Saturday, May 18, 2013
News Links, May 16-17, 2013
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
"China's outstanding corporate debt will catch up and surpass U.S. corporations to become the largest globally within the next few years."
Peak gold: The Future For Gold Supply Looks Grim: An Opportunity For Gold Investors
"Recently, we published a true all-in costs article that gave investors insight into the true all-in costs that miners are spending to produce each ounce of gold. After removing write-downs and exceptional costs, gold companies spent almost $1300 per ounce to extract gold in 2012. Even with these high expenditures, the industry is actually producing less gold in 2012 than in 2011 - rising costs and lower production is not a recipe for a healthy industry."
"Recently, we published a true all-in costs article that gave investors insight into the true all-in costs that miners are spending to produce each ounce of gold. After removing write-downs and exceptional costs, gold companies spent almost $1300 per ounce to extract gold in 2012. Even with these high expenditures, the industry is actually producing less gold in 2012 than in 2011 - rising costs and lower production is not a recipe for a healthy industry."
Corporate Cash Hoarding to Hold Back Growth in Europe, S&P Says
Sweden Calls for Clean Break With Austerity
South Africa's large cash holdings reveal big informal sector
Sweden Calls for Clean Break With Austerity
South Africa's large cash holdings reveal big informal sector
Pope Francis Denounces 'Cult Of Money'
## Airline Death Spiral ##
$704m Loss for Caribbean Airlines
Angry airline worker throws chair at passengers (includes video)
## Airline Death Spiral ##
$704m Loss for Caribbean Airlines
Angry airline worker throws chair at passengers (includes video)
Struggling Singapore Airlines fights back to boost growth
More airline passengers tolerant of baggage fees, study says
More airline passengers tolerant of baggage fees, study says
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Attacking Iran's Nuclear Sites Would be Sheer Madness
Taiwan Plans Drill After Rebuffing Philippines Over Death at Sea
"Taiwan deployed fighter jets and a destroyer for military exercises to waters disputed with the Philippines, after rebuffing the Southeast Asian nation's offer to apologize over the killing of a fisherman in the area."
"Taiwan deployed fighter jets and a destroyer for military exercises to waters disputed with the Philippines, after rebuffing the Southeast Asian nation's offer to apologize over the killing of a fisherman in the area."
China granted permanent observer status at Arctic Council
"The Arctic Council has granted permanent observer status to China and six others, in a signal of the polar region's growing international importance."
"The Arctic Council has granted permanent observer status to China and six others, in a signal of the polar region's growing international importance."
The question is: How much energy can Afghanistan leverage? There will never be a superhighway system with rest stops, or any other such large-scale infrastructure. It's too late in the energy game. -- RF
US moving 200 marines to Sicily for Libya protection
"Italy has announced the United States was transferring 200 marines and two planes to its base at Sigonella in Sicily to deploy in Libya in case US diplomats come under attack as they did last year."
Russian Pacific Fleet Warships Enter Mediterranean For First Time In Decades, To Park In Cyprus
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
"Italy has announced the United States was transferring 200 marines and two planes to its base at Sigonella in Sicily to deploy in Libya in case US diplomats come under attack as they did last year."
Russian Pacific Fleet Warships Enter Mediterranean For First Time In Decades, To Park In Cyprus
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thousands protest oil refinery plans in China
## Energy/resources ##
Water Shortages Are a Major Problem for Future Energy Projects
## Energy/resources ##
Water Shortages Are a Major Problem for Future Energy Projects
Sounds great… but I guarantee you that it will not sustain industrial society. -- RF
Not Just Oil: The US is also Dependent on Foreign Uranium
"One of the most critical sources of foreign energy is due to dry up this year, and the results could mean spiking electricity prices across the country."
"One of the most critical sources of foreign energy is due to dry up this year, and the results could mean spiking electricity prices across the country."
Geopolitical feedback at work. Now that there are no more hydrocarbon plums left in politically stable parts of the world, oil companies must increasingly forge into unstable, dangerous regions. Add to that the scramble for junk hydrocarbons like oil sand, tight oil, and shale gas — not to mention methane hydrates, the new certain-loser darling in Japan — and you can begin to see through all the hoopla and propaganda. Welcome to the low-net-energy world. -- RF
Libyan oil industry hit by legacy of violence
"Protesters closed the Zueitina oil refinery, the latest setback for Libya's efforts to develop its crucial energy industry after the 2011 civil war."
"Protesters closed the Zueitina oil refinery, the latest setback for Libya's efforts to develop its crucial energy industry after the 2011 civil war."
More geopolitical feedback. -- RF
Awash with cash, Petrobras aims to double in size in 7 years
"Ahead of this week's dramatic $11 billion bond sale that swelled its coffers, Brazil's state-controlled Petrobras predicts it will double in size in seven years."
"Ahead of this week's dramatic $11 billion bond sale that swelled its coffers, Brazil's state-controlled Petrobras predicts it will double in size in seven years."
What If There Is Peak Oil? (Tad Patzek)
Power shortage cripples fishmeal producers (Iceland)
Blackout amid praise for government's handling of power situation (India)
## Got food? ##
French recession: Farms feeling the pinch
Blackout amid praise for government's handling of power situation (India)
## Got food? ##
French recession: Farms feeling the pinch
Monsanto and Other GM Firms are Winning in the US – and Globally
"The US State Department has sadly joined the push to distribute GM crops around the world, whether people want them or not."
"The US State Department has sadly joined the push to distribute GM crops around the world, whether people want them or not."
Food Supply Under Assault as Climate Heats Up
Cereal production drops‚ food security to worsen (Nepal)
Cereal production drops‚ food security to worsen (Nepal)
Invasive ladybirds wage 'biological war' on natives
BP says oil spill settlement is too costly
"Oil giant BP has turned to the government for help with the compensation deal for victims of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the BBC reported."
Appetite for rhino horns is wiping out the species
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Saudi religious police boss condemns Twitter users
BP says oil spill settlement is too costly
"Oil giant BP has turned to the government for help with the compensation deal for victims of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the BBC reported."
Appetite for rhino horns is wiping out the species
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Saudi religious police boss condemns Twitter users
Hmmmm… At any rate, we're about due for a new version of the OBL assassination narrative. -- RF
"State Police say the five men and two women are from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore, and 'cited their education and career interests' for being in the area. The men told police they were chemical engineers and recent college graduates."
Kuroda Faith Waning Halts Deals as Forecasts Blown: Japan Credit
Pump! Nikkei tops 15,000 for first time in more than 5 years
Pump! Nikkei tops 15,000 for first time in more than 5 years
You could have fooled me. From my vantage point on the inside, the situation just seems to be worsening. -- RF
Japan govt takes aim at electricity monopolies
Japan takes first step to a permanent reactor shutdown after Fukushima
Japan govt takes aim at electricity monopolies
Japan takes first step to a permanent reactor shutdown after Fukushima
Troubled Tsuruga reactor could force utilities to shoulder enormous financial burdens
## China ##
China's recovery losing steam, adding to pressure on leaders to shore up growth, help business
## China ##
China's recovery losing steam, adding to pressure on leaders to shore up growth, help business
China Resources Profit Drops 61% on Costs, Weak Consumption
"China Resources Enterprise Ltd. (291)'s first-quarter profit fell 61 percent as the nation's second-largest hypermarket operator was hurt by higher costs and a government push to curtail public expenditures."
"China Resources Enterprise Ltd. (291)'s first-quarter profit fell 61 percent as the nation's second-largest hypermarket operator was hurt by higher costs and a government push to curtail public expenditures."
Chinese coal companies struggle to cut costs
## UK ##
Police being trained to use water cannon ahead of potential summer clashes
## UK ##
Police being trained to use water cannon ahead of potential summer clashes
More than a million poorer families forced to sacrifice essentials like food to meet soaring rental costs
HS2 rail project has £3.3bn funding shortfall, warns spending watchdog
HS2 rail project has £3.3bn funding shortfall, warns spending watchdog
## US ##
Holder: Justice probe of IRS could include civil rights violations, potential false statements
IRS faces class action lawsuit over theft of 60 million medical records
Food Bank distributed record number of weekend backpacks to hungry kids
Food Bank distributed record number of weekend backpacks to hungry kids
A New 'Smart Rifle' Decides When To Shoot And Rarely Misses
"A new rifle goes on sale on Wednesday, and it's not like any other. It uses lasers and computers to make shooters very accurate. A startup gun company in Texas developed the rifle, which is so effective that some in the shooting community say it should not be sold to the public."
Gasoline shoots up 30 cents to $4.19 a gallon in Minnesota"A new rifle goes on sale on Wednesday, and it's not like any other. It uses lasers and computers to make shooters very accurate. A startup gun company in Texas developed the rifle, which is so effective that some in the shooting community say it should not be sold to the public."
"It's going to be a mighty expensive summer. There is no relief in sight."
And finally…
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
News Links, May 14-15, 2013
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
"If corporate and household debt is also counted, China's total debt load balloons to more than 200% of gross domestic product."
Banks on Verge of Collapse in Denmark Win Time in FSA Review
German finance minister advocates 2-step approach to building European banking union
German finance minister advocates 2-step approach to building European banking union
Nothing going on with these mortgages, just keep walking: OSFI (Canada)
Low water levels causing problems for Great Lakes shipping
Low water levels causing problems for Great Lakes shipping
The great Indian mall doom
"If dams and large public sector companies were the temples of Nehru's India, shopping malls were supposed to be the sacred space of liberalised India in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the worshippers are missing. Thirty per cent of India's 255 malls lie vacant, most of them in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai."
"If dams and large public sector companies were the temples of Nehru's India, shopping malls were supposed to be the sacred space of liberalised India in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the worshippers are missing. Thirty per cent of India's 255 malls lie vacant, most of them in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai."
The shop-til-you-drop consumer was supposed to lift everyone out of poverty. But sorry to say, this economic model was flawed from the outset because perpetual growth and unlimited resources and energy were never in the equation. -- RF
BHP chief on austerity drive
"Newly appointed BHP Billiton boss Andrew Mackenzie has slashed the mining giant's capital spend by 18 per cent, and flagged more 'substantial' cuts in future, reinforcing concerns that the mining investment boom has well and truly peaked."
UAE leapfrogs Saudi as Middle East's biggest construction market
"Newly appointed BHP Billiton boss Andrew Mackenzie has slashed the mining giant's capital spend by 18 per cent, and flagged more 'substantial' cuts in future, reinforcing concerns that the mining investment boom has well and truly peaked."
UAE leapfrogs Saudi as Middle East's biggest construction market
Argentina Peso Gap Between Official And Black Market Rate Hits To 100%, BMWs Become Inflation Hedge
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Virgin America Cuts Losses and Sees IPO
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Virgin America Cuts Losses and Sees IPO
The Skyrocketing Cost Of Airfare For Business Travel
Mid-size Airports Suffer Biggest Cuts in Airline Service
Mid-size Airports Suffer Biggest Cuts in Airline Service
FAA aircraft maintenance oversight ineffective, inspector general says
"The government's oversight of hundreds of domestic and overseas repair stations that service U.S. airliners is ineffective and doesn't target the factors most likely to present safety risks, the Department of Transportation's inspector general said Monday."
"The government's oversight of hundreds of domestic and overseas repair stations that service U.S. airliners is ineffective and doesn't target the factors most likely to present safety risks, the Department of Transportation's inspector general said Monday."
Deutsche Post DHL net profits fall 5.9 percent as tougher economy slows freight revenues
"Mail and freight company Deutsche Post DHL saw its profits dip in the first quarter as a tough global economy meant companies shipped fewer goods by air."
"Mail and freight company Deutsche Post DHL saw its profits dip in the first quarter as a tough global economy meant companies shipped fewer goods by air."
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
World's biggest anti-mine naval exercise after Iranian threats to close Gulf
Vietnam firms involved in 'illegal land grabs'
"An environmental group has accused two Vietnamese rubber firms of involvement in massive land grabs in Cambodia and Laos."
"An environmental group has accused two Vietnamese rubber firms of involvement in massive land grabs in Cambodia and Laos."
Under the black flag of al-Qaeda, the Syrian city ruled by gangs of extremists
"The black flag of al-Qaeda flies high over Raqqa's main square in front of the smart new governor's palace, its former occupant last seen in their prison. Their fighters, clad also in black, patrol the streets, or set up positions behind sandbags."
"The black flag of al-Qaeda flies high over Raqqa's main square in front of the smart new governor's palace, its former occupant last seen in their prison. Their fighters, clad also in black, patrol the streets, or set up positions behind sandbags."
Nigeria president declares state of emergency in 3 states because of Islamic extremist attacks
"Admitting Islamic extremists now control some of his nation's villages and towns, Nigeria's president declared a state of emergency Tuesday across the country's troubled northeast, promising to send more troops to fight what he said is now an open rebellion."
"Admitting Islamic extremists now control some of his nation's villages and towns, Nigeria's president declared a state of emergency Tuesday across the country's troubled northeast, promising to send more troops to fight what he said is now an open rebellion."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Worker Walkout Closes Hundreds of Factories in Bangladesh
"Bangladesh's entire renowned garment manufacturing hub has been shut down indefinitely, after 80% of its workers walked off the job."
Growing Labor Unrest in South Africa's Mining Industry: Anglo American Threatens to Cut 14,000 Jobs
Major protest planned ahead of G8 meeting
Major protest planned ahead of G8 meeting
## Energy/resources ##
Sharjah faces fuel shortages again (UAE)
"Pumps ran dry at a number of Adnoc petrol stations in Sharjah city yesterday as the emirate was once again hit by fuel shortages."
"Pumps ran dry at a number of Adnoc petrol stations in Sharjah city yesterday as the emirate was once again hit by fuel shortages."
Kenya: Fuel Shortage Looming Over Mombasa Oil Refinery Crisis
"The Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) last week warned that it could soon be unable to refine petroleum products owing to severe financial constraints, a development that could affect Kenya and its landlocked neighbours including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, according to media reports."
"The Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) last week warned that it could soon be unable to refine petroleum products owing to severe financial constraints, a development that could affect Kenya and its landlocked neighbours including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, according to media reports."
Blackouts hit polling centers (Philippines)
They'll have to pump a lot of oil just to cover their massive cost overruns. -- RF
This is a great feel-good piece if you need to build your confidence in our failing energy regime. The author invokes Daniel Yergin to bolster his case, apparently unaware that Yergin's predictions have a terrible track record. And on and on. The author can't see that the industrial economy is unraveling and our infrastructure is crumbling because of declining net energy and high prices. He can't see that shale drilling is a money-loser from the get-go or that the economy is being propped up by rampant money printing and bubbles. Europe, North America, and Japan are all broke, circling the drain, and towing the rest of the world after them. It's because of declining net energy, which some people just can't understand. Remember: With energy, quality is everything. BTW, where's that $10/bbl oil? -- RF
Dark, ominous clouds are gathering over the shale plays. You can see the "net energy" meter dropping right before your eyes. Hey, where are those "new technologies"? -- RF
Dependence on costly junk oil is a good indicator, and major cause, of net energy decline. -- RF
Although wrong about peak oil, this article does a great service by pointing out that these technologies are not new. When the media keep playing the "new technologies" riff, they are spinning propaganda that is supposed to convince you that we'll never have an energy problem because "new technologies" will always save the day. The reason that these old technologies are suddenly being used to exploit tight oil and shale gas — whose existence has long been known — is that the situation is getting desperate. Now, would anyone like to tell me why oil is not $10/bbl? Oh yea, it's speculators… -- RF
The slight uptick in supply comes with big costs — not just the environmental cost, but also the cost of having to drill so many wells that give out quickly. This is no energy bonanza; it's a low-net-energy enterprise. -- RF
This is sustainable? How did they make all that architecture and hardware? -- RF
Oil and Gas Theft in Mexico Doubled in 2013
"Hydrocarbon theft in Mexico so far this year has nearly doubled in comparison with 2012, with the worst hit zones corresponding to some of Mexico's drug war hotspots."
"Hydrocarbon theft in Mexico so far this year has nearly doubled in comparison with 2012, with the worst hit zones corresponding to some of Mexico's drug war hotspots."
Rainforest plays critical role in hydropower generation
"Deforestation in the Amazon region could significantly reduce the amount of electricity produced from hydropower, says a new study."
"Deforestation in the Amazon region could significantly reduce the amount of electricity produced from hydropower, says a new study."
The U.S., Mexico And The Decline Of The Colorado River
Blackouts ruining us, screams industry (India)
Blackouts ruining us, screams industry (India)
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Road crews tear down Mayan pyramid to make gravel (Belize)
## Got food? ##
Grow your own: Kitchen Gardeners International
Monsanto's win is a loss for American farmers
"The Supreme Court's ruling on genetically modified seed undercuts growers' historic reliance on frugality and independence."
Over half the world's population could rely on food imports by 2050 – study
"The Supreme Court's ruling on genetically modified seed undercuts growers' historic reliance on frugality and independence."
Over half the world's population could rely on food imports by 2050 – study
South African Anti-Fracking Activist Calls for Global Alliance
Rivers Carry Away Waste Heat Form Power Plants at a Cost to the Environment
Rivers Carry Away Waste Heat Form Power Plants at a Cost to the Environment
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Government uses subpoena to gain wide swath of Associated Press telephone records
"The Justice Department secretly obtained two months of telephone records of reporters and editors for The Associated Press in what the news cooperative's top executive called a "massive and unprecedented intrusion" into how news organizations gather the news."
"The Justice Department secretly obtained two months of telephone records of reporters and editors for The Associated Press in what the news cooperative's top executive called a "massive and unprecedented intrusion" into how news organizations gather the news."
FBI Shrugs Off Law Requiring Email Warrants
Google Fights Glass Backlash Before It Even Hits The Street
Google Fights Glass Backlash Before It Even Hits The Street
Email: Even The CIA Uses It. Time To Get Serious About Its Legal Protections
Netflix chewing up increased share of North America bandwidth
Netflix chewing up increased share of North America bandwidth
## Systemic breakdown/collapse ##
National unrest: Nigeria sliding into lawlessness – Sultan of Sokoto
With the decline in net energy, entropy (disorder/chaos) is building up all over the world. Breakdown is starting in systems everywhere. Because governments have not made preparations to ease their socioeconomic systems down to a lower energy level, we are faced with a wrenching transition. -- RF
Social Mood Darkens in Europe, Especially France, as Eurozone Economy in Freefall
Social Mood Darkens in Europe, Especially France, as Eurozone Economy in Freefall
## China ##
Chinese iron and cement industry struggling to keep afloat
China April factory output disappoints, clouds outlook
China April factory output disappoints, clouds outlook
China Seen Boosting Emergency Oil-Storage Capacity, IEA Says
China: High and dry
"Water shortages are putting a brake on economic growth and stirring political discontent"
China: High and dry
"Water shortages are putting a brake on economic growth and stirring political discontent"
## UK ##
Minister: NHS will collapse if elderly bed blocking continues
"The NHS will collapse without decisive action to get more elderly people out of hospitals, Norman Lamb, the health minister, has warned."
British Gas owner Centrica enjoys profits boost after cold snap
"Centrica says it will try to avoid more price rises for as long as possible as it faces protests at annual meeting on Monday"
"The NHS will collapse without decisive action to get more elderly people out of hospitals, Norman Lamb, the health minister, has warned."
British Gas owner Centrica enjoys profits boost after cold snap
"Centrica says it will try to avoid more price rises for as long as possible as it faces protests at annual meeting on Monday"
Federal government creates more low-wage jobs than Walmart
"A study released earlier this month from the public policy group Demos states that through various forms of government funding in the private sector, nearly two million people are making $12 an hour or less. The number of workers at Wal-Mart and McDonald's together at $12 an hour or less is currently around 1.5 million, according to the report."
U.S. Postal Service posts $1.9 billion loss, despite efficiency efforts
"A study released earlier this month from the public policy group Demos states that through various forms of government funding in the private sector, nearly two million people are making $12 an hour or less. The number of workers at Wal-Mart and McDonald's together at $12 an hour or less is currently around 1.5 million, according to the report."
U.S. Postal Service posts $1.9 billion loss, despite efficiency efforts
"Moldy muffins, rotten fruit and school sinks clogged with uneaten cereal have been reported as problems plaguing the 'Breakfast in the Classroom' program run by the Los Angeles Unified School District."
Ammunition Shortage Reaches All Time High
Defense to furlough most of its 800,000 civilians
"The Defense Department will furlough most of its 800,000 civilian employees for 11 days, a decision that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called 'difficult' but necessary to meet mandatory federal spending cuts this year without harming national security."
U.S. car use falls as younger generation shifts gears: study
"Americans are driving less than they used to because of higher gasoline prices, a weak economy and changing generational preferences, according to a report released Tuesday that found a sixty-year "driving boom" had hit the brakes."
Defense to furlough most of its 800,000 civilians
"The Defense Department will furlough most of its 800,000 civilian employees for 11 days, a decision that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called 'difficult' but necessary to meet mandatory federal spending cuts this year without harming national security."
U.S. car use falls as younger generation shifts gears: study
"Americans are driving less than they used to because of higher gasoline prices, a weak economy and changing generational preferences, according to a report released Tuesday that found a sixty-year "driving boom" had hit the brakes."
Federal Reserve ZIRP has essentially destroyed household income growth
The Tesla Stock Rally and Electric Car Rally Is Over!
The Tesla Stock Rally and Electric Car Rally Is Over!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
News Links, May 11-13, 2013
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Read Between the Lines: IMF Admits Spain is Bankrupt; Get Your Money Out While You Can
Central Banks Keep Easing After Cuts Fail to Spur Growth
Central Banks Keep Easing After Cuts Fail to Spur Growth
German Export Machine Hits Skids; Imbalances Intensify: Exports Drop 4.2% YoY, Imports Drop 6.9% YoY
Except for gold. -- RF
Peak gold: The hidden crisis in the gold business
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Iberia struggling with turnaround
Smaller airports have fewer departures, seats as airlines become more profitable
Smaller airports have fewer departures, seats as airlines become more profitable
Here again we can see that the airline industry is literally downsizing itself into profitability. -- RF
European airlines give way to Asian competitors
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Taiwan protests to Philippines after fisherman shot
"Taiwan has demanded an explanation and apology from the Philippines after a fisherman was shot and killed in disputed waters."
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Taiwan protests to Philippines after fisherman shot
"Taiwan has demanded an explanation and apology from the Philippines after a fisherman was shot and killed in disputed waters."
China's Military Build-up Continues: Pentagon
"China is boosting its investments in missiles, drones and cyber warfare as part of a plan to deter the U.S. and other countries from intervening in the region, according to a new report from the Defense Department."
"China is boosting its investments in missiles, drones and cyber warfare as part of a plan to deter the U.S. and other countries from intervening in the region, according to a new report from the Defense Department."
China set to test first jet-powered stealth drone, Lijian
Number of casualties from north Tikrit explosion increased up to 15 killed, 22 wounded (Iraq)
Number of casualties from north Tikrit explosion increased up to 15 killed, 22 wounded (Iraq)
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thousands of Israelis take to the streets to protest austerity measures
Fast-food workers stage walkouts over wages (US)
"Fast-food workers and labor activists staged sporadic walkouts and protests at various chain eateries in Friday as part of an organized nationwide protest to gain better wages and working conditions."
Fast-food workers stage walkouts over wages (US)
"Fast-food workers and labor activists staged sporadic walkouts and protests at various chain eateries in Friday as part of an organized nationwide protest to gain better wages and working conditions."
'Kill the Syrians': Turkish mobs search out civil war refugees after devastating car bomb
Greece: Civil mobilization order to teachers ahead of strike
Greece: Civil mobilization order to teachers ahead of strike
"All of the easy fruit has been picked."
Natural Gas Rig Count in U.S. Drops to 350, Baker Hughes Says
"The number of gas rigs in the U.S. declined by four this week to 350, according to Baker Hughes Inc. It's the lowest total since June 1995."
"The number of gas rigs in the U.S. declined by four this week to 350, according to Baker Hughes Inc. It's the lowest total since June 1995."
Solar thermal chief predicts third year of recession
"Europe's solar thermal industry is bracing itself for another cold economic year, as consolidation in the building and solar energy sectors continues to hit new energy-efficient housing construction."
"Europe's solar thermal industry is bracing itself for another cold economic year, as consolidation in the building and solar energy sectors continues to hit new energy-efficient housing construction."
Electricity rates to go up (Taiwan)
How China Will Eat Your Lunch
"China is going to eat your lunch. They're going to make your food more costly to produce. They're going to make water more scarce."
Florida citrus industry plagued by disease with no known cure
"China is going to eat your lunch. They're going to make your food more costly to produce. They're going to make water more scarce."
Florida citrus industry plagued by disease with no known cure
Cambridge-based scientists develop 'superwheat'
"The Cambridge-based National Institute of Agricultural Botany has combined an ancient ancestor of wheat with a modern variety to produce a new strain."
"The Cambridge-based National Institute of Agricultural Botany has combined an ancient ancestor of wheat with a modern variety to produce a new strain."
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
Financial Security Ceases to Exist: Good for Low-Energy Survival on a Changing Planet
Eco-friendly green burials catching on in the U.S.
## Environment/health ##
Modern life causing dementia earlier, study finds
"Modern life is causing people to suffer dementia earlier than ever before, a study has found, with PCs, mobile phones, chemicals and electronic devices to blame."
Greenhouse Gases Hit Threshold Unseen in 3 Million Years
"Modern life is causing people to suffer dementia earlier than ever before, a study has found, with PCs, mobile phones, chemicals and electronic devices to blame."
Greenhouse Gases Hit Threshold Unseen in 3 Million Years
France confirms 2nd case of SARS-related virus
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
White House Denies Any 'Substantive' Edits To Benghazi Memo
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
White House Denies Any 'Substantive' Edits To Benghazi Memo
But there never was a real war with the poppies; the world is too dependent on the money they generate. -- RF
Apple deluged by police demands to decrypt iPhones
"ATF says no law enforcement agency could unlock a defendant's iPhone, but Apple can "bypass the security software" if it chooses. Apple has created a police waiting list because of high demand."
"ATF says no law enforcement agency could unlock a defendant's iPhone, but Apple can "bypass the security software" if it chooses. Apple has created a police waiting list because of high demand."
US cyberwar strategy stokes fear of blowback
## Systemic breakdown/collapse ##
GDP will make a generation of Americans miserable
## Systemic breakdown/collapse ##
GDP will make a generation of Americans miserable
"GDP is one of the economics profession's worst myths (the other, perpetual growth)."
Sword of division is poised over Iraq
"Polarized political leaders openly discuss the threat of more bloodshed between Sunnis and Shiites and the eventual breakup of the country."
Sword of division is poised over Iraq
"Polarized political leaders openly discuss the threat of more bloodshed between Sunnis and Shiites and the eventual breakup of the country."
## Japan ##
Expect a Spike in Long-Term Japanese Interest Rates; Currency Crisis Just Around the Corner
Sharp to cut another 5,000 jobs as part of restructuring
Sharp to cut another 5,000 jobs as part of restructuring
Japan's cities are hollowing under the influence of declines in net energy and economic activity. -- RF
## China ##
China's Data Manipulation In One Chart, And Why The Real Data Implies Weakest GDP Growth In Over 20 Years
Shanghai Ends H7N9 Bird Flu Emergency Measures; Poultry Shares Gain
Shanghai Ends H7N9 Bird Flu Emergency Measures; Poultry Shares Gain
Private eyes to track down EU students who owe £50m in loans
Aircraft carrier 'omnishambles' wastes £100 million
"Britain will be left without a fully operational aircraft carrier for another two years because a delay to a key early-warning system, an official audit has found."
Aircraft carrier 'omnishambles' wastes £100 million
"Britain will be left without a fully operational aircraft carrier for another two years because a delay to a key early-warning system, an official audit has found."
Tests for new chemical guns in late stages
"The Home Office is testing a new form of chemical gun, which could be used to control rioters and can be fired from more than 100 feet away."
"The Home Office is testing a new form of chemical gun, which could be used to control rioters and can be fired from more than 100 feet away."
## US ##
NYPD Sergeant Says 'Guilty Until Proven Innocent' Is Just The Price We Pay For A 'Free Society'
Model S boosts Tesla, but mass market electric cars still elusive
Bankrupt Alabama county sees exit plan in June-lawyer
Model S boosts Tesla, but mass market electric cars still elusive
Bankrupt Alabama county sees exit plan in June-lawyer
"The number of Americans with any sort of pension is largely going away. In 1980, over 60 percent of Americans employed in the private sector had some form of a pension. Today it is down to 10 percent and is trending even lower. "
Keep an eye on this as we move into the summer, when many "refrigerated" food trucks turn off their refrigeration units to save money on expensive fuel. -- RF
The implication being that Americans are slowly returning to sanity? There are many JFK books out there, but I highly recommend James Douglass' JFK and the Unspeakable for a well-documented book on not only how JFK was killed, but why he died and what it means. -- RF
U.S. says Iran's oil sector shady
"The U.S. Treasury Department said Iran was resorting to 'convoluted schemes' to evade sanctions on its energy sector, an official said."
"The U.S. Treasury Department said Iran was resorting to 'convoluted schemes' to evade sanctions on its energy sector, an official said."
Friday, May 10, 2013
News Links, May 9-10, 2013
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
German Ghost Port Shows Container Slowdown Enduring: Frei
German Ghost Port Shows Container Slowdown Enduring: Frei
Nothing to see here, folks. Move right along. -- RF
Are China's trade figures too good to be true?
"April's extra-strong export data add to speculation that Beijing is cooking the books when it comes to official economic statistics."
"April's extra-strong export data add to speculation that Beijing is cooking the books when it comes to official economic statistics."
Stodgy Netherlands is nation that'll blow up euro: Overindebted Dutch heading deeper into recession
Gold: Who'S Selling, Who's Buying, Who's Lying
Support for the euro hits historical low in Denmark
Gold: Who'S Selling, Who's Buying, Who's Lying
Support for the euro hits historical low in Denmark
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Ottawa clearing way for Canadian airlines to use fewer flight attendants
"Transport Canada signals it will allow Canadian carriers to fly with fewer flight attendants, citing competitive pressures from foreign airlines."
Leaner Airlines Mean Fewer Routes, Study Shows
"A decade of restructuring in the U.S. airline industry has produced a sharp reduction in air service that is curtailing traveler choice and some local economies even as it improves the industry's health, new research shows."
"A decade of restructuring in the U.S. airline industry has produced a sharp reduction in air service that is curtailing traveler choice and some local economies even as it improves the industry's health, new research shows."
The airline industry continues to downsize itself into a shadow of its former existence. In the future, only the rich will fly, and they will have precious few routes and airports to choose from. -- RF
Bumpy ride ahead for travel agencies
"Airlines are rethinking their distribution strategy to cut costs in the slowdown"
"Airlines are rethinking their distribution strategy to cut costs in the slowdown"
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
The Global Land Grab: The New Enclosures
'This is the decade of fighting pipelines:' Keystone XL seen as just the beginning of oil pipeline wars
'This is the decade of fighting pipelines:' Keystone XL seen as just the beginning of oil pipeline wars
Japan protests over Chinese article on Okinawa sovereignty
"Japan has protested to China over a newspaper article that called for a review of Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa."
"Japan has protested to China over a newspaper article that called for a review of Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa."
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
In Beijing, Mass Gathering Draws Police
## Energy/resources ##
Aquino Sweats to Solve Mindanao Power Failure: Southeast Asia
Drought-stricken Panama orders power rationing, closes schools
"Panama on Tuesday ordered government offices and private businesses to slash their power consumption and temporarily closed schools in response to a drought that has sapped the country's hydroelectric energy supply."
Drought-stricken Panama orders power rationing, closes schools
"Panama on Tuesday ordered government offices and private businesses to slash their power consumption and temporarily closed schools in response to a drought that has sapped the country's hydroelectric energy supply."
Mexico shift to LNG drives gas costs higher
"Mexico is stepping up imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as rising demand, falling domestic output and pipeline bottlenecks for cheap U.S. imports force it to pay at least four times more for added supplies."
"Mexico is stepping up imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as rising demand, falling domestic output and pipeline bottlenecks for cheap U.S. imports force it to pay at least four times more for added supplies."
Resource Strain Pushes Coca-Cola, Dow to Put Price Tags on Nature
"Companies are starting to consider the value of natural resources in making business decisions, a practice that will become increasingly important as those resources become further constrained, corporate representatives say."
"Companies are starting to consider the value of natural resources in making business decisions, a practice that will become increasingly important as those resources become further constrained, corporate representatives say."
With methane hydrates, just as with shale gas, we must resign ourselves to production at a loss. This is not about making money, but about staving off energy collapse. -- RF
Brent-WTI Oil Spread Collapse Spooks Refiners, Railways
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Cable theft causes widespread blackout (South Africa)
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Cable theft causes widespread blackout (South Africa)
## Got food? ##
Egypt's Wheat Farmers Hobbled by Fuel Shortages as Silos Run Low
European Commission to criminalize nearly all seeds and plants not registered with government
European Commission to criminalize nearly all seeds and plants not registered with government
G8 under pressure to rethink biofuel mandates
"Leaders of the EU and their partners in the G8 nations are under mounting pressure to reconsider their support for biofuel targets amid concern that plant oil production competes with food output in poor countries."
"Leaders of the EU and their partners in the G8 nations are under mounting pressure to reconsider their support for biofuel targets amid concern that plant oil production competes with food output in poor countries."
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
China calls U.S. the "real hacking empire" after Pentagon report
China calls U.S. the "real hacking empire" after Pentagon report
Cyberwar is breaking out all over
"Costly and dangerous attacks on government and corporate computer systems are soaring. The Pentagon alone wants $4.7 billion to combat them."
"Costly and dangerous attacks on government and corporate computer systems are soaring. The Pentagon alone wants $4.7 billion to combat them."
House committee hearing on Boston bombings Thursday, as investigators continue to trace activities of Tsarnaev brothers
"Dozens of federal agents and local and state police officers are tracing the steps of the Tsarnaev brothers in the weeks and months before the Boston Marathon bombing, but they have not been able to connect them to a foreign terrorist organization, according to law enforcement and intelligence officials."
## Systemic breakdown/collapse ##
Air Force sidelines 17 ICBM launch officers; commander cites 'rot' within system
"The Air Force stripped an unprecedented 17 officers of their authority to control - and, if necessary, launch - nuclear missiles after a string of unpublicized failings, including a remarkably dim review of their unit's launch skills. The group's deputy commander said it is suffering 'rot' within its ranks."
"Dozens of federal agents and local and state police officers are tracing the steps of the Tsarnaev brothers in the weeks and months before the Boston Marathon bombing, but they have not been able to connect them to a foreign terrorist organization, according to law enforcement and intelligence officials."
## Systemic breakdown/collapse ##
Air Force sidelines 17 ICBM launch officers; commander cites 'rot' within system
"The Air Force stripped an unprecedented 17 officers of their authority to control - and, if necessary, launch - nuclear missiles after a string of unpublicized failings, including a remarkably dim review of their unit's launch skills. The group's deputy commander said it is suffering 'rot' within its ranks."
Power shortage shock foreshadows fall of government (Philippines)
## China ##
## UK ##
Independent Scotland faces long fight with UK over oil
Social care in England 'has bleak future on £800m cuts'
Social care in England 'has bleak future on £800m cuts'
Streetlights to go out in parts of East Dorset
## US ##
29 Shocking Facts That Prove That College Education In America Is A Giant Money Making Scam
## US ##
29 Shocking Facts That Prove That College Education In America Is A Giant Money Making Scam
Some 15% of U.S. Receives Food Stamps
The Number Of US Citizens On Disability Is Now Larger Than The Population Of Greece
The Number Of US Citizens On Disability Is Now Larger Than The Population Of Greece
And finally…
It's a long supply line… good luck! -- RF
