New Post (203) : Alessio Rastani - on BBC
Thus spake the trader.
What Alessio Rastani was saying is that …
… all of you people out there waiting for your government to come and rescue you, know that - they won't because the government works for the banks who control them.
The banks rule the world the governments are just there working for them.
Banks are working against the general population. It is a completely asymmetric warfare.
A candid admission indeed by one who has – “worked the system”.
Charlie Brown
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Chinese Vegas in Laos !
New post (202) : Chinese Vegas in Laos !
Is this what Laos needs ? Really !
A new Chinese city being built in northern Loas on the Mekong River across from Thailand, may become the new Chinese Vegas. Kapok city, which currently can’t be found on any maps will feature casinos, hotels, an international airport, up to six golf courses, residences, shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and bars. The 25,000 acre area was leased by the Laotian government to a Chinese business group for 100 years, and although the city is technically in Laos the currency used is Chinese RMB and the official language is Mandarin. Currently, most tourist to the area are Chinese, but hopes are to attract more Western and Southeast Asian tourists. The city is expected to become the second largest city in Laos, bigger then the world heritage city of Luang Prabang, and a bigger gambling destination then the current hotspot of Macau.
Is this what Laos “really” needs !!!
Charlie Brown
Is this what Laos needs ? Really !
A new Chinese city being built in northern Loas on the Mekong River across from Thailand, may become the new Chinese Vegas. Kapok city, which currently can’t be found on any maps will feature casinos, hotels, an international airport, up to six golf courses, residences, shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and bars. The 25,000 acre area was leased by the Laotian government to a Chinese business group for 100 years, and although the city is technically in Laos the currency used is Chinese RMB and the official language is Mandarin. Currently, most tourist to the area are Chinese, but hopes are to attract more Western and Southeast Asian tourists. The city is expected to become the second largest city in Laos, bigger then the world heritage city of Luang Prabang, and a bigger gambling destination then the current hotspot of Macau.
Is this what Laos “really” needs !!!
Charlie Brown
Friday, September 23, 2011
Way forward for - Emerging economies
New Post (201) : Way forward for - Emerging economies.
One view is that …
Emerging-market economies have more policy tools leverage available to them than advanced economies presently do.
Hence, they should ease monetary and fiscal policy. (with a sharp eye on inflation)
For growth---BRIC ( & other emerging) Countries, should accelerate reforms, in order to - boost domestic demand and consumption.
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank should be used as lender of last resort by emerging markets.
At this time - Chasing the exports oasis is just that - an oasis. (a mirage !)
This is a good time to "build capacity" that is focused on "serving domestic markets".
[ In severe weather stay indoors and use the time and opportunity to improve your knitting skills. ]
Charlie Brown
One view is that …
Emerging-market economies have more policy tools leverage available to them than advanced economies presently do.
Hence, they should ease monetary and fiscal policy. (with a sharp eye on inflation)
For growth---BRIC ( & other emerging) Countries, should accelerate reforms, in order to - boost domestic demand and consumption.
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank should be used as lender of last resort by emerging markets.
At this time - Chasing the exports oasis is just that - an oasis. (a mirage !)
This is a good time to "build capacity" that is focused on "serving domestic markets".
[ In severe weather stay indoors and use the time and opportunity to improve your knitting skills. ]
Charlie Brown
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
PopXplosion
New Post (200) : PopXplosion
Population is on the world's radar as we near the October 31 milestone of a world with 7 billion people.
Alarming..............................
Charlie Brown
Population is on the world's radar as we near the October 31 milestone of a world with 7 billion people.
Alarming..............................
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Asian Tuk Tuk in Europe now
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
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 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
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