In such a labour market, where short-term contracts are the norm, corporate schemes to improve the balance of employees' lives can become a side-show.Some go further, arguing that in the not-too-long term, the desire of global firms to entice the West's educated elite may disappear in a flash of enthusiasm for the graduates of India's and China's tertiary-education systems.
It takes more than the odd flash of youthful enthusiasm, however, to unsettle a side as good as these opponents.
When he steps onto the podium, preferably facing a turbulent score by Stravinsky, Shostakovich or his beloved Prokofiev, it is possible to see flashes of the boyish playfulness, bounding enthusiasm, self absorption, fiendish concentration, even the slovenliness; it's all there, overlapping, disappearing, resurfacing.
While taking part in the flash mob, young vocalists demonstrated a lot of enthusiasm and responsibility.
For a second, he flashed again with enthusiasm, speaking of a run he had taken with one of his daughters the day before.
And the arrogant Simon Cowell took credit for knowing what they were about to see in advance, adding (finally), "three yeses," and letting a tiny flash of his buried enthusiasm for talent peek through his cynicism before the clouds descended again.
As for Hamilton, there were in his 20 years in office--in addition to his occasional lapses of judgment--flashes of insight, unabashed enthusiasm and the ability to recognize a good idea.
But it does not take long in conversation with the 26-year-old before flashes of promise cut through his boyish enthusiasm.
He said that even though it is a collaboration, the book is still recognisably Clarke, "with the same humour, the same enthusiasm, the great flashes of inspiration, the big ideas and the same curious positivism that underlines most of Sir Arthur's work.
In an interview in his tiny Midtown apartment, Mr. Sawka, a broad- shouldered man with a full black beard and flashing dark eyes, cooked up cups of Espresso, chain-smoked Lucky Strike cigarettes and answered questions in gusts of enthusiasm.
These and many more of nature's mysteries are unraveled in Eisner's inimitable style -- charmingly modest, brimming with enthusiasm and shot with flashes of endearing naïveté.
