By Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter

According to the economist Charles Kenny, author of "Getting Better," things really are getting better. 

Average worldwide income, at $10,600, is 25% higher than it was a decade ago.  We'll stop here for a bit and reflect on all the places where this is a LOT of money.

Moving on...

Child mortality rate is down 17%.

Cereal production grew at double the rate of population in the developing world.

Vaccine initiatives have helped cut the death rate from common diseases like measles by 60%. 

One of the many factors contributing to these improvements is increased telecommunications (especially television) in Africa and Asia. Even here in the U.S. - you see satellite dishes in virtually every wide spot in the road.  The adobe may be crumbling, the roof may have holes...but the people are connected. And, that connection can be a very good thing indeed.

Happy 2011 -  here's to another decade we can make great.