Saturday, September 29, 2012
News Links, September 30, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Gold in Euro terms breaks all time high, more to come: Commerzbank
Audit: Spanish banks require $76.4 billion
Gold in Euro terms breaks all time high, more to come: Commerzbank
Audit: Spanish banks require $76.4 billion
Global steel sector to stay in dumps until mid 2013
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Investigators find cracks in second Dreamliner engine
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Sino-Japanese Relationship at Breaking Point over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
New Tracking Frontier: Your License Plates
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Investigators find cracks in second Dreamliner engine
Airlines Brave African Frontier as Growth Outweighs Risks
TSA Steals From Travelers All the Time: Ex-Agent
TSA Steals From Travelers All the Time: Ex-Agent
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Sino-Japanese Relationship at Breaking Point over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands
"More and more Iranian currency is being brought in by smugglers to exchange for dollars, which then go back to Iran."
Iran says Obama administration's removal of group from US terror list shows 'double standards'
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Madrid anti-austerity protests turn violent again
Tensions High In China's iPhone Factory After Massive Riot
Tensions High In China's iPhone Factory After Massive Riot
Portuguese protest against austerity, await more measures
Thousands in Germany protest for wealth tax
Thousands in Germany protest for wealth tax
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
New Tracking Frontier: Your License Plates
"Data about a typical American is collected in more than 20 different ways during everyday activities."
3 countries join U.S. security alert in Philippines
"Britain, Australia and Canada joined the United States on Sept. 29 in warning their citizens of a security threat in the Philippines, particularly in the capital, Manila."
9 Frightening Things About America's Biggest Police Force
"The NYPD has expanded into a massive global anti-terror operation with surveillance and military capabilities unparalled in the history of local US law enforcement."
"Britain, Australia and Canada joined the United States on Sept. 29 in warning their citizens of a security threat in the Philippines, particularly in the capital, Manila."
9 Frightening Things About America's Biggest Police Force
"The NYPD has expanded into a massive global anti-terror operation with surveillance and military capabilities unparalled in the history of local US law enforcement."
Camden, N.J., plans police switch
"Camden, N.J., one of the country's poorest and most violent cities, plans to shut down its police department and replace it with a county force."
Chemical plant explosions in Japan kill one, may cripple global diaper output
"Camden, N.J., one of the country's poorest and most violent cities, plans to shut down its police department and replace it with a county force."
Chemical plant explosions in Japan kill one, may cripple global diaper output
Renesas to receive 97 bil. yen in aid from banks, shareholders
## China ##
Las Vegas casinos trumped by Chinese 'Sin City'
## China ##
Las Vegas casinos trumped by Chinese 'Sin City'
World's tallest tower plan raises eyebrows
"It should be no surprise that China – the world's emerging superpower – wants to be next to boast the world's tallest building, and build it at record speed.
"But does the country, already strewn with barely-occupied shopping centres, apartment buildings and offices, really need the 220-storey Sky City tower in the central industrial city of Changsha?"
"It should be no surprise that China – the world's emerging superpower – wants to be next to boast the world's tallest building, and build it at record speed.
"But does the country, already strewn with barely-occupied shopping centres, apartment buildings and offices, really need the 220-storey Sky City tower in the central industrial city of Changsha?"
China Solar Giant Suntech Power Gets Rescue Package
"Struggling amidst a severe downturn of orders for photovoltaic solar panels, China's behemoth solar panel maker, Suntech Power Holdings (STP) was given a $32 million lifeline on Friday."
"Struggling amidst a severe downturn of orders for photovoltaic solar panels, China's behemoth solar panel maker, Suntech Power Holdings (STP) was given a $32 million lifeline on Friday."
China New Export New Orders Decline At Fastest Pace in 42 Months; China's Precarious Rebalancing Act
China's Manufacturing Shrinks for 11th Month, HSBC PMI Shows
## UK ##
Metropolitan Police officers suspended for corruption
China's Manufacturing Shrinks for 11th Month, HSBC PMI Shows
## UK ##
Metropolitan Police officers suspended for corruption
Claw back £4billion from the European Union, Tory MPs tell Cameron
## US ##
College students defaulting at record rate
## US ##
College students defaulting at record rate
'Zombie Economy' May Give Markets a Scare in October
JPMorgan, Bank of America Forgive Debts that No Longer Exist; Wonderful News! But For Whom?
Business Activity in U.S. Shrinks for First Time Since 2009
JPMorgan, Bank of America Forgive Debts that No Longer Exist; Wonderful News! But For Whom?
Business Activity in U.S. Shrinks for First Time Since 2009
Friday, September 28, 2012
News Links, September 29, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Japan Heads for GDP Contraction as South Korea Weakens: Economy
ArcelorMittal to permanently shut Florange blast furnaces
Japan Heads for GDP Contraction as South Korea Weakens: Economy
ArcelorMittal to permanently shut Florange blast furnaces
Spain's banks 'need 59.3bn euros of eurozone loans'
As Spain sinks, many in Catalonia want out
They Won't Tell You Their Names, But They'll Help You Hide Your Money
As Spain sinks, many in Catalonia want out
They Won't Tell You Their Names, But They'll Help You Hide Your Money
14 Signs That The World Economy Is Getting Weaker
Euro Gold Prices Hit Record as "Debt Crisis Escalates" and Spain "Lays Groundwork" for a Bailout
## Airline Death Spiral ##
American Airline parent posts $82 million net loss because of bankruptcy reorganization costs
Greenspan's Lightweight Economy Squeezes Cargo Airlines
Airfreight woes persist in Asia-Pacific
Euro Gold Prices Hit Record as "Debt Crisis Escalates" and Spain "Lays Groundwork" for a Bailout
## Airline Death Spiral ##
American Airline parent posts $82 million net loss because of bankruptcy reorganization costs
Greenspan's Lightweight Economy Squeezes Cargo Airlines
Airfreight woes persist in Asia-Pacific
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
U.S. call for "cool heads" in China-Japan island dispute goes unheeded
The Next Wave in U.S. Robotic War: Drones on Their Own
"The U.S. military's current fleet of drones will soon be overtaken by a new wave of robots that will be faster, stealthier and smarter — operating virtually without human intervention, experts say."
"The U.S. military's current fleet of drones will soon be overtaken by a new wave of robots that will be faster, stealthier and smarter — operating virtually without human intervention, experts say."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Protesters, police clash in Bahrain
"Around one hundred anti-government protesters threw stones and petrol bombs as riot police tried to disperse them with tear gas and stun grenades in Bahrain on Friday, witnesses said, after an earlier demonstration attended by thousands passed peacefully."
Power outage provokes micro industries' outrage
Striking Amplats miners in S.Africa defiant
"Around one hundred anti-government protesters threw stones and petrol bombs as riot police tried to disperse them with tear gas and stun grenades in Bahrain on Friday, witnesses said, after an earlier demonstration attended by thousands passed peacefully."
Power outage provokes micro industries' outrage
Striking Amplats miners in S.Africa defiant
## Energy/resources ##
U.S. states struggle with water woes amid drought
U.S. states struggle with water woes amid drought
Russia and Venezuela team up on major oil projects
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Thieves cause $100K in damage to storm system
## Got food? ##
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Thieves cause $100K in damage to storm system
## Got food? ##
UAE in call for clarity over world food supply
"Sultan Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy, has called for greater transparency in the global agricultural supply chain as bad weather pushes up food prices around the world."
Drought area widens in U.S., farmers frustrated
"Sultan Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy, has called for greater transparency in the global agricultural supply chain as bad weather pushes up food prices around the world."
Drought area widens in U.S., farmers frustrated
World fish supply declining, but there's hope for recovery
Peanut butter recall grows to 100 products (US)
Global milk scarcity likely to return
Peanut butter recall grows to 100 products (US)
Global milk scarcity likely to return
Iceland, Faroes may face EU fish sanctions
"Iceland and the Faroe Islands could face European Union sanctions over "unsustainable" mackerel catches after an EU Fisheries Council agreement this week."
"Iceland and the Faroe Islands could face European Union sanctions over "unsustainable" mackerel catches after an EU Fisheries Council agreement this week."
A Plan for Food Self-Sufficiency
"Planning a garden in advance can help you enjoy local, homegrown food year-round! Estimate how much to grow or buy and learn how to achieve food security with these guidelines."
"Planning a garden in advance can help you enjoy local, homegrown food year-round! Estimate how much to grow or buy and learn how to achieve food security with these guidelines."
## Environment/health ##
Worst flood for decades uproots 10,000 in central Nigeria
Worst flood for decades uproots 10,000 in central Nigeria
Epilepsy 'is a global health problem'
"Epilepsy is twice as common in low and middle-income countries as it is in the developed world, according to an international team of researchers."
"Epilepsy is twice as common in low and middle-income countries as it is in the developed world, according to an international team of researchers."
Disease Detectives Catch Deadly African Virus Just As It Emerges
"New viruses are popping up all over these days – Heartland virus in Missouri last month, a new virus in the same family as SARS in Saudi Arabia this month. And now, a never-before-seen hemorrhagic fever virus in central Africa."
"New viruses are popping up all over these days – Heartland virus in Missouri last month, a new virus in the same family as SARS in Saudi Arabia this month. And now, a never-before-seen hemorrhagic fever virus in central Africa."
New 'Sars-like' not easily transmitted says WHO
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Cyber Attacks on U.S. Banks Expose Computer Vulnerability
Deutsche Bank evacuates workers after powder found
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Cyber Attacks on U.S. Banks Expose Computer Vulnerability
Deutsche Bank evacuates workers after powder found
Elevators run into maintenance woes (Shanghai)
"NEGLIGENCE of elevator maintenance, a severe shortage of repair workers, poor technical abilities and vicious competition are blamed for the irregularities in the city's elevator maintenance and repair market, a senior official with the city's quality watchdog said yesterday."
East St. Louis mayor calls for extreme crime-fighting measures after violent 36 hours
"NEGLIGENCE of elevator maintenance, a severe shortage of repair workers, poor technical abilities and vicious competition are blamed for the irregularities in the city's elevator maintenance and repair market, a senior official with the city's quality watchdog said yesterday."
East St. Louis mayor calls for extreme crime-fighting measures after violent 36 hours
7 teens arrested in Kenosha late night robbery attacks
"Seven juveniles have been arrested for mob-style street robberies in Kenosha dating back to July."
"Seven juveniles have been arrested for mob-style street robberies in Kenosha dating back to July."
Japan PMI: Output and New Orders Contract Further
25,606 people moved out of Fukushima in last 6 months, ministry says
25,606 people moved out of Fukushima in last 6 months, ministry says
Good Harvest Expected For This Year's Rice Crop: Govt
Gov't to abolish employee pension fund system saddled with massive reserve shortfalls
Gov't to abolish employee pension fund system saddled with massive reserve shortfalls
## China ##
Expert appeals for steel capacity reduction in China
Industrial profits decline sees sharp acceleration
Industrial profits decline sees sharp acceleration
## UK ##
Dozens of failing NHS hospitals should be taken over, adviser to Blair warns
Fast broadband more important to house buyers than parking
US Postal Service to default on second $5B payment
New York Plaza District Offices Empty as Banks Cut Space
New York Plaza District Offices Empty as Banks Cut Space
Chicago region's business activity slows
"The Chicago Business Barometer indicated business dropped from growth to contraction in September, the Institute for Supply Management said."
"The Chicago Business Barometer indicated business dropped from growth to contraction in September, the Institute for Supply Management said."
California Hit Parade Rolls On: Atwater Scrambles to Avoid bankruptcy
Student-Loan Default Rates Rise as Federal Scrutiny Grows
Student-Loan Default Rates Rise as Federal Scrutiny Grows
Thursday, September 27, 2012
News Links, September 28, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
VW Says Some Carmakers May Go Bankrupt Without Assistance
VW Says Some Carmakers May Go Bankrupt Without Assistance
Counterfeit goods becoming more dangerous
"The global trade in counterfeit goods is booming, and it's shifting from relatively innocuous items like shoes and handbags to things like medicine and pesticides that can carry serious health and safety implications."
"The global trade in counterfeit goods is booming, and it's shifting from relatively innocuous items like shoes and handbags to things like medicine and pesticides that can carry serious health and safety implications."
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Thousands of American Airlines workers decide to take buyouts
AA accuses pilots of work slowdown
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Mexico says captures high-ranking Zetas cartel leader
Mexico says captures high-ranking Zetas cartel leader
Russia 'consecrates' North Pole
"A Russian Orthodox bishop has lowered a 'holy memorial capsule' into the sea at the North Pole in an attempt to 'consecrate' the Arctic and reasserts Moscow's claims to the territory."
"A Russian Orthodox bishop has lowered a 'holy memorial capsule' into the sea at the North Pole in an attempt to 'consecrate' the Arctic and reasserts Moscow's claims to the territory."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Muslims protest at US Embassy in Bangkok
## Energy/resources ##
Will Humanity Face a Carbohydrate Shortage?
US Navy Develops a Technique to Produce Jet Fuel from Sea Water
US Navy Develops a Technique to Produce Jet Fuel from Sea Water
Don't get excited. What is the EROEI of this process? It's also possible to extract gold from seawater, so why isn't everyone doing it? It all comes down to energy input. -- RF
Statoil May Order Tailored Rigs to Combat High Norway Costs
"Statoil ASA (STL), Norway's biggest oil and gas producer, may order additional new-build drilling rigs specially designed for its activities off the country's coast in an effort to combat rising costs and a capacity shortage."
"Statoil ASA (STL), Norway's biggest oil and gas producer, may order additional new-build drilling rigs specially designed for its activities off the country's coast in an effort to combat rising costs and a capacity shortage."
Dying diesel sales say China's engine slowing
"China is unlikely to import diesel for domestic use for the rest of the year due to a slowing economy, industry sources say, putting pressure on Asian diesel margins as well as potentially reversing high prices for the fuel in the West."
"China is unlikely to import diesel for domestic use for the rest of the year due to a slowing economy, industry sources say, putting pressure on Asian diesel margins as well as potentially reversing high prices for the fuel in the West."
Drop in European oil products demand menaces refineries: CONCAWE
"Up to 40 small refineries in Europe could close over the next two decades, if they cannot tap growing export markets, because demand for oil products in the region is expected to drop, a study by industry association CONCAWE shows."
"Up to 40 small refineries in Europe could close over the next two decades, if they cannot tap growing export markets, because demand for oil products in the region is expected to drop, a study by industry association CONCAWE shows."
## Environment/health ##
Big Quakes Signal Changes Coming To Earth's Crust
Big Quakes Signal Changes Coming To Earth's Crust
B.C. prepares for an estimated 1.5 million tons of tsunami debris
Plastic debris reaches Southern Ocean
"The first traces of plastic debris have been found in the once pristine environment of the Southern Ocean, according to a new study."
Plastic debris reaches Southern Ocean
"The first traces of plastic debris have been found in the once pristine environment of the Southern Ocean, according to a new study."
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Banks fail to repel cyber threat
"Attacks that have tied up bank websites show U.S. financial institutions' vulnerability to electronic terrorism."
The high costs of Internet convenience
Lieberman pushes Obama to issue cybersecurity executive order
New Stanford/NYU study documents the civilian terror from Obama's drones
Banks fail to repel cyber threat
"Attacks that have tied up bank websites show U.S. financial institutions' vulnerability to electronic terrorism."
The high costs of Internet convenience
Lieberman pushes Obama to issue cybersecurity executive order
New Stanford/NYU study documents the civilian terror from Obama's drones
## Systemic breakdown ##
Alternatives to a Bugout Location – What You Should Consider
## Japan ##
Sharp to End Solar Panel Business in U.S., Europe, Kyodo Says
Weapons of Mass Urban Destruction
"China's cities are making the same mistake America made on the path to superpower status."
"China's cities are making the same mistake America made on the path to superpower status."
Baoshan Steel Halting Production at China Factory
"Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. (600019), China's largest listed steelmaker, suspended production at a plant after demand fell for slabs used to make ships and bridges."
Decline in China's Industrial Profit Accelerates
"Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. (600019), China's largest listed steelmaker, suspended production at a plant after demand fell for slabs used to make ships and bridges."
Decline in China's Industrial Profit Accelerates
Growing doubts cast on ballooning local investments in China
Sinopec shuts plants for emission checks: report
Sinopec shuts plants for emission checks: report
## US ##
Immigrant Detention and the Private Prison Industry
Weak orders point to sharp slowdown in manufacturing
Immigrant Detention and the Private Prison Industry
Weak orders point to sharp slowdown in manufacturing
Campbell Soup to close California plant, cut 700 jobs
Stubborn drought maintains grip on lower 48 states
Stubborn drought maintains grip on lower 48 states
Average Student Loan Debt Now More Than $26,000
Durable Goods Orders Ex-Transportation "Unexpectedly" Drop, Down Third Month, July Revised Lower; GDP +1.3% Second Quarter; June Recession Call Looking More Likely
U.S. 30-Year Mortgage Rates Fall to Record Low of 3.4%
Durable Goods Orders Ex-Transportation "Unexpectedly" Drop, Down Third Month, July Revised Lower; GDP +1.3% Second Quarter; June Recession Call Looking More Likely
U.S. 30-Year Mortgage Rates Fall to Record Low of 3.4%
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
News Links, September 27, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Spain to seek bailout if yields too high for too long
Erasmus Shipping's Su Says Dry-Bulk at 'Pessimistic Bottom'
Jobs cull as Europe's banks step up costs battle
Gloomy carmakers gather in Paris
Short Sales Rose in First Half of September
"Short selling rose at the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market during the first half of September."
Spain to seek bailout if yields too high for too long
Erasmus Shipping's Su Says Dry-Bulk at 'Pessimistic Bottom'
Jobs cull as Europe's banks step up costs battle
Gloomy carmakers gather in Paris
Short Sales Rose in First Half of September
"Short selling rose at the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market during the first half of September."
French joblessness tops 3 million for first time in 13 yrs
Guinea secures $2.1 billion debt relief from IMF, World Bank
Guinea secures $2.1 billion debt relief from IMF, World Bank
Las Vegas Airline Would Let Flyers Gamble on Prices
Pinnacle Airlines Has Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Pinnacle Airlines Has Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Vitol trades Iranian fuel oil, skirting sanctions
"Vitol, the world's largest oil trader, is buying and selling Iranian fuel oil, undermining Western efforts to choke the flow of petrodollars to Tehran and put pressure on Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program."
"Vitol, the world's largest oil trader, is buying and selling Iranian fuel oil, undermining Western efforts to choke the flow of petrodollars to Tehran and put pressure on Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program."
U.S. Unit's Africa Deployment Will Test New Regional Concept
"Come spring, U.S. soldiers from the Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, will begin deploying to parts of Africa under a pilot test with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)."
Explosions strike top Syrian army building
"Come spring, U.S. soldiers from the Army's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, will begin deploying to parts of Africa under a pilot test with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)."
Explosions strike top Syrian army building
Indonesia seeks rules of road for South China Sea
Billboards of Iran Supreme Leader in Iraq Show Increasing Iranian Influence
"America's war in Iraq had more than just moral and legal consequences. Geopolitically, Washington handed Iraq to Iran."
Billboards of Iran Supreme Leader in Iraq Show Increasing Iranian Influence
"America's war in Iraq had more than just moral and legal consequences. Geopolitically, Washington handed Iraq to Iran."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Greek government faces first big anti-austerity strike
Factory Riot Spotlights Breaking Point in China
AngloGold says illegal strike spreads in South Africa
Anti-cuts protests erupt on streets of Athens and Madrid
AngloGold says illegal strike spreads in South Africa
Anti-cuts protests erupt on streets of Athens and Madrid
## Energy/resources ##
Govt departments turn to prepaid electricity (Swaziland)
Jersey power cut caused by loss of cable with France
September Is "Emergency Preparedness Month" ... And Diesel Power Is Working 24/7 to Protect Public Health And Safety (press release)Jersey power cut caused by loss of cable with France
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Copper theft is 'economic sabotage'
Vandals strip metal from bridge, leave behind gaping holes
"But the bamboolike grass has a dark side. Some scientists have called arundo 'the plant from hell' and rank it among the world's 100 worst invasive plants."
100 million will die by 2030 if world fails to act on climate: report
Speed of ocean acidification concerns scientists
Saudi Arabia adopts measures to limit virus infection during Haj
Saudi Arabia adopts measures to limit virus infection during Haj
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Verizon joins cybersecurity group
U.S. Bancorp, PNC Experience Website Issues
## Systemic breakdown ##
US drug shortages: call for "ethically defensible" rationing
Things have gotten so bad in Spain that they are locking up the trash
## Japan ##
Life insurance premium payments falling
"Life insurance premium payments in this country have fallen nearly 40 percent over the past 15 years as households cut back on spending amid continued economic weakness, according to an industry survey."
"Life insurance premium payments in this country have fallen nearly 40 percent over the past 15 years as households cut back on spending amid continued economic weakness, according to an industry survey."
## China ##
Negative outlook for half of listed companies in Q3
"More than half of the listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges are expecting losses or a slowdown in growth in the third quarter because of rising costs and overcapacity, according to Securities Times."
China's Stocks Fall to 2009 Low on Concern About Economy, Profit
"More than half of the listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges are expecting losses or a slowdown in growth in the third quarter because of rising costs and overcapacity, according to Securities Times."
China's Stocks Fall to 2009 Low on Concern About Economy, Profit
Car Maker BYD's Health Faces Skeptics
Is China Burning? Shanghai Stock Index Breaks 2000 For First Time Since 2009; Reflections on Sentiment
Japan businesses shut out of major China trade fair
Is China Burning? Shanghai Stock Index Breaks 2000 For First Time Since 2009; Reflections on Sentiment
Japan businesses shut out of major China trade fair
## UK ##
Population growing by 1,000 a day, Office for National Statistics shows
Deadly fungus in Ash trees could be 'next Dutch elm disease warns Woodland Trust
Deadly fungus in Ash trees could be 'next Dutch elm disease warns Woodland Trust
## US ##
Why Are Private Equity Firms Buying Up Refineries on the East Coast?
iNflation: Americans Spend Less On Food, Movies To Pay For Soaring Cell Phone Obsession
And finally…
Economics students 'are most promiscuous' - survey (UK)Tuesday, September 25, 2012
News Links, September 26, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Gold outshines equities in India, ROI doubles in three years
Two-tier wage scales on the increase in Canada
South Korea Delays Fiscal Balance to Boost Economy
Growing Concerns in Israel of a Possible Collapse of the Palestinian Authority Economy
Gold outshines equities in India, ROI doubles in three years
Two-tier wage scales on the increase in Canada
South Korea Delays Fiscal Balance to Boost Economy
Growing Concerns in Israel of a Possible Collapse of the Palestinian Authority Economy
And they will go… where? -- RF
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Airlines cut flights to China and Japan over territorial dispute
Regulators focus on airport runways
JAL shares plunge 8.73% on China worries
Airlines Collect a Record Amount of Bag Fees
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Japan fires water cannon to turn away Taiwan boats
Report shows most Mexican prisons controlled by inmates
Report shows most Mexican prisons controlled by inmates
Door for Israeli-Palestinian peace may be closing: U.N.
"U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday the "door may be closing, for good" on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying the continued growth of Jewish settlements undercuts peace."
"U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday the "door may be closing, for good" on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying the continued growth of Jewish settlements undercuts peace."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Spain police fire rubber bullets at Madrid protest
Chinese villagers protest at slow progress over land dispute
## Energy/resources ##
Sail Transport Movement Enters U.S. Mainstream: Eco-Ships And Buying Truly Green Coffee Today
## Energy/resources ##
Sail Transport Movement Enters U.S. Mainstream: Eco-Ships And Buying Truly Green Coffee Today
All these waste-to-fuel schemes added together won't amount to a hill of beans. People simply don't understand the energy scale of industrial civilization. -- RF
"Europe is facing a shortage of diesel on heavy refinery maintenance crippling diesel production with 2 million barrels per day (11%) of capacity out of the market, according to an analysis by Bank of America-Merrill Lynch."
Fujairah in search for fresh oil reserves
"The UAE emirate of Fujairah carrying out exploration tests for onshore and offshore oil deposits and has so far carried out three drills that have so far been unsuccessful, a government official revealed."
"The UAE emirate of Fujairah carrying out exploration tests for onshore and offshore oil deposits and has so far carried out three drills that have so far been unsuccessful, a government official revealed."
Statoil invests in resource recovery
"Norwegian energy company Statoil announced plans to invest more than $40 million in a research center geared toward increasing oil recovery rates."
"Norwegian energy company Statoil announced plans to invest more than $40 million in a research center geared toward increasing oil recovery rates."
China Reaches for Control of More Canadian Oil
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Metal thieves strike at Sawbridgeworth construction site (UK)
## Got food? ##
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Metal thieves strike at Sawbridgeworth construction site (UK)
## Got food? ##
Global Bacon Shortage 'Unavoidable' Next Year, Says U.K.'s National Pig Association
Food Day events being planned nationwide
Land grabbing and food sovereignty in West and Central Africa
Food Day events being planned nationwide
Land grabbing and food sovereignty in West and Central Africa
## Environment/health ##
Zombie honeybees discovered in Washington state
"A novice beekeeper in Washington state said this week that he's found evidence that a parasite which takes control of honeybees much like an imagined "zombie" virus is spreading into new areas, according to The Seattle Times."
Sea air the secret of long life as census shows Bexhill-on-Sea is Britain's centenarian capital
"A novice beekeeper in Washington state said this week that he's found evidence that a parasite which takes control of honeybees much like an imagined "zombie" virus is spreading into new areas, according to The Seattle Times."
Sea air the secret of long life as census shows Bexhill-on-Sea is Britain's centenarian capital
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
U.S. Government Embraces the Same Iranian Terrorist Group that Bush Cited When He Alleged that Saddam Was Sponsoring "International Terrorism"
More countries restrict Internet to stifle critics: report
Drones in Pakistan traumatise civilians, US report says
"Civilians are being 'terrorised' 24 hours a day by CIA drone attacks that target mainly low-level militants in north-west Pakistan, a US report says."
More countries restrict Internet to stifle critics: report
Drones in Pakistan traumatise civilians, US report says
"Civilians are being 'terrorised' 24 hours a day by CIA drone attacks that target mainly low-level militants in north-west Pakistan, a US report says."
## Systemic breakdown ##
How Do You Take Your Poison? (Chris Hedges)
"Corporate power, no matter who is running the ward after January 2013, is poised to carry out U.S. history's most savage assault against the poor and the working class, not to mention the Earth's ecosystem."
China's Central Bank Injects Record Funds to Ease Crunch
China's first aircraft carrier enters service
China's first aircraft carrier enters service
China's SMEs face financial crunch amid slowdown: report
## UK ##
Record numbers reach retirement age as baby boomers turn 65
## UK ##
Record numbers reach retirement age as baby boomers turn 65
Lib Dem conference: 'Millionaire' pensioners may face benefit cuts
Weather: hundreds flee their homes as storms lash Britain
"Residents were forced to leave their homes today as widespread flooding and torrential downpours continued to wreak havoc across Britain."
Weather: hundreds flee their homes as storms lash Britain
"Residents were forced to leave their homes today as widespread flooding and torrential downpours continued to wreak havoc across Britain."
## US ##
Shocking Study: Suicide Overtakes Car Accidents As Leading Cause of Death -- Is the Economy to Blame?
How the Government Built Fracking
Use commemorative coins to pay down deficit, lawmakers suggest
Informant nation: "Text-a-Tip" Snitch Program Invades Small-Town America
Tesla shares tank; here's one more reason why
Informant nation: "Text-a-Tip" Snitch Program Invades Small-Town America
Tesla shares tank; here's one more reason why
Monday, September 24, 2012
News Links, September 25, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
S&P 500 Has Longest Slump in 7 Weeks on European Crisis
Asian Shares Mostly Lower; Exporters Struggle in Tokyo
Asian Shares Mostly Lower; Exporters Struggle in Tokyo
You're Dreaming If You Think The Euro Crisis Is Resolved (Automatic Earth)
Two Near-Collisions at Chicago's O'Hare Under Investigation
As the unions flex muscles, it's a bumpy ride for airlines industry
As the unions flex muscles, it's a bumpy ride for airlines industry
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Japan protests as Chinese ships enter its territorial waters near disputed islands
The New Great Dictators Are Gaining Momentum In Europe
Spain Warns Catalonia Separatists of Treason Charges in Military Court; Looming Showdown between Spain and Catalonia
Gerald Celente-The First Great War of the 21st Century has Begun
Spain Warns Catalonia Separatists of Treason Charges in Military Court; Looming Showdown between Spain and Catalonia
Gerald Celente-The First Great War of the 21st Century has Begun
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Welcome to the World Revolution in the Global Age of Rage
Residents stage protest by lighting torch on lamp posts
Residents stage protest by lighting torch on lamp posts
Includes timely comments on the Senkaku/Diaoyu Island issue. -- RF
Insecurity in Nigeria Could Push Oil Price to U.S.$150 Per Barrel
## Got food? ##
Funding Sources of Anti-Organics Stanford Study Questioned in New Report
"A study released last week by Stanford scientists, which claims organic foods are no more healthy than non-organic foods, was funded by corporate agriculture and biotechnology giants, according to a new report by the Cornucopia Institute."
## Got food? ##
Funding Sources of Anti-Organics Stanford Study Questioned in New Report
"A study released last week by Stanford scientists, which claims organic foods are no more healthy than non-organic foods, was funded by corporate agriculture and biotechnology giants, according to a new report by the Cornucopia Institute."
Food prices set to rise in 2013
## Environment/health ##
New virus linked to SARS identified in Britain
Flooding hits 3 Indian states, 35 dead
## Environment/health ##
New virus linked to SARS identified in Britain
Flooding hits 3 Indian states, 35 dead
Everyone who attended OWS with a cell phone had their identity logged, says security expert
## Systemic breakdown ##
Monorail rescue as power cut
"A rescue operation will continue this afternoon to remove people from Sydney's monorail line following a power outage today."
## Systemic breakdown ##
Monorail rescue as power cut
"A rescue operation will continue this afternoon to remove people from Sydney's monorail line following a power outage today."
Power outage affects northeast Eugene traffic lights, neighborhoods
## Japan ##
Following QE8, Japanese Teachers' Pension Fund Goes All-In
## Japan ##
Following QE8, Japanese Teachers' Pension Fund Goes All-In
Skyscrapers: Status symbols today, uninhabitable white elephants tomorrow. -- RF
China's Rich List Sees Property Fallout
China's Rich List Sees Property Fallout
## UK ##
Vauxhall's UK factories close for a week
Hospital patients facing 'severe' cutbacks if elderly care crisis not solved
Hospital patients facing 'severe' cutbacks if elderly care crisis not solved
Autumn blows in with a wild torrential downpour
## US ##
Large manufacturers begin moving production back to the United States
Vilsack fears deeper cuts to farm programs
More Bank Layoffs Coming: 'Bad as I've Seen It': Whitney## US ##
Large manufacturers begin moving production back to the United States
Vilsack fears deeper cuts to farm programs
Data Barns in a Farm Town, Gobbling Power and Flexing Muscle
Sunday, September 23, 2012
News Links, September 24, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Euro zone to boost bailout fund firepower to 2 trillion euros: report
IABr may cut Brazilian steel output estimates for 2012
IABr may cut Brazilian steel output estimates for 2012
Fiat's Woes A Symptom Of Italy's Industrial Malaise
Sustained rally in industrial metals to hinge on Chinese economy: Deutsche Bank
Sustained rally in industrial metals to hinge on Chinese economy: Deutsche Bank
Greek Budget Gap At $26 Billion
Gloom beats boom as house prices fall faster here than anywhere else
Gloom beats boom as house prices fall faster here than anywhere else
ECB Says Cost of New Frankfurt Skyscraper Soars by 41%
"The European Central Bank said the cost of its new Frankfurt headquarters will jump by as much as 41 percent due to higher prices for construction materials and 'a number of unforeseen challenges.'"
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Etihad's push to get airberlin back in the black
"The European Central Bank said the cost of its new Frankfurt headquarters will jump by as much as 41 percent due to higher prices for construction materials and 'a number of unforeseen challenges.'"
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Etihad's push to get airberlin back in the black
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Top China official visits Afghanistan, signs security deal
"China has signed security and economic agreements with Afghanistan during a rare trip to Kabul by a top Chinese official, in deals seen aimed at bolstering Beijing's influence ahead of a NATO withdrawal of most combat forces by 2014."
Egypt's Mursi says Iran is vital to ending Syria's crisis
"Egypt's Islamist President said on Saturday that having a strong relationship with Iran is important for Egypt at this time to be able to work out a way to end the bloodshed in Syria."
"Egypt's Islamist President said on Saturday that having a strong relationship with Iran is important for Egypt at this time to be able to work out a way to end the bloodshed in Syria."
Iran could launch pre-emptive Israel strike-commander
"Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it, a senior commander of its elite Revolutionary Guards was quoted as saying on Sunday."
"Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it, a senior commander of its elite Revolutionary Guards was quoted as saying on Sunday."
Iran vows to hit US bases if Israel strikes
"US bases in Qatar, Afghanistan and Bahrain will be targets if Israel attacks Iran, senior military official says."
"US bases in Qatar, Afghanistan and Bahrain will be targets if Israel attacks Iran, senior military official says."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Gas drilling protests held in U.S., other countries
Angry bikers protest EU-imposed tests on two-wheelers
Taiwan activists rally against Japan over islands
Taiwan activists rally against Japan over islands
Germany's Wind Power Chaos Should Be A Warning To Everyone
Global oil exports in decline since 2006: What will importing nations do?
## Got food? ##
Global Soybean Consumption to Decline 3 Million Tons on Prices
Cattle enjoy sweet life amid corn shortages
Global oil exports in decline since 2006: What will importing nations do?
## Got food? ##
Global Soybean Consumption to Decline 3 Million Tons on Prices
Cattle enjoy sweet life amid corn shortages
"The Central Java district of Sragen is asking the government to induce artificial rains through cloud seeding to prevent widespread harvest failure, as irrigation reservoirs in the region are nearly empty."
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Nation soon to ban smiling on drivers' license photographs
Controversial 9/11 film soars to #1 on PBS, breaks local records
Nation soon to ban smiling on drivers' license photographs
Controversial 9/11 film soars to #1 on PBS, breaks local records
Iran readies domestic Internet, blocks Google
Iran denies hacking into American banks
Vietnam launches drive to censor anti-corruption bloggers
## Systemic breakdown ##
Valencia: A Spanish city without medicine
Iran denies hacking into American banks
Vietnam launches drive to censor anti-corruption bloggers
## Systemic breakdown ##
Valencia: A Spanish city without medicine
"A recent report by the United Nations says the Gaza Strip will be unlivable by 2020 if nothing is done to alleviate the situation in the tiny coastal territory."
Drug shortage looms large (Pakistan)
iRage: Apple's FoxConn China Plant Damaged As Riots Resume
There's No Engine for Global Growth Pt 1 (China)
There's No Engine for Global Growth Pt 1 (China)
Goldman Estimate: QE3 could be $1.2 to $2.0 Trillion
17 Numbers That Prove That The Redistribution Of Wealth Has Greatly Accelerated Under Obama
CBO: 11 Million Uninsured Americans Will Be Subject to Obamacare's Individual Mandate 'Penalty Tax'
17 Numbers That Prove That The Redistribution Of Wealth Has Greatly Accelerated Under Obama
CBO: 11 Million Uninsured Americans Will Be Subject to Obamacare's Individual Mandate 'Penalty Tax'
"According to CBO, 11-12 million uninsured Americans will be subject to the mandate; the agency expects more than half of them to pay the fine instead of buying insurance. But there's something that the CBO didn't say: as more people pay the 'tax penalty' instead of buying insurance, premiums for everyone else will go up, potentially triggering a death spiral in the private insurance market."
Vt. Town Hires Livestock To Save Money, Go Green
"Cities and towns facing tight budgets have often neglected their cemeteries, an oversight that has left many of them in disrepair with broken fencing, crumbling gravestones, overgrown grass and persistent weeds.
"But this summer, the Vermont town of Charlotte implemented a new strategy to both save money and keep grass in the town's graveyards under control, and it's a decidedly traditional way of doing it: Let goats and sheep do the work."
"Cities and towns facing tight budgets have often neglected their cemeteries, an oversight that has left many of them in disrepair with broken fencing, crumbling gravestones, overgrown grass and persistent weeds.
"But this summer, the Vermont town of Charlotte implemented a new strategy to both save money and keep grass in the town's graveyards under control, and it's a decidedly traditional way of doing it: Let goats and sheep do the work."