From sub prime to submerged.............the year ends with home owners escaping down the Fraser River
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
December 31 2008
From sub prime to submerged.............the year ends with home owners escaping down the Fraser River
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Can debt replace productivity to spur growth?
Economic growth appears to be the single issue that has banks and senior banking institutions around the world scrambling for solutions to what seems to be an impossible goal.
It may be, however, that growth for growth's sake itself is the problem. Where actual demand exists productivity is increased to meet the demand. Where demand falls it may advisable to allow productivity to decrease in a natural course, thus creating a natural balance between the two.
Spending via debt clearly has the world institutions following one another like sheep down an endless path of debt from which there can be no return. Corruption and greed has not helped. The again corruption and greed are not the exclusive to the so called fat cats and CEOs of the corporate giantalia. Debt, as some auto manufacturers for instance are about to find out, is a last resort. Productivity and innovation should come first. The bailout mentality could be a recipe for disaster.
It is interesting to note that Ford is not banging quite as hard on the Federal Bank vault doors as say GM or Chrysler. Were Ford to survive 2009-10 without a bailout package it would doubtless come out ahead of GM and Chrysler as it would not be saddled with debt, but rather rely on its ability to produce than its ability to borrow.
The principle of 'productivity over debt' could be applied to all industries in all countries. The consumer has been conditioned much like Pavlov's dog to continually increase his debt load in the name of growth. In countries where this conditioning is not as prevalent one sees less negative impact on the national banking system and national debt. This is such a simple principle and often the choice of many individuals who need to make household financial decisions on a daily basis. Governments have to make similar decisions, but as we see today, for the most part sovereign states eschew productivity for debt.
It may be, however, that growth for growth's sake itself is the problem. Where actual demand exists productivity is increased to meet the demand. Where demand falls it may advisable to allow productivity to decrease in a natural course, thus creating a natural balance between the two.
Spending via debt clearly has the world institutions following one another like sheep down an endless path of debt from which there can be no return. Corruption and greed has not helped. The again corruption and greed are not the exclusive to the so called fat cats and CEOs of the corporate giantalia. Debt, as some auto manufacturers for instance are about to find out, is a last resort. Productivity and innovation should come first. The bailout mentality could be a recipe for disaster.
It is interesting to note that Ford is not banging quite as hard on the Federal Bank vault doors as say GM or Chrysler. Were Ford to survive 2009-10 without a bailout package it would doubtless come out ahead of GM and Chrysler as it would not be saddled with debt, but rather rely on its ability to produce than its ability to borrow.
The principle of 'productivity over debt' could be applied to all industries in all countries. The consumer has been conditioned much like Pavlov's dog to continually increase his debt load in the name of growth. In countries where this conditioning is not as prevalent one sees less negative impact on the national banking system and national debt. This is such a simple principle and often the choice of many individuals who need to make household financial decisions on a daily basis. Governments have to make similar decisions, but as we see today, for the most part sovereign states eschew productivity for debt.
Friday, December 12, 2008
If there ever was any doubt that Robert Mugabe is a demented and evil lunatic suffering from severe delusion that doubt has now been erased
COME BACK SADDAM - ALL IS FORGIVEN (BOB MAKES YOU LOOK LIKE A GIRL GUIDE LEADER)
The cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe which has left hundreds dead was caused by the UK, an ally of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has said.
Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu described the outbreak as a "genocidal onslaught on the people of Zimbabwe by the British".
On Thursday, Mr Mugabe said the spread of cholera had been halted.
But aid workers warned that the situation was worsening and the outbreak could last for months.
In his comments to media in Harare, Mr Ndlovu likened the appearance of cholera in Zimbabwe to a "serious biological chemical weapon" used by the British.
The Zimbabwean minister for information blames Britain for the cholera outbreak
He described it as "a calculated, racist, terrorist attack on Zimbabwe".
Mr Mugabe has already accused Western powers of plotting to use cholera as an excuse to invade and overthrow him.
Earlier on Friday a senior South African Anglican bishop said that Mr Mugabe should be seen as a "21st Century Hitler".
Bishop of Pretoria Joe Seoka called on churches to pray for his removal, the South African Press Association reports.
His comments came as the US ambassador to Zimbabwe warned that the country was turning into a "failed state".
We need to commit ourselves to assist the refugees from Zimbabwe... remembering that the one we call our Lord and Saviour was a refugee in Egypt, fleeing the Mugabe of that period, King Herod
Bishop Joe Seoka
Zimbabwe cholera is over - Mugabe
Cholera is 'S African disaster'
Failing Zimbabwe: Special report
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the outbreak has not been contained and the death toll has increased to some 792 people, the AFP news agency reports.
The WHO has warned that the total number of cases could reach 60,000 unless the epidemic was stopped.
US ambassador James McGee blamed the outbreak on Zimbabwe's political crisis and the failed economic policies of its government.
He told reporters in Washington that hospitals in Harare remained closed, there was no rubbish collection and people were drinking from sewers.
See detailed map of cholera-affected areas
President Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have been deadlocked in power-sharing negotiations for several months.
"The situation is truly grim. One man and his cronies - Robert Mugabe - are holding this country hostage," Mr McGee said, AP news agency reports.
Bishop Seoka said that Mr Mugabe was a "person seemingly without conscience or remorse, and a murderer".
Cholera has spread because of Zimbabwe's failing health system
"I believe it is now an opportune moment for all the church leaders to follow the retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, to call on God to cause the removal Mugabe from the office of the President of Zimbabwe," he said, calling for the prayers to be held next Tuesday.
"The church in South Africa has done this before with the apartheid regime and there is no doubt that God will hear our prayers even today."
Several African and Western leaders have recently said it was time for Mr Mugabe to step down.
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga said African countries should force him from power.
But the African Union has rejected such calls, saying a solution to Zimbabwe's problems must come from the power-sharing talks.
Bishop Seoka asked South Africans to show patience to Zimbabweans who have fled their homeland.
An estimated three million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa, and thousands cross over the border illegally every day.
More recently, hundreds have sought medical treatment because Zimbabwe's health service and water supply infrastructure have virtually collapsed.
The cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe which has left hundreds dead was caused by the UK, an ally of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has said.
Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu described the outbreak as a "genocidal onslaught on the people of Zimbabwe by the British".
On Thursday, Mr Mugabe said the spread of cholera had been halted.
But aid workers warned that the situation was worsening and the outbreak could last for months.
In his comments to media in Harare, Mr Ndlovu likened the appearance of cholera in Zimbabwe to a "serious biological chemical weapon" used by the British.
The Zimbabwean minister for information blames Britain for the cholera outbreak
He described it as "a calculated, racist, terrorist attack on Zimbabwe".
Mr Mugabe has already accused Western powers of plotting to use cholera as an excuse to invade and overthrow him.
Earlier on Friday a senior South African Anglican bishop said that Mr Mugabe should be seen as a "21st Century Hitler".
Bishop of Pretoria Joe Seoka called on churches to pray for his removal, the South African Press Association reports.
His comments came as the US ambassador to Zimbabwe warned that the country was turning into a "failed state".
We need to commit ourselves to assist the refugees from Zimbabwe... remembering that the one we call our Lord and Saviour was a refugee in Egypt, fleeing the Mugabe of that period, King Herod
Bishop Joe Seoka
Zimbabwe cholera is over - Mugabe
Cholera is 'S African disaster'
Failing Zimbabwe: Special report
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the outbreak has not been contained and the death toll has increased to some 792 people, the AFP news agency reports.
The WHO has warned that the total number of cases could reach 60,000 unless the epidemic was stopped.
US ambassador James McGee blamed the outbreak on Zimbabwe's political crisis and the failed economic policies of its government.
He told reporters in Washington that hospitals in Harare remained closed, there was no rubbish collection and people were drinking from sewers.
See detailed map of cholera-affected areas
President Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have been deadlocked in power-sharing negotiations for several months.
"The situation is truly grim. One man and his cronies - Robert Mugabe - are holding this country hostage," Mr McGee said, AP news agency reports.
Bishop Seoka said that Mr Mugabe was a "person seemingly without conscience or remorse, and a murderer".
Cholera has spread because of Zimbabwe's failing health system
"I believe it is now an opportune moment for all the church leaders to follow the retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, to call on God to cause the removal Mugabe from the office of the President of Zimbabwe," he said, calling for the prayers to be held next Tuesday.
"The church in South Africa has done this before with the apartheid regime and there is no doubt that God will hear our prayers even today."
Several African and Western leaders have recently said it was time for Mr Mugabe to step down.
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga said African countries should force him from power.
But the African Union has rejected such calls, saying a solution to Zimbabwe's problems must come from the power-sharing talks.
Bishop Seoka asked South Africans to show patience to Zimbabweans who have fled their homeland.
An estimated three million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa, and thousands cross over the border illegally every day.
More recently, hundreds have sought medical treatment because Zimbabwe's health service and water supply infrastructure have virtually collapsed.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Descent into Hell - Robert Mugabe the Murderer
Letter from Zimbabwe sent in by John Winter
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.
We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.
I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial).
If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa
This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.
How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?
I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.
Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD.. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening.
Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]
For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.
Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.
'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God,
I will do.'
Edward Everett Hale
Please send this on to everyone in your address book. We send jokes out
without blinking an eyelid. We don't get told this on the news in South Africa , we only get told what they want us to hear. We all have a chance to do something, even though the something is by pressing forward to as many people as possible. Let's stop talking and let's start doing! There is power in prayer, there is also power in more people knowing about this than you in my address book. This is going to America , Dubai , Australia , France , South Africans all over South Africa , the UK . By forwarding this to all in my address book I have done something. The world needs to know what is going on.
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.
We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.
I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial).
If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa
This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.
How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?
I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.
Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD.. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening.
Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]
For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.
Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.
'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God,
I will do.'
Edward Everett Hale
Please send this on to everyone in your address book. We send jokes out
without blinking an eyelid. We don't get told this on the news in South Africa , we only get told what they want us to hear. We all have a chance to do something, even though the something is by pressing forward to as many people as possible. Let's stop talking and let's start doing! There is power in prayer, there is also power in more people knowing about this than you in my address book. This is going to America , Dubai , Australia , France , South Africans all over South Africa , the UK . By forwarding this to all in my address book I have done something. The world needs to know what is going on.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Peace at last - a prorogued parliament
With Christmas upon us it is comforting to know that our so-called political leaders are prevented from going about their business in Ottawa. Frankly, Canada would be better served if the Governor General could find it in her heart to extend the suspension of Parliament sometime into 2010 or beyond, to a time when the recession is behind us. The more fiscal and policy tinkering that the politicians take on, the worse life gets for the electorate. The choice of either one egomaniac acting alone or three egomaniacs acting in concert is no choice at all. On the bright side Canadians may have been awakened from their long, deep political slumber and may, at least for a brief moment, get their less-than-disinterested-in-politics backsides down the polling booth next time around. In the meantime enjoy the prorogue-induced snooze.
Not one moment too soon
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe must resign or be sent to The Hague for the "gross violations" he has committed, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said.
The Nobel Prize winner also told Dutch television that Mr Mugabe should be removed by force if he refuses to go.
On Thursday, Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga said African governments should oust Zimbabwe's leader.
Archbishop Tutu said Mr Mugabe had ruined "a wonderful country", turning a "bread-basket" into a "basket case".
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said it is "well past time" for Mr Mugabe to go, saying a "sham election" has been followed by a "sham process of power-sharing talks".
Zimbabwe has declared a national emergency over the cholera outbreak, which has killed at least 565 people - the most deadly in the country's history.
The Nobel Prize winner also told Dutch television that Mr Mugabe should be removed by force if he refuses to go.
On Thursday, Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga said African governments should oust Zimbabwe's leader.
Archbishop Tutu said Mr Mugabe had ruined "a wonderful country", turning a "bread-basket" into a "basket case".
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said it is "well past time" for Mr Mugabe to go, saying a "sham election" has been followed by a "sham process of power-sharing talks".
Zimbabwe has declared a national emergency over the cholera outbreak, which has killed at least 565 people - the most deadly in the country's history.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Oh (dear) Canada
Electorate to politicians: "Another fine mess you have got us into."
When the Governor General's away
Oh how the mice will play
And so much to her dismay
She was forced to shorten her stay
And all the electorate were to heard to say
Was
NO WAY!!!!!
How did she let the buggers stray?
When the Governor General's away
Oh how the mice will play
And so much to her dismay
She was forced to shorten her stay
And all the electorate were to heard to say
Was
NO WAY!!!!!
How did she let the buggers stray?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)