International Commerce

☆ Nevada Casinos’ 2013 Profitability Was Not One Of Bright Lights

News Analysis: 2013 Data for Nevada Casinos in General and Las Vegas “Strip” Casinos in particular displayed few areas of Cheer; Profitability was wanting. It appears that the minimally Tens of Billions of Dollars Investors have poured into the major Highly-Leveraged  Casinos are not their most profitable ventures (judging by Casino Revenues and Profitability). Some Casinos keep Re-Financing their existing problematic levels of  Debt out-in-time so they do not have to “Pay The Piper” (it would Sink Them to do so now).

If the Las Vegas Strip “Non-Gaming Activities” Of Ferris Wheel Rides (on TWO Ferris Wheels) and/or Eating Hamburgers at a New “Strip Stand”  is the Highest Level of Entertainment Creativity that can be developed by its Corporate Thinkers, Visitors will Go Elsewhere to Spend their Money.

Unfortunately, for Las Vegas, the Creative Genius of Mr. Steve Wynn, who provided Visitors with “Visual Delights” in both Architecture, Amenities, and Gaming Amusements, has channeled his Energies to Projects elsewhere. As a Leonardo Da Vinci, the ‘Steve Wynns’ of the World are “Rare Birds” indeed.

Mediocre Management Minds cannot take a “One of a Kind City” like Las Vegas and transform it to a Higher Level; they are too oriented to a “What is the Other Guy Doing?” or a “Me Too” Philosophy. What the other Casino does, this Casino will do; No Imagination! They need to utilize people who can “Think Outside The Box”.  To evidence their lack of Entertainment Creativity they instead,  throw Billions of Dollars into Projects like trying to make “Las Vegas Into New York City” (New York City?); How Lame!

“Las Vegas” is a World Famous, ONE OF A KIND ‘Jewel in the Desert’. People all over the World know of this City! The likes of the late Mr. Howard Robard Hughes and Mr, Steve Wynn, presently, are two Las Vegas Notables who continually used their Imaginations to give Visitors to the City, Adult Gaming Enjoyment. This, in Gorgeous Surroundings (and Amusements for Children).

If the City and Casinos hope to retain the Luster against Intense Gaming Competition Throughout The World they need to replace “Plow Horse Thinkers With Thoroughbreds”; an International Level of Thought is required. To gain additional higher spending Foreign Tourists, Thinkers who have dealt Globally must be utilized. Foreign Capital will be needed for the next Iteration of both Casinos and the City. 

Ferris Wheels and Hamburger Stands do not say much for a “Jewel In The Desert”; nor does a Uncompleted Las Vegas Boulevard Sky Scraper left Abandoned to Rust.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/nevada-casinos-post-fifth-straight-fiscal-year-net-loss

Qantas Airlines of Australia Is The World’s Safest Carrier

News Analysis: Over 60 years without a Fatality have given Qantas an enviable record other Airlines would love to emulate. In addition to Qantas for “Seven Star” Ratings are Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Eva Air, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

It is unfortunate that Airlines, in the country of the biggest  Aircraft Company in the World, are not in this ‘Global Premier League’ as aforementioned. Perhaps the “Non-Premier” Airlines will eventually  realize that their chase for ‘Short Term Profits’ (so their Common Stock Prices rise) gets them NO Long Term Sustained Profitability. This because “Cheap Food, Poor Passenger Service, and Tardy Flights” divert customers elsewhere.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.airlineratings.com/news/201/qantas-the-safest-airline

Philippine Island of Cebu Strikes Oil

News Analysis: A relatively large deposit of oil has been discovered on Cebu Island after years of drilling in the area. Since this is NOT off-shore, as many other Philippine Deposits are, production costs should be much less. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil a day will most likely be the production rate of wells  when operational.

Since there is likely a significant amount of Natural Gas at this location, a Power Plant for electrical production for this Island of  almost 4 million people would be built to serve them.

Perhaps this discovery will lead others to look for more Oil on Land, of which there is 298,170 Km2  (115,124 Mi2), throughout the 7,107 Philippine Islands. 

Reference: http://gulfnews.com/business/oil-gas/new-oil-find-raises-hopes-for-the-philippines-1.1275978

Norway Exported $9.87+ Billion Dollars of Seafood In 2013

News Analysis: Contrary to claims by many Environmentalists, that the “Oceans Of The World Are Fished Out”, Norway Exported a Record $9.87 Billion Dollars of Seafood in 2013. The Seafood consists of: Capelin, Cod, Haddock, Herring, Salmon, Trout, and other species. The hard working Norwegian Fishermen are now enjoying the fruits of their labor; while over 140 Countries enjoy the Seafood.

The question many people are asking: How can Environmentalists be so wrong about “Over-Fishing The Oceans” (especially when viewed in the light of Norwegian Government Economic Export Facts)?

Reality.

Reference: http://barentsobserver.com/en/business/2014/01/norway-seafood-exports-surpass-record-06-01

Benghazi, Libya, Is Building A New Tourist Complex

News Analysis: Benghazi, Libya, which has had some poor Public Relations News in the World Press is building a new Tourist Complex, the Five-star Corinthia Hotel. Permits have already been attained and construction is commencing. The Hotel will have 259 Rooms and Suites, 10,000 m2 (107,600 ft2) of Office Space, 2,000 m2 (21,520 ft2) of Retail Space, two Restaurants, Banquet Halls, Business Center, and a Spa. This Complex is located on the Seafront.

Benghazi has a substantial Petrochemical Industry which is being rejuvenated. As the financial situation of Benghazi improves, opportunities for profits will abound. Since the tremendous natural resources of the country will belong to Libyans (rather than when it was a “Fiefdom of its former Ruler”) Infrastructure Development should increase due to properly disbursed revenues. As the Per Capita Income accelerates in Libya, its Citizens should have more Disposable Income with which to purchase Hard and Soft Goods of their choice.  

Going from the infamous “American Debacle” of yesteryear to Benghazi today reveals a desire of Libyans to finally be able to enjoy the “Fruits of their Country”.

Entrepreneurs may consider exploring for Business Opportunities in this “New Libya”.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/lvee4ww

“Major Ice Breakers Of The World” Evidence Some Nations’ ‘Think Ahead’ Maritime Policies

News Analysis: The United States Coast Guard has created a very telling Chart: “MAJOR ICEBREAKERS OF THE WORLD”.  It shows an absolute World Maritime Dominance by Russia in Numbers of Vessels and Variety of Power Plants Second to None.

One might ask: “If the United States Navy has so many Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, other ships, why were “Cold Sea” Vessels forgotten by the Pentagon?” Surely having Alaska as America’s 49th State should have compelled the question being asked, one might surmise. Additionally, when America’s vaunted Oil Companies knew about Arctic Ocean Mineral Possibilities (from their Prudhoe Bay experience) would not the Pentagon (or the Department of Homeland Security)  be advised that Icebreakers might be needed?

Now, decades later, America, with its $17+ Trillion Dollars in Debt can ill-afford building new Ice Breakers.  Assistance, if needed (by vessels stranded in the Northern Sea Route from Alaskan waters to Europe) can be provided by Russia. 

The U.S. Coast Guard should have Icebreakers built to handle future needs in colder American Waters. Historically its Members are always up to ANY RUGGED TASK that may befall them. Now, can the Admirals in the Pentagon show a little foresight  and Request Future Year  Funding for New-Buildings for Icy Conditions Sailing in Northern Waters?

Presently America’s Military in the Pentagon is decades behind the Russians in Ice Breaker Technology (and Vessels) as well as in Foresight, some people say.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg552/images/130220%20Icebreaker%20Chart.pdf

☆ European Unemployment Rate Was At 12.1 Percent Per “Eurostat”

News Analysis: The latest “Eurostat” European Unemployment Rates are for November, 2013. They evidence a 12.1% which consists of lowest rates in Austria (4.8%), Germany (5.2%) and Luxembourg (6.1%). The highest Unemployment Rates were in Greece (27.4% in September 2013) and Spain (26.7%).

November, 2013, had  the unemployment rate increased in fourteen Member States and fell in fourteen compared to November, 2012.

The approximately 6.7% Unemployment Rate in the First Quarter of 2008 compared to the 12.1% current  figure does not bode well for Europe. One must ask: “What Economic Policies have to change to gain Momentum in these Trying Financial Times?” and “Are Stock and Bond Investors REALLY aware  of the Enormous Number of Europeans (particularly under 25 Age Group) without Jobs?”

A person of Wisdom in any Manufacturing Business would realize that there are substantially fewer people financially capable of buying “Hard Goods” in particular and “Soft Goods” in general. Thus, the “Higher Price-Point” Manufactured Items get short shrift by the Public: Expensive Appliances, Automobiles,  Computers, Homes, Large Screen Televisions, Personal Pleasure Boats, Small Private Aircraft, and the like. Each of the aforementioned can contribute significantly to a Country’s Gross Domestic Product when produced and sold in large numbers; that scenario is not probable now in the slightest, many Economists declare.

It is an Economic Truism that: “Higher Government Tax Rates For Private Manufacturers Create Lower Profitable Production For Job Growth”. Corporations do not need their “Silent Partners” (Federal Governments) ‘extorting’ more money from them during these times of economic hardship. Instead, Tax Rates should be reduced so profitability can increase for growth of Manufacturers. “Lesser Is Better” applies to both Corporate Taxation Rates and well as Unemployment Numbers.

To also assist in Unemployment Reduction, those Manufacturers trying to sell the products in the Middle East and Asia should be encouraged to do so through additional Tax Incentives to help cover their added costs.

One must also ask: “Have the ‘Bubble Masters’ been working overtime to create the present Stock Market (Misplaced) Values when there is little substance to the Price/Earnings of most Corporations?”  A lot of the Stock Price Multiples are suspect. And, if one projects the present Unemployment Rates in Europe to be largely unchanged in 2014, a “Sham” Market is evidenced, (many Forensic Accountants would say). “The Stock Market Looks Six Months Ahead, Not At The Present” is the Mantra. In the present state of the various Stock Exchanges Prices, one might be wise to “Look for the ‘Bernie Madoffs’ out on their Floors”.

“Caveat Emptor.”

Reality.

Reference:  http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-08012014-BP/EN/3-08012014-BP-EN.PDF

Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf Melting Is the Lowest Ever Recorded

News Analysis: The Ship and Icebreakers getting lodged in the thick Ice of Antarctica’s Waters and needed to be rescued in the past few days, lead many Scientists to question the validity of “Global Warming Due To Man’s Activities” (GWDTMA). Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf Melting Is the Lowest Ever Recorded And Less Than Half Of That Recorded In 2010!

Along with the measurable increase in Ice in Antarctica, many suspicion ‘more enigmatic mechanisms” may be working. They think over longer periods of time, other Natural Systems may be at work, producing the Ebb and Flow of Ice in Antarctica. Today, more Measured Ice is  located  in the Arctic Ocean as well (as tested by the U.S. Government). Adding to this puzzle, the “Ozone Hole” in Antarctica’s Sky has also been measurably shrinking.

Some Politicians touted  ‘GWDTMA’ to the Media;  the “Journalism Majors” in the Media heard the “Clarion Call” from those Politicians. Subsequently, the “Race Was On” to find ANY Environmentalists’ Opinions that ‘GWDTMA’ was “Ruining the Earth”. Rather than consider the possibility that Natural Events which created and eliminated Ice Ages on Earth, might also be at work today, they steadfastly decried Man’s Activities.

These same people who are “GWDTMA’ Enthusiasts might willingly accept the “Acupressure of Skyscrapers Causing Earthquakes Theory” without much evidence.   

A Scientist, studying the Earth and/or the Cosmos, who is  “Worth his Salt” will Analyze, Theorize,  Criticize, and then Realize his “Answer” ultimately is “A Strong Possibility”; such is Scientific Refutation.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1400130/antarctic-mystery-heats-ships-trapped-ice

 

★ Peru To Spend $8.1 Billion On Energy This Year

News Analysis: Peru, is a nation of 30+ Million people living in an area of 1.28+ Million Km2 (494,000+ Mi2). It  will be spending $8.1 Billion Dollars for Energy to help Manufacturing, Mining, Mineral Processing, Petrochemical Industries as well as its General Development. As it stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon Basin edge, Energy is very important for the country’s growth.

Its wise Government Officials, lead by President Ollanta Humala Tasso, understand that  Investments in Energy today bring continuous growth tomorrow in this Nation of Abundant Resources.

Peru is noted for its wide variety of Metals such as: Copper, Gold, Lead, Iron Ore, Molybdenum, Silver, Tin, and Zinc. Its other non-Agricultural/non-Fabricated Exports  are Natural Gas and Crude Petroleum. Fabricated Exports are:Alloys, Chemicals, Fabricated Metal Products, 

Machinery and Textiles. Fish, Fruits and Vegetables are also its Exports.

Exports for Peru totaled $47+ Billion Dollars in 2012. It had a 5% Industrial Growth Rate and a Gross Domestic Product of $370+ Billion Dollars in 2014 (Est.). Peru, which has 39th Largest Economy in the World is also rated as “Upper Middle Income” by the World Bank. It has one of the fastest growing economies in the World.

Any Investor who is looking for a place to “Park Capital” may want to consider Peru.  Its Trading Partners are: Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United States; it Exports to the “Big Boys”. One will find Peruvians to be both Industrious and Intelligent in Business Relationships. They make good Business Associates.

As Prosperous and Active as Peru is, many people wonder why the Mass Media largely ignore it in the ‘Financial News’; We Do Not.

Reality.

Reference: http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=1445899&CategoryId=10718

When Cold Is Really Cold An Insulation’s Performance Must Be Bold

News Analysis: Cold weather closings of  Oil Refineries, Passengers in both Airplanes and in stranded Railway Cars seeking blankets, Buses with chilled riders, and New Large Buildings, using record amounts of Energy to keep warm; these all demonstrate ‘Cosmetic Insulations'(using Entrapped Air as the Insulator) DO NOT PERFORM IN FRIGID WEATHER!

An Insulation’s Performance Must Be Bold and NOT BE a Fuel Source for Fires. Petrochemicals and entrapped air in Foam Insulations only require Heat for the creation of fire. If a fire does occur, as in an Aircraft or Building, occupants cannot have Glass Particulates be released into the air for their inhalation into their lungs, as can Fiberglass. 

“Mega-Temp™ Insulation” Performs in Frigid Weather and was designed for extreme Cold Weather use such as in Aircraft, or in Arctic Conditions. It is the “Active Molecular Insulation™” which has been performing boldly for MANY YEARS in Siberia, Russia. It does Not Freeze in Liquid Nitrogen at -195.8C (-320.5F).

The Cost for the disruption of  Commercial Commerce throughout the Northern Hemisphere is estimated as Several Trillion Dollars! This can easily be reduced by using Spray-On “Mega-Temp™ Insulation” in Oil Refineries, Aircraft Fuselage Interiors, Passenger Trains, Freight Boxcars, Buses, Buildings (and anywhere else Severe Cold Weather will Impact).

Climate Change is evidencing this year’s Northern Hemisphere Freeze; Weather Experts think this pattern will continue into future Winter Seasons. Being Pro-active, People can stay Safe and Comfortable,  Refineries remain open, and, Energy Bills may plummet by using “Mega-Temp™ Insulation” as needed. It performs Boldly in the Cold.

The Insulations of the Past, which are Widely Advertised, are OBVIOUSLY FAILING EVERYONE TODAY.

A Word To The Wise Is Sufficient.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-07/chicago-colder-than-south-pole-as-frigid-air-clamps-down-on-u-s-.html