Thursday, March 31, 2016
News Links, April 1, 2016
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
How and Why Janet Yellen is Driving the Gold Train Much Higher
How and Why Janet Yellen is Driving the Gold Train Much Higher
Brazil's Budget Deficit Swells to Record as Economy Shrinks
Rio governor says finances 'tragic,' suggest property sales
In an ominous sign ahead of the Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro's acting governor said Wednesday that the state's finances are "tragic" and suggested selling off property to shore up barren coffers.
Central banks 'running out of time' to reflate economies: Bill Gross
Euro zone 'flying on one engine': S&P
Rio governor says finances 'tragic,' suggest property sales
In an ominous sign ahead of the Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro's acting governor said Wednesday that the state's finances are "tragic" and suggested selling off property to shore up barren coffers.
Central banks 'running out of time' to reflate economies: Bill Gross
Euro zone 'flying on one engine': S&P
Spain Wildly Off Budget Target, Expect Alarm Bells and Warnings
Global Steel Industry Facing `Ice Age,' Top China Mill Warns
New Analysis Shows 'Frivolous' Corporate Sovereignty Suits Increasingly Used To Deter Regulation Rather Than Win Compensation
New Analysis Shows 'Frivolous' Corporate Sovereignty Suits Increasingly Used To Deter Regulation Rather Than Win Compensation
Natural Disasters And Catastrophic Events Racked Up $92B In Global Economic Losses In 2015: Report
My, How Time Flies! Eight Nations Including Spain and Italy Beg for More Time to Meet Budget Rules
New $25 Million Fraud on Wall Street Is Making Some Rich Guys Nervous
## War on cash/cashless society ##
Fed will be forced to lower Interest rates and declare war on cash
## Airline death spiral ##
My, How Time Flies! Eight Nations Including Spain and Italy Beg for More Time to Meet Budget Rules
New $25 Million Fraud on Wall Street Is Making Some Rich Guys Nervous
Moody's Investors Service on Thursday lowered its rating outlooks for Singapore's three big banking groups to "negative" from "stable."
## Cut, baby, cut! ##
Boeing could cut 8,000 jobs this year if savings not met
Boeing could cut 8,000 jobs this year if savings not met
## War on cash/cashless society ##
Fed will be forced to lower Interest rates and declare war on cash
## Airline death spiral ##
Bomb threat at Landvetter airport in Gothenburg
Part of Landvetter airport in western Sweden was evacuated on Thursday morning after a number of suspicious plastic bags were discovered in the domestic flights terminal.
Every hoax call costs an airline Rs 2 crore
## Got food? ##
'Record global haul' of illicit food and drink
Monkey ribs, adulterated booze, fertilizer-laced sugar...
## Japan ##
Part of Landvetter airport in western Sweden was evacuated on Thursday morning after a number of suspicious plastic bags were discovered in the domestic flights terminal.
Every hoax call costs an airline Rs 2 crore
More problems for Allegiant Airlines
18 flights cancelled, delayed, or diverted this weekend
18 flights cancelled, delayed, or diverted this weekend
An expedited screening program called PreCheck was supposed to be the answer to maddeningly long security lines at the airport. But four years after its launch, the Transportation Security Administration is far short of enrolling enough travelers to make a difference, spelling trouble for summer travel season.
'Awful' Woman Puts Her Very Long Ponytail Over Seat, Blocks Plane Passenger's TV
Video also features other horrible passenger behavior. -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
US Insists Iran Missile Tests Violate UN Resolution
Officials Had Previously Confirmed It Was Legal Under Nuclear Deal
Video also features other horrible passenger behavior. -- RF
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
US Insists Iran Missile Tests Violate UN Resolution
Officials Had Previously Confirmed It Was Legal Under Nuclear Deal
Assad: Cost of Syrian war is $200 billion
Syrian President Bashar Assad said his country has lost $200 billion because of the civil war, and he will award the contracts to rebuild Syria to Russia, China and Iran.
Syrian President Bashar Assad said his country has lost $200 billion because of the civil war, and he will award the contracts to rebuild Syria to Russia, China and Iran.
## UAVs ##
"There Are No More Hotel Beds At All": Sweden's Tourism Industry Collapses As Resorts Become Refugee Centers
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Chaos Outside of Turkish President Erdogan's Washington Speech
Protesters Flood North Carolina Streets as Discrimination Law Backlash Grows
Protesters Flood North Carolina Streets as Discrimination Law Backlash Grows
'Fragile five': These OPEC producers are on the verge of collapse if oil prices don't stabilize soon
The so-called US shale oil revolution got stuck in 2015. The longer oil prices remain low, the more the 2015 peak will establish itself. There are no free-bees here. Pay less for oil and you will get less oil.
Companies searching off Norway found less than 5 million barrels of oil and gas for every exploration well drilled last year, the lowest ratio since 2006, according to Bloomberg calculations based on Norwegian Petroleum Directorate data. That compares with a 27 million-barrel average over the past 25 years.
SolarCity Is the Next SunEdison
Oil Price Slump: Energy Sector Bracing For A Rough First-Quarter Earnings Season As Producers Are Hammered
Oil Price Slump: Energy Sector Bracing For A Rough First-Quarter Earnings Season As Producers Are Hammered
The tie-up between the two companies is an excellent example of the current environment in energy: with oil and gas prices at multi-year lows, the time is ripe for some major M&A activity in the sector.
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
## Got food? ##
'Record global haul' of illicit food and drink
Monkey ribs, adulterated booze, fertilizer-laced sugar...
Study: Pesticides killing dragonfly nymphs in rice paddies (Japan)
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Study: Government Surveillance Has People Scared to Express Views Online (US)
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Study: Government Surveillance Has People Scared to Express Views Online (US)
Proving 'Just This Phone' Canard, FBI to Help Unlock Other Apple Devices
Bureau announced it would help Arkansas prosecutors unlock two devices in murder case
Bureau announced it would help Arkansas prosecutors unlock two devices in murder case
Journalists face renewed pressure across Asia
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
How Many Tech Startups Are Empty Shells?
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
How Many Tech Startups Are Empty Shells?
Higher Education Is Morally and Financially Bankrupt
A system that piles debt on students in exchange for a marginal or even zero-return on their investment is morally and financially bankrupt.
A system that piles debt on students in exchange for a marginal or even zero-return on their investment is morally and financially bankrupt.
## Japan ##
Japanese Industrial Production Crashes Most Since 2011 Tsunami
Five years after Japan quake, rewiring of auto supply chain hits limits
Five years after Japan quake, rewiring of auto supply chain hits limits
700,000 people could be trapped in Tokyo in case of major earthquake
But the overall impact of a financial collapse will be much greater. -- RF
## China ##
China oil giant Sinopec posts 30% dive in net profit
But the overall impact of a financial collapse will be much greater. -- RF
## China ##
China oil giant Sinopec posts 30% dive in net profit
## US ##
## The candidates ##
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
News Links, March 30, 2016
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
First Ocean Freight Rates Collapse to "Zero," China Freight Index Plunges to Record Low, Bailouts Loom
Russia Continues Gold Accumulation as the West Sells
India's finance minister can't persuade his own wife to paperize her gold jewelry
Saudi Economy Shows More Signs of Strain as Spending Drops
Low Oil Prices Forcing Saudi Arabia To Modernize Economy
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Malaysian punk artist clowns with scandal-hit leader
## Energy/resources ##
Russia Continues Gold Accumulation as the West Sells
India's finance minister can't persuade his own wife to paperize her gold jewelry
Saudi Economy Shows More Signs of Strain as Spending Drops
Low Oil Prices Forcing Saudi Arabia To Modernize Economy
## War on cash/cashless society ##
Bitcoin Could Consume as Much Electricity as Denmark by 2020
## Airline death spiral ##
Airlines get nasty in competition for routes to Cuba
Bitcoin Could Consume as Much Electricity as Denmark by 2020
## Airline death spiral ##
Airlines get nasty in competition for routes to Cuba
Man released after false IS alarm on Vienna-London easyJet flight
Drone Close Calls, Sightings by Airliners Up Fivefold, FAA Says
Drone Close Calls, Sightings by Airliners Up Fivefold, FAA Says
British Airways bans female passenger for life 'after mid-flight argument'
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
WTF: CIA-armed militias are shooting at Pentagon-armed ones in Syria
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
WTF: CIA-armed militias are shooting at Pentagon-armed ones in Syria
India teams up with Vietnam in South China Sea territorial row
Growing International Movement Seeks to Place Arms Embargo on Saudi Arabia
Brazil Lawyers File New Impeachment Case Against Rousseff
Growing International Movement Seeks to Place Arms Embargo on Saudi Arabia
Brazil Lawyers File New Impeachment Case Against Rousseff
Ajman fire: United Arab Emirates skyscraper engulfed by flames
Skyscraper in United Arab Emirates city of Ajman goes up in flames – the latest in a series of such fires
Skyscraper in United Arab Emirates city of Ajman goes up in flames – the latest in a series of such fires
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Malaysian punk artist clowns with scandal-hit leader
## Energy/resources ##
$40 Oil Not High Enough To Save A Lot Of Drillers
Spain's Abengoa wins backing from creditors to avoid bankruptcy
Spain's Abengoa wins backing from creditors to avoid bankruptcy
SunEdison at risk of bankruptcy, shares plummet
## Environment/health ##
Oil Majors Only Replace 75% of Oil and Gas Produced in 2015
The oil majors failed to replace all of the oil and gas reserves that they burned through in 2015, a worrying sign for the industry's future.
The oil majors failed to replace all of the oil and gas reserves that they burned through in 2015, a worrying sign for the industry's future.
Death of a Shale Gas Salesman
Aubrey McClendon was fracking's greatest advocate -- until he drove his car into a concrete wall.
Aubrey McClendon was fracking's greatest advocate -- until he drove his car into a concrete wall.
## Environment/health ##
Arctic sea ice sets wintertime record low thanks to global warming
Man-Made Earthquakes: 'Fracking' By Oil, Gas Industry, Wastewater Causing Jolts, Leaving Millions At Risk
Man-Made Earthquakes: 'Fracking' By Oil, Gas Industry, Wastewater Causing Jolts, Leaving Millions At Risk
Opioids 101: The Deadly Epidemic
Deaths from opioid overdoses have skyrocketed over the last two decades in the U.S.
Deaths from opioid overdoses have skyrocketed over the last two decades in the U.S.
'Wake-Up Call' Study Finds Link Between Fracking and Toxic Water
Drilling-Induced 'Frackquakes' Threatening Millions Across Central US
WHO: Ebola not a significant threat outside West Africa
Drilling-Induced 'Frackquakes' Threatening Millions Across Central US
WHO: Ebola not a significant threat outside West Africa
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Belgian Nuclear Plant Guard Murdered, Security Badge Stolen Days After Attack
Belgian Nuclear Plant Guard Murdered, Security Badge Stolen Days After Attack
Obama in Arabia
Like his predecessors, President Obama is putting cozy ties with the Saudi royals ahead of telling the truth to the American people about the Saudi role in 9/11.
## Propaganda ##
Top German Journalist Admits Mainstream Media Is Completely Fake: "We All Lie For The CIA"
Like his predecessors, President Obama is putting cozy ties with the Saudi royals ahead of telling the truth to the American people about the Saudi role in 9/11.
## Propaganda ##
Top German Journalist Admits Mainstream Media Is Completely Fake: "We All Lie For The CIA"
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Another Reason Corporate Profits Will Plummet: The Managerial/ Professional Class Is Burning Out
What no financial analyst dares confess is the corporate profits they cheer every quarter have come at a cost that many Americans will soon be unable to bear.
Another Reason Corporate Profits Will Plummet: The Managerial/ Professional Class Is Burning Out
What no financial analyst dares confess is the corporate profits they cheer every quarter have come at a cost that many Americans will soon be unable to bear.
Highly unlikely. -- RF
Chrysler to recall 60,000 SUVs in China over ABS braking issue: watchdog
This viral tweet shows how Detroit is eroding
This viral tweet shows how Detroit is eroding
To some impoverished pensioners, living in prison is a comparatively cushy lifestyle. -- RF
Survey: Record 83.2% Japanese do not feel close to China
## China ##
China's pension fund may start buying stocks this year, China Daily reports
## China ##
China's pension fund may start buying stocks this year, China Daily reports
It's doubtful that the 2022 Winter Games will be held at all. And even if they are, will Hebei have any snow? -- RF
"Made Out Of Sand" - A Dramatic Look Inside A Newly Built Chinese Apartment
## UK ##
Tony Blair Claims Many Muslims 'Incompatible With The Modern World'
## UK ##
Tony Blair Claims Many Muslims 'Incompatible With The Modern World'
Gig Economy Take II: Nearly Entire Increase in Employment Since 2010 is in Gigs!
Survey: Economists more pessimistic on growth this year
Survey: Economists more pessimistic on growth this year
The detainees were photographed before being extradited to nations known to use more brutal forms of torture than that used in the U.S., Ackerman said, as part of the CIA's so-called "extraordinary rendition" program.
## The candidates ##
As you consume the coverage and the advertising this election cycle, always remember that 1) the mainstream media in the U.S. is all corporate-owned, 2) corporations exist to maximize profits, 3) profits flow from advertising, not free coverage, and 4) real campaign finance reform will negatively impact Corporate Media profits.
The Trump-Clinton Dilemma
As buffoonish billionaire Donald Trump undergoes full-scale demonization, the political/media establishment is making Hillary Clinton the heroine of the stop-Trump drama, but who is really more dangerous?
As buffoonish billionaire Donald Trump undergoes full-scale demonization, the political/media establishment is making Hillary Clinton the heroine of the stop-Trump drama, but who is really more dangerous?
And finally...
Sunday, March 27, 2016
News Links, March 28, 2016
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
The Big Unwind Hits Investment Banking
## War on cash/cashless society ##
Credit card fee you didn't know existed—and why it matters
## Airline death spiral ##
Would you pay more for extra airport security?
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
## Energy/resources ##
The Big Unwind Hits Investment Banking
Radical economic ideas grab attention amid low-inflation torpor
Latin America – Seven Ugly Sisters in Deep Political Trouble
Monsanto Losing Its Grip? The earnings warning was just a precursor.
Credit Crunch in Spain: Credit Expanding at Lowest Rate in Relation to GDP Since 1970
Latin America – Seven Ugly Sisters in Deep Political Trouble
Monsanto Losing Its Grip? The earnings warning was just a precursor.
Credit Crunch in Spain: Credit Expanding at Lowest Rate in Relation to GDP Since 1970
## Cut, baby, cut! ##
Al Jazeera To Slash 500 Jobs Worldwide, Most In Qatar
Al Jazeera To Slash 500 Jobs Worldwide, Most In Qatar
## War on cash/cashless society ##
Credit card fee you didn't know existed—and why it matters
## Airline death spiral ##
Would you pay more for extra airport security?
FlyDubai Plague: Majority of Airlines Turns Blind Eye to Pilot Fatigue
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Isis driven out of Palmyra as Syrian state forces retake 'complete control' of ancient city
Police Raids in Paris Foil Planned Terrorist Attack: Officials
Police Raids in Paris Foil Planned Terrorist Attack: Officials
Where is that lecture from the US government on human rights and freedom of expression? -- RF
The Turks are still there, against the wishes of the Iraqi government. -- RF
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Over 30K people protest Japanese PM's plan to restart nuclear reactors (+ video)
Public sentencing of protesting workers backfires in China
Public sentencing of protesting workers backfires in China
## Energy/resources ##
Is U.S. Shale Oil & Gas Production Peaking? Part II: Oil Production
As SunEdison Tanks, Is Rest Of Solar Going With It?
## Environment/health ##
As SunEdison Tanks, Is Rest Of Solar Going With It?
I think their analysis is wrong. My take is that this multi-year decline in terms of both kWh per capita and gWh per $ trillion real GDP is because of the decline of industrial society. Underlying that is net energy decline, which raises the cost of energy to society (yes, oil is now cheap, but that just means that someone other than the consumer is paying the costs). -- RF
## Environment/health ##
Why did the environmental movement drop the issue of overpopulation?
Even vultures turning noses up at North Korea
Migrating birds have learned to fatten themselves up before attempting transit of barren North
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Judicial Watch: Undisclosed emails from Clinton server found
## Japan ##
BOJ tankan likely show biz mood worsens due to strong yen, global economy
Japanese manufacturers' confidence probably deteriorated to the lowest in nearly three years and it is expected to worsen in the coming quarter due to exporters concern over a strong yen and worries over the global economy, a Reuters poll showed.
Even vultures turning noses up at North Korea
Migrating birds have learned to fatten themselves up before attempting transit of barren North
Chile reports its first sexually transmitted Zika case
Scientists Create Tiniest Life Form Yet, Not Sure What It Is
Scientists Create Tiniest Life Form Yet, Not Sure What It Is
Concerns over nuclear waste stored at San Onofre
Poland approves large-scale logging in Europe's last primeval forest
Poland approves large-scale logging in Europe's last primeval forest
## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Judicial Watch: Undisclosed emails from Clinton server found
Law enforcement investigators seek out private DNA databases
Investigators are broadening their DNA searches beyond government databases and demanding genetic information from companies that do ancestry research for their customers.
Investigators are broadening their DNA searches beyond government databases and demanding genetic information from companies that do ancestry research for their customers.
The father of a young American killed aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 says Secretary of State Kerry balks at turning over U.S. data that Kerry cited three days after the tragedy in eastern Ukraine.
## Propaganda ##
Another Mass Killing in Yemen and the Drone Program Ponzi Scheme
Another Mass Killing in Yemen and the Drone Program Ponzi Scheme
Printers at 12 Colleges Spew Hate Fliers in Suspected Hack
"White Man are you sick and tired of The Jews," the hateful message begins on the single-page missive that is adorned with swastikas and includes the web address for a neo-Nazi group.
"White Man are you sick and tired of The Jews," the hateful message begins on the single-page missive that is adorned with swastikas and includes the web address for a neo-Nazi group.
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Why America May Not Be Considered A "First World Country" Much Longer
Why America May Not Be Considered A "First World Country" Much Longer
## Japan ##
BOJ tankan likely show biz mood worsens due to strong yen, global economy
Japanese manufacturers' confidence probably deteriorated to the lowest in nearly three years and it is expected to worsen in the coming quarter due to exporters concern over a strong yen and worries over the global economy, a Reuters poll showed.
It used to be that a new road, tunnel, train line, airport, or whatever was a sure stimulus for the economy, but those days are done. After decades in the making, this extension will bring only a short-term boost at most. -- RF
Proxy servers found holding 18 million potentially stolen IDs, passwords
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)'s cybercrime division has found some 18 million potentially stolen IDs and passwords stored on the servers of a Saitama Prefecture proxy server company, the Mainichi has learned.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)'s cybercrime division has found some 18 million potentially stolen IDs and passwords stored on the servers of a Saitama Prefecture proxy server company, the Mainichi has learned.
## China ##
China Beige Book: New Employment at Private Firms Hits Four-Year Low
First Chinese companies stopped borrowing, then they cut spending and now, as China's economic slowdown persists, they're holding off hiring, according to a private survey that points to more difficulties ahead for the world's second largest economy.
First Chinese companies stopped borrowing, then they cut spending and now, as China's economic slowdown persists, they're holding off hiring, according to a private survey that points to more difficulties ahead for the world's second largest economy.
Coal plants are causing water shortages in China
China Deploys YJ-62 Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile To South China Sea's Woody Island
China Deploys YJ-62 Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile To South China Sea's Woody Island
China Defends Construction of First Overseas Naval Base
Coal Suffering Bleak Year in China on Weakening Industrial Use
Shanghai rolls out tightening measures to cool home market
Coal Suffering Bleak Year in China on Weakening Industrial Use
Shanghai rolls out tightening measures to cool home market
A team at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China's Police Equipment Joint Research Lab have developed a high-tech vehicle for police equipped with a facial-recognition system that can pick criminal suspects out of a crowd.
China Warns Officials: Allow Social Unrest, Lose Your Job
China Tries To "Suddenly" Pop Latest Housing Bubble While Reflating Stock, Car Bubbles
## UK ##
NHS being pressured by government to "fiddle the figures" to make finances seem better, documents reveal
China Warns Officials: Allow Social Unrest, Lose Your Job
China Tries To "Suddenly" Pop Latest Housing Bubble While Reflating Stock, Car Bubbles
## UK ##
NHS being pressured by government to "fiddle the figures" to make finances seem better, documents reveal
As net energy declines, so will worker productivity. -- RF
How long can the UK's coal industry survive?
## US ##
America's Top Rogue Mercenary – Blackwater's Erik Prince is Under Federal Investigation
## US ##
America's Top Rogue Mercenary – Blackwater's Erik Prince is Under Federal Investigation
Erik Prince in the Hot Seat
Blackwater's Founder Is Under Investigation for Money Laundering, Ties to Chinese Intel, and Brokering Mercenary Services
Blackwater's Founder Is Under Investigation for Money Laundering, Ties to Chinese Intel, and Brokering Mercenary Services
The Government Wants to Give You Free Cash
Healthcare Is About To Surpass Housing As The Biggest Source Of American "Growth"
Healthcare Is About To Surpass Housing As The Biggest Source Of American "Growth"
## The candidates ##
Groveling Before AIPAC
The recent AIPAC meeting brought four of the five remaining presidential candidates – all except Bernie Sanders – to Washington to grovel at the feet of the Israel lobby, a depressing scene.
The recent AIPAC meeting brought four of the five remaining presidential candidates – all except Bernie Sanders – to Washington to grovel at the feet of the Israel lobby, a depressing scene.
13 minutes of Hillary Just Lying (video)
And finally...
