Friday, August 31, 2012
News Links, September 1, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Cooling Mine Boom Pressures Australia Budget
"It is getting harder for the government of Prime Minister Julia Gillard to meet a promise to return to a budget surplus this fiscal year, as iron-ore prices plunge and the country's biggest mining company cancels billions of dollars in new projects amid a slowdown in Australia's resources boom."
Cooling Mine Boom Pressures Australia Budget
"It is getting harder for the government of Prime Minister Julia Gillard to meet a promise to return to a budget surplus this fiscal year, as iron-ore prices plunge and the country's biggest mining company cancels billions of dollars in new projects amid a slowdown in Australia's resources boom."
Investment CEO sees gold standard return
"Peter Schiff, vocal critic of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, said he anticipates a currency crisis and a U.S. return to the gold standard within two years."
"Peter Schiff, vocal critic of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, said he anticipates a currency crisis and a U.S. return to the gold standard within two years."
"Booz Allen Hamilton, in a 2007 report, estimated that investment needed to 'modernize obsolescent systems and meet expanding demand' for infrastructure worldwide between 2005 and 2030 was around US$ 41 trillion."
China, Germany plan to settle more trade in yuan, euros
Asian free-trade bloc aims to be world's biggest
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Asian free-trade bloc aims to be world's biggest
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Growth Slows Again in July
"The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for July showing slower growth in both air travel and freight, but with considerable variation by region and market."
Lufthansa cancels 64 flights as strike begins
"The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for July showing slower growth in both air travel and freight, but with considerable variation by region and market."
Lufthansa cancels 64 flights as strike begins
American Airlines Further Explores Potential Merger
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Taiwan Signs Yuan Clearing Deal With China, Creates New Rate
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Taiwan Signs Yuan Clearing Deal With China, Creates New Rate
Israel under international pressure not to attack Iran alone
"Israel is facing growing international pressure not to attack Iran unilaterally, with the United States in particular making clear its firm opposition to any such strike."
"Israel is facing growing international pressure not to attack Iran unilaterally, with the United States in particular making clear its firm opposition to any such strike."
Dempsey: 'I Don't Want to Be Complicit' in Israeli Strike on Iran
"The United States will not be 'complicit' in an Israeli military strike on Iran, America's top military general warned on Thursday, adding that such an attack would not only fail to destroy Iran's nuclear program, but could prompt Iran to reconstitute its weapons programs."
"The United States will not be 'complicit' in an Israeli military strike on Iran, America's top military general warned on Thursday, adding that such an attack would not only fail to destroy Iran's nuclear program, but could prompt Iran to reconstitute its weapons programs."
Iran makes little headway on key nuclear equipment
"Iran may have doubled its uranium enrichment capacity in an underground facility but it seems to be struggling to develop more efficient nuclear equipment that would shorten the time it would need for any atom bomb bid, experts say."
"Iran may have doubled its uranium enrichment capacity in an underground facility but it seems to be struggling to develop more efficient nuclear equipment that would shorten the time it would need for any atom bomb bid, experts say."
No trial needed; you just have to be "suspected" in order to die. -- RF
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Occupy Wall Street plans to block NYSE
## Energy/resources ##
Norway's Oil Industry Faces Cost Jump as Finds Lure Explorers
Massive Oil Find in Mexico's Deep Waters
Massive Oil Find in Mexico's Deep Waters
Power outage disrupts trains (South Africa)
Japan too has great hopes for methane hydrates, but it's unlikely they are economically viable. -- RF
## Got food? ##
Western Alaska food crisis: Subsistence fish shortages leave families without enough to eat
Biofuel crops transform German farming
"The shepherds of Germany are worried. There are still about 2,000 of them tending sheep on grasslands, plying their ancient trade and defying time and the intrusions of modernity."
Biofuel crops transform German farming
"The shepherds of Germany are worried. There are still about 2,000 of them tending sheep on grasslands, plying their ancient trade and defying time and the intrusions of modernity."
Wheat scientists seek to slow crop fungus in Africa, Asia
Cuba growing less food than 5 years ago despite agriculture reforms
Cuba growing less food than 5 years ago despite agriculture reforms
New phlebovirus detected in Missouri (US)
"The first phlebovirus found to cause illness in humans in the Western Hemisphere was discovered due to two severely sick farmers, U.S. researchers say."
"The first phlebovirus found to cause illness in humans in the Western Hemisphere was discovered due to two severely sick farmers, U.S. researchers say."
Don't you dare contradict our BS with your BS. -- RF
Take it from me: Not having a cellphone is nice. -- RF
## Systemic breakdown ##
Serious shortage of skilled auto mechanics looms (US)
"Oil workers are enjoying strong growth in pay thanks in particular to a shortage of the most experienced engineers, a trend that shows no sign of easing."
Gov't plans for spending cuts if money supply runs out
"The Japanese government laid out plans on Friday to suspend some state spending as it could run out of cash by October, with a deficit financing bill blocked by opposition parties trying to force Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda into an early election."
"The Japanese government laid out plans on Friday to suspend some state spending as it could run out of cash by October, with a deficit financing bill blocked by opposition parties trying to force Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda into an early election."
Japan's industrial output resumes slide
"Japanese industrial production resumed its slide, falling 1.2 percent in July from June amid slumping global demand, the government said Friday. It's a disappointing sign for the world's third-biggest economy and suggests that any sort of recovery is sputtering."
"Japanese industrial production resumed its slide, falling 1.2 percent in July from June amid slumping global demand, the government said Friday. It's a disappointing sign for the world's third-biggest economy and suggests that any sort of recovery is sputtering."
Deflation Deepens as Japan Contraction Risk Intensifies: Economy
Weak Industrial Output Bodes Ill for Japan
Weak Industrial Output Bodes Ill for Japan
TEPCO rate hike for households goes into effect
"Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) on Saturday implemented a hike household electricity bills by 8.47%."
"Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) on Saturday implemented a hike household electricity bills by 8.47%."
## China ##
Dark clouds gather over China's once-booming solar industry
"China's push into solar energy was supposed to be a proud example of how the country was advancing into hi-tech manufacturing. But now the whole sector is on the brink of bankruptcy."
China steel overproduction and lower prices to persist - Fitch
"China's push into solar energy was supposed to be a proud example of how the country was advancing into hi-tech manufacturing. But now the whole sector is on the brink of bankruptcy."
China steel overproduction and lower prices to persist - Fitch
China to invest in EU bonds if risks controlled: Wen Jiabao
'China may sell cottton reserves next week to cool local prices'
'China may sell cottton reserves next week to cool local prices'
## UK ##
Squatting set to become a criminal offence
"Squatting in a residential building in England and Wales becomes a criminal offence on Saturday, meaning squatters would face jail or a fine."
## US ##
Our Low-Wage Recovery: How McJobs Have Replaced Middle Class Jobs
125 Harvard students investigated for cheating
125 Harvard students investigated for cheating
Higher CAFE Standards: "There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch"
TSA agents swarm Ron Paul's plane, demand explosives check
Monetary Policy Has Reached a Dead End: GrossTSA agents swarm Ron Paul's plane, demand explosives check
Thursday, August 30, 2012
News Links, August 31, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Rajoy Seeks Support for Spain Debt as Regions Line Up for Aid
"The Spanish region of Murcia became the third to say it will need emergency loans, and Valencia signaled it needs funds to cover current and past overspending, adding fiscal pressure on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy."
Spanish towns in hock as banks cope with $250B in bad loans
"The Spanish region of Murcia became the third to say it will need emergency loans, and Valencia signaled it needs funds to cover current and past overspending, adding fiscal pressure on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy."
Spanish towns in hock as banks cope with $250B in bad loans
The "Pauperization of Europe"
"It started on Monday. 'Poverty is returning to Europe,' said Jan Zijderveld, head of Unilever's European operations, in an interview. The British–Dutch consumer products company, third largest in the world, was adjusting its commercial strategy to this new reality, he said, by redeploying to Europe what worked in poor countries of the developing world. Now the stars of the industry are affirming it. 'The logic of pauperization,' L'Oréal CEO Jean-Paul Agon called it on Wednesday."
"It started on Monday. 'Poverty is returning to Europe,' said Jan Zijderveld, head of Unilever's European operations, in an interview. The British–Dutch consumer products company, third largest in the world, was adjusting its commercial strategy to this new reality, he said, by redeploying to Europe what worked in poor countries of the developing world. Now the stars of the industry are affirming it. 'The logic of pauperization,' L'Oréal CEO Jean-Paul Agon called it on Wednesday."
"With Greece's economy in freefall, nearly one in four out of work and the desperate jobless turning to the land to survive, the group's focus on growing their own produce and cutting down their reliance on money and a bankrupt state suddenly make practical sense to many Greeks - and some are now turning to the vegan commune for advice."
I have previously noted that Greece is a bellwether, and that we should be learning from the Greeks. We have learned philosophy from them, and now it is how to survive as industrial civilization crumbles. -- RF
France to Hire 150,000 Subsidized Workers With Zero Qualifications; Why Stop There?
The Gold Standard gets another look
The Gold Standard gets another look
Property prices fall by 13.6% (Ireland)
Moody's cuts growth view for emerging economies
"Moody's Investors Service on Thursday downwardly revised growth forecasts for Group of 20 emerging economies, citing a troubled external environment and weaker domestic demand."
"Moody's Investors Service on Thursday downwardly revised growth forecasts for Group of 20 emerging economies, citing a troubled external environment and weaker domestic demand."
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Asian airlines lose share as global traffic slows
United Airlines says equipment failure caused delays
United Airlines says equipment failure caused delays
A4A: US airlines revenue up 8%, reports USD1.1bn net loss in 1H2012
How Many Dreamliners Does Boeing Have To Deliver To Turn a Profit?
How Many Dreamliners Does Boeing Have To Deliver To Turn a Profit?
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
TDP intensifies protest against Andhra Pradesh power shortage
## Energy/resources ##
In Isaac's Wake, the Bayou Blackout: 900,000 Without Power as Storm Moves Inland
Restart date unclear for Venezuela refinery hit by blast
Restart date unclear for Venezuela refinery hit by blast
Gazprom Postpones Development of Shtokman Field
"Russian state-controlled gas company OAO Gazprom has indefinitely postponed development of its giant Shtokman gas field, the latest delay to its yearslong efforts to tap the Arctic field with France's Total SA and Norway's Statoil ASA."
"Russian state-controlled gas company OAO Gazprom has indefinitely postponed development of its giant Shtokman gas field, the latest delay to its yearslong efforts to tap the Arctic field with France's Total SA and Norway's Statoil ASA."
"The wells here, which use the hydraulic fracturing or 'hydrofracking' technology, cost about $8.5 million on average to drill and complete, with break-even pricing linked to market prices at $55 to $70 per barrel."
World food prices jumped 10 percent in July: World Bank
"World food prices jumped 10 percent in July as drought parched crop lands in the United States and Eastern Europe, the World Bank said in a statement urging governments to shore up programs that protect their most vulnerable populations."
North Korea may be facing new food crisis: aid worker
"World food prices jumped 10 percent in July as drought parched crop lands in the United States and Eastern Europe, the World Bank said in a statement urging governments to shore up programs that protect their most vulnerable populations."
North Korea may be facing new food crisis: aid worker
Drug resistant tuberculosis found across the world
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
U.S. is the Worst Police State in the World – By the Numbers
US-Mexico border: Efforts to build a virtual wall
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
U.S. is the Worst Police State in the World – By the Numbers
US-Mexico border: Efforts to build a virtual wall
## China ##
ICBC's Profit Growth Slows as Overdue Loans Rise for China Banks
Exclusive: China considers downgrading domestic security tsar in next line-up
Exclusive: China considers downgrading domestic security tsar in next line-up
Debt Cloud Hangs Over Chinese Solar Industry
Modern China: A tale of luxury villas and displaced villagers
China's Wen says global crisis worsening
Fukushima to expand forest areas for radiation decontamination
Modern China: A tale of luxury villas and displaced villagers
China's Wen says global crisis worsening
Fukushima to expand forest areas for radiation decontamination
## UK ##
Pet cats turn feral, grow to 4ft and stalk countyside, claims professor
The skies open up for large civilian drones
The skies open up for large civilian drones
Butterflies 'more endangered than tigers'
"Bumblebees, beetles and butterflies are at greater risk of extinction than lions and tigers, according to a global study by the Zoological Society of London."
## US ##
"Bumblebees, beetles and butterflies are at greater risk of extinction than lions and tigers, according to a global study by the Zoological Society of London."
## US ##
Consumer Comfort in U.S. Hovered Last Week Near Seven-Month Low
Ohio drivers zapped at the pump by Isaac
GM Temporarily Halts Volt Production over Low Sales
Governor Brown Admits the Obvious "We Have Lived Beyond Our Means"; Brown Agrees to Vast Overhaul of the California's Pension System; Unions Howl Over Obvious TruthOhio drivers zapped at the pump by Isaac
GM Temporarily Halts Volt Production over Low Sales
Student-Loan Debt Rises to $914 Billion in 2nd Quarter
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
News Links, August 30, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Australia: Running Out of Luck Down Under (PDF)
A New Run On The Banks? Spaniards Pulling Cash Out At Record Rates
A New Run On The Banks? Spaniards Pulling Cash Out At Record Rates
"Loss-making Lufthansa has said it will cut 3,500 jobs."
United Hit by Outage
"United Airlines was hit by widespread computer-network problems on Tuesday that caused hundreds of flight delays at airports around the world, the latest in a series of glitches to affect the world's largest carrier."
"United Airlines was hit by widespread computer-network problems on Tuesday that caused hundreds of flight delays at airports around the world, the latest in a series of glitches to affect the world's largest carrier."
Southwest jets make emergency landings
"Problems with smoke and cabin pressure forced two Southwest Airlines jets to make emergency landings at the airport in Oakland, Calif., the airline said."
"Problems with smoke and cabin pressure forced two Southwest Airlines jets to make emergency landings at the airport in Oakland, Calif., the airline said."
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Egypt broadens Sinai campaign against militants
"Egypt's military said on Wednesday it would broaden its offensive against militants in the Sinai Peninsula, a campaign that has raised concerns in Israel about the movement of heavy armour into the area near its border."
Egypt broadens Sinai campaign against militants
"Egypt's military said on Wednesday it would broaden its offensive against militants in the Sinai Peninsula, a campaign that has raised concerns in Israel about the movement of heavy armour into the area near its border."
U.S. increases drug monitoring in Guatemalan, Honduran waters: official
"The United States military is ramping up anti-drug trafficking efforts in Guatemalan and Honduran waters to keep up with shifting smuggling routes, a top U.S. military official told Reuters on Wednesday."
"The United States military is ramping up anti-drug trafficking efforts in Guatemalan and Honduran waters to keep up with shifting smuggling routes, a top U.S. military official told Reuters on Wednesday."
Why Everybody's Going To War in the Middle East (Daily Bell)
Drones take South China Sea plunge
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Montreal police arrest 11 after university clash
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Montreal police arrest 11 after university clash
Doug Casey Uncovers the Real Price of Peak Oil
Chinese Firm Files for Approval to Buy Canadian Oil & Gas Company
## Got food? ##
The farmers' hell after the heavens opened
"The agriculture industry has paid the price for one of the wettest summers on record. Now it's our turn"
Soybean Worries Spur Asian Buying
Chinese Firm Files for Approval to Buy Canadian Oil & Gas Company
## Got food? ##
The farmers' hell after the heavens opened
"The agriculture industry has paid the price for one of the wettest summers on record. Now it's our turn"
Soybean Worries Spur Asian Buying
## Environment/health ##
Officials: Hurricane Isaac's storm surge overtops levee, sends 12-foot flood into La. homes
Manhattan to be sprayed with pesticides to fight West Nile virus
Manhattan to be sprayed with pesticides to fight West Nile virus
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Cyber spying expands in Iran after operation is blown: researchers
## Japan ##
Cosmo Oil to close Sakaide refinery due to low demand
Japan's 2 Largest Aluminum Makers Agree To Merge In '13
Japan's 2 Largest Aluminum Makers Agree To Merge In '13
No end in sight for China's economic decline: analysts
Mauling in the Chinese steel market throws up gory prophecies
Mauling in the Chinese steel market throws up gory prophecies
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
News Links, August 29, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Spanish Recession Deepens as Austerity Undermines Outlook
Spanish Recession Deepens as Austerity Undermines Outlook
Anti-EU, Anti-Brussels Sentiment Rises in Netherlands; Don't Expect Much From a "Merkollande" Summit
The Global Demise of Pension Plans
The Global Demise of Pension Plans
I've said again and again that pension programs are doomed because they are part of the global Ponzi economy, and because they themselves are Ponzi schemes. Read it and weep. -- RF
Central Banks Digging a Deeper Hole
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Latvia looks to sell up to 50% of airBaltic
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Latvia looks to sell up to 50% of airBaltic
Lufthansa talks with cabin crew union collapse
Budget airlines charge huge mark-ups for food, survey finds
"Budget airlines are charging passengers mark-ups of up to 1,000 per cent for water and snacks mid-flight, research by TravelSupermarket.com has found."
Budget airlines charge huge mark-ups for food, survey finds
"Budget airlines are charging passengers mark-ups of up to 1,000 per cent for water and snacks mid-flight, research by TravelSupermarket.com has found."
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Reports: Egypt wouldn't fire on Iran ship
"Egypt's Navy refused a U.S. request to fire on an Iranian weapons ship heading for violence-torn Syria through the Suez Canal, al-Arabiya reported."
"Egypt's Navy refused a U.S. request to fire on an Iranian weapons ship heading for violence-torn Syria through the Suez Canal, al-Arabiya reported."
US urges African air forces to form NATO-style ties
"The United States urged African nations on Tuesday to pool their air force assets in a NATO-style effort to take on terrorists and international criminals rather than struggle to fund costly independent operations."
Iran said to supply Syria with elite force
"The United States urged African nations on Tuesday to pool their air force assets in a NATO-style effort to take on terrorists and international criminals rather than struggle to fund costly independent operations."
Iran said to supply Syria with elite force
Israel's First Drone Strike Inside Egyptian Territory Kills Sinai Bedouin
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Two Tibetan teenagers die in self-immolations
Only 8 percent of Lonmin workers report for shifts
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Two Tibetan teenagers die in self-immolations
Only 8 percent of Lonmin workers report for shifts
## Energy/resources ##
G-7 Countries Call for Increased Oil Output to Meet Demand
Russia power cut-off highlights risky dependency
"The surprise shutdown on August 20 of a major Russian power line, which sent spot electricity prices in some Baltic regions spiking, has highlighted the problems of those countries' dependence on their eastern neighbour for so much of their electricity supplies."
Russia power cut-off highlights risky dependency
"The surprise shutdown on August 20 of a major Russian power line, which sent spot electricity prices in some Baltic regions spiking, has highlighted the problems of those countries' dependence on their eastern neighbour for so much of their electricity supplies."
Statoil to sink cash into new technology
"Norwegian energy company Statoil said it was investing in long-term innovation strategies to meet production benchmarks for 2020."
"Norwegian energy company Statoil said it was investing in long-term innovation strategies to meet production benchmarks for 2020."
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Metal Thieves Snatching Whatcom's Power Lines (US)
Metal Thieves Snatching Whatcom's Power Lines (US)
Open season for metal manhole covers (Malaysia)
## Got food? ##
India Wheat futures rise as mills face shortage
"Despite record harvest of wheat from Punjab and Haryana this year,wheat mills and food producers like biscuit makers are facing severe shortage of wheat , according to mill owners."
## Got food? ##
India Wheat futures rise as mills face shortage
"Despite record harvest of wheat from Punjab and Haryana this year,wheat mills and food producers like biscuit makers are facing severe shortage of wheat , according to mill owners."
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
Cyber security incidents rarely reported: EU agency
"Most cyber security incidents are often not reported or detected even though they can affect millions of citizens and businesses, the EU's cyber security agency ENISA warned in a new report published today (27 August)."
Homeland Security campaign expands to sports
"The Department of Homeland Security is urging fans at professional sports events to help keep the country safe by reporting anything suspicious they see."
"The Department of Homeland Security is urging fans at professional sports events to help keep the country safe by reporting anything suspicious they see."
## Systemic breakdown ##
"'This is really the fundamental linchpin for everything in our society, our economy, our quality of life,' said Massoud Amin, a University of Minnesota professor and longtime electric industry analyst and consultant. 'By deferring infrastructure upgrades, we are basically increasing the risk for the whole system.'"
America's Crumbling Infrastructure (Infographic)## China ##
China's 'Non-Performing Loan' Nightmare
Guangzhou Auto, A China Partner Of Honda And Toyota, Says 1st-Half Profit Fell 15%
Guangzhou Auto, A China Partner Of Honda And Toyota, Says 1st-Half Profit Fell 15%
China's mega coal power bases exacerbate water crisis – in pictures
## UK ##
End of welfare culture as young must work unpaid before claiming benefits
"Young people will have to complete three months of work experience before they can claim unemployment benefits under Government plans to end the 'something for nothing' welfare culture."
## US ##
Unfinished town in Fla. left in limbo
## UK ##
End of welfare culture as young must work unpaid before claiming benefits
"Young people will have to complete three months of work experience before they can claim unemployment benefits under Government plans to end the 'something for nothing' welfare culture."
## US ##
Unfinished town in Fla. left in limbo
"Connerton is one of the places where the early 21st-century building boom went bust and America's suburban frontier stopped in its tracts."
And finally… Man leaves ID behind after robbing gas station
News Links, August 28, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Billabong to shutter shops as it posts a $275.6m loss (Australia)
Billabong to shutter shops as it posts a $275.6m loss (Australia)
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
North Korea on the Nile
"Reports that Egypt's oil suppliers are cutting shipments to the nearly-bankrupt nation coincide with a dramatic diplomatic shift towards Iran by President Mohammed Morsi. Morsi's attendance at the Non-Aligned Summit in Teheran today denotes the end of Iran's diplomatic isolation in the Sunni Arab world."
North Korea on the Nile
"Reports that Egypt's oil suppliers are cutting shipments to the nearly-bankrupt nation coincide with a dramatic diplomatic shift towards Iran by President Mohammed Morsi. Morsi's attendance at the Non-Aligned Summit in Teheran today denotes the end of Iran's diplomatic isolation in the Sunni Arab world."
"A man attacked the car carrying the Japanese ambassador in Beijing on Monday and ripped off the Japanese flag flying on the vehicle, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported, amid escalating tensions that led to the biggest anti-Japan protests in years."
Muppet urges Israelis to prepare for possible emergency
"The Israeli muppet on the cover of a new, emergency pamphlet being distributed nationwide puts a happy face on some grim warnings in a country preparing for possible war with Iran."
"The Israeli muppet on the cover of a new, emergency pamphlet being distributed nationwide puts a happy face on some grim warnings in a country preparing for possible war with Iran."
Chinese microblogging post says China listed Senkaku Islands as Japanese territory
"A post on the popular Chinese microblogging site Weibo has stated that China formerly listed the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands as Japanese territory, providing data to support the claim."
"A post on the popular Chinese microblogging site Weibo has stated that China formerly listed the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands as Japanese territory, providing data to support the claim."
Ishihara's Senkaku survey request gets thumbs-down (Japan)
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Occupy Hong Kong activists stay put, ignore eviction deadline
"Members of the Occupy Hong Kong movement refused to leave the open-air plaza beneath HSBC bank's Asian headquarters on Monday when a court deadline passed, and the bank said it would now get the court's permission to remove them."
Labour strife returns in S.Africa's platinum belt
"Members of the Occupy Hong Kong movement refused to leave the open-air plaza beneath HSBC bank's Asian headquarters on Monday when a court deadline passed, and the bank said it would now get the court's permission to remove them."
Labour strife returns in S.Africa's platinum belt
## Energy/resources ##
Mindanao power crisis (Philippines)
Brazil's gasoline imports to rise
"Brazil's gasoline imports will rise a minimum of 354 percent by 2020 due to falling sugar-cane ethanol production, the media reported, citing a government study."
"Brazil's gasoline imports will rise a minimum of 354 percent by 2020 due to falling sugar-cane ethanol production, the media reported, citing a government study."
Let's be clear about this. We will never run out of oil. But we will run out of affordable oil. It's all a matter of quality, not quantity. And by the way, those "new" technologies aren't new. -- RF
Risk of water wars rises with scarcity
"Almost half of humanity will face water scarcity by 2030 and strategists from Israel to Central Asia prepare for strife."
## Got food? ##
Gardeners using coffee granules to deter slugs breaking EU law – RHS
"Almost half of humanity will face water scarcity by 2030 and strategists from Israel to Central Asia prepare for strife."
## Got food? ##
Gardeners using coffee granules to deter slugs breaking EU law – RHS
But it's OK to dump poisonous chemicals on your food. Go figure. -- RF
## Environment/health ##
Good News From The Bad Drought: Gulf 'Dead Zone' Smallest In Years, Says Texas A&M Expert
Good News From The Bad Drought: Gulf 'Dead Zone' Smallest In Years, Says Texas A&M Expert
China wrestles with acid rain threat
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
World's largest oil producer falls victim to 30K workstation attack
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
World's largest oil producer falls victim to 30K workstation attack
Saudi Aramco oil giant recovers from virus attack
The Courts Will Soon Decide If Police Can Sample Your DNA Without A Warrant (US)
The Courts Will Soon Decide If Police Can Sample Your DNA Without A Warrant (US)
## Systemic breakdown ##
Luzinterruptus Creates Stunning Light Installations To Call Attention To Urban Decay
The army of glowing radioactivity suits is disturbingly eerie. -- RF
## Japan ##
Japan regulators seek more bailout powers: report
"Japanese regulators are seeking a mandate to bail out insolvant brokerages and insurance companies if needed, in addition to existing powers to save banks and bank holding companies, the Nikkei business daily reported Tuesday."
Japan Contraction Risk Rises on Faltering Global Demand: Economy
"Japanese regulators are seeking a mandate to bail out insolvant brokerages and insurance companies if needed, in addition to existing powers to save banks and bank holding companies, the Nikkei business daily reported Tuesday."
Japan Contraction Risk Rises on Faltering Global Demand: Economy
The idle industrial complexes should be the focus here. -- RF
Guangdong's Dongguang city facing severe financial difficulties
China industrial firms see profits dip as economy slows
China industrial firms see profits dip as economy slows
## UK ##
Private school fees 'soar at twice the rate of inflation'
"Thousands of middle-class families have been priced out of private education after school fees soared by more than twice the rate of inflation in a decade, according to research."
## US ##
Dipping into US Strategic Oil Reserves: A Speculator's Bonanza
"America has a 696-million barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve stored away in underground salt caverns in two US states, Texas and Louisiana, in the event of an energy supply emergency. It may sound like a lot, but when you consider that the US imports over 300 million barrels of oil and petroleum products monthly, the buried reserves are meager."
Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes
"America has a 696-million barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve stored away in underground salt caverns in two US states, Texas and Louisiana, in the event of an energy supply emergency. It may sound like a lot, but when you consider that the US imports over 300 million barrels of oil and petroleum products monthly, the buried reserves are meager."
Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes
"Credit rating agencies have been mis-reporting the true statistics on muni bond defaults, giving bond investors a false sense of security."
"Most of the money the Fed created has gone to banks and 'leaked' out to major funds at the expense of depositors. Thus, steal wealth from the serfs to keep the too-big-to-fail banks in business. How do you feel knowing you're paying the bonuses for the likes of Jamie Dimon, at JPMorgan and Lloyd Blankfein, head of Goldman Sachs?"
Food Stamp Usage up 64% in Last Four Years, Cost up 114% in Same Period; SNAP Charts, Facts and Figures
Back to School: Schools Pass the Hat...And Parents Feel the Crunch
Back to School: Schools Pass the Hat...And Parents Feel the Crunch
Sunday, August 26, 2012
News Links, August 27, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Dutch Premier Rutte Defends Austerity, Says No to More Greek Aid
Dutch Premier Rutte Defends Austerity, Says No to More Greek Aid
Hedge funds are betting on disaster
## Airline Death Spiral ##
World's legacy airlines come under pressure
Sharp fall in profits at Air NZ expected
## Airline Death Spiral ##
World's legacy airlines come under pressure
Sharp fall in profits at Air NZ expected
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Mexican gangs block roads, torch vehicles in western Mexico
"Armed gangs blocked highways throughout Guadalajara, Mexico's second biggest city, on Saturday and vehicles were set on fire amid a surge in drug-war violence."
The War in the Shadows (Chris Hedges)
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Petrol bombs thrown at Bahrain police station
## Energy/resources ##
South Korean refiners in 'emergency' mode after earnings tumble
"South Korean oil refiners are in 'emergency' mode and tightening their belts after their earnings tumbled in the quarter ended June 30, but with uncertainty in the global outlook lingering and their home market saturated, their hoped-for recovery in the current quarter is not guaranteed."
Iron ore price slide will continue - Experts
"South Korean oil refiners are in 'emergency' mode and tightening their belts after their earnings tumbled in the quarter ended June 30, but with uncertainty in the global outlook lingering and their home market saturated, their hoped-for recovery in the current quarter is not guaranteed."
Iron ore price slide will continue - Experts
Power breakdown at pumping stations causes water shortage
"The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has advised the citizens to conserve water and use it with caution after over 160 million gallons of water could not be supplied to the city due to a power breakdown at its Dhabeji, Gharo and Pipri pumping stations."
"The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has advised the citizens to conserve water and use it with caution after over 160 million gallons of water could not be supplied to the city due to a power breakdown at its Dhabeji, Gharo and Pipri pumping stations."
## Got food? ##
U.S. Crop Tour Draws Global Crowd
"The dozens of investors and analysts who descend on the U.S. heartland for a closely watched crop tour each year are fed down-home meat and potatoes at small-town cafes and hotel buffets. But the tour is gaining more of an international flavor."
## Intelligence/security/internet ##
LEAKED! TPP: the Son of ACTA will oblige America and other countries to throw out privacy, free speech and due process for easier copyright enforcement
## Japan ##
U.S.-Japan Security Alliance Is Obsolete Leaving Japan Caught between China and the U.S. in a New Asian Order
LEAKED! TPP: the Son of ACTA will oblige America and other countries to throw out privacy, free speech and due process for easier copyright enforcement
## Japan ##
U.S.-Japan Security Alliance Is Obsolete Leaving Japan Caught between China and the U.S. in a New Asian Order
Bill to sell debt approved by Lower House committee
"A Lower House panel approved a bill Friday that will allow the issuance of deficit-covering bonds this current fiscal year, taking a step toward averting a situation in which the government runs out of operating money."
## China ##
"A Lower House panel approved a bill Friday that will allow the issuance of deficit-covering bonds this current fiscal year, taking a step toward averting a situation in which the government runs out of operating money."
## China ##
## UK ##
Soaring costs 'will leave families £200 worse off'
"Families will see modest pay rises wiped out by sharp increases in energy bills, mortgages and petrol costs, one of the country's biggest investment banks has warned."
Britain's lakes and canals hit by toxic algae
"Families will see modest pay rises wiped out by sharp increases in energy bills, mortgages and petrol costs, one of the country's biggest investment banks has warned."
Britain's lakes and canals hit by toxic algae
You Are Drinking What?
"With water in short supply across the country, it's time to take a serious look at recycling sewage"
"With water in short supply across the country, it's time to take a serious look at recycling sewage"
GM Seeks Bigger Credit Line To Shrink Pension Obligations; Déjà Vu Pension Woes
Scholarships are in decline as tuition soars
Scholarships are in decline as tuition soars
The Rot Runs Deep 1: The Federal Reserve Is a Parasitic Wealth Transfer Machine (first in a series)
I have long held that a neofeudalistic system is developing in the US, and this article describes in part how it is proceeding. -- RF
Saturday, August 25, 2012
News Links, August 26, 2012
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Standard & Poor's downgrades outlook for HSBC
Standard & Poor's downgrades outlook for HSBC
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
China conducts third long-range missile test in a month
Pakistan's black marketers cheer reopening of NATO supply lines
US might add missile defense radar on southern Japan island
US might add missile defense radar on southern Japan island
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Anti-Japan protesters march in Chinese city
## Energy/resources ##
World oil supply tightens in last 2 months: EIA
PetroChina Seeks Acquisitions in Central Asia, E. Africa, Australia, Canada
PetroChina Seeks Acquisitions in Central Asia, E. Africa, Australia, Canada
Venezuela is importing oil despite having world's largest reserve
"Venezuela, a country that boasts of having the largest oil reserves in the world, is facing an acute scarcity of gasoline due to deterioration of its refinery system, and the huge volume of fuel being smuggled out of the country."
GCL-Poly Posts First Loss Since 2009 as Wafer Sales Decline
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Brazen thieves cutting wires from live circuits
## Got food? ##
"Venezuela, a country that boasts of having the largest oil reserves in the world, is facing an acute scarcity of gasoline due to deterioration of its refinery system, and the huge volume of fuel being smuggled out of the country."
GCL-Poly Posts First Loss Since 2009 as Wafer Sales Decline
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Brazen thieves cutting wires from live circuits
## Got food? ##
Breakfast in America: The Real Cost of Corn
## Environment/health ##
DIY: Drive the pests away with homemade bug spray
## Environment/health ##
DIY: Drive the pests away with homemade bug spray
West Nile hits home: Cities boost spraying efforts
Burma floods leave 85,000 homeless in Irrawaddy Delta
Burma floods leave 85,000 homeless in Irrawaddy Delta
Internet black hats cast shadow in China
"China's illicit internet economy is growing at such a rate it will inevitably have a hugely adverse impact on the country's entire economy."
"China's illicit internet economy is growing at such a rate it will inevitably have a hugely adverse impact on the country's entire economy."
Economic downgrade expected
"The government will probably downgrade the economy for the first time in 10 months in its August report as exports and production fell amid the decelerating global economy, sources said Saturday."
Looking at Japan's Government Bonds, We See the Land of the Setting Sun
METI to demand budget money for hydrogen supply system for fuel-cell vehicles
"The government will probably downgrade the economy for the first time in 10 months in its August report as exports and production fell amid the decelerating global economy, sources said Saturday."
Looking at Japan's Government Bonds, We See the Land of the Setting Sun
METI to demand budget money for hydrogen supply system for fuel-cell vehicles
Waste of money. -- RF
Ministry to amend law to bury nuclear waste without reprocessing
"The industry ministry plans to amend legislation to allow for 'direct disposal' of spent nuclear fuel, a move away from the nation's problem-plagued goal of creating a full nuclear fuel cycle, sources said."
"The industry ministry plans to amend legislation to allow for 'direct disposal' of spent nuclear fuel, a move away from the nation's problem-plagued goal of creating a full nuclear fuel cycle, sources said."
China enters unfamiliar economic territory with rising inventory
Exposing China's vast underground economy
Exposing China's vast underground economy
Third power cut in 10 days hits homes and businesses
## US ##
GM Wants to Up Credit Line
"General Motors Co. is in preliminary talks with banks to potentially double its $5 billion line of credit as the auto maker looks to strengthen its balance sheet and shrink pension obligations, according to people with knowledge of the discussions."
Businesses Rein In Big-Ticket Spending
## US ##
GM Wants to Up Credit Line
"General Motors Co. is in preliminary talks with banks to potentially double its $5 billion line of credit as the auto maker looks to strengthen its balance sheet and shrink pension obligations, according to people with knowledge of the discussions."
Businesses Rein In Big-Ticket Spending
