Here’s a handy summary of how the consequences of the credit crunch have differed around the world. Simply: US and Europe down, Asia up, South America and Africa up. Irrespective of the ups and downs you should still differentiate between players in each market and understand how changing conditions are affecting them. … And here’s …
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Author:astraea
Winners from the credit crunch.
As always, some weather downturns better than others, and the credit crunch has benefited those able to take advantage of it: those with cash, those who provide value and those who said it was coming. It is unfortunate that at the top of that list are the rich. In other words, the rich have got …
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Beijing Olympics 2008
If I could choose one Olympic games to attend in my life, Athens would be near the top of the, but Beijing would be number 1. They will be a fabulous display by China and will demonstrate on an international stage the best qualities of Chinese culture. Sporting prowess will be seen certainly, but visitors …
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Another reason to eat your greens.
Another scientific study shows the benefits of eating brassicas. Researchers have shown that eating broccoli may reverse the harmful effects of diabetes to blood vessels. So, if you’ve high cholesterol or like fried food and sweets, it’s a good idea to compliment your diet with the windy vegetable! See the full research paper here (but …
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Primate extinction threat growing fast.
The first comprehensive review in five years of the world’s 634 kinds of primates found that almost 50% are in danger of going extinct, according to the criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Humanity’s closest relatives, the world’s monkeys, apes and other primates, are disappearing from the face of the Earth, with …
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BT Notes August – Tullow’s dying, potatoes, the Irish Green Gathering …
While I can’t resist commenting on the weather, I’ll resist for a moment because something sad is happening in Tullow, our local town. It is dying. Tesco, the UK supermarket mega-group, opened a large store a month ago and already all traders in the centre of town are feeling it. Whether its the other supermarkets, …
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I don’t like being green/eco/ethical …
It’s just the way I am. So, I suppose, I do like being green/eco/ethical because I wouldn’t want to be the opposite. But I find that that is how I’m labelled by others, and that’s a shame. It should be a minimum that people are green/eco/ethical. People should then be differentiated by their professional skills, …
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Don’t stop children from playing!
Another report has been published which shows the sad increase in over-protectiveness by parents of their children. Parents are increasingly denying children the opportunity to learn naturally, to enjoy life and to be children. The consequences for those children are not just a more boring life today, but also less enjoyable and successful life as …
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The financial meltdown so far …
A succinct summary of the impact of the dislocation of financial markets so far is presented by the BBC here. It summarises the numbers; the losses to banks, homeowners, investors and policymakers. Unfortunately what is also clear is that none of the leaders in these areas have presented a way out. They talk about rebuilding …
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Is the US economy really growing?
Today’s report of 1.9% annualised growth of the US economy in the second quarter is surprising. With virtual stagnation of property markets, dry credit and inflation it seems implausible that this growth is occurring. These numbers from the Department of Commerce are preliminary and may be downgraded. Many analysts, including us, believe that the US …
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