.

Hmmm... Kind of makes you wonder doesn't it?

Funny how everyone is enjoying new car models coming out every couple of months as well. The number of car commercials on television give testimony of how much people have bought into the gasoline engine concept. Phat stereo systems, tires and torque. You gotta love the gadgets yet to come onto the market in our "harvest" millennium. Let's face it, we dig this.

Environmentalists are a pest when it comes to simply getting the most for the least. Perhaps the global corporate climate is a little too stuffy for these eco-friendly folks, and they might feel better if they move into the forest. Go hug a tree, we got deals to close, and money to make. Or better yet, go plant some trees for a pulp mill.

Let's get real here. The real eco-friendly way of life simply has no sex appeal whatsoever. Outhouses, no running water, no medicine, no paper, no electricity, no television, no finger snacks... It's a bloody boring way to go.

Besides, more than two thirds of the world is already living like this... you know what I'm sayin?

Keep up the good business!

N. Rockwell VI