Author: Serkadis

from independent, 24 February 2010: “A wave of industrial and social unrest is building across Europe as workers resist attempts by governments and private companies to impose austerity policies, drive down wages and rescue some nations from near-bankruptcy. Huge protest rallies took place in cities across Spain last night; today a general strike could paralyse Greece while industrial action at French airports and oil plants as well as the narrowly averted stoppage at Germany’s Lufthansa promise to be just the start of the greatest demonstration of public unrest seen on the continent since the revolutionary fervour of 1968…” more

from infoshop, 24 February 2010: “On Friday, February 19, the government filed their reply brief to Eric’s appeal. The document they filed was 90 pages long – 90 pages of lies and slander in their continued effort to demonize Eric and justify their own inhumanity in locking a person in prison for 20 years for “thought crime. The document is full of continued attacks on Eric’s character as well as misrepresentations and lies about the actual unfolding of events. All of this, combined with outrageous distortions of the law, make the government’s reply a rather distasteful read…”  more

from gcsg, 23 February 2010: “In the attack that took place in the community of Bolon Ajaw, the Zapatista bases of support found themselves face to face with members of OPDDIC (among them was the late Adolfo Moreno Estrada). The trajectory of the bullet (that killed him) indicates that it entered Moreno Estrada through his back and exited through his chest. The position of the body leaves no room for doubt: Adolfo Estrada Moreno died due to friendly fire from an OPDDIC bullet…” more

Soros sheds further light on why he can fearlessly buy ‘bubbles’, in an interview with Caixin:

Caixin:

Looking back at the past year’s responses to the global financial crisis, Soros says lending by Chinese government-owned banks was indeed excessive, but that regulatory decisions to adjust reserve ratio requirements were appropriate.

“You know now,” he observed, “people see bubbles everywhere.”

…

Caixin: Do you think there are asset bubbles in China?

Soros: People see bubbles everywhere. Again, there is no question the financial stimulus has pushed up asset prices. Whether that is a bubble or not actually depends on whether it’s going to be a hard landing or a soft landing. If it is a soft landing, then it is not a bubble. If it is hard landing, it will be a bubble. We’ll only know if it’s a bubble or not later.

He goes on to explain how he has grown cautious on China and is waiting to see how things unfold before becoming outright bullish again. He’s probably looking for signs that the government can pull off the soft landing it intends, given his words above.

Check out the full interview here >

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Why China’s Declining Population Will Take 100 Years To Fix
• Here’s More Evidence That China Is About To Unleash A Wave Of Steel EXPORTS That Slam Prices
• America And China Might Have Problems But It’s Japan That’s Really Screwed

via gipfelsoli, 23 February 2010: “Surpassing the Vancouver Olympics, the Pope’s visit to Toronto and even the volatile Summit of the Americas in Quebec City, officials said yesterday the G8 and G20 summits this summer will be the largest security event in Canadian history. The federal government announced last week it would host the G20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre June 26-27, despite the city’s expressed wishes that it be at Exhibition Place. It will be preceded by the G8 in Huntsville, Ontario…” more

Article Tags: Meetings, Piers Corbyn

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NOTE: WeatherAction monthly PUBLIC press event 12 noon Frid 26 Feb

Source: weatheraction.com

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Finalmente Audi lo ha confirmado, próximamente (aún no se sabe cuando) podremos disfrutar de un Audi R8 Spyder V8. Por lo visto, la marca ha decidido escuchar las criticas recibidas ya que a sus clientes no les gustaba el tener como única opción un motor V10. Demasiada potencia y consumo a mi parecer.

Se espera que llegue al mercado a principios del próximo año pero como bien hemos dicho anteriormente, aún no se sabe cuando.  Hará uso de un motor V8 FSI que desarrolla 420 CV. Se espera que tenga un precio que rondará los 125.000€.

El resto de equipamiento y prestaciones continuará siendo el mismo. Podremos escoger entre una caja de cambios de 6 velocidades manual o una caja automática R Tronic. Podrá acelerar de 0 a 100 km/h en 5 segundos y su velocidad máxima estará fijada en los 300 km/h.

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CHICAGO (STMW) — Police have issued two community alerts about separate child luring incidents that happened around the same time Wednesday morning on the Near South Side.

About 8 a.m. near 9000 S. Ashland Ave., a 15-year-old girl was standing alone at a bus stop when she was approached by a man driving a white min-van, who asked her to drive with him to an unknown location to pick up a car, according to a community alert from Calumet Area detectives.

When the girl declined, he drove away but returned minutes later and physically forced the girl into the van. He then pulled into an alley a couple of blocks away but the girl was able to escape the van and seek help, the alert said.

The offender is described as a black man, approximately 25-years-old, about 5-foot-6 and about 150 pounds, the alert said. He has long sideburns and was last seen driving the white mini-van.

In another incident at the same time, a 10-year-old boy was approached by a man while walking to school near 93rd and Loomis streets. The man, who was driving a four-door vehicle, pulled up next to the boy and stated “Get in my car.” The boy fled and the offender drove off eastbound on 93rd Street, according to a separate community alert issued by a Calumet Area detectives.

The offender in the second incident is described as a man, who was wearing a black ski mask. His race, age, height and weight were unknown. He was last seen driving a black four-door vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call Calumet Area detectives at (312) 747-8271.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

FoMoCo has announced the official specs on its 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup and will start marketing the truck as the “most capable, fuel-efficient” heavy-duty on the market staring in April.

“Our Super Duty customers do some of America’s toughest jobs,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Every day they’re out there working with little fanfare and all they ask is the right tool for the job. The new 2011 Super Duty offers them a truck with best-in-class towing and payload, all-new powertrains and even more capability than ever to help them do their jobs.”

With that in mind, let’s get right into the specs. The Ford 2011 Ford Super Duty lineup will start with the 6.2L V8 engine making 385-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque — that’s 85 more horses and 40 pounds-foot of more torque than the current 5.4L V8 gas engine – combined with class-leading fuel economy and E85 compatibility.

But the big news here is Ford’s all-new 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel making 390-hp and a whopping 735 lb-ft of torque, which Ford says helps it make the Super Duty offer “class leading” fuel-economy.

That’s not the only area where the 2011 Ford Super Duty is class-leading. FoMoCo says that the all-new powertrains helps the F-Series Super Duty offer a class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds and best-in-class payload capability of 6,520 pounds.

Click through for the press release for more details.

2011 Ford Super Duty:

Press Release:

ALL-NEW POWERTRAINS, CLASS-LEADING CAPABILITY REINFORCE 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY’S TOUGH TRUCK STATUS

* 2011 F-Series Super Duty boasts all-new powertrains, led by the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers best-in-class torque of 735 ft.-lb. (at 1,600 rpm) and best-in-class 390 horsepower (at 2,800 rpm) – 85 ft.-lb. and 40 horsepower more than the outgoing product. The new diesel does this with best-in-class fuel economy and biodiesel compatibility up to B20
* All-new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also best-in-class with 385 horsepower and 405 ft.-lb. of torque – 85 more horsepower and 40 ft.-lb. more torque than the current 5.4-liter V-8 gas engine – combined with class-leading fuel economy and E85 compatibility
* Each new engine is mated to the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission, which has been optimized for the increased torque of the new diesel engine and the higher speeds of the new gas engine. The new transmission features SelectShift Automatic™ capability, with segment-exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) available for diesels
* The all-new powertrains are the backbone of the new 2011 F-Series Super Duty, which has class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds and best-in-class payload capability of 6,520 pounds; the new Super Duty averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs over outgoing model

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25, 2010 – Ford Super Duty customers expect and demand capability from the best-selling heavy-duty truck in America. For most Super Duty owners, it’s the core asset of their business. Day after day, year after year, it’s expected to deliver results in the most demanding situations. No nonsense. And never any excuses.

Ford’s F-Series has been the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 33 straight years. With class-leading torque, horsepower, fuel economy and towing and payload capability, the new Super Duty further underscores Ford’s Built Ford Tough legacy.

“The 2011 Super Duty offers the widest array of solutions for the widest array of heavy-duty work truck customers,” said Chris Brewer, chief engineer. “The Super Duty lineup offers a variety of bodystyles and powertrains, from diesel and gasoline engines, each with a new six-speed transmission, to pickup trucks and chassis cabs, each with the towing and payload capabilities that define Super Duty.”

New diesel and gasoline engines deliver improved torque, horsepower, fuel economy
For 2011, Super Duty features both all-new diesel and gasoline engines that are mated to a new transmission. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel was designed, engineered and built by a Ford team dedicated solely to delivering this class-leading diesel to the next-generation Super Duty to enable continued best-in-class towing and payload.

The result: The new Power Stroke pumps out a best-in-class 735 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, enabling the 2011 Super Duty’s class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds. The 2011 Super Duty also has class-leading payload capability at 6,520 pounds.

Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine:

* First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; CGI is stronger than cast iron, and Ford successfully has used the material in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and more horsepower, and enable class-leading fuel economy.
* Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response; a reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
* The turbocharger features an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. The design allows the single unit to deliver the advantages of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.
* The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH.
* Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; six-head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity even with the higher firing pressures.
* Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.

“Developing the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine was an awesome endeavor,” said Adam Gryglak, lead 6.7-liter diesel engineering manager. “The extensive engineering and testing made us confident this engine ensures the new Super Duty’s leadership in capability, reliability and productivity.”

The engine and aftertreatment system for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel powertrain ably meets the new, more stringent 2010 federal emissions requirements for nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have to be lowered by approximately 80 percent, making this the cleanest Super Duty diesel ever.

New gasoline engine delivers class-leading power and fuel economy as well
Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce best-in-class torque, horsepower and fuel economy. The new gasoline engine delivers 405 ft.-lb. of torque (at 4,500 rpm) and 385 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) on regular gasoline. The new V-8 also is E85 compatible.

These numbers represent an increase of 40 ft.-lb. of torque and 85 horsepower over the outgoing 5.4-liter V-8. The V-8’s large bore (102 millimeters) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the short stroke (95 millimeters) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower.

Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine include:

* SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
* Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
* Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
* Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V-8 engine allows the spark timing of each cylinder to be individually optimized real-time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.
* Better engine crankcase “breathing” and efficiency: Significant development work and computer-aided engineering optimized the cylinder block for more efficient airflow in the crankcase as the pistons move up and down in the bores, resulting in improved torque at higher engine speeds. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. The cooling jets also allow for a higher compression ratio for better engine efficiency and faster engine oil warm-up on cold starts, also improving fuel economy.

New TorqShift transmission harnesses and manages the power; Live Drive PTO available
The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission was designed to manage the high low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine. The same basic transmission also is mated to the new gasoline engine, giving customers of either engine the ability to efficiently get the increased torque and horsepower to the ground. Engineered for greater efficiency and fuel economy, improvements include refined architecture to provide relatively low clutch speeds, which results in lower drag losses, and optimized fluid levels and drainback to reduce churning of fluid while also providing superior lubrication.

In addition to hardware-based improvements, the new transmission features enhanced Tow Haul mode with integrated engine exhaust braking and SelectShift Automatic capability, which includes Progressive Range Select and a manual mode, allowing customers to select the gear to suit their needs.

The new TorqShift transmission also enables the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading or snow plowing. “A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks,” said Al Bruck, 6R140 transmission engineering manager.

Best-in-class towing and payload; new towing options
Putting all that power to work is what defines Super Duty. The 2011 Super Duty builds on its best-in-class towing and payload capability and also offers more towing options from inside the bed. New is the first-ever factory-installed and warranted fifth wheel and gooseneck substructure directly attached to the frame.

“Our system is factory-installed and comes with a limited warranty from Ford. The electrical connection is mounted in the side of the bed wall, providing a clean installation,” said Peter Frantzeskakis, vehicle engineering manager.

Particularly noteworthy are productivity enhancements to the F-450 pickup to benefit the heaviest-duty trailer tow customers. Unneeded weight was shed, helping to improve fuel economy and top speed. Even with these changes, the F-450 Super Duty pickup maintains its class-leading gross combined weight rating of 33,000 pounds.

Addition of Trailer Sway Control leads safety enhancements
Ford’s lauded Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system joins the Super Duty lineup, giving those customers segment-first capability. TSC is integrated with AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, which now is standard on all single rear wheel (SRW) configurations.

The AdvanceTrac control module uses additional software to monitor the truck’s motion when a trailer is attached. TSC can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reducing engine torque – to help reduce the trailer sway.

For further peace of mind, the available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by a Ford limited warranty, offers smoother and safer operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.

Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth brake stops at all speeds. If the vehicle’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. In Super Duty trucks with Trailer Brake Control towing trailers with electric brakes, the Ford system can, during a sway event, also apply brakes to the trailer to help stabilize it.

Other enhanced towing, off-road control features and safety improvements include:

* Hill Start Assist, which applies brakes to prevent rollback
* Hill Descent Control™, which uses the accelerator and brake to set, and then hold, the speed
* Electronic Locking Differential, which provides maximum traction by forcing the rear wheels to turn at the same speed
* Standard tire pressure monitoring system on all SRW models
* Optional side air bags and air curtains
* A new available 4.2-inch LCD screen includes information on specific features such as Trailer Brake Control and Tow Haul

Improved ride, handling and steering for a more comfortable experience
In addition to increased towing and payload capability and improved fuel mileage enabled by the new powertrains, customers of the next Super Duty also will benefit from improved ride, handling and steering. For 2011, the engineering team optimized the frame and suspension of the current Super Duty, particularly the leaf springs and spring rate, as well as adjusting the internal valving in all the shock absorbers to enable greater towing and payload capability with further ride refinement.

The steering gear also is new. The 4×2 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty feature modified steering system geometry to take better advantage of the twin I-beam suspension, which combines the performance of an independent suspension with the durability of a beam axle suspension. Improved response, precision and better on-center steering and control come from making the steering gear symmetric left to right.

The result is greater customer comfort, confidence and control in all situations.

“A big part of the comfort in Super Duty trucks comes through controllability,” said Dan Gompper, vehicle dynamics supervisor. “No matter if the truck is loaded or unloaded, full trailer or empty trailer, customers can be fully confident.”

Bold exterior; new flow-through console highlights interior
The new hood of the 2011 Super Duty, with its prominent inverted power dome, complements the new diesel and gasoline engines lurking beneath. “Super Duty” is stamped on the upper grille, with a larger Ford oval proudly gracing the front.

Inside, customers will benefit from a new reconfigurable flow-through console that improves the functionality of the truck. Storage space is increased about 60 percent, and at least 70 different configurations are possible. A 12-volt powerpoint is available at the rear of the console and another is located inside the main bin, which is lockable. A 110-volt power inverter is standard with all console configurations.

Improved productivity through Ford Work Solutions
For many customers, the Super Duty cab also serves as a mobile office. Industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™ is part of available technology to help customers stay connected with their business from the job site and track tools.

A new available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen allows customers to take full advantage of the 2011 Super Duty’s capabilities; an off-road message center has been added as well. The five-way button on the steering wheel allows customers to navigate through various menu options – several relating to fuel economy and towing convenience – never before available on a Super Duty truck.

Continuing the legacy of quality
With all-new powertrains enabling greater towing and payload capability, safety enhancements such as Trailer Sway Control added, and greater functionality with available Ford Work Solutions, the new 2011 Ford Super Duty is poised to continue its legacy as America’s premier work truck.

The accolades the current Super Duty has received, based on 2009 model year GQRS (Global Quality Research System) data, include:

* Best-in-Class TGW (Things Gone Wrong) for All Pickup Truck Segments
* Best-in-Class Customer Satisfaction among Heavy Duty Pickups

“With all-new powertrains and increased capability, the 2011 Super Duty improves on its proud heritage as the ultimate work truck,” said Brewer.

– By: Omar Rana

Article Tags: Andrew Orlowski, CO2 Propaganda

But too late to save Drowning Dog

Ofcom is to investigate the Government’s notoriously emotive ‘Drowning Dog’ prime time TV advertisements. Ad industry self-regulator the ASA is already conducting its own investigation of the ‘climate porn‘ campaign.

The taxpayer-funded advertisement features a father reading a bedtime story to his young daughter. The picture book comes to life, with a Carbon Monster engulfing a town; many cartoon animals are swept away in the resulting floods – which are the result of humans keeping the heating on and driving cars, the advertisement says.

Ofcom received over 700 complaints, many of which argued it was political advertising. Even global warming advocates found it distasteful, while the Taxpayer Alliance doubted that the ad would ever have been broadcast if had been produced by an independent pressure group.

Click source to read more

Source: theregister.co.uk

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While you have no doubt seen fans behind the backboard try to distract a player while he’s shooting a free throw, you have never seen anything like this. Yikes!

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Ashraf Laidi of CMC Capital Market (via PragCap) makes an interesting argument that gold has a long way to fell, noting that while its obviously slipped against the dollar, it actually remains near all-time highs against the weak euro.

The bottom line: When the gold bear market starts in Europe, then you’re really going to get creamed in dollar terms. (Get it?)

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Euro Bulls Suffer A Near Miss As IMF Suggests Europe Target Higher Inflation
• Euro: Next Stop $1.30
• You Thought Gold Was Looking Ugly? Gold Miners Are Trading At Levels Not Seen In Years

This makes the U.S. look like a star with its over-2% GDP growth for 2010.

Europe will essentially go nowhere this year it seems. The E.U. has just left its 2010 growth forecast unchanged at just 0.7% GDP growth:

Reuters:

While speaking of a “recovery in progress” it says the European economy faces a rough road.

The commission said the economy is recovering while “still facing headwinds.”

The 0.7 percent growth outlook applies to both the 16 countries that use the euro and the broader 27-country EU.

Read more here >

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Now Over Half Of Greece Has Stopped Working In A Bid to Save The Economy From Market Forces
• Hedge Fund Corriente Gives Cash Back To Investors After Making A Killing Shorting European Debt
• Euro Bulls Suffer A Near Miss As IMF Suggests Europe Target Higher Inflation

Article Tags: UK Independence party (UKIP)

Al Gore’s global warming film would be banned in schools under plans by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) to court the climate sceptic vote.

The party, that has traditionally campaigned on the anti-European Union vote, launched a manifesto for the environment.

Following a number of scandals around the science of climate change, UKIP are promising to launch a Royal Commission led by a High Court judge to investigate whether global warming is man-made.

Pending the results of the commission, the party, that has no MPs at the moment, have promised to build new fossil-fuelled power stations to meet energy demands and scrap subsidies for wind farms. Global warming ‘propaganda’ like the Al Gore film Inconvenient Truth will be banned in schools and public authorities will not be allowed to spend money on climate change initiatives.

Click source for more

Source: telegraph.co.uk

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It’s been neat to watch more and more companies step up to better enable the types of business models that are working these days. The latest is ReverbNation — a company that’s really focused on the Connect with Fans (CwF) side of the business for a while — by building what it called a “fan relationship management” system. Basically, it was a more sophisticated email list manager, but with some special features and widgets for bands. The company has been adding a lot of features lately, and now it’s announced a deal to make it even easier for a band to sell merch via ReverbNation. Contrary to what the article claims, I don’t believe that just selling merch is necessarily a great business model on its own (access, attention and some other things tend to have more potential), but it is certainly a good supplementary part of many CwF+RtB type business models these days. So anything that makes it easier for artists seems like a good thing. Obviously, there are other ways that bands could already do similar things, but the integration directly into ReverbNation’s platform is definitely a nice thing.

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The European Central Bank (ECB) has rejected an proposal by the IMF to raise target for inflation rates to 4% from the current 2%.

The idea was that by allowing for higher potential inflation, the ECB would have more room to stimulate the economy in the event of a crisis, while staying within its target.

Bloomberg:

“I can only reject the idea of raising inflation rates permanently,” ECB Executive Board member Juergen Stark said in a speech in Seoul today. Bundesbank President Axel Weber wrote in a newspaper column today that the Washington-based lender is “playing with fire.”

..

Weber, a contender to succeed ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet next year, said in the Financial Times Deutschland that faster inflation causes “more damage than good” and warned the IMF’s discussion threatens to undermine the credibility of central banks.

Executive Board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi yesterday said the proposal to raise the inflation target “backward looking.” Cypriot central banker Athanasios Orphanides this month called the proposition “counter-productive” and a “most unfortunate suggestion” as it may weaken the “hard-fought achievement” of anchoring inflation expectations.

Euro bulls are lucky, had it gone the other way then it would have likely been pretty bad news for them. German exporters are not so lucky — they probably wouldn’t mind a weaker Euro in the longer-term.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• The REAL Reason Apple Isn’t Bundling Its E-Book Store With The iPad
• Euro: Next Stop $1.30
• Now Even Germany Is Breaching The Euro Zone Deficit Limits

This is a guest post from Adam Garratt. If you like this post, check out more of his stuff at at www.blokebuddy.com.

For many of us in a relationship life is full of love, laughter and cheer. You hold hands and talk about your future. But what about the single guys out there? What do they do with their time?

I am very fortunate to be in love with my gorgeous fiance, but in the past I have been single, and I can tell you now, sitting around moping and feeling sorry for yourself is not an option. You should enjoy life just as much as the mushy couples do. Here is some advice on how to make the most of being a bachelor.

Don’t get up late. Feeling sorry for yourself and falling out of bed at 3 in the afternoon won’t help you. Get up nice and early around 8:00am so you can have a great big breakfast consisting of whatever you like, and start to make your plans for the day. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too.

Call up some friends. There are two sorts of friends to call when you’re single, but don’t mix the 2 together. The first sort is to ring your mates up, the guys you like to hang out with and see if they are up to anything. The second type of friend is a female companion – not your mate’s sister or someone you know distantly but a girl you have known for some time. She will be a comfort to you and will be sensitive to your situation. Figure our what type of mood you’re in and decide which friends to call.

Don’t get leathered! The male subconscious plays evil tricks on us and if you get drunk you could find yourself getting into embarrassing situations. Your emotions are heightened when you’re single so getting drunk will only exaggerate this. The last thing you want to do is end up either telling your girl mate you’re in love with her, or even worse sleeping with her. Getting drunk when your emotions are running riot is a big no – get merry by all means but stay off the shots!

Do stuff!. Think about what being a single man is all about…having fun! Think about what you like to do in your spare time and do something based around that. For instance, if you like going down the pub all the time, do something different like going on a whiskey or wine tasting day. If you like motor sports then take you and your pals go karting. Being single is about you and what you like, so celebrate it by occupying your day with activities.

Be spontaneous. Being single is also an opportunity to find love. There are going to be women that are single too, so why not go on a date with a girl? She may be your next door neighbor, or she might be the checkout girl at your local store, – just go and ask her out.

If you don’t want to do that why not go to a traffic light party? These are fantastic fun so take yourself and a couple of mates to one. The idea is that the women are dressed in either orange, green or red clothes signaling that red is taken, orange undecided and green available. These nights can be found everywhere these days and are a blast.

Don’t dwell on past lovers. A sure-fire way to make yourself feel like crap is to think about your past lovers. That’s when you start asking yourself questions like ‘what if?’ and ‘maybe if I had done things differently’. Your past lovers are not your concern anymore. The relationship failed because you were two different people that were not compatible with each other. Get over it, move on and start afresh.

Ask your mates to do this……One thing to help you feel better is to ask your mates – both girls and guys – to each write down a list of things that they find great about you. Once you have all the lists back, take a look at what they put about you, and pick out the things that are being said by more than one friend. For instance, if you have 10 mates and 5 of them all wrote down you were funny and another 5 wrote down yourwere good looking, sit back and think for a minute that you’re a handsome funny guy! There are men that would kill for that.

Being single doesn’t mean you have to sit back and watch everyone else smooch and put their hands in each others pockets. Life is just as much about you and what you love in life, so go out and enjoy yourself.

Celebrate like it’s your birthday and take no prisoners – ask that girl out you have been hankering for, go tell your mum and dad they are the best thing in the world. Respect yourself and hold your head up high. You are a man, a big hairy smelly and utterly brilliant man, and no one can take that away from you! Enjoy life fellas.

Do you have something to say? Write a guest post for Just A Guy Thing! Check out the Contribute page for more info.

photo credit: carbonnyc

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Are you right now experiencing DEJA PROBLEMS? Are you enduring repeated disappointment in love, career, friendship, or fitness – or a combo of a few of these?

If so, you’re experiencing “programmed destructive beliefs” – via your subconscious mind.

How do you know for sure? That’s easy. Life is difficult.

As Carl Jung said: “When an inner situation is not made conscious it appears outside as fate.”

Without gaining consciousness into your patterns, you can find yourself going from saying

“I’m having one of those days”

to

“I’m having one of those years”

to

“I’m having one of those lives.”

Today I want to help you change your programmed beliefs, so you can change your life. How?

I’m gonna have you jackhammerdrill down – until you discover your limiting thinking brought to you by your pesky programmed subconscious – then we’re gonna “re-program” your subconscious – turning “destructive beliefs” into“instructive beliefs” – so you’re supported and directed to go where you need to go to live your happiest life!

I call this developing “PAIN-A-RAMIC” vision – where you’re able to stare at the pain in your life with a 360 degree lens – and view the gain in your pain — the lessons learned — turning destructive beliefs into instructive beliefs!

HOW TO DEVELOP  ”PAIN-A-RAMIC” VISION:

1. Breathe deeply. Enter a meditative state. Dare to think about your five most painful disappointing life incidents.

2. Become physically aware of how your body feels thinking about these incidents. Do you feel tense in your stomach, neck, head, back? There’s a neuroscientific reason for starting with this physical focus — given to me by neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. Goulston. He suggests that to achieve your best stream of consciousness, it helps to start at the lowest spheres of your brain — your animal sphere – then rise up to your emotional — then thirdly head into your neocortex – your highest rational brain processing. This slow but steady upward search for truth is the least scary for people to engage in.

3. Next up… Answer the following questions: “When it comes to (love, success, friendship, money, etc – PICK A TOPIC), I believe that…” “I don’t believe that…” “I blame my bad life results on….” “I fear….”“My childhood taught me when it comes to (THIS TOPIC) to expect….” “Society taught me when it comes to (THIS TOPIC) to expect…” “The media taught me when it comes to (THIS TOPIC) to expect…” “I had a trauma/crisis which taught me when it comes to (THIS TOPIC) to expect….”

4. Put all your worries from step # 3 on trial — cross-examining each DESTRUCTIVE BELIEF like a tough attorney – until you are able to turn it into an INSTRUCTIVE BELIEF.

5. Dispute and discredit your (b)lame excuses from step #3 — by gathering POSITIVE EVIDENCE otherwise — displaying proof of your talents, energy, and willpower to get what you want.

6. Dispute and discredit your “mythaken thinking” from step #3 — by gathering POSITIVE EVIDENCE that the world has supported plenty of others in their dreams – so you’re next up, baby!

7. Dispute and discredit false fears unearthed in step #3 — by gathering lots of CONTRADICTORY EVIDENCE — proving your limited beliefs are just that — limited!

8. Complete the following sentences: “Lucky, unlucky me, from this bad time I learned…” “Lucky, unlucky me, from this bad time I became more….” “Lucky, unlucky me, from this bad time I met ….”

8. Find examples of consistently happy, people who are successful in your topic of disappointment/pain – and spend as much times as possible with them – further shifting your belief system to the highly positive.

I promise that if you bravely jackhammer down and get to the root of your limiting beliefs, you’ll be on your way to living a life you love! And while on your life path, fromhereoin your fears and worries will become a lot they scary — as surely as when Dororthy faced up to Oz, and discovered that little Ozzie was nothin’ much to fear or worry about!

THE ABOVE IS AN EXCERPT from my book ENOUGH DAMMIT – which you can find out more about by clicking this line, right here, RIGHT NOW.

MOST PEOPLE settle for an average life. If you’re not MOST PEOPLE and want to LOVE YOUR LIFE be sure to sign up for my famous and FREE Be Happy Dammit newsletter by clicking this line, right here, right NOW.

Seeking fun, motivational, empowering connections and friends to help you live your happiest life? Join me at my FAN PAGE on FACEBOOK clicking this line right here, RIGHT NOW.

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Yesterday we twice made the point that Greece was shooting itself in the foot, making it impossible to receive a bailout.

Let’s revisit the points.

First, there was the violence in the streets as a result of threats of government austerity. The riots were (and are) a clear message to Greece’s more stable EU peers that there’s really no point in bailing the country out with the expectation of strong deficit reduction, because it just couldn’t happen there politically.

We’re talking about a country where 30% of the workers work for the government. That means there’s just no realistic way to take a big hatchet to public spending without causing lots of pain to the people.

Then Greek leaders continued to damage themselves by flinging NAZI gold theft accusations at Germany, as if that were the root of the country’s problems. There’s basically no chance this will make German leaders more willing to bail the country out.

Again, if you’re Angela Merkel, how do you justify to your countrymen spending their cash on this country? You can’t.

So the country is left with the hope, perhaps, that it can pull through on its own, access the public markets and cut spending. That seems like a longshot. Or perhaps the EU can override Merkel and make it happen, but you have to imagine this causes serious political problems down the road, if it’s even possible.

Last week it seemed like a bailout was an inevitability. Now it’s impossible to see how one happens.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Moody’s Warns Greece To Get Its Handout Mobs Under Control Or Be Slammed With A Multi-Notch Downgrade
• Greece Gives Germany Another Reason Not To Bail It Out After Mentioning Nazi Gold Theft
• The Latest Greek Strike Just Killed The Country’s Last Chance At A Bailout

Article Tags: Comment, You could not make it up

The world’s leading organization on climate change says it is working on a strategy to better police the experts who produce its high-profile reports, to try to ensure they adhere to rigorous scientific standards.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change needs to “leave no stone unturned to come up with a set of measures so this can be ensured,” Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the United Nations-sponsored organization, said.

Separately, the Met Office, a U.K. agency that does prominent weather and climate research, said it was proposing a new effort to improve temperature measurement.

The move by Mr. Pachauri and other IPCC leaders to step up oversight and enforcement of the panel’s existing policies follows a string of revelations that have prompted criticism of the organization, which won a 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for its report that year concluding that climate change is “unequivocal” and is “very likely” caused by human activity.

“We certainly don’t feel comfortable with the loss of even one iota of trust,” Mr. Pachauri said. “We are grappling with this issue and we’ll come up with some measures.”

Click source to read more of another attempt to appease the general public that the IPCC is a credible bunch of people who listen to all concerned. The fact of the matter is they have listened to groups with political agendas.

This burnt offering to say they will not make the same mistake again, sounds like a naughty child being caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

What we need is a complete disablement of the IPCC and a fresh look at the data by a separate body, it is the political agenda concerning “Man Made” Climate Change that will remain regardless of the IPCC being even more scrupulous with the reports put forward to them.

All the time the IPCC follow the spurious theory of “Man Made” Climate Change they will be left open to corruption from political activists.

The fact is CO2 does NOT drive temperatures, CO2 follows a warmer Earth from an active period of solar activity, how can the IPCC remain credible and impartial in this respect, when the science they follow is flawed.

Source: online.wsj.com

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