The EU is considering banning publication of European bond ratings. While they’re at it, they might also want to consider removing all the batteries from their smoke detectors, as a fire-prevention measure.
Category Archives: Economics
Back Space Taxis
…or pay more to the Russians. A rapid-fire Reuters dispatch on Lori’s talk this morning, from Irene Klotz, who’s sitting behind me.
[Afternoon update]
Alan Boyle (who’s sitting next to Irene): Pay the Americans now, or pay the Russians later.
The European Identity Crisis
The real problem isn’t financial:
A disciplined Teutonic economic order does not suit the French way of life; orderly, inflation-fighting Prussian capitalism is only slightly less horrible than the Anglo-Saxon law of the jungle from a French point of view. At the end of the day, France may simply be incapable of adjusting to the rigors of a German economic style; if so, the question of the nature of the monetary union turns into an irreconcilable contest between two fundamentally different approaches to political economy. Either France (and the rest of the Latins and Greeks) must live under German rules, or the Germans (and the other thrifty and orderly northern countries) must become more like Zorba the Greek.
The inability to square this circle is the real reason it is taking Europe so long to figure out how to deal with the euro crisis. Europe is having an identity crisis — and this is not something that can be settled in a weekend.
Or perhaps ever. At least not peacefully.
Integrity At NASA
The Tea Party in Space is very concerned about the Shuttlyndra.
Lori Garver’s Speech
It’s Wednesday morning at ISPCS, and the deputy administrator of NASA is the keynote speaker.
Bob Bigelow’s Talk
I’m at the ISPCS in New Mexico, and He’s about to speak. Keep an eye on this post for updates, if it scrolls down. Continue reading Bob Bigelow’s Talk
Shuttlyndra And The Smoking Rocket
I have some thoughts on the recent revelations about NASA’s propellant depot trades over at Pajamas Media.
Hiding The Propellant Depots
Doug Mohney has picked up the story. I’ll probably have something up at Pajamas Media tomorrow. If anyone cared about space, or how much money Congress forces NASA to waste, this would be a big story.
Hyperinflation
Can it happen here? A history lesson.
Transparency At The IPCC
A FOIA-free back channel to discuss climate change, with White House collusion? Say it ain’t so.