Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - US to affect Philippines bourse: "US to affect Philippines bourse
MANILA: Philippine share prices will likely be determined by developments in the US economy in the coming days, dealers said Friday.
“We’re keeping track of what happens in the US market,” said Rommel Macapagal of Westlink Global Equities. If results are favourable, the Philippine composite index could “hurdle the 3,000-point level,” he said.
“The market depends a lot on jobs data coming out of the US,” said Prince Yeung of AB Capital Securities. If the job decline is less than expected, the index “will rally above the 3,000 level,” he said. However BPI Securities, in an advisory to clients, said “the pressure on share prices may persist as we head into a longer holiday weekend.”
“Investors may opt to stay somewhat liquid given the still uncertain and volatile US equity market,” it added.
There will be no trading on Monday which is a national holiday. For the week to April 4, the composite index rose 27.02 points or by 0.9 percent to 2,983.04 points.
Average daily turnover fell to 1.41 billion shares but average daily value rose to 3.2 billion pesos ($76.4 million) from 2.19 billion shares and 2.015 billion pesos in the previous week. afp"
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
World rice crisis should help local growers - Chico Enterprise Record
World rice crisis should help local growers - Chico Enterprise Record: "By ROGER H. AYLWORTH - Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/06/2008 12:04:38 AM PDT
Click photo to enlargeDick Carriere and his crew harvest some of his 1,300 acres of rice near Aguas Frias and Grainland...«1234»A growing global crisis with the potential to become a catastrophe may ironically have positive effects in this area.
For nearly half of the planet's population, survival hangs on having enough rice to eat daily. But the availability of this essential grain is sagging while the price skyrockets.
Government decisions, climate, and supply-and-demand pressures are behind the exploding prices.
Worldwide, there is going to be a 3.2 million metric ton shortage of rice this year, according to Lorenzo Pope, chief executive officer of Rice Researchers in Ord Bend."
Article Launched: 04/06/2008 12:04:38 AM PDT
Click photo to enlargeDick Carriere and his crew harvest some of his 1,300 acres of rice near Aguas Frias and Grainland...«1234»A growing global crisis with the potential to become a catastrophe may ironically have positive effects in this area.
For nearly half of the planet's population, survival hangs on having enough rice to eat daily. But the availability of this essential grain is sagging while the price skyrockets.
Government decisions, climate, and supply-and-demand pressures are behind the exploding prices.
Worldwide, there is going to be a 3.2 million metric ton shortage of rice this year, according to Lorenzo Pope, chief executive officer of Rice Researchers in Ord Bend."
AFP: Thai PM warns against rice hoarding
AFP: Thai PM warns against rice hoarding: "BANGKOK (AFP) — Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday urged the public not to hoard rice, promising for the second time in three days there would be enough for everyone in the kingdom.
With soaring global rice prices setting off fears of shortages and even unrest in some nations, the people of Thailand -- the world's number one rice exporter -- will not have to go without, he said.
The rising prices have sparked panic buying, as people stock up in hopes of beating future price hikes. Meanwhile exporters have accused mills and middlemen of hoarding in hopes of more price increases in the near future."
With soaring global rice prices setting off fears of shortages and even unrest in some nations, the people of Thailand -- the world's number one rice exporter -- will not have to go without, he said.
The rising prices have sparked panic buying, as people stock up in hopes of beating future price hikes. Meanwhile exporters have accused mills and middlemen of hoarding in hopes of more price increases in the near future."
Cost of rice "stable" in China_English_Xinhua
Cost of rice "stable" in China_English_Xinhua: "China only imports a small amount of rice for the high-end market, according to Li Chenggui, an agricultural expert with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 'But the amount of rice China imports from Thailand is very small, so the higher price won't affect the overall situation,' Li said.
Rice from Thailand and Vietnam, the world's major exporters of the product, has seen a sharp price increase, causing turmoil on the global market.
Rice shortages have been reported in many countries and consumers have begun stockpiling the product.
The cost of a ton of medium-grade rice from Thailand has more than doubled since the beginning of the year. A Thai government official recently said prices could rise higher still, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
But consumers and the business community in China remain calm. One trader in Panjin, a key rice-producing area in Liaoning province, said the price has actually dipped slightly this year."
Rice from Thailand and Vietnam, the world's major exporters of the product, has seen a sharp price increase, causing turmoil on the global market.
Rice shortages have been reported in many countries and consumers have begun stockpiling the product.
The cost of a ton of medium-grade rice from Thailand has more than doubled since the beginning of the year. A Thai government official recently said prices could rise higher still, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
But consumers and the business community in China remain calm. One trader in Panjin, a key rice-producing area in Liaoning province, said the price has actually dipped slightly this year."
Cost of rice "stable" in China_English_Xinhua
Cost of rice "stable" in China: "BEIJING, April 5 -- The cost of rice remains stable, despite the staple food's worldwide price hike, government sources said.
The grain's price is stable in China, the National Development and Reform Commission said on its website. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce said the rice retail price has seen a 'continual decline' in the past week.
Rice is a staple food for Chinese, but its price isn't influenced by the world market as the nation mainly relies on domestic supply rather than imports to meet demand, traders and agricultural experts said."
The grain's price is stable in China, the National Development and Reform Commission said on its website. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce said the rice retail price has seen a 'continual decline' in the past week.
Rice is a staple food for Chinese, but its price isn't influenced by the world market as the nation mainly relies on domestic supply rather than imports to meet demand, traders and agricultural experts said."
Asian countries looking for ways amid soaring rice prices_English_Xinhua
Asian countries looking for ways amid soaring rice prices_English_Xinhua: "Asian countries looking for ways amid soaring rice prices
www.chinaview.cn 2008-04-06 09:48:07 Print
By Lin Rong
HONG KONG, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo convened a food summit with top officials and farm experts on Friday, looking for ways to prevent the emerging rice crisis from severely affecting the world's biggest importer of rice.
This came as the latest effort by the Philippine government to ensure food supplies and control soaring rice prices, which is also seen a major task in other Asian countries, where rice is consumed daily by every household.
CRISIS BEYOND PHILIPPINES
Part of a surge in global food price, international rice prices have increased by about 20 percent in the past three months and at least doubled since 2004, said a recent statement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. There are concerns prices could rise further in coming months."
www.chinaview.cn 2008-04-06 09:48:07 Print
By Lin Rong
HONG KONG, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo convened a food summit with top officials and farm experts on Friday, looking for ways to prevent the emerging rice crisis from severely affecting the world's biggest importer of rice.
This came as the latest effort by the Philippine government to ensure food supplies and control soaring rice prices, which is also seen a major task in other Asian countries, where rice is consumed daily by every household.
CRISIS BEYOND PHILIPPINES
Part of a surge in global food price, international rice prices have increased by about 20 percent in the past three months and at least doubled since 2004, said a recent statement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. There are concerns prices could rise further in coming months."
Saturday, April 05, 2008
biofuels international
biofuels international: "Philippines bioethanol capacity to expand
12th March, 2008
The Philippine government signed a $30 million (€19.6 million) project agreement to expand the capacity of the country's first bioethanol plant from 145,000 litres a day to 200,000 litres.
The pact calls for increased cooperation in developing biofuel feedstock.
'The department is prioritising the development of fuel ethanol and bioenergy industries to supply the needs of the domestic market as well as fulfill the goals of the Biofuels Act of 2006,' Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap says.
US-based private equity fund manager FE Clean Energy and UK-headquartered bioenergy developer and investor Bronzeaok are building the country's first ethanol and bioenergy plant, San Carlos Bioenergy, in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, with the backing of the National Biofuel Feedstock Development Programme and Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp.
Using sugarcane as a feedstock, the plant will produce ethanol for blending with petroleum and electrical power for the national grid. The San Carlos plant is expected to be fully operational by November, in time to contribute to meeting the January 2009 bioethanol-petroleum blending requirements of the Biofuels Act."
12th March, 2008
The Philippine government signed a $30 million (€19.6 million) project agreement to expand the capacity of the country's first bioethanol plant from 145,000 litres a day to 200,000 litres.
The pact calls for increased cooperation in developing biofuel feedstock.
'The department is prioritising the development of fuel ethanol and bioenergy industries to supply the needs of the domestic market as well as fulfill the goals of the Biofuels Act of 2006,' Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap says.
US-based private equity fund manager FE Clean Energy and UK-headquartered bioenergy developer and investor Bronzeaok are building the country's first ethanol and bioenergy plant, San Carlos Bioenergy, in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, with the backing of the National Biofuel Feedstock Development Programme and Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp.
Using sugarcane as a feedstock, the plant will produce ethanol for blending with petroleum and electrical power for the national grid. The San Carlos plant is expected to be fully operational by November, in time to contribute to meeting the January 2009 bioethanol-petroleum blending requirements of the Biofuels Act."
biofuels international
biofuels international: "Russia to build 30 bioethanol plants
20th March, 2008
Russia will eventually produce 2 million tonnes of ethanol a year if the programme is successfulThe Russian government will back the construction of 30 new ethanol plants to produce biofuels, Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov has announced.
A government programme to develop biofuel production will begin this year. Apart from the construction of new ethanol plants, the programme will also upgrade existing facilities.
Russia will eventually produce 2 million tonnes of ethanol a year if the programme is successful. Some of the plants are likely to produce ethanol from timber waste, such as sawdust, Alexei Ablayev, director of the National Biofuel Association, says. The Russian plants could also make ethanol from such crops as wheat.
Researchers are close to developing a technology to make fuel out of timber waste that will be as efficient as the current conversion of crops into fuel.
Approximately 30 Russian plants which made ethanol from non-crop raw materials became bankrupt with the collapse of the Soviet Union due to the plants' technology making the fuel too expensive.
Plans to divert some of the country's crop harvests to make fuel should not send bread prices soaring because there is room to grow larger harvests, Ablayev says. In October Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev stated that Russia has 20 million hectares of unused arable lands.
If ethanol production does take off in Russia, it will target the export market to begin with, Ablayev says. The government charges an excise duty of at least 26 rubles (€0.71) to sell 1 litre of ethanol."
20th March, 2008
Russia will eventually produce 2 million tonnes of ethanol a year if the programme is successfulThe Russian government will back the construction of 30 new ethanol plants to produce biofuels, Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov has announced.
A government programme to develop biofuel production will begin this year. Apart from the construction of new ethanol plants, the programme will also upgrade existing facilities.
Russia will eventually produce 2 million tonnes of ethanol a year if the programme is successful. Some of the plants are likely to produce ethanol from timber waste, such as sawdust, Alexei Ablayev, director of the National Biofuel Association, says. The Russian plants could also make ethanol from such crops as wheat.
Researchers are close to developing a technology to make fuel out of timber waste that will be as efficient as the current conversion of crops into fuel.
Approximately 30 Russian plants which made ethanol from non-crop raw materials became bankrupt with the collapse of the Soviet Union due to the plants' technology making the fuel too expensive.
Plans to divert some of the country's crop harvests to make fuel should not send bread prices soaring because there is room to grow larger harvests, Ablayev says. In October Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev stated that Russia has 20 million hectares of unused arable lands.
If ethanol production does take off in Russia, it will target the export market to begin with, Ablayev says. The government charges an excise duty of at least 26 rubles (€0.71) to sell 1 litre of ethanol."
biofuels international
biofuels international: "New yeast brews better bioethanol
27th March, 2008
Gekkeikan General Research Institute has developed a new production technology for bioethanol.
The institute produces ethanol from inedible plant materials such as chaff and paddy straw by using sake yeast genetically modified with koji mould (aspergilli) genes.
The new method pre-treats plants for fermentation with high-temperature and pressure water, not with chemical agents.
The research was conducted as a part of the Innovative Technology Development Research Project, which was established by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), with the help of researchers from Kobe University, Kyoto University and Tohoku University.
Plant cellulose, a raw material for bioethanol, has a chemically-stable and robust structure. The strength of the structure is weakened by the subcritical water treatment method to be ready for fermentation.
In a subcritical region, water is at a high temperature and pressure (150-370°C) and acidic. But when the temperature and pressure decline, it quickly becomes neutral. Plant cellulose can be pretreated with a devise simpler than the one used for supercritical water (above 374°C and 22.1MPa).
From the perspectives of environmental load and safety, the new method is superior to the existing pretreatment method that uses chemical agents such as sulfuric acid.
Koji mould's genes that produce cellulolytic enzymes were incorporated in sake yeast so that the enzymes are densely arranged on the surfaces of the yeast cells.
In normal sake brewing, alcohol is produced by two processes: Koji mould dissolves rice starch into sugar, and yeast ferments the sugar. The new yeast has the functions of koji mould and can produce ethanol by itself from cellulose pretreated with subcritical water."
27th March, 2008
Gekkeikan General Research Institute has developed a new production technology for bioethanol.
The institute produces ethanol from inedible plant materials such as chaff and paddy straw by using sake yeast genetically modified with koji mould (aspergilli) genes.
The new method pre-treats plants for fermentation with high-temperature and pressure water, not with chemical agents.
The research was conducted as a part of the Innovative Technology Development Research Project, which was established by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), with the help of researchers from Kobe University, Kyoto University and Tohoku University.
Plant cellulose, a raw material for bioethanol, has a chemically-stable and robust structure. The strength of the structure is weakened by the subcritical water treatment method to be ready for fermentation.
In a subcritical region, water is at a high temperature and pressure (150-370°C) and acidic. But when the temperature and pressure decline, it quickly becomes neutral. Plant cellulose can be pretreated with a devise simpler than the one used for supercritical water (above 374°C and 22.1MPa).
From the perspectives of environmental load and safety, the new method is superior to the existing pretreatment method that uses chemical agents such as sulfuric acid.
Koji mould's genes that produce cellulolytic enzymes were incorporated in sake yeast so that the enzymes are densely arranged on the surfaces of the yeast cells.
In normal sake brewing, alcohol is produced by two processes: Koji mould dissolves rice starch into sugar, and yeast ferments the sugar. The new yeast has the functions of koji mould and can produce ethanol by itself from cellulose pretreated with subcritical water."
biofuels international
biofuels international: "Brazilian state to build 10 ethanol and sugar plants
4th April, 2008
The southern Brazilian state of Paraná will construct 10 ethanol and sugar plants due for operation in 2010.
The state is the country's second largest ethanol producer and the fourth largest sugar producer. Planted area for sugarcane is set to increase by 16.5% in the 2007/2008 crop.
In 2007, two new units entered into operation. Another unit should be inaugurated this year, and by 2010 nine others are expected to join the 23 active plants.
According to the Association of Alcohol and Sugar Producers of the State of Paraná (Alcopar), in the 2005/2006 crop the state ranked as the second largest Brazilian ethanol producer. Production totalled 1.042 million m3, against 9.951 million in the state of São Paulo.
The Secretariat of Agriculture estimates that the 2007/2008 sugarcane crop might reach 55.2 million tonnes, which would represent an increase of 16.5% over the previous crop. Planted area should rise from 536,071 hectares to 622,506 hectares.
Last year, the state of Paraná exported 1.465 million tonnes of sugar, generating revenues of $384.4 million (€245 million) for the state."
4th April, 2008
The southern Brazilian state of Paraná will construct 10 ethanol and sugar plants due for operation in 2010.
The state is the country's second largest ethanol producer and the fourth largest sugar producer. Planted area for sugarcane is set to increase by 16.5% in the 2007/2008 crop.
In 2007, two new units entered into operation. Another unit should be inaugurated this year, and by 2010 nine others are expected to join the 23 active plants.
According to the Association of Alcohol and Sugar Producers of the State of Paraná (Alcopar), in the 2005/2006 crop the state ranked as the second largest Brazilian ethanol producer. Production totalled 1.042 million m3, against 9.951 million in the state of São Paulo.
The Secretariat of Agriculture estimates that the 2007/2008 sugarcane crop might reach 55.2 million tonnes, which would represent an increase of 16.5% over the previous crop. Planted area should rise from 536,071 hectares to 622,506 hectares.
Last year, the state of Paraná exported 1.465 million tonnes of sugar, generating revenues of $384.4 million (€245 million) for the state."
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Russia May Sign 3-Sub Deal With Venezuela By May, Interfax Says
By Patrick Henry
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Russia may sign a contract to sell Venezuela three Varshavyanka-class diesel-powered submarines in the next two months, Interfax reported today, citing an unidentified Russian defense-industry official.
Negotiations on the contract are ``practically complete,'' and the signing of the contract will ``probably'' be timed to coincide with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's visit to Moscow next month, the Russian news service said, citing the official.
To contact the reporter on this story: Patrick Henry in Moscow at phenry8@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: April 4, 2008 05:47 EDT"
By Patrick Henry
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Russia may sign a contract to sell Venezuela three Varshavyanka-class diesel-powered submarines in the next two months, Interfax reported today, citing an unidentified Russian defense-industry official.
Negotiations on the contract are ``practically complete,'' and the signing of the contract will ``probably'' be timed to coincide with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's visit to Moscow next month, the Russian news service said, citing the official.
To contact the reporter on this story: Patrick Henry in Moscow at phenry8@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: April 4, 2008 05:47 EDT"
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Russian Stocks: Gazprom, Rosneft, Wimm-Bill-Dann Shares
By William Mauldin
March 28 (Bloomberg) -- Russia's Micex Index rose for a second day, gaining 0.8 percent to 1,631.31 at 12:56 p.m. in Moscow as 19 stocks advanced and 11 retreated. The dollar- denominated RTS Index increased 0.9 percent to 2,047.34.
The following were among the most active stocks in the Russian market today. Symbols are in parentheses.
OAO Gazprom (GAZP RX) climbed 1.4 percent to 301.20 on the Micex Stock Exchange, its highest level in two weeks. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its price estimate for shares of the world's biggest natural-gas producer 6.7 percent to $20.80 (489 rubles), saying Gazprom may benefit from higher global gas prices.
OAO Rosneft (ROSN RX) rose 2.4 percent to 210.98 rubles, the best performer in the Micex Index today. Deutsche Bank raised its price estimate for shares of Russia's biggest oil producer 4.6 percent to $18.30 (430 rubles), citing Brent crude prices that may average $95.50 a barrel this year and $102.50 next year."
By William Mauldin
March 28 (Bloomberg) -- Russia's Micex Index rose for a second day, gaining 0.8 percent to 1,631.31 at 12:56 p.m. in Moscow as 19 stocks advanced and 11 retreated. The dollar- denominated RTS Index increased 0.9 percent to 2,047.34.
The following were among the most active stocks in the Russian market today. Symbols are in parentheses.
OAO Gazprom (GAZP RX) climbed 1.4 percent to 301.20 on the Micex Stock Exchange, its highest level in two weeks. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its price estimate for shares of the world's biggest natural-gas producer 6.7 percent to $20.80 (489 rubles), saying Gazprom may benefit from higher global gas prices.
OAO Rosneft (ROSN RX) rose 2.4 percent to 210.98 rubles, the best performer in the Micex Index today. Deutsche Bank raised its price estimate for shares of Russia's biggest oil producer 4.6 percent to $18.30 (430 rubles), citing Brent crude prices that may average $95.50 a barrel this year and $102.50 next year."
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Russian Oil Output May Fall for First Time in Decade in 2008
By Greg Walters
March 27 (Bloomberg) -- Russian oil output may fall this year for the first time in a decade as the world's second-biggest supplier struggles with rising costs and harder-to-reach fields, Natural Resources Minister Yuri Trutnev said.
``Two years ago, we said the growth rate was falling, and we said this was bad for Russia, remember?'' Trutnev said in televised remarks after a government meeting in Moscow today. ``Now we're saying the production rate is falling this year. This is not a bogeyman, unfortunately, this is real,'' Trutnev said, without giving a specific forecast.
A decline would end a 10-year, 58 percent surge in production, which fell to 6.2 million barrels a day in 1998, when prices dipped below $10 a barrel and Russia defaulted on about $40 billion of domestic debt and devalued the ruble."
By Greg Walters
March 27 (Bloomberg) -- Russian oil output may fall this year for the first time in a decade as the world's second-biggest supplier struggles with rising costs and harder-to-reach fields, Natural Resources Minister Yuri Trutnev said.
``Two years ago, we said the growth rate was falling, and we said this was bad for Russia, remember?'' Trutnev said in televised remarks after a government meeting in Moscow today. ``Now we're saying the production rate is falling this year. This is not a bogeyman, unfortunately, this is real,'' Trutnev said, without giving a specific forecast.
A decline would end a 10-year, 58 percent surge in production, which fell to 6.2 million barrels a day in 1998, when prices dipped below $10 a barrel and Russia defaulted on about $40 billion of domestic debt and devalued the ruble."
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Russia May Cut Oil Tax by $4.2 Billion a Year in 2009 (Update3)
By Greg Walters and Alex Nicholson
March 25 (Bloomberg) -- Russia, the world's biggest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia, may cut its crude extraction tax by 100 billion rubles ($4.2 billion) a year to help companies boost output, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said.
``I suspect this is just a start,'' Ronald Smith, chief strategist with Moscow-based Alfa Bank, said by phone today. ``Four billion dollars probably isn't enough to make a big difference, but this is a very good beginning.''"
By Greg Walters and Alex Nicholson
March 25 (Bloomberg) -- Russia, the world's biggest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia, may cut its crude extraction tax by 100 billion rubles ($4.2 billion) a year to help companies boost output, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said.
``I suspect this is just a start,'' Ronald Smith, chief strategist with Moscow-based Alfa Bank, said by phone today. ``Four billion dollars probably isn't enough to make a big difference, but this is a very good beginning.''"
Bloomberg.com: News
Bloomberg.com: News: "Lukoil Plans `Big Acquisitions' This Year; Cuts Output Target
By Torrey Clark
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- OAO Lukoil, Russia's largest independent crude producer, plans ``big acquisitions'' this year after cutting the output target for its existing oil fields, Chief Executive Officer Vagit Alekperov said.
Oil output, not including possible acquisitions, will increase 1.8 percent to 2 percent this year, Alekperov said in St. Petersburg, according to an e-mailed statement. In January, he said combined crude and natural gas production may rise 5 percent to 7 percent in 2008.
``The company is preparing for big acquisitions,'' Alekperov said. Lukoil is still looking to buy refineries in southern and northern Europe, Alekperov said. He declined to comment on whether the company would by ERG SpA's refinery in Sicily."
By Torrey Clark
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- OAO Lukoil, Russia's largest independent crude producer, plans ``big acquisitions'' this year after cutting the output target for its existing oil fields, Chief Executive Officer Vagit Alekperov said.
Oil output, not including possible acquisitions, will increase 1.8 percent to 2 percent this year, Alekperov said in St. Petersburg, according to an e-mailed statement. In January, he said combined crude and natural gas production may rise 5 percent to 7 percent in 2008.
``The company is preparing for big acquisitions,'' Alekperov said. Lukoil is still looking to buy refineries in southern and northern Europe, Alekperov said. He declined to comment on whether the company would by ERG SpA's refinery in Sicily."
BLOOMBERG: Search Results: OIL
Search Results: OIL: "Crude Oil Rises as US Refinery Shutdowns Reduce Fuel Supplies ... Crude Oil Rises as US Refinery Shutdowns Reduce Fuel Supplies April 4 (Bloomberg) --
Crude oil rose in New York as lower refinery production and unplanned ...
- 2008-04-04
Mideast Crudes Fall a Third Day as Refiners Shut for Repairs April ... Mideast Crudes Fall a Third Day as Refiners Shut for Repairs April 4 (Bloomberg) --
Oman crude oil, a Middle East benchmark for Asia, and Abu Dhabi's Murban ...
- 2008-04-04
Oil Rises as Dollar Falls, Bolstering the Appeal of Commodities ... Oil Rises as Dollar Falls, Bolstering the Appeal of Commodities April 4 (Bloomberg) --
Crude oil rose more than $1 a barrel as the dollar fell against the euro ...
- 2008-04-04
Oil Market Is Well-Supplied, Nigeria's Oil Minister Says April 3 ... Oil Market Is Well-Supplied, Nigeria's Oil Minister Says April 3 (Bloomberg) --
The oil market is well-supplied, Nigerian Oil Minister Odein Ajumogobia said at ...
- 2008-04-04"
Crude oil rose in New York as lower refinery production and unplanned ...
- 2008-04-04
Mideast Crudes Fall a Third Day as Refiners Shut for Repairs April ... Mideast Crudes Fall a Third Day as Refiners Shut for Repairs April 4 (Bloomberg) --
Oman crude oil, a Middle East benchmark for Asia, and Abu Dhabi's Murban ...
- 2008-04-04
Oil Rises as Dollar Falls, Bolstering the Appeal of Commodities ... Oil Rises as Dollar Falls, Bolstering the Appeal of Commodities April 4 (Bloomberg) --
Crude oil rose more than $1 a barrel as the dollar fell against the euro ...
- 2008-04-04
Oil Market Is Well-Supplied, Nigeria's Oil Minister Says April 3 ... Oil Market Is Well-Supplied, Nigeria's Oil Minister Says April 3 (Bloomberg) --
The oil market is well-supplied, Nigerian Oil Minister Odein Ajumogobia said at ...
- 2008-04-04"
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "UBS Former President Arnold Proposes Overhaul of Bank (Update7)
By Elena Logutenkova and Warren Giles
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Former UBS AG President Luqman Arnold called for a breakup of the biggest Swiss bank after about $38 billion of writedowns on debt securities erased more than half its market value in the past year.
Arnold, whose Olivant Advisers Ltd. holds 0.7 percent of Zurich-based UBS, made his proposals in a letter to board member Sergio Marchionne that was released today. UBS reported a 12 billion-Swiss franc ($11.9 billion) first-quarter loss on April 1 and said Chairman Marcel Ospel will leave."
By Elena Logutenkova and Warren Giles
April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Former UBS AG President Luqman Arnold called for a breakup of the biggest Swiss bank after about $38 billion of writedowns on debt securities erased more than half its market value in the past year.
Arnold, whose Olivant Advisers Ltd. holds 0.7 percent of Zurich-based UBS, made his proposals in a letter to board member Sergio Marchionne that was released today. UBS reported a 12 billion-Swiss franc ($11.9 billion) first-quarter loss on April 1 and said Chairman Marcel Ospel will leave."
"Syngenta AG, the world's biggest maker of agricultural chemicals, rose as much as 7.4 percent in Zurich trading after saying first-quarter sales gained 20 percent and increasing its full-year profit forecast on rising demand for rice, corn and other food crops.
Rice climbed to a record in Chicago trading and corn came close to its highest price on speculation that a 3 percent annual increase in global demand for cereals will outstrip supply as governments curb exports to prevent protests.
– Bloomberg"
Rice climbed to a record in Chicago trading and corn came close to its highest price on speculation that a 3 percent annual increase in global demand for cereals will outstrip supply as governments curb exports to prevent protests.
– Bloomberg"
Gil Evans-Out of the Cool: His Life and Music
Gil Evans-Out of the Cool: His Life and Music: "Gil Evans-Out of the Cool
Stephanie Stein Crease
A Cappella Books
ISBN: 1-55652-425-0
A new, welcome book on the life of the great arranger and musical ideologist Gil Evans provides a portrayal of a multi-faceted man, both professionally and personally.
While magazine articles and items found in the writings about other musicians have given us thumbnail snippets of the life of this quiet, non-self-promoter, Gil Evans: Out of the Cool, His Life and Music (A Cappella Books, 384 pages) by Stephanie Stein Crease, brings together — and then some. It provides insight from Gil's associates, wives and Gil himself, bundling the days of this important American musical figure into an interesting and well-researched package."
Stephanie Stein Crease
A Cappella Books
ISBN: 1-55652-425-0
A new, welcome book on the life of the great arranger and musical ideologist Gil Evans provides a portrayal of a multi-faceted man, both professionally and personally.
While magazine articles and items found in the writings about other musicians have given us thumbnail snippets of the life of this quiet, non-self-promoter, Gil Evans: Out of the Cool, His Life and Music (A Cappella Books, 384 pages) by Stephanie Stein Crease, brings together — and then some. It provides insight from Gil's associates, wives and Gil himself, bundling the days of this important American musical figure into an interesting and well-researched package."
Chick Corea's Spirit of Creativity
Chick Corea's Spirit of Creativity: "“It's harder and harder” to create art, reflected Chick Corea not long before the war in Iraq began. “As hard as it is for you and every other person to even travel on any airlines, that's one reflection of how hard it is to get artistic creations happening in the world today. But it's not impossible.”"
Live at the Royal Festival Hall
Live at the Royal Festival Hall: "Four long years had passed since McLaughlin's last record when JMT released Live at the Royal Festival Hall in 1990. The brilliant percussionist Trilok Gurtu, of Oregon fame, joined him—along with superb bassist Kai Eckhardt—to form an exciting band which was to exist in one form or another (with revolving bassists) for five more years."
DailyWealth: Warren Buffett’s Favorite Energy Hedge Fund
DailyWealth: Warren Buffett’s Favorite Energy Hedge Fund: "Warren Buffett’s Favorite Energy Hedge Fund
by Matt Badiali
August 25, 2006
The names of the investors stopped me in my tracks.
Warren Buffett owns 17.9 million shares. David Dreman owns 11 million shares. And Bill Nygren owns 2.5 million shares.
You may not know Nygren… but his Oakmark Select Fund has returned 18% since its inception in 1996. The fund was ranked 30th in a recent Barron's/Value Line Top 100 Mutual Fund Survey. He's easily among the top 20 value investors in the world"
by Matt Badiali
August 25, 2006
The names of the investors stopped me in my tracks.
Warren Buffett owns 17.9 million shares. David Dreman owns 11 million shares. And Bill Nygren owns 2.5 million shares.
You may not know Nygren… but his Oakmark Select Fund has returned 18% since its inception in 1996. The fund was ranked 30th in a recent Barron's/Value Line Top 100 Mutual Fund Survey. He's easily among the top 20 value investors in the world"
Porter Stansberry's Investment Research - Can AMERICA'S 'NEW CURRENCY' Save Your Retirement?
Porter Stansberry's Investment Research - Can AMERICA'S 'NEW CURRENCY' Save Your Retirement?: "Can AMERICA'S
'NEW CURRENCY' Save
Your Retirement?
It has nothing to do with silver, gold, or commodities... yet this little-known investment could return 425% or more in the next 12 months, no
matter what happens to the U.S. economy. Can AMERICA'S
'NEW CURRENCY' Save
Your Retirement?
It has nothing to do with silver, gold, or commodities... yet this little-known investment could return 425% or more in the next 12 months, no
matter what happens to the U.S. economy."
'NEW CURRENCY' Save
Your Retirement?
It has nothing to do with silver, gold, or commodities... yet this little-known investment could return 425% or more in the next 12 months, no
matter what happens to the U.S. economy. Can AMERICA'S
'NEW CURRENCY' Save
Your Retirement?
It has nothing to do with silver, gold, or commodities... yet this little-known investment could return 425% or more in the next 12 months, no
matter what happens to the U.S. economy."
"JPMorgan and the U.S. Treasury just saved us from the real risk of Depression...
It was the Panic of '07. The economy was weakening. Stocks were falling. Banks had lent too much and were now seriously tightening up. It all came to a head when a major bank was about to fail. Something had to be done.
The U.S. Treasury understood the risk of a downward spiral. So after a secret meeting, it took the surprising step of providing a whopping $30 million to JPMorgan and other bankers. The goal was huge... it was to save the U.S. financial system. In hindsight, it worked..."
It was the Panic of '07. The economy was weakening. Stocks were falling. Banks had lent too much and were now seriously tightening up. It all came to a head when a major bank was about to fail. Something had to be done.
The U.S. Treasury understood the risk of a downward spiral. So after a secret meeting, it took the surprising step of providing a whopping $30 million to JPMorgan and other bankers. The goal was huge... it was to save the U.S. financial system. In hindsight, it worked..."
Major UBS shareholder says move to break the bank up 'does not make sense'
Major UBS shareholder says move to break the bank up 'does not make sense': "LONDON, Apr. 4, 2008 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- A significant UBS (NYSE:UBS) AG shareholder on Friday dismissed suggestions by its former CEO that the bank should be broken up.
The investor, who requested anonymity, told Thomson Investment Management News: 'This is just not the right time for UBS - they have other priorities that need to be sorted out. Such an idea may have made sense 12 months ago, but today it does not make sense. In short, it's not going to happen.'
Luqman Arnold, the former chief executive of UBS, has called on the bank to be split into separate wealth management and investment bank businesses in the long term. In the short-term, he believes the bank should overhaul its corporate governance and raise additional capital by disposing off its asset management arm and its Brazilian and Australian businesses."
The investor, who requested anonymity, told Thomson Investment Management News: 'This is just not the right time for UBS - they have other priorities that need to be sorted out. Such an idea may have made sense 12 months ago, but today it does not make sense. In short, it's not going to happen.'
Luqman Arnold, the former chief executive of UBS, has called on the bank to be split into separate wealth management and investment bank businesses in the long term. In the short-term, he believes the bank should overhaul its corporate governance and raise additional capital by disposing off its asset management arm and its Brazilian and Australian businesses."
Testimony Offers Details of Bear Stearns Deal - New York Times
Testimony Offers Details of Bear Stearns Deal - New York Times: "WASHINGTON — Three weeks after the market crisis that forced the rescue of Bear Stearns, federal officials and senior Wall Street executives offered their first public account on Thursday of the harrowing four days of negotiations that led to a deal to sell the investment bank to JPMorgan Chase."
Friday, April 04, 2008
Economics Blog : The $30 Billion Loan: The Parties Weigh In
Economics Blog : The $30 Billion Loan: The Parties Weigh In: "The $30 Billion Loan: The Parties Weigh In
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the chief executives of J.P. Morgan and Bear Stearns, offered their take today on the $30 billion loan agreement to support the sale of Bear Stearns. J.P. Morgan will take the first $1 billion in losses, leaving the government on the hook for up to $29 billion.
Timothy Geithner, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which negotiated the loan:
This guarantee was especially important to stave off the feared systemic effects that would be triggered by the panic of a Bear bankruptcy filing and of the failure to honor its obligations. And by agreeing to lend against a portfolio of securities, we reduced the risk that those assets would be liquidated quickly, exacerbating already fragile conditions in markets. …"
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the chief executives of J.P. Morgan and Bear Stearns, offered their take today on the $30 billion loan agreement to support the sale of Bear Stearns. J.P. Morgan will take the first $1 billion in losses, leaving the government on the hook for up to $29 billion.
Timothy Geithner, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which negotiated the loan:
This guarantee was especially important to stave off the feared systemic effects that would be triggered by the panic of a Bear bankruptcy filing and of the failure to honor its obligations. And by agreeing to lend against a portfolio of securities, we reduced the risk that those assets would be liquidated quickly, exacerbating already fragile conditions in markets. …"
Bankersalmanac.com - Top 50 Banks in the World
Bankersalmanac.com - Top 50 Banks in the World: "Top 50 Banks in the World
All banks in the Bankersalmanac.com World 's Top 50 Banks have been ranked by total assets in US$*.
For a full listing of the top 3,000 banks in the world click on the World Ranking within an individual bank entry (e.g. click on UBS AG below, then click on World Rank which appears in the Status section of the Institution Report).
Current
Rank Previous
Rank BANK Assets
US$m + or -
(local curr)Capital
US$m Balance
Sheet
1 (1) UBS AG , Zürich , Switzerland*1,963,227+16.43%172.8531.12.06
2(2) Barclays PLC , London , UK*1,951,041+7.84%3,198.2831.12.06
3(-) BNP Paribas SA , Paris , France*1,899,186+14.49%20,555.1231.12.06
4(3) The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc , Edinburgh , UK*1,705,680+12.18%1,595.2231.12.06
5(4) Crédit Agricole SA , Paris , France*1,663,101+18.83%22,423.5231.12.06
6(5) Deutsche Bank AG , Frankfurt am Main , Germany*1,485,008+13.51%1,770.8331.12.06
7(7) The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd , Tokyo , Japan*1,362,598+74.66%8,449.6431.03.06
8(8) ABN AMRO Holding NV , Amsterdam , Netherlands*1,301,508+12.06%1,430.6431.12.06
9(9) Société Générale , Paris La Défense , France*1,261,657+14.57%760.8131.12.0"
All banks in the Bankersalmanac.com World 's Top 50 Banks have been ranked by total assets in US$*.
For a full listing of the top 3,000 banks in the world click on the World Ranking within an individual bank entry (e.g. click on UBS AG below, then click on World Rank which appears in the Status section of the Institution Report).
Current
Rank Previous
Rank BANK Assets
US$m + or -
(local curr)Capital
US$m Balance
Sheet
1 (1) UBS AG , Zürich , Switzerland*1,963,227+16.43%172.8531.12.06
2(2) Barclays PLC , London , UK*1,951,041+7.84%3,198.2831.12.06
3(-) BNP Paribas SA , Paris , France*1,899,186+14.49%20,555.1231.12.06
4(3) The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc , Edinburgh , UK*1,705,680+12.18%1,595.2231.12.06
5(4) Crédit Agricole SA , Paris , France*1,663,101+18.83%22,423.5231.12.06
6(5) Deutsche Bank AG , Frankfurt am Main , Germany*1,485,008+13.51%1,770.8331.12.06
7(7) The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd , Tokyo , Japan*1,362,598+74.66%8,449.6431.03.06
8(8) ABN AMRO Holding NV , Amsterdam , Netherlands*1,301,508+12.06%1,430.6431.12.06
9(9) Société Générale , Paris La Défense , France*1,261,657+14.57%760.8131.12.0"
10 top-performing Fortune 500 stocks - Jan. 4, 2008
10 top-performing Fortune 500 stocks - Jan. 4, 2008: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- In a choppy year for big stocks, when the Dow Jones industrial average was up 6 percent and the index's best-performing stock - Honeywell - returned 38 percent, the top-performing Fortune 500 stock did much better - returning more than 300 percent to investors.
On the other hand, the worst-performing Fortune 500 stock returned negative 98 percent vs. the negative 45 percent returned by Citigroup, the Dow's poorest performer.
Here are the Fortune 500 stocks that had the best - and worst - returns to investors last year:"
On the other hand, the worst-performing Fortune 500 stock returned negative 98 percent vs. the negative 45 percent returned by Citigroup, the Dow's poorest performer.
Here are the Fortune 500 stocks that had the best - and worst - returns to investors last year:"
RBS positive on rewards of ABN acquisition
RBS positive on rewards of ABN acquisition: "Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has confirmed that it will not be facing unexpected exposure to sub-prime related losses as a result of its joint acquisition of Dutch bank, ABN Amro, last year.
RBS chief executive, Sir Fred Goodwin, said: “We are happy we bought what we thought we bought”.
He has also indicated that, following the merger, significant cost savings are being achieved, such as a 20% reduction in ABN’s stationery bill and savings in shared computer software.
Originally RBS predicted annual cost savings of €1.32 billion and revenue benefits of €395 million, by the third year following the acquisition. The estimates have now been revised to €1.59 billion and €688 million respectively.
RBS and its partners, Banco Santander and Fortis, paid €71 billion for ABN and are awaiting approval from the Dutch authorities before they restructure the bank’s assets."
RBS chief executive, Sir Fred Goodwin, said: “We are happy we bought what we thought we bought”.
He has also indicated that, following the merger, significant cost savings are being achieved, such as a 20% reduction in ABN’s stationery bill and savings in shared computer software.
Originally RBS predicted annual cost savings of €1.32 billion and revenue benefits of €395 million, by the third year following the acquisition. The estimates have now been revised to €1.59 billion and €688 million respectively.
RBS and its partners, Banco Santander and Fortis, paid €71 billion for ABN and are awaiting approval from the Dutch authorities before they restructure the bank’s assets."
Merrill Lynch and Citigroup steeled for further writedowns
Merrill Lynch and Citigroup steeled for further writedowns: "Wall Street investment banks, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup, both expect to see their first-quarter profits decline as a result of losses on mortgage-related assets.
Citigroup expects to write down $12 billion in the first three months of 2008, which will be in addition to the $18 billion written down in the fourth-quarter of 2007.
Merrill Lynch is expected to write down $2 billion in the first-quarter, following on from the $16 billion already written-off by the bank since the start of the sub-prime mortgage crisis.
The predictions would bring the total loss to the global banking industry from sub-prime related assets to around $210 billion and both banks may need to raise further capital to boost their balance sheets."
Citigroup expects to write down $12 billion in the first three months of 2008, which will be in addition to the $18 billion written down in the fourth-quarter of 2007.
Merrill Lynch is expected to write down $2 billion in the first-quarter, following on from the $16 billion already written-off by the bank since the start of the sub-prime mortgage crisis.
The predictions would bring the total loss to the global banking industry from sub-prime related assets to around $210 billion and both banks may need to raise further capital to boost their balance sheets."
Bernanke faces scrutiny on Capitol Hill - Apr. 2, 2008
Bernanke faces scrutiny on Capitol Hill - Apr. 2, 2008: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- Faced with mounting home foreclosures and job losses, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is under immense political and public pressure to provide relief and help turn around a faltering economy.
Bernanke was to visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday to give members of Congress' Joint Economic Committee an update on the country's economic situation. The Fed chief was expected to assure lawmakers that the central bank was prepared to keep on lowering a key interest rate and take any other actions that may be necessary to keep problems from spreading even more."
Bernanke was to visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday to give members of Congress' Joint Economic Committee an update on the country's economic situation. The Fed chief was expected to assure lawmakers that the central bank was prepared to keep on lowering a key interest rate and take any other actions that may be necessary to keep problems from spreading even more."
End of Ospel era at UBS leaves open questions - swissinfo
End of Ospel era at UBS leaves open questions - swissinfo: "Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, is seeking SFr15 billion ($15.1 billion) in new capital after making a net loss of about SFr12 billion in the first quarter of 2008. It follows a writedown of SFr40 billion, and possible further losses.
UBS endured a tough 2007, starting with the collapse of its hedge fund Dillon Read Capital management. In October, the bank said it would cut 1,500 jobs in its investment banking arm, including that of its head Huw Jenkins."
UBS endured a tough 2007, starting with the collapse of its hedge fund Dillon Read Capital management. In October, the bank said it would cut 1,500 jobs in its investment banking arm, including that of its head Huw Jenkins."
End of Ospel era at UBS leaves open questions - swissinfo
End of Ospel era at UBS leaves open questions - swissinfo: "The press has welcomed the resignation of UBS chairman Marcel Ospel, saying the move was overdue. But doubts remain over the future of Switzerland's largest bank.
Editorialists warn that the bank, which was hard hit by the mortgage crisis in the United States, has some way to go to win back the trust of clients across the world."
Editorialists warn that the bank, which was hard hit by the mortgage crisis in the United States, has some way to go to win back the trust of clients across the world."
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Fed up with the Fed - Mar. 31, 2008
Fed up with the Fed - Mar. 31, 2008: "Fed up with the Fed
Some wonder why Paulson wants to expand the powers of an agency that sat idly by as the housing bubble took shape.
By Colin Barr, senior writer"
Some wonder why Paulson wants to expand the powers of an agency that sat idly by as the housing bubble took shape.
By Colin Barr, senior writer"
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
The Eden Project - Plant Science
The Eden Project - Plant Science: "Plants provide most of our resources - food, fuel, medicine and building materials. Eden plays a part in the conservation of species and habitats and also explores the science behind the scenes."
The Eden Project - Plant Science
The Eden Project - Plant Science: "Plants provide most of our resources - food, fuel, medicine and building materials. Eden plays a part in the conservation of species and habitats and also explores the science behind the scenes."
The Eden Project - Horticulture
The Eden Project - Horticulture: "World-class horticulture is the bedrock of the Living Theatre of plants and people."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Virgin Green Fund - Home
Virgin Green Fund - Home: "Virgin Green Fund has been established to invest in companies in the renewable energy and resource efficiency sectors in the US and Europe. We are a sector-focused, multi-stage investment firm investing primarily in expansion/growth capital opportunities with an allocation to earlier stage venture capital opportunities. We are committed to helping companies at an inflection point of substantial growth and/or disruptive innovation. Diversification is a cornerstone of our strategy, investing across stage, geography and technology in our core sectors"
Algae fuel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Algae fuel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Algae fuel, also called algal fuel, oilgae[1] or third generation biofuel, is a biofuel from algae. Algae are low-cost/high-yield (30 times more energy per acre than land) feedstocks to produce biofuels. [2]
With the higher prices of oil, there is much interest in algaculture (farming algae) to harvest for making vegetable oil, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogasoline, biomethanol, biobutanol and other biofuels.
The production of biofuels to replace oil and natural gas is in active development, focusing on the use of cheap organic matter (usually cellulose, agricultural and sewage waste[3]) in the efficient production of liquid and gas biofuels which yield high net energy gain. One advantage of many biofuels over most other fuel types is that they are biodegradable, and so relatively harmless to the environment if spilled.[4][5][6]"
With the higher prices of oil, there is much interest in algaculture (farming algae) to harvest for making vegetable oil, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogasoline, biomethanol, biobutanol and other biofuels.
The production of biofuels to replace oil and natural gas is in active development, focusing on the use of cheap organic matter (usually cellulose, agricultural and sewage waste[3]) in the efficient production of liquid and gas biofuels which yield high net energy gain. One advantage of many biofuels over most other fuel types is that they are biodegradable, and so relatively harmless to the environment if spilled.[4][5][6]"
Biofuel Review - international biofuel news updated daily - Virgin Atlantic completes 747 biofuel test flight
Biofuel Review - international biofuel news updated daily - Virgin Atlantic completes 747 biofuel test flight: "Virgin Atlantic completes 747 biofuel test flight
Written by Giles Clark, London
Monday, 25 February 2008
Virgin Atlantic yesterday (24th February) successfuly completed a biofuel test flight using one of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets from London Heathrow to Amsterdam. The aircraft, flight number VS811P, used a biofuel composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. According to the company, no modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place."
Written by Giles Clark, London
Monday, 25 February 2008
Virgin Atlantic yesterday (24th February) successfuly completed a biofuel test flight using one of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets from London Heathrow to Amsterdam. The aircraft, flight number VS811P, used a biofuel composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. According to the company, no modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place."
Biofuel-powered jet makes test flight - CNN.com
Biofuel-powered jet makes test flight - CNN.com: "LONDON, England (CNN) -- The world's first biofuel-powered commercial aircraft touched down in Amsterdam on Sunday following a demonstration flight from London's Heathrow Airport hailed as a first step towards 'cleaner' flying."
Sunday, February 24, 2008
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GIANT CANTILEVER; In Weight and Carring Capacity... - Article Preview - The New York Times
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GIANT CANTILEVER; In Weight and Carring Capacity... - Article Preview - The New York Times: "THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GIANT CANTILEVER; In Weight and Carring Capacity, Greatest of Its Kind in the World, the Building of the Blackwell's Island Bridge Involves Problems and Figures of Unparalled Magnitude. Fate of the Great Quebec Bridge Last Year Has Been an Incentive to Speed in the New Structure Over the East River."
Pre-Engineered Steel buildings
Pre-Engineered Steel buildings: "Pre-Engineered Steel buildings
Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing in popularity for construction. It is 66% recyclable, which offers both environmental and financial benefits, and is especially strong and durable. There are a number of options available for building with steel, and one of the most innovative of those options are pre-engineered steel buildings."
Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing in popularity for construction. It is 66% recyclable, which offers both environmental and financial benefits, and is especially strong and durable. There are a number of options available for building with steel, and one of the most innovative of those options are pre-engineered steel buildings."
Triodetic - Spaceframes - Space Frame Designs - Architectural Structures
Triodetic - Spaceframes - Space Frame Designs - Architectural Structures: "Novel building shapes are possible with space frame designs by combining the basic geometries shown here. All of these can also be altered to suit your aesthetic preference or to align with adjacent buildings or support locations. Building design often develops around rectilinear spaces & the benefits of curved roofs & walls can be overlooked. Modern space frame design methods allow us to expand the edges of domes (or any curved shape) to land on square, rectangular or any plan geometry. Advanced spaceframe manufacturing & construction techniques have made curved & complex shapes very competitive against more traditional linear roofs & walls."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Green Building and Go Green with MerryPlace
Green Building and Go Green with MerryPlace: "MerryPlace has teamed with Florida Public Utilities, FPL Buildsmart®, and the Florida Green Building Coalition to develop the energy efficient home designs for MerryPlace condominiums, townhouses, and single family homes. This partnership and energy efficiency measures will lower electricity, water, and gas bills, and create healthier homes."
Specht Harpman
Specht Harpman: "zeroHouse wins Texas Society of Architects award
The zerohouse was the only winner of a 2007 TSA Studio Award. The Studio Award category encompasses all unbuilt and theoretical work."
The zerohouse was the only winner of a 2007 TSA Studio Award. The Studio Award category encompasses all unbuilt and theoretical work."
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing — Prefab Dweller
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing — Prefab Dweller: "Prefab Dweller
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing"
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing"
USGBC: About USGBC
USGBC: "The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC is composed of more than 13,500 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members includes building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits."
Planning Portal - Code for Sustainable Homes
Planning Portal - Code for Sustainable Homes: "On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code.On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Home - Private Infrastructure Projects - The World Bank & PPIAF
Private Infrastructure Projects - The World Bank & PPIAF: "The Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database has data on more than 3,800 projects in 150 low- and middle-income countries. The database is the leading source of PPI trends in the developing world, covering projects in the energy, telecommunications, transport, and water and sewerage sectors. The Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database has data on more than 3,800 projects in 150 low- and middle-income countries. The database is the leading source of PPI trends in the developing world, covering projects in the energy, telecommunications, transport, and water and sewerage sectors."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage -- chicagotribune.com
General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage -- chicagotribune.com: "General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage
Warrenville firm says it can make more efficient, less costly fuel; hopes to produce 100 million gallons a year by 2010
By Rick Popely Tribune staff reporter
January 14, 2008
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Bags of garbage and bald tires that go to landfills today could wind up in your gas tank in a few years, along with wood chips, crop residue and plastic pop bottles.
That's what Coskata Inc., a biofuels start-up in west suburban Warrenville and auto industry giant General Motors Corp. said Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show in announcing a partnership to produce ethanol from just about any carbon-containing material by 2011.
This would produce pump prices that are 50 cents to $1 less per gallon than gasoline -- even before federal ethanol subsidies -- and would reduce greenhouse gases. An Argonne National Laboratory study has concluded that cellulosic ethanol produces 85 percent to 90 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline, compared to 20 percent to 30 percent less from corn-based ethanol."
Warrenville firm says it can make more efficient, less costly fuel; hopes to produce 100 million gallons a year by 2010
By Rick Popely Tribune staff reporter
January 14, 2008
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Bags of garbage and bald tires that go to landfills today could wind up in your gas tank in a few years, along with wood chips, crop residue and plastic pop bottles.
That's what Coskata Inc., a biofuels start-up in west suburban Warrenville and auto industry giant General Motors Corp. said Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show in announcing a partnership to produce ethanol from just about any carbon-containing material by 2011.
This would produce pump prices that are 50 cents to $1 less per gallon than gasoline -- even before federal ethanol subsidies -- and would reduce greenhouse gases. An Argonne National Laboratory study has concluded that cellulosic ethanol produces 85 percent to 90 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline, compared to 20 percent to 30 percent less from corn-based ethanol."
Coskata
Coskata: "Coskata is commercializing a proprietary process and related technologies for the conversion of a wide variety of input materials into ethanol. Coskata has an efficient, affordable, and flexible three-step conversion process:
Incoming material converted to synthesis gas (gasification)
Fermentation of synthesis gas into ethanol (bio-fermentation)
Separation and recovery of ethanol (separations)
Ethanol can be manufactured using this cutting edge technology at a variable cost of under US$1.00 per gallon - the lowest cost of manufacture in the industry."
Incoming material converted to synthesis gas (gasification)
Fermentation of synthesis gas into ethanol (bio-fermentation)
Separation and recovery of ethanol (separations)
Ethanol can be manufactured using this cutting edge technology at a variable cost of under US$1.00 per gallon - the lowest cost of manufacture in the industry."
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
EarthBox - Home
EarthBox - Home: "Welcome to EarthBox® The World's Most Revolutionary Gardening System! The patented EarthBox was developed by commercial farmers and proven in the lab and on the farm. Our maintenance-free, award-winning, high-tech growing system controls soil conditions, eliminates guesswork and more than doubles the yield of a conventional garden-with less fertilizer, less water and virtually no effort."
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Philippine Stock Exchange
Philippine Stock Exchange:
Securities Lending Program
Background
Securities borrowing and lending (SBL) has been an important element of securities trading and capital development among emerging markets. It is a vital facility behind the efficient trading settlements and the growth of derivative markets. Although no hard statistics is available, it is estimated that SBL is a trillion dollar business, generates billions dollar revenues and has a significant impact to financial service industry globally. SBL exists for both equities and debt instruments and has been an established practice in developed countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia since at least 1970s. Most of the countries in Southeast Asia have allowed SBL for both international and local markets. Securities lending involve not only the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. but also other institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Being the regulatory body of stockbrokers and as the venue for the buying and selling of securities, the Exchange plays a critical role in the implementation of SBL. The objective is to establish a system for borrowing and lending that would ensure the protection of the interest of all stakeholders through monitoring and strict compliance with the rules."
Securities Lending Program
Background
Securities borrowing and lending (SBL) has been an important element of securities trading and capital development among emerging markets. It is a vital facility behind the efficient trading settlements and the growth of derivative markets. Although no hard statistics is available, it is estimated that SBL is a trillion dollar business, generates billions dollar revenues and has a significant impact to financial service industry globally. SBL exists for both equities and debt instruments and has been an established practice in developed countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia since at least 1970s. Most of the countries in Southeast Asia have allowed SBL for both international and local markets. Securities lending involve not only the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. but also other institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Being the regulatory body of stockbrokers and as the venue for the buying and selling of securities, the Exchange plays a critical role in the implementation of SBL. The objective is to establish a system for borrowing and lending that would ensure the protection of the interest of all stakeholders through monitoring and strict compliance with the rules."
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Interfax: Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev
Interfax: Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev: "Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev Russian First Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Board at Gazprom Dmitry Medvedev gave an exclusive interview to Interfax. Soaring oil prices on world markets will not lead to unexpected gas and energy prices on Russia's domestic market, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Board at Gazprom Dmitry Medvedev has said."
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Oil Above $96 on Drop in US Supplies - AOL Money & Finance
Oil Above $96 on Drop in US Supplies - AOL Money & Finance: "By GILLIAN WONG,AP Posted: 2007-11-01 04:28:33 SINGAPORE (AP) - The price of oil rose to a new record above $96 a barrel Thursday after a surprise drop in U.S. crude stockpiles raised concerns about supplies for coming winter demand. Other energy futures also gained. It was the second week in a row the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a sharp and unexpected drop in oil inventories. 'The decline in U.S. crude oil inventories has been a key driver of oil prices,' said David Moore, commodity strategist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney. Light, sweet crude for December delivery rose as high as $96.24 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by midafternoon in Singapore before dropping back to $95.59 a barrel. Crude prices have reached inflation-adjusted highs set in early 1980. Depending on the how the adjustment is calculated, $38 a barrel then would be worth $96 to $101 or more today. 'We are stepping into an unknown area. Nobody wants to sell (given the fear of a) further rise,' broker Ken Hasegawa of Fimat Japan told Dow Jones Newswires. "
Dollar falls, gold rises in Europe
AP
Posted: 2007-10-31 15:54:10
LONDON (AP) - The U.S. dollar hit another new low against the euro and the pound Wednesday and was mixed against other major currencies in European trading. Gold rose. The euro traded at $1.4454, up from $1.4434 late Tuesday in New York. Earlier the euro rose to $1.4466, its fourth new high in four trading days. Later, in midday trading in New York, the euro fetched 1.4457. Other dollar rates in Europe, compared with late Tuesday, included 115.37 Japanese yen, up from 114.77; 1.1599 Swiss francs, down from 1.1600; and 0.9500 Canadian dollars, down from 0.9535. The British pound was quoted at $2.0734, up from $2.0619. In midday New York trading, the dollar bought 115.22 yen and 1.1599 Swiss francs, while the pound was worth $2.0774, a 26-year high. Gold traded in London at $790.20 per troy ounce, up from $784.00 late Tuesday. In Zurich, gold traded at $789.35 bid per troy ounce, up from $782.00. Silver traded in London at $14.42, up from $14.25.
AP
Posted: 2007-10-31 15:54:10
LONDON (AP) - The U.S. dollar hit another new low against the euro and the pound Wednesday and was mixed against other major currencies in European trading. Gold rose. The euro traded at $1.4454, up from $1.4434 late Tuesday in New York. Earlier the euro rose to $1.4466, its fourth new high in four trading days. Later, in midday trading in New York, the euro fetched 1.4457. Other dollar rates in Europe, compared with late Tuesday, included 115.37 Japanese yen, up from 114.77; 1.1599 Swiss francs, down from 1.1600; and 0.9500 Canadian dollars, down from 0.9535. The British pound was quoted at $2.0734, up from $2.0619. In midday New York trading, the dollar bought 115.22 yen and 1.1599 Swiss francs, while the pound was worth $2.0774, a 26-year high. Gold traded in London at $790.20 per troy ounce, up from $784.00 late Tuesday. In Zurich, gold traded at $789.35 bid per troy ounce, up from $782.00. Silver traded in London at $14.42, up from $14.25.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Business - Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds - INQUIRER.net
Business - Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds - INQUIRER.net
Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds
InquirerLast updated 05:05am (Mla time) 08/16/2007
Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines plans to raise as much as $200 million from a foreign bond issue to boost its capital.
The bank will seek regulatory approval to offer a combination of hybrid or perpetual bonds that shall qualify as tier 1 or core capital and 10-year subordinated notes to boost its tier 2 or supplementary capital.
The bank will also sell P2.5 billion in peso-denominated tier 2 notes in the domestic market.
In a news briefing Tuesday night, Land Bank president Gilda Pico said that the proceeds of the bond offer will hike its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) to as much as 23 percent from 15 percent to comply with the stiffer global capital adequacy requirements under Basel 2.
Land Bank vice president Alex Macapagal said the bank had recently invited over a dozen investment banks to submit proposals for the fundraising.
“We’d like to get the process going so that when the market is favorable, we can just go ahead and issue,” Macapagal said.
He added that Land bank would not necessarily issue the hybrid and tier 2 notes in one tranche.
Once a proposed foreign borrowing is approved by the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board, the applicant is usually given 12 months to pursue the plan, he said.
Hybrid capital instruments have equity-like features that have made them acceptable as Tier 1 or core capital.
Meanwhile, Land Bank also plans to sell at least P3 billion worth of real and other properties acquired using the Special Purpose Vehicle framework and a series of property auctions, to complement continuing efforts to reduce its bad assets and comply with the Basel 2 standards.
About P1.4 billion worth of property assets would be bid out using the SPV mode while another P1.6 billion shall be sold through auctions to be held across the country in September and November with the help of property consultant CB Richard Ellis.
“The proceeds of these sales will be used to meet the expanding demands for loans by our priority sectors, including the small farmers and fisherfolk, small and medium enterprises and microenterprises,” Pico said. Doris C. Dumlao
Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds
InquirerLast updated 05:05am (Mla time) 08/16/2007
Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines plans to raise as much as $200 million from a foreign bond issue to boost its capital.
The bank will seek regulatory approval to offer a combination of hybrid or perpetual bonds that shall qualify as tier 1 or core capital and 10-year subordinated notes to boost its tier 2 or supplementary capital.
The bank will also sell P2.5 billion in peso-denominated tier 2 notes in the domestic market.
In a news briefing Tuesday night, Land Bank president Gilda Pico said that the proceeds of the bond offer will hike its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) to as much as 23 percent from 15 percent to comply with the stiffer global capital adequacy requirements under Basel 2.
Land Bank vice president Alex Macapagal said the bank had recently invited over a dozen investment banks to submit proposals for the fundraising.
“We’d like to get the process going so that when the market is favorable, we can just go ahead and issue,” Macapagal said.
He added that Land bank would not necessarily issue the hybrid and tier 2 notes in one tranche.
Once a proposed foreign borrowing is approved by the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board, the applicant is usually given 12 months to pursue the plan, he said.
Hybrid capital instruments have equity-like features that have made them acceptable as Tier 1 or core capital.
Meanwhile, Land Bank also plans to sell at least P3 billion worth of real and other properties acquired using the Special Purpose Vehicle framework and a series of property auctions, to complement continuing efforts to reduce its bad assets and comply with the Basel 2 standards.
About P1.4 billion worth of property assets would be bid out using the SPV mode while another P1.6 billion shall be sold through auctions to be held across the country in September and November with the help of property consultant CB Richard Ellis.
“The proceeds of these sales will be used to meet the expanding demands for loans by our priority sectors, including the small farmers and fisherfolk, small and medium enterprises and microenterprises,” Pico said. Doris C. Dumlao
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Committee on the Global Financial System: mandate
As approved by the Governors of the G10 central banks on 8 February 1999
The Committee on the Global Financial System is a central bank forum for the monitoring and examination of broad issues relating to financial markets and systems with a view to elaborating appropriate policy recommendations to support the central banks in the fulfilment of their responsibilities for monetary and financial stability. In carrying out this task, the Committee will place particular emphasis on assisting the Governors in recognising, analysing and responding to threats to the stability of financial markets and the global financial system. More specifically, the Committee's primary objectives will be the following:
To seek to identify and assess potential sources of stress in the global financial environment through a regular and systematic monitoring of developments in financial markets and systems, including through an evaluation of macroeconomic developments;
To further the understanding of the functioning and underpinnings of financial markets and systems through a close monitoring of their evolution and in-depth analyses, with particular reference to the implications for central bank operations and broader responsibilities for monetary and financial stability;
To promote the development of well-functioning and stable financial markets and systems through an examination of alternative policy responses and the elaboration of corresponding policy recommendations.
In its analysis, the Committee should pay particular attention to the nexus between monetary and financial stability, to the linkages between institutions, infrastructures and markets, to the actual and potential changes in financial intermediation and to the incentive structures built into markets and systems. The Committee should seek to increase the transparency of financial markets and systems by promoting the design, production and publication of statistics and other information by central banks - including through the BIS - and by recommending the adoption of appropriate disclosure standards by both the official and private sectors. Where relevant, the Committee should also contribute to the development of an international consensus on sound principles and norms.
The Committee is encouraged to co-operate with other national, supranational and international institutions with responsibilities for pursuing related objectives. In particular, it shall co-ordinate its activities with other Basel-based committees, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems, in order to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the process.
As approved by the Governors of the G10 central banks on 8 February 1999
The Committee on the Global Financial System is a central bank forum for the monitoring and examination of broad issues relating to financial markets and systems with a view to elaborating appropriate policy recommendations to support the central banks in the fulfilment of their responsibilities for monetary and financial stability. In carrying out this task, the Committee will place particular emphasis on assisting the Governors in recognising, analysing and responding to threats to the stability of financial markets and the global financial system. More specifically, the Committee's primary objectives will be the following:
To seek to identify and assess potential sources of stress in the global financial environment through a regular and systematic monitoring of developments in financial markets and systems, including through an evaluation of macroeconomic developments;
To further the understanding of the functioning and underpinnings of financial markets and systems through a close monitoring of their evolution and in-depth analyses, with particular reference to the implications for central bank operations and broader responsibilities for monetary and financial stability;
To promote the development of well-functioning and stable financial markets and systems through an examination of alternative policy responses and the elaboration of corresponding policy recommendations.
In its analysis, the Committee should pay particular attention to the nexus between monetary and financial stability, to the linkages between institutions, infrastructures and markets, to the actual and potential changes in financial intermediation and to the incentive structures built into markets and systems. The Committee should seek to increase the transparency of financial markets and systems by promoting the design, production and publication of statistics and other information by central banks - including through the BIS - and by recommending the adoption of appropriate disclosure standards by both the official and private sectors. Where relevant, the Committee should also contribute to the development of an international consensus on sound principles and norms.
The Committee is encouraged to co-operate with other national, supranational and international institutions with responsibilities for pursuing related objectives. In particular, it shall co-ordinate its activities with other Basel-based committees, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems, in order to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the process.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Let the games begin - The Boston Globe
Let the games begin - The Boston Globe:
"Let the games begin
One Laptop Per Child to hold software jam for the XO
By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff June 9, 2007
What will millions of poor children do with cheap laptop computers? Play games, of course. But not just any games."
"Let the games begin
One Laptop Per Child to hold software jam for the XO
By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff June 9, 2007
What will millions of poor children do with cheap laptop computers? Play games, of course. But not just any games."
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
March 2007 eNewsletter | Grameen Foundation
March 2007 eNewsletter Grameen Foundation: "Record of innovation also supports the broader microfinance industry
Grameen Foundation is pleased to announce that we now reach more than 3 million clients through our global network. This milestone arrives on the heels of a number of key successes across our network of microfinance institution (MFI) partners."
Grameen Foundation is pleased to announce that we now reach more than 3 million clients through our global network. This milestone arrives on the heels of a number of key successes across our network of microfinance institution (MFI) partners."
Emissions trading The carbon game
Emissions trading The carbon game:
Companies are already swapping money for the right to emit more pollution, and cashing in on projects designed to suck up greenhouse gases. As this market booms, will it actually help to cut down on emissions? Michael Hopkin reports.
This summer, a group of power companies in Japan and Canada developed an unusual interest in pig manure. The porcine waste was at the heart of a landmark multimillion-dollar deal between Chile's largest pork producer and the power companies, allowing the latter to emit more pollution. The pig farm promised to recycle its animals' emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — by covering the manure, capturing the gas, and burning it as sustainable energy. In return, the power companies bought the right to emit more carbon dioxide from their stations, half a world away from the oblivious pigs."
Companies are already swapping money for the right to emit more pollution, and cashing in on projects designed to suck up greenhouse gases. As this market booms, will it actually help to cut down on emissions? Michael Hopkin reports.
This summer, a group of power companies in Japan and Canada developed an unusual interest in pig manure. The porcine waste was at the heart of a landmark multimillion-dollar deal between Chile's largest pork producer and the power companies, allowing the latter to emit more pollution. The pig farm promised to recycle its animals' emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — by covering the manure, capturing the gas, and burning it as sustainable energy. In return, the power companies bought the right to emit more carbon dioxide from their stations, half a world away from the oblivious pigs."
Emissions trading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emissions trading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
"Emissions trading (or cap and trade) is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
In such a plan, a central authority (usually a government agency) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups that emit the pollutant are given credits or allowances which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that pollute beyond their allowances must buy credits from those who pollute less than their allowances or face heavy penalties. This transfer is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is being fined for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions. Thus companies that can easily reduce emissions will do so and those for which it is harder will buy credits which reduces greenhouse gasses at the lowest possible cost to society."
"Emissions trading (or cap and trade) is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
In such a plan, a central authority (usually a government agency) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups that emit the pollutant are given credits or allowances which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that pollute beyond their allowances must buy credits from those who pollute less than their allowances or face heavy penalties. This transfer is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is being fined for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions. Thus companies that can easily reduce emissions will do so and those for which it is harder will buy credits which reduces greenhouse gasses at the lowest possible cost to society."
Climate Top 50 - How does it work
Climate Top 50 - How does it work:
If you agree with the Rules then fill in your data, including a link to your own banner (maximum size 400 x 44 pixels) that will be included in the Climate Top 50 listing and that will be downloaded from your own WWW site.
After filling in the above mentioned data you will receive an e-mail with html code that you have to include in your index or home page (otherwise the counter can not work!).
The html code registers the amount of visitors to your WWW site and also refers to the Climate Top 50 banner that will be downloaded from the Climate Top 50 WWW site. The Climate Top 50 banner needs to be displayed at a well visible place on your index or home page. You may not change the size of the Climate Top 50 banner.
You are now ready to be included in the Climate Top 50!
Each time a visitor comes on your WWW site’s index page the counter of Climate Top 50 is increased.. The Climate Top 50 only counts unique visitors to your WWW site, that means each IP number can only be counted once a day.
You will receive your ID-Number per e-mail. Together with the password you have received you can change your data profile. Please keep the ID-Number and Password in a safe place! "
If you agree with the Rules then fill in your data, including a link to your own banner (maximum size 400 x 44 pixels) that will be included in the Climate Top 50 listing and that will be downloaded from your own WWW site.
After filling in the above mentioned data you will receive an e-mail with html code that you have to include in your index or home page (otherwise the counter can not work!).
The html code registers the amount of visitors to your WWW site and also refers to the Climate Top 50 banner that will be downloaded from the Climate Top 50 WWW site. The Climate Top 50 banner needs to be displayed at a well visible place on your index or home page. You may not change the size of the Climate Top 50 banner.
You are now ready to be included in the Climate Top 50!
Each time a visitor comes on your WWW site’s index page the counter of Climate Top 50 is increased.. The Climate Top 50 only counts unique visitors to your WWW site, that means each IP number can only be counted once a day.
You will receive your ID-Number per e-mail. Together with the password you have received you can change your data profile. Please keep the ID-Number and Password in a safe place! "
The case against carbon trading | Rising Tide UK
The case against carbon trading Rising Tide UK: "The case against carbon trading
CARBON TRADING IS CONTRARY TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
THE LARGEST RESOURCE GRAB IN HISTORY
You can't trade in something unless you own it. When governments and companies 'trade' in carbon, they establish de facto property rights over the atmosphere; a commonly held global commons. At no point have these atmospheric property rights been discussed or negotiated - their ownership is established by stealth with every carbon trade.
THE CARBON TRADE WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING INEQUALITIES
Market shares in the new carbon market will be allocated on the basis of who is already the largest polluter and who is fastest to exploit the market. The new 'carbocrats' will therefore be the global oil, chemical, and car corporations, and the richest nations; the very groups that created the problem of climate change in the first place. What is more, with the current absence of 'supplementarity', the richest nations and corporations will be able to further increase their global share of emissions by outbidding poorer interests for carbon credits."
CARBON TRADING IS CONTRARY TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
THE LARGEST RESOURCE GRAB IN HISTORY
You can't trade in something unless you own it. When governments and companies 'trade' in carbon, they establish de facto property rights over the atmosphere; a commonly held global commons. At no point have these atmospheric property rights been discussed or negotiated - their ownership is established by stealth with every carbon trade.
THE CARBON TRADE WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING INEQUALITIES
Market shares in the new carbon market will be allocated on the basis of who is already the largest polluter and who is fastest to exploit the market. The new 'carbocrats' will therefore be the global oil, chemical, and car corporations, and the richest nations; the very groups that created the problem of climate change in the first place. What is more, with the current absence of 'supplementarity', the richest nations and corporations will be able to further increase their global share of emissions by outbidding poorer interests for carbon credits."
Carbon credit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carbon credit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Carbon credits are a tradable permit scheme. They provide a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving them a monetary value. A credit gives the owner the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide.
International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol set quotas on the amount of greenhouse gases countries can produce. Countries, in turn, set quotas on the emissions of businesses. Businesses that are over their quotas must buy carbon credits for their excess emissions, while businesses that are below their quotas can sell their remaining credits. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, a business for which reducing its emissions would be expensive or prohibitive can pay another business to make the reduction for it. This minimizes the quota's impact on the business, while still reaching the quota."
International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol set quotas on the amount of greenhouse gases countries can produce. Countries, in turn, set quotas on the emissions of businesses. Businesses that are over their quotas must buy carbon credits for their excess emissions, while businesses that are below their quotas can sell their remaining credits. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, a business for which reducing its emissions would be expensive or prohibitive can pay another business to make the reduction for it. This minimizes the quota's impact on the business, while still reaching the quota."
The Great Global Warming Swindle from Channel4.com
The Great Global Warming Swindle from Channel4.com: "Channel 4, Thursday 8 March, 9pm
Are you green? How many flights have you taken in the last year? Feeling guilty about all those unnecessary car journeys? Well, maybe there's no need to feel bad.
According to a group of scientists brought together by documentary-maker Martin Durkin, if the planet is heating up, it isn't your fault and there's nothing you can do about it.
We've almost begun to take it for granted that climate change is a man-made phenomenon. But just as the environmental lobby think they've got our attention, a group of naysayers have emerged to slay the whole premise of global warming."
Are you green? How many flights have you taken in the last year? Feeling guilty about all those unnecessary car journeys? Well, maybe there's no need to feel bad.
According to a group of scientists brought together by documentary-maker Martin Durkin, if the planet is heating up, it isn't your fault and there's nothing you can do about it.
We've almost begun to take it for granted that climate change is a man-made phenomenon. But just as the environmental lobby think they've got our attention, a group of naysayers have emerged to slay the whole premise of global warming."
Count Down Your Carbon
Count Down Your Carbon:
"WELCOME TO COUNT DOWN YOUR CARBON!
This is not a game. Unfortunately, climate change is deadly serious.
We have created a way for people to join together and register the impact of their many individual actions in a public and meaningful way. You are not powerless and you are not alone. Together we can make a difference. "
"WELCOME TO COUNT DOWN YOUR CARBON!
This is not a game. Unfortunately, climate change is deadly serious.
We have created a way for people to join together and register the impact of their many individual actions in a public and meaningful way. You are not powerless and you are not alone. Together we can make a difference. "
Saturday, March 03, 2007
LPG News - Gatwick Airport Goes Green with New LPG Bus Fleet
LPG News - Gatwick Airport Goes Green with New LPG Bus Fleet: "Airline passengers flying from Gatwick will have a cleaner, greener start to their journey following the award of a new coach contract.
BAA, owner of Gatwick airport recently awarded its airport coach contract to AirLinks, who purchased 13 new coaches powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), supplied by Calor Autogas, the UK’s leading supplier of vehicle LPG.
The new LPG buses are used to ferry passengers, airline crews and airport staff from car parks at Gatwick airport. The new fleet, which represents the largest single order of LPG buses in the UK to date, will be fuelled at a newly installed on-site Calor Autogas bulk storage facility. Consisting of two 12 tonne tanks, the site is the biggest back to base facility installed by Calor in the UK and will provide a central fuelling point to keep the fleet operational 24 hours a day. "
BAA, owner of Gatwick airport recently awarded its airport coach contract to AirLinks, who purchased 13 new coaches powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), supplied by Calor Autogas, the UK’s leading supplier of vehicle LPG.
The new LPG buses are used to ferry passengers, airline crews and airport staff from car parks at Gatwick airport. The new fleet, which represents the largest single order of LPG buses in the UK to date, will be fuelled at a newly installed on-site Calor Autogas bulk storage facility. Consisting of two 12 tonne tanks, the site is the biggest back to base facility installed by Calor in the UK and will provide a central fuelling point to keep the fleet operational 24 hours a day. "
Total eclipse will turn Moon red-News-UK-Science-TimesOnline
Total eclipse will turn Moon red-News-UK-Science-TimesOnline: "Millions of people have the chance to see the most spectacular lunar eclipse in years tonight when the Moon will turn bright orange or red.
Lunar eclipses are when the Earth’s shadow from the Sun falls directly on the Moon and a change in the weather forecast means it is likely to be visible almost everywhere in the country. The colour of the Moon will change from silvery white to coppery red or orange as light is deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere and bounces back off the “blood moon”. "
Lunar eclipses are when the Earth’s shadow from the Sun falls directly on the Moon and a change in the weather forecast means it is likely to be visible almost everywhere in the country. The colour of the Moon will change from silvery white to coppery red or orange as light is deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere and bounces back off the “blood moon”. "
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Financial Markets
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Financial Markets PHILPASS (RTGS - REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT)
Saturday, February 17, 2007
GeoHive: Global Statistics
GeoHive: Global Statistics: "GeoHive: Global Statistics
Welcome to GeoHive, a site with geopolitical data, statistics on the human population, Earth and more. The main kind of data you can find here is population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. Next to that there are some statistics on economic factors like wealth, infrastructure; statistics on natural phenomena; ....... and yet, even more."
Welcome to GeoHive, a site with geopolitical data, statistics on the human population, Earth and more. The main kind of data you can find here is population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. Next to that there are some statistics on economic factors like wealth, infrastructure; statistics on natural phenomena; ....... and yet, even more."
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Hinesberg Journal
Hinesberg Journal: "New mollusk species found in Philippines
2007/2
Tue Feb 6, 7:38 PM ET
MANILA, Philippines - A French-led marine expedition team believes it has discovered thousands of new species of mollusks and crustaceans around a Philippine island, officials and scientists said Monday. "
2007/2
Tue Feb 6, 7:38 PM ET
MANILA, Philippines - A French-led marine expedition team believes it has discovered thousands of new species of mollusks and crustaceans around a Philippine island, officials and scientists said Monday. "
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Hindu News Update Service
The Hindu News Update Service: "Yunus hits out at banking system for not lending to poor
Mumbai, Feb 3. (PTI): Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, founder of the micro-credit pioneer Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, on Friday hit out at banks for not providing loans to the poor and disadvantaged.
'Only one-third of the population has access to credit, while the rest are not creditworthy for the system. We have left two-thirds of the world poor, disadvantageous and without a starting point,' he said.
Yunus said credit, an important tool to eradicate poverty, was a human right. "
Mumbai, Feb 3. (PTI): Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, founder of the micro-credit pioneer Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, on Friday hit out at banks for not providing loans to the poor and disadvantaged.
'Only one-third of the population has access to credit, while the rest are not creditworthy for the system. We have left two-thirds of the world poor, disadvantageous and without a starting point,' he said.
Yunus said credit, an important tool to eradicate poverty, was a human right. "
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