the Net economy

Not Fade Away: Against the Myth of American Decline

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:34:58 +0000

By Robert Kagan – Is the United States in decline, as so many seem to believe these days? Or are Americans in danger of committing pre-emptive superpower suicide out of a misplaced fear of their own declining power?

There have been moments when the United States was more influential than today and moments when it was less influential. The exertion of influence has always been a struggle, which may explain why, in every single decade since the end of World War II, Americans have worried about their declining influence and looked nervously as other powers seemed to be rising at their expense. The difficulties in shaping the international environment in any era are immense. Few powers even attempt it, and even the strongest rarely achieve all or even most of their goals.

The underlying assumption of such a course is that the present world order will more or less persist without American power, or at least with much less of it; or that others can pick up the slack; or simply that the benefits of the world order are permanent and require no special exertion by anyone. Unfortunately, the present world order—with its widespread freedoms, its general prosperity, and its absence of great power conflict—is as fragile as it is unique. Preserving it has been a struggle in every decade, and will remain a struggle in the decades to come. more> http://tinyurl.com/7nowq3y

(COWBOY NATION) Communist University – Empire of Liberty, Ryan McMaken, Lew Rockwell (gunnyg.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Business, Economy, History, Leadership Tagged: History, Industrial economy, Organization, Republicans, Robert Kagan, Super regions, Twentieth Century, United States, Wars and Conflicts, World War II

Fear may well save the euro. Now for the politics of hope

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:33:05 +0000

By Timothy Garton Ash – If we are witnessing the euro being saved, this is a triumph of fear, not of hope. Other great moments of the European project – the introduction of the single market, 1989, successive enlargements, the launch of the euro itself – were driven by hope. Here, it is fear that has led Germany and others to do the minimum necessary.

If the euro-zone does not return to growth, or does so only in a few better-placed countries, these resentments will multiply. Even if it does, there will be a legacy of bitterness. More and more people inside Europe will ask: “So what is this Europe really for?” more> http://tinyurl.com/74lln9v

Conflicting visions at core of euro zone crisis (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
And then there was one, Economist
From Capitalism to the World’s Most Vulnerable, Barbie Latza Nadeau, Daily Beast
Davos World Economic Forum Begins With a Focus on Capitalism on the Brain, Barbie Latza Nadeau, Daily Beast
Spain discovers Euroscepticism amid economic gloom, Joaquín Prieto, guardian.co.uk
Budapest vs Brussels, Economist
Is German Anger Finally Coming To A Boil? Even Local CEOs Say Time To Exit Euro May Have Arrived (zerohedge.com)
PM savages France and Germany over euro (thesun.co.uk)

Filed under: Business, Economic development, Economy, Education, Leadership Tagged: Capital, Euro, European Central Bank, European Financial Stability Facility, European Union, Eurozone, Financial crisis, Germany, Italy, Timothy Garton Ash

X-ray laser creates matter at 2 million C

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:32:20 +0000

R&D Mag – Researchers working at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have used the world’s most powerful X-ray laser to create and probe a 2-million-degree piece of matter in a controlled way for the first time.

The experiments were carried out at SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), whose rapid-fire laser pulses are a billion times brighter than those of any X-ray source before it. Scientists used those pulses to flash-heat a tiny piece of aluminum foil, creating what is known as “hot dense matter,” and took the temperature of this solid plasma—about 2 million degrees Celsius. The whole process took less than a trillionth of a second. more> http://tinyurl.com/8yz897y

Filed under: Education, Energy, Nature, Science, Technology Tagged: Aluminium foil, Celsius, Energy, Laser, Matter, Physics, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Test & certification, United States Department of Energy, X-ray laser

The beginning of the end

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:31:58 +0000

BOOK REVIEW

Currency Wars: The Making of the Next Global Crisis, Author: James Rickards.

By Steven Martinovich – James Rickards, who has an extraordinary educational and career resume, recently waded into the debate with the compelling Currency Wars: The Making of the Next Global Crisis and his effort may be the most distressing yet. Rather than “simple” global economic dislocations which end with the United States assuming a second-tier economic role, civilization itself may collapse due to an unfortunate confluence of factors which includes the growing complexity of interconnected economies and civilization, out of control growth of government spending and debt, irresponsible economic policies and currency manipulation, among others.

Rickards argues that we’re currently entering the first stages of what argues is the third currency war – the first two occurred in the 20th century – with the primary combatants consisting of the U.S., China and Europe. This currency war, he writes, “will be truly global and fought on a more massive scale than ever. Currency War III will include both official and private players. … Today the risk is not just of devaluation of one currency against another or a rise in the price of gold. Today the risk is the collapse of the monetary system itself – a loss of confidence in paper currencies and a massive flight to hard assets.” That collapse could include civilization itself. more> http://tinyurl.com/78hye5x

The Death Certificate Of The Paper Dollar: Where To Next? (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Today’s currency war may be tomorrow’s global crisis (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
European banks prepare for worst, hoard cash, Gareth Gore and Christopher Whittall, IFR/Reuters
Currency Wars: The Making of the Next Global Crisis (ritholtz.com)
Why China Manipulates the Yuan (fool.com)
Two Books and Two Fish (ritholtz.com)
Currency Wars Update (zerohedge.com)
James Rickards sees ‘Currency Wars’ destroying dollar (usatoday.com)

Filed under: Banking, Book review, Business, Economy Tagged: Banking reform, Capital, China, Currency, Currency intervention, Currency war, Financial crisis, James Rickards, Next Global Crisis, United States

Updates from Senator Bernie Sanders

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:02:26 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

What is the State of the Union? [VIDEO 2:40] US Senate
State of the Union Essay Contest, [VIDEO 1:26] US Senate
Jennifer Sikorski, Winooski High School (Winner), US Senate
Vermont Students on the State of the Union, US Senate

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Government

Updates from Congressional Budget Office

the Net economy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:01:08 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Cost Estimate for H.R. 3289, Platts-Van Hollen Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on November 3, 2011
Cost Estimate for H.R. 1864, Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on November 17, 2011
Cost Estimate for S. 1149, Geothermal Production Expansion Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Cost Estimate for S. 247, Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on November 10, 2011
Cost Estimate for S. 1855, Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on December 16, 2011
Cost Estimate for S. 1789, 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on November 9, 2011

Updates from Congressional Budget Office (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressional Budget Office (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Congress Watch, Energy, Government, Income tax, National Historic Sites (United States), Regulations, United States House Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Views from the Solar System (22)

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:35:54 +0000

←
SPACE WATCH

Blue Marble
NASA – A ‘Blue Marble’ image of the Earth taken from the VIIRS instrument aboard NASA’s most recently launched Earth-observing satellite – Suomi NPP. This composite image uses a number of swaths of the Earth’s surface taken on January 4, 2012. The NPP satellite was renamed ‘Suomi NPP’ on January 24, 2012 to honor the late Verner E. Suomi of the University of Wisconsin.

Suomi NPP is NASA’s next Earth-observing research satellite. It is the first of a new generation of satellites that will observe many facets of our changing Earth.

Suomi NPP is carrying five instruments on board. The biggest and most important instrument is The Visible/Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite or VIIRS. Image Credit: NASA/NOAA/GSFC/Suomi NPP/VIIRS/Norman Kuring

NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) Spacecraft (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Science, SPACE WATCH, Technology Tagged: Compositing, Earth, NASA, NPP, Satellite, Space, Suomi NPP, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Verner E. Suomi

The Lesson the Tech Community Should Have Learned from SOPA

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:34:48 +0000

By Aaron Ross Powell – Imagine you’re an expert in some field of technical knowledge. Your field impacts quite a lot of people but most of them don’t understand the details the way you do. One day, Congress proposes legislation called the Make Things Better Act, which, its sponsors say, will make things better.

But wait. The Act happens to deal with exactly the field you’re knowledgeable about. And you know what? It won’t make things better. In fact, it will make things far, far worse. Not only will it make things worse, but any benefits the legislation does create will accrue exclusively to a small but powerful interest group.

So you and your other technically-minded friends mobilize against the Make Things Better Act and, through coordination and outcry, succeed in killing it. Two days later, Congress proposes another piece of legislation called the It’s Good for the Children Act. more> http://tinyurl.com/7x7ss77

SOPA is dead. Are you happy now? (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
How effective was the blackout against SOPA/PIPA? (gamingandtechnetwork.wordpress.com)
Take a stand against SOPA (everything.typepad.com)
If SOPA passes, we’re as much to blame as Congress and Hollywood – VentureBeat (venturebeat.com)
What I Wish Wikipedia and Others Were Saying About SOPA/PIPA (readwriteweb.com)
SOPA and PIPA blacklist on real Estate? (solylunarealestate.wordpress.com)
The SOPA/PIPA Protest & Mob Rule (anothernicole.com)
Who Really Stopped SOPA, and Why? (forbes.com)

Filed under: Business, CONGRESS WATCH, Leadership, Media, Regulations Tagged: Google, Government, Intellectual property, Legislation, Social networks, United States, United States Congress, Wikipedia, WordPress

The Biggest Challenge Facing Both Romney and Obama

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:33:22 +0000

By William A. Galston – Unless something dramatic happens—fast—the general election will soon be upon us, with Mitt Romney as the Republican nominee, and President Obama fighting for a second term. But if the primary season has proven largely predictable, the next phase of the presidential campaign will likely have more than a few surprises in store. Romney and Obama will be competing on a playing field more polarized along partisan and ideological lines than at any time in recent history.

In the context of a more polarized electorate, both Obama and Romney will be challenged to maintain a precarious balance between the full-throated liberalism and conservatism that their respective bases are demanding and the stances that can appeal to the increasing group of Independents and shrinking but still pivotal band of moderates. more> http://tinyurl.com/6nu9yd2

Obama and GOP Candidates Offer a Campaign Preview (tampa.cbslocal.com)
Mitt Romney: The man on the wedding cake? (politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com)
Poll: Romney Dominating Gingrich Among Florida Latino Voters (miami.cbslocal.com)
Will Latino Vote Save Romney in Florida? (themoderatevoice.com)
Liberal Groups Attacking Romney in Florida; What About Newt? (adage.com)
Quote of the Day: Ann Coulter Argues for Romney and Against Gingrich (themoderatevoice.com)
Romney Attacks Obama in ‘Prebuttal’ (myfoxny.com)
Daily Kos Elections Polling Wrap: Mittmentum, part five? (dailykos.com)
Newt Gingrich Super PAC ad Slams Romney as Obama Running-Mate (inquisitr.com)
Romney: Who’s Detached? (thepracticalvegetarian.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Economy, Leadership, Media Tagged: Barack Obama, Florida, Government, Industrial economy, Internet, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Republicans, Social networks, United States

CAD’s New Age of Functionality

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:32:19 +0000

By Beth Stackpole – In the 2000s, CAD was in a rut. Sure, there were regular updates with lots of new power features, but the advances did little to attract or inspire new users beyond the traditional base of CAD jockeys. Other emerging design platforms like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and new Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools grabbed the spotlight.

Lately, CAD has made a resurgence. Thanks to an array of new 3D modeling advances and, in some cases, a complete rethinking of how CAD functionality is delivered, we’re starting to see an exciting generation of new platforms. more> http://tinyurl.com/899fz7z

Siemens Sets FreeTrial for CAD, Sim Tool (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
For Dassault, 3D Sketch Is a Natural (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
3D CAD Brings Battleships to Life (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Review: CorelCAD 2D and 3D drafting program (macworld.com)

Filed under: Business, Education, How to, Media, Net, Product, Technology Tagged: 3D modeling, AutoCAD, Beth Stackpole, Business improvement, CAD, Computer-aided design, Industrial economy, Jobs, PLM, Product lifecycle management

THOMAS Top Ten – compiled on Jan 22 2012

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:42 +0000

Library of Congress -

H.R. 3261 [112th]
Stop Online Piracy Act
S. 968 [112th]
Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011
H.R. 1981 [112th]
Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011
S. 1867 [112th]
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
H.R. 1540 [112th]
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
H.R. 3012 [112th]
Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act
H.R. 3699 [112th]
Research Works Act
H.R. 2055 [112th]
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012
H.R. 3630 [112th]
Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011
S. 1228 [112th]
Combating Military Counterfeits Act of 2011

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: 112th United States Congress, Congress Watch, Consolidated Appropriations Act 2005, Fiscal year, Food and Drug Administration, Intellectual property, Library of Congress, National Defense Authorization Act, Payroll tax

Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:04:07 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Track Jobs Legislation, US Congress

Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Congress Watch, Democratic, Government, Renee Ellmers, United States, United States Congress

Updates from Senator Mark Begich

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:03:44 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Begich Reacts to President’s State of the Union Address, US Senate
Begich Praises President’s Focus on Tourism Industry, US Senate
Begich Statement on Administration’s Opposition to Keystone, US Senate
Begich Asks NOAA for Update on Marine Debris Plans, US Senate
The Alaska Report January 2012: The Alaska SeaLife Center, YouTube [VIDEO 28:49]

Updates from Senator Mark Begich (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Alaska, Alaska SeaLife Center, Government, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, President of the United States, State of the Union Address, United States, United States Senate

Senator Maria Cantwell

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:02:56 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Constituent Resource Page: Weather Emergencies, US Senate
Cantwell, Wyden, Moran Introduce IP Protection Bill that Will Not Break the Net, US Senate
OPEN: Online Protection & ENforcement of Digital Trade Act, KeepTheWebOpen.com
Cantwell calls for Senate to pass legislation that makes freight jobs national priority, US Senate
At Port of Vancouver, Cantwell Urges Passage of Freight Measures to Support WA Port Job Growth, US Senate
Cantwell Calls for Passage of Freight Bill at Major Seattle Cargo Hub, US Senate
Cantwell Tour: Stronger Ports, More Jobs, YouTube [VIDEO 1:41]
Cantwell wants to modernize freight transportation infrastructure, Kristi Pihl, TriCityHerald.com
Cantwell touts freight bill at Port of Vancouver, Aaron Corvin, Columbian
Sen.Cantwell in Vancouver to push Freight Act, kgw.com
Cantwell: “Friend of freight”, seattlepi.com

Senator Maria Cantwell (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Government, Maria Cantwell, Port of Vancouver, Seattle, United States Senate, Vancouver

Updates from Senator Mark Udall

the Net economy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:33 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Extend Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits, [VIDEO 1:10] US Senate
Letter to Senate leadership, Scribed

Updates from Senator Mark Udall (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Mark Udall (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Government, John McCain, Mark Udall, National Defense Authorization Act, State of the Union Address, United States, United States Senate

Updates from Congressman Dave Camp

the Net economy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:05:29 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

The Jobs Search – For Americans Still Looking for Work, It’s an Unhappy Second Birthday for Stimulus, US Congress
Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Michigan’s December Unemployment Rate Declines (pdf), State of Michigan
Camp sides with Labor, Energy Experts and Job Creators– President’s Decision on Keystone Was Wrong, US Congress
Camp Announces 14 Student Nominations for U.S. Service Academies, US Congress
Asian Carp, US Congress
Dave Camp pushes for legislation to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, US Congress
Camp, Upton sign letter opposing HHS ‘bulletin’, Midland Daily News

Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Dave Camp (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Asian carp, Congress Watch, Dave Camp, Government, Great Lakes, Job, Michigan, Midland Daily News, United States Congress

Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan

the Net economy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:04:18 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

The Last Time Senate Democrats Passed a Budget…, US Congress
Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17): Reconnecting Congress with Us; The Eagle, January 15.
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07): Free Markets, Not Tinkering Bureaucrats, Should Decide Spectrum Auction Outcomes; The Daily Caller, January 20.
Rep. John Sullivan (OK-01): Score One for OPEC; The Hill, January 20.
Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-05): Why I Am Pro-Life; The Daily Caller, January 21.
Rep. Renee Ellmers (NC-02): Foster Policy That Will Sustain Employment; Roll Call, January 23.
Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06): What Small-Business Owners Want to Hear in State of the Union Speech; Politico, January 23.
Rep. Ed. Royce (CA-40): China Profits from U.S. Pipeline Blunder; The Orange County Register, January 23.
Rep. Rich Nugent (FL-05) introduced H.Res. 516to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the passage of a fiscal year 2013 federal budget is of national importance.
Rep. Geoff Davis (KY-04) introduced H.R. 3780 to allow businesses or individuals in a community to contribute tax deductible funds towards the construction or maintenance of public infrastructure.
Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) introduced H.R. 3778 to prevent Congress from raising the debt ceiling limit unless the House and the Senate have agreed to a budget resolution.
Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) introduced H.R. 3783 to protect U.S. citizens from threats from Iran and protect American interests and assets in our own hemisphere.
Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-05) H.J.Res 99 to require approval from a majority of states before Washington increases the federal debt level.
Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) introduced H.R. 3773 to increase competition, stabilize food prices and enhance American energy security and global competitiveness.
Rep. Allen West hosted the Conservative Black Forum yesterday discuss issues regarding unemployment in the black community, conservative values, and the social disparity in urban communities.
Today is the 1,000^th day since Senate Democrats passed a budget. Tonight, President Obama will deliver the State of the Union address.
As a result of the law enacted last August and at President Obama’s specific request, the debt limit is poised to increase by another $1.2 trillion this Friday. The House voted to block this action last week, but the Senate is unlikely to do the same.
A Short History of Federal Deficits and Surpluses (pdf), US Congress

Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressman Jim Jordan (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Arizona's 5th congressional district, Barack Obama, Colorado's 5th congressional district, David Schweikert, Government, United States Congress

Updates from Congressman Don Manzullo

the Net economy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:03:42 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Press release

Filed under: AUDIO, CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Barack Obama, China, Donald Manzullo, Government, Illinois, Republican, United States, United States Congress

Updates from Congressional Budget Office

the Net economy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:02:50 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Cost Estimate for S. 1160, Department of Energy Administrative Improvement Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on December 15, 2011
Cost Estimate for S. 678, Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act
Cost estimate for the bill as reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on December 8, 2011

Updates from Congressional Budget Office (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congressional Budget Office (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH Tagged: Energy, Natural Resources, United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Updates from Senator Patty Murray

the Net economy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:01:50 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Jobless tell Murray of struggles getting by, Lark Turner,
Seattle Times
Sen. Murray meets in Marysville with families to discuss aid for unemployed, Amy Daybert, HeraldNet.com
Campaign begins to land new tankers at Fairchild, Mike Prager, Spokesman.com
Senator Patty Murray Talks Education Reform With Educators, David Mance, KAPPTV.com
Sen. Murray in Yakima to talk with educators, Aaron Hilf, NBC/kndo.com
Senator visits Bremerton school to study early learning program, Angela Dice, Kitsap Sun

Updates from Senator Patty Murray (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Patty Murray (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Patty Murray (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Patty Murray (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Congress Watch, Government, Kitsap Sun, Patty Murray, Seattle Times, Unemployment, United States Senate

Updates from Congressman Ron Paul

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:02:21 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Stop Internet Censorship, US Congress

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Congress Watch, Free Speech, Government, Michigan, Republican, United States, United States Congress

Updates from Senator Chuck Grassley

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:01:18 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Grassley Direct, [AUDIO]
Q&A on Controversial Recess Appointments, US Senate
Listen to Common Sense, US Senate
ISO Energy-related Job Creation, US Senate
The Internet, Innovation, and the Constitution, US Senate
U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, Iowa Public Television

Updates from Senator Chuck Grassley (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Chuck Grassley (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Chuck Grassley (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Senator Chuck Grassley (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: AUDIO, CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Chuck Grassley, Government, Iowa, Iowa Public Television, United States Senate

Space Launch System

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:05:24 +0000

SPACE WATCH

Future Exploration Destinations
NASA – An artist’s concept shows the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle and future destinations for human exploration beyond Earth orbit: the moon, an asteroid and Mars.

NASA has selected the design of a new Space Launch System that will take the agency’s astronauts farther into space than ever before, create high-quality jobs here at home, and provide the cornerstone for America’s future human space exploration efforts. The booster will be America’s most powerful since the Saturn V rocket that carried Apollo astronauts to the moon and will launch humans to places no one has gone before.

The SLS will carry human crews beyond low Earth orbit in the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The rocket will use a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel system, where RS-25D/E engines will provide the core propulsion and the J-2X engine is planned for use in the upper stage.

Artist Concept of SLS on Launchpad
The Space Launch System, or SLS, will be designed to carry the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, as well as important cargo, equipment and science experiments to Earth’s orbit and destinations beyond. Additionally, the SLS will serve as a back up for commercial and international partner transportation services to the International Space Station.

SLS Launch
Artist concept of SLS launching.

Filed under: Science, SPACE WATCH, Technology, Transportation Tagged: Apollo program, International Space Station, NASA, Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, Saturn V, SLS, Space, Space exploration, Space Launch System

Davos man weighs future of capitalism

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:04:19 +0000

By Emma Thomasson and Ben Hirschler – The Occupy movement, which went global after protests against Wall Street last year, is camping in igloos to bring its argument with the super-rich “1 percent” to Davos.

“The economic and financial concentration of power in a small, privileged minority leads to a dictatorship over the rest of us. The motto ‘one person, one vote‘ is no longer valid, but ‘one dollar, one vote’. We want to change that,” says David Roth, “Camp Igloo” organizer and head of the Swiss centre-left‘s youth wing. more> http://tinyurl.com/87gmjnl

Davos: Part of the problem, or solution? (cnn.com)
Davos’s status levels (blogs.reuters.com)
Davos to seek reforms of outdated capitalism (livingstrongandhappy.blogspot.com)

Filed under: Business, Economic development, Economy, Leadership, Media Tagged: Capital, David Roth, Davos, Industrial economy, Occupy Wall Street, Super regions, Switzerland, Wall Street, World Economic Forum

China No Match for Dutch Plants as Philips Shavers Come Home

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:03:18 +0000

By Maaike Noordhuis – Royal Philips Electronics NV (PHIA) workers in the Dutch town of Drachten who expected to be fired were astonished when the site manager said the company was bringing production of its top-priced electric shavers home from China.

“The Netherlands in particular is a country of trade, it is how we earn our money,” said Maarten Leen, an economist at ING. Set up as gateway into Europe, with five major sea docks and the Schiphol airport near Amsterdam, the Dutch have managed to maintain a current-account surplus since 1981, Leen said. more> http://tinyurl.com/7cr83o3

How Alaskan Mining Led To the Invention of the Electric Razor [Objectified] (gizmodo.com)

Filed under: Business, Economy, Technology Tagged: Amsterdam, China, Drachten, Netherlands, Philips, Razor, Shaving

Detroit Auto Show Highlights EVs, Hybrids

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:02:24 +0000

By Charles Murray – Never has the auto industry‘s emphasis on fuel efficiency been on display more than at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Automakers unveiled a potpourri of new technologies aimed at boosting vehicle efficiency.

Ford rolled out two new hybrids and a pure electric car. Toyota added to its reputation for innovation with a low-cost version of the Prius and a concept car aimed at the future. Lexus, Tesla, and others maintained their emphasis on advanced powertrains with new EVs, hybrids, and concept cars. Meanwhile, a host of automakers showed components — from new frame materials to power-stingy LED lights — aimed at cutting fuel consumption. more> http://tinyurl.com/86enbz4

VW debuts E-Bugster Concept Car (core77.com)
Lexus Debuts LF-LC Sporty 2+2 Hybrid Coupe Concept Car at 2012 Detroit Auto Show (treehugger.com)
Teased: Infiniti looking ahead to Geneva with mid-engined EV sports car concept (autoblog.com)
Volvo to unveil XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept car in Detroit (gizmag.com)

Filed under: Economy, Energy & emissions, Product, Technology, Transportation Tagged: Business improvement, Concept car, Detroit, Electric car, Electronics, Industrial economy, North American International Auto Show, Tesla Motors, Toyota, Toyota Prius

Funny money? 11 local currencies

the Net economy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:01:33 +0000

CNNMoney – Small towns and cities across the country are cooking up their own colorful currencies to protect against a national economic collapse and boost local spending.

In the small mountain community of Southern Berkshire, Mass., residents can exchange U.S. greenbacks for colorful bills called “BerkShares” and use them at more than 400 local businesses. BerkShares come in 1-, 5-, 10-, 20- and 50-unit denominations. The exchange rate is 95 U.S. dollars to 100 BerkShares, making them a deal for residents.

Paul Glover (Ithaca, NY), who has started 18 community organizations aimed at improving issues like education and housing in cities across the country, launched the currency back in 1991 to help stimulate the local economy. Now, there more than 900 participants, and several employers issue the currency as part of their wages. more> http://tinyurl.com/7vnwkpa

Filed under: Banking, Business, Economic development, Economy Tagged: BerkShares, Capital, Currency, Exchange rate, Jobs, Paul Glover, Social economy

Updates from Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler

the Net economy — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:01:00 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Warmer Weather Expected; Flood Watch In Place for Chehalis River, Chronicle
Bill stalls removal of Willapa Refuge dikes, Daily World

Updates from Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Daily World, Dave Reichert, Government, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Republican, United States, United States Congress, United States House of Representatives, Washington

Updates from Chairman Sam Graves

the Net economy — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:55:55 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

What Burdens Does Your Small Business Face? US Congress
Chairman Graves Statement on White House’s Rejection of Keystone Pipeline Jobs, US Congress
Representative Mulvaney Makes Statement on Debt Limit Increase, US Congress
King: Oil Will Be Sent to China if the Keystone XL Pipeline isn’t Built, US Congress
Coffman Leads Effort to Call on Obama to Reconsider Pipeline, US Congress
Tipton: Stand Up for American Jobs, Build the Keystone Pipeline, US Congress
Graves Statement On President’s Decision To Elevate SBA, Proposal To Consolidate Agencies, US Congress
Schilling Disapproves of Debt Limit Increase, US Congress
Chabot urges Supreme Court to declare health care law unconstitutional, US Congress

Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Chairman Sam Graves (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: China, Government, Keystone Pipeline, Small business, Supreme Court of the United States, United States, United States Congress, White House

Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers

the Net economy — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:50:26 +0000

CONGRESS WATCH

Small Businesses Feel the Loss of Keystone Pipeline Project, Diana Ransom, Entrepreneur.com
Obama’s Keystone pipeline rejection is hard to accept, Editorial, Washington Post
Rep. Renee Ellmers interview with Charles Payne, January 18, 2012, YouTube [VIDEO 12:33]

Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)
Updates from Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (theneteconomy.wordpress.com)

Filed under: CONGRESS WATCH, Regulations Tagged: Congress Watch, Government, Renee Ellmers, Small business, United States, United States Congress, Washington Post

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