Monday, April 23
Environmentalists and economics groups are coming together in New York City to save energy and money. Perhaps the dirty East River has something to offer New Yorkers. The state is "teaming up with a Virginia company to use the East River for a unique experiment in renewable energy: Six giant turbines are being placed underwater in a $7 million project to harness the energy of the tides and produce electricity." These windmill turbines are 16 feet in diameter, and the one that is placed in the river currently is providing power a grocery store and a garage. Environmentalists are looking for a way to use moving water as a source of power. This is cost effective, as hydroelectric and wind power can be costly, since they required other equipment. The only other equipment these turbines are using are sonar equipment to monitor the fish and their actions around the turbine to make sure they are not being harmed. This project is going to take place over the course of 8 months. The downside of these turbines is that since the river sometimes changes pace and moves slowly, so the turbine only rotates enough to generate power about 77% of the time. If this works, people could save money on paying for gas and oil, and rely on the turbine some of the time to cut down on cost. Environmentalists are thinking even bigger- if this is successful, people in countries who are not fortunate enough to have electricity do have running water, and this may be an option for them. Perhaps this will go as planned, and it will catch on around the world. Not only will it cut down on greenhouse gases, but it will be very cost effective as well.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5666056
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friday, April 20 India (Other)
Friday, April 20
Sunday, April 15, the Hindu posted an article entitled "AT&T Starts Business in India." The worldwide telecommunication company is expanding their horizon even further into India. This is going to help drive AT&T's business growth, as well as benefit India by attracting further worldwide telecommunications companies to the country. The minister of India stated that the country will continue to be an investor friendly destination for telecommunication companies. India's economy is surely rising, especially with all of the additions hospitaliity world. India is going to be a major place for travellers, and good prices in telecommunication will help as much as nice hotels to attract them.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/15/stories/2007041502091300.htm
Sunday, April 15, the Hindu posted an article entitled "AT&T Starts Business in India." The worldwide telecommunication company is expanding their horizon even further into India. This is going to help drive AT&T's business growth, as well as benefit India by attracting further worldwide telecommunications companies to the country. The minister of India stated that the country will continue to be an investor friendly destination for telecommunication companies. India's economy is surely rising, especially with all of the additions hospitaliity world. India is going to be a major place for travellers, and good prices in telecommunication will help as much as nice hotels to attract them.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/15/stories/2007041502091300.htm
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 18- European Union
Wednesday, April 18
On April 12 the EuObserver published an article entitled "MEPs Set to Cut International Mobile Call Charges." Mobile phone operators in Europe will soon have to follow a new law: inter-European international mobile phone calls will be slashed in price by up to 70%, but decisions are still being made on how this should take place. A vote was going to take place later that day on whether or not the proposal of reducing the roaming charges to 0.40 euro a minute for outgoing calls, and 0.15 euro for incoming calls would take place. Disagreements are still going on, whether this proposal will go into effect at once as it passes, or if it will begin with customer the next time they renew their plan or get a new contract. If I was a customer I would want this to go into effect right away. If I'm a paying customer, I don't want to pay more just to talk where the company does not have a cell phone tower.
http://euobserver.com/19/23857
On April 12 the EuObserver published an article entitled "MEPs Set to Cut International Mobile Call Charges." Mobile phone operators in Europe will soon have to follow a new law: inter-European international mobile phone calls will be slashed in price by up to 70%, but decisions are still being made on how this should take place. A vote was going to take place later that day on whether or not the proposal of reducing the roaming charges to 0.40 euro a minute for outgoing calls, and 0.15 euro for incoming calls would take place. Disagreements are still going on, whether this proposal will go into effect at once as it passes, or if it will begin with customer the next time they renew their plan or get a new contract. If I was a customer I would want this to go into effect right away. If I'm a paying customer, I don't want to pay more just to talk where the company does not have a cell phone tower.
http://euobserver.com/19/23857
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Friday, April 13- Australia (Other)
Friday, April 13
"Kinara to Set Up Hotels in India" reads the title of an article posted in the Hindu on Tuesday, April 10. The Kinara group, the group who is proposing this deal, is based out of Singapore and believes that India has "a huge potential in the hospitality industry with growing global tourism and business opportunities." This project is estimated to cost $100 million. Each hotel would have a capacity of about 200 rooms, and the group plans to build these in 8-10 cities. This is good news for people who travel to India, whos hotels right now are nowhere near luxurious. This is good news for India as well, because more people may travel there now that they know they will have a nice place to stay.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/10/stories/2007041005581600.htm
"Kinara to Set Up Hotels in India" reads the title of an article posted in the Hindu on Tuesday, April 10. The Kinara group, the group who is proposing this deal, is based out of Singapore and believes that India has "a huge potential in the hospitality industry with growing global tourism and business opportunities." This project is estimated to cost $100 million. Each hotel would have a capacity of about 200 rooms, and the group plans to build these in 8-10 cities. This is good news for people who travel to India, whos hotels right now are nowhere near luxurious. This is good news for India as well, because more people may travel there now that they know they will have a nice place to stay.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/10/stories/2007041005581600.htm
Wednesday, April 11- European Union
Wednesday, April 11
"The European Commission has started a legal battle with consumer icon Apple and major record companies, saying their agreements on how to sell online music in Europe violates the freedom of consumers," begins an article entitled "EU targets Apple and Record Firms in Downloading Probe" published by the EU Observer on April 3. The article states that consumers can only purchase songs from the iTunes online store in their country. Prices are expensive in the EU, and Apple currently controls 70% of the global music download. This is unfair to consumers, for they are forced to buy their songs from iTunes, since Apple makes all of the record products they own, such as the iPod.
http://euobserver.com/19/23833
"The European Commission has started a legal battle with consumer icon Apple and major record companies, saying their agreements on how to sell online music in Europe violates the freedom of consumers," begins an article entitled "EU targets Apple and Record Firms in Downloading Probe" published by the EU Observer on April 3. The article states that consumers can only purchase songs from the iTunes online store in their country. Prices are expensive in the EU, and Apple currently controls 70% of the global music download. This is unfair to consumers, for they are forced to buy their songs from iTunes, since Apple makes all of the record products they own, such as the iPod.
http://euobserver.com/19/23833
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Monday, April 9- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, April 9
Harvard Medical School researchers have discovered that "high-deductible health insurance plans favored by many employers often wind up beind an unfair burden to women.. largely because women need many routine medical exams that quickly add up." The study's lead author claims that women spend roughly $1,000 more than men on medical costs annually, and this is just like the employer cutting the paycuts of all of the females that are employed by $1,000. It's true that women do need more check-ups than men on average, because of pregancy and related medical issues that men do not experience. However, it will be difficult to come to an agreement with both employers and medical insurance agencies. If this ever were to be made into a largely controversial issue, it would be up to the government to resolve the issue and decide who would be made responsible for taking care of the difference in cost.
http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/women/articles/2007/04/06/study_health_accounts_cost_more_for_women/
Harvard Medical School researchers have discovered that "high-deductible health insurance plans favored by many employers often wind up beind an unfair burden to women.. largely because women need many routine medical exams that quickly add up." The study's lead author claims that women spend roughly $1,000 more than men on medical costs annually, and this is just like the employer cutting the paycuts of all of the females that are employed by $1,000. It's true that women do need more check-ups than men on average, because of pregancy and related medical issues that men do not experience. However, it will be difficult to come to an agreement with both employers and medical insurance agencies. If this ever were to be made into a largely controversial issue, it would be up to the government to resolve the issue and decide who would be made responsible for taking care of the difference in cost.
http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/women/articles/2007/04/06/study_health_accounts_cost_more_for_women/
Monday, April 2, 2007
Friday, April 6- Australia (Other)
Friday, April 6
The Reserve Bank of Australia may have to start a new round of interest rate rise because the rate of inflation pickled up speed last month on climbing petrol and transport prices fueling expectation for an interest rise rate. This may have to happen as early as this week as it struggles to contain wage and price pressures from an economy running at nearly full capacity. In March alone, headline inflation rose 0.5%. The Australian published an article entitled "Inflation Spike Fuels Rate Hike Fears" on April 2. If I lived in Australia at this point, I would be nervous that interest rates would rise too. TD Securities Global Strategist Stephen Koukoulas stated "'The strength in the domestic economy and unambiguous price pressure should cement the case for an interest rise rate.'"
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21488762-20142,00.html
The Reserve Bank of Australia may have to start a new round of interest rate rise because the rate of inflation pickled up speed last month on climbing petrol and transport prices fueling expectation for an interest rise rate. This may have to happen as early as this week as it struggles to contain wage and price pressures from an economy running at nearly full capacity. In March alone, headline inflation rose 0.5%. The Australian published an article entitled "Inflation Spike Fuels Rate Hike Fears" on April 2. If I lived in Australia at this point, I would be nervous that interest rates would rise too. TD Securities Global Strategist Stephen Koukoulas stated "'The strength in the domestic economy and unambiguous price pressure should cement the case for an interest rise rate.'"
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21488762-20142,00.html
Wednesday, April 4- European Union
Wednesday, April 4
"Between 2006, and 2010, the European Commission plans to invest 230 million euro into 97 water projects in African, Caribbean and Pacific states as well as using international trade bodies to try and pull in private sector investors to build pumps, wells and pipes in deprived zones." An article the EU Observer posted on March 22 entitled "World Water Issues to Play Second Fiddle in EU's Own Backyard" begins stating that everyone in the union is aware that water shortages will cause worldly problems in the near future. These problems are not expected to be small on any means, but huge. It is already a fact that 465 million children are dying in the droves from dirty water-linked gastro-enterological disease in places like the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Far East. The Union is aware that these problems are going on around them in surrounding countries, and perhaps it is not affected the union yet, but it will eventually. They are going to invest money now to try and help stop it rather than let it continue at the rate that it is today without doing anything about it. The melting Himalayas are posing a huge problem, and I don't know exactly what this money is going to do to stop it, but hopefully they come up with a plan. Also, hopefully they can get the US and China to agree to help stop this pollution problem within their own countries, because children are dying and it needs to be stopped. The investment in trying to stop this is necessary, so I'm glad that at least the European Union knows this.
http://euobserver.com/19/23760
"Between 2006, and 2010, the European Commission plans to invest 230 million euro into 97 water projects in African, Caribbean and Pacific states as well as using international trade bodies to try and pull in private sector investors to build pumps, wells and pipes in deprived zones." An article the EU Observer posted on March 22 entitled "World Water Issues to Play Second Fiddle in EU's Own Backyard" begins stating that everyone in the union is aware that water shortages will cause worldly problems in the near future. These problems are not expected to be small on any means, but huge. It is already a fact that 465 million children are dying in the droves from dirty water-linked gastro-enterological disease in places like the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Far East. The Union is aware that these problems are going on around them in surrounding countries, and perhaps it is not affected the union yet, but it will eventually. They are going to invest money now to try and help stop it rather than let it continue at the rate that it is today without doing anything about it. The melting Himalayas are posing a huge problem, and I don't know exactly what this money is going to do to stop it, but hopefully they come up with a plan. Also, hopefully they can get the US and China to agree to help stop this pollution problem within their own countries, because children are dying and it needs to be stopped. The investment in trying to stop this is necessary, so I'm glad that at least the European Union knows this.
http://euobserver.com/19/23760
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, April 2- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, April 2
"DaimlerChrysler AG's Chryser Group yesterday revealed limited satellite TV service for its 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans and several other models, continuing its plan to turn the family cruiser into a living room on wheels. Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network are all channels that Chrysler is teaming with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. to bring to future minivans, 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander, and Grand Cherokee. I think that this is a good investment for the automobile company, for consumers are looking to keep up with technology, and the latest is always the best. In a generation of both full-time hardworking mothers and fathers, it is hard to keep kids entertained in the busy schedules of everyday life. Now, this makes it that much easier, and I think that consumers with the money to pay the monthly fees for the service will feel the same way. Even better for Chrysler, "it has the channels exclusively through the 2008 model year, after which Sirius can offer it to other partners." It looks as though 2008 will be a good year for this automotive company.
I wish this was around for those 11 hour drives to Virginia Beach with my little brother and sister when I younger.
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/03/30/chrysler_will_offer_tv/
"DaimlerChrysler AG's Chryser Group yesterday revealed limited satellite TV service for its 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans and several other models, continuing its plan to turn the family cruiser into a living room on wheels. Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network are all channels that Chrysler is teaming with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. to bring to future minivans, 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander, and Grand Cherokee. I think that this is a good investment for the automobile company, for consumers are looking to keep up with technology, and the latest is always the best. In a generation of both full-time hardworking mothers and fathers, it is hard to keep kids entertained in the busy schedules of everyday life. Now, this makes it that much easier, and I think that consumers with the money to pay the monthly fees for the service will feel the same way. Even better for Chrysler, "it has the channels exclusively through the 2008 model year, after which Sirius can offer it to other partners." It looks as though 2008 will be a good year for this automotive company.
I wish this was around for those 11 hour drives to Virginia Beach with my little brother and sister when I younger.
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/03/30/chrysler_will_offer_tv/
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Friday, March 30- Australia (Other)
Friday, March 30
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute leading index of economic activity measures the likely economic activity three to nine months into the future. The institute predicts that the Australian economy's growth will accelerate this year, and this is "'likely to be associated with continuing robust consumer spending, a more positive investment environment, stability in the housing construction cycle and evidence of the much anticipated surge in exports of resources.'" The US, China, and Japan may influence this growth as well. This is good news for Australia, as this shows that consumers are doing well with the economy also. If they are spending, their incomes must be well suited for this spending. This would also provide reason for their increase in investments since they have more money to invest, and more people now have the money to purchase and pay for their homes.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21420576-20142,00.html
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute leading index of economic activity measures the likely economic activity three to nine months into the future. The institute predicts that the Australian economy's growth will accelerate this year, and this is "'likely to be associated with continuing robust consumer spending, a more positive investment environment, stability in the housing construction cycle and evidence of the much anticipated surge in exports of resources.'" The US, China, and Japan may influence this growth as well. This is good news for Australia, as this shows that consumers are doing well with the economy also. If they are spending, their incomes must be well suited for this spending. This would also provide reason for their increase in investments since they have more money to invest, and more people now have the money to purchase and pay for their homes.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21420576-20142,00.html
Wednesday, March 28- European Union
Wednesday, March 28
Four years ago the EU and US began to discuss a possible deal to open the transatlantic air travel way for competition. On March 22, 2007, the EU announced "EU and US close to Clinching Open Skies Deal." October of this year is the date that this deal is expected to go into effect, and open skies will begin. Most EU Member States support this deal, while the UK is a bit unsure. The UK wants Washington to guarantee they will disgard their limits on EU airlines investing in US rivals, while the US wishes to continue their limits on foreign air companies. "The move will see up to 12 billion euros in economic benefits as increased competition brings down ticket prices, according to the European Commission, which negotiated the deal on behalf of the EU."
I like the idea of this deal going into effect. Not only will it increase benefits for the airlines, but for customers as well. It will bring down prices, and perhaps even offer more flights throughout the day, which is very convenient. Airlines will fill their planes more often with lower ticket prices. Maybe I will be travelling to Ireland sooner than I think, depending on how much ticket prices really do drop.
http://euobserver.com/19/23755
Four years ago the EU and US began to discuss a possible deal to open the transatlantic air travel way for competition. On March 22, 2007, the EU announced "EU and US close to Clinching Open Skies Deal." October of this year is the date that this deal is expected to go into effect, and open skies will begin. Most EU Member States support this deal, while the UK is a bit unsure. The UK wants Washington to guarantee they will disgard their limits on EU airlines investing in US rivals, while the US wishes to continue their limits on foreign air companies. "The move will see up to 12 billion euros in economic benefits as increased competition brings down ticket prices, according to the European Commission, which negotiated the deal on behalf of the EU."
I like the idea of this deal going into effect. Not only will it increase benefits for the airlines, but for customers as well. It will bring down prices, and perhaps even offer more flights throughout the day, which is very convenient. Airlines will fill their planes more often with lower ticket prices. Maybe I will be travelling to Ireland sooner than I think, depending on how much ticket prices really do drop.
http://euobserver.com/19/23755
Friday, March 23, 2007
Monday, March 26- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, March 26
At one time or another, we have all heard bad things about Wal-Mart. I remember senior year of high school, New York school teachers went on strike and demanded that their students by their school supplies from any retailer other than Wal-Mart. Since the corporation has started, the people of the US have disapproved of how they treat and pay their employees. I guess Wal-Mart has heard enough complaining, and the disapprovals have finally paid off. The Boston Globe published an article on the 23rd titled "Under Pressure, Chain Raises Bonuses." Wal-mart released a statement saying that they are going to increase annual bonus payments this year, and also offer new rewards programs. These increases and rewards will be available to both full and part time employees. "Wal-Mart has previously defended its employment policies, saying the company creates jobs and has reduced healthcare costs for all Americans by selling prescription drugs at discount." I don't believe that this is true. Sure, they create jobs like all other retail stores, but retail stores such as Target also sell prescription drugs at discount and stay out of the negative press. Perhaps this is start, but Wal-Mart has a lot of catching up to do if they really want to impress the citizens of the US.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/03/23/under_pressure_chain_raises_bonuses/
At one time or another, we have all heard bad things about Wal-Mart. I remember senior year of high school, New York school teachers went on strike and demanded that their students by their school supplies from any retailer other than Wal-Mart. Since the corporation has started, the people of the US have disapproved of how they treat and pay their employees. I guess Wal-Mart has heard enough complaining, and the disapprovals have finally paid off. The Boston Globe published an article on the 23rd titled "Under Pressure, Chain Raises Bonuses." Wal-mart released a statement saying that they are going to increase annual bonus payments this year, and also offer new rewards programs. These increases and rewards will be available to both full and part time employees. "Wal-Mart has previously defended its employment policies, saying the company creates jobs and has reduced healthcare costs for all Americans by selling prescription drugs at discount." I don't believe that this is true. Sure, they create jobs like all other retail stores, but retail stores such as Target also sell prescription drugs at discount and stay out of the negative press. Perhaps this is start, but Wal-Mart has a lot of catching up to do if they really want to impress the citizens of the US.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/03/23/under_pressure_chain_raises_bonuses/
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Friday, March 23- China (Other)
Friday, March 23
The Chinese newspaper Xinhua released an article recently, claiming that "Beijing is gaining new fame as a shopper's paradise, with numerous malls sprouting up across the city and more in the pipeline in the run-up to the Olympic Games." Developers are fleeing to this area, each competing and desperately searching for a site to build their own mall. Beijing's first modern shopping mall opened five years ago, occupying 120,000 square meters. Today, shopping malls in Beijing occupy a total floor area of 6.33 million square meters, and more than one million square meters will be added to this total this year.
Dennis Luk, director of the retail department under Beijing Colliers International, stated that "'Developers are shifting attention from residential properties to commercial real estate, and the momentum will be sustained in the long run in a more reasonable and healthy way.'" Beijing was also said, if it is not obvious within the square footage of mall area, where consumers spend their money, that the city's income levels are rising, and have risen by 15% in the last three years.
Retailers from overseas are taking part in this development also. Perhaps the US retailers will join as well.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/20/content_5870492.htm
The Chinese newspaper Xinhua released an article recently, claiming that "Beijing is gaining new fame as a shopper's paradise, with numerous malls sprouting up across the city and more in the pipeline in the run-up to the Olympic Games." Developers are fleeing to this area, each competing and desperately searching for a site to build their own mall. Beijing's first modern shopping mall opened five years ago, occupying 120,000 square meters. Today, shopping malls in Beijing occupy a total floor area of 6.33 million square meters, and more than one million square meters will be added to this total this year.
Dennis Luk, director of the retail department under Beijing Colliers International, stated that "'Developers are shifting attention from residential properties to commercial real estate, and the momentum will be sustained in the long run in a more reasonable and healthy way.'" Beijing was also said, if it is not obvious within the square footage of mall area, where consumers spend their money, that the city's income levels are rising, and have risen by 15% in the last three years.
Retailers from overseas are taking part in this development also. Perhaps the US retailers will join as well.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/20/content_5870492.htm
Wednesday, March 21- European Union
Wednesday, March 21
The EU published an article on March 13, 2007 entitled "Blair Calls on Moscow to Play by Energy Rules." It begins, stating "Russia should play by the same rules in energy supplies as Europe and the US so as to gain trust on the international scene, UK prime minister Tony Blair has said." Russia cut gas and oil supplies to Europe in 2006 and again this year. The rest of the EU is angry with Russia because Russia has been cutting supplies without warning them, and because Russia will not agree to the international Energy Charter.
The European Union has been busy lately, deciding on and setting new energy policies, and Tony Blair says that the main reason for this is Moscow's behavior. The British government is soon to announce a climate change bill that will permit the country to shift to low-carbon energy. "The new legislation will aim to cut the UK's CO2 emissions by 60 percent by the year 2050 which would see a special carbon budget set every five years which ministers would manage 'with the same prudence and discipline' as economic budgets," reads the article. This threatens Russia's trade with the rest of the EU, since they will purchase less and less gas and oil over the next 40 years. This will effect Russia's economy substantially, for gas and oil are a big export for them.
http://euobserver.com/19/23682
The EU published an article on March 13, 2007 entitled "Blair Calls on Moscow to Play by Energy Rules." It begins, stating "Russia should play by the same rules in energy supplies as Europe and the US so as to gain trust on the international scene, UK prime minister Tony Blair has said." Russia cut gas and oil supplies to Europe in 2006 and again this year. The rest of the EU is angry with Russia because Russia has been cutting supplies without warning them, and because Russia will not agree to the international Energy Charter.
The European Union has been busy lately, deciding on and setting new energy policies, and Tony Blair says that the main reason for this is Moscow's behavior. The British government is soon to announce a climate change bill that will permit the country to shift to low-carbon energy. "The new legislation will aim to cut the UK's CO2 emissions by 60 percent by the year 2050 which would see a special carbon budget set every five years which ministers would manage 'with the same prudence and discipline' as economic budgets," reads the article. This threatens Russia's trade with the rest of the EU, since they will purchase less and less gas and oil over the next 40 years. This will effect Russia's economy substantially, for gas and oil are a big export for them.
http://euobserver.com/19/23682
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Monday, March 19- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, March 19
I recently became aware that Walmart was looking to open their own internal bank. When I first heard this, I did not think anything positive, for Walmart has always been known as a company that would do anything to make money, where I'm from anyway. This announcement brought the company negative attention, and was affecting their sales. An article from the Boston Globe reported this story on Saturday, the 17th, entitled "Wal-Mart Cancels Plans to Open its Own Bank." It begins, stating, "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. scrapped plans to open its own bank, ending a two-year dispute that roiled financial services companies that feared direct competition from the world's largest retailer." This would have had a very negative impact on the economy for the people, for Wal-Mart is the world's largest retailer, and perhaps could afford different benefits to its customers than private owned, local, financial service companies. This means that more people would maybe enroll in Wal-Mart's banking system, giving them even more power globally in the economic world, which is not a good thing. Wal-Mart does not do much good for the world with the money the company makes, at least in my opinion. I never hear of them giving much money to charity, other than hear and there around Christmastime. What would be our benefit in the long run, with giving Wal-Mart power over our money? Sheila Bair, chairman of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. stated in an interview that "Wal-Mart made a wise
decision." I agree, and it is better off for everyone for Wal-Mart to remain a retail company. They don't have any business in the banking industry.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/03/17/wal_mart_cancels_plan_to_open_its_own_bank/
I recently became aware that Walmart was looking to open their own internal bank. When I first heard this, I did not think anything positive, for Walmart has always been known as a company that would do anything to make money, where I'm from anyway. This announcement brought the company negative attention, and was affecting their sales. An article from the Boston Globe reported this story on Saturday, the 17th, entitled "Wal-Mart Cancels Plans to Open its Own Bank." It begins, stating, "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. scrapped plans to open its own bank, ending a two-year dispute that roiled financial services companies that feared direct competition from the world's largest retailer." This would have had a very negative impact on the economy for the people, for Wal-Mart is the world's largest retailer, and perhaps could afford different benefits to its customers than private owned, local, financial service companies. This means that more people would maybe enroll in Wal-Mart's banking system, giving them even more power globally in the economic world, which is not a good thing. Wal-Mart does not do much good for the world with the money the company makes, at least in my opinion. I never hear of them giving much money to charity, other than hear and there around Christmastime. What would be our benefit in the long run, with giving Wal-Mart power over our money? Sheila Bair, chairman of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. stated in an interview that "Wal-Mart made a wise
decision." I agree, and it is better off for everyone for Wal-Mart to remain a retail company. They don't have any business in the banking industry.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/03/17/wal_mart_cancels_plan_to_open_its_own_bank/
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Wednesday, March 7- European Union
Wednesday, March 7
I would have never guessed it reading articles describing the ambitions of the European Union towards their economy. To my surprise, and possibly to the surprise of many others, Eurochambers, a business lobby located in the European Union, stated on March 5 that the United States "reached the current European Union rate of GDP per capita in 1985 and its levels in employment and research investment almost 30 years ago. The European originally had a goal of having the most competitive economy by 2010, competing primarily with the US. The Eurochambers, though, regrets to inform the European Union that the span between the economy of them and the US has grown, with the US advancing even further since 2003. Partially to blame is the adjustments between member countries that the Union is going through currently. New countries, who have yet to have time to adjust to the economy, and add to its success, have brought down numbers.
Once I read the reasons that this is true, I began to understand how this could occur. The European Union is so large, and they have so much to watch over and control, while the United States is a single country and it is easier for the government to control our economy. No one has been added or subtracted to influence our numbers dramatically. Perhaps, recalling an article about the Union's plan to improve schooling within the next few number of years, they will eventually catch up, so the US should consider them a potential threat, even if they are not threatening until fifty years from now.
http://euobserver.com/19/23628
I would have never guessed it reading articles describing the ambitions of the European Union towards their economy. To my surprise, and possibly to the surprise of many others, Eurochambers, a business lobby located in the European Union, stated on March 5 that the United States "reached the current European Union rate of GDP per capita in 1985 and its levels in employment and research investment almost 30 years ago. The European originally had a goal of having the most competitive economy by 2010, competing primarily with the US. The Eurochambers, though, regrets to inform the European Union that the span between the economy of them and the US has grown, with the US advancing even further since 2003. Partially to blame is the adjustments between member countries that the Union is going through currently. New countries, who have yet to have time to adjust to the economy, and add to its success, have brought down numbers.
Once I read the reasons that this is true, I began to understand how this could occur. The European Union is so large, and they have so much to watch over and control, while the United States is a single country and it is easier for the government to control our economy. No one has been added or subtracted to influence our numbers dramatically. Perhaps, recalling an article about the Union's plan to improve schooling within the next few number of years, they will eventually catch up, so the US should consider them a potential threat, even if they are not threatening until fifty years from now.
http://euobserver.com/19/23628
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Monday, March 5- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, March 5
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety discovered that nowadays, most midsized cars' bumpers do not prevent costly damage to the vehicles, even at a low speed of 6mph. Only three midsize vehicles (Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 6) showed use for their bumpers, allowing just $1500 worth of damage in repairs in each of the four crash tests.
However, the Institute claims that $1500 worth of damage at 6mph is still a very high number.
These crash tests were performed on 17 midsized cars in very low speeds. They were conducted on front, rear, front corner, and rear corner.
The Institute conducted tests at the same speed in the same places on a 1981 Ford Escort, and the results showed only $86 in damages to the front end. This, they say, is because of "federal requirements that were in effect until 1982 that required bumpers to keep damage away from vehicle safety equipment and sheet metal parts in crashes of up to 5mph."
The article states that since 1982, the requirement for the test speed has been cut in half, providing automakers the chance to reduce the cost it takes to make the cars, resulting in more damage.
I don't think this is right at all, and although I am not surprised, it just does not seem fair. The automakers are lying to their customers, and safety is at hand in this situation. Many more studies could lead from this one, and perhaps more people have died in recent car crashes than in the 1980s because these cars are made more cheaply and damage is done much worse at lower speeds. Depending on how far these studies go, automakers may lose money and they have a lot of explaining to do.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5353827
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety discovered that nowadays, most midsized cars' bumpers do not prevent costly damage to the vehicles, even at a low speed of 6mph. Only three midsize vehicles (Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 6) showed use for their bumpers, allowing just $1500 worth of damage in repairs in each of the four crash tests.
However, the Institute claims that $1500 worth of damage at 6mph is still a very high number.
These crash tests were performed on 17 midsized cars in very low speeds. They were conducted on front, rear, front corner, and rear corner.
The Institute conducted tests at the same speed in the same places on a 1981 Ford Escort, and the results showed only $86 in damages to the front end. This, they say, is because of "federal requirements that were in effect until 1982 that required bumpers to keep damage away from vehicle safety equipment and sheet metal parts in crashes of up to 5mph."
The article states that since 1982, the requirement for the test speed has been cut in half, providing automakers the chance to reduce the cost it takes to make the cars, resulting in more damage.
I don't think this is right at all, and although I am not surprised, it just does not seem fair. The automakers are lying to their customers, and safety is at hand in this situation. Many more studies could lead from this one, and perhaps more people have died in recent car crashes than in the 1980s because these cars are made more cheaply and damage is done much worse at lower speeds. Depending on how far these studies go, automakers may lose money and they have a lot of explaining to do.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5353827
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, March 2- Australia (Other)
Friday, March 2
I guess I have never really realized how many people do play video games, especially across the world. I, myself, do not enjoy them very much, so I suppose that I never really have payed attention to them other than around Christmas time when people rush around searching for the new one that has just come into the market.
I stumbled upon an article in The Austalian, an Australian newspaper, about a man who moved back to his homeland of South Australia with no career plans, and decided to open a small store. He has been a real estate agent, and wanted change. In 2000, he opened a store selling second hand video games and kites. Once the Pokemon crave hit, he learned that this market could work for him. He became very popular, and now is an entreprenuer. Gametraders is the name of his store, and "has evolved into a 37-store entreprise that specializes in buying, selling, trading, and renting new and used video games. It sells both very recent video game merchandise, to as far back as the ancient sega.
This man won the Franchise Council of Australia's franchisor and franchisee awards in 2003 and 2004. Sales of his 10 stores hit $13.7 million, and are expected to jump to $25 million for the year 2007. This man has done very well for himself, with something he enjoys doing in the world of technology. I guess I should start paying more attention to video games and other electronics, for the market is growing and there are many opportunites available in the job market.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21201200-5010941,00.html
I guess I have never really realized how many people do play video games, especially across the world. I, myself, do not enjoy them very much, so I suppose that I never really have payed attention to them other than around Christmas time when people rush around searching for the new one that has just come into the market.
I stumbled upon an article in The Austalian, an Australian newspaper, about a man who moved back to his homeland of South Australia with no career plans, and decided to open a small store. He has been a real estate agent, and wanted change. In 2000, he opened a store selling second hand video games and kites. Once the Pokemon crave hit, he learned that this market could work for him. He became very popular, and now is an entreprenuer. Gametraders is the name of his store, and "has evolved into a 37-store entreprise that specializes in buying, selling, trading, and renting new and used video games. It sells both very recent video game merchandise, to as far back as the ancient sega.
This man won the Franchise Council of Australia's franchisor and franchisee awards in 2003 and 2004. Sales of his 10 stores hit $13.7 million, and are expected to jump to $25 million for the year 2007. This man has done very well for himself, with something he enjoys doing in the world of technology. I guess I should start paying more attention to video games and other electronics, for the market is growing and there are many opportunites available in the job market.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21201200-5010941,00.html
Wednesday, February 28- European Union
Wednesday, February 28
"Two independent studies suggest the EU is getting closer to its job and growth targets although productivity and spending on research remain problematic.." began an EU article entitled "EU Closer to Reaching Job Goals, Think-tanks say," on February 26. Economic goals are listed by leaders in Lisbon, and in 2000, these leaders listed goals such as growth, employment, research and development, as well as social and environmental protection.
So far, some countries are exceeding these goals, and some are not working hard enough. Denmark is among those that are exceeding these goals, with the highest employment rates, the most successful high-tech industries and the best social protection. The Netherlands is succeeding right beside Denmark, while France, Germany and Italy (the biggests of the EU member states) are average.
Some people say there is even a rise in labor productivity, due to improvement in education within the last few years.
The economy is looking up for the European Union, and they are going to do their best to keep it this way because a decline in the economy is predicted to occur between 2010 and 2020.
http://euobserver.com/19/23571
"Two independent studies suggest the EU is getting closer to its job and growth targets although productivity and spending on research remain problematic.." began an EU article entitled "EU Closer to Reaching Job Goals, Think-tanks say," on February 26. Economic goals are listed by leaders in Lisbon, and in 2000, these leaders listed goals such as growth, employment, research and development, as well as social and environmental protection.
So far, some countries are exceeding these goals, and some are not working hard enough. Denmark is among those that are exceeding these goals, with the highest employment rates, the most successful high-tech industries and the best social protection. The Netherlands is succeeding right beside Denmark, while France, Germany and Italy (the biggests of the EU member states) are average.
Some people say there is even a rise in labor productivity, due to improvement in education within the last few years.
The economy is looking up for the European Union, and they are going to do their best to keep it this way because a decline in the economy is predicted to occur between 2010 and 2020.
http://euobserver.com/19/23571
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Monday, February 26- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, February 26
TJX, the corporate office of TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Marshalls retail stores recently found out that their computer systems, holding customer information such as credit card numbers and drivers license numbers has been hacked into since July 2005, and used all over the world. They have discovered that the hackers have been using these credit card numbers to make fraud purchases, and people have been discovering that they are being charged for things they are not purchasing. This is bad news for TJX, as this makes them look irresponsible and uncaring. The company's economical value has not declined yet, which company executives were excited to announce. They better update their security devices within their computer systems. How does something like this go unnoticed for such a large amount of time? I feel it should have been detected earlier, which makes me question their system.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5278791
TJX, the corporate office of TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Marshalls retail stores recently found out that their computer systems, holding customer information such as credit card numbers and drivers license numbers has been hacked into since July 2005, and used all over the world. They have discovered that the hackers have been using these credit card numbers to make fraud purchases, and people have been discovering that they are being charged for things they are not purchasing. This is bad news for TJX, as this makes them look irresponsible and uncaring. The company's economical value has not declined yet, which company executives were excited to announce. They better update their security devices within their computer systems. How does something like this go unnoticed for such a large amount of time? I feel it should have been detected earlier, which makes me question their system.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5278791
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Friday, February 23- India (Other)
Friday, February 23
India coffee exporters are now concentrating on the specialty market for growth in sales. Italy serves as large competition for India's regular coffee sales, and India relies on the export of coffee for the economy, as they are ranked 7th globally, providing 4% of the world's coffee production. It is said that people are now recognizing the Japanese market, as they provide special quality coffee. India has changed their way of thinking, they will not sell regular products at a lesser price and sell more, they will concentrate on a less amount, but a specialty kind, and rise the price. This can be intelligent economically, the exporters just have to keep their eye on the economies of the countries that are buying from them, because they will only buy specialty coffee for a higher price if they have the money. This is a great example of how countries are effected by the economies of others. They have to adjust to the economy of the entire world as a whole, and base their products and prices off of that.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/006200702200314.htm
India coffee exporters are now concentrating on the specialty market for growth in sales. Italy serves as large competition for India's regular coffee sales, and India relies on the export of coffee for the economy, as they are ranked 7th globally, providing 4% of the world's coffee production. It is said that people are now recognizing the Japanese market, as they provide special quality coffee. India has changed their way of thinking, they will not sell regular products at a lesser price and sell more, they will concentrate on a less amount, but a specialty kind, and rise the price. This can be intelligent economically, the exporters just have to keep their eye on the economies of the countries that are buying from them, because they will only buy specialty coffee for a higher price if they have the money. This is a great example of how countries are effected by the economies of others. They have to adjust to the economy of the entire world as a whole, and base their products and prices off of that.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/006200702200314.htm
Wednesday, February 21- European Union
Wednesday, February 21
Statistics today show that France will overtake Germany as the most economically powerful EU State by 2035. This is due to the current babyboom that France is having, each woman averaging two children. This may be due to the government policies of childcare and the number of childcare facilities that exist, in comparison with those of Germany. It is hard for a woman to balance work and children, so it is often a choice between the two. In France, childcare facilities are cheaper and there are many of them. This makes it easier for the French women to have children, especially those who have full time jobs. This is a primary reason that France is on the rise of a babyboom. It is a great example of how helping the economy and making these changes now, really effects the future and boosts the economy for the children of this babyboom generation.
http://euobserver.com/19/23522
Statistics today show that France will overtake Germany as the most economically powerful EU State by 2035. This is due to the current babyboom that France is having, each woman averaging two children. This may be due to the government policies of childcare and the number of childcare facilities that exist, in comparison with those of Germany. It is hard for a woman to balance work and children, so it is often a choice between the two. In France, childcare facilities are cheaper and there are many of them. This makes it easier for the French women to have children, especially those who have full time jobs. This is a primary reason that France is on the rise of a babyboom. It is a great example of how helping the economy and making these changes now, really effects the future and boosts the economy for the children of this babyboom generation.
http://euobserver.com/19/23522
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Monday, February 19- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, February 19
"'Younger and younger kids are becoming more comfortable with the Internet,'" stated a toy consultant in an article on Thursday, February 15. The Vice President of marketing at VTech Holdings Ltd. added to this statement, saying that children as young as three years old are using the computer.
Toy companies are, and intelligently if you ask me, beginning to target children who use the internet. They are inventing games to direct children to certain sites to play games rather than have them roam the internet themselves. This is a good marketing incentive, for it is true, people are learning the computer at younger and younger ages and technology is an exponentially growing economy. There are more job opportunities opening up for people with a superior knowledge of computer programs, and I'm sure there will be even more for these young children when they get older. These toys may help them to grow comfortable, or aquaint them to the technology available to them so they become to know and enjoy it. These children may grow up to have amazing careers, because they became so comfortable with using it at such a young age, in part with help from these games. I think, with parents by their side, these games are great for children, but sparingly.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5231095
"'Younger and younger kids are becoming more comfortable with the Internet,'" stated a toy consultant in an article on Thursday, February 15. The Vice President of marketing at VTech Holdings Ltd. added to this statement, saying that children as young as three years old are using the computer.
Toy companies are, and intelligently if you ask me, beginning to target children who use the internet. They are inventing games to direct children to certain sites to play games rather than have them roam the internet themselves. This is a good marketing incentive, for it is true, people are learning the computer at younger and younger ages and technology is an exponentially growing economy. There are more job opportunities opening up for people with a superior knowledge of computer programs, and I'm sure there will be even more for these young children when they get older. These toys may help them to grow comfortable, or aquaint them to the technology available to them so they become to know and enjoy it. These children may grow up to have amazing careers, because they became so comfortable with using it at such a young age, in part with help from these games. I think, with parents by their side, these games are great for children, but sparingly.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/ci_5231095
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
February 16, India (Other)
Friday, February 16
I found this article interesting, since I can now understand what all of these numbers actually mean since we discussed these topics and vocabulary in the last class.
In India, manucturing activity is rising, which is resulting in more industrial output. More products are being put on the market because more people are working at a time to produce more products. Many car companies in India raised there prices in 2007, yet there was still a 24% rise in car sales in January. Basically, people have more money to spend at the moment in India and companies are aware. It is a very good time for them to raise prices. However, Economists are very concerned with the hike in output, because this will eventually have a large effect on inflation and rising interest rates. It may sound great to the people of India at the moment, but the rising middle class income may have a negative overall effect on the economy if this spending continues.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India_Business/Rising_demand_propels_car_fuel_sales_industrial_growth/articleshow/1600915.cms
I found this article interesting, since I can now understand what all of these numbers actually mean since we discussed these topics and vocabulary in the last class.
In India, manucturing activity is rising, which is resulting in more industrial output. More products are being put on the market because more people are working at a time to produce more products. Many car companies in India raised there prices in 2007, yet there was still a 24% rise in car sales in January. Basically, people have more money to spend at the moment in India and companies are aware. It is a very good time for them to raise prices. However, Economists are very concerned with the hike in output, because this will eventually have a large effect on inflation and rising interest rates. It may sound great to the people of India at the moment, but the rising middle class income may have a negative overall effect on the economy if this spending continues.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India_Business/Rising_demand_propels_car_fuel_sales_industrial_growth/articleshow/1600915.cms
Wednesday, February 14- European Union
Wednesday, February 14
It is rather ironic that I came upon this article today, published by the European Observer, entitled "EU Sets World's Toughest CO2 Emissions Cap for Cars." In a class today, I also viewed Al Gore's "An Unconvenient Truth," which also mentioned that lawmakers are aiming towards vehicle production companies to set new goals for levels of CO2 emissions. American companies, like Ford, are against this law mainly due to the fact that they do not want to spend the money to arrive at solutions for the new technology that will allow cars to actually run while producing less CO2 Emissions. However, vehicle producers in other countries are not against this because their technology is a step ahead of ours so they can afford to make these changes and step up to the plate. This will absolutely effect the sales of American companies. Many people do follow global warming and its concerns, and are aware of what is going on between the governments and these companies. They will not tolerate the inefficency that such companies as Ford are putting forth, and the insensitivity they are revealing. Global warming and the changes being made to help stop it are absolutely bringing forth disagreements between the fields of industry and the environment, mainly due to profit concerns. In upcoming years, these issues will arise commonly and soon the people of the industry and the people of the environment will have to make some changes together. Cars are a good start. Now, where is America with these changes?
http://euobserver.com/19/23443
It is rather ironic that I came upon this article today, published by the European Observer, entitled "EU Sets World's Toughest CO2 Emissions Cap for Cars." In a class today, I also viewed Al Gore's "An Unconvenient Truth," which also mentioned that lawmakers are aiming towards vehicle production companies to set new goals for levels of CO2 emissions. American companies, like Ford, are against this law mainly due to the fact that they do not want to spend the money to arrive at solutions for the new technology that will allow cars to actually run while producing less CO2 Emissions. However, vehicle producers in other countries are not against this because their technology is a step ahead of ours so they can afford to make these changes and step up to the plate. This will absolutely effect the sales of American companies. Many people do follow global warming and its concerns, and are aware of what is going on between the governments and these companies. They will not tolerate the inefficency that such companies as Ford are putting forth, and the insensitivity they are revealing. Global warming and the changes being made to help stop it are absolutely bringing forth disagreements between the fields of industry and the environment, mainly due to profit concerns. In upcoming years, these issues will arise commonly and soon the people of the industry and the people of the environment will have to make some changes together. Cars are a good start. Now, where is America with these changes?
http://euobserver.com/19/23443
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Monday, February 12- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, February 12
The Berkshire Eagle published an article entitled "American plans high-tech seating" on Sunday, February 11. American Airlines plans to install new luxury seating on plans between Boston and Paris and Boston and London this coming summer and fall. These seats are great investments, for I know that I would definitely pay a higher price for these seats. These new luxury seats feature video entertainment systems with "10 movies, 50 music albums, a 'privacy divider' between pairs of seats, and a two-part tray big enough for both a laptop and a drink or meal." This is not all, for these sets also include a feature which allows them to become flat, converting almost completely into a bed. These seats may initiate more people to fly red-eye flights. They are very convenient and definitely worth spending a bit more on flight tickets. This is a great example of the demand promoting the supply, for people have complained for years about the seating provided in airplanes. American Airlines is one of the first to recognize that perhaps it is worth the money to invest in new, multi-functional seating. I believe that these will be a big hit, and within the next few years, all seating in all airplanes will be these new multi-feature luxury seats.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/02/11/american_plans_high_tech_seating/
The Berkshire Eagle published an article entitled "American plans high-tech seating" on Sunday, February 11. American Airlines plans to install new luxury seating on plans between Boston and Paris and Boston and London this coming summer and fall. These seats are great investments, for I know that I would definitely pay a higher price for these seats. These new luxury seats feature video entertainment systems with "10 movies, 50 music albums, a 'privacy divider' between pairs of seats, and a two-part tray big enough for both a laptop and a drink or meal." This is not all, for these sets also include a feature which allows them to become flat, converting almost completely into a bed. These seats may initiate more people to fly red-eye flights. They are very convenient and definitely worth spending a bit more on flight tickets. This is a great example of the demand promoting the supply, for people have complained for years about the seating provided in airplanes. American Airlines is one of the first to recognize that perhaps it is worth the money to invest in new, multi-functional seating. I believe that these will be a big hit, and within the next few years, all seating in all airplanes will be these new multi-feature luxury seats.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/02/11/american_plans_high_tech_seating/
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Friday, February 9- Japan (Other)
Friday, February 9
"Retail Beef Prices hit 3 1/2-Year High," reads an article posted in the Japanese Times on Tuesday. On Monday, the farm industry stated that "retail prices of domestically produced beef rose last week to their highest level since August 2003." This is an essential meat all over the world that people cook with, and could be a big issue if this price keeps rising. Why is there a shortage? Beef averaged 718 yen ($5.98) per 100 grams nationwide last week, which was up 4 yen from a week earlier. In Japan, the demand for this meat has risen due to sukiyaki and winter pot dishes. Otherwise, the price per 100 grams has remained steadily at 710 yen. I feel as though the price has not gone up a drastic amount, the market is taking advantage of the demand. However, it is unfair if it keeps rising because some people cannot afford to have the prices keep rising. This is a sensitive issue since it is a food issue, because it affects the poverty community, and everyone cooks with beef.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20070206a4.html
"Retail Beef Prices hit 3 1/2-Year High," reads an article posted in the Japanese Times on Tuesday. On Monday, the farm industry stated that "retail prices of domestically produced beef rose last week to their highest level since August 2003." This is an essential meat all over the world that people cook with, and could be a big issue if this price keeps rising. Why is there a shortage? Beef averaged 718 yen ($5.98) per 100 grams nationwide last week, which was up 4 yen from a week earlier. In Japan, the demand for this meat has risen due to sukiyaki and winter pot dishes. Otherwise, the price per 100 grams has remained steadily at 710 yen. I feel as though the price has not gone up a drastic amount, the market is taking advantage of the demand. However, it is unfair if it keeps rising because some people cannot afford to have the prices keep rising. This is a sensitive issue since it is a food issue, because it affects the poverty community, and everyone cooks with beef.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20070206a4.html
Wednesday, February 7- European Union
Wednesday, February 7
The Union's dependance on Russia for energy sources is becoming more and more obvious to the world as EU leaders desperately try to convince Russian leaders to sign an energy pact called the Energy Charter. The article is entitled "Russia Digs in Heels on Energy Charter," and states that this "key energy pact would open up competition and foreign access to its oil and gas fields." The leaders from both sides have a good argument, but if I were leaders from Russia I would not sign the pact myself. The article states that the only thing Russia would receive in return for sharing their oil and gas fields would be things relating to investments, and "would allow competition between foreign and domestic energy investors."
The Union currently receives their energy sources from Russia, and the pact is running out this year. The article also states that leaders from the Union are growing confident that the Russian leaders will sign, but I don't know if this will happen, it doesn't sound like they are offering enough to convince Russia to sign. If the EU is that desperate in their dependence on Russia for energy, they should offer something more in retun, especially if they want to keep living in the modern world with heat, cars, etc.
http://euobserver.com/9/23426
The Union's dependance on Russia for energy sources is becoming more and more obvious to the world as EU leaders desperately try to convince Russian leaders to sign an energy pact called the Energy Charter. The article is entitled "Russia Digs in Heels on Energy Charter," and states that this "key energy pact would open up competition and foreign access to its oil and gas fields." The leaders from both sides have a good argument, but if I were leaders from Russia I would not sign the pact myself. The article states that the only thing Russia would receive in return for sharing their oil and gas fields would be things relating to investments, and "would allow competition between foreign and domestic energy investors."
The Union currently receives their energy sources from Russia, and the pact is running out this year. The article also states that leaders from the Union are growing confident that the Russian leaders will sign, but I don't know if this will happen, it doesn't sound like they are offering enough to convince Russia to sign. If the EU is that desperate in their dependence on Russia for energy, they should offer something more in retun, especially if they want to keep living in the modern world with heat, cars, etc.
http://euobserver.com/9/23426
Wednesday, February 7- European Union
Wednesday, February 7
The Union's dependance on Russia for energy sources is becoming more and more obvious to the world as EU leaders desperately try to convince Russian leaders to sign an energy pact called the Energy Charter. The article is entitled "Russia Digs in Heels on Energy Charter," and states that this "key energy pact would open up competition and foreign access to its oil and gas fields." The leaders from both sides have a good argument, but if I were leaders from Russia I would not sign the pact myself. The article states that the only thing Russia would receive in return for sharing their oil and gas fields would be things relating to investments, and "would allow competition between foreign and domestic energy investors."
The Union currently receives their energy sources from Russia, and the pact is running out this year. The article also states that leaders from the Union are growing confident that the Russian leaders will sign, but I don't know if this will happen, it doesn't sound like they are offering enough to convince Russia to sign. If the EU is that desperate in their dependence on Russia for energy, they should offer something more in retun, especially if they want to keep living in the modern world with heat, cars, etc.
http://euobserver.com/9/23426
The Union's dependance on Russia for energy sources is becoming more and more obvious to the world as EU leaders desperately try to convince Russian leaders to sign an energy pact called the Energy Charter. The article is entitled "Russia Digs in Heels on Energy Charter," and states that this "key energy pact would open up competition and foreign access to its oil and gas fields." The leaders from both sides have a good argument, but if I were leaders from Russia I would not sign the pact myself. The article states that the only thing Russia would receive in return for sharing their oil and gas fields would be things relating to investments, and "would allow competition between foreign and domestic energy investors."
The Union currently receives their energy sources from Russia, and the pact is running out this year. The article also states that leaders from the Union are growing confident that the Russian leaders will sign, but I don't know if this will happen, it doesn't sound like they are offering enough to convince Russia to sign. If the EU is that desperate in their dependence on Russia for energy, they should offer something more in retun, especially if they want to keep living in the modern world with heat, cars, etc.
http://euobserver.com/9/23426
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Monday, February 5- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, February 5
Beyond the fight between cable channels to televise the Super Bowl lies another market involving this annual football event. Sales of t-shirts and caps displaying the name of the team that wins the Super Bowl is huge for the t-shirt market. At the approach of 00:00 on the clock, manufacturers get ready to start their machines producing shirts and caps to be on the shelves the next morning in stores.
This all begins with the production of tshirts and hats for the players of the team that actually wins. A large sum of 288 tshirts and hats are produced for each team in advance of the Super Bowl, to give out to the players, coaches, staff, and families of the winning teams. The NFL has strict rules of where those products of the losers go, for "those items are never to appear on television of on eBay. They are never even to be seen on American soil."
The Monday morning after the football game ends, the tshirts and caps are sent to a warehouse near Pittsburgh, PA, where they fall into the hands of World Vision, "a relief organization that will package the clothing in wooden boxes and send it to a developing nation, usually in Africa."
The director of community ventures of the NFL worked in Ethiopia for a while in 1998, and spotted a village boy wearing a Super Bowl Champions t-shirt of 1998 starring the Green Bay Packers. She was the only person in the village to spot this as odd, as the Denver Broncos were the Champions of this Super Bowl.
The tshirts of the losers of the Super Bowl could sell for some money as they are rare on eBay, but the NFL chooses to give them away. This may be because they do not want them on American soil for their own reasoning, but it is nice that they donate so much to people that have no electricity or running water.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/sports/football/04gear.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin
Beyond the fight between cable channels to televise the Super Bowl lies another market involving this annual football event. Sales of t-shirts and caps displaying the name of the team that wins the Super Bowl is huge for the t-shirt market. At the approach of 00:00 on the clock, manufacturers get ready to start their machines producing shirts and caps to be on the shelves the next morning in stores.
This all begins with the production of tshirts and hats for the players of the team that actually wins. A large sum of 288 tshirts and hats are produced for each team in advance of the Super Bowl, to give out to the players, coaches, staff, and families of the winning teams. The NFL has strict rules of where those products of the losers go, for "those items are never to appear on television of on eBay. They are never even to be seen on American soil."
The Monday morning after the football game ends, the tshirts and caps are sent to a warehouse near Pittsburgh, PA, where they fall into the hands of World Vision, "a relief organization that will package the clothing in wooden boxes and send it to a developing nation, usually in Africa."
The director of community ventures of the NFL worked in Ethiopia for a while in 1998, and spotted a village boy wearing a Super Bowl Champions t-shirt of 1998 starring the Green Bay Packers. She was the only person in the village to spot this as odd, as the Denver Broncos were the Champions of this Super Bowl.
The tshirts of the losers of the Super Bowl could sell for some money as they are rare on eBay, but the NFL chooses to give them away. This may be because they do not want them on American soil for their own reasoning, but it is nice that they donate so much to people that have no electricity or running water.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/sports/football/04gear.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Friday, February 2- China (Other)
Friday, February 2
Health care costs are rapidly rising in China. The government has taken control of the cost of some medications within the past couple of years in a desperate attempt to try and help the population of China with medical expenses so more can afford to take care of their health.
Last Tuesday, China's highest economic planning body announced to the people that they "will slash the price of more than 240 drugs by twenty percent on average while increasing the price of about 100 other medicines that are in high demand." These cuts went into effect on Friday.
It seems to me that prices of medicines in China are out of control. People there seem to have gotten out of control economically, and they were not balancing the costs evenly with the demands of certain medicines. Several years later, the goverment is rushing around trying to make decisions about what should be what cost and who it will benefit, either the citizens or the market.
A NDRC official was quoted, stating "'We will continue to lower the cost of overpriced drugs. We will stop price cuts of low-cost drugs that are widely used to encourage production and we will properly raise the price of medicines that are in high demand and often sold out.'"
Medicine is a very serious market, and people need it to survive. The article also discussed slashing the prices of 67 cancer drugs by an average of twenty-three percent last June. China is very populated, and since there are so many people, I am sure that sickness is common. In a situation like that, I feel there is no place in error with the economy of medicine. It is good news it is being corrected, but even poor people grow sick with cancer, and it is not fair that they were overpriced at one time. Hopefully the medical economy balances itself out and hopefully remains this way for the good of the citizens and their health.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-01/23/content_790618.htm
Health care costs are rapidly rising in China. The government has taken control of the cost of some medications within the past couple of years in a desperate attempt to try and help the population of China with medical expenses so more can afford to take care of their health.
Last Tuesday, China's highest economic planning body announced to the people that they "will slash the price of more than 240 drugs by twenty percent on average while increasing the price of about 100 other medicines that are in high demand." These cuts went into effect on Friday.
It seems to me that prices of medicines in China are out of control. People there seem to have gotten out of control economically, and they were not balancing the costs evenly with the demands of certain medicines. Several years later, the goverment is rushing around trying to make decisions about what should be what cost and who it will benefit, either the citizens or the market.
A NDRC official was quoted, stating "'We will continue to lower the cost of overpriced drugs. We will stop price cuts of low-cost drugs that are widely used to encourage production and we will properly raise the price of medicines that are in high demand and often sold out.'"
Medicine is a very serious market, and people need it to survive. The article also discussed slashing the prices of 67 cancer drugs by an average of twenty-three percent last June. China is very populated, and since there are so many people, I am sure that sickness is common. In a situation like that, I feel there is no place in error with the economy of medicine. It is good news it is being corrected, but even poor people grow sick with cancer, and it is not fair that they were overpriced at one time. Hopefully the medical economy balances itself out and hopefully remains this way for the good of the citizens and their health.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-01/23/content_790618.htm
Wednesday, January 31- European Union
Wednesday, January 31
Between January 10 and January 22, a poll was conducted in Italy, France, German and Spain asking the people of these countries if they prefer the euro to their previous currency. These are the four biggest countries using the euro. I was surprised when I learned that "more than two-thirds of the French, Italians, and Spaniards, along with a majority of Germans, said the euro has had a 'negative effect' on their country's economy."
When these people were asked how they thought their change of currency effected the economy of the European Union, five percent of the French citizens polled, and a majority of the citizens of Germany, Italy, and Spain polled admitted that it did have a positive impact.
All of these countries, though they admit that the change in currency has a very positive effect on the regional economy, wish that they still used their previous currency.
I think that this has to do with the fact that people just do not like change. In history, different countries have trust issues with one another about the spread in power, and now that they all share the same currency, they are relying on each other more than before. However, there are many positives. The trade world will greatly improve, travel will be easier, and it will give them a reason to communicate more with each other, especially in the economic world. I found it interesting that so many people are so negative about the change.
http://www.eubusiness.com/Euro/euro-poll.27
Between January 10 and January 22, a poll was conducted in Italy, France, German and Spain asking the people of these countries if they prefer the euro to their previous currency. These are the four biggest countries using the euro. I was surprised when I learned that "more than two-thirds of the French, Italians, and Spaniards, along with a majority of Germans, said the euro has had a 'negative effect' on their country's economy."
When these people were asked how they thought their change of currency effected the economy of the European Union, five percent of the French citizens polled, and a majority of the citizens of Germany, Italy, and Spain polled admitted that it did have a positive impact.
All of these countries, though they admit that the change in currency has a very positive effect on the regional economy, wish that they still used their previous currency.
I think that this has to do with the fact that people just do not like change. In history, different countries have trust issues with one another about the spread in power, and now that they all share the same currency, they are relying on each other more than before. However, there are many positives. The trade world will greatly improve, travel will be easier, and it will give them a reason to communicate more with each other, especially in the economic world. I found it interesting that so many people are so negative about the change.
http://www.eubusiness.com/Euro/euro-poll.27
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Monday, January 29- Local/State/National Affairs
Monday, January 29
The business in the Downtown Crossing shopping district will decrease later this year, when the original Filene's Basement discount store will close for renovation. The building that houses the retail outlet will be closed for construction for the next two years. This is not only a very popular clothing and accessories discount outlet, but it is one of Boston's largest tourist attractions, stated the article entitled "Flagship Filene's Basement to Shut for Makeover," published by the Boston Globe on January 27th.
The article reads, "Smaller merchants, such as the owners of the pushcarts that line the streets, are particularly concerned about the basement's temporary disappearance." The closing of this store is a fine example of something that will affect the city's economy greatly, yet no one would ever expect this or think that it would have such a great impact. However, the closing of this store will effect the business of all of the stores in the area and the carts that rely on the business of Filene's Basement to attract their own business.
Carts and smaller retail stores may end up closing, unfortunately, due to the renovations of Filene's Basement. Downtown Crossing may suffer. This effects the retail economy of Boston in a large way. Friends and I often take trips to the basement store, and I would not think to visit Downtown Crossing if it did not exist. I'm sure this holds true for a great deal of people.
Information taken from:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/01/27/flagship_filenes_basement_to_shut_for_makeover/
The business in the Downtown Crossing shopping district will decrease later this year, when the original Filene's Basement discount store will close for renovation. The building that houses the retail outlet will be closed for construction for the next two years. This is not only a very popular clothing and accessories discount outlet, but it is one of Boston's largest tourist attractions, stated the article entitled "Flagship Filene's Basement to Shut for Makeover," published by the Boston Globe on January 27th.
The article reads, "Smaller merchants, such as the owners of the pushcarts that line the streets, are particularly concerned about the basement's temporary disappearance." The closing of this store is a fine example of something that will affect the city's economy greatly, yet no one would ever expect this or think that it would have such a great impact. However, the closing of this store will effect the business of all of the stores in the area and the carts that rely on the business of Filene's Basement to attract their own business.
Carts and smaller retail stores may end up closing, unfortunately, due to the renovations of Filene's Basement. Downtown Crossing may suffer. This effects the retail economy of Boston in a large way. Friends and I often take trips to the basement store, and I would not think to visit Downtown Crossing if it did not exist. I'm sure this holds true for a great deal of people.
Information taken from:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/01/27/flagship_filenes_basement_to_shut_for_makeover/
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Friday, January 26- India (Other)
Friday, January 26, 2007
On Tuesday, January 23, 2007, The Hindu's Business Page featured an article titled "Berggruen to Launch Chain of Budget Hotels." An Indian corporate office, Berggruen Holdings, Inc., will be in charge and build thirty eight hotels within the next five years, the first with its completion date set for June of 2008. It will be called "Keys," and it is described to be "a chain of category defining boutique gotels in India, providing a stylish, cheerful and cutting edge experience..."
As an interior design major, I would be curious to see what these hotels may look like. Most hotels (as I think of them in typical American, commercial design at low expense with bulk-purchased material), especially on a budget, do not turn out "stylish" in the least. I would be very curious to see what these stylish, budget hotels look like and how comfortable they may be. Berggruen Holdings, Inc. has an equity capital of $100 million. Rooms will cost between Rs. 1,400 and Rs. 2,200, which is between $31 and $50. This is quite inexpensive, even for India I believe which has an overall well balanced economy.
I may have my chance to see what one of these hotels will look like, as the company plans to expand this chain of Key's across the world. As we speak, they are "looking at marketing tie-upd with airlines, travel agents and even retail outlets." Perhaps the Holiday Inn will have a new competitor with a new, stylish, appealing look.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/23/stories/2007012301601800.htm
On Tuesday, January 23, 2007, The Hindu's Business Page featured an article titled "Berggruen to Launch Chain of Budget Hotels." An Indian corporate office, Berggruen Holdings, Inc., will be in charge and build thirty eight hotels within the next five years, the first with its completion date set for June of 2008. It will be called "Keys," and it is described to be "a chain of category defining boutique gotels in India, providing a stylish, cheerful and cutting edge experience..."
As an interior design major, I would be curious to see what these hotels may look like. Most hotels (as I think of them in typical American, commercial design at low expense with bulk-purchased material), especially on a budget, do not turn out "stylish" in the least. I would be very curious to see what these stylish, budget hotels look like and how comfortable they may be. Berggruen Holdings, Inc. has an equity capital of $100 million. Rooms will cost between Rs. 1,400 and Rs. 2,200, which is between $31 and $50. This is quite inexpensive, even for India I believe which has an overall well balanced economy.
I may have my chance to see what one of these hotels will look like, as the company plans to expand this chain of Key's across the world. As we speak, they are "looking at marketing tie-upd with airlines, travel agents and even retail outlets." Perhaps the Holiday Inn will have a new competitor with a new, stylish, appealing look.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/23/stories/2007012301601800.htm
Wednesday, January 24- European Union
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
On December 31, 2006, The EUObserver published an article entitled "Solvenians Greet New Year with the New Currency." No longer a Yugoslav country, Slovenia decided to join the European Union entirely, including its currency. This two-week exchange period went into effect on January 1, 2007. This is being done in an effort to secure the use of a single European currency, rather than individual countries holding their own. Slovenia hopes this currency change will help to increase trade.
Slovenia is one of ten new countries to recently join the European Union, and "has been regarded as a political and economic success story within the group of ten newcomers," states the article. One worry was that some corporate companies within the country would take advantage of the currency exchange and boost prices, but governent officials were previously warned, and there does not seem to be many issues raised.
I think it is a very positive act that Slovenia is doing, and I think it will be very beneficial to their economy. The European Union, I have recently learned, is very powerful in the world's economy, which makes them very powerful as a whole. As a smaller country, benefits that may come with being part of the European Union would never exist for them if they were independent from the union. This will increase their trade, and they will often be communicating with other countries within the union. They will now have more involvment with everything that goes on in both the political and the economic world, and this will make them stronger as a country. They will hold more power and more knowledge will be available to them directly through the union rather than finding out later. This involvment will directly boost their economy, and I think this boost will appear sooner rather than later.
The information in this blog was taken from the article located at the following web address:
http://euobserver.com/19/23139
On December 31, 2006, The EUObserver published an article entitled "Solvenians Greet New Year with the New Currency." No longer a Yugoslav country, Slovenia decided to join the European Union entirely, including its currency. This two-week exchange period went into effect on January 1, 2007. This is being done in an effort to secure the use of a single European currency, rather than individual countries holding their own. Slovenia hopes this currency change will help to increase trade.
Slovenia is one of ten new countries to recently join the European Union, and "has been regarded as a political and economic success story within the group of ten newcomers," states the article. One worry was that some corporate companies within the country would take advantage of the currency exchange and boost prices, but governent officials were previously warned, and there does not seem to be many issues raised.
I think it is a very positive act that Slovenia is doing, and I think it will be very beneficial to their economy. The European Union, I have recently learned, is very powerful in the world's economy, which makes them very powerful as a whole. As a smaller country, benefits that may come with being part of the European Union would never exist for them if they were independent from the union. This will increase their trade, and they will often be communicating with other countries within the union. They will now have more involvment with everything that goes on in both the political and the economic world, and this will make them stronger as a country. They will hold more power and more knowledge will be available to them directly through the union rather than finding out later. This involvment will directly boost their economy, and I think this boost will appear sooner rather than later.
The information in this blog was taken from the article located at the following web address:
http://euobserver.com/19/23139
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Monday, January 22- Local/State/National Affairs
1/21/07
On January 17, 2007 the Boston Globe published an article titled "State likely to freeze tax exemption: Analysts Cite Slow Growth in Revenue." The article begins by educating readers, "for the first time in four years, Massachusetts taxpayers will not receive a higher personal tax exemption in 2008 under current projections, a sign of slowing economy..." In 2005 the tax revenue increased to 7.1%, compared to 6.6% in 2004. In 2006, it projected up to 8.2% from 7.1%, and suddenly this year it is estimated that it will drop to 3.0%. My question is, why the sudden change?
As a member of the upcoming generation of Massachusetts taxpayers, I do not feel confident that our economy is entirely safe. Analysts state that the loss in revenue may be high enough that Deval Patrick may not be able to keep his promises of hiring 1,000 new police officers or expanding full day kindergarten. This takes a toll on all of the state, such as the men who will be employed with these jobs rather than just the people in the state feeling safer with 1,000 more police officers. Expanding full day kindergarten would perhaps save some parents a bit more money a year on day care, children would have the opportunity to learn more, and teachers would also be making a higher income. A drop in revenue resulting in a freeze in tax exemption affects everyone within the state and I believe that we should be given answers to how it is going to be resolved. So far, we are told that lawmakers are thinking of legalizing gambling on increasing gas tax as new revenue sources. Not only do I think this will be unsuccessful in raising the economy, but legalizing gambling would cause the economy to drop unbelievably quickly. People that never thought they would have an addiction would begin to have one, as gambling is a huge problem in this country. This means these people would not have the money to buy, and so this would not help the state revenue at all. I think it would make it incredibly worse. Increasing gas tax will only aggrevate residents of Massachusetts, especially the taxpayers of this generation. Gas prices are already at an all-time high, we do not need anymore of our income going towards this gas. Also, more and more people are turning to hybrid vehicles as it is, since gas prices are so high, therefore it would not result in increasing revenue at a such a rate it may have some years ago.
Perhaps I am a bit too negative, but it seems to me that lawmakers are not taking any consideration into their ideas and the overall affects that they may have on our economy past this revenue issue. Maybe they will work out this issue soon enough, but if we are being denied money we have been promised in the past, I think they owe us to think of our future, and the future of the children in this perhaps soon to be casino-run state.
The information for this blog was taken from the article located at the following web address:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/01/17/state_likely_to_freeze_tax_exemption/
On January 17, 2007 the Boston Globe published an article titled "State likely to freeze tax exemption: Analysts Cite Slow Growth in Revenue." The article begins by educating readers, "for the first time in four years, Massachusetts taxpayers will not receive a higher personal tax exemption in 2008 under current projections, a sign of slowing economy..." In 2005 the tax revenue increased to 7.1%, compared to 6.6% in 2004. In 2006, it projected up to 8.2% from 7.1%, and suddenly this year it is estimated that it will drop to 3.0%. My question is, why the sudden change?
As a member of the upcoming generation of Massachusetts taxpayers, I do not feel confident that our economy is entirely safe. Analysts state that the loss in revenue may be high enough that Deval Patrick may not be able to keep his promises of hiring 1,000 new police officers or expanding full day kindergarten. This takes a toll on all of the state, such as the men who will be employed with these jobs rather than just the people in the state feeling safer with 1,000 more police officers. Expanding full day kindergarten would perhaps save some parents a bit more money a year on day care, children would have the opportunity to learn more, and teachers would also be making a higher income. A drop in revenue resulting in a freeze in tax exemption affects everyone within the state and I believe that we should be given answers to how it is going to be resolved. So far, we are told that lawmakers are thinking of legalizing gambling on increasing gas tax as new revenue sources. Not only do I think this will be unsuccessful in raising the economy, but legalizing gambling would cause the economy to drop unbelievably quickly. People that never thought they would have an addiction would begin to have one, as gambling is a huge problem in this country. This means these people would not have the money to buy, and so this would not help the state revenue at all. I think it would make it incredibly worse. Increasing gas tax will only aggrevate residents of Massachusetts, especially the taxpayers of this generation. Gas prices are already at an all-time high, we do not need anymore of our income going towards this gas. Also, more and more people are turning to hybrid vehicles as it is, since gas prices are so high, therefore it would not result in increasing revenue at a such a rate it may have some years ago.
Perhaps I am a bit too negative, but it seems to me that lawmakers are not taking any consideration into their ideas and the overall affects that they may have on our economy past this revenue issue. Maybe they will work out this issue soon enough, but if we are being denied money we have been promised in the past, I think they owe us to think of our future, and the future of the children in this perhaps soon to be casino-run state.
The information for this blog was taken from the article located at the following web address:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/01/17/state_likely_to_freeze_tax_exemption/
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