New Post (199) : The Asian Tuk Tuk in Europe now
Who else but the Dutch………..(well done)……….
A Dutch company, Tuk Tuk Factory, has launched the first fully electric version of the well known three-wheel Asian auto rickshaw - the Tuk Tuk - to the European market.
The market introduction of the flamboyant and green Tuk Tuk took place on October 19th at eCarTec 2010 in Munich, Germany, Europe's largest international trade fair on electric mobility.
Tuk Tuk Factory is the first to develop and to obtain European Type approval for 3 models of its electric vehicle.
The company can deliver a 3-seater, a 6-seater and a cargo version to all EU countries, priced competitively in between 11,000 and 14,000 Euros.
The company is seeking European partners for sales and distribution.
To meet the regulatory requirements and consumer tastes of the European market, the vehicle has been redesigned from scratch.
For over a year, several electric retrofit prototypes were road tested in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
From these tests Tuk Tuk Factory determined that giving drivers the freedom of an 8-hour city cycle was the most important success factor for the vehicle.
A 15kWh lead acid battery drives the silent and maintenance free AC motor. The chassis has been designed to carry the 400 kilos battery.
Unlike many small city Electric Vehicles, the Tuk Tuk's huge battery is sufficient for up to 80 kilometers of driving. It has a charge time of 11 to 12 hours.
The classic Asian gasoline version of the Tuk Tuk - a staple of public transportation on the crowded streets of cities in the developing world - does not meet the environmental, quality and safety requirements of the European market.
But the electric Tuk does.
The vehicle is silent, Zero Emission, low-cost and ideal for short rides in the city.
It's also fun to drive.
This makes the electric Tuk Tuk a mobile advertising billboard.
The vehicle not only saves money in terms of fuel costs per kilometer, but will add revenue through its advertising potential.
The vehicle differentiates itself through the combination of being green and being fun.
The electric Tuk Tuk will in the main be operated as a city shuttle or event vehicle, or as a city cargo carrier.
So shall we raise a toast - “Tuk Tuk Europa” - to that ! (ha ha ha)
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Euro zone’s - classical dog & tail - conundrum
New Post (198) : The Euro zone’s - classical dog & tail - conundrum
The question being asked somewhat frantically so – “Should Germany make the move to leave the Euro zone”?
Opinion 1.
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, the international business editor of the Daily Telegraph, argued that Germany had two options in responding to the Euro zone crisis. Either it should accept that it must bail-out the “Club Med” countries of Southern Europe, or it should leave the Euro zone altogether. For Evans-Pritchard, if the Euro zone were to collapse, then this would be the best way to go about it:
This is the only break-up scenario that makes much sense. A German exit would allow Club Med to uphold contracts in euros and devalue with least havoc to internal debt markets. The German bloc would enjoy a windfall gain. The D-Mark II would be stronger. Borrowing costs would fall. The North-South gap in competitiveness could be bridged with less disruption for both sides.
Opinion 2.
Economist Barry Eichengreen examines what might happen in the event of a Euro zone member leaving the Single Currency.
Eichengreen points out that something as big as changing currencies can’t be done over night, and that during the preparatory phase there would be a titanic bank-run as everybody pulled their money out before the currency devalued. What would happen, though, if the currency were not about to devalue… but to revalue? …[Might we see a situation similar to Switzerland today, with the government frantically trying to cool down the currency and dampen demand?]
Opinion 3.
Andrew Watt, senior researcher at the European Trade Union Institute, agrees that a new Deutsche Mark would be bad news for Germany:
The immediate consequence would be a substantial increase of the Deutsche Mark. And that’s exactly why it’s so ridiculous. German commentators are bleating about the cost of saving these Southern Europeans. But of course, if Germany left then all this wonderful competitiveness that Germans have built up would be gone overnight.
Opinion 4.
Peter Spiegel, the Brussels bureau chief of The Financial Times, expands on why it might not work:
I don’t think that’s a viable solution for the Euro zone or for Germany. I don’t think the Euro flourishes without Germany in it. And for Germany, I don’t think the German people understand how much benefit they get from the Euro. Look what’s happening in Switzerland right now: the Swiss Franc is shooting through the roof! You’d have the same flight to the Deutschmark. The entire German story has been an export story; they are a manufacturing powerhouse sending goods to Asia and other markets. Let’s not forget that Germany, although it’s an economic powerhouse, still has as its biggest market the Euro zone – and it’s benefiting from a single currency and a single Euro. Lastly, let’s not forget that German banks are benefiting hugely from the bailouts. They are the ones who have been lending to Ireland and others. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All of these learned views have merit.
But, most of all, Barry Eichengreen’s cautionary tone seems to be worth taking seriously.
Haste may cause unprecedented “distress”…to all of Europe and beyond. Both in the short to medium time frame.
A run on the banks is “not” what anyone needs !
Charlie Brown
The question being asked somewhat frantically so – “Should Germany make the move to leave the Euro zone”?
Opinion 1.
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, the international business editor of the Daily Telegraph, argued that Germany had two options in responding to the Euro zone crisis. Either it should accept that it must bail-out the “Club Med” countries of Southern Europe, or it should leave the Euro zone altogether. For Evans-Pritchard, if the Euro zone were to collapse, then this would be the best way to go about it:
This is the only break-up scenario that makes much sense. A German exit would allow Club Med to uphold contracts in euros and devalue with least havoc to internal debt markets. The German bloc would enjoy a windfall gain. The D-Mark II would be stronger. Borrowing costs would fall. The North-South gap in competitiveness could be bridged with less disruption for both sides.
Opinion 2.
Economist Barry Eichengreen examines what might happen in the event of a Euro zone member leaving the Single Currency.
Eichengreen points out that something as big as changing currencies can’t be done over night, and that during the preparatory phase there would be a titanic bank-run as everybody pulled their money out before the currency devalued. What would happen, though, if the currency were not about to devalue… but to revalue? …[Might we see a situation similar to Switzerland today, with the government frantically trying to cool down the currency and dampen demand?]
Opinion 3.
Andrew Watt, senior researcher at the European Trade Union Institute, agrees that a new Deutsche Mark would be bad news for Germany:
The immediate consequence would be a substantial increase of the Deutsche Mark. And that’s exactly why it’s so ridiculous. German commentators are bleating about the cost of saving these Southern Europeans. But of course, if Germany left then all this wonderful competitiveness that Germans have built up would be gone overnight.
Opinion 4.
Peter Spiegel, the Brussels bureau chief of The Financial Times, expands on why it might not work:
I don’t think that’s a viable solution for the Euro zone or for Germany. I don’t think the Euro flourishes without Germany in it. And for Germany, I don’t think the German people understand how much benefit they get from the Euro. Look what’s happening in Switzerland right now: the Swiss Franc is shooting through the roof! You’d have the same flight to the Deutschmark. The entire German story has been an export story; they are a manufacturing powerhouse sending goods to Asia and other markets. Let’s not forget that Germany, although it’s an economic powerhouse, still has as its biggest market the Euro zone – and it’s benefiting from a single currency and a single Euro. Lastly, let’s not forget that German banks are benefiting hugely from the bailouts. They are the ones who have been lending to Ireland and others. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All of these learned views have merit.
But, most of all, Barry Eichengreen’s cautionary tone seems to be worth taking seriously.
Haste may cause unprecedented “distress”…to all of Europe and beyond. Both in the short to medium time frame.
A run on the banks is “not” what anyone needs !
Charlie Brown
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Asbestos has crept back in use with another name
New Post (197) : Asbestos has crept back in use with another name
Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI) is working as a National Alliance for -
Asbestos Free India {and Asbestos Mukti Andolan).
Public health crisis due to mining, manufacturing, use and trade of asbestos is preventable.
Chrysotile Asbestos (white asbestos) is promoted by Russia, Canada, India & others - despite an epidemic of incurable asbestos related diseases.
BANI is an independent non-NGO collective.
It is working with Occupational Health India(OHI).
Charlie Brown
Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI) is working as a National Alliance for -
Asbestos Free India {and Asbestos Mukti Andolan).
Public health crisis due to mining, manufacturing, use and trade of asbestos is preventable.
Chrysotile Asbestos (white asbestos) is promoted by Russia, Canada, India & others - despite an epidemic of incurable asbestos related diseases.
BANI is an independent non-NGO collective.
It is working with Occupational Health India(OHI).
Charlie Brown
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Chindia in Africa
New Post (196) : Chindia in Africa
The Chinese role on the African continent has grown dramatically. Whether in Sudan and Zimbabwe, or in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria, that role is primarily economic. Focused on two main activities: building infrastructure and extracting raw materials.
The Indian state is content to support Indian mega-corporations in Africa. Granted it has yet to develop a coherent overarching state strategy. But the Indian focus too is mainly only economic.
In contrast the Western powers “interventions” in Africa are wholly meddlesome.
A violation of sovereignty.
Africa – is faced with western neocolonialism in the 21st century. Bad ! Very bad !
Bad habits die hard.
Charlie Brown
The Chinese role on the African continent has grown dramatically. Whether in Sudan and Zimbabwe, or in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria, that role is primarily economic. Focused on two main activities: building infrastructure and extracting raw materials.
The Indian state is content to support Indian mega-corporations in Africa. Granted it has yet to develop a coherent overarching state strategy. But the Indian focus too is mainly only economic.
In contrast the Western powers “interventions” in Africa are wholly meddlesome.
A violation of sovereignty.
Africa – is faced with western neocolonialism in the 21st century. Bad ! Very bad !
Bad habits die hard.
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
My nephew says - Glass beats plastic.
New Post (195) : My nephew says - Glass beats plastic.
My (school going) nephew is always coming up with these strange observations …read on …
At school he learned that - The fingertips contain some of the densest areas of nerve endings on the body.
So (soon after) this is what he comes up with.
1. Try this (he says).
Chill any aerated beverage of your choice. One in a glass bottle. Another one of the same beverage in a plastic (PET) bottle. {put both in the same freezer for identical lengths of time)
His observation:
The glass bottle feels cooler to the touch.
2. Further, try this (says he).
{Use a friend as a volunteer.}
Blind fold your friend.
Hand him a “chilled” bottle of water “to hold”, stick a straw in his mouth, stick the other end of the straw into another bottle of “water at room temperature”. Ask him to take a few sips.
Your friend will believe he has had a sip of cold water.
His cold hands will trick his mind into this response.
His conclusion:
A glass bottle is “cooler to the touch” and makes the beverage more satisfying (than from a plastic bottle) as - a thirst quencher……i.e.…..even when the beverage itself may not be quite as “chilled”.
-------------------------------------------------
Now you may ask why beverages are increasingly being made available in plastic bottles.
(plastic is an insulator)
All the more so because glass bottles can be refilled (it’s a returnable package) several times over, whereas plastic bottles are not refilled (it’s a one way package).
At this point, I caught myself thinking about – “beer”
So says he - Glass is a friend of the earth. Is plastic a friend of the earth ?
He just stumped me with that one.
Allied questions that he raises :
-What is the available guidance on the "ideal" serving temperature of a cool beverage ?
-Are visi-coolers + dispensers in stores set to that ideal cooling temperature ? (and reset “daily”).
Of late I find I can’t keep pace with my (school going) nephew’s overly agile questioning mind.
Charlie Brown
My (school going) nephew is always coming up with these strange observations …read on …
At school he learned that - The fingertips contain some of the densest areas of nerve endings on the body.
So (soon after) this is what he comes up with.
1. Try this (he says).
Chill any aerated beverage of your choice. One in a glass bottle. Another one of the same beverage in a plastic (PET) bottle. {put both in the same freezer for identical lengths of time)
His observation:
The glass bottle feels cooler to the touch.
2. Further, try this (says he).
{Use a friend as a volunteer.}
Blind fold your friend.
Hand him a “chilled” bottle of water “to hold”, stick a straw in his mouth, stick the other end of the straw into another bottle of “water at room temperature”. Ask him to take a few sips.
Your friend will believe he has had a sip of cold water.
His cold hands will trick his mind into this response.
His conclusion:
A glass bottle is “cooler to the touch” and makes the beverage more satisfying (than from a plastic bottle) as - a thirst quencher……i.e.…..even when the beverage itself may not be quite as “chilled”.
-------------------------------------------------
Now you may ask why beverages are increasingly being made available in plastic bottles.
(plastic is an insulator)
All the more so because glass bottles can be refilled (it’s a returnable package) several times over, whereas plastic bottles are not refilled (it’s a one way package).
At this point, I caught myself thinking about – “beer”
So says he - Glass is a friend of the earth. Is plastic a friend of the earth ?
He just stumped me with that one.
Allied questions that he raises :
-What is the available guidance on the "ideal" serving temperature of a cool beverage ?
-Are visi-coolers + dispensers in stores set to that ideal cooling temperature ? (and reset “daily”).
Of late I find I can’t keep pace with my (school going) nephew’s overly agile questioning mind.
Charlie Brown
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Justice delayed - Indian style.
New Post (194) : Justice delayed - Indian style.
No comment …
The authorities of the Central Prison, Vellore, have fixed September 9 as the date of execution of the three death row convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case — Santhan, Murugan and G. Perarivalan alias Arivu.
On Friday, the prison authorities received the official communication from the Government of India that the President had rejected their mercy petitions.
Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while proceeding to an election meeting in Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991.
The three convicts, along with 23 others, who stood trial in the case, were sentenced to death by the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act Court-1, Poonamallee on January 28, 1998.
The Supreme Court, which heard appeals by the convicts, confirmed the death sentence on four of the accused — Nalini (wife of Murugan), Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, reduced the sentence of three others – Robert Payas, Jayakumar and Ravichandran – to life imprisonment, and acquitted the remaining 19 accused, in its judgement on May 11, 1999.
The review petitions filed by the four death convicts were dismissed by the apex court on October 8, 1999.
The four convicts sent clemency petitions to the then Governor of Tamil Nadu Fathima Beevi. Disposing of their petitions on April 25, 2000, the Governor, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers of the State government, commuted the death sentence on Nalini to life, but rejected the petitions of the remaining three convicts.
Following this, they sent mercy petitions to the President on April 26, 2000.
These petitions were rejected by the President in the first week of this month, 11 years after the submission of the petitions and 20 years after the assassination.
Arivudainambi, Superintendent of the Central Prison, Vellore, told The Hindu that immediately on receipt of the communication from the Government of India on Friday afternoon, he conveyed the information to the convicts. He fixed the date of execution as September 9, and this was also conveyed to them.
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko who met the convicts in prison this afternoon, told newspersons that they would send a written appeal to the Chief Minister appealing to her to take appropriate steps to stay the execution and annul the death sentence. He said ..............................................................the three were not dejected but were confident that they would be saved in the wake of fervent appeals made by human rights activists and the feelings expressed by the people of Tamil Nadu.
… No Comment.
Charlie Brown
No comment …
The authorities of the Central Prison, Vellore, have fixed September 9 as the date of execution of the three death row convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case — Santhan, Murugan and G. Perarivalan alias Arivu.
On Friday, the prison authorities received the official communication from the Government of India that the President had rejected their mercy petitions.
Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while proceeding to an election meeting in Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991.
The three convicts, along with 23 others, who stood trial in the case, were sentenced to death by the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act Court-1, Poonamallee on January 28, 1998.
The Supreme Court, which heard appeals by the convicts, confirmed the death sentence on four of the accused — Nalini (wife of Murugan), Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, reduced the sentence of three others – Robert Payas, Jayakumar and Ravichandran – to life imprisonment, and acquitted the remaining 19 accused, in its judgement on May 11, 1999.
The review petitions filed by the four death convicts were dismissed by the apex court on October 8, 1999.
The four convicts sent clemency petitions to the then Governor of Tamil Nadu Fathima Beevi. Disposing of their petitions on April 25, 2000, the Governor, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers of the State government, commuted the death sentence on Nalini to life, but rejected the petitions of the remaining three convicts.
Following this, they sent mercy petitions to the President on April 26, 2000.
These petitions were rejected by the President in the first week of this month, 11 years after the submission of the petitions and 20 years after the assassination.
Arivudainambi, Superintendent of the Central Prison, Vellore, told The Hindu that immediately on receipt of the communication from the Government of India on Friday afternoon, he conveyed the information to the convicts. He fixed the date of execution as September 9, and this was also conveyed to them.
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko who met the convicts in prison this afternoon, told newspersons that they would send a written appeal to the Chief Minister appealing to her to take appropriate steps to stay the execution and annul the death sentence. He said ..............................................................the three were not dejected but were confident that they would be saved in the wake of fervent appeals made by human rights activists and the feelings expressed by the people of Tamil Nadu.
… No Comment.
Charlie Brown
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Anna Hazare’s fasting fist
New Post (193): Anna Hazare’s fasting fist
Indian politicians are a breed apart.
Shameless, arrogant, vainglorious,... & "servile" ! ...
The status quo stands challenged.
The “fist of fasting” is giving them a “pummeling”.
And it has the politicos totally confused.
Get this ...
In a country where hunger and suicides have long ceased to have any news value whatsoever….
… the government is trying it’s utmost to prevent an old man Anna Hazare from going on a protest hunger strike.
What’s he guilty of ?
He is calling attention to the monumental scale of corruption in the Indian government.
And wants it fixed, so common citizens can “impeach” the high and mighty. With no one being except from scrutiny.
Clearly - This one old man's fasting in protest is now inescapably turning into one mass clenched fist of the people - that will have consequences - for the government of the day.
In the tradition of a Gandhi and a JP, this man Anna Hazare – has the love and respect and follower-ship of all Indians.
You may want to look up – Gandhi, "Satyagraha", "anshan", fasting, non violence, peaceful, Anna Hazare, "Jan lokpal" bill, protest…………..
Search now. Explore more. To get a fuller appreciation of the unfolding challenge to the status quo in India.
Anna Hazare speaks for “all” of India.
Charlie Brown.
Indian politicians are a breed apart.
Shameless, arrogant, vainglorious,... & "servile" ! ...
The status quo stands challenged.
The “fist of fasting” is giving them a “pummeling”.
And it has the politicos totally confused.
Get this ...
In a country where hunger and suicides have long ceased to have any news value whatsoever….
… the government is trying it’s utmost to prevent an old man Anna Hazare from going on a protest hunger strike.
What’s he guilty of ?
He is calling attention to the monumental scale of corruption in the Indian government.
And wants it fixed, so common citizens can “impeach” the high and mighty. With no one being except from scrutiny.
Clearly - This one old man's fasting in protest is now inescapably turning into one mass clenched fist of the people - that will have consequences - for the government of the day.
In the tradition of a Gandhi and a JP, this man Anna Hazare – has the love and respect and follower-ship of all Indians.
You may want to look up – Gandhi, "Satyagraha", "anshan", fasting, non violence, peaceful, Anna Hazare, "Jan lokpal" bill, protest…………..
Search now. Explore more. To get a fuller appreciation of the unfolding challenge to the status quo in India.
Anna Hazare speaks for “all” of India.
Charlie Brown.
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