Airbus is close to setting a new record for A380s delivered in one year, and Emirates Airlines, its largest customer for the aircraft, has now also become the largest operator.
After struggling to meet its output targets in prior years because of production bottlenecks, the airframer handed over 12 A380s this year, equaling the full-year high achieved in 2008. The latest two deliveries were the fourth A380 to go to Air France (MSN49) and the 12th for Emirates (MSN46). Both were delivered from Airbus’s Hamburg site.
The Emirates delivery means the carrier now operates one more A380 than Singapore Airlines, the first operator of the aircraft type. Emirates has firm orders for 90 of the aircraft on the books.
For more: Emirates Now Largest Airbus A380 Operator | AVIATION WEEK: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
8/14/10
Freedom of Expression and the Internet: Free Press, Others Hold Rally to Protest Google-Verizon Deal
Free Press, ColorofChange.org, and other consumer groups held a rally at Google headquarters on Friday, protesting the company's proposed net neutrality plan with Verizon.The proposal, protesters claimed, will create a two- or multi-tier Internet, which would favor established media giants, freezing out startups and the average consumer.
Protesters submitted a list of what organizers said was 300,000 signatures of people opposed to the proposed arrangement, which would allow Google and Verizon the freedom to add new services on the Internet that would not be constrained by network neutrality policies. The wireless industry would also be exempt from net neutrality, a term used to describe a world in which every Internet service and Web site is given equal weight and equal priority over the others.
Note EU-Digest: For Google, which used to be the worlds friendly efficient search engine, the saying: "Power corrupts" fits the picture completely.
For more: Freedom of Expression and the Internet: Free Press, Others Hold Rally to Protest Google-Verizon Deal | News & Opinion | PCMag.com "
The Internet: Are Google and Verizon Killing Net Neutrality? - Yes they are...
Time was, Google was a benevolent tool everyone loved, but now that it's grown to be huge, some people are having second thoughts.
For more: Are Google and Verizon Killing Net Neutrality? - Newsweek: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
For more: Are Google and Verizon Killing Net Neutrality? - Newsweek: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
8/13/10
EU: Visa-Liberalisation, Politics and Price
Since being rejected last summer, along with Albania, a number of dates have been floated for the implementation of a visa-free regime for the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now, these citizens – caught in the EU’s carrot-and-stick political net and the vice grip of obstructive local politics – are waiting for the next viable deadline.
Despite the fact that all the initial conditions for visa liberalization have been fulfilled, a precise date has not been set as the international community attempts to punish Bosnia’s nationalist authorities, who have spent their latest four-year mandate batting about nationalist and secessionist rhetoric and further polarizing society in the vote-buying game.
So far, Bosnia has implemented more technical requirements than has neighboring Serbia, which was granted an EU visa-free regime last July, along with Montenegro and Macedonia. At that time, Bosnia, Albania and Kosovo saw their visa liberalization bids rejected. The EU then promised that once the necessary technical requirements were fulfilled, Bosnians would be eligible for visa liberalization.
For more: Visa-Liberalisation, Politics and Price
Despite the fact that all the initial conditions for visa liberalization have been fulfilled, a precise date has not been set as the international community attempts to punish Bosnia’s nationalist authorities, who have spent their latest four-year mandate batting about nationalist and secessionist rhetoric and further polarizing society in the vote-buying game.
So far, Bosnia has implemented more technical requirements than has neighboring Serbia, which was granted an EU visa-free regime last July, along with Montenegro and Macedonia. At that time, Bosnia, Albania and Kosovo saw their visa liberalization bids rejected. The EU then promised that once the necessary technical requirements were fulfilled, Bosnians would be eligible for visa liberalization.
For more: Visa-Liberalisation, Politics and Price
EU to Probe U.S. Biodiesel Tariffs - by Matthew Dalton
The European Commission said Thursday it would investigate whether U.S. biodiesel is being shipped through third countries to avoid tariffs placed last year on direct shipments from the U.S. to the European Union.
The commission, the EU's executive arm, also said it would examine whether U.S. producers are shipping their product in blends that contain less than 20% pure biodiesel to avoid the tariffs, which only apply to blends containing more than 20%.
The investigation was requested by the European Biodiesel Board, the EU industry's main lobby group, in its long-running effort to fight a subsidy the U.S. government gives to its producers. The EU industry says the subsidy—a $1 tax credit for each gallon of biodiesel blended with petroleum-based diesel—has caused the U.S. industry to flood the European market with exports, depressing prices and threatening the viability of European producers. The tariffs were put in place to counter the advantage of the subsidies.
For more: EU to Probe U.S. Biodiesel Tariffs - WSJ.com
The commission, the EU's executive arm, also said it would examine whether U.S. producers are shipping their product in blends that contain less than 20% pure biodiesel to avoid the tariffs, which only apply to blends containing more than 20%.
The investigation was requested by the European Biodiesel Board, the EU industry's main lobby group, in its long-running effort to fight a subsidy the U.S. government gives to its producers. The EU industry says the subsidy—a $1 tax credit for each gallon of biodiesel blended with petroleum-based diesel—has caused the U.S. industry to flood the European market with exports, depressing prices and threatening the viability of European producers. The tariffs were put in place to counter the advantage of the subsidies.
For more: EU to Probe U.S. Biodiesel Tariffs - WSJ.com
Cosmetics: Your Makeup Might Make You Sick - EU has banned more than 1,000 ingredients from cosmetics, while the United States has banned only 10
There's already been news about sunscreen possibly causing the very thing it's supposed to prevent -- skin cancer, but what about the effects of other beauty products? "The European Union has banned more than 1,000 ingredients from cosmetics, while the US has only banned 10", says one member of Maine Women's Lobby.
Many of us are obsessed with what we ingest, but our skin soaks up every ingredient like a sponge, so perhaps it's time to pay more attention to how the beauty industry is handling business. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Because the US FDA doesn't test cosmetics for safety, that job goes to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which is funded and run by the cosmetics industry through its trade association, the Personal Care Products Council. Safety advocates are concerned that, in effect, the industry is policing itself.
For more: Behind the Beauty Industry: Your Makeup Might Make You Sick - Terra
Many of us are obsessed with what we ingest, but our skin soaks up every ingredient like a sponge, so perhaps it's time to pay more attention to how the beauty industry is handling business. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Because the US FDA doesn't test cosmetics for safety, that job goes to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which is funded and run by the cosmetics industry through its trade association, the Personal Care Products Council. Safety advocates are concerned that, in effect, the industry is policing itself.
For more: Behind the Beauty Industry: Your Makeup Might Make You Sick - Terra
The Netherlands: Christian Democrats lobby against Wilders' role in Dutch coalition
The Dutch center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) was facing internal backlash Thursday from members concerned about its decision to hold coalition talks that involve Geert Wilders' Islamophobic party. A manifesto released by the group argued against a minority coalition made up of the CDA and the People's Party for Freedom (VVD) that would rely on the votes of Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV), although it would not be a formal part of the new government.June's election was indecisive, leaving no party with an outright majority and even the two largest centre-right parties without enough seats to form a stable coalition.The manifesto, titled "We stand up for our basic rights," was initiated by 44 CDA activists who are now hoping to receive broad support from their party. They include delegates, professors and local politicians.
For more: Christian Democrats lobby against Wilders' role in Dutch coalition | Earth Times News
For more: Christian Democrats lobby against Wilders' role in Dutch coalition | Earth Times News
Record German Growth Drives Euro-Region Expansion
Germany’s economy grew in the second quarter at the fastest pace since the country’s reunification two decades ago, driving faster-than-forecast expansion in the 16-nation euro area.
German gross domestic product surged 2.2 percent from the first quarter, fueling euro-area growth of 1 percent, the fastest in four years. Economists had forecast GDP would rise 1.3 percent in Germany and 0.7 percent in the currency bloc. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is benefiting from a recovery in global demand after last year’s recession just as the euro’s 10 percent decline against the dollar this year makes its exports more competitive outside the region. At the same time, European governments are cutting spending to rein in ballooning budget deficits, threatening to slow growth in coming months.
“It’s a Germany-driven story,” said Juergen Michels, chief euro-area economist at Citigroup Inc. in London. “While there are growth risks stemming from the fiscal consolidation efforts in peripheral countries, we won’t see a double-dip scenario in Europe.”
For more: Record German Growth Drives Euro-Region Expansion - Bloomberg
German gross domestic product surged 2.2 percent from the first quarter, fueling euro-area growth of 1 percent, the fastest in four years. Economists had forecast GDP would rise 1.3 percent in Germany and 0.7 percent in the currency bloc. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is benefiting from a recovery in global demand after last year’s recession just as the euro’s 10 percent decline against the dollar this year makes its exports more competitive outside the region. At the same time, European governments are cutting spending to rein in ballooning budget deficits, threatening to slow growth in coming months.
“It’s a Germany-driven story,” said Juergen Michels, chief euro-area economist at Citigroup Inc. in London. “While there are growth risks stemming from the fiscal consolidation efforts in peripheral countries, we won’t see a double-dip scenario in Europe.”
For more: Record German Growth Drives Euro-Region Expansion - Bloomberg
8/12/10
Germany's rich says no thanks to Buffett-Gates 'giving pledge'
Some 40 billionaires have stepped forward to pledge at least half of their fortunes to charity, following the call of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates who have already done the same. But this campaign doesn't stop at our borders, as Buffett and Gates are hoping to encourage the world's billionaires to join them.
Not so fast, says Germany. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, wealthy Germans "are responding skeptically to this effort," with one German asset manager contacted by Gates saying that many of the country's super-rich have already transferred more than half of their wealth to charity and consider the "Giving Pledge" campaign "too ostentatious." Another billionaire "blasted the effort as 'a bad transfer of power from the state to billionaires,'" the German magazine Der Spiegel reports in its international edition.
For more: Germany's rich says no thanks to Buffett-Gates 'giving pledge' -
Not so fast, says Germany. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, wealthy Germans "are responding skeptically to this effort," with one German asset manager contacted by Gates saying that many of the country's super-rich have already transferred more than half of their wealth to charity and consider the "Giving Pledge" campaign "too ostentatious." Another billionaire "blasted the effort as 'a bad transfer of power from the state to billionaires,'" the German magazine Der Spiegel reports in its international edition.
For more: Germany's rich says no thanks to Buffett-Gates 'giving pledge' -
Tourism vital to British economy says David Cameron
Speaking at London’s Hyde Park this morning, the Prime Minister urged
Britain to be proud of its potential to attract overseas visitors but
advised the tourism industry to step up its competitiveness.
For more: Tourism vital to British economy says David Cameron | BigHospitality.co.uk
Britain to be proud of its potential to attract overseas visitors but
advised the tourism industry to step up its competitiveness.
For more: Tourism vital to British economy says David Cameron | BigHospitality.co.uk
Superbug infection proof that medical tourism can have consequences: Alta Health
Doctors in Alberta Canada are warning people that there are risks involved in traveling to foreign lands to get medical help, and they're citing a new antibiotic-resistant superbug emerging in southern Asia as a prime example.
The province confirmed Thursday that it had one reported case of infection in the spring. Dr. Gerry Predy, Medical Officer of Health, would say only that the individual had been in a hospital in India before being infected and was discharged after being treated back in Canada.
Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta Health Services' senior medical director, said anyone considering travel for medical treatment anywhere in the world should weigh the risks.
For more: The Canadian Press: Superbug infection proof that medical tourism can have consequences: Alta Health
The province confirmed Thursday that it had one reported case of infection in the spring. Dr. Gerry Predy, Medical Officer of Health, would say only that the individual had been in a hospital in India before being infected and was discharged after being treated back in Canada.
Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta Health Services' senior medical director, said anyone considering travel for medical treatment anywhere in the world should weigh the risks.
For more: The Canadian Press: Superbug infection proof that medical tourism can have consequences: Alta Health
Soccer: Spain, Netherlands each tie in first games since World Cup final - The Globe and Mail
Spain returned to action exactly a month after winning the World Cup
to draw 1-1 in Mexico with an injury-time goal, while the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Ukraine in its first game since losing the final.
David Silva scored in the second minute of added time for the Spanish, who trailed for almost the whole of what amounted to a practice game for the out-of-shape world champions — most of whom are just coming off vacation.
The Netherlands rested its World Cup players and fielded an inexperienced B team but led in the 72nd through debut-making striker Jeremain Lens. Midfielder Oleksandr Aliev equalized a minute later.
For more: Spain, Netherlands each tie in first games since World Cup final - The Globe and Mail: "
David Silva scored in the second minute of added time for the Spanish, who trailed for almost the whole of what amounted to a practice game for the out-of-shape world champions — most of whom are just coming off vacation.
The Netherlands rested its World Cup players and fielded an inexperienced B team but led in the 72nd through debut-making striker Jeremain Lens. Midfielder Oleksandr Aliev equalized a minute later.
For more: Spain, Netherlands each tie in first games since World Cup final - The Globe and Mail: "
Suriname - ex-dictator back as an elected president - by Ben Fox
President Desi Bouterse pledged in a speech to fight corruption and help impoverished communities in the vast rain forest hinterland of South America's smallest nation. He also said he would strengthen the resource-dependent economy and further distance the former Dutch colony from the Netherlands while forging closer ties with other nations.
But in a ceremony that was avoided by the hemisphere's leaders, Bouterse did not address his history as Suriname's two-time dictator — a past that made his election last month by parliament uncomfortable for the international community.
For more: The Associated Press: Suriname ex-dictator back as an elected president: "
EUROPEAN UNION - Delegation of the European Union to the USA - NEW EUROPEAN UNION AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS
On Tuesday August 10th. with the presentation of his credentials to President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony, João Vale de Almeida formally became the new European Union Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to the United States.Ambassador Vale de Almeida will be the first EU Ambassador to the United States since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force on December 1, 2009. In this capacity, he represents European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. The Lisbon Treaty enhances the EU's capacity to operate more effectively and act more cohesively in matters of foreign affairs and security.
In his letter, Ambassador Vale de Almeida stressed that he was enthusiastic about the continued evolution of the US-EU relationship which, in range and substance, has progressed dramatically over two decades from one largely centered around trade to a more all-encompassing relationship. "The emergence of new powers has led to predictions that transatlantic relations will be less important in the future, but this view overlooks the enormous stock we have vested in one another," he said. "Our common values and shared goals are strengthened by our deeply interdependent economies and the longstanding ties between our peoples. They are also reflected in the trust and mutual confidence forged through many years of close cooperation between our administrations."
8/11/10
US Economy: Wall Street donations favour Republicans - by Stephanie Kirchgaessne
Executives are donating nearly 70 per cent of their political contributions to Republican candidates ahead of November’s mid-term elections, representing a significant shift in allegiances across an industry that has in recent history heavily favoured Democrats.
Individual executives and middle managers on Wall Street - not corporate political action committees - are the “primary drivers” of the rapidly changing political landscape, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan organisation that studies money in politics.
The new data, based on an analysis of second-quarter campaign finance data, shows that Republican candidates had as of June received 68 per cent of all federal contributions by the financial, insurance and real estate sector.
For more: US economy: FT.com / US / Politics & Foreign policy - Wall Street donations favour Republicans
Individual executives and middle managers on Wall Street - not corporate political action committees - are the “primary drivers” of the rapidly changing political landscape, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan organisation that studies money in politics.
The new data, based on an analysis of second-quarter campaign finance data, shows that Republican candidates had as of June received 68 per cent of all federal contributions by the financial, insurance and real estate sector.
For more: US economy: FT.com / US / Politics & Foreign policy - Wall Street donations favour Republicans
Turkey delays fiscal reforms, rating agencies wary
Turkey postponed fiscal reforms on Wednesday, giving the government leeway to spend ahead of an election due next year and sparking warnings from rating agencies that deficit reduction plans may get diluted.
Investors had expected Ankara to introduce the reforms -- which set clearly defined medium-term targets for growth and debt reduction -- in time for the 2011 budget after it chose not to enter a new standby loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year. But Industry Minister Nihat Ergun was quoted by the state-run Anatolian news agency as saying the targets would not form the basis for next year's budget, though they would be used for 2012.
Analysts and all three main rating agencies -- which had suggested the reforms would underpin the country's efforts to attain investment grade debt status -- expressed unease at the comments, which sent local markets lower.
For more: UPDATE 4-Turkey delays fiscal reforms, rating agencies wary By Reuters
Investors had expected Ankara to introduce the reforms -- which set clearly defined medium-term targets for growth and debt reduction -- in time for the 2011 budget after it chose not to enter a new standby loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year. But Industry Minister Nihat Ergun was quoted by the state-run Anatolian news agency as saying the targets would not form the basis for next year's budget, though they would be used for 2012.
Analysts and all three main rating agencies -- which had suggested the reforms would underpin the country's efforts to attain investment grade debt status -- expressed unease at the comments, which sent local markets lower.
For more: UPDATE 4-Turkey delays fiscal reforms, rating agencies wary By Reuters
Eastern European cyber criminals 'draining British bank accounts' by Heidi Blake
Eastern European cyber criminals are using sophisticated computer viruses to drain the accounts of thousands of British banking customers,internet security experts have said.
A new version the notorious “Zeus” virus, which cannot be detected by traditional firewalls, has stolen £675,000 from about 3,000 online customers of a British bank, the experts claimed. The funds have been transferred out of the online accounts, which are held by businesses and individuals, since early July.
The Zeus virus, which targets online bank accounts, first emerged three years ago.
The new version, “Zeus v3”, not only collects users’ logins, passwords and bank details – it is also capable of transferring money out of the compromised accounts. Bradley Anstis, vice president of technical strategy at M86, told The Times: “This is an extremely sophisticated version of the virus and it cannot be detected by traditional security software”.
For more: Eastern European cyber criminals 'draining British bank accounts' - Telegraph
A new version the notorious “Zeus” virus, which cannot be detected by traditional firewalls, has stolen £675,000 from about 3,000 online customers of a British bank, the experts claimed. The funds have been transferred out of the online accounts, which are held by businesses and individuals, since early July.
The Zeus virus, which targets online bank accounts, first emerged three years ago.
The new version, “Zeus v3”, not only collects users’ logins, passwords and bank details – it is also capable of transferring money out of the compromised accounts. Bradley Anstis, vice president of technical strategy at M86, told The Times: “This is an extremely sophisticated version of the virus and it cannot be detected by traditional security software”.
For more: Eastern European cyber criminals 'draining British bank accounts' - Telegraph
8/10/10
AIRBUS: Majors’ mergers boost A380’s prospects in USA: Airbus - by Max Kingsley-Jones
Airbus believes that the consolidation under way among the US major airlines will reinforce the case for the A380 in the region. The airframer forecasts that the merged United Airlines/Continental Airlines entity could need a fleet of up to 20 of the ultra-large airliners for its dense long-haul routes.
For more: Majors’ mergers boost A380’s prospects in USA: Airbus
For more: Majors’ mergers boost A380’s prospects in USA: Airbus
US Economy: FOMC Move a Signal of Alarm About Econ, Infl Outlk
Panic? Or just precaution? Take your choice of "P" words, but there's no question Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and all but one of his fellow policymakers took a calculated risk in deciding to go in for what amounts to some additional monetary stimulus at their Aug. 10 Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
In deciding not to allow the natural shrinkage of the central bank's balance sheet that otherwise would have taken place, the FOMC was basically announcing to all the world that it has lost confidence in the economic recovery. It was not only signaling that the downside risks to economic growth have intensified, but also, implicitly, that deflationary threats have worsened.
For more: Analysis: FOMC Move a Signal of Alarm About Econ, Infl Outlk | Real Time Market News | Need to Know News
In deciding not to allow the natural shrinkage of the central bank's balance sheet that otherwise would have taken place, the FOMC was basically announcing to all the world that it has lost confidence in the economic recovery. It was not only signaling that the downside risks to economic growth have intensified, but also, implicitly, that deflationary threats have worsened.
For more: Analysis: FOMC Move a Signal of Alarm About Econ, Infl Outlk | Real Time Market News | Need to Know News
Germany shuts down mosque linked to 9/11
German police shut down a mosque in Hamburg on Monday which was once connected to the 9/11attacks, saying it had links with armed militant groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Taiba Mosque in the port city was previously known as the Al Quds Mosque and was once frequented by Mohammed Atta, the alleged leader of the group that carried out the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Despite the name change, the mosque in Hamburg’s St George district remained under close watch by security services ever since the 9/11 attacks.
“We believe that the mosque has been supporting terrorism for years,” Manfred Murck from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, a German domestic intelligence service, told a news conference held by Hamburg state authorities. About 20 policemen cordoned off the mosque early on Monday and searched the premises, said the Interior Minister for Hamburg, Christoph Ahlhaus, adding that the cultural association behind the mosque had been declared a banned organization.
For more: Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - Germany shuts down mosque linked to 9/11
The Taiba Mosque in the port city was previously known as the Al Quds Mosque and was once frequented by Mohammed Atta, the alleged leader of the group that carried out the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Despite the name change, the mosque in Hamburg’s St George district remained under close watch by security services ever since the 9/11 attacks.
“We believe that the mosque has been supporting terrorism for years,” Manfred Murck from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, a German domestic intelligence service, told a news conference held by Hamburg state authorities. About 20 policemen cordoned off the mosque early on Monday and searched the premises, said the Interior Minister for Hamburg, Christoph Ahlhaus, adding that the cultural association behind the mosque had been declared a banned organization.
For more: Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - Germany shuts down mosque linked to 9/11
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