The last few days have seen data which suggest that the economies of France, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan have bottomed out; that is they showed positive GDP changes in the second quarter (April – June) 2009. Some of the numbers are a bit extraordinary – Singapore’s data shows growth of 20% in 2Q. …
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Month:August 2009
Garden tips: the trailer
Here’s an experimental podcast. A brief reflection on the usefulness of the trailer on the smallholding. trailer comments mp3, 422kb, 53 seconds.
Why don’t we change our behaviour?
Even people who know things are bad for them, like too many sweets, find it hard to change their behaviour. It is easier to change if the result of changing behaviour is immediate, tangible and measureable – that’s evidenced by the labour market – somebody will do anything at a price. But it is more …
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Microfinance debate – Ethical Corp
Debate: Microcredit – Is microfinance helping to reduce poverty? No, says Aneel Karnani of Michigan’s Ross Business School Yes, says Filipe Santos of international business school Insead Round one Microcredit does not work Dear Filipe, Microcredit is the newest silver bullet for alleviating poverty. Enthusiasm for microcredit has attracted untold billions of dollars from governments, …
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A positive perspective helps you live longer.
Another scientific study has been released that shows that a positive outlook on life significantly lengthens life expectancy. Even controlling for other factors, being positive has a 10% to 15% beneficial impact. A positive outlook on life has additional benefits because it tends to help a lifestyle of more exercise and better eating. BBC: Optimistic …
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Terry Pratchett on death.
From the UK’s Mail on Sunday. Assisted suicide has been in the headlines because the law incriminating those who assist suicide is under review. Sir Terry has alzheimer’s and has written about death for over three decades. I’ll die before the endgame, says Terry Pratchett in call for law to allow assisted suicides in UK …
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The mother of “people power”
The Mother of ‘People Power’ FEER Corazon Aquino January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009