Thursday, March 26, 2015
News Links, March 27, 2015
Due to moving, I'll be offline for a few days. Look for the next update about the middle of next week. -- RF
US Economy Heads Toward Zero Growth in Q1: Wall Street's promise of Escape Velocity is a joke.
Low interest rates causing 'huge problems' in Germany: Schaeuble
South Korea intends to join China's AIIB
Global Industrial Deflation Alert——Here Comes The Flood Of 'Cheap' Imports
Russia unveils plans for Europe-U.S. superhighway
Even if started, the project would never come anywhere near completion. Like Japan's maglev project, it would just be an environmentally destructive waste of money and resources. -- RF
Bear markets happen more than people think: Since 1940 we have encountered 12 bear markets.
## Airline Death Spiral ##
El Al swings to loss in 2014
## Airline Death Spiral ##
El Al swings to loss in 2014
Air travel in the U.S. is, if you haven't noticed, kind of miserable. Lines are long, airlines are reducing the size of seats, flights are fuller than ever, many airports are rundown and "ancillary fees" are becoming the norm.
Airline fees take off
Sky's the limit as carriers pile on charges for early boarding, seating choices and more
Sky's the limit as carriers pile on charges for early boarding, seating choices and more
If recycled cooking oil is the key, then the airlines are in even more trouble than I thought. People never consider factors such as the sheer scale of industrial society, and where cooking oil comes from. -- RF
Airlines Keep Fuel Savings For Themselves
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Can't Make This Up – U.S. Providing Aid in Fight Against ISIS in Iraq Alongside Iranian Troops
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Can't Make This Up – U.S. Providing Aid in Fight Against ISIS in Iraq Alongside Iranian Troops
'War on Terror' Body Count (Physicians for Social Responsibility; PDF)
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Montreal midday austerity protest leads to more than 30 arrests
South Africa's Eskom halts work at strike-hit power station
Montreal midday austerity protest leads to more than 30 arrests
South Africa's Eskom halts work at strike-hit power station
A report published Thursday by the energy consultant group finds the oil and gas industry as a whole is on pace to cut budgets for exploration by an average 30 percent.
The Most Challenging Oil And Gas Projects In The World
The fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster is approaching, but in the intervening years since the well blowout deep offshore, oil and gas drillers have pushed even deeper and even farther afield.
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Fort Worth church hit again and again by metal thieves
The fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster is approaching, but in the intervening years since the well blowout deep offshore, oil and gas drillers have pushed even deeper and even farther afield.
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Fort Worth church hit again and again by metal thieves
Metal Thieves Target Railroad Spikes
## Got food? ##
Kraft-Heinz merger to create mammoth food company
## Got food? ##
Kraft-Heinz merger to create mammoth food company
The Price Of Ground Beef Has DOUBLED Since The Last Financial Crisis
Climate Change And Food Security: Global Banana Market Is Feeling The Strain Of Hotter Weather, Longer Droughts
Climate Change And Food Security: Global Banana Market Is Feeling The Strain Of Hotter Weather, Longer Droughts
Termite species mix in Florida, reproducing at breakneck rate
Two of the most destructive termites species in the world are mating in South Florida, producing hybrid colonies that are growing at twice the normal rate of other termites, scientists reported on Wednesday.
Two of the most destructive termites species in the world are mating in South Florida, producing hybrid colonies that are growing at twice the normal rate of other termites, scientists reported on Wednesday.
A mile deep, ocean fish facing health impacts from human pollution
Deep-water marine fish living on the continental slopes at depths from 2,000 feet to one mile have liver pathologies, tumors and other health problems that may be linked to human-caused pollution, one of the first studies of its type has found.
Deep-water marine fish living on the continental slopes at depths from 2,000 feet to one mile have liver pathologies, tumors and other health problems that may be linked to human-caused pollution, one of the first studies of its type has found.
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
They Are Slowly Making Cash Illegal
They Are Slowly Making Cash Illegal
This is serious, but as I've observed previously, a cashless system requires reliable power and internet. As the reliability of power grids and the internet decline, efforts to enforce cashless transactions will falter. -- RF
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Ford recalls over 220,000 vehicles in North America for three issues
Ford recalls over 220,000 vehicles in North America for three issues
## Japan ##
How Japan Rigs Its Stock Market: BOJ Plus State Pension Fund Now Owns 37 Trillion Yen Of Equities
How Japan Rigs Its Stock Market: BOJ Plus State Pension Fund Now Owns 37 Trillion Yen Of Equities
Record 28,923 children suspected of being abused in 2014
More maintenance flaws found at Monju reactor
More maintenance flaws found at Monju reactor
China's coal use falling faster than expected
Specter of deflation hits Chinese luxury
## UK ##
Young adults are the 'indoor generation' who walk half as much as pensioners
## US ##
Meet the "Surveillance State Repeal Act" – A Bipartisan Bill to Fully Repeal the Patriot Act
Specter of deflation hits Chinese luxury
## UK ##
Young adults are the 'indoor generation' who walk half as much as pensioners
## US ##
Meet the "Surveillance State Repeal Act" – A Bipartisan Bill to Fully Repeal the Patriot Act
Don't hold your breath. -- RF
Number 2 takes the cake. -- RF
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
News Links, March 25, 2015
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Global Cooling Alert: January World Trade Volume Goes Negative—–Biggest Drop in 4 years
ADB, IMF, World Bank To Cooperate With China-Led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Leaders Say
ADB, IMF, World Bank To Cooperate With China-Led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Leaders Say
The U.S. Is Lagging Behind Other Countries When It Comes To Embracing China's Currency
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Why Are Asia's Planes Crashing All Over the Place?
Everyone who has died flying commercial in the past year was flying aboard airlines from the East. Safety may not be able to keep up with demand.
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Spain austerity protest: 'Things got worse than last year'
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Why Are Asia's Planes Crashing All Over the Place?
Everyone who has died flying commercial in the past year was flying aboard airlines from the East. Safety may not be able to keep up with demand.
The fate of America's sky police
American aviation's last line of defense is quickly evaporating. Disgruntled federal air marshals, according to National Review, are leaving the service at an alarming clip--in 2014, an average of 10 agents were reported to have left the service's Washington D.C. office every month.
American aviation's last line of defense is quickly evaporating. Disgruntled federal air marshals, according to National Review, are leaving the service at an alarming clip--in 2014, an average of 10 agents were reported to have left the service's Washington D.C. office every month.
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Crimeans Keep Saying No to Ukraine
In a rare moment of honesty, a Western news outlet, Forbes, admits that the people of Crimea expressed their legitimate will in last year's referendum when they voted to abandon Ukraine and rejoin Russia, an inconvenient truth for the U.S. State Department and press corps.
U.S. pulls out of Yemen as country sinks into anarchy
In a rare moment of honesty, a Western news outlet, Forbes, admits that the people of Crimea expressed their legitimate will in last year's referendum when they voted to abandon Ukraine and rejoin Russia, an inconvenient truth for the U.S. State Department and press corps.
U.S. pulls out of Yemen as country sinks into anarchy
Ukraine's Oligarchs Turn on Each Other
Ukraine's post-coup regime is facing what looks like a falling-out among thieves as oligarch-warlord Igor Kolomoisky, who was given his own province to rule, brought his armed men to Kiev to fight for control of the state-owned energy company, further complicating the State Department's propaganda efforts.
Ukraine's post-coup regime is facing what looks like a falling-out among thieves as oligarch-warlord Igor Kolomoisky, who was given his own province to rule, brought his armed men to Kiev to fight for control of the state-owned energy company, further complicating the State Department's propaganda efforts.
What Netanyahu Has Wrought
After Prime Minister Netanyahu's scorched-earth political victory which featured anti-Arab race-baiting – and with his free-market economics driving more Israelis into poverty – Israel faces a difficult path into the future.
After Prime Minister Netanyahu's scorched-earth political victory which featured anti-Arab race-baiting – and with his free-market economics driving more Israelis into poverty – Israel faces a difficult path into the future.
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Spain austerity protest: 'Things got worse than last year'
Fracking bust: Wall Street Banks Hit by Oil & Gas Defaults, Bankruptcies
Fracking bust: Natural Gas Prices To Crash Unless Rig Count Falls Fast
A Look At The Future Of Nuclear Power
## Got food? ##
Amy's Kitchen Recalls More Than 70,000 Cases Of Food Due To Fear Of Listeria Contamination
## Got food? ##
Amy's Kitchen Recalls More Than 70,000 Cases Of Food Due To Fear Of Listeria Contamination
AP investigation: Are slaves catching the fish you buy?
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
Wood is Good For Your Body and Brain
## Environment/health ##
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
Wood is Good For Your Body and Brain
## Environment/health ##
Study: Gulf Stream slower than ever before
The Gulf Stream is the weakest it's been in the last 1,000 years. And as glacier melt in the Arctic continues to accelerate, the foot of the Atlantic's most powerful ocean current keeps pressing harder and harder on the brake pedal.
Many in U.S. Face Another Dry Year as World Water Day Arrives
The Gulf Stream is the weakest it's been in the last 1,000 years. And as glacier melt in the Arctic continues to accelerate, the foot of the Atlantic's most powerful ocean current keeps pressing harder and harder on the brake pedal.
Many in U.S. Face Another Dry Year as World Water Day Arrives
Chile says drought here to stay, lays out plan to ensure water
With no end in sight to a drought that has blighted Chile for the last several years, the government will invest in desalinization plants and reservoirs to ensure access to potable water, President Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday.
With no end in sight to a drought that has blighted Chile for the last several years, the government will invest in desalinization plants and reservoirs to ensure access to potable water, President Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday.
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Fighting the "War on Terror " by Banning Cash
Mystery Man Behind Clinton Email Server Uncovered?
Mystery Man Behind Clinton Email Server Uncovered?
Amtrak/DHS is spying on passengers and letting police access records without warrants
## Propaganda ##
The Tried-and-True Blueprint for Raising Taxes
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
L.A.'s aging water pipes; a $1-billion dilemma
## Propaganda ##
The Tried-and-True Blueprint for Raising Taxes
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
L.A.'s aging water pipes; a $1-billion dilemma
Cheap oil, complexity and counterintuitive conclusions
Financial Feudalism
Orwell and Kafka Do America: How the Government Steals Your Money--"Legally," Of Course
Financial Feudalism
Orwell and Kafka Do America: How the Government Steals Your Money--"Legally," Of Course
Construction workforce expected to plummet by 1.28 million by 2025
## China ##
Subi Reef is now twice the size of Taiping Island
## China ##
Subi Reef is now twice the size of Taiping Island
China Lands Hard: Rail Volume Plunges, PMI Tumbles Into Contraction, Employment Worst Since Lehman
Beijing to Shut All Major Coal Power Plants to Cut Pollution
Beijing to Shut All Major Coal Power Plants to Cut Pollution
Well now, this is serious. "Frugal Olympics" seems like a contradiction in terms. Hosting the Olympics is supposed to be a colossal blowout, with vast rivers of money flowing in all directions. Truly, it is the Age of Austerity. -- RF
UK inflation expected to hit new low
Britain to bolster Falklands defences, reports say, due to 'increased threat'
Britain to bolster Falklands defences, reports say, due to 'increased threat'
Once a minority, six-year or longer auto loans now make up one third of all new loans.
Freddie Mac offering a 3 percent down loan called Home Possible Advantage targeted to cash strapped buyers. FHA loans and interest only loans also permeate market.
Bracing for a big power grid attack: 'One is too many'
About once every four days, part of the nation's power grid — a system whose failure could leave millions in the dark — is struck by a cyber or physical attack, a USA TODAY analysis of federal energy records finds.
About once every four days, part of the nation's power grid — a system whose failure could leave millions in the dark — is struck by a cyber or physical attack, a USA TODAY analysis of federal energy records finds.
And finally...
Saturday, March 21, 2015
News Links, March 22, 2015
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
The Latest Flashing Red Light: Global Earnings Plunge Most Since Lehman
Vladimir Putin Proposes "Eurasian" Currency Union
UnionPay makes mark in Turkey
Southeast Asia makes vital push in banking integration
Vladimir Putin Proposes "Eurasian" Currency Union
UnionPay makes mark in Turkey
Southeast Asia makes vital push in banking integration
Evolution of Taxes: Italy Taxes "Shadows", Tax on Breathing Next?
New World Order - Is Asia's New Bank a Threat to Western Power and the U.S. Dollar?
This is much more important than political commentators generally realize. We must appreciate that anything China does is planned well in advance.
Cash Dinosaur: France Limits Cash Transactions to €1,000, Puts Restrictions on Gold; Bitcoin End Coming?
This is what a tech bubble looks like
New World Order - Is Asia's New Bank a Threat to Western Power and the U.S. Dollar?
This is much more important than political commentators generally realize. We must appreciate that anything China does is planned well in advance.
Cash Dinosaur: France Limits Cash Transactions to €1,000, Puts Restrictions on Gold; Bitcoin End Coming?
This is what a tech bubble looks like
Ghana seeks bridge financing of up to $1 bln in H1 2015
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Airbus raises A380 seat count to 544 passengers
The increase from the previous layout of 525 seats relies on a denser cabin configuration using 11 seats in each Economy row instead of the current 10.
Termination letters for 6,000 Malaysia Airlines staff on June 1
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Airbus raises A380 seat count to 544 passengers
The increase from the previous layout of 525 seats relies on a denser cabin configuration using 11 seats in each Economy row instead of the current 10.
Termination letters for 6,000 Malaysia Airlines staff on June 1
Ryanair rethink transatlantic flight plan
Top economist Tony Mackay calling for Dundee Airport's closure
Top economist Tony Mackay calling for Dundee Airport's closure
Frontier Airlines raising baggage fees
Now airports want to hike fees
Lufthansa pilot strike grounds most long-haul flights
Runway Inflation: Airport Expansion Takes Heat in Hong Kong
Now airports want to hike fees
Lufthansa pilot strike grounds most long-haul flights
Runway Inflation: Airport Expansion Takes Heat in Hong Kong
It'll never be anything more than a tiny niche, and it certainly won't save the airlines. -- RF
U.K. regulator takes consumer action against Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, Jet2
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
This Is Outrageous—–Washington To Guarantee More Ukrainian Debt So Kiev Can Fund Its Bloody Civil War
Israel's shield no more?
In the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decisive reelection, the Obama administration is revisiting longtime assumptions about America's role as a shield for Israel against international pressure.
US removes Iran and Hezbollah from list of terror threats
Israel's shield no more?
In the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decisive reelection, the Obama administration is revisiting longtime assumptions about America's role as a shield for Israel against international pressure.
US removes Iran and Hezbollah from list of terror threats
Danish Warships Could Be Targeted By Russian Nuclear Missiles If Denmark Joins NATO Shield, Diplomat Says
NATO Launches "Wide-Scale" War Games Near Russian Border, Creates "Line Of Troops"
Islamic State claims responsibility for Tunisia attack
Iran wants limits on nuclear work eased before any deal expires - officials
MH17 Was Shot Down By A Russian Missile, Conclude Experts For Dutch Investigation
Sweden To Boost Submarine Fleet
NATO Launches "Wide-Scale" War Games Near Russian Border, Creates "Line Of Troops"
Islamic State claims responsibility for Tunisia attack
Iran wants limits on nuclear work eased before any deal expires - officials
MH17 Was Shot Down By A Russian Missile, Conclude Experts For Dutch Investigation
Sweden To Boost Submarine Fleet
Italy Beefs Up Air, Naval Presence in Med
Shiite rebels call for Yemen offensive; US troops evacuate
France Displaces Britain as Key US Military Ally
Russia holds military exercise on disputed isles off Hokkaido: Interfax
Shiite rebels call for Yemen offensive; US troops evacuate
France Displaces Britain as Key US Military Ally
Russia holds military exercise on disputed isles off Hokkaido: Interfax
Vladimir Putin Not Responsible for Ukrainian Civil War, Expert Says
Moar War! Big Bank's Analyst Worries That Iran Deal Could Depress Weapons Sales
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Caught on Hot Mic – Janet Napolitano Says "We Don't Have to Listen to This Crap" Referring to Student Protest
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
More farms fall victim to solar panel thieves
## Got food? ##
China fishing plan in Antarctica alarms scientists
## Environment/health ##
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Doing God's Work – San Francisco Church Sprays Homeless People with Water to Keep Them Away
## US ##
Moar War! Big Bank's Analyst Worries That Iran Deal Could Depress Weapons Sales
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Caught on Hot Mic – Janet Napolitano Says "We Don't Have to Listen to This Crap" Referring to Student Protest
Protest all you want, but austerity is the wave of the future. -- RF
After $31 Billion Fee Bonanza——Wall Street Gets Indigestion On Busted Energy Loans
Citigroup Inc.,Goldman Sachs Group Inc.,UBS AG and other large banks face tens of millions of dollars in losses on loans they made to energy companies last year, a sign of investor jitters in a sector battered by the oil slump.
Citigroup Inc.,Goldman Sachs Group Inc.,UBS AG and other large banks face tens of millions of dollars in losses on loans they made to energy companies last year, a sign of investor jitters in a sector battered by the oil slump.
Banks stockpile fuel to weather power outages
BANKS in South Africa are stockpiling fuel to run generators so that they can keep operating should power cuts worsen.
BANKS in South Africa are stockpiling fuel to run generators so that they can keep operating should power cuts worsen.
European Coal Falls to Lowest Since 2007 as Demand Outlook Dims
The Perfect Storm For Oil Hits In Two Months: US Crude Production To Soar Just As Storage Runs Out
The Perfect Storm For Oil Hits In Two Months: US Crude Production To Soar Just As Storage Runs Out
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
More farms fall victim to solar panel thieves
## Got food? ##
China fishing plan in Antarctica alarms scientists
In Japan as well, visiting producer sites reveals huge piles of fruit and vegetables which have been discarded because they fail to meet certain arbitrary standards. Products made in factories must all be flawless and identical. In an absurd and ludicrous twist of thinking, this industrial mindset was applied to agricultural produce, resulting in shocking waste. -- RF
## Environment/health ##
How Violence in Ukraine Could Lead to Nuclear Disaster
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – French Government Begins Blocking Websites it Doesn't Like
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – French Government Begins Blocking Websites it Doesn't Like
Hacking BIOS Chips Isn't Just the NSA's Domain Anymore
## Propaganda ##
A Family Business of Perpetual War
Victoria Nuland and Robert Kagan have a great mom-and-pop business going. From the State Department, she generates wars and – from op-ed pages – he demands Congress buy more weapons. There's a pay-off, too, as grateful military contractors kick in money to think tanks where other Kagans work.
## Propaganda ##
A Family Business of Perpetual War
Victoria Nuland and Robert Kagan have a great mom-and-pop business going. From the State Department, she generates wars and – from op-ed pages – he demands Congress buy more weapons. There's a pay-off, too, as grateful military contractors kick in money to think tanks where other Kagans work.
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Doing God's Work – San Francisco Church Sprays Homeless People with Water to Keep Them Away
Civilian R&D agency to get military role to spur arms innovation
Japan plans to get its biggest state-funded research and development agency involved in military research for the first time in a bid to lure more Japanese companies into the development of cutting-edge weapons technology, two sources said.
Japan plans to get its biggest state-funded research and development agency involved in military research for the first time in a bid to lure more Japanese companies into the development of cutting-edge weapons technology, two sources said.
Power sales down for 10 months in row
Electricity sales by 10 major power suppliers in February dropped 3 percent from a year earlier to 74.19 billion kilowatt-hours, down for the 10th consecutive month, an industry group said Friday.
Electricity sales by 10 major power suppliers in February dropped 3 percent from a year earlier to 74.19 billion kilowatt-hours, down for the 10th consecutive month, an industry group said Friday.
China state council likely to give nod for nuclear merger soon
Chinese Feb coal output down by 7.7 pct on supply clampdown
Chinese Feb coal output down by 7.7 pct on supply clampdown
## US ##
A Swamp Of Waste Called The Pentagon: $8.5 Trillion Unaudited And Growing
Obama Administration Sets New Record for Censoring and Denying Access to Government Documents
Obama Administration Sets New Record for Censoring and Denying Access to Government Documents
Obama tightens his control over White House computers
President Obama signed a directive Thursday in an effort to "maintain the president's exclusive control of the information resources" provided to the White House.
President Obama signed a directive Thursday in an effort to "maintain the president's exclusive control of the information resources" provided to the White House.
Police departments hiring immigrants as officers
Law enforcement agencies struggling to fill their ranks or connect with their increasingly diverse populations are turning to immigrants to fill the gap.
Law enforcement agencies struggling to fill their ranks or connect with their increasingly diverse populations are turning to immigrants to fill the gap.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
News Links, March 19, 2015
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Cut, baby, cut! -- RF
Moscow Launches Ruble-Renminbi Futures To "Facilitate Trade Between China And Russia"
Italy, Spain to follow if Greece exits eurozone, says Greek defense minister
European Car Sales Are Rising, But Relying On Discounts And Sales To Car Rental Agencies
Eh is not OK: Canada's Jobs Begin to Unravel
Externalities galore! What's The True Cost of Gasoline?
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Russian Submarine Spotted Near Latvia; Baltic State To Increase Border Security
## Energy/resources ##
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
The Undebtors: Sworn Enemies of the Vampires of Debt
People talk about starving the machine. You want to truly starve the machine? Get out of debt and stay out of debt, regardless of the sacrifices needed to do so.
## Environment/health ##
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
It's Official: Americans R Stupid
People are doing more cocaine because they've lost the ability to talk to each other, claims dealer
Moscow Launches Ruble-Renminbi Futures To "Facilitate Trade Between China And Russia"
Italy, Spain to follow if Greece exits eurozone, says Greek defense minister
European Car Sales Are Rising, But Relying On Discounts And Sales To Car Rental Agencies
Eh is not OK: Canada's Jobs Begin to Unravel
Externalities galore! What's The True Cost of Gasoline?
Container Shipping Today: Mega-Ships and Mega-Problems
If we're to believe the big container lines, ever-larger ships are the remedy for their financial woes. Why, then, are so many of them still losing money?
If we're to believe the big container lines, ever-larger ships are the remedy for their financial woes. Why, then, are so many of them still losing money?
U.S. urges allies to think twice before joining China-led bank
The United States urged countries on Tuesday to think twice about signing up to a new China-led Asian development bank that Washington sees as a rival to the World Bank after Germany, France and Italy followed Britain in saying they would join.
The United States urged countries on Tuesday to think twice about signing up to a new China-led Asian development bank that Washington sees as a rival to the World Bank after Germany, France and Italy followed Britain in saying they would join.
Will the US come in under the Big Tent? -- RF
Greece pushes utilities to lend government cash -Kathimerini
Greece's cash-strapped leftist government is pushing major state utility firms to lend the government cash through short-term repo transactions as it scrambles to avoid running out of cash, the Kathimerini newspaper reported on Thursday.
Greece's cash-strapped leftist government is pushing major state utility firms to lend the government cash through short-term repo transactions as it scrambles to avoid running out of cash, the Kathimerini newspaper reported on Thursday.
Dollar Demand = Global Economy Has Skidded Over the Cliff
## Airline Death Spiral ##
U.S. and Gulf airlines clash at aviation summit
## Airline Death Spiral ##
U.S. and Gulf airlines clash at aviation summit
The Sneaky New Way Airlines Are Raising Fares
Construction to cost $18.2 billion: Hong Kong to increase airport charges to fund runway
Construction to cost $18.2 billion: Hong Kong to increase airport charges to fund runway
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Russian Submarine Spotted Near Latvia; Baltic State To Increase Border Security
Putin signs treaty integrating South Ossetia into Russia
Iran, U.S. line up technical options as push for deal intensifies
Netanyahu wins Israel election after sharp shift to the right
Iran, U.S. line up technical options as push for deal intensifies
Netanyahu wins Israel election after sharp shift to the right
U.S. rebukes Israel's victorious Netanyahu on Mideast policy
Fears of Violence Against Western Oil Workers In Saudi Arabia
Middle East Oil Addiction Could Spell Disaster
Fears of Violence Against Western Oil Workers In Saudi Arabia
Middle East Oil Addiction Could Spell Disaster
The United States leads upward trend in arms exports, Asian and Gulf states arms imports up, says SIPRI
The United States has taken a firm lead as the major arms exporter globally, according to new data on international arms transfers published today by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Overall, the volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons grew by 16 per cent between 2005–2009 and 2010–14.
The United States has taken a firm lead as the major arms exporter globally, according to new data on international arms transfers published today by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Overall, the volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons grew by 16 per cent between 2005–2009 and 2010–14.
U.S. Navy urges joint Southeast Asia patrols of South China Sea
The commander of the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet called on Southeast Asian nations to form a combined maritime force to patrol areas of the South China Sea where territorial tensions flare with China.
The commander of the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet called on Southeast Asian nations to form a combined maritime force to patrol areas of the South China Sea where territorial tensions flare with China.
US Likely To Delay Planned Closure Of 2 Afghanistan Bases
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
#StopC51: Protests Grow Against Expansive Canadian Surveillance Bill
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
#StopC51: Protests Grow Against Expansive Canadian Surveillance Bill
## Energy/resources ##
100,000 Layoffs And Counting: Is This The New Normal?
This time a year ago, the oil industry's biggest problem was finding a way to deal with the "retirement tsunami" about to crash down on it as older oilfield workers hung up their cork boots to enjoy freedom-55. Now, with oil prices still in the doldrums, many of those same workers are lucky to be hanging onto their jobs, while others have been booted from the payroll as an ugly wave of layoffs takes hold.
This time a year ago, the oil industry's biggest problem was finding a way to deal with the "retirement tsunami" about to crash down on it as older oilfield workers hung up their cork boots to enjoy freedom-55. Now, with oil prices still in the doldrums, many of those same workers are lucky to be hanging onto their jobs, while others have been booted from the payroll as an ugly wave of layoffs takes hold.
Rig Trends: Floating Rig Market Facing High 2015 Contract Rollovers
After oil, a glut of natural gas may be next to flood energy markets
After oil, a glut of natural gas may be next to flood energy markets
North Sea oil and gas industry to benefit from tax cuts, UK Budget reveals
Oil Prices Down As China, Asian Refineries Slow Crude Purchases; Key Data Shows US Inventory Increased For 10th Week In A Row
Oil Prices Down As China, Asian Refineries Slow Crude Purchases; Key Data Shows US Inventory Increased For 10th Week In A Row
King Coal: The Global Coal Boom Is Going Bust: Report
Based on data CoalSwarm compiled of every coal plant proposed worldwide for the past five years as part of its Global Coal Plant Tracker initiative, the report finds that for every coal plant that came online, plans for two other plants were put on hold or scrapped altogether.
Based on data CoalSwarm compiled of every coal plant proposed worldwide for the past five years as part of its Global Coal Plant Tracker initiative, the report finds that for every coal plant that came online, plans for two other plants were put on hold or scrapped altogether.
King Coal: Nearly 17% of US coal production uneconomic
Close to 17% of forecast 2015 US coal production is at risk of idling or closure, totalling 162 million short tons (Mst), as these mine's total cash costs plus sustaining capital expenditures exceed current market pricing, according to Wood Mackenzie's latest coal market outlook.
Close to 17% of forecast 2015 US coal production is at risk of idling or closure, totalling 162 million short tons (Mst), as these mine's total cash costs plus sustaining capital expenditures exceed current market pricing, according to Wood Mackenzie's latest coal market outlook.
Wind May Win The Renewable Race – But At What Price?
## Got food? ##
Cropping Africa's wet savannas would bring high environmental costs
## Got food? ##
Cropping Africa's wet savannas would bring high environmental costs
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
The Undebtors: Sworn Enemies of the Vampires of Debt
People talk about starving the machine. You want to truly starve the machine? Get out of debt and stay out of debt, regardless of the sacrifices needed to do so.
## Environment/health ##
Winter Sets Global Heat Record Despite US East's Big Chill
California Is Turning Back Into A Desert And There Are No Contingency Plans
California Is Turning Back Into A Desert And There Are No Contingency Plans
'Biodegrabale' plastics not so biodegradable
Amazon rainforest soaking up less carbon as trees die young: study
Amazon rainforest soaking up less carbon as trees die young: study
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
New .sucks web domain offers new space, mischief
New .sucks web domain offers new space, mischief
Mall of America Security Catfished Black Lives Matter Activists, Documents Show
A mall "intelligence analyst" used a fake Facebook account to monitor local Black Lives Matter organizers, befriend them, and obtain their personal information and photographs without their knowledge, according to documents obtained by The Intercept.
US turns to rewards in hunt for overseas cyber criminals
## Propaganda ##
The Sting: How the FBI Created a Terrorist
The FBI provided all of the weapons seen in Osmakac's martyrdom video. The bureau also gave Osmakac the car bomb he allegedly planned to detonate, and even money for a taxi so he could get to where the FBI needed him to go.
A mall "intelligence analyst" used a fake Facebook account to monitor local Black Lives Matter organizers, befriend them, and obtain their personal information and photographs without their knowledge, according to documents obtained by The Intercept.
US turns to rewards in hunt for overseas cyber criminals
## Propaganda ##
The Sting: How the FBI Created a Terrorist
The FBI provided all of the weapons seen in Osmakac's martyrdom video. The bureau also gave Osmakac the car bomb he allegedly planned to detonate, and even money for a taxi so he could get to where the FBI needed him to go.
A Neocon Admits the Plan to Bomb Iran
The neocon Washington Post, which wants to kill the talks aimed at constraining Iran's nuclear program, allowed a contrary opinion of sorts onto its pages – a neocon who also wants to collapse the talks but is honest enough to say that the follow-up will be a U.S. war on Iran.
The neocon Washington Post, which wants to kill the talks aimed at constraining Iran's nuclear program, allowed a contrary opinion of sorts onto its pages – a neocon who also wants to collapse the talks but is honest enough to say that the follow-up will be a U.S. war on Iran.
Netanyahu Unmasks Israel
For years, U.S. politicians have rejected allegations of Israeli racism and excused mistreatment of the Palestinians as a temporary necessity that would be fixed by a two-state solution. But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has destroyed those arguments in his panic to keep his job.
For years, U.S. politicians have rejected allegations of Israeli racism and excused mistreatment of the Palestinians as a temporary necessity that would be fixed by a two-state solution. But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has destroyed those arguments in his panic to keep his job.
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
It's Official: Americans R Stupid
People are doing more cocaine because they've lost the ability to talk to each other, claims dealer
Asked why he thinks the market is booming, an anonymous 29-year-old 'high end dealer' said that he believes people rely on coke because they've forgotten how to talk to each other without it. "I deal at parties, and I sit there and can't believe how dull people are," he said. "They're so wired into technology that they just sit looking at their phone all night."
The Unraveling Is Gathering Speed
## Japan ##
Bank Of Japan Maintains Aggressive Stimulus, But Cuts Inflation Outlook
## Japan ##
Bank Of Japan Maintains Aggressive Stimulus, But Cuts Inflation Outlook
Over 20,000 cubic meters of low-level radioactive waste would be generated by the demolition of five aging nuclear reactors now planned to be decommissioned. The waste that needs to be buried underground would fill more than 100,000 barrels, said officials at the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. And there has been no decision on possible disposal sites.
Ruling bloc agrees on new security legislation
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet last July adopted a resolution that would drop a self-imposed ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense, or militarily aiding a friendly country under attack.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet last July adopted a resolution that would drop a self-imposed ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense, or militarily aiding a friendly country under attack.
Japan automobile demand seen down 5.4 percent in FY2015/16: auto lobby
## China ##
Could Steel Demand Buckle in China?
## China ##
Could Steel Demand Buckle in China?
Datang Power posts largest net profit fall in six years
Datang International Power Generation Co Ltd , the listed arm of one of China's main power generators, posted its biggest net profit fall in six years in 2014 as a slowing economy reduced power consumption.
Datang International Power Generation Co Ltd , the listed arm of one of China's main power generators, posted its biggest net profit fall in six years in 2014 as a slowing economy reduced power consumption.
Bitcoin: Government to regulate cryptocurrency to avoid money laundering, says Treasury
UK To Raise Minimum Wage By 3%, Biggest Rise Since 2008
UK To Raise Minimum Wage By 3%, Biggest Rise Since 2008
Street lights could be switched off to save money
Britain hands lifeline to North Sea oil industry with tax cuts
Britain hands lifeline to North Sea oil industry with tax cuts
10 Charts Which Show We Are Much Worse Off Than Just Before The Last Economic Crisis
US Budget Cuts Lead New Foundation To Seek Private Donors For Basic Science Funding
Meet Jason Villalba – The Texas State Representative Who Introduced a Bill that Criminalizes Citizens Filming Police
Baby Oligarch Gets a Wrist Slap – Conrad Hilton Cops Plea Deal for Smoking Pot in Plane Restroom and Threatening to Kill Flight Attendants
Millions of 'underwater' homeowners are trapped
US Budget Cuts Lead New Foundation To Seek Private Donors For Basic Science Funding
Meet Jason Villalba – The Texas State Representative Who Introduced a Bill that Criminalizes Citizens Filming Police
Baby Oligarch Gets a Wrist Slap – Conrad Hilton Cops Plea Deal for Smoking Pot in Plane Restroom and Threatening to Kill Flight Attendants
Millions of 'underwater' homeowners are trapped
The Not So Land of the Free
The United States may be the least self-aware nation on earth, condemning other countries for repressive policies and calling itself the "land of the free" while locking up citizens in staggering numbers often for minor, non-violent offenses.
The United States may be the least self-aware nation on earth, condemning other countries for repressive policies and calling itself the "land of the free" while locking up citizens in staggering numbers often for minor, non-violent offenses.
FreightWatch 2014 cargo theft report says thieves make 'targeting' loads a priority
Cargo thieves appear to be moving toward a more sophisticated means of targeting shipments according to a new report analyzing 2014 cargo theft trends nationwide. The report, published by FreightWatch, also suggests that while the number of verified and reported instances of cargo theft in the U.S. declined in 2014, the average loss value per incident increased markedly, a trend that has been ongoing since 2012.
Cargo thieves appear to be moving toward a more sophisticated means of targeting shipments according to a new report analyzing 2014 cargo theft trends nationwide. The report, published by FreightWatch, also suggests that while the number of verified and reported instances of cargo theft in the U.S. declined in 2014, the average loss value per incident increased markedly, a trend that has been ongoing since 2012.
Fed states dropping "patient" word doesn't mean it is impatient on rates. In 1970 roughly 7 percent of all income was earned by the top 1 percent. Today it is closer to 20 percent.
