| Indicator Index Points to a Slowdown
TOKYO -- An index of key economic indicators yesterday suggested Japan's economy might lose some steam in the coming months, but analysts doubt there will be any severe slowdown. The index of leading indicators stood at 35.0 in January, the third straight month for the figure to hold below the so-called boom-or-bust line of 50, Cabinet Office data showed. A reading below 50 for the index ... .
No reciprocal visa policy?
Why is our government not applying the principle of reciprocity, as far as the question of granting of visas is concerned? We need to have pride and say: "What is good for the goose is good for the gander." Nation-states employ visa restrictions to manage the complex trade-off between facilitating the entrance to their territory by passport holders from certain countries, for economic and political reasons and deterring individuals from other countries, for reasons of perceived security and immigration control. The resulting system is one of highly unequal access to foreign spaces, reinforcing existing inequalities. Transnational mobility is encouraged for passport holders from privileged nations, particularly rich Western countries, at the expense of severe restrictions for others.
Bombing Modernism: Graffiti and its relationship to the (built ...
The search for truth can take us to the most unlikely places. As post-war domesticity and prosperity settled over much of America, the growing rift between haves and have-nots exposed serious doubts about the promise of modernism and a modern life. An honest appraisal of a deteriorating American condition didn't come from the cloistered towers of celebrated universities or intellectual cafés thick with smoke. It came from the heart of the ghetto where new voices were quick to take up arms against the status quo. Holstered with felt tip markers and spray cans, truth was recognized in a colorful show of force and bravado. For graffiti artists, manipulating letters became lifeblood and fighting back meant getting ill, and ill-legible. Holstered with felt tip markers and spray cans, truth was recognized in a colorful show of force and bravado.
Economic prospects further improving
Even though the economic upward trend is said to slightly lose momentum in March 2007, the overall economic prospects continue to be promising. The corresponding economic indicator for Germany calculated by the Centre for European Research (ZEW) now stands at 5.8 after 2.9 points in February. However, the current value still falls much short of the historic mean value which is 33.2 points. In the opinion of the ZEW´ s economists the current data signal an ongoing upswing of the German economy. Despite VAT increase incoming domestic orders are stable as well as the spirits of consumers who were reassured by good news from the labour market. A reason for concern, however, are less incoming orders from abroad which, according to experts, could be interpreted as a sign of slackening global demand.
Bullish about EU
The European Union has been so successful that you would have thought there would be dancing in the streets at its 50th anniversary. Alas, there has been only persistent talk of failure -- to achieve political union, to adopt a constitution, to exercise global leadership and vision, to implement economic reforms and the list of laments goes on.
After World War II, Germany was a beaten and devastated nation with a history of dysfunctional nationalism. Today, a totally rehabilitated Germany is as thoroughly European and democratic as any other EU nation -- indeed, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, Germany has earned its place as Europe's most important country.
The EU deserves great credit for this transformation. After the war, it was a prime EU objective to moderate nationalism and promote regionalism in Germany, a feat that was accomplished to the benefit of all Europeans.
The Mistakes of Armenia and the Success of Azerbaijan
Armenia and Azerbaijan have become independent countries just like other former Soviet Republics after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Some of the Republics were really ready for this happy ending whereas for the others the collapse of the Soviet Union was an expected situation which would supposedly never come. In other words, many of them were not ready for independence in economic, political and more importantly in mental terms. Two of these Republics were both Armenia and Azerbaijan. .
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