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
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