Sunday, February 24, 2013
News Links, February 21-22, 2013
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Caterpillar Sales Latest Cratering Confirm Global Growth Slowdown
Caterpillar Sales Latest Cratering Confirm Global Growth Slowdown
Global Leading Indicator Shows Slowdown Dead-Ahead
Spain Just Issued a Warning: the System is Blowing Up Again
Spain Just Issued a Warning: the System is Blowing Up Again
France Sinks Further Into Gutter; PMI Accelerates to 4-Year Low; "Core" of Europe Now Consists of Germany Only
Canadian housing market still cooling as prices decline for fifth month straight
Canadian housing market still cooling as prices decline for fifth month straight
Lufthansa Cuts to Shrink First-Class Fleet Below British Airways
Surely Congress Would Know Better Than to Hurt Airlines. No?
Surely Congress Would Know Better Than to Hurt Airlines. No?
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Bulgaria govt resigns amid growing protests
China Shoehorns Its Way Into The U.S.-Australia Relationship
"History and money link the U.S. and Australia but that's not stopping China from shoehorning its way into the relationship at a business a level, as well as in laying the foundations for a push to replace the U.S. in a region it regards as its backyard and a critical supplier of raw materials."
"History and money link the U.S. and Australia but that's not stopping China from shoehorning its way into the relationship at a business a level, as well as in laying the foundations for a push to replace the U.S. in a region it regards as its backyard and a critical supplier of raw materials."
Iran nuke unlikely to start Mideast arms race: report
Analysis: Iran economy far from collapse as sanctions tighten
Analysis: Iran economy far from collapse as sanctions tighten
Major powers to make "substantial and serious offer" to Iran
"Major powers are ready to make "a substantial and serious offer" to Iran during talks next week in return for concessions on its nuclear program, a Western diplomat said on Wednesday."
"Major powers are ready to make "a substantial and serious offer" to Iran during talks next week in return for concessions on its nuclear program, a Western diplomat said on Wednesday."
Anti-piracy service offered by Eos Risk
"A British firm is launching a maritime security service for commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Guinea, a high-risk zone for piracy."
"A British firm is launching a maritime security service for commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Guinea, a high-risk zone for piracy."
Portugal seizes huge haul of fake euros
"Portuguese police say they have made the largest ever seizure of fake euro notes, worth more than 380,000 euros (£331,000)."
"Portuguese police say they have made the largest ever seizure of fake euro notes, worth more than 380,000 euros (£331,000)."
At Least 12 Killed in Hyderabad Blasts in India
"Security forces across India went on high alert Thursday after at least 12 people were killed and more than 70 injured in two explosions in Hyderabad city, in what state and federal officials suspect was a coordinated terror strike."
"Security forces across India went on high alert Thursday after at least 12 people were killed and more than 70 injured in two explosions in Hyderabad city, in what state and federal officials suspect was a coordinated terror strike."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thousands protest in Armenia after president re-elected
"About 5,000 flag-waving protesters rallied on Wednesday against Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan's re-election, saying his victory was tainted by fraud."
"About 5,000 flag-waving protesters rallied on Wednesday against Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan's re-election, saying his victory was tainted by fraud."
## Energy/resources ##
Pakistan State Oil 'on its knees', more blackouts threatened
"Pakistan State Oil may default on payments due this month unless state-run companies at least partially pay for their oil, a spokeswoman said on Thursday, putting energy supply at risk and threatening increased blackouts ahead of key elections."
"Pakistan State Oil may default on payments due this month unless state-run companies at least partially pay for their oil, a spokeswoman said on Thursday, putting energy supply at risk and threatening increased blackouts ahead of key elections."
Government announces 50% fuel price hikes for cement, brick factories (Egypt)
Seawater desalination plant might be just a drop in the bucket
"In Carlsbad, the nation's largest desalination facility will require lots of energy — and money. It is expected to provide no more than a tenth of San Diego County ratepayers' overall water supply."
Seawater desalination plant might be just a drop in the bucket
"In Carlsbad, the nation's largest desalination facility will require lots of energy — and money. It is expected to provide no more than a tenth of San Diego County ratepayers' overall water supply."
S.Korea to raise gas rates 4.4 pct from Friday
"South Korea will increase domestic rates of gas by 4.4 percent on average from Friday, to reflect higher costs of natural gas and recoup part of the hefty losses of state-run Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS), the economy ministry said on Wednesday."
"South Korea will increase domestic rates of gas by 4.4 percent on average from Friday, to reflect higher costs of natural gas and recoup part of the hefty losses of state-run Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS), the economy ministry said on Wednesday."
Troubled Baghdad scales back oil strategy
"The brewing oil war between Iraq's central government and a defiant Kurdistan are forcing Baghdad to downsize its ambitious plans to quadruple oil output."
"The brewing oil war between Iraq's central government and a defiant Kurdistan are forcing Baghdad to downsize its ambitious plans to quadruple oil output."
Why is the Washington Post Surprised at High Gas Prices?
"The Washington Post is surprised by the 'mysterious' high cost of gasoline in the US but does not mention in this article that the US government, at the insistence of the Israel lobbies, reduced Iran's petroleum exports by 40% in 2012 by strong-arming countries to leave it in the ground and not import it on threat of third-party US sanctions."
"The Washington Post is surprised by the 'mysterious' high cost of gasoline in the US but does not mention in this article that the US government, at the insistence of the Israel lobbies, reduced Iran's petroleum exports by 40% in 2012 by strong-arming countries to leave it in the ground and not import it on threat of third-party US sanctions."
Transocean sets deep-water record
"Rig owner Transocean said it set a record for the deepest water depth by an offshore rig off the eastern coast of India."
"Rig owner Transocean said it set a record for the deepest water depth by an offshore rig off the eastern coast of India."
Consortium aims to build megafloat / Oil and gas rig workers to live off Brazil coast (Japan)
"The government and a Japanese consortium, including shipbuilders and heavy machinery makers, plan to develop a giant floating structure off Brazil that can accommodate up to 200 offshore oil and gas rig workers."
"The government and a Japanese consortium, including shipbuilders and heavy machinery makers, plan to develop a giant floating structure off Brazil that can accommodate up to 200 offshore oil and gas rig workers."
The Big Shift
"A great energy transition is coming. Will it mean a better day for humanity, or turmoil? First in a series."
"A great energy transition is coming. Will it mean a better day for humanity, or turmoil? First in a series."
The Making of a Natural Gas Glut
"Wall Street drives the shale boom like it did the housing mortgage scandal: report."
"Wall Street drives the shale boom like it did the housing mortgage scandal: report."
Chinese Overseas Oil Production Booming
"If a country spends $92 billion in three years to get its hands on energy resources outside its borders, then what is a good return on that investment?"
"If a country spends $92 billion in three years to get its hands on energy resources outside its borders, then what is a good return on that investment?"
Solid Energy seeking financial support (New Zealand)
"Solid Energy is in talks with bankers after admitting its finances have continued to deteriorate."
"Solid Energy is in talks with bankers after admitting its finances have continued to deteriorate."
Colombia has enough oil for eight years
"Colombia only has enough oil to last another eight years and must urgently step up exploration efforts to locate more reserves, Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas said."
"Colombia only has enough oil to last another eight years and must urgently step up exploration efforts to locate more reserves, Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas said."
## Got food? ##
Bolivia president calls fast food 'a threat to humanity'
Bolivia president calls fast food 'a threat to humanity'
Food: Sustainability, Security, Self-reliance
One In Three Fish Sold At Restaurants And Grocery Stores Is Mislabeled
One In Three Fish Sold At Restaurants And Grocery Stores Is Mislabeled
##Infrastructure scavenging ##
"This week's storm, which dumped rain across parts of the central USA, is not enough to break the long-lingering drought."
Too cheap to meter: Who will Pay for Nuclear Power Plant Cleanup?
Unfortunately, expensive energy will ensure that much or even most nuclear waste is not properly disposed. The true cost of nuclear power will be staggering — far greater than anything imagined. -- RF
Overdose Deaths From Narcotics Keep Climbing (US)
Marcellus Shale Fracking Study To Research Natural Gas Drilling Health Effects
Marcellus Shale Fracking Study To Research Natural Gas Drilling Health Effects
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Report: Apple hack compromised 'hundreds' of other companies
Report: Apple hack compromised 'hundreds' of other companies
'HUBRIS: Selling the Iraq War' (documentary video)
The cyber war is real -- and our defenses are weak
"The U.S., Israel, China, and Iran are funding acts of hacker aggression, and the targets are as good as sitting ducks"
"The U.S., Israel, China, and Iran are funding acts of hacker aggression, and the targets are as good as sitting ducks"
## Systemic breakdown ##
Why Competition Between Global Players Is Heating Up
Our Investment Sinkhole Problem
## Japan ##
Japan to see 'unprecedented' easing this year: BOJ policymaker
Japan Jan. trade deficit jumps to $17.3B
Japan Jan. trade deficit jumps to $17.3B
Tight-fisted Japan firms deal blow to Abe's revival plan - Reuters survey
"Tight-fisted companies in Japan may prove the biggest obstacle in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plan to push the sluggish economy into higher gear as they intend to keep a firm lid on wage levels, a Reuters survey shows."
"Tight-fisted companies in Japan may prove the biggest obstacle in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plan to push the sluggish economy into higher gear as they intend to keep a firm lid on wage levels, a Reuters survey shows."
Govt to certify 'youth-supporting' small, midsize companies
"In an effort to address unemployment among young people, the labor ministry is poised to launch a certification system for 'youth-supporting companies' next fiscal year, which will introduce job seekers to reputable small and midsize firms."
Japan's mission impossible: to spend $100 billion in 15 months
"In an effort to address unemployment among young people, the labor ministry is poised to launch a certification system for 'youth-supporting companies' next fiscal year, which will introduce job seekers to reputable small and midsize firms."
Japan's mission impossible: to spend $100 billion in 15 months
Just what Japan needs: More needless make-work construction projects while existing infrastructure continues to decay and crumble. -- RF
Japan Atomic Power takes rare step to sell uranium for loan payment
"A Japanese nuclear power company has taken the rare step of selling some of its uranium for the use of nuclear reactor fuel, apparently to raise money to use to repay loans amid its faltering business conditions, sources close to the matter said Wednesday."
"A Japanese nuclear power company has taken the rare step of selling some of its uranium for the use of nuclear reactor fuel, apparently to raise money to use to repay loans amid its faltering business conditions, sources close to the matter said Wednesday."
Elderly shoplifters may need help not punishment, say prosecutors
"Alarmed by the number of elderly and mentally disabled people who repeatedly shoplift or walk out of restaurants without paying, regional prosecution offices are trying to help such offenders instead of sending them to court."
"Alarmed by the number of elderly and mentally disabled people who repeatedly shoplift or walk out of restaurants without paying, regional prosecution offices are trying to help such offenders instead of sending them to court."
## China ##
Xtep to close over 100 shops in China's sporting goods freefall
"Xtep International Holdings, one of China's leading fashion sportswear companies, announced the closure of nearly 100 shops last year, adding to a total of more than 3,000 store closures in the sporting goods industry in 2012, the Shanghai-based National Business Daily has reported, predicting that the trend will continue this year."
China January FDI down sharply
"Xtep International Holdings, one of China's leading fashion sportswear companies, announced the closure of nearly 100 shops last year, adding to a total of more than 3,000 store closures in the sporting goods industry in 2012, the Shanghai-based National Business Daily has reported, predicting that the trend will continue this year."
China January FDI down sharply
24 regions in China target GDP growth of over 10%
After China's multibillion-dollar cleanup, water still unfit to drink
After China's multibillion-dollar cleanup, water still unfit to drink
"For the world's manufacturers, post-holiday no-shows are an increasingly frustrating part of China's tightening labor market."
## UK ##
Farm virus 'can infect wild animals'
"A livestock virus sweeping through British sheep flocks and cattle herds has infected wild deer, say scientists."
Over two-thirds of Brits would work for nothing to land dream job
Three British Islamists convicted of plotting "another 9/11"
20 Signs That The U.S. Economy Is Heading For Big Trouble In The Months Ahead
Cash-Strapped Postal Service To Launch A New Clothing Line
Cash-Strapped Postal Service To Launch A New Clothing Line
Virginia pizza joint offers 15 percent discount if you pack a gun
Biden: 'Buy a shotgun' if you want safety
Biden: 'Buy a shotgun' if you want safety
Welcome to Wild West USA, where you need to pack heat to go grocery shopping. -- RF
ID theft on the rise again: 12.6 million victims in 2012, study shows
ID theft on the rise again: 12.6 million victims in 2012, study shows
"If this is a housing recovery, then it's a 'recovery' in name only."
Methinks Pickens is losing it. -- RF
And finally...
Police called on strainer-wearing man
"The man said the pasta strainer was a religious head covering as he practices Pastafarianism, the religion of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster."
