SODOM & GOMORRAH: Some very exciting things are taking place in technology. These developments are making it easy for disruptive, non-mainstream sites and views to be more accessible. Let's take a look at three primary trends that are reshaping the content industry. 1. E-Readers and Tablets The PC put a computer on every desk in every office and home. However, the reading … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2012
Unrest in China
SODOM & GOMORRAH: The Chinese economy has experienced double digit growth for a long time. Now that things are slowing, authorities worry that the general public will become restless as things aren't moving as fast as promised. Across China, a number of protests have been taking place that signal a growing unrest in the country. China recently announced that it will … [Read more...]
Five European Countries Downgraded by Fitch Ratings
SODOM & GOMORRAH: Spain, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, and Cyprus were downgraded by Fitch Ratings. The agency claims that the Eurozone countries lack the appropriate financial flexibility to deal with the regional debt crisis. Surprise. Italy was cut two points from an A+ rating to an A-. Spain was also lowered two points from AA- to A. Belgium was slashed from AA+ to AA. … [Read more...]
The Rise of State-Owned Enterprises
SODOM & GOMORRAH: A special report in this week's Economist on state-owned enterprises in emerging markets validates one of my theories - classical, small-state liberalism eventually morphs into the modern, welfare-state governments that we see today. The moral is that any time material interests dominate the political, the former will eventually use tools of coercion to … [Read more...]
Iran is Bluffing About the Strait of Hormuz
SODOM & GOMORRAH: Oil prices rose to close to $100 per barrel and natural gas prices jumped 7% as Iran reiterated its threat to block shipments of crude oil from the Persian Gulf. Iran claims it will go ahead with the blockade if the West follows through on its threat to embargo the country. Much to the applause of the United States and Israel, the European Union agreed to … [Read more...]