The San Francisco Experience

Critical Thinking skills are especially important in a world where we are awash in information, opinions and disinformation. And with the advent of AI, our ability to question, challenge and understand what we are told is more crucial than ever. Tom Chatfield offers a practical guide to think critically for all ages and all situations.

Ecuador's President Noboa has declared war on the Drug organizations which have infiltrated every institution in the country which have made Ecuador a key transhipment player in the global cocaine trade.

An Introduction to the Math of Voting Methods, is a readable book that presents math in a civics wrapper accomplishing two goals: civic education and improved math skills.

There is a growing collaboration between the Golden State and the UK through the Consulate General on legislative issues as diverse as AI, Climate Control, Alternate Energy and even Housing. It's a two way street where best practices from both jurisdictions inform policy in California and the UK.

Tom Rokicki will be speaking at the Joint Mathematics Meetings 2024, Saturday, January 6 at 9am about Serious Recreational Mathematics. His research shows that the Rubik Cube can be finished in 20 moves.

Geling Yan reached the pinnacle of success as a critically acclaimed writer in her native China and around the world. Yet when she spoke out on the handling of the Covid 19 crisis in China she was cancelled. Her books are no longer published or sold in China. But she decided to fight back: she has set up her own publishing company and has launched its first book Milati. She is in San Francisco to...

Henry Kissinger's passing seemed to be covered more effusively and positively in China rather than the US where the coverage was muted and low key. China lamented that passing of a Great Man who reminded the Chinese public of the golden era of the bilateral relationship in the 1970s and 80s. In today's episode we will look at his legacy from both points of view.

Shohei Ohtani the 29 year old Japanese pitcher and designated hitter has signed a 10 year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers. It is the largest contract in professional sports history. Sports expert Vince Gennaro analyzes the ground breaking deal for us.

In our third podcast about the OGR competition, formerly known as the Whitbread, Skipper Tan Raffray relates the 7250 nautical mile journey across the Indian Ocean from South Africa to New Zealand. It took almost 6 weeks of sailing the Neptune to reach Auckland without incident.

Eleven nations have already adopted Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the United States is considering such a plan. But for what benefit ? In this episode we explore what a CBDC is and whether it would benefit most Americans.

Our American Experiment is a collection of short stories, some fictionalized, some not that use paradox to highlight the differences in the African American versus White life experience. A thought provoking read that draws no conclusions nor makes judgments but simply sets out stories that challenge your beliefs.

Over 80 Million Americans use sharing economy Apps like AirBnB, Uber, Instacart, DoorDash. And Yoodlize is the latest access economy App that lets you rent out almost anything you own, from power tools, to skis, furniture, garden equipment, you name it. How does a start up with national ambitions raise capital in a crowded and highly competitive Venture Capital market ?

Henry Kissinger died on November 29th at the age of 100. As National Security Adviser and Secretary of State for Presidents Nixon and Ford, he was one of the most consequential Secretaries of State of the 20th Century. But his work to engage China and forge a bilateral relationship with the United States is still producing results today.

Our conversation about the role of water in the human experience is timely, given COP 28 is underway in Dubai. It is the UN Climate Change Conference that runs from November 30 to December 12.

The debacle over Sam Altman's firing and quick re-hiring at OpenAI underscores the fact that AI technology and the vast resources needed to fund it knows no borders. Will English be the dominant language of AI models or will it be Chinese or Arabic ?

China's modern history has been whitewashed by the CCP to conform with the approved narrative. But a brave group of writers, filmmakers and chroniclers are using digital technology to document an accurate history of China and to spread the word.

Daniel Markey discusses his recent article in "Foreign Affairs" about India and the US' growing strategic relationship.

Has a Cold War between China and the US already begun ? And if so, how will we manage the relationship ?

The APEC Economic Leaders Week culminated in a series of events that were both policy focused and social in nature. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework was showcased.

The two Presidents met at a mansion 26 miles South of San Francisco, away from the congestion and bustle of downtown San Francisco. Their meeting lasted four hours and both leaders re-iterated the importance of the bilateral relationship between America and China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai convene the Foreign Ministers of APEC.

Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen's press conference, after having met with the APEC Finance Ministers. The press conference lasted about 22 minutes and she answered five questions from Bloomberg News, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters among other outlets.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hosted a series of bilateral meetings on Sunday with APEC member Finance Ministers with a view to continue to align key policies. She emphasized three finance track themes: 1) the responsible development of digital assets; 2) support for effective energy transitions; 3) sustainable finance.

The San Francisco Experience Podcast will feature brief daily summaries of Conference proceedings through November 17, 2023.

The SLEI program is open to Latino owned businesses that are generating $1million in annual sales and provides the tools to scale up operations. There are three pillars of the program, research, scaling and ecosystem. Dr. Porras has over 50 years of experience with the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is also the co-author of the best seller, "Built to Last".