Stories about Economics & Business from April, 2010
Bermuda: Campaign Finance
“I agree that political funding in Bermuda needs reform but doubt that our politicians – in any of the three tribes – have the stomach to tackle it”: Vexed Bermoothes thinks it's “because the disclosure of campaign contributions is just scratching the surface…”
China: Swiss army knife, meet the PLA super shovel
It chops, saws, snips, rips through clay rock, helps you up cliffs and slices your potatoes: it's the People's Liberation Army multifunction shovel. Seen here in this limited speed viral video, order yours today by calling this number — FREE SHIPPING WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Hungary: Political and Economic News
Commentary on the recent developments in the Hungarian politics and the economy – at Hungarian Spectrum, here and here, and at A Fistful of Euros.
Ukraine: Chaotic Ratification of the Gas-for-Fleet Deal
Below is some of the Anglophone blog commentary on the ratification of the Ukrainian-Russian gas-for-fleet deal, which took place in a chaotic environment on April 27 in Kyiv. Among other things, security guards were forced to employ two umbrellas to shelter the parliament speaker from the eggs hurled at him by opposition members.
Bahamas: Free Markets & the Environment
Bahama Pundit‘s Larry Smith blogs about Earth Day and free market environmentalism.
Cuba: It's the Economy
“You can count on one hand the number of foreign investors who have kept their businesses in Cuba”: Iván's File Cabinet thinks that the Cuban economy is sinking.
Bermuda: Lack of Governance
Vexed Bermoothes calls the extension of a hotel's lease to 120 years “stunning”, adding: “This is a failure in governance and in accountability.”
India: Crowdsourcing Advertising Ideas From Consumers
Bhatnaturally discusses about a recent effort by a multinational brand in India to crowdsource advertising ideas from consumers and wonders whether it will really work or not.
Egypt: Gearing up for May 2 Protests
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia is urging her readers to mark May 2 on their calendars. A massive sit-in is being planned to call for a higher minimum wage in front of the Egyptian Cabinet. The official minimum wage has been LE35 ($6) for the last 26 years.
Haiti: Visiting the Capital
Adventures in Life visits downtown Port-au-Prince, while Chronicles of an Unplanned Return blogs about Haiti's school system.
India: A Zillion Reasons To Escape
“Why 1 million Indians Escape from India every year?” – this blog answers the question.
Ukraine: Russian Black Sea Fleet Stays On in Crimea
236 Ukrainian MPs (UKR) have voted in favor of the ratification of an agreement allowing the Russian Black Sea Fleet to extend its stay in Crimea until 2042. Ukrainska Pravda posts a selection of photos and video (UKR) of fighting and egg-throwing inside the parliament building this morning. On Twitter,...
Ecuador: Latest Unemployment Figures
The National Institute of Statistics and Census released its quarterly report about unemployment in Ecuador. Some are investigating the causes for the increase in unemployment and how the government plans to address the situation.
Martinique: Hi-tech, High cost
Martinican Bondamanjak is stunned at the price of Apple's iPad on the island. Comments to the post tackle the link between insularity, high prices and limited choice of products, consumer credits and the relevance of such devices considering the digital divide.
PR career in China
Imagethief has written some advices for young foreigners who want to build a PR career in China.
China: New real estate policy hits market
A new housing policy in China issued on April 17 is being called “the strictest in history.” The State Council has requested a steep increase in down payments on loans for second homes.
Turkmenistan: Same neighborhood, worlds apart
Although they are neighbors, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are worlds apart economically and politically. Annasoltan examines some of the big differences with some potentially controversial arguments.
Russia, Ukraine: Gas/Black Sea Fleet Deal
Leopolis comments – here and here – on the gas/Black Sea Fleet lease extension deal signed by the Russian and Ukrainian presidents on April 21.
Egypt: Economic Vegetarians
Red meat prices have risen dramatically in Egypt in recent weeks. Amidst calls for meat boycotts, many Egyptians are being pushed to vegetarianism due to high prices.
Haiti: Food Aid
A mainstream media news story which highlights “the problems posed by continued food aid to Haiti”, grabs the attention of Ellen in Haiti, who says: “The problem with the article is that it just talks about food aid….in Port au Prince. There is so much else in Haiti that needs...
