Science

Cork Oak Tree Forestation Monitoring Sought for Wine Industry

News Analysis:  Cork Oak Tree Forestation Monitoring for the Wine Industry is sought since   15,000,000,000+ Cork Plugs are used yearly in Wine Production. The  Industry’s consumption of Cork is prodigious. Additionally, 2,700,000 Hectares [6,669,000 Acres] of Cork Oak Forests are dispersed widely in Algeria, France, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.  Good ‘Accounting’ of these Natural Assets will help in a Monitoring System to Protect and Sustain the Cork Oak Trees over these vast areas for future generations.

Waste Not, Want Not.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/p6hgvhk

World Coffee Glut Sinks Farmers but Buoys Retailers

News Analysis:  World Coffee Glut Sinks Farmers but Buoys Retailers due to the vast pricing disparity currently in effect. A Coffee Grower receives approximately $1.00+ per pound for each 132 pound [60 kilo] bag they produce. Grocery stores globally charge approximately equivalent of  $7.00 to $12.00 per pound to their customers. Coffee Houses which use less than $.05 of coffee per cup, charge approximately $2.50 for it. Both retailing entities, use the argument about other costs such as: Facilities, Equipment, Personnel, Rents, etc.  associated with the End Product. This argument, while perhaps valid, ALSO  APPLIES TO COFFEE FARMERS. Yet, it is the ‘Downstream’ Retailers who prosper so well with this Current Pricing Structure, to the point of their having their stores placed globally. 

The very Specious Claims by Coffee Houses in Particular as to their “Generosity To Farmers” is remarkable. They, who have the most outrageous level of profits vis-à-vis the coffee growers, need to ‘Forget the Fertilizers’ and instead pay growers Sustainable Prices. Their Pseudo-Benevolence is of much too little reward for the Coffee Growers’ livelihoods. Retailers of ‘Either Feather’ need to get real. Their “Free Lunch” will not last forever.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/kzhekay

West African Ship Piracy is Prevalent

News Analysis:  West African Ship Piracy is prevalent up and down the Atlantic Ocean coast. Predominately a Petroleum Industry Related Situation, Piracy’s continuance is a Menace to all Drilling Rigs, Oil Tankers, Lighters, etc. of this Industry. The major problem with this type of Criminal Activity is that there may be Logarithmic Damage to Equipment, Facilities, and Personnel as a result of the Deviant Behavior. For example, an Oil Tanker Fire and Crude Spillage, due to Weapons Usage, would be an Environmental Nightmare. 

As with other Criminal Activities, Miscreants may decline to participate if there is CERTAINTY OF APPREHENSION AND PUNISHMENT of Wrongdoers. The Severity of the Punishment may be in harmony with the damages a reasonable person would foresee, whether it had occurred or not.

ANY approaches to or illegal boarding of Oil Rigs in particular, or Tankers in general, by anyone of any cause, must be dealt with reflecting the severity of their crimes. This philosophy, to STOP such Criminality, should apply to All of the Oceans and Seas of the World. Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/kaekw9r

Chinese Gold Purchases Outperform Those of Indians

News Analysis: Chinese Gold Purchases outperform those of Indians in part due to a Import Restrictions imposed by the Indian Government. Efforts have been made to stop Smuggled Gold entering into India. This effort, conjoined with the currently ‘high’ price of the metal, has kept the average Indian Citizen out of the market. In China, its people are acquiring the Precious Metal at a higher rate than that of their Good Neighbor to the South.

Investors should evaluate at least Two Important Elements involving the Price of Gold. First, The current ‘Controlled Deflation’ Policies of Governments have all but eliminated CURRENT inflation; it being the “Touted” Reason to buy gold, some say. People  understand that Paper Money  can have vast Supply Increases by merely printing more [It is merely assorted fibers and ink] . While this activity is Inflationary, it temporarily solves monetary problem for Politicians [who are typically of  ‘Short-Term’ Outlook]. 

If some Monetary Policies of Nations of Profligate Spending continue, Inflation  results. For example, the “Beating of War Drums” which occur regularly for and in the Middle East are conducive to acquisition of Armaments by Governments. Such equipment is Exceedingly Expensive. Even the mere stationing of One Soldier in a War Zone in another country has a cost of approximately $1,000,000.00 per year! Smart National Leaders forgo costly Military Expenditures for “Dollar Diplomacy” [Wisely, they use a “Buck” rather than a ‘Bayonet’ to Achieve Their Goals; it is less costly].

Second, the Historic Value placed on Gold [as well as its current price] have led many countries to stockpile the metal continuously. Gold’s availability is known to be Finitely Limited and therefore has Historic Value and Present Value relative to World Demand for it. At a minimum it can be: fabricated into various saleable forms [such as dental crowns]; used in other products [especially electronics]; and, even Eaten.

As Asia increases in wealth, its citizens will most likely purchase Gold for Jewelry and Investment. Eventually, Gold’s value will also increase if  Monetary Policies of Nations of Profligate Spending continue. 

Having some Physical Gold in one’s Portfolio is a most conservative ‘Play’. To those more trusting individuals, Stock Certificates in Gold Producing Companies can add Long-Term Value to their Investment Assemblage.

The World Population is steadily increasing beyond its present 7,141,000,000 People. The fact that they may be chasing the “Sixty-Eight Foot Gold Cube” [171,300 Metric Tons in Circulation today], bodes well for the Future Value of  Gold. Reality.

Reference: http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-china-may-topple-india-in-gold-demand-1919338

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Reduction of Ethanol in Gasoline

News Analysis: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes Reduction of Ethanol in Gasoline for two primary reasons. The cost of PROPERLY blending higher percentages of Ethanol into Petrochemicals in rising quickly. In fact, the cost to blend rises exponentially, it is said, as greater amounts of Ethanol is used. The second reason is that for American  automobiles, the engines have not been Metallurgically and Systemically designed for the Chemical attributes of Greater Ethanol Use. Employment of higher concentrations of the Corn Based Product may have negative implications on engine viability many say.

Corn Farmers have a Primary Vested Interest in  producing as large of crops as they can: the existing Ethanol Market is huge and is growing. The Secondary Vested Interest of “Cleaner Burning Fuel”, “Stop Global Warming”, “Protect The Planet”, and such, while having “Mass Marketing ‘Buzz’ Potential” do not address: greater cost for Gasoline Refiners nor for  Engine Damage to American Drivers. It is not just the Farmers who want to live in a Clean Atmosphere, but also Petroleum Refiners [who live on the same Planet].

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is rightly trying to achieve a Technical Balance between Pollution and the Price of Production and Protecting against Engine Damage.

Reference: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/15/first-epa-cuts-ethanol-standard/

Brazil Deforestation Increases Naturalists’ Concerns

News Analysis:  Brazil Deforestation increases Naturalists’ concerns about Climate Change. The illegal logging activities of a few people, as well as projected Real Estate Developments in the Amazon Basin, are largely responsible.

The Brazilian Government has been successful over the past several years in stopping illegal logging. Legitimate Real Estate Development is following Population Growth Patterns in the country so some ‘Shrinkage of Forest’ is a reality. The Brazilian Government is responsibly seeking an Equilibrium in this matter.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/l223hmy

Zimbabwe Platinum Ores Need Refinement Locally

News Analysis:  Zimbabwe Platinum Ores need Refinement locally for Value-Added to the prices charged to Purchasers. The exporting of ores to another country allows the Recipient to gain the Price Point Advantage [once the Platinum is refined] not Zimbabwe. To build an efficient and large Smelter in Zimbabwe is estimated by some to cost $2,000,000,000.00+/-. Due to the fact that Zimbabwe’s Proven Platinum Reserves are vast, availability of Product supply to a Smelter/Refinery should be of little concern.

Chromium and Nickel are typically found as Secondary Metals, in Platinum Ore Groups. A Smelter will extract them as well as attendant Slag Materials. A Refinery can then finish the process by creating Platinum Bullion.

Establishing a Hallmark for the Zimbabwe Platinum Refinery would finish the Bullion Production Process. Reliable Assaying of Bullion Contents by an Internationally Approved Laboratory would guarantee Platinum Purity. Over time, an International Hallmark could be recognized by others for a Zimbabwe Platinum Refinery.

Investors may want to consider creating an offer for the funding of such a Smelter/Refinery in Zimbabwe. Platinum Ore is in abundant supply in Zimbabwe; Potential Substantial Profits are also.

Reference: http://allafrica.com/stories/201311140602.html?viewall=1

Bermuda’s Reinsurance Companies Want to Take Over Governments’ Insurance Coverages

News Analysis: Bermuda’s Reinsurance Companies want to take over Governments’ Insurance Coverages for the Profit Potential therein. To their credit, these Companies are being Pro-Active in seeking Certain “Insurable” areas of coverage currently offered by Nations.

Since the Bermuda Reinsurance Industry is trying to find growth, it is engaging in Due Diligence to find Profitable Opportunities with Acceptable Levels of Risk.

Natural Catastrophe Risk versus Economic Catastrophe Risk are both covered by this Vital Industry. Through increased Technology, additional data is available for the proper assessment of Catastrophes [Natural or Economic]. The recent Typhoon  in the Philippines, as an example,  suggests that such a Large Event might be covered if there were Insurance [Reinsurance] Policies.  Insurance Coverage  could aid a stricken area substantially. Economic Catastrophes are becoming more known through Internet Cyber-Attacks, for example, against huge Data Bases, for one. The loss of Pertinent Information could destroy its owner’s Economic Viability. Reinsurance would help against Catastrophic Loss.

When Evaluating the need for Insurance and Reinsurance, Governments, Corporations, and Individuals should remember: “Stormy Days Will Occur”. Reality. 

Reference: http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20131114/BUSINESS04/131119876

World Wineries Want Wonderful Weather

News Analysis:  World Wineries want Weather Improvement for better quality Grape Harvests.  Due to Climate Change, more rain and hail have damaged many Vineyards in assorted countries.

Investors, employing Due Diligence,  may want to consider discussing with Enologists and Viticulturists about other more suitable geographic areas for Vineyards.

Since, High Quality Wine Production, is  complicated but achievable through years of work, experienced employees are one of the  keys to profitability. Marketing Expertise is absolutely necessary if selling of a Variety of wine[s] is to be at a market  high ‘Price Point’.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/muc4cz2

Russia’s Far East Aviation Needs Addressed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

News Analysis: Russia’s Far East Aviation Needs must be promptly developed per the instructions of  Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev. Since this rugged area encompasses over five million square miles and has Winter Temperatures that readily exceed -53C [-65F], travel by aircraft is imperative. Aircraft Selection is a very important element for the  proper development desired by the Russian Government. For example, a Turboprop Aircraft, which is less expensive than a Jet, has its Operational Design Parameters suitable for: short runways, adequate rates of climb, and reliability in this type of often frigid environment.

Another benefit of  a metal aircraft is if it  has landing gear failure, the fuselage merely collapses [whereas Composite Craft will Shatter like an Egg Shell [especially when ‘Cold-Soaked’)].

Metal aircraft, for “Siberian” [Far East] operation are the  reliable choice for air transit in the Severe Winter Environment.  “Cold Soaking” is much less of a problem than on a “Composite Fuselage” Aircraft. In any event, by applying Mega-TempTM Aircraft Insulation to the Interior of the Fuselage, the aircraft will consistently stay warmer in ANY cold temperature forecasted. A warmer cockpit will allow for instrumentation to operate properly when cold starting the airplane up as well. If, an aircraft has power loss, passengers will stay warmer inside  the Mega-TempTM Treated Cabin than with other Insulation Products.

Also, to be beneficially installed, application of Mega-TempTM Insulation to new Airport Buildings will keep them warmer in the winter.
Private investors, can successfully create a Business Model that will bring them  into this Major Undertaking. Investments in funding of existing Russian Aircraft Airlines or Operators [large or small] or in Airport Construction are possibilities.

The Russian Far East offers an enormous number of Investment Opportunities for those who want to Economically Prosper. Russia’s able leadership can help facilitate the process for Investors.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/lh9wqk7