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
Monday, April 2, 2007
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
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