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Food For Thought: In Berlin, Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention

Some Berliners have turned their despair into successful action; this, by using their native intellect. They were closed down, of their restaurant activities, by local authorities due to CV-19 concerns. Rather than ‘cry into their beers’, they ideated aggressive tactics for success. These various individuals took their food offerings both to possible customers, in communications, and immediately thereafter, in delivered purchases to their lucky ‘fans’.

Resourceful Germans understand: “When, ‘situations’ get tough, you also get tough; laugh capricious fate in the face, with ‘Survivor’s Confidence'”. One will never develop strong muscles without exercise.

All of these Berliners who took to the road of action, not woeful despair, are to be congratulated. They have acted, as one would expect of ‘Germans’: A synthesis of Intellect combined with Tenacity.

Reality: Fate has no respect for men made of straw.

Reference: https://www.thelocal.de/20200324/we-have-amazing-customers-berlin-startups-get-creative-to-ride-out-the-corona-crisis

Innovative Philippine Bank Is ‘Branchless’ But With Global Reach

A group of Philippine bankers have catapulted their business model way beyond many other regional banks concepts. They are being as unique as their country’s President, Rodrigo Duterte; a “Government Leader”, who actually ‘leads’ his country.

The bankers are offering to interested clients “‘Branchless Banking’ through the Internet”; a progressive usage in banking, many will say.

After, ideating the concept, they took action and obtained governmental approvals, far and wide, with other Nations’ banking authorities. It seems to us that some ‘Duterteism Uniqueness’ had influenced both they and Philippine banking authorities; all are to be congratulated for showing imagination. The ability to help their compatriots around the world, with money-flow assistance is excellent!.

Reality: The world belongs to the aggressive; the Meek shall inherit lees.

Reference: https://www.brazilsun.com/news/265596696/new-digital-only-overseas-filipino-bank-to-operate-without-branches

Bulgarians Detect And Fight Congo-Crimean Hemmorhagic Fever From Ticks

Alert medical professionals discovered a patient suffering from contagious Congo-Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever [C.C.H.F.] and immediately responded to treating the victim. Since C.C.H.F. is understood by many, to be a ‘cousin’ of Lyme Disease, a serious and more widespread malady, Bulgarians are responding accordingly.

Extreme Aches, Chills, Fever, Nausea, and Bleeding [anywhere from the Mouth to one’s Groin] is the progression. If there is continued collapsing of blood platelet production, which the body uses to stop bleeding, fatalities occur in patients.

The Etiology of C.C.H.F. is recognized as being of Tick transmission to a bitten victim. However, sophisticated antibody testing is needed, but might not reveal specific antibodies being generated to fight C.C.H.F. Antibodies to C.C.H.F. are NOT present in the body for five days. Medical personnel have very little time to identify, then begin treatment so the hemorrhagic episode does not commence, cascade and kill the patient. The antibiotic, Ribavirin, among a few others, may be given to the patient, for typically for 14 to 21 days, to eliminate the pathogen.

It is essential, that all medical personnel, treating the patient, wear appropriate apparel, gloves, and masks so they do not become sick from C.C.H.F.; this being, historically, the fate of some physicians elsewhere, who treated their C.C.H.F. patients.

The Bulgarian Medical Professionals should be recognized for their performances in recognizing the problem and then attacking it forthwith. A patient’s survival is a precious thing.

Reality: From a small insect, a great calamity for man, can develop.

Reference: https://www.novinite.com/articles/204998/The+number+of+Bitten+by+Ticks+is+Growing%21+Deadly+Crimean+Fever+Is+Registered+in+Bulgaria

Indonesia Modernizes Its Mining Laws: Many Benefits Will Follow

President Joko Widodo has signed into law a upgrading of Mining Laws for his country. Continuing to show strong leadership, as to many aspects of his government, Mr. Widodo has modernized this industry for his citizens.

Indonesia’s ‘2009 Coal And MIning Law’ was viewed to be obsolete in today’s competitive world. Its requirement of randomized sources of approval for projects, was outdated. Furthermore, its restrictions on site sizes, made projects uneconomical [much of mining profitability is scalar; ‘Volume of recoverable ore’ is a barometer of potential financial success]. The updated law allows for riparian mining. The new regulations will also provide for greater clarity for international investors; an excellent revision.

It is interesting to note that the ‘clamor’ against the new law is provided by ‘non-Miners’ and other ‘outsider’ vested interests. Both, who continually spout off “Environmental Concerns” for their bona-fides.

Since the new law has been reviewed by Indonesian government legal authorities, as lawful, who are these others to criticize? We, as International Businessmen, have heard similar diatribes, over and over again, AGAINST ANY AND ALL MINING, ad nauseum. What is not mentioned by these ‘outliers’ is the fact: The world today, would not exist, as it is, if it were not for previous mined and processed mineralizations. If these same decriers of ‘Mining’, are so resolute, let them live ‘naturally’ in bamboo huts, on some far-off islet.

It takes the decisiveness of a strong leader, as is President Widodo, to make his country even more competitive in the world. This Mining Law upgrade, by advancing mining financial requirements of investors, along with its legal review of projects, should assure growth. With growth, is increased survive-ability.

Reality: A Leader, who listens to opposing views, but pays no heed to their ignorant shouts, will make wise objective decisions.

Reference: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/19/jokowi-signs-controversial-new-mining-law-expert-staff.html

Institute for Management Development [I.M.D.] Has Cyprus As Most Improved Country In World Competitiveness

The latest yearly service of this prestigious ranking entity shows a eleven position improvement for Cyprus. This was in the combination of essential improvement elements rated. Of 63 nations, Cyprus ranks number 30.

In this I.M.D. ranking, Singapore was number one, followed by Denmark as the second most competitive country. Switzerland being number three. They are to be congratulated for their achievements.

The three largest commercial countries, China, Russia, and the United States, each had a declination. This, as should be understood, was due to the current world economy. It is much harder for the largest of commercial populations, even when led by very capable governments, to adjust, to unanticipated health debacles. Smaller Nations can respond quicker; They, which by their mere sizes have less complexity, of macro-operation, can adapt apace.

It behooves all of the report-listed 63 ‘entries’, as well as the remaining 130+ countries, in the world, to evaluate the I.M.D. report. They should do everything possible to raise their rankings higher. This benefits their citizens and makes for a copacetic commercial world, we can all profit by..

Reality: There are many ways to judge a country’s competitiveness; one being: If all the citizens living therein, have smiles on their faces.

Reference: https://www.financialmirror.com/2020/06/16/cyprus-most-improved-country-in-competitiveness-report/

Going For Gold [Au]: Wise Nations’ Leaders See Beyond The Horizon

Russia, is predicted to lead China in mining of Gold, in future years, per Fitch Corporation. In its analysis of Gold Mining Operations, Fitch thinks that the prodigious production rates of Gold mining will increase even further than present rates of production, in Russia.

China has taken a cautious view of Gold mining processes. Cyanide is used extensively in the conversion process. Mining raw ore; crushing and grinding; heap leaching with Cyanide; Carbon processing, to Dore; to smeltered purity is the methodology. Since Chinese populations are near present-day mining operations, a retardation of Au activities, in China, is the result.

China presently, has expanded its Au production desires to South America, where substantial Au mineralizations are located. In a large commercial transaction, the Chinese have wisely accumulated ownership interest in Argentina. Venezuela, with large Gold deposits, are of interest, and one can easily envision others locations of their possible future intentions: Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru immediately come to mind by we, who consider such assets.

Russia has a enviable Au environment in which its mining companies deal: that is, large deposits of Gold, many being relatively distant from large populations. Since the cost effectiveness of Gold mining is certainly scalar, going from ‘Shaft’ Mining’ to “Open Pit’ Mining’ will lead to significant cost savings. ‘Up Front’ costs are much greater in the latter; for example, Excavators, Graders, Haulers, Shovels, and the like must be utilized. However, in ‘Shaft Mining’, with its ‘descent’ followed by ‘branching’, followed by ‘descent’, and then again, ‘branching’, is not very efficient. In shaft mining, ore grade quality is of extreme importance; one ‘follows the vein’ Typically, quantities are far less recoverable than in ‘Open Pit’ operations. . Open Pit’ mining, if Au deposits are of significant size, and ‘good’ ore grade quality, wins the scalar-efficiency race.

In Mining, beyond the day-to-day costs, risks and rewards, is the fundamental economic truth: Since the dawn of civilizations, Gold has been revered as of lasting value; ‘Ink printed on paper’ “Fiat Currency” has not. It will not endure as a steadfast measure of value. Even its composition is ‘weak’ compared to Gold. The alleged, 6,000 tons of Gold, said to be held by the U.S. Government, verifies that America also agrees with China and Russia about the inherent worth of Gold.

Reality: Metallic Gold, which came to Earth from outer space, is a ‘Heaven Sent’ enduring-value commodity; It makes ‘Fiat Currencies’ “fodder for fleecing the financial foolish”.

Reference: https://russiabusinesstoday.com/economy/fitch-russia-will-overtake-china-in-gold-production-within-decade/

Sydney, Australia River Is “Pretty” Polluted; A Ecologic Wake-Up Call For All

A surprised Sydney, Australia resident witnessed an aesthetic “Mauve” coloration of the Duck River, which flows through a portion of the city. Viewing a lack of bird and other animal life, people were concerned about the formerly muddy-brown water flow.

Fortunately for fauna and flora, in and abutting the Duck River, no apparent damage has been reported. However, one may presume that minimally, the aquaculture in the river have been affected negatively, by the unknown chemical[s]. Officials have yet to identify the miscreants and bring them to justice. The fact that the Duck River is slowly transitioning back to is muddy-brown mode is good.

ANY entity dealing with chemicals has to realize the possibility of contamination by the chemicals, accidentally or not. Since ‘Ignorance’ is never a viable excuse for contamination, we suggest an approach to those who may be found responsible. We would advocate a “No Bite, No Fright” rationale for the adjudicator to utilize in evaluating all of the evidence. A punishment with a ‘Strong Gavel’ may persuade others to be law abiding. In this Duck River case, we think that since the contaminator did not contact the authorities regarding this substantial area ‘dirtying’, he, she, or they, should pay the price: a substantial fine and incarceration might be attention- gainers for others too.

Reality: The price of contamination by a few, should never have to be paid for by ‘Mother Nature’.

Reference: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/no-sign-of-purple-rain-so-what-turned-sydney-creek-a-vivid-mauve-20200613-p5528v.html

Cyprus Leads Other Clean Waters European Countries as Beaches Are To Be Enjoyed

Cyprus has lead the way in clean, clear waters for its beaches. Other countries in extremely close rankings are: Austria, Malta, Greece, and Croatia; all are to be congratulated. As International Businessmen, we know from our travels, how enticing is is to swim in clean, clear waters. Additionally, from a commercial point of view: ‘Cleanliness and Purity of Waters’ are sought for man’s psyche [beautiful, compelling, and rewarding].

International visitors, with much cash to spend, will seek out not only ‘Five Star’ hotels, but will also seek out beautiful beaches which are deemed ‘Safe’ in which to swim. Smart businessmen should certainly seek certification of their adjoining waters as an excellent marketing tool.

It behooves all businessmen to do everything possible to make sure their beaches and waters are not only ‘non-polluted’ but of the highest level in ‘cleanliness and clarity’. Clean waters can make for: Clear ‘Selling’ of one’s “ship” to possible ‘passengers’. It can mean more Euros into one’s business bank account.

Reality: A wholesome image, backed by verification, endures for those who want to win.

Reference: https://www.financialmirror.com/2020/06/09/cyprus-has-cleanest-beaches-in-europe/

Australian Bureaucrats, In A Short Span Of Time, Allowed 46,000 Years Of Culture To Be Devastated

When a mining company wanted to engage in site development, it obtained the proper certification from the Australian government. The problem is that the bureaucrats in the government did NOT properly engage in ‘Due Diligence’; this, in assessing the effects of the intended actions of the mining company applicant. Negligently, they approved its permit. The explosives detonated, during site development, collapsed the Aborigines sacred caves; artifacts were destroyed. Unfortunately, 46,000 years of culture went up in smoke, due to the explosives’ forces. .

It appears that the Federal Government of Australia is re-thinking the entire Permit Process on Indigenous lands; this is good. Another large mining company, apparently understood the tragedy of the damage due to ‘Bureaucrat Inefficiency’ and lack of cultural cognizance. This new applicant must now carefully proceed with its intended mining activities. Since mining companies want to engage in resources extractions, with NO intentions of destroying cultures, they ALL must heed the opinions of those who own the land; this, if they want to mine successfully therein.

We love mining and understand the arduous nature of this ‘beast’; one which can be very unforgiving to those ‘plying the ground [above or below]’. It is our opinions that in evaluating a possible site, beyond the topography, core and seismic evaluations, mining executives MUST consider: the flora, fauna, and “Occupant Culture”. That which existed and/or exists, must be entered into the investment equation. This, even if it adds expenses to a potential operation.

Land remediation should also be duly costed into a potential project. It behooves EVERY mining operation to leave a mine site similar to what it was, before even core samples were obtained. Good “Community Will’ is priceless for a successful business. The smell of a bad reputation exceeds the location of the ‘business corpse’.

Reality: There is NO substitute for Integrity, an asset which can only be earned, never purchased.

Reference: https://www.brazilsun.com/news/265435162/australian-indigenous-groups-vow-to-protect-sacred-sites-from-mining

Bangladesh Finance Minister Sets Priorities To Save Lives And Commerce

As the Finance Minister in Dhaka, Bangladesh smartly defined the capitalization needs of his country’s 164 million residents, we as International Businessmen, collectively applaud him. This Gentleman has demonstrated compassion for mankind and leadership using sound judgement. The fact that he is apparently of the opinion: “Solve the immediate CV-19 problem, we can resolve lesser issues later” demonstrates competence in administration.

Bangladesh has quite a variety of export items: Iron, Steel, Metal Products, Pharmaceuticals, Spices, Tobacco, et al. A government led by a business-friendly administration should surely be examined by investors everywhere. A reputation of a strong Bangladeshi work ethic facilitates such decisions by the prudent.

As the Finance Minister understands, CV-19 which arrived, will soon depart, as influenzas do. CV-19, which will have NOT destroyed Bangladesh, will make it stronger. The fact that the country evidences good leadership, furthers our analysis of Bangladeshis beating CV-19; this country being an obvious location to examine business opportunities.

Reality: The integrity of the leaders of a country are even more important than the physical resources of the nation.

Reference: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/we-will-spend-first-earn-later-finance-minister-1591970088