Thursday, March 31, 2011
News Links, April 1, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Swaziland on brink of total economic collapse
Swaziland on brink of total economic collapse
China's coming collapse (Canadian Business Magazine)
"The Middle Kingdom's prosperity is an illusion. And when China finally falls, we'll all feel the pain."
"The Middle Kingdom's prosperity is an illusion. And when China finally falls, we'll all feel the pain."
Includes must-see gobsmacking video report. Watch this if you want to see the roots of China's next revolution. -- RF
"Silva, who left office in January, said: 'The IMF won't resolve Portugal's problem, like it didn't solve Brazil's.'"
Part of the polarization of the population into the super-rich elites and the dirt-poor serfs. Are you a member of the peerage or the peonage? -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
Loss of 5,000 technical staff seen by 2014
"The loss of 5,000 experienced petrotechnical professionals (PTPs) from the global upstream industry can be expected by 2014, a survey by Schlumberger Business Consulting, the management consultancy arm of Schlumberger, indicates."
"The loss of 5,000 experienced petrotechnical professionals (PTPs) from the global upstream industry can be expected by 2014, a survey by Schlumberger Business Consulting, the management consultancy arm of Schlumberger, indicates."
Still more vital skills lost to industrial/technological society. -- RF
Gas rationing and industrialisation (Bangladesh)
Technocrat babble. -- RF
## Got food? ##
Food Commodities Surge Seen Swamping Consumers With Inflation
Garden As If Your Life Depended On It, Because It Will
Garden As If Your Life Depended On It, Because It Will
The title says it all. Start your garden now, if you haven't already. -- RF
Japan will likely have to buy much food to compensate for domestic production losses due to the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation, thereby further pressuring international markets. And did I mention that you should take up gardening? -- RF
Wind turbines 'hit' bat populations (UK)
Wind turbines are killing many thousands of bats contributing to a population decline that may be costing farmers millions of pounds, say researchers.
Wind turbines are killing many thousands of bats contributing to a population decline that may be costing farmers millions of pounds, say researchers.
## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
Samsung laptops shipping with secret spyware: report
## Japan ##
The logic of mega-economics. What are you going to do with all those people and all the contaminated land? Tell them everything is OK, keep them working and consuming and paying taxes. -- RF
Victims of Minamata disease were treated the same way, despite the non-contagious nature of the affliction. It's an irrational response, but unfortunately human nature to reject the "unclean." -- RF
Entomb? Cement pumps flown in to nuke plant
"Same company that helped seal in Chernobyl is sending equipment"
"Same company that helped seal in Chernobyl is sending equipment"
Dispatches From Japan (Forbes)
New Yemen warning to Britons by Foreign Office
"The UK has urged Britons to leave Yemen while commercial airlines are still flying as it warned of a possible 'rapid deterioration in security'."
"The UK has urged Britons to leave Yemen while commercial airlines are still flying as it warned of a possible 'rapid deterioration in security'."
## US ##
1.8 million 'distressed' homes in shadow inventory
Nevada's boom and bust leaves 167,000 empty houses
"JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon predicted on Wednesday that a hundred municipalities could default, echoing a warning from bank analyst Meredith Whitney that rocked the tax-exempt bond market."
"Nuclear utilities in the US have over decades accumulated some 71,862 tons of spent fuel in more than 30 states – the vast majority of it sitting today in pools that are mostly full."
I hope it's not just journalists who are learning from Fukushima. Hot nuke wastes — not to mention operating reactors — are a mega-disaster is the making. -- RF
Debt, Deleveraging and Demographics Mean Great Depression Ahead, Dent Says
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
News Links, March 31, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
The euro credit death spiral
The euro credit death spiral
Still another indication of the building shortage of people in high-tech professions needed to maintain industrial/technological society. -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
China builds higher fences over fears of instability in North Korea
"China is reinforcing fences and has stepped up patrols along its border with North Korea as concerns mount that crippling food shortages could increase instability in the secretive Stalinist state."
## Energy/resources ##
Global Refining Capacity (TOD)
"In the main, the refining capacity in the OECD countries is in a mature state, with refineries aging and struggling to achieve the necessary returns for re-investment. This is particularly relevant for Europe and Japan where refining margins have been poor for decades... One thing for certain, the next few years are going to be challenging for refining. Many refiners struggle to make money currently as refining margins slide back to $2-5 per barrel. My own refinery model clearly demonstrates this phenomena and finished product prices will have to rise substantially."
Emergency plan for WA fuel rations (Australia)
But maybe not. -- RF
## Got food? ##
Organic Farmers Sue, Seek Protection From Monsanto
Organic Farmers Sue, Seek Protection From Monsanto
Health Experts Predict Physician Shortage (US)
"Healthcare experts predict number of physicians available to Americans might drop by an estimated one-third, of current number, by the year 2020, according to a March report in Article Dashboard."
"Healthcare experts predict number of physicians available to Americans might drop by an estimated one-third, of current number, by the year 2020, according to a March report in Article Dashboard."
## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
BBC website and iPlayer service knocked offline for hour
"The BBC has apologised after its entire internet empire - including the BBC News website and iPlayer catch-up service - was shut down for almost an hour."
"As might be expected, power outages ranked as the No. 1 cause of business disruptions, with one-third of businesses reporting that this cause also prompted their most recent disruption."
## Japan ##
Where will Japan get the 30 years and $12 billion? -- RF
Tokyo Electric says $24 billion loans not enough
"Tokyo Electric Power has secured $24 billion in bank loans but said that would not be enough to keep running and pay for Japan's worst nuclear disaster, adding to expectations the government will step in to bail out the stricken company."
"Tokyo Electric Power has secured $24 billion in bank loans but said that would not be enough to keep running and pay for Japan's worst nuclear disaster, adding to expectations the government will step in to bail out the stricken company."
Here's a preview of how electric utilities around the world can go belly-up. And what will happen to all their hot nukes? -- RF
## UK ##
Strikes over privatised prisons could lead to troops running them
Funds slashed for hundreds of arts groups
Funds slashed for hundreds of arts groups
## US ##
"The strain may mean credit-rating cuts this year for local-government debt, which trades in the $2.93 trillion municipal bond market, Moody's Investors Service said in a report this month."
American Ghost Towns Of The 21st CenturyTuesday, March 29, 2011
News Links, March 30, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Thailand Plans More Rate Moves as Risk 'Tilted' to Inflation, Prasarn Says
Filthy rich and getting richer
Filthy rich and getting richer
Meltdown: Devastating Demand Destruction (Automatic Earth)
Poll: Mexicans think cartels are winning drug war
The World's Largest Arms Importer is Now India, not China
The World's Largest Arms Importer is Now India, not China
## Energy/resources ##
As Canadian Oil Moves South, Americans Push Back
As Canadian Oil Moves South, Americans Push Back
Short answer: No. -- RF
MUST READ: Excellent companion piece to this article from yesterday. As the risk of grid failure spreads across the globe, operating nuke plants and their hot spent fuel are time bombs waiting to trash the planet. -- RF
"A high oil price is of course good for the Gulf economies, but anyone who thinks it is a cure-all for all economic problems there is mistaken. The cost of oil is factored into everything. Fuel is used to import foodstuffs and building materials. The higher the oil price, the higher those fuel costs, the higher the prices at market."
The Peak Oil Crisis: Edging Towards Recession (Tom Whipple)
## Got food? ##
"100%: The increase in antigovernment protests associated with a 10% rise in global food prices"
Farmers may plant a lot, but what happens after that will have more to do with determining the harvest. Can insect pests and disease be controlled? Will the weather cooperate? Will fuel prices stay within an affordable range? -- RF
"U.S. corn planting will expand to cover the second-largest area since World War II this year and still fail to meet demand for feed and ethanol, driving prices to their highest in at least 34 years."
## Environment/health ##
Traces of Japanese radiation detected in 13 US states
Traces of Japanese radiation detected in 13 US states
US Government Responds to Nuclear Accident by Trying to Raise Acceptable Radiation Levels and Pretending that Radiation is Good For Us
US government tightens lid on GoM dolphin death probe
US government tightens lid on GoM dolphin death probe
## Japan ##
This will help speed both the government and Tepco on their way to bankruptcy. -- RF
"The ministry wants the conversion capacity to be added within two years, while utilities have said in discussions it may take longer."
"In the face of deteriorating public finances, some cabinet members, including Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, have shown reluctance to fund the envisaged extra budget only through government debt issuance, and the situation has intensified talk of a possible tax hike."
"Thieves wore telecom company uniforms to avoid suspicion while stealing kilometers of cable across the city, police said yesterday."
## UK ##
Disposable income falls for first time in 30 years
Seven out of 10 voters fear that Libya 'will become another Iraq'
Seven out of 10 voters fear that Libya 'will become another Iraq'
## US ##
Tax the Super Rich now or face a revolution (Paul Farrell)
Utah: Forget dollars. How about gold?
Student Loan Defaults On The Rise
Students Allegedly Swear at, Threaten, and Physically Assault Teachers
Student Loan Defaults On The Rise
Students Allegedly Swear at, Threaten, and Physically Assault Teachers
Strong corporate profits amid weak economy - What's up with that?
Home prices falling in most major U.S. cities
Home prices falling in most major U.S. cities
Monday, March 28, 2011
News Links, March 29, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Crises Nudge Debt Loads to Brink (WSJ)
Crises Nudge Debt Loads to Brink (WSJ)
"Australia is in a housing affordability crisis, with even the last bastion of cheap housing - new suburbs on city fringes - moving beyond the reach of most first home buyers."
Heightened Demand from China and Asia Rather than Speculation Leading to Gold's Nominal Record Highs
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
NATO Begins to Execute Libya No-Fly Zone: General
Libya: rebels claim to have captured Gaddafi's home town Sirte
Libya: rebels claim to have captured Gaddafi's home town Sirte
Israel's Security Is Now Being Threatened On Multiple Fronts
Bin Laden 'seeks to join Arab revolts'
Boo! -- RF
Bin Laden 'seeks to join Arab revolts'
Boo! -- RF
MUST READ. Sooner or later, all countries will face long-term/permanent blackouts, which means a dearth of electricity for cooling reactor cores and spent fuel. And that time will likely come sooner than later. With hot reactor cores and pools of spent fuel cooking all over the planet, Fukushima will be the least of our worries. There will be nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. We have created a monster. -- RF
"Thai Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the nation may need to curb diesel subsidies as funding runs out, a challenge to the government's efforts to quell inflation and build support ahead of elections this year."
"China warned against any oil exploration without its consent in waters it claims in the South China Sea, after the Philippines announced plans for possible drilling."
"Saudi Arabia needs 300 billion riyals ($80 billion) investment in power sector over the next 10 years and it needs to add up to 30 giga watts of capacity over the next 20 years, a senior government official said on Monday."
## Got food? ##
U.S. Farmers Head Into Key Stretch for Harvests
U.S. Farmers Head Into Key Stretch for Harvests
"'The stage is set for very serious disruptions, should weather disasters happen,' said Keith Collins, the former chief economist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 'It seems clear to me that the chance of a more widespread global food crisis has increased.'"
"Rice production in Fukushima and neighboring Ibaraki and Miyagi prefectures amounted to 1.22 million metric tons last year, representing 15 percent of Japan's total output."
Tsunami-flooded rice paddies to hinder harvest
"More than 20,000 hectares of rice paddies in three Tohoku region prefectures were flooded with saltwater from the March 11 tsunami, leaving farmers with the tedious process of desalination before being able to resume planting."
"More than 20,000 hectares of rice paddies in three Tohoku region prefectures were flooded with saltwater from the March 11 tsunami, leaving farmers with the tedious process of desalination before being able to resume planting."
## Environment/health ##
Drug Resistant Superbugs Hit U.S. Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Drug Resistant Superbugs Hit U.S. Hospitals and Nursing Homes
## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
Increased computerization means increased vulnerability
## Japan ##
"This is far beyond what one nation can handle - it needs to be bumped up to the U.N. Security Council. In my humble opinion, this is more important than the Libya no fly zone."
Sheer idiocy. But it will never happen, anyway. -- RF
"Shares of Tokyo Electric Power Co. hit a 34-year low Monday as speculation grew about a possible government takeover of the company, which faces multibillion-dollar losses from its nuclear disaster."
## US ##
Budget sparring intensifies as both parties brace for government shutdown
Japan's nuclear crisis looks a lot like our financial crisis
Radioactive rainwater recorded eastern US
Japan's nuclear crisis looks a lot like our financial crisis
Radioactive rainwater recorded eastern US
Idaho Senate approves Medicaid overhaul bill that proposes massive state cuts
Thousands of Marin, Sonoma, Solano county residents lose power
Thousands of Marin, Sonoma, Solano county residents lose power
Sunday, March 27, 2011
News Links, March 28, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Automakers face paint shortage after Japan quake
As Japan Shutdowns Drag On, Auto Crisis Worsens (CNBC)
As Japan Shutdowns Drag On, Auto Crisis Worsens (CNBC)
The rich get richer... you get what Patty shot at. -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
Syria: feared militia kills up to 21 people as protests continue
Syria: feared militia kills up to 21 people as protests continue
Pentagon spends billions to fight roadside bombs, with little success
Taliban insurgents abduct police recruits in eastern Afghanistan
Yemeni Militants Seize Weapons Factory
Taliban insurgents abduct police recruits in eastern Afghanistan
Yemeni Militants Seize Weapons Factory
Yemen Is 'Time Bomb' Nearing Tribal Civil War, Four-Way Split, Saleh Says
Sarkozy warns Arab rulers about Libya precedent
"French President Nicolas Sarkozy has warned all Arab rulers that they risk Libya-type intervention if they cross a certain line of violence against their own people. The president told press at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday (24 March) that UN Security Council resolution 1973 authorising air strikes on Libya has created a legal and political precedent on the 'responsibility to protect.'"
Sarkozy warns Arab rulers about Libya precedent
"French President Nicolas Sarkozy has warned all Arab rulers that they risk Libya-type intervention if they cross a certain line of violence against their own people. The president told press at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday (24 March) that UN Security Council resolution 1973 authorising air strikes on Libya has created a legal and political precedent on the 'responsibility to protect.'"
## Environment/health ##
Radiation in six U.S. states likely from Japan
Radiation in six U.S. states likely from Japan
## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
Microsoft Shuts off HTTPS in Hotmail for Over a Dozen Countries
## Japan ##
What a relief! I can sleep soundly tonight. -- RF
Fukushima agriculture put on hold (link in Japanese)
All farmers in the state of Fukushima have been told to put off planting anything, and even to refrain from plowing, because that could disturb and spread radioactive debris on the soil. The implications for agricultural production are big. Since I myself grow rice and vegetables, I know that you can wait only so long before it's too late. Farmers are tightly bound to nature's cycle, and if you miss your planting window, there's a reduced harvest, or none at all. -- RF
## US ##
Drug shortages alarm, perplex medical staff
Unpaid jobs: The new normal?
"Ten years from now, this is going to be the norm."
Unpaid jobs: The new normal?
"Ten years from now, this is going to be the norm."
"Controversial US investor Meredith Whitney is sticking by her claim that cash-strapped local authorities in America will default on 'hundreds of billions of dollars' of their debt."
And she's absolutely right. Another "meltdown" is in the works. -- RF
If you don't lose your shirt. -- RF
Saturday, March 26, 2011
News Links, March 27, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Two ways for the US to go broke
Two ways for the US to go broke
14%! That's dynamite, and their inflation rate is still almost 13%. But we'd all better get ready for roaring inflation in fuel and food. -- RF
Live Blog Libya - March 26 (Al Jazeera)
Seems highly unlikely given the investment needed to replace the rusting pile of junk that is Iraq's oil infrastructure, continuing political instability, and the ongoing global economic collapse. -- RF
Earth Hour comes early in Metro (blackout in Philippines)
Geoengineering means the use of mega-technologies whose consequences are ultimately unknowable and uncontrollable. -- RF
## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
It's Tracking Your Every Move and You May Not Even Know
It's Tracking Your Every Move and You May Not Even Know
## Japan ##
Anti-nuclear protests take place in Japan (includes video)
Secrecy shrouds operations at crippled Japanese nuclear plants
U.S. Naval Barges Bring Fresh Water To Assist With Cooling At Japan Nuclear Plant
U.S. Naval Barges Bring Fresh Water To Assist With Cooling At Japan Nuclear Plant
## UK ##
Up to 500,000 protestors attend anti-cuts demo
TUC protest march: anarchists on the rampage in London
TUC protest march: anarchists on the rampage in London
"Anarchists went on the rampage in central London as hundreds of thousands of people marched in protest at government cuts."
## US ##
Flawed housing data might mask depth of woes
Do US nuclear plants have defective parts? NRC finds reporting flaws.
What planet is this guy living on? -- RF
Friday, March 25, 2011
CNIC Press Conference Video
Video of Citizens Nuclear Information Center press conference held at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo, March 25. Includes English interpreting. View here.
News Links, March 26, 2011
List is short due to power outage.
## Global economic meltdown ##
Our growth economy: a system designed to crash (David Korten)
## Global economic meltdown ##
Our growth economy: a system designed to crash (David Korten)
If there is so much money, how come everyone is going bust? Read on! -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
Troops Open Fire as Protests Explode Across Syria
Troops Open Fire as Protests Explode Across Syria
## Japan ##
Fukushima's Dominant Impacts Will be Socio-Economic, Dwarfing the Health Effects
Judging by this summary, I suspect that even the socio-economic impacts have been underestimated. -- RF
Judging by this summary, I suspect that even the socio-economic impacts have been underestimated. -- RF
A nice way of telling someone that their ass is in a sling. -- RF
Injuries point to fuel rod damage in No. 3
"Radiation in basement water 10,000 times above normal"
"Radiation in basement water 10,000 times above normal"
Fukushima radioactive fallout nears Chernobyl levels (New Scientist)
"TOKYO (Nikkei)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. (9501) said Friday that its power output is expected to fall about 8.5 million kilowatts short of demand this summer, an estimate that some have blasted as way too optimistic."
'Drastic' ideas eyed for power crisis
Aeon To Boost Imports Of Bottled Water, Food
"TOKYO (Nikkei)--Aeon Co. (8267) will import massive amounts of bottled water, food and everyday goods to deal with shortages following the earthquake and tsunami, President Motoya Okada said at a news conference on Friday."
"TOKYO (Nikkei)--Aeon Co. (8267) will import massive amounts of bottled water, food and everyday goods to deal with shortages following the earthquake and tsunami, President Motoya Okada said at a news conference on Friday."
## US ##
Southern California layoff fight like a mini-Wisconsin
Border battle over illegal immigration shifts to beaches
Southern California layoff fight like a mini-Wisconsin
Border battle over illegal immigration shifts to beaches
Thursday, March 24, 2011
News Links, March 25, 2011
## Global economic meltdown ##
Moody's Cuts Ratings on 30 Spanish Banks After Country Downgrade
Moody's Cuts Ratings on 30 Spanish Banks After Country Downgrade
The Dollar Will Collapse Within 3-4 Months (Phoenix Capital Research via Zero Hedge)
## Fault lines/flashpoints/military ##
Russia To Revamp Air Defense With S-400, Pantsir-S Systems
Pakistan suicide bomber targets police station
Taliban stop cell phone signals in key Afghan province
Russia To Revamp Air Defense With S-400, Pantsir-S Systems
Pakistan suicide bomber targets police station
Taliban stop cell phone signals in key Afghan province
Rocket strikes paralyze part of Israel
"Rocket attacks on Israel by Gaza militants persisted on Thursday, with 16 projectiles in all fired until late noon. Later in the day, a few Grad rockets struck the central Israeli town of Yavne, some 25 km south of Tel Aviv."
"Rocket attacks on Israel by Gaza militants persisted on Thursday, with 16 projectiles in all fired until late noon. Later in the day, a few Grad rockets struck the central Israeli town of Yavne, some 25 km south of Tel Aviv."
Just watch. There's going to be progressively less enthusiasm for funding the ISS. -- RF
Meanwhile — just as I have predicted — space will increasingly become the province of the military. -- RF
## Energy/resources ##
Worst energy shortage expected in Pakistan this summer
Worst energy shortage expected in Pakistan this summer
Blackout hits thousands (Australia)
And that means less for exports. -- RF
WTI is currently $105, and they are waiting until June? -- RF
This is a good read, and should be very sobering to those people who believe that smart grids and windmills will prolong the lifetime of industrial civilization. -- RF
## Got food? ##
Global food scare widens from Japan nuclear plant
China as America's banker, America as China's farmer: Malthus was right
China as America's banker, America as China's farmer: Malthus was right
## Environment/health ##
Pacific salmon run helps shape Canada's ecosystems
Pacific salmon run helps shape Canada's ecosystems
For at least a decade, anadromous fish researchers have been calling attention to this mechanism for returning nutrients to land. It's good to see it in the mainstream media. -- RF
So you thought coal was clean? -- RF
Anonymous' Operation Empire State Rebellion Releases "Civil Disobedience" Video #2
## Japan ##
A good overview of the situation. -- RF
Imagine a large chunk of Japan made uninhabitable for thousands of hears. Is the electricity worth it? -- RF
Another step on the road toward no "retirement." -- RF
US Family Income Down 18% Post-Crisis: Fed
Chu touts small module reactors as answer to nuclear hazards
Chu touts small module reactors as answer to nuclear hazards
Yet another indication of the deteriorating pharmaceutical supply system. -- RF
Yes, that time bomb is still ticking. -- RF
Postal Service: 7,500 workers, $20,000 buyouts
