Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Friday the government has agreed to send two Patriot missile systems to reinforce Turkey's air defenses and calm its fears of coming under missile attack, possibly with chemical weapons, from Syria.
"The Dutch deployment of Patriot systems aims to protect the population and territory of NATO ally Turkey and contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along the southeastern borders of the alliance," the government said in a statement.
The United States, Germany and the Netherlands, the only three NATO nations with the most modern type of Patriots, have all agreed to send missiles to protect their ally.
Germany and the Netherlands have each said they will send two Patriot batteries with multiple missile launchers.
A U.S. defense official said the United States would probably contribute two batteries, but the number has not been finalized yet
Read more: Dutch government will send Patriot missiles to Turkey | Reuters
12/7/12
Germany to give $10 million a year to Max Planck Institute for Neuroscience in Jupiter Florida - by Marcia Heroux Pounds
Germany will give $10 million a year to support the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Germany's State Secretary Cornelia Quennet-Thielen announced at the institute's official opening on Wednesday morning. "There is no better and rewarding investment than in the brains of our young children," said Quennet-Thielen, who heads the German federal ministry of education and research in Germany. The $10 million annual funding commitment is for an initial four years, she said.
Max Planck's first scientific research institute in the U.S. opened its new building in Jupiter, across from Scripps Florida.
The Public is invited to tour Max Planck on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required at www.maxplanckflorida.org/neuroscience-discovery-day.
Max Planck currently has under 100 employees, but has plans to grow to more than 135 employees by 2015.
The 100,000-sq.-ft. research center is built on six acres of land and includes includes 58,000 square feet of laboratory space.
To bring Max Planck to Florida, the institute was awarded $94.1 million from the state’s Innovation Inventive Fund. Palm Beach County provided $86.9 million for construction and operations while the Town of Jupiter waived $260,000 in impact fees and matched the state’s funding.
The total $188 million investment is eventually expected to result in more than 1,800 jobs -- some through start-up companies that spin off from the institute’s research -- and generate more than $2 billion in economic activity, according to the Florida state government officials.
Read more: Max Planck opens Wednesday - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Max Planck's first scientific research institute in the U.S. opened its new building in Jupiter, across from Scripps Florida.
The Public is invited to tour Max Planck on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required at www.maxplanckflorida.org/neuroscience-discovery-day.
Max Planck currently has under 100 employees, but has plans to grow to more than 135 employees by 2015.
The 100,000-sq.-ft. research center is built on six acres of land and includes includes 58,000 square feet of laboratory space.
To bring Max Planck to Florida, the institute was awarded $94.1 million from the state’s Innovation Inventive Fund. Palm Beach County provided $86.9 million for construction and operations while the Town of Jupiter waived $260,000 in impact fees and matched the state’s funding.
The total $188 million investment is eventually expected to result in more than 1,800 jobs -- some through start-up companies that spin off from the institute’s research -- and generate more than $2 billion in economic activity, according to the Florida state government officials.
Read more: Max Planck opens Wednesday - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Britain: Should we label genetically modified food? - by Bhaskar Vira and David Nally
On the sidelines of the US presidential election, battle lines were drawn on a Californian ballot that has potential implications for broader debates about the challenges of global food security. Proposition 37, which was narrowly defeated (52.8% of voters opposed the measure), would have required mandatory labelling for all genetically engineered food sold to consumers in California.
Supporters argued that people had the right to know exactly what they were buying, and the requirement for foods to be appropriately labelled was simply a way of allowing them to make a more informed choice. Opponents claimed the measure would ultimately increase household grocery costs by generating additional bureaucracy and potentially tying up farmers and agricultural businesses in expensive litigation.
Behind the scenes were fierce arguments about the use of genetic technology in the food industry, concerns about biosafety, and a demonstration of the filibustering power of US agribusiness. The Yes campaign accused large agrochemical companies of spending millions of dollars on opposition to Proposition 37 in the last few weeks before the election, and of spreading misinformation.
There seems little doubt that achieving food security will involve biotechnology. What is more contentious is the way in which these technologies are rolled out and, more to the point, who stands to benefit. The development, deployment and control of agricultural biotechnology is likely to result in winners and losers. There is no such thing as socially neutral or apolitical technology.
There are, for example, considerable differences between publicly funded genetic research, which is made freely available to farmers and other producers, and patented and protected technologies that are distributed under the proprietary control of private companies. In reality, biotechnological development is likely to involve compromise between the need to provide adequate incentives for research and development within the private sector, including allowing patents and intellectual property to protect profitability, and the need for these technologies to be used on a sufficient scale to offer sustainable solutions to the challenge of feeding 7 billion people.
Concerns about biosafety are equally important. For proponents of genetic technologies to dismiss these as the irrational fears of misinformed consumers is short-sighted, and potentially underestimates the power of consumer voice, especially in the digital age. It's also patronising, suggesting consumers should have choice on the shelves but not on the labels.
National attitudes matter as well. The debate in Europe over GM foods is considerably more cautious than in North America, and European regulators are far more sensitive to public opinion. In India, one of the largest public consultation exercises associated with licensing new agricultural technologies led to a two-year moratorium on growing GM brinjal (aubergine) in 2010, despite a report by the country's six science academies concluding that the crop was safe for cultivation.
Read more: Should we label genetically modified food? | Bhaskar Vira and David Nally | Global development | guardian.co.uk
Supporters argued that people had the right to know exactly what they were buying, and the requirement for foods to be appropriately labelled was simply a way of allowing them to make a more informed choice. Opponents claimed the measure would ultimately increase household grocery costs by generating additional bureaucracy and potentially tying up farmers and agricultural businesses in expensive litigation.
Behind the scenes were fierce arguments about the use of genetic technology in the food industry, concerns about biosafety, and a demonstration of the filibustering power of US agribusiness. The Yes campaign accused large agrochemical companies of spending millions of dollars on opposition to Proposition 37 in the last few weeks before the election, and of spreading misinformation.
There seems little doubt that achieving food security will involve biotechnology. What is more contentious is the way in which these technologies are rolled out and, more to the point, who stands to benefit. The development, deployment and control of agricultural biotechnology is likely to result in winners and losers. There is no such thing as socially neutral or apolitical technology.
There are, for example, considerable differences between publicly funded genetic research, which is made freely available to farmers and other producers, and patented and protected technologies that are distributed under the proprietary control of private companies. In reality, biotechnological development is likely to involve compromise between the need to provide adequate incentives for research and development within the private sector, including allowing patents and intellectual property to protect profitability, and the need for these technologies to be used on a sufficient scale to offer sustainable solutions to the challenge of feeding 7 billion people.
Concerns about biosafety are equally important. For proponents of genetic technologies to dismiss these as the irrational fears of misinformed consumers is short-sighted, and potentially underestimates the power of consumer voice, especially in the digital age. It's also patronising, suggesting consumers should have choice on the shelves but not on the labels.
National attitudes matter as well. The debate in Europe over GM foods is considerably more cautious than in North America, and European regulators are far more sensitive to public opinion. In India, one of the largest public consultation exercises associated with licensing new agricultural technologies led to a two-year moratorium on growing GM brinjal (aubergine) in 2010, despite a report by the country's six science academies concluding that the crop was safe for cultivation.
Read more: Should we label genetically modified food? | Bhaskar Vira and David Nally | Global development | guardian.co.uk
Sweden: 'To hell with traditional Swedish behaviour'
Youth centre worker and columnist Milad Mohammadi questions whether traditional Swedish behaviour is really all it's cracked up to be if it often means not helping those in need.
A few weeks ago I wrote about tripping over on the pavement, and how even with bleeding knees I didn't get help from anyone, in fact not even getting a single glance in my direction – which I felt people did on purpose.
Now it’s happened again, but to someone utterly undeserving of such treatment.
An older gentlemen on the train to Uppsala wanted to buy a ticket but didn’t have a credit card. He asked the other passengers if anyone could pay for him and said he'd give them the equivalent sum in cash instead.
Nobody helped him. Nobody even looked at him.
I ended up paying for the old man’s ticket. It turned out we were heading in the same direction and we chatted for a while.
He told me how people don’t see him as human. He got upset. I told him I was about to give two lectures that day in two different cities to about 600 teenagers.
I promised to tell them to see their fellow humans as fellow humans, explaining that holding talks is what I do best.
The old man’s face lit up; he looked happy. Fuck Sweden, I thought to myself. Fuck traditional Swedish behaviour, to be more precise.
What’s my conclusion here? That my country disappoints me.
Note EU-Digest: unfortunately this kind of behavior is not only limited to Sweden, but in many countries throughout Europe.
Read more: 'To hell with traditional Swedish behaviour'
A few weeks ago I wrote about tripping over on the pavement, and how even with bleeding knees I didn't get help from anyone, in fact not even getting a single glance in my direction – which I felt people did on purpose.
Now it’s happened again, but to someone utterly undeserving of such treatment.
An older gentlemen on the train to Uppsala wanted to buy a ticket but didn’t have a credit card. He asked the other passengers if anyone could pay for him and said he'd give them the equivalent sum in cash instead.
Nobody helped him. Nobody even looked at him.
I ended up paying for the old man’s ticket. It turned out we were heading in the same direction and we chatted for a while.
He told me how people don’t see him as human. He got upset. I told him I was about to give two lectures that day in two different cities to about 600 teenagers.
I promised to tell them to see their fellow humans as fellow humans, explaining that holding talks is what I do best.
The old man’s face lit up; he looked happy. Fuck Sweden, I thought to myself. Fuck traditional Swedish behaviour, to be more precise.
What’s my conclusion here? That my country disappoints me.
Note EU-Digest: unfortunately this kind of behavior is not only limited to Sweden, but in many countries throughout Europe.
Read more: 'To hell with traditional Swedish behaviour'
Egypt reserved on Iran's courtship
Egypt's president is under sharp criticism for his domestic policies. But his actions on the international stage have drawn praise. Iran is particularly pleased about warming relations - and has the most to gain.
The prominence of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood raised hopes among the regime in Iran of an "Islamic Awakening." "Iran sees the Arab Spring as an opportunity to promote its own revolutionary Islamic vision for the region," Elizabeth Iskander, research fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Hamburg, told DW. However, this is proving to be an illusion.
Morsi has his own agenda to follow when it comes to foreign policy. His first visit abroad after taking office was to Saudi Arabia, one of Cairo's significant financial supporters since the Arab Spring. But Morsi also played a key role in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza last month and was showered with praise by the US.
Read more: Egypt reserved on Iran's courtship | World | DW.DE | 07.12.2012
Russian diplomats to US Senators: 'Your efforts are pathetic'
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the bill to abolish the Jackson-Vanik amendment. At the same time, senators voted for the so-called "Magnitsky Act". The Russian Foreign Ministry called the introduction of visa and financial sanctions a "performance in the theater of the absurd."
The Jackson-Vanik amendment was adopted in 1974. It linked the trade relations between the Soviet Union and the United States with the USSR freedom of emigration. As an obvious anachronism, the amendment formally remained in effect, even though the American administration was extending the moratorium on its action since 1990.
Actually, Washington was going to abolish the amendment for quite a while, at least, verbally. Russia's entry into the WTO has accelerated the process: the United States worried that the amendment could affect the American businessmen doing business in Russia.
Although, it is very likely that both the White House and the Congress were not much concerned about the abolition of the Jackson-Vanik amendment. They were trying to find a replacement for it. They found it in the so-called "Magnitsky Act." The act was called so after lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow prison in November 2009.
One of the provisions of the "Magnitsky Act" requires the U.S. President, not later than 120 days after the enactment of the law, shall send the list of people involved in the death of Sergei Magnitsky to appropriate congressional committees. The list should also include those responsible for extrajudicial killings, tortures and other serious violations of human rights, ITAR-TASS said.
Russian authorities have repeatedly warned Washington that the adoption of the "Magnitsky Act" may have a negative impact on bilateral relations and trigger measures in response. So far, however, it is impossible to say whether the case will be limited to a list of U.S. officials who would be banned from entering Russia. It is quite possible that Russia may prepare a surprise for Washington too.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, has responded swiftly to the adoption of the bill by the Senate. Senators' decision was called a "performance in the theater of the absurd." "It appears they have forgotten in Washington what year it is now - maybe they think that it is the Cold War now. US senators can also be so carried away with self-PR that they ignore the obvious: every country can close entry into its territory to whom it sees fit - there are no special laws required for it," officials with the foreign ministry said.
Read more: Russian diplomats to US Senators: 'Your efforts are pathetic' - English pravda.ru
European Airbus Supplier Moving to Mobile
The first official Supplier to Airbus announced they will be moving to Mobile.
Safran, a French engineering firm plans to open up an office at Brookley Aeroplex in the first quarter of 2013.
"Safran is pleased to continue our growth by delivering value to our customers, providing superior products and investing in high quality American jobs. Our new Safran Engineering Center in Mobile reflects that commitment," said Safran USA CEO Peter Lengyel.
The new engineering office will support aerospace and transportation companies in Alabama and bring additional capabilities and support to Airbus.
Read more: Airbus Supplier Moving to Mobile | WKRG
Safran, a French engineering firm plans to open up an office at Brookley Aeroplex in the first quarter of 2013.
"Safran is pleased to continue our growth by delivering value to our customers, providing superior products and investing in high quality American jobs. Our new Safran Engineering Center in Mobile reflects that commitment," said Safran USA CEO Peter Lengyel.
The new engineering office will support aerospace and transportation companies in Alabama and bring additional capabilities and support to Airbus.
Read more: Airbus Supplier Moving to Mobile | WKRG
Snow blankets Netherlands, disrupting air traffic - by Jon Boyle
Heavy snow and strong winds caused more than 100 flight cancellations at Amsterdam's international airport on Friday.
The Dutch Meteorological Institute said 10-15 centimetres of snow was expected in the Netherlands.
Flights were cancelled from the Dutch capital to cities in Britain, Germany, France and Denmark and the Czech Republic. Many other flights were delayed because of the bad weather.
Train and bus service was also disrupted, but delays were less serious than authorities had predicted.
Read more: Snow blankets Netherlands, disrupting air traffic | Reuters
In euro zone, a bleak economic outlook turns darker - by Eric Reguly
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| Eurozone |
The European Central Bank now sees the euro zone economy contracting by 0.5 per cent this year, slightly worse than its original projection of 0.4 per cent. The new 2013 forecast for the 17-nation group calls for a contraction of 0.3 per cent, compared with an earlier projection of 0.5-per-cent growth, while 2014 would see growth of 1 per cent.
The ECB’s new outlook, unveiled Thursday as the central bank held its benchmark lending rate at 0.75 per cent, came one day after Britain’s Office for Budget Responsibility also lowered its projections through to 2014. These new forecasts suggest Europe faces a tough slog over the next couple of years, with growth too weak to bring down unemployment, which stands at 11.7 per cent in the euro zone and 7.8 per cent in Britain.
Read more: In euro zone, a bleak economic outlook turns darker - The Globe and Mail
12/6/12
US Banking Industry: Fierce battle over card fees goes on - by im Spencer
After helping negotiate the largest antitrust settlement in U.S. history against credit card companies and banks, Minneapolis lawyer K. Craig Wildfang might reasonably have expected a standing ovation from the retail industry. So far, much of what he's received are Bronx cheers.
Many of the country's biggest retailers, who were not parties to the case, want the $7.25 billion deal dead. Mark Williams, president of financial services at Richfield-based Best Buy, said the settlement "does almost nothing to address why U.S. consumers and merchants continue to pay higher [credit card] costs than nearly every other developed country."
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. believes the settlement has "serious substantive and legal defects" that "perpetuate a broken system" of uncontrolled credit card fees that costs Target hundreds of millions of dollars each year, said spokeswoman Jenna Reck.
Visa and MasterCard accounted for 71 percent of credit card purchasers in 2008, the GAO reported. From 1991 to 2009, MasterCard raised its standard credit card fees by 22 percent, the GAO said. From 1995 to 2009, Visa raised its standard fee by 23 percent.
Experts expect major retailers and trade associations to fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary to kill or materially change the settlement. Opponents say it leaves credit card companies with too few limits on fee increases and prohibits future lawsuits.
Georgetown University law Prof. Adam Levitin, a consumer finance expert, speculated that credit card fees could become a flash point in the U.S. House and Senate, the way debit card fees did in 2011 when Congress voted to restrict them in an amendment to financial regulatory reform.
Read more: Fierce battle over card fees goes on | StarTribune.com
Many of the country's biggest retailers, who were not parties to the case, want the $7.25 billion deal dead. Mark Williams, president of financial services at Richfield-based Best Buy, said the settlement "does almost nothing to address why U.S. consumers and merchants continue to pay higher [credit card] costs than nearly every other developed country."
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. believes the settlement has "serious substantive and legal defects" that "perpetuate a broken system" of uncontrolled credit card fees that costs Target hundreds of millions of dollars each year, said spokeswoman Jenna Reck.
Visa and MasterCard accounted for 71 percent of credit card purchasers in 2008, the GAO reported. From 1991 to 2009, MasterCard raised its standard credit card fees by 22 percent, the GAO said. From 1995 to 2009, Visa raised its standard fee by 23 percent.
Experts expect major retailers and trade associations to fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary to kill or materially change the settlement. Opponents say it leaves credit card companies with too few limits on fee increases and prohibits future lawsuits.
Georgetown University law Prof. Adam Levitin, a consumer finance expert, speculated that credit card fees could become a flash point in the U.S. House and Senate, the way debit card fees did in 2011 when Congress voted to restrict them in an amendment to financial regulatory reform.
Read more: Fierce battle over card fees goes on | StarTribune.com
Van Rompuy outlines plan for deeper European fiscal union - by Toby Vogel
Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council, has outlined a three-stage process that he says will lead to “genuine economic and monetary union”.
In a paper published today (6 December), Van Rompuy concedes that plans for the direct recapitalisation of banks through the eurozone's bail-out fund, the European Stability Mechanism, have fallen behind schedule.
A row between France and Germany has delayed a decision to grant the European Central Bank the power to oversee banks in the eurozone, a first step towards allowing the ESM to provide capital to banks directly rather than going through national governments.
At their October summit, EU leaders called for a “legislative framework” for the single banking supervisor to be in place by 1 January. Acknowledging the delay, Van Rompuy's paper says it is imperative that “preparatory work can start in earnest at the beginning of 2013” so that the banking supervisor can start its operations from 1 January 2014.
Van Rompuy's report was co-signed by José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers, and Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank. EU leaders will discuss the plan at their summit in Brussels next week (13-14 December).
Read more: Van Rompuy outlines plan for deeper fiscal union | European Voice
In a paper published today (6 December), Van Rompuy concedes that plans for the direct recapitalisation of banks through the eurozone's bail-out fund, the European Stability Mechanism, have fallen behind schedule.
A row between France and Germany has delayed a decision to grant the European Central Bank the power to oversee banks in the eurozone, a first step towards allowing the ESM to provide capital to banks directly rather than going through national governments.
At their October summit, EU leaders called for a “legislative framework” for the single banking supervisor to be in place by 1 January. Acknowledging the delay, Van Rompuy's paper says it is imperative that “preparatory work can start in earnest at the beginning of 2013” so that the banking supervisor can start its operations from 1 January 2014.
Van Rompuy's report was co-signed by José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers, and Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank. EU leaders will discuss the plan at their summit in Brussels next week (13-14 December).
Read more: Van Rompuy outlines plan for deeper fiscal union | European Voice
Agriculture - Fruit: Catch the worldwide blueberry wave - European high-bush blueberry acreage increased five-fold
"European high-bush blueberry acreage increased five-fold from 1995 to 2010, from 4,000 acres to nearly 21,000 acres. Poland, Germany and Spain lead the way in Europe, with 7,800 acres, 5,300 acres and 2,600 acres, respectively, in 2010. Total European production increased from an estimated 56 million pounds in 2008 to 81 million pounds in 2010", said Mark Villata, executive director of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC).
"Given such growth, the blueberry industry needs to attract new consumers across the globe and significantly increase per capita consumption by 2015. There are opportunities to do so. Despite North America’s huge share in blueberry production, some of its markets remain underdeveloped. There continue to be excellent market prospects inn Europe, China, India and South Korea", says Villata.
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Blueberries continue to be a key ingredient in new fruit product development and their “health halo” continues to drive purchases. The key is to design and implement market promotions that leverage the blueberry’s healthful reputation. Villata who was speaking in Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Mich., said he was optimistic about the long term prospects for blueberries.
"Given such growth, the blueberry industry needs to attract new consumers across the globe and significantly increase per capita consumption by 2015. There are opportunities to do so. Despite North America’s huge share in blueberry production, some of its markets remain underdeveloped. There continue to be excellent market prospects inn Europe, China, India and South Korea", says Villata.
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Blueberries continue to be a key ingredient in new fruit product development and their “health halo” continues to drive purchases. The key is to design and implement market promotions that leverage the blueberry’s healthful reputation. Villata who was speaking in Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Mich., said he was optimistic about the long term prospects for blueberries.
Russia: After Year of Protests, Activists Founding Political Parties
Activists who took part in large-scale protests against the Kremlin over the last year are putting their hopes in new political parties that could be used as a platform for opposition leaders like Alexei Navalny.
With public enthusiasm for protests seeming to have waned after a year of mass demonstrations, members of the opposition are building political parties to give people a new vehicle to put forth their demands.
"When you realize that you can't count on fast solutions and as protest activity is declining, you have to act more constructively," said Natalya Pelevina, a civil activist and one of the leaders of the December 5th Party, set to hold its founding congress on Saturday.
The party takes its name from the date of the first mass anti-Kremlin demonstration last year, when thousands of people filled Chistoprudny Bulvar to protest alleged vote rigging in State Duma elections held the day before.
Read more: After Year of Protests, Activists Founding Political Parties | News | The Moscow Times
Turkey has located 700 Syrian missiles, minister says
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told the Turkish daily Sabah in a recent interview that his ministry has located some 700 missiles in Syria and knows who controls them.
The Syrian regime has 700 missiles and their location, storage method and who controls them are no secret to Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a recent interview with the Turkish daily Sabah.
Davutoğlu added that Turkey’s request to NATO for a Patriot missile system on its border with Syria was made as a precaution against any threat that might arise from whatever factions might end up in control of the country.
Davutoğlu said that a psychological line had been crossed in the civil war now engulfing its southern neighbour. In the past, he said, observers were concerned about what Damascus might do to exact revenge on regional neighbours following the unrest.
Read more: Turkey has located 700 Syrian missiles, minister says - TURKEY - SYRIA - FRANCE 24
The Syrian regime has 700 missiles and their location, storage method and who controls them are no secret to Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a recent interview with the Turkish daily Sabah.
Davutoğlu added that Turkey’s request to NATO for a Patriot missile system on its border with Syria was made as a precaution against any threat that might arise from whatever factions might end up in control of the country.
Davutoğlu said that a psychological line had been crossed in the civil war now engulfing its southern neighbour. In the past, he said, observers were concerned about what Damascus might do to exact revenge on regional neighbours following the unrest.
Read more: Turkey has located 700 Syrian missiles, minister says - TURKEY - SYRIA - FRANCE 24
Germany confronts right-wing extremism
The discovery last year of a terror cell that killed at least 10 people and went undetected by authorities for a decade has forced Germany to re-examine the way it deals with far-right extremism in recent months.
Interior ministers from all 16 German states agreed to begin the process to ban the National Democratic Part (NPD), which is represented in two state parliaments. But it's likely to prove a long and difficult process. And it's one that failed once before.
Read more: Germany confronts right-wing extremism | Germany | DW.DE | 06.12.2012
Interior ministers from all 16 German states agreed to begin the process to ban the National Democratic Part (NPD), which is represented in two state parliaments. But it's likely to prove a long and difficult process. And it's one that failed once before.
Read more: Germany confronts right-wing extremism | Germany | DW.DE | 06.12.2012
EU set to agree 2013 budget after Commission climb-down
EU politicians are expected to avoid becoming the first to fail to agree the bloc's annual budget since 1987 after brokering a last minute deal.
MEPs tentatively accepted a commission proposal that would increase the EU's spending in 2013 from €129 billion to €132.8 billion on Tuesday (4 December).
The deal was agreed by negotiating teams from the three EU institutions last Friday (30 November) with the details only revealed on Tuesday. Parliament's three main political groups: the centre-right European People's Party, the Socialists, and the Liberals, are all likely to back the deal.
Under the proposal, the commission's demand for an additional €9 billion to cover unpaid bills for 2012 has been reduced to €6.1 billion. The money is needed to fill a funding gap for flagship EU projects including the Erasmus scheme, which funds student exchange programmes, as well as the European social fund, which assists workers who have recently been made redundant.
The 2013 annual budget will rise by 2.9 percent to €132.8 billion, higher than the freeze demanded by national governments, but well below the €138 billion requested by MEPs and the commission.
However, senior parliament sources said that the extra €6.1 billion would only cover payments for the first ten months of 2012, meaning that unpaid bills from November and December would be carried over into next year.
Read more: EUobserver.com / Headline News / EU set to agree 2013 budget after Commission climb-down
MEPs tentatively accepted a commission proposal that would increase the EU's spending in 2013 from €129 billion to €132.8 billion on Tuesday (4 December).
The deal was agreed by negotiating teams from the three EU institutions last Friday (30 November) with the details only revealed on Tuesday. Parliament's three main political groups: the centre-right European People's Party, the Socialists, and the Liberals, are all likely to back the deal.
Under the proposal, the commission's demand for an additional €9 billion to cover unpaid bills for 2012 has been reduced to €6.1 billion. The money is needed to fill a funding gap for flagship EU projects including the Erasmus scheme, which funds student exchange programmes, as well as the European social fund, which assists workers who have recently been made redundant.
The 2013 annual budget will rise by 2.9 percent to €132.8 billion, higher than the freeze demanded by national governments, but well below the €138 billion requested by MEPs and the commission.
However, senior parliament sources said that the extra €6.1 billion would only cover payments for the first ten months of 2012, meaning that unpaid bills from November and December would be carried over into next year.
Read more: EUobserver.com / Headline News / EU set to agree 2013 budget after Commission climb-down
Cyber Espionage: When in China, don't leave your laptop alone
You're traveling in China on business, and after checking into your hotel room you decide to grab a bite at a local restaurant. You're not planning to work, so you leave your laptop on the dresser, lock the door, and exit, feeling confident that your possessions are safe.
An hour and half later you return and note that all your stuff, including the laptop, is just where you left it. Everything seems fine, and you go about your business, conducting meetings with potential clients over the next few days before returning home.
But everything is not fine. While you were out to dinner that first night, someone entered your room (often a nominal hotel staffer), carefully examined the contents of your laptop, and installed spyware on the computer -- without your having a clue.
The result? Exposure of information, including customer data, product development documentation, countless emails, and other proprietary information of value to competitors and foreign governments. Perhaps even, thanks to the spyware, there's an ongoing infection in your corporate network that continually phones home key secrets for months or years afterward.
Because so many users never detect that they've been compromised and few report the issue publicly, it's not clear how common this sort of spying is, but it does happen, say cyber security experts. In fact, you should simply assume your computer will be breached if you go to high-risk countries such as China to conduct business, says Israel Martinez, a private-sector board member at the U.S. National Cyber Security Council, a defense industry group.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, issued an intelligence note saying recent analysis from government agencies shows that "malicious actors" were going after travelers abroad. There were recent instances of travelers' laptops being infected with malicious software while they were using hotel Internet connections, the report noted.
"We have found that travelers going to countries in Asia, the Russian Federation, the Baltic states, and even parts of South America have their systems attacked and most likely breached while abroad," says Jerry Irvine, CIO at IT outsourcing provider Prescient Solutions and a member of the National Cyber Security Partnership, an organization established to develop shared strategies and programs to better secure critical information infrastructure in the United States.
China and Russia are the two countries most frequently identified as being high risks, notes Emilian Papadopoulos, chief of staff at Good Harbor Security Risk Management, a security consultancy. Other high-risk countries include those with significant cyber capabilities, those known to conduct cyber espionage, and those known for corporate espionage and stealing business secrets and intellectual property, Papadopoulos says. "Countries with significant state control of private industry, especially in telecommunications, may also be higher risk," he says.
Note EU-Digest: a good precaution also wherever you may be, even in what you might consider "the safety of your home and office" never download any attachment from sources you do not know, regardless if they sound or look official or serious.
Read more: When in China, don't leave your laptop alone | Security - InfoWorld
An hour and half later you return and note that all your stuff, including the laptop, is just where you left it. Everything seems fine, and you go about your business, conducting meetings with potential clients over the next few days before returning home.
But everything is not fine. While you were out to dinner that first night, someone entered your room (often a nominal hotel staffer), carefully examined the contents of your laptop, and installed spyware on the computer -- without your having a clue.
The result? Exposure of information, including customer data, product development documentation, countless emails, and other proprietary information of value to competitors and foreign governments. Perhaps even, thanks to the spyware, there's an ongoing infection in your corporate network that continually phones home key secrets for months or years afterward.
Because so many users never detect that they've been compromised and few report the issue publicly, it's not clear how common this sort of spying is, but it does happen, say cyber security experts. In fact, you should simply assume your computer will be breached if you go to high-risk countries such as China to conduct business, says Israel Martinez, a private-sector board member at the U.S. National Cyber Security Council, a defense industry group.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, issued an intelligence note saying recent analysis from government agencies shows that "malicious actors" were going after travelers abroad. There were recent instances of travelers' laptops being infected with malicious software while they were using hotel Internet connections, the report noted.
"We have found that travelers going to countries in Asia, the Russian Federation, the Baltic states, and even parts of South America have their systems attacked and most likely breached while abroad," says Jerry Irvine, CIO at IT outsourcing provider Prescient Solutions and a member of the National Cyber Security Partnership, an organization established to develop shared strategies and programs to better secure critical information infrastructure in the United States.
China and Russia are the two countries most frequently identified as being high risks, notes Emilian Papadopoulos, chief of staff at Good Harbor Security Risk Management, a security consultancy. Other high-risk countries include those with significant cyber capabilities, those known to conduct cyber espionage, and those known for corporate espionage and stealing business secrets and intellectual property, Papadopoulos says. "Countries with significant state control of private industry, especially in telecommunications, may also be higher risk," he says.
Note EU-Digest: a good precaution also wherever you may be, even in what you might consider "the safety of your home and office" never download any attachment from sources you do not know, regardless if they sound or look official or serious.
Read more: When in China, don't leave your laptop alone | Security - InfoWorld
12/5/12
Norway:Citing crime, Norway to close Venezuela embassy
Norway says it will close its embassy in Venezuela due to rampant crime in the South American country.
Read more: Citing crime, Norway to close Venezuela embassy | HeraldTribune.com
Norwegian officials have decided to move the diplomatic mission to Bogota, the capital of neighboring Colombia.
The government of President Hugo Chavez estimates that more than 14,000 people were killed in Venezuela last year. That gave the country a homicide rate of 50 per 100,000 people and made it one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the world.
Norwegian Ambassador Lars Vaagen said Wednesday that the embassy will be moved from Caracas next year.
The government of President Hugo Chavez estimates that more than 14,000 people were killed in Venezuela last year. That gave the country a homicide rate of 50 per 100,000 people and made it one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the world.
Norwegian Ambassador Lars Vaagen said Wednesday that the embassy will be moved from Caracas next year.
Read more: Citing crime, Norway to close Venezuela embassy | HeraldTribune.com
Eurosceptism: The British media is in love with the Euromyth
The invented tales about European Union policy have the ability to amuse and terrify the public. But Catherine Bearder, a Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England, explains why she has launched her Euromyth Buster campaign to make sure fact is not substituted for fantasy. Let’s face it, is it any surprise people in the UK get exasperated by the European Union?
They are swamped with erroneous tales of alleged devious directives and barmy plans from ‘meddling Brussels bureaucrats’.
I have my favourites. There was the ‘fear’ sparked amongst the European male population after the story of the German man who claimed to have been made impotent by Euro coins. And even the rational were left reeling at news the EU was proposing to liquefy corpses and flush them down the drain.
You can take two stances: ignore, and let the drivel seep into the public subconscious, in the way grossly exaggerated tales of bendy bananas managed. Or, go armed with the truth, tackle myth-making when it crops up in the media and query suspected fabrication.
When a headline screams ‘EU disgrace’ or ‘look at what them lot are doing now’ (insert exclamation mark for extra anger), stick your hand up and question detail.
It is a relentless job, but one which those of us who believe in an effective place in the union must do. Rebutting falsehoods uttered about the European Union has become a full time job. The European Commission has introduced a policy of tackling negative coverage it regards as being distorted… or, just plain wrong. It gets hit hard, often because many UK tabloids seem to forget their journalistic duty to contact the commission for a comment on many of their stories. I struggle to imagine other scenarios in which that would be the case. If a local newspaper is running a story criticising a council plan, they go to the Town Hall for comment.
If a police initiative is being scrutinized, a leading officer is asked for a quote. If a school is cutting classes, the headteacher or education authority is called upon to speak up. I took part in a radio debate last month, during which one caller said she wanted Britain out of the EU because it preached holocaust denial to school pupils.
The most surprising part was the polite acceptance of the viewpoint from the presenter. No attempt was made to question what was clearly rubbish. Those who pour scorn on our place in Europe are not keen for a frank and straightforward debate on the facts.
Read more: The British media is in love with the Euromyth | New Europe
They are swamped with erroneous tales of alleged devious directives and barmy plans from ‘meddling Brussels bureaucrats’.
I have my favourites. There was the ‘fear’ sparked amongst the European male population after the story of the German man who claimed to have been made impotent by Euro coins. And even the rational were left reeling at news the EU was proposing to liquefy corpses and flush them down the drain.
You can take two stances: ignore, and let the drivel seep into the public subconscious, in the way grossly exaggerated tales of bendy bananas managed. Or, go armed with the truth, tackle myth-making when it crops up in the media and query suspected fabrication.
When a headline screams ‘EU disgrace’ or ‘look at what them lot are doing now’ (insert exclamation mark for extra anger), stick your hand up and question detail.
It is a relentless job, but one which those of us who believe in an effective place in the union must do. Rebutting falsehoods uttered about the European Union has become a full time job. The European Commission has introduced a policy of tackling negative coverage it regards as being distorted… or, just plain wrong. It gets hit hard, often because many UK tabloids seem to forget their journalistic duty to contact the commission for a comment on many of their stories. I struggle to imagine other scenarios in which that would be the case. If a local newspaper is running a story criticising a council plan, they go to the Town Hall for comment.
If a police initiative is being scrutinized, a leading officer is asked for a quote. If a school is cutting classes, the headteacher or education authority is called upon to speak up. I took part in a radio debate last month, during which one caller said she wanted Britain out of the EU because it preached holocaust denial to school pupils.
The most surprising part was the polite acceptance of the viewpoint from the presenter. No attempt was made to question what was clearly rubbish. Those who pour scorn on our place in Europe are not keen for a frank and straightforward debate on the facts.
Read more: The British media is in love with the Euromyth | New Europe
China: Dark side of the Great Renewal: Chinese nationalism
China’s new leader, Xi Jinping, has issued a call for action to realize “the cause of national rejuvenation,” which he describes as “the greatest dream for the Chinese nation in modern history.”
Mr. Xi held up two goals: the achievement of a moderately prosperous society by about 2020 (when Mr. Xi will in all likelihood still be the country’s leader) and the construction of a strong, civilized and harmonious socialist country by the middle of the century.
Certainly, since before the time of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China, Chinese intellectuals have cried, “Zhenxing zhonghua!” (“Revitalize China!”) Mr. Xi’s call, therefore, is likely to resonate with many.
But this is not 1949, when idealistic Chinese from around the world returned to a poverty-stricken country to help build New China. Countless numbers were subsequently persecuted in political campaigns launched by Mao Zedong.
This is 2012 and, while the Chinese people no doubt appreciate the advances their country has made over the past three decades, they also remember the human tragedies that almost every family experienced at the hands of the Communist Party.
Read more: Dark side of the Great Renewal: Chinese nationalism - The Globe and Mail
Mr. Xi held up two goals: the achievement of a moderately prosperous society by about 2020 (when Mr. Xi will in all likelihood still be the country’s leader) and the construction of a strong, civilized and harmonious socialist country by the middle of the century.
Certainly, since before the time of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China, Chinese intellectuals have cried, “Zhenxing zhonghua!” (“Revitalize China!”) Mr. Xi’s call, therefore, is likely to resonate with many.
But this is not 1949, when idealistic Chinese from around the world returned to a poverty-stricken country to help build New China. Countless numbers were subsequently persecuted in political campaigns launched by Mao Zedong.
This is 2012 and, while the Chinese people no doubt appreciate the advances their country has made over the past three decades, they also remember the human tragedies that almost every family experienced at the hands of the Communist Party.
Read more: Dark side of the Great Renewal: Chinese nationalism - The Globe and Mail
European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company:(EADS) designs new share structure to 'simplify' group
The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), which owns the plane maker Airbus, unveiled Wednesday a deal to restructure shareholdings that is meant to reduce the role of France and Germany but preserve their strategic interests.
The agreement will leave France and Germany each with 12-percent holdings and Spain with about 4.0 percent, a statement said, as the German automaker Daimler and French conglomerate Lagardere curtailed their own key stakes.
The deal is designed to allow EADS to function as an aerospace giant independent of intrusive government influence, and could pave the way for future growth.
"This agreement aims at normalising and simplifying the governance of EADS while securing a shareholding structure that allows France, Germany and Spain to protect their legitimate strategic interests," an EADS statement said.
Chief executive Tom Enders told a telephone news conference that the deal represents "the most important change since the creation of EADS 12 years ago."
Read more: EADS designs new share structure to 'simplify' group < French news | Expatica France
The agreement will leave France and Germany each with 12-percent holdings and Spain with about 4.0 percent, a statement said, as the German automaker Daimler and French conglomerate Lagardere curtailed their own key stakes.
The deal is designed to allow EADS to function as an aerospace giant independent of intrusive government influence, and could pave the way for future growth.
"This agreement aims at normalising and simplifying the governance of EADS while securing a shareholding structure that allows France, Germany and Spain to protect their legitimate strategic interests," an EADS statement said.
Chief executive Tom Enders told a telephone news conference that the deal represents "the most important change since the creation of EADS 12 years ago."
Read more: EADS designs new share structure to 'simplify' group < French news | Expatica France
European Automobile Industry: Renault Set to Revive Alpine Brand to Challenge Porsche
Renault SA (RNO), which is losing sales faster than any other European car maker, is pinning a turnaround in part on the revival of a sports-car brand that’s been dormant for almost two decades.
The plan relies on a partnership with Caterham Group, a British manufacturer of offbeat track cars that typically have exposed front wheels and roll bars rather than roofs. For enthusiasts of Renault’s mothballed Alpine marque, the key factor is just getting the brand back on the road.
“Alpine fans have been waiting for this for 20 years,” said Gerard Bailly, 60, a brasserie owner in Dole in eastern France who has two Alpine cars and runs a club for the brand. “Of the 35 people in my club, at least half will buy it.”
Renault, which also makes budget Dacia vehicles, is shifting upmarket, mimicking the strategy of Volkswagen AG. (VOW) Europe’s biggest automaker relies on Audi for 48 percent of operating profit, even though the upscale brand accounts for just 14 percent of deliveries. Renault’s goal is to carve out a niche in the luxury-car market, which could in turn give its mass-market models an edge.
“It’s a good idea to introduce Alpine as there will be a halo effect” for Renault’s other models, said Neil King, an automotive analyst at research company Euromonitor International.
The move follows similar steps by PSA Peugeot Citroen (UG) and Fiat SpA (F) to attract wealthy buyers. With auto demand in Europe contracting for the fifth straight year to the lowest level in 17 years, mass-market carmakers are looking for ways to boost revenue as the effects of the debt crisis weigh on demand.
Read More: Renault Set to Revive Alpine Brand to Challenge Porsche - Businessweek
The plan relies on a partnership with Caterham Group, a British manufacturer of offbeat track cars that typically have exposed front wheels and roll bars rather than roofs. For enthusiasts of Renault’s mothballed Alpine marque, the key factor is just getting the brand back on the road.
“Alpine fans have been waiting for this for 20 years,” said Gerard Bailly, 60, a brasserie owner in Dole in eastern France who has two Alpine cars and runs a club for the brand. “Of the 35 people in my club, at least half will buy it.”
Renault, which also makes budget Dacia vehicles, is shifting upmarket, mimicking the strategy of Volkswagen AG. (VOW) Europe’s biggest automaker relies on Audi for 48 percent of operating profit, even though the upscale brand accounts for just 14 percent of deliveries. Renault’s goal is to carve out a niche in the luxury-car market, which could in turn give its mass-market models an edge.
“It’s a good idea to introduce Alpine as there will be a halo effect” for Renault’s other models, said Neil King, an automotive analyst at research company Euromonitor International.
The move follows similar steps by PSA Peugeot Citroen (UG) and Fiat SpA (F) to attract wealthy buyers. With auto demand in Europe contracting for the fifth straight year to the lowest level in 17 years, mass-market carmakers are looking for ways to boost revenue as the effects of the debt crisis weigh on demand.
Read More: Renault Set to Revive Alpine Brand to Challenge Porsche - Businessweek
Russia : Putin to deliver state of the nation address to Federal Assembly on December 12
Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver his state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly in the Kremlin on December 12, the press service of the head of state reported on Wednesday.
Read more: ITAR-TASS : Putin to deliver state of the nation address to Federal Assembly on December 12
On November 30, Putin confirmed at a meeting with the parliament faction leaders the plans to deliver the address in mid-December. "The presidential administration and I are actively working at the finalized version of the address of this year," he said.
The head of state recalled that "the year 2012 was a year of presidential election; much has been expounded in my election articles and decrees of May 7." "However, an address is an address and it should be," the president noted.
Read more: ITAR-TASS : Putin to deliver state of the nation address to Federal Assembly on December 12
Greece 'most corrupt' EU country, new survey reveals
Greece is perceived to have the most corrupt public sector of all 27 EU countries, a new global survey reveals.
Worldwide, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand were seen as the least corrupt nations, while Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia were perceived to be the most corrupt.
Transparency International's 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index gathered views on 176 countries worldwide.
Two-thirds scored below 50, with zero highly corrupt and 100 very clean.
The UK ranked 17th in the world, with a score of 74.
Greece's global ranking fell from 80th in 2011 to 94th in 2012, reflecting the country's continuing economic turmoil and widespread tax evasion.
Italy was ranked 72nd, below EU-newcomer Romania at 66 in the index.
The US was ranked 19th on the list
Read more: BBC News - Greece 'most corrupt' EU country, new survey reveals
Worldwide, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand were seen as the least corrupt nations, while Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia were perceived to be the most corrupt.
Transparency International's 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index gathered views on 176 countries worldwide.
Two-thirds scored below 50, with zero highly corrupt and 100 very clean.
The UK ranked 17th in the world, with a score of 74.
Greece's global ranking fell from 80th in 2011 to 94th in 2012, reflecting the country's continuing economic turmoil and widespread tax evasion.
Italy was ranked 72nd, below EU-newcomer Romania at 66 in the index.
The US was ranked 19th on the list
Read more: BBC News - Greece 'most corrupt' EU country, new survey reveals
Germany: Frosty diners: Merkel meets Netanyahu amid strained ties
Benjamin Netanyahu meets and dines with Angela Merkel in Berlin Wednesday night. But the Israeli PM is smarting from Germany's UN vote abstention and the German chancellor is seething over Israel's settlements. It could be a frosty dinner.
Nearly a week after Germany abstained from voting on a resolution upgrading the Palestinians’ status at the UN in a last-minute reversal that incensed Israel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin Wednesday night amid strained relations between the two allies.
Netanyahu arrives in the German capital after a clash between the Israeli and German governments on the contentious Israeli settlement issue, which followed Germany’s abstention at the UN General Assembly vote.
A day after the November 29 vote granting the Palestinians “non-member observer” status at the UN, Israel announced plans to build new settlements in the sensitive “E1” zone east of Jerusalem – a prospect that would cut access from the West Bank to East Jerusalem.
Germany has joined the chorus of European condemnations over the move, calling it “a negative message” that is “eroding trust in its [Israel’s] willingness to negotiate” as “the land for a future Palestinian state is disappearing further”.
Read more: Frosty diners: Merkel meets Netanyahu amid strained ties
Nearly a week after Germany abstained from voting on a resolution upgrading the Palestinians’ status at the UN in a last-minute reversal that incensed Israel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin Wednesday night amid strained relations between the two allies.
Netanyahu arrives in the German capital after a clash between the Israeli and German governments on the contentious Israeli settlement issue, which followed Germany’s abstention at the UN General Assembly vote.
A day after the November 29 vote granting the Palestinians “non-member observer” status at the UN, Israel announced plans to build new settlements in the sensitive “E1” zone east of Jerusalem – a prospect that would cut access from the West Bank to East Jerusalem.
Germany has joined the chorus of European condemnations over the move, calling it “a negative message” that is “eroding trust in its [Israel’s] willingness to negotiate” as “the land for a future Palestinian state is disappearing further”.
Read more: Frosty diners: Merkel meets Netanyahu amid strained ties
CHRISTMAS MAKEOVER: Has The Word C In Christmas Been Replaced By The C For Commercialism?
Did that first Christmas song over the radio this year in August, maybe even earlier, fill you with a feeling of impending gloom?
For many people, Christmas means a severe case of holiday dread, directly tied to a sense of an obligation to spend money in order to have a "meaningful celebration".
Shoppers around the US say they are planning to spend an average of $854 for gifts this holiday season, up from $646 last year according to the twenty-seventh annual survey on holiday spending from the American Research Group, Inc. In telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,100 adults nationwide conducted November 11 through 14, 2012, the average planned spending of $854 for 2012 is up over 32% from average planned spending in the 2011 survey.
Commercialism has not only eradicated the true meaning of Christmas for many people, but also affected Church communities.
We now see that Christmas Day celebrations have slowly been elbowed off the religious calendar and replaced by Christmas Eve candle light services. Why? Because most churches feeling the pinch of dwindling attendance now see Christmas Eve candle light services as a prime marketing opportunity to attract new members. The result has been an explosion of sentimental tear-jerking candle-light presentations in just about every church that are mainly focused to "hold the attention" of infrequent and non-church-goers..and hopefully bring new members ( and revenue) to the Church.
We now see that Christmas Day celebrations have slowly been elbowed off the religious calendar and replaced by Christmas Eve candle light services. Why? Because most churches feeling the pinch of dwindling attendance now see Christmas Eve candle light services as a prime marketing opportunity to attract new members. The result has been an explosion of sentimental tear-jerking candle-light presentations in just about every church that are mainly focused to "hold the attention" of infrequent and non-church-goers..and hopefully bring new members ( and revenue) to the Church.
While most of us enjoy tucking into good food and chatting to loved ones on the holidays, it’s estimated that more than a million elderly people in the US will be spending December 25 on their own, with just the TV for company.
Taking the extra step, caring about others, sacrificing your time, all Biblical principles, have basically lost out to the gratification of self.
A survey by Friends of the Elderly revealed that one in six pensioners is in touch with relatives just once a week, while one in 10 has contact from family members once a month.
Bill Talen, a Dutch -American Calvinist Minnesota - born actor turned minister moved to New York City from San Francisco in the early 1990s, where he became better known as a "hybrid street preacher".
Talen who had always been suspicious of religious figures after rejecting the conservative Protestantism of his youth studied radical theologians and performers; of these, Talen credits Elaine Pagels and Lenny Bruce as particularly strong influences.
Though Talen does not call himself a Christian, he says that "Reverend Billy" is not a parody of a preacher, but a real preacher; he describes his church's spiritual message as "put the Odd back in God.".
Talen says: "Let’s talk about the Devil. Corporate Commercialism has sped up to a roar, virtually unopposed. Consumerism is normalized in the mind of the average person, specially the younger ones among us, sometimes we even refer to ourselves as consumers forgetting that we are also citizens, humans, men, women, animals. We forget that we share many resources, public spaces, libraries, information, history, sidewalks, streets, schools that we created laws and covenants and governments to protect us,, to support us, to help us. The subjugation of these resources and these laws to the forces of the market demands a response.
Liberation is a radiant process, it spreads. We think freedom from consumerism is virulent, contagious. Tell your neighbor you stopped shopping and that it gives them permission to do the same.
One day we can all live in richly varied and great neighborhoods, with people who seem to have re-invented themselves, and so are endlessly fascinating, something beyond entertainment. Yes there IS a Life After Shopping! "
Have a blessed Christmas.
EU-DigestIMF Projects 3.5% Global economic growth in 2013
In its World Economic Outlook, the IMF projected world economic growth for 2012 at approximately 3.5 per cent and for 2013 it projected growth in the range of 3.5 per cent to 3.9 per cent.
The IMF also enumerated a number of threats to these forecasts and continues to point to the eurozone as a significant downside risk to the achievement of these rates.
The eurozone is currently in recession and faces another two years of flat growth. The IMF notes the fragility of the world economic recovery and slower growth in the Asian economies. The US economy is on its feet, even if it is limping
EU-Digest
The IMF also enumerated a number of threats to these forecasts and continues to point to the eurozone as a significant downside risk to the achievement of these rates.
The eurozone is currently in recession and faces another two years of flat growth. The IMF notes the fragility of the world economic recovery and slower growth in the Asian economies. The US economy is on its feet, even if it is limping
EU-Digest
Dutch Afghan mission may stop earlier than planned says army chief
Germany's decision to withdraw troops from the northern Afghan province of Kunduz may lead to the Dutch mission ending in 2013, mission commander Roland de Jong says in Tuesday's Volkskrant.
'It is likely the German military camp will close in 2013,' he said. Dutch soldiers and police, who are training local police officers, live in the same camp.
'There is then a real chance the Dutch will have to leave as well,' De Jong is quoted as saying by the paper.
Read more: DutchNews.nl - Dutch Afghan mission may stop earlier than planned: army chie
'It is likely the German military camp will close in 2013,' he said. Dutch soldiers and police, who are training local police officers, live in the same camp.
'There is then a real chance the Dutch will have to leave as well,' De Jong is quoted as saying by the paper.
Read more: DutchNews.nl - Dutch Afghan mission may stop earlier than planned: army chie
12/4/12
Italy, the markets and Europe
Silvio Berlusconi has often maintained that the personal authority with which he is credited by other heads of government has given Italy an enhanced, and on occasion critical, impact on European and international decision making.
At the present time, this risks being true. Yet it is a bitter truth. Italy will indeed play a crucial role at meetings of the European Union and G20 to staunch the eurozone crisis and reverse expectations but, sadly, it will be as a source of problems. Italy will certainly not be an influence on decisions to be taken, particularly as we are under what amounts to a Franco-German and European Central Bank protectorate.
It is now widely believed – in Europe, America and Asia – that it will not be Greece that undermines the eurozone, possibly leading to break-up of the European Union, global financial crisis, severe depression and dramatic social crises. Given their size, it could well be Spain, or even more probably Italy.
Spain has made more progress along the road of crisis-containing political and economic recovery while Italy lags behind. This is clear from interest rates on public debt, which are higher for Italy than for Spain. In fact, rates for Italy are now higher than for Poland, even though the latter is not part of the euro and thus presents an explicit exchange risk.
Italy lags because there has been not the slightest acknowledgement of responsibility from the government. This contrasts with Spain, where the government has actually stepped back and called new elections. In the meantime, it has asked for, and obtained, the opposition’s collaboration over various essential measures. In Italy, even though they have had no strategic view of economic policy and have long indulged in smoke-and-mirrors optimism, government and majority prefer to pass the buck of responsibility. The opposition is accused of “stopping the government from working”, a charge that ascribes to the opposition a political identity and effectiveness that one strains to perceive.
Magistrates are claimed to have “forced” the prime minister to focus his attention mainly on them instead of the economy or future-deprived young people. The “Left”, insubstantial as an opposition, is alleged to have absolute influence over Rome-based foreign correspondents. This is claimed to be the only reason why so much criticism of the prime minister and government is penned around the world.
Read more: Italy, the markets and Europe - Corriere della Sera
At the present time, this risks being true. Yet it is a bitter truth. Italy will indeed play a crucial role at meetings of the European Union and G20 to staunch the eurozone crisis and reverse expectations but, sadly, it will be as a source of problems. Italy will certainly not be an influence on decisions to be taken, particularly as we are under what amounts to a Franco-German and European Central Bank protectorate.
It is now widely believed – in Europe, America and Asia – that it will not be Greece that undermines the eurozone, possibly leading to break-up of the European Union, global financial crisis, severe depression and dramatic social crises. Given their size, it could well be Spain, or even more probably Italy.
Spain has made more progress along the road of crisis-containing political and economic recovery while Italy lags behind. This is clear from interest rates on public debt, which are higher for Italy than for Spain. In fact, rates for Italy are now higher than for Poland, even though the latter is not part of the euro and thus presents an explicit exchange risk.
Italy lags because there has been not the slightest acknowledgement of responsibility from the government. This contrasts with Spain, where the government has actually stepped back and called new elections. In the meantime, it has asked for, and obtained, the opposition’s collaboration over various essential measures. In Italy, even though they have had no strategic view of economic policy and have long indulged in smoke-and-mirrors optimism, government and majority prefer to pass the buck of responsibility. The opposition is accused of “stopping the government from working”, a charge that ascribes to the opposition a political identity and effectiveness that one strains to perceive.
Magistrates are claimed to have “forced” the prime minister to focus his attention mainly on them instead of the economy or future-deprived young people. The “Left”, insubstantial as an opposition, is alleged to have absolute influence over Rome-based foreign correspondents. This is claimed to be the only reason why so much criticism of the prime minister and government is penned around the world.
Read more: Italy, the markets and Europe - Corriere della Sera
Croatian businessman gives his company to its 400 employees
Croatian philanthropic businessman Marijan Filipovic decided to help 400 employees - by giving them his entire company.
Speaking to HTV Filipovic said: "I’ve decided to do this because it makes me happy. The mos satisfying thing is being able to share."
Filipovic bought his Goranprodukt company in 1993 for 12 million German marks. He developed the company under its new name Finvest.
Read more: Croat businessman gives his company to his 400 employees - Business News - Croatian Times Online News - English Newspaper
Speaking to HTV Filipovic said: "I’ve decided to do this because it makes me happy. The mos satisfying thing is being able to share."
Filipovic bought his Goranprodukt company in 1993 for 12 million German marks. He developed the company under its new name Finvest.
Read more: Croat businessman gives his company to his 400 employees - Business News - Croatian Times Online News - English Newspaper
Sweden´s repo rate left unchanged - by Mats Öhlén
Riksbanken, Sweden's Central Bank announced yesterday that it will leave its main steering rate, the repo rate, unchanged at 1.50 per cent.
While most of Europe discuss a lower interest rate in order to help the sluggish economy, most experts in Sweden have rather discussed a higher interest rate. The Riksbank prognosis during the spring was indeed based on this judgement. To lower the interest rate is not likely due to the relatively high private housing debt in Sweden.
However, there was a slight change in the Riksbank prognosis. The current estimate is that the Swedish repo rate will have to stay on this low level at least one more year. Thereafter it is expected to be raised gradually.
The inflation in Sweden is very low now, around 1.00 per cent. But also the unpredictable economic future in the export-dependent Swedish economy lead to the decision to keep the interest rate at a low level.
Read more: Sweden´s repo rate left unchanged - Stockholm News
While most of Europe discuss a lower interest rate in order to help the sluggish economy, most experts in Sweden have rather discussed a higher interest rate. The Riksbank prognosis during the spring was indeed based on this judgement. To lower the interest rate is not likely due to the relatively high private housing debt in Sweden.
However, there was a slight change in the Riksbank prognosis. The current estimate is that the Swedish repo rate will have to stay on this low level at least one more year. Thereafter it is expected to be raised gradually.
The inflation in Sweden is very low now, around 1.00 per cent. But also the unpredictable economic future in the export-dependent Swedish economy lead to the decision to keep the interest rate at a low level.
Read more: Sweden´s repo rate left unchanged - Stockholm News
Poland's main interest rate likely to be cut this week
The National Bank of Poland's interest-rate setting Monetary Policy Council (RPP) is widely expected to cut interest rates by a further 25 basis points at its meeting this week. Currently, the NBP's reference rate stands at 4.50 percent, after the council cut rates by 25 bp in November. That put interest rates back where they were before May, when the council surprised many by hiking the reference rate to 4.75 percent.
However, some economists are arguing that the council should take an even stronger stance, and cut deeper, perhaps by 50 bps, considering the sharp slowdown the economy has taken. On Friday, Poland's statistical office revealed that GDP in the third quarter only grew by 1.4 percent – down from 2.3 percent in the second quarter and 3.6 percent in the first quarter. The biggest factor in the slowdown, experts say, was a precipitous drop in private consumption, which grew by just 0.1 percent.
“We actually think that a more aggressive rate cut next week would be appropriate given the sharp slowdown of the economy,” said economists from Danske Bank in an e-mailed note.
Forecasts show that inflation should continue to fall across the next few months, yet the RPP’s general consensus seems to point to gradual rate cuts and and waiting for the turn of events.
Read more:Poland's main interest rate likely to be cut this week - Warsaw Business Journal - Online Portal - wbj.pl
However, some economists are arguing that the council should take an even stronger stance, and cut deeper, perhaps by 50 bps, considering the sharp slowdown the economy has taken. On Friday, Poland's statistical office revealed that GDP in the third quarter only grew by 1.4 percent – down from 2.3 percent in the second quarter and 3.6 percent in the first quarter. The biggest factor in the slowdown, experts say, was a precipitous drop in private consumption, which grew by just 0.1 percent.
“We actually think that a more aggressive rate cut next week would be appropriate given the sharp slowdown of the economy,” said economists from Danske Bank in an e-mailed note.
Forecasts show that inflation should continue to fall across the next few months, yet the RPP’s general consensus seems to point to gradual rate cuts and and waiting for the turn of events.
Read more:Poland's main interest rate likely to be cut this week - Warsaw Business Journal - Online Portal - wbj.pl
European Aircraft Industry: Airbus sharklets certified on time with better fuel figures
 |
| A320 with Sharklets |
In fact the 4% reduction in fuel burn it says the devices have achieved is around double the benefit first mentioned to the aviation industry some years ago when Airbus broke the news that it was thinking of refining its A320 family for one last hurrah rather than moving to an all new 150-250 passenger series of jets to replace the current line-up.
It was at the time, a decision that was resisted by Boeing, which stuck to its view that what was required was an immediate shift to an all new concept, until Airbus began selling so many of what it called its NEO or new engine option A320s that it had to come out with its 737 MAX series, which is due for first deliveries late in 2017, two years behind the first of the revised and refined A320s.
Read more: Airbus sharklets certified on time with better fuel figures | Plane Talking
NATO approves Turkish anti-missile defence for Syrian border
NATO gave the go-ahead on Tuesday to stationing Patriot surface-to-air missiles in Turkey to protect the country from any spillover of the civil war in neighbouring Syria.
Read more: NATO approves Turkish anti-missile defence for Syrian border - Turkey - Syria - FRANCE 24
“In response to Turkey’s request, NATO has decided to augment Turkey’s air defence capabilities in order to defend the population and territory of Turkey,” NATO foreign ministers said in a statement.
Russia, Syria and Iran have criticised Turkey’s request to the alliance to send the Patriots which can be used to intercept missiles.
Turkey asked NATO for the missiles in November after weeks of talks with allies about how to shore up security on its 900-km (560-mile) border. It has repeatedly scrambled fighter jets along the frontier and responded in kind to stray Syrian shells flying into its territory.
A major player in supporting Syria’s opposition and planning for the post-conflict era, Turkey is worried about Syria’s chemical weapons, the refugee crisis along its border, and what it says is Syrian support for Kurdish militants on its own soil.
Read more: NATO approves Turkish anti-missile defence for Syrian border - Turkey - Syria - FRANCE 24
Egypt: Morsi flees as angry crowd storms Cairo palace in clash with riot police
Egyptian riot police have fired tear gas at protesters demonstrating against President Mohamed Morsi near the presidential palace in Cairo. At least 18 people have been injured in violent clashes.
Presidential sources say Morsi left the palace as the crowd started getting out of control.
Protesters broke through police lines and barbed wire barricades in front of the presidential palace, with riot police responding with tear gas.
To avoid further confrontation police forces then reportedly retreated, allowing the demonstrators to move closer to the palace.
Thousands of demonstrators marched to the palace in protest of Morsi's decree which grants him near absolute powers, and a draft constitution which was quickly adopted by his allies.
Read more: Morsi flees as angry crowd storms Cairo palace in clash with riot police — RT
Presidential sources say Morsi left the palace as the crowd started getting out of control.
Protesters broke through police lines and barbed wire barricades in front of the presidential palace, with riot police responding with tear gas.
To avoid further confrontation police forces then reportedly retreated, allowing the demonstrators to move closer to the palace.
Thousands of demonstrators marched to the palace in protest of Morsi's decree which grants him near absolute powers, and a draft constitution which was quickly adopted by his allies.
Read more: Morsi flees as angry crowd storms Cairo palace in clash with riot police — RT
"The euro is safe" - Eurogroup OKs more funds for Greece, Spain
The Eurogroup finance ministers have been generous. After handing out additional money to Greece, they're also looking to bail out banks in Spain and Cyprus.
The debt buyback program is part of a whole package of measures with which the Eurogroup hopes to help Greece, a plan announced by eurozone finance ministers on Monday (03.12.2012). The money would come from a rescue fund of international donors. If the plan works out, Greece could offload some 30 billion euros ($39.1 billion) of its debt.
The plan must be successful if Greece is to get more credit; lender the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has built up the pressure. "I'm not too worried," said French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici on Monday. His Irish colleague Michael Noonan even went so far to say that the worst of the euro crisis was over.
"All the talk of a fraction of the eurozone is now over - there is complete agreement in the assessment that the euro is safe," he said.
Read more: Eurogroup OKs more funds for Greece, Spain | Europe | DW.DE | 04.12.2012
Middle East: NATO warns Syria not to use chemical weapons
The warning from NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen came as U.S. government sources said Washington had information that Syria was making what could be seen as preparations to use its chemical arsenal.
Syrian forces meanwhile bombarded rebel districts near Damascus in a sustained counter-attack to stem rebel gains around Assad's power base.
Syrian state media said a rebel mortar attack on a school had killed 28 students and a teacher.
International concern over Syria's intentions has been heightened by reports that its chemical weapons have been moved and could be prepared for use.
Read more: NATO warns Syria not to use chemical weapons | Reuters
Syrian forces meanwhile bombarded rebel districts near Damascus in a sustained counter-attack to stem rebel gains around Assad's power base.
Syrian state media said a rebel mortar attack on a school had killed 28 students and a teacher.
International concern over Syria's intentions has been heightened by reports that its chemical weapons have been moved and could be prepared for use.
Read more: NATO warns Syria not to use chemical weapons | Reuters
US Economy: Going over the fiscal cliff: Why not? US economy could benefit - by RM
Nobody likes to admit it, but going over the fiscal cliff would probably benefit the US economy in the long run.
The only reason why going over the fiscal cliff could cause some initial problems is that it would entail a large number of deficit reductions all happening up-front. If we look at Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Italy as an example of this, we find that it causes a lot of financial pain to everyone, but that it eventually turns out to be manageable. Certainly manageable for a country like the US, which has far more resources than the European countries mentioned above.
Another positive side-effect for the US going over the fiscal cliff would be a guaranteed deficit reduction to 58% of GDP by 2022. The alternative, if current policies continue is that the US debt would climb to at least 90% of GDP within one to two years.
Going over the fiscal cliff will force the US to cut all kinds of excessive spending and loopholes, including that for the defense industry and military, while tax increases would provide the US with additional revenues to accelerate paying off the deficit.
By going over the cliff the US would be able to achieve a deficit reduction of at least $1.2 trillion over two years. This would not only be a record for any country in the world, but it would also put a big smile on the faces of the World Bank and the IMF and without a doubt reestablish the US triple A rating in the financial world.
It's decision time for the US Congress and the White House. Should it go for the radical treatment by going over the fiscal cliff and thereby removing the rapidly spreading "economic cancer", or keep pouring money into "stop-gap measures" which can only increase the deficit?
There are only about three weeks left for the US political establishment to deal with this problem as the next major economic problem already looms ahead. This one concerns the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling which is coming up for review in February 2013. Given the state of the US economy the debt ceiling will have to get raised in order for the US to pay for its obligations.
Overall a pretty grim picture, specially when one takes into consideration what is at stake. Inaction is certainly no solution.
EU-Digest
The only reason why going over the fiscal cliff could cause some initial problems is that it would entail a large number of deficit reductions all happening up-front. If we look at Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Italy as an example of this, we find that it causes a lot of financial pain to everyone, but that it eventually turns out to be manageable. Certainly manageable for a country like the US, which has far more resources than the European countries mentioned above.
Another positive side-effect for the US going over the fiscal cliff would be a guaranteed deficit reduction to 58% of GDP by 2022. The alternative, if current policies continue is that the US debt would climb to at least 90% of GDP within one to two years.
Going over the fiscal cliff will force the US to cut all kinds of excessive spending and loopholes, including that for the defense industry and military, while tax increases would provide the US with additional revenues to accelerate paying off the deficit.
By going over the cliff the US would be able to achieve a deficit reduction of at least $1.2 trillion over two years. This would not only be a record for any country in the world, but it would also put a big smile on the faces of the World Bank and the IMF and without a doubt reestablish the US triple A rating in the financial world.
It's decision time for the US Congress and the White House. Should it go for the radical treatment by going over the fiscal cliff and thereby removing the rapidly spreading "economic cancer", or keep pouring money into "stop-gap measures" which can only increase the deficit?
There are only about three weeks left for the US political establishment to deal with this problem as the next major economic problem already looms ahead. This one concerns the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling which is coming up for review in February 2013. Given the state of the US economy the debt ceiling will have to get raised in order for the US to pay for its obligations.
Overall a pretty grim picture, specially when one takes into consideration what is at stake. Inaction is certainly no solution.
EU-Digest 12/3/12
Obama Hails Disarmament Pact With Russia
US President Barack Obama on Monday hailed a 20-year partnership with Russia and other former Soviet republics to stem the threat of loose nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons after the end of the Cold War—cooperation the Kremlin has decided to end beginning next year.
Addressing a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, Obama praised the “extraordinary progress” achieved under the pact, which has resulted in the deactivation of 7,600 nuclear warheads.
Obama appealed to Russia to maintain joint efforts to prevent terrorists from getting their hands on nuclear material.
“Nuclear terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to global security,” Obama said. “Let’s work with Russia as an equal partner.”
The Threat Reduction Program was initiated under a 1992 law sponsored by Sen. Richard Lugar from the US state of Indiana and former Sen. Sam Nunn from the state of Georgia.
Read more: Obama Hails Disarmament Pact With Russia | World | RIA Novosti
Addressing a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, Obama praised the “extraordinary progress” achieved under the pact, which has resulted in the deactivation of 7,600 nuclear warheads.
Obama appealed to Russia to maintain joint efforts to prevent terrorists from getting their hands on nuclear material.
“Nuclear terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to global security,” Obama said. “Let’s work with Russia as an equal partner.”
The Threat Reduction Program was initiated under a 1992 law sponsored by Sen. Richard Lugar from the US state of Indiana and former Sen. Sam Nunn from the state of Georgia.
Read more: Obama Hails Disarmament Pact With Russia | World | RIA Novosti
China sounds clear warning over South China Sea - by by Greg Torode
Beijing's assertiveness in buttressing its controversial nine-dash claim to the South China Sea is already challenging regional strategic assumptions. If that is followed by a sweeping new enforcement regime at sea, then tensions can only escalate. "Make no mistake … this is potentially a huge move if it is really what Beijing intends to do," one Pentagon official said privately. "We are urgently trying to get some answers."
Freedom of navigation lies at the heart of the dispute. Beijing officials repeatedly insist China would never threaten such freedoms and yet Washington says the need to protect those freedoms underpins its interest in finding a peaceful and legally sound solution to the territorial disputes. The ongoing rhetoric is a jarring reminder that the two giants have divergent opinions on the rights and responsibilities of nations in international waters.
Not surprisingly then, the moves by Hainan - which administers the new Sansha prefecture through which Beijing is manning its claims in the area - are raising more questions than answers. What activities are they likely to object to and take action against? Will they seek to stop ships heading to islands and shoals claimed by China but occupied by other states?
Then came the statements from the Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that provide a rare window on Beijing's strategic intentions - and its regional manoeuvring.
He warned that Beijing had recently made clear to Manila that it would make its maritime presence at the disputed Scarborough Shoal - currently three coastguard-type ships - permanent. That would mark a significant challenge to not just Manila, but also its US treaty ally as well.
Read more: China sounds clear warning over South China Sea | South China Morning Post
Freedom of navigation lies at the heart of the dispute. Beijing officials repeatedly insist China would never threaten such freedoms and yet Washington says the need to protect those freedoms underpins its interest in finding a peaceful and legally sound solution to the territorial disputes. The ongoing rhetoric is a jarring reminder that the two giants have divergent opinions on the rights and responsibilities of nations in international waters.
Not surprisingly then, the moves by Hainan - which administers the new Sansha prefecture through which Beijing is manning its claims in the area - are raising more questions than answers. What activities are they likely to object to and take action against? Will they seek to stop ships heading to islands and shoals claimed by China but occupied by other states?
Then came the statements from the Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that provide a rare window on Beijing's strategic intentions - and its regional manoeuvring.
He warned that Beijing had recently made clear to Manila that it would make its maritime presence at the disputed Scarborough Shoal - currently three coastguard-type ships - permanent. That would mark a significant challenge to not just Manila, but also its US treaty ally as well.
Read more: China sounds clear warning over South China Sea | South China Morning Post
Listing of 185 Countries Bussiness Tax: Ratings in PricewaterhouseCoopers survey
The new study in the PricewaterhouseCoopers survey which was issued today looks at three specific metrics — tax rates, the average number of hours businesses devote to paying taxes each year, and how many times a year they must file. The latter two relate to the ease of operating in the country, and PwC says it is more important than many believe.
"The economic analysis to compare the paying taxes indicators with gross domestic product and foreign direct investment suggests that while higher business taxation can be linked to slower economic growth and international investment, reducing the administrative burden and complexity of the tax system can potentially be linked to a greater change in overall growth," the report states.
In the overall comparison, the United Arab Emigrates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia place in the top three. Ireland, at six, is the only other designated industrial country in the top 10. Most African and South American scored poorly on the measure
Canada's scored eighth place, the United Kingdom scored 16, followed by France at 53, the United States, 69, Germany 72, Japan, 127 and Italy, 131.
EU-Digest
"The economic analysis to compare the paying taxes indicators with gross domestic product and foreign direct investment suggests that while higher business taxation can be linked to slower economic growth and international investment, reducing the administrative burden and complexity of the tax system can potentially be linked to a greater change in overall growth," the report states.
In the overall comparison, the United Arab Emigrates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia place in the top three. Ireland, at six, is the only other designated industrial country in the top 10. Most African and South American scored poorly on the measure
Canada's scored eighth place, the United Kingdom scored 16, followed by France at 53, the United States, 69, Germany 72, Japan, 127 and Italy, 131.
EU-Digest
The Netherlands: Santa Claus under fire over black helper - carrying racism one step too far?
The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries that pride themselves on progressive laws and open societies, but critics say they are stuck in the dark ages when it comes to depictions of Santa Claus and his helpers.
Saint Nicholas, or "Sinterklaas" in Dutch, brings presents to children on December 5th in the Netherlands and on December 6th in Belgium, and is always accompanied by at least one assistant dressed in 17th century costume who has a blackened face.
The tradition has been difficult for Dutch and Belgian people to explain abroad, where "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete) is viewed with either outrage or ridicule.
The tradition of St Nicholas exists in other European countries, including Austria and Germany. But he is only accompanied by black helpers in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Somebody who dresses up as Zwarte Piet is not a racist but it is a fact that he's part of a tradition which gives a stereotypical, racist image of black people," said John Helsloot a researcher at the Meertens Institute in Amsterdam.
Pressure on Zwarte Piet seems to be increasing in 2012 and even well-known conservative blog "Geen Stijl" (No Style) has written that it's time for Sinterklaas to find a new helper.
Note EU-Digest: this is comparing apples with pears and carrying racism a step too far. Soon we might also be hearing that Santa Claus is exploiting "little People" in his toy factory on the North Pole? Aren't there more important issues to worry about?
Read more: Santa Claus under fire over black helper - The Irish Times - Mon, Dec 03, 2012
Saint Nicholas, or "Sinterklaas" in Dutch, brings presents to children on December 5th in the Netherlands and on December 6th in Belgium, and is always accompanied by at least one assistant dressed in 17th century costume who has a blackened face.
The tradition has been difficult for Dutch and Belgian people to explain abroad, where "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete) is viewed with either outrage or ridicule.
The tradition of St Nicholas exists in other European countries, including Austria and Germany. But he is only accompanied by black helpers in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Somebody who dresses up as Zwarte Piet is not a racist but it is a fact that he's part of a tradition which gives a stereotypical, racist image of black people," said John Helsloot a researcher at the Meertens Institute in Amsterdam.
Pressure on Zwarte Piet seems to be increasing in 2012 and even well-known conservative blog "Geen Stijl" (No Style) has written that it's time for Sinterklaas to find a new helper.
Note EU-Digest: this is comparing apples with pears and carrying racism a step too far. Soon we might also be hearing that Santa Claus is exploiting "little People" in his toy factory on the North Pole? Aren't there more important issues to worry about?
Read more: Santa Claus under fire over black helper - The Irish Times - Mon, Dec 03, 2012
UK and France summon Israeli envoys in settlements row
Britain and France have both summoned Israeli ambassadors in protest at Israel's decision to approve the construction of 3,000 new homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
An official close to the prime minister said Israel would not change its mind.
"Israel will continue to stand by its vital interests, even in the face of international pressure, and there will be no change in the decision that was made," an official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
Sweden has also summoned the Israeli ambassador, while Russia and Germany have expressed their opposition to the settlement plans.
The UN has warned the homes would be "an almost fatal blow" to peace hopes.
Read more: BBC News - UK and France summon Israeli envoys in settlements row
Egypt: Morsi’s-way-‘out’ - by Dina Ezzat
President Mohamed Morsi is expected to take to the airwaves today and address the nation — not just his Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi followers, to whom he spoke last Friday — and convince them he is committed to reconciliation.
The text of Morsi’s message was still being pondered on Wednesday. Its aim, though, was clear — to contain reactions to the constitutional declaration issued last Thursday in which Morsi effectively neutered the judiciary at a time when, courtesy of an earlier constitutional declaration, he already holds all legislative and executive power.
The president’s advisors and other informed sources agree Morsi will not rescind the constitutional declaration. What he will do depends on who is talking. Some say the most likely scenario is an early referendum on the controversial draft constitution being finalised by a Constituent Assembly that has lost a third of its members and as a consequence is dominated more than ever by Islamists. The move, they say, has the advantage of speeding up the de facto elimination of the constitutional declaration which places Morsi’s presidential decrees beyond judicial review.
Other scenarios revolve around the same trade off, exchanging a widely rejected constitutional declaration for a controversial constitution.
“If Morsi comes out to tell us we have to accept one unacceptable alternative or another that’s equally unacceptable then we will simply tell him that we have no interest in his offers. If he cannot offer anything better then we have no interest in him… He can leave as Mubarak left,” said Amal, a teacher with no partisan affiliation.
Chants calling on Morsi to step down were not the loudest in Tahrir Square, though they could be heard in Cairo as well as other governorates which witnessed violent clashes. And the fact that offices of both the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), were attacked in a number of towns made the feelings of at least some of the demonstrators crystal clear.
If Morsi does not find a way out of the current quagmire soon, argues lawyer, activist and founding member of the Egyptian Current Islam Lotfi, then his presidency is in danger of sinking.
For thje complete report: Morsi’s-way-‘out’ - Al-Ahram Weekly
The text of Morsi’s message was still being pondered on Wednesday. Its aim, though, was clear — to contain reactions to the constitutional declaration issued last Thursday in which Morsi effectively neutered the judiciary at a time when, courtesy of an earlier constitutional declaration, he already holds all legislative and executive power.
The president’s advisors and other informed sources agree Morsi will not rescind the constitutional declaration. What he will do depends on who is talking. Some say the most likely scenario is an early referendum on the controversial draft constitution being finalised by a Constituent Assembly that has lost a third of its members and as a consequence is dominated more than ever by Islamists. The move, they say, has the advantage of speeding up the de facto elimination of the constitutional declaration which places Morsi’s presidential decrees beyond judicial review.
Other scenarios revolve around the same trade off, exchanging a widely rejected constitutional declaration for a controversial constitution.
“If Morsi comes out to tell us we have to accept one unacceptable alternative or another that’s equally unacceptable then we will simply tell him that we have no interest in his offers. If he cannot offer anything better then we have no interest in him… He can leave as Mubarak left,” said Amal, a teacher with no partisan affiliation.
Chants calling on Morsi to step down were not the loudest in Tahrir Square, though they could be heard in Cairo as well as other governorates which witnessed violent clashes. And the fact that offices of both the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), were attacked in a number of towns made the feelings of at least some of the demonstrators crystal clear.
If Morsi does not find a way out of the current quagmire soon, argues lawyer, activist and founding member of the Egyptian Current Islam Lotfi, then his presidency is in danger of sinking.
For thje complete report: Morsi’s-way-‘out’ - Al-Ahram Weekly
12/2/12
Portugal: Zero tax on expat retirement pensions - by Brendan de Beer
The Portugese Parliament this week approved legislation making a series of alterations to the existing IRS Code, including a stipulation which allows retired expats who spend part of the year in Portugal, to be free of any income tax.
The move is born from an apparent and urgent need to provide clarity on the functionality of existing legislation, while observers have also expressed the view that the reform will further highlight Portugal, and especially the Algarve, in the bid to be recognised as the “Florida of Europe.”
The new regime unveiled this week foresees an exemption of a foreign occupational pension so long as its beneficiary qualifies for a special tax regime for non-habitual residents.
A recent publication by Deloitte in Lisbon explains that one of the requirements is that the pensioner be a non-habitual resident for Portuguese income tax purposes while the second is that the pension is an occupational pension, paid from a foreign source.
Should these requirements be met, the pension will not be taxed in Portugal and depending on the provisions of the applicable tax treaty, it is also usually non-taxable in the source country for the duration of residence in Portugal.
Read more: Zero tax on expat pensions - The Portugal News
The move is born from an apparent and urgent need to provide clarity on the functionality of existing legislation, while observers have also expressed the view that the reform will further highlight Portugal, and especially the Algarve, in the bid to be recognised as the “Florida of Europe.”
The new regime unveiled this week foresees an exemption of a foreign occupational pension so long as its beneficiary qualifies for a special tax regime for non-habitual residents.
A recent publication by Deloitte in Lisbon explains that one of the requirements is that the pensioner be a non-habitual resident for Portuguese income tax purposes while the second is that the pension is an occupational pension, paid from a foreign source.
Should these requirements be met, the pension will not be taxed in Portugal and depending on the provisions of the applicable tax treaty, it is also usually non-taxable in the source country for the duration of residence in Portugal.
Read more: Zero tax on expat pensions - The Portugal News
Norway: Russian relations ‘not the same’
After years of political pride and satisfaction over Norway’s close relations with its large neighbor to the east, concerns are now rising in the Norwegian foreign ministry. “Russia has changed” during the second term of President Vladimir Putin, according to Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
“We must acknowledge that the role of civilian society in Russia, the part of society that’s not directly under state jurisdiction, is being restricted,” Eide told newspaper Aftenposten on Friday. “This is unfortunate, both for the residents of Russia but also for the state itself. Every state is best off when it has a free, civilian society. And then (state officials) must remember that democracy is a lot more than just arranging elections.”
Eide’s unusually frank criticism of Russian authorities in Norway’s largest newspaper illustrates the level of Norwegian concern over Russian authoritarian interference in the lives of its citizens and civilian organizations. Norwegian human rights organizations and those that have had close cooperation with Russian counterparts in recent years have noticed an emerging pattern of oppression, from the detention of members of the Pussy Riot band to crackdowns on the opposition and, most recently, the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North
Read more: Russian relations ‘not the same’ : Views and News from Norway
“We must acknowledge that the role of civilian society in Russia, the part of society that’s not directly under state jurisdiction, is being restricted,” Eide told newspaper Aftenposten on Friday. “This is unfortunate, both for the residents of Russia but also for the state itself. Every state is best off when it has a free, civilian society. And then (state officials) must remember that democracy is a lot more than just arranging elections.”
Eide’s unusually frank criticism of Russian authorities in Norway’s largest newspaper illustrates the level of Norwegian concern over Russian authoritarian interference in the lives of its citizens and civilian organizations. Norwegian human rights organizations and those that have had close cooperation with Russian counterparts in recent years have noticed an emerging pattern of oppression, from the detention of members of the Pussy Riot band to crackdowns on the opposition and, most recently, the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North
Read more: Russian relations ‘not the same’ : Views and News from Norway
Polls: Results EU-Digest November Poll - respondents prefer Health Insurance Premiums be tied to income
The results of the November EU-Digest poll on the question "Should Health Insurance Premiums Be Linked To Income" resulted in 67% of the respondents saying yes and 33% saying no.
Our December poll which will be featured on EU-Digest asks your input to the question:
"Will the US go off the financial cliff?"
EU-Digest
Our December poll which will be featured on EU-Digest asks your input to the question:
"Will the US go off the financial cliff?"
EU-Digest
Warehousing: “Bangor could become a major US trade gateway to Canada and Europe”, says Carolyn Hamm
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| Bangor's location is a natural for International trade |
"Unfortunately, in 2003 that
industry became nearly extinct as a result of economic conditions. Galt Block's warehousing services, based on wide open space buildings to service that industry, obviously were hard hit".
Fortunately, Galt
Block, because of its good reputation survived many of the problems which
followed and was quickly able to
establish partnerships with new entries into the paper industry.
 |
| Cross-docking and trans-loading |
“The
changes also led to new ideas and diversification”, says Carolyn.
“One of them was that we transformed
our high, open warehouse facilities into one which also had freezer capacity to service other strong industries in the state, like those in
the seafood and agricultural sectors. This was also the beginning of "Galt Block
Refrigerated Warehouse” which provided customenrs with:
-
State of the art refrigerated warehousing storage.
-
Cross-docking and trans-loading, pooled and consolidated shipping, freight arrangements, import/export services, container loading and unloading.
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Rail car loading/unloading, international air charter and break-bulk ocean transport services available.
 |
| Earl and Carolyn Hamm co-owners of Galt Block Warehouse |
Soon the new venture also turned into an international business for Galt
Block, which presently services inventory from Canada,
Europe, South America and Antarctica .
“Looking
ahead, and with the re-development of rail in Maine, it certainly is not unrealistic to expect that frozen food for and from Canada, Europe and even the Far East could soon also be coming through Bangor”,
says Carolyn. “
“Bangor's
location is a natural for International trade. With this in mind we
at Galt Block are constantly looking for like minded associate partners at home and abroad
to continue this growth.“
Europe speaks German - by Perry Anderson
It is becoming clear that Germany intends to be the EU’s major political as well as economic power, and to dominate European governance to favour Germany’s privileged position as the global economic order changes. Ordinary citizens of other countries in Europe may refuse to comply.
The novelist Gabriel García Márquez used to say that the Nobel Prize for Peace would have been better named the Nobel Prize for War, given its recipients — Henry Kissinger, Menahim Begin, Barack Obama. This year’s award is less bellicose, but still material for satire: the European Union.
Read more: Europe speaks German - Le Monde diplomatique - English edition
The novelist Gabriel García Márquez used to say that the Nobel Prize for Peace would have been better named the Nobel Prize for War, given its recipients — Henry Kissinger, Menahim Begin, Barack Obama. This year’s award is less bellicose, but still material for satire: the European Union.
Read more: Europe speaks German - Le Monde diplomatique - English edition
Turkey: a new Sultan ?
 |
| PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan |
Critics accuse Erdogan of behaving like a modern-day sultan, at home and abroad. Hundreds of military officers have been jailed on charges of plotting a coup against Erdogan; others including academics, journalists and politicians are facing trial on similar accusations.
Cultural critics and political rivals railed against Mr. Erdogan, accusing him of cultural authoritarianism and censorship. Muharrem Ince, deputy chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, accused Mr. Erdogan of behaving like a sultan, saying that he was jealous of the series’ popularity and determined to be the only sultan in the country. Mr. Erdogan, whose governing party has Islamic roots, has sought to embrace and rehabilitate the Ottoman Empire, a period of grandeur when the sultans claimed the spiritual leadership of the Muslim world before the empire’s ignominious decline by World War I.
Turkey’s culture and tourism ministry responded that popular Turkish soap operas were generating tens of millions of dollars in export income for Turkey and were widely watched across the region, expanding the exposure of the country. “Magnificent Century” attracts a third of the prime-time audience in Turkey and draws an audience of up to 150 million from Cairo to Kosovo, analysts said.
Even the sultan’s real heirs appeared more sanguine than Mr. Erdogan. Osman Selaheddin Osmanoglu, son of the last prince in the Ottoman Palace, told The Hurriyet Daily News that while he did not appreciate the lascivious portrayal of his ancestors, he wasn’t all that bothered as it was only a fictional work. “I am following the series,” he said. “But I don’t take it seriously since it is only a soap opera.”
EU-Digest
12/1/12
Cyprus: EU jobless rate hits record high, Cyprus at 12.9 per cent
EURO zone joblessness has reached a new high and the poor state of the economy is reducing inflation to near two-year lows, raising the prospect of further interest cuts by the European Central Bank.
In Cyprus the unemployment rate hit 12.9 per cent in October compared to 9.2 per cent in October 2011, and 12.2 per cent in September this year. In the eurozone area the jobless rate rose to a record average of 11.7 per cent.
Cyprus, which is going through its worst recession in around four decades, was behind Greece, and ahead of Spain and Portugal. And it is set to get worse in the next two years.
According to government figures contained in the state budget, unemployment is expected to reach 13.8 per cent next year and peak at 14.2 per cent in 2014 before dropping a year later.
Read more: EU jobless rate hits record high, Cyprus at 12.9 per cent - Cyprus Mail
In Cyprus the unemployment rate hit 12.9 per cent in October compared to 9.2 per cent in October 2011, and 12.2 per cent in September this year. In the eurozone area the jobless rate rose to a record average of 11.7 per cent.
Cyprus, which is going through its worst recession in around four decades, was behind Greece, and ahead of Spain and Portugal. And it is set to get worse in the next two years.
According to government figures contained in the state budget, unemployment is expected to reach 13.8 per cent next year and peak at 14.2 per cent in 2014 before dropping a year later.
Read more: EU jobless rate hits record high, Cyprus at 12.9 per cent - Cyprus Mail
Russia: Biggest snowfall in 50 years hits Moscow
A snowstorm has dumped a record 12cm of snow on the Russian capital in 24 hours causing disruption across the city. The roads in the capital were clogged up and bulldozers were brought in to clear Red Square.
Forecasters say that the storm will continue until Friday morning. Moscow's city hall said the Russian capital had not seen such a big snowfall in November for 50 years snowfall in Moscow.
Read more: Biggest snowfall in 50 years hits Moscow
Forecasters say that the storm will continue until Friday morning. Moscow's city hall said the Russian capital had not seen such a big snowfall in November for 50 years snowfall in Moscow.
Read more: Biggest snowfall in 50 years hits Moscow
Fast Food Industry: 10 Things The Fast Food Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
Think your Big Mac was flipped by a teenager just looking for some pocket change?
That's less and less the case these days.
Find out the average age of a fast food worker and 9 other things the fast food industry doesn't want you to know:
Click here for the complete report: 10 Things The Fast Food Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
That's less and less the case these days.
Find out the average age of a fast food worker and 9 other things the fast food industry doesn't want you to know:
Click here for the complete report: 10 Things The Fast Food Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
Europe’s stealth combat-drone demonstrator takes first test flight in southeast France
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| European Drone in flight |
French defense company Dassault-Aviation is lead contractor on the “Neuron” project launched in 2005 involving firms from France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Greece and Switzerland to provide a test bed for developing future combat aircraft.
Its successful flight took place Saturday near Istres.
Program officials say the Neuron is not a prototype, but aims to help European countries explore stealth technology for possible use — years from now — in future drones or successors of fighters like the Eurofighter or France’s Rafale. The program will also seek innovations like the release of air-to-surface weapons from an internal bay.
Read more: Europe’s first stealth combat-drone demonstrator takes first test flight in southeast France - The Washington Post
Malta: Government fails to tackle poverty
The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Malta reported recently that the average disposable income stood at €22,403. There are 63,593 persons whose income is nearly a quarter of this average income and are living at risk of poverty.
Year after year government has abandoned these thousands of persons to their fate. For years government has failed to draw up and implement an action plan to reduce poverty.
The most vulnerable persons in our society continue to be young people under 18, those over 65 and people living on the margin of society, people with disabilities, single mothers, people with different sexual orientations and people suffering from mental health problems.
In fact the NSO report shows that persons living in households with dependent children tend to be more prone to being at-risk-of-poverty. Persons living in single-parent households were most at-risk-of-poverty, at 47 per cent.
Compared to the EU, Malta’s at-risk-of poverty and social exclusion rate of 21.7 per cent is lower than the EU27 average of 24.8. However between 2005 and 2011 the EU rate was getting lower while the Maltese rate was getting higher almost every year.
Read more: Government fails to tackle poverty
Year after year government has abandoned these thousands of persons to their fate. For years government has failed to draw up and implement an action plan to reduce poverty.
The most vulnerable persons in our society continue to be young people under 18, those over 65 and people living on the margin of society, people with disabilities, single mothers, people with different sexual orientations and people suffering from mental health problems.
In fact the NSO report shows that persons living in households with dependent children tend to be more prone to being at-risk-of-poverty. Persons living in single-parent households were most at-risk-of-poverty, at 47 per cent.
Compared to the EU, Malta’s at-risk-of poverty and social exclusion rate of 21.7 per cent is lower than the EU27 average of 24.8. However between 2005 and 2011 the EU rate was getting lower while the Maltese rate was getting higher almost every year.
Read more: Government fails to tackle poverty
Qatar: Canada won’t budge on environment, Peter Kent insists - by Shawn McCartey
Environment Minister Peter Kent arrives at the United Nations climate summit in Qatar this weekend with a target on his back, representing the only government that has withdrawn from the Kyoto Protocol and taken a hard line on the need for emerging-market countries to make binding commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
In an interview before leaving Ottawa, Mr. Kent made it clear that Canada would not deviate from its contentious path or sacrifice economic growth to cut emissions. “We are taking our obligations seriously,” he said. “But we are balancing our obligation and engagement on climate change with sensitivities to the realities of Canada’s still-recovering economy, job creation and job growth, and we will continue on that course.”
Global environment ministers and leaders arrive in Doha for the second week of a conference that aims to reinvigorate flagging international commitment to the battle against climate change, even as many developed countries struggle to emerge from economic crises.
In the run-up to the meeting, UN officials have been warning that the world is running out of time to take the action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change, and new studies show that polar and Greenland ice masses are melting and sea levels rising more quickly than had previously been expected.
Read more: Canada won’t budge on environment, Peter Kent insists - The Globe and Mail
In an interview before leaving Ottawa, Mr. Kent made it clear that Canada would not deviate from its contentious path or sacrifice economic growth to cut emissions. “We are taking our obligations seriously,” he said. “But we are balancing our obligation and engagement on climate change with sensitivities to the realities of Canada’s still-recovering economy, job creation and job growth, and we will continue on that course.”
Global environment ministers and leaders arrive in Doha for the second week of a conference that aims to reinvigorate flagging international commitment to the battle against climate change, even as many developed countries struggle to emerge from economic crises.
In the run-up to the meeting, UN officials have been warning that the world is running out of time to take the action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change, and new studies show that polar and Greenland ice masses are melting and sea levels rising more quickly than had previously been expected.
Read more: Canada won’t budge on environment, Peter Kent insists - The Globe and Mail
Middle East: US slams Israel's decision to expand settlements
The White House and the State Department said on Friday a new Israeli settlement expansion plan was "counterproductive" and could make it harder to bring Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.
"We reiterate our longstanding opposition to settlements and East Jerusalem construction and announcements," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland reiterated this position, adding: "We're going to be evenhanded in our concern about any actions that are provocative, any actions that make it harder to get these two parties back to the table."
Israel plans to build thousands of new homes for its settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, an Israeli official said earlier, defying a U.N. vote that implicitly recognized Palestinian statehood there.
"We reiterate our longstanding opposition to settlements and East Jerusalem construction and announcements," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland reiterated this position, adding: "We're going to be evenhanded in our concern about any actions that are provocative, any actions that make it harder to get these two parties back to the table."
Israel plans to build thousands of new homes for its settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, an Israeli official said earlier, defying a U.N. vote that implicitly recognized Palestinian statehood there.
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