Healthy Competition?

Posted on May 18, 2012 by John Reed

“We get a bit competitive with our neighbors” might normally conjure up images of the latest TV or fridge freezer arriving in the road. It’s different in Denmark: http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/05/17/us-eu-denmark-green-idINBRE84G0DQ20120517

Posted in Ethics and Standards, Protecting our Environment | Leave a comment

Cautious Optimism For Japan

Posted on May 17, 2012 by John Reed

Reconstruction following the tsunami and earthquake is fuelling modest growth in Japan’s economy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18099349

Posted in Global Economy | Leave a comment

A “More Balanced” Era for China’s Foreign Trade?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by John Reed

The decrease in demand for Chinese made products has not diminished the country’s drive for a 10% growth in foreign trade: http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2012-05/16/content_15304055.htm

Posted in Global Economy, International Development | Leave a comment

German Economy Showing Resilience

Posted on May 15, 2012 by John Reed

In the light of the Greek crisis, the Italian banks being downgraded, Spanish austerity, and general eurogloom, Germany’s economy has put in a stronger than expected performance: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/german-economy-grows-by-a-strongerthanexpected-05-7753045.html

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The Lowest Form Of Wit?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by John Reed

While many of us regularly encounter sarcasm, the “do’s & don’ts” we are used to do not apply universally. Language and cultural issues are relevant at home too! http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/south-korea/120510/park-jeong-keun-twitter-free-speech

Posted in Communication & Language, Travel | Leave a comment

Coolest Sculpture Park You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted on May 13, 2012 by John Reed

““Grade AAAA tourist attraction,” a header proclaimed. The online gallery displayed bland stone sculptures with murkily translated titles” -  http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/life/coolest-sculpture-park-youve-never-heard-921969?hpt=ias_mid

 

Posted in Travel, Weird and Wonderful | Leave a comment

Well Call Us Luddites But…

Posted on May 12, 2012 by John Reed

…while technology has provided so many benefits to the world, on this occasion “I’m sorry it’s a computer problem” might prove to be insufficient comfort! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/9257532/Google-brings-driverless-cars-to-the-road.html

 

 

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Bang Goes The Sell By Date, Maybe

Posted on May 11, 2012 by John Reed

A new development in packaging that prolongs the shelf life of perishables, could open up many of the world’s less accessible markets: http://www.enn.com/business/article/44374

Posted in International Development, Technology | Leave a comment

Value Your Natural Ecosystems

Posted on May 10, 2012 by John Reed

Placing a monetary value on natural ecosystems is a key step on the road to “green” economic growth: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/may/09/world-bank-urgent-natural-capital?intcmp=122

 

Posted in Global Economy, Protecting our Environment, The Forces of Nature | Leave a comment

Encouraging News From Down Under

Posted on May 9, 2012 by John Reed

The Australian Government has forecast a surplus of about £1 billion, but is the biggest turnaround in the country’s history sustainable? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/9252164/Australia-to-become-first-major-economy-since-start-of-financial-crisis-to-record-surplus.html

Posted in Global Economy, Politics and Business | Leave a comment