Barron's has an amusing piece on the world's most fully digitalized building, a hotel in Lublijana, Slovenia. It sounds almost painful to stay there, so hip and so fully up—to—date with the latest flat panel, wireless, digital gadgets everywhere. I'm not certain how I would feel about the presence of a web camera in my hotel room.

Relatively unknown among the broader American public, Slovenia is a very, very interesting place. By far the most economically advanced former republic of Yugoslavia, ethnically homogeneous, and mostly eager to embrace markets and democracy, it is full of hip, adventurous young people. A friend who spends a lot of time there calls it "Switzerland without the attitude," for its gorgeous mountain scenery.

In my consulting practice I have worked for one of the largest companies in Slovenia. They were smart, cosmopolitan, and anxious to be in the technological forefront. Small states, with population numbers in the low millions sometimes have a considerable advantage in implementing change. Think Singapore and Slovenia. Keep your eyes open for news on this fascinating corner of Europe.

Hat tip: Richard Baehr

Thomas Lifson  10 25 04