Capitalism Needs A Fix

Free market flawed, says survey

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a new BBC poll has found widespread dissatisfaction with free-market capitalism.

In the global poll for the BBC World Service, only 11% of those questioned across 27 countries said that it was working well.

Most thought regulation and reform of the capitalist system were necessary.

There were also sharp divisions around the world on whether the end of the Soviet Union was a good thing.

Twenty years on, this new global poll suggests confidence in free markets has taken heavy blows from the past 12 months of financial and economic crisis.

More than 29,000 people in 27 countries were questioned. In only two countries, the United States and Pakistan, did more than one in five people feel that capitalism works well as it stands.

Almost a quarter - 23% of those who responded - feel it is fatally flawed. That is the view of 43% in France, 38% in Mexico and 35% in Brazil.

And there is very strong support around the world for governments to distribute wealth more evenly. That is backed by majorities in 22 of the 27 countries.

If there is one issue where a global consensus seems to emerge from the survey it is this: there are majorities almost everywhere wanting government to be more active in regulating business.

It is only in Turkey that a majority want less government regulation.

For the rest of this story and a couple of really good charts, go to BBC NEWS Special Reports Free market flawed, says survey

Whether it is "more" or "less" government involvement, something needs to be done in most, if not all, of these capitalist societies. Look around YOU, "it really is NOT working for the majority of people. If some things do not change soon, there will be nothing but chaos.

"Global Neighbor Capitalism",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz": Wolves, Dogs And Mankind Facebook Bobby Sharpe

Argentinian Ice Grows

Glacier Grows Despite Global Warming

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (June 14) – Argentina's Perito Moreno glacier is one of only a few ice fields worldwide that have withstood rising global temperatures.

Nourished by Andean snowmelt, the glacier constantly grows even as it spawns icebergs the size of apartment buildings into a frigid lake, maintaining a nearly perfect equilibrium since measurements began more than a century ago.

"We're not sure why this happens," said Andres Rivera, a glacialist with the Center for Scientific Studies in Valdivia, Chile. "But not all glaciers respond equally to climate change."

Viewed at a safe distance on cruise boats or the wooden observation deck just beyond the glacier's leading edge, Perito Moreno's jagged surface radiates a brilliant white in the strong Patagonian sun. Submerged sections glow deep blue.

And when the wind blows in a cloud cover, the 3-mile-wide (5 kilometer) glacier seems to glow from within as the surrounding mountains and water turn a meditative gray.

Every few years, Perito Moreno expands enough to touch a point of land across Lake Argentina, cutting the nation's largest freshwater lake in half and forming an ice dam as it presses against the shore.

The water on one side of the dam surges against the glacier, up to 200 feet (60 meters) above lake level, until it breaks the ice wall with a thunderous crash, drowning the applause of hundreds of tourists.

"It's like a massive building falling all of the sudden," said park ranger Javier D'Angelo, who experienced the rupture in 2008 and 1998.

The rupture is a reminder that while Perito Moreno appears to be a vast, 19-mile-long (30 kilometer) frozen river, it's a dynamic icescape that moves and cracks unexpectedly.

"The glacier has a lot of life," said Luli Gavina, who leads mini-treks across the glacier's snow fields.

Another example of how "everywhere" is NOT going through "global warming". One of the biggest myths ever. Right up there with religion! Not only is this glacier growing, the ice packs on the eastern side of Antarctica are thicker and deeper than they were 50 plus years ago. As I have told YOU many times before, "we are OVERDUE for an "ice age".

"Global Neighbor Argentina",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's " Opyn Mindz": 2012 & Bobby's Innervision Facebook Bobby Sharpe

Iceland - Centre-left Comeback

Centre-left wins Iceland election

Iceland's ruling centre-left government looks set to have won a major victory in the country's early elections.

Preliminary results show the coalition has won 35 of the 63 seats available, its first ever parliamentary majority.

Iceland has been one of the countries most dramatically affected by the global economic crisis.

The conservative Independence party, which resigned in January amid widespread protests over the economy, won 15 seats and has conceded defeat.

The Social Democratic Alliance and the Left Green Movement formed a coalition caretaker government in February, under Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir.

Ms Sigurdardottir said if the results were correct it would be "historic".

"This is the first time that leftist parties will hold a majority. I hope this will be the result," she said.

Ms Sigurdardottir told supporters the nation was "settling the score with the neoliberalism" and with the Independence party who "have been in power for much too long".

"The people are calling for a change of ethics. That is why they have voted for us," she said.

Independence leader Bjarni Benediktsson said it was clear that his party had lost the trust of voters.

"We lost this time but we will win again later," he said.

EU debate

The small North Atlantic nation has a population of only 300,000.

But it had to take a $10bn (£6.8bn) rescue package, led by the International Monetary Fund, after its banking sector imploded late last year.

The next government will face many challenges, centred around the economy, the BBC's Nicholas Walton says.

It needs rebuilding, with financial services no longer at its core. Unemployment and the government's ruined finances also need attention, our correspondent says.

There is also the question of whether or not to apply to join the European Union.
In the past, Icelanders felt that they were better off outside the EU.

But the financial crisis has changed opinions, our correspondent says. Now, many see EU membership or adopting the Euro as Iceland's currency, as part of the solution to the country's problems.

Pro-EU Ms Sigurdardottir said if the country applied immediately for membership it could begin using the Euro "within four years".

Congratulations to Ms. Sigurdardottir and her party. Hopefully, this will be the fix that Iceland needs to get back to being the wonderful country it has become. I have had contact with a number of friends in Iceland made over the years online, and, I want nothing but the best for them. They helped me tremendously with my first book and I am chomping at the bit to get there one day soon for a visit.

"Peace & Success To Iceland",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz": Hero Puppy Saves The Day "Dragon, Book Of Shang"2

Somalia Pirates, Wipe Them Out NOW! PT 2

USS Bainbridge

I would like to give props to President Barack Obama, the US Navy, The Seals, Capt. Richard Phillips, the FBI and anyone else who helped bring this ridiculous situation to a wonderful conclusion for the "good guys". The US manned up and did what needed to be done. And did it without losing our hostage! It is time for the world to stop playing footsie with dirtbags like this and take a hard line as the French have done, and now the US. YOU cannot negotiate with scum like this without compromising your ethics and what the right move should be. Not to mention, paying this trash ridiculous amounts of money just makes them want more.

While we are "wiping out the pirates", who some seem to think are no more than pawns, why don't we start looking for whoever or whatever is behind these low level punks? Listen, these people are using highly sophisticated gps/tracking devices, computer technology, satellite cell phones and some pretty complex technology. Where are these people getting this stuff, AND, who is teaching them how to use it? Remember, this is Somalia! Not some high tech, highly developed, well educated society. We need the head of the beast. NOT the arm or leg.

Food for thought. How about going to Somalia and freeing the rest of the captive ships and crews? Wiping out these losers bases might give them something to think about.

"The Game Is Over" - United States Of America

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Techertainment": Santana To Obama, "Legalize The Weed" Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz": Polar Bear Moat, Woman=Stupidity

Somalia Pirates, Wipe Them Out NOW

Tense Standoff Between U.S., Pirates

Mirrors Lawless Trend Off Somali Coast

The intensifying scene of a pirate standoff with the U.S. Navy is a bleak case study in the lawless dynamics of the piracy problem off the coast of Somalia.

The captain of a U.S.-flagged ship hijacked this week by a band of pirates attempted to escape Friday but didn't make it far, as the pirates fired gunshots and recaptured him. They then proceeded to demand a $2 million ransom, according to a Somali negotiator.

The Navy has sent the USS Bainbridge to the scene, and the pirates reportedly have called in reinforcements as well, seeking help from other bands of pirates on hijacked ships in the region.

The fate Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama, hangs in the balance, but he is not alone. At least a dozen ships and more then 200 crew members are being held by pirates in the region.

YOU know, this really chaps my ass. These low life dirtbags, that are lower than any animalz on the planet, have the nerve to sit over there in their piece of crap out house of a country and try to dictate to the rest of the world "what the deal is". Who do they think they are to go out and just take ships and people captive and then demand a ransom? Obviously, they are that ignorant and stupid!

I want nothing more than to see these innocent hostages set free unharmed. However, there comes a time when YOU have to "break some eggs to make an omelet". It has been proven that negotiating with these a--holes and paying ransom is not going to stop the ongoing hijackings. It is time to start blowing their collective asses out of the water, and, if I am not mistaken, do what the Russians wanted to do months ago. Go on land in Somalia and wipe out these scums bases etc. Until we do that, this crap is going to keep on happening!! Man up United States and go and start kicking some ass and quit pussy footing around with the scum of the earth. Let them all know, "GAMES OVER"!!!!

"Wipe Out The Pirate Trash",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's " Opyn Mindz": Volcanic Lightning In Eruption(Redoubt) Bobby Sharpe's "Techertainment": iPhone, My Phone

Japanese Economy & Shame Equal "Suicide"

Desperate Japanese head to 'suicide forest'

AOKIGAHARA FOREST, Japan (CNN) -- Aokigahara Forest is known for two things in Japan: breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and suicides. Also called the Sea of Trees, this destination for the desperate is a place where the suicidal disappear, often never to be found in the dense forest.

Taro, a 46-year-old man fired from his job at an iron manufacturing company, hoped to fade into the blackness. "My will to live disappeared," said Taro. "I'd lost my identity, so I didn't want to live on this earth. That's why I went there."

Taro, who did not want to be identified fully, was swimming in debt and had been evicted from his company apartment.

He lost financial control, which he believes to be the foundation of any stable life, he said. "You need money to survive. If you have a girlfriend, you need money. If you want to get married, you need it for your life. Money is always necessary for your life."

Taro bought a one-way ticket to the forest, west of Tokyo, Japan. When he got there, he slashed his wrists, though the cut wasn't enough to kill him quickly.

He started to wander, he said. He collapsed after days and lay in the bushes, nearly dead from dehydration, starvation and frostbite. He would lose his toes on his right foot from the frostbite. But he didn't lose his life, because a hiker stumbled upon his nearly dead body and raised the alarm.

Taro's story is just one of hundreds logged at Aokigahara Forest every year, a place known throughout Japan as the "suicide forest." The area is home to the highest number of suicides in the entire country.

Japan's suicide rate, already one of the world's highest, has increased with the recent economic downturn.

There were 2,645 suicides recorded in January 2009, a 15 percent increase from the 2,305 for January 2008, according to the Japanese government.

The Japanese government said suicide rates are a priority and pledged to cut the number of suicides by more than 20 percent by 2016. It plans to improve suicide awareness in schools and workplaces. But officials fear the toll will rise with unemployment and bankruptcies, matching suicide spikes in earlier tough economic times.

"Unemployment is leading to this," said Toyoki Yoshida, a suicide and credit counselor.

"Society and the government need to establish immediate countermeasures to prevent suicides. There should be more places where they can come and seek help."

Yoshida and his fellow volunteer, Norio Sawaguchi, posted signs in Aokigahara Forest urging suicidal visitors to call their organization, a credit counseling service. Both men say Japanese society too often turns a cold shoulder to the unemployed and bankrupt, and breeds a culture where suicide is still seen as an honorable option.

Local authorities, saying they are the last resort to stop people from killing themselves in the forest, have posted security cameras at the entrances of the forest.

The goal, said Imasa Watanabe of the Yamanashi Prefectural Government is to track the people who walk into the forest. Watanabe fears more suicidal visitors will arrive in the coming weeks.

"Especially in March, the end of the fiscal year, more suicidal people will come here because of the bad economy," he said. "It's my dream to stop suicides in this forest, but to be honest, it would be difficult to prevent all the cases here."

One year after his suicide attempt, Taro is volunteering with the credit counseling agency that helped him get back on his feet. He's still living in a shelter and looking for a job. He's ashamed, he said, that he still thinks about suicide.

"I try not to think about it, but I can't say never. For now, the will to live is stronger."

Not being of Japanese descent, or, part of their culture, I cannot fully understand what they are going through and their thought processes. Therefore, I neither can condemn nor support their actions. However, as a living breathing soul, to me, "suicide is surrendering to the forces that got YOU to this point". Hence, "YOU lose, they win". YOU were the weaker force, YOU quit! In my being, "that is not part of the game plan". Unless YOU programmed your journey to end like this when YOU were ready to incarnate, "there is no excuse for this action".

"Global Neighbor Japan, Be Strong",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's " Opyn Mindz": Bobby Sharpe - Shields Down(Today) - 4 Words Bobby Sharpe's "Witch"

Anchorage & Tokyo Volcanoes

Asama volcano eruption 2004

Some Alaskans Nervous About Volcano

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Feb. 3) — Maree Shogren knows firsthand the toxic power of a volcano, so don't blame her for being a little freaked out about the expected eruption of Alaska's Mount Redoubt.

The Anchorage woman vividly recalls the 1992 eruption of Mount Spurr, how its ash got into her car's electrical system, destroying the vehicle. The volcano 80 miles to the west spewed a huge black cloud over Alaska's largest city. It turned the bright day into night, raining abrasive gray ash that blanketed everything in eerie silence. The fine, gritty layer covered the soles of Shogren's shoes.

"I thought it was kind of apocalyptic, like it was the end of the world," said Shogren, who nervously anticipates a similar experience from Redoubt, 100 miles southwest.

Geologists at the Alaska Volcano Center said Monday they would expect a smaller mess in Anchorage from Redoubt — and no worse an ashfall in smaller, closer communities — unless an eruption is larger than expected.

The volcano has shown no escalation of tremors for two days, exhibiting a "waxing and waning of activity," but scientists still believe an explosion is more a matter of when than if, according to geologist Tina Neal.

Seismicity remains far above normal and steam continues to rise from the mountain. There are other telltale signs noted in a weekend flyover, including the discharge of volcanic gas and a hole in a glacier that doubled in size since Friday, spanning the length of two football fields on the north side of the volcano.

Geologists are monitoring Redoubt round the clock.

"The volcano is still displaying quite a bit of restlessness," Neal said.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction for a 10-mile radius around Redoubt, from ground level to 60,000 feet, said Mike Fergus, an agency spokesman.

The volcano last blew in 1990, piling ash as deep as one-fifth of an inch in closer communities, but only slightly darkening the snow in Anchorage.

Geologist Chris Waythomas said Anchorage was untouched by a 1989 explosion. But that eruption sent ash 150 miles away into the path of a KLM flight carrying 231 passengers, flaming out its four engines. Pilots ultimately restarted the engines and landed safely.

But even a small amount of ash goes a long way. The Spurr ashfall in Anchorage did a lot of damage to cars. Shogren sold her ruined car for spare parts and this time she has stocked up on air filters and a tarp for her current vehicle, as have many other residents of Alaska's southcentral region. She's also stocked up on face masks, bottled water and canned goods so she can hole up inside if necessary.

"I'm thinking that if Redoubt did blow, I would just take a cab everywhere I needed to go," she said. "I wouldn't want to risk my car again."

Cars are extremely vulnerable to ash, said Mike Feeney, a longtime Anchorage mechanic. The ash is like sandpaper and can scratch up car paint and windshields. It also works swiftly through air filters, so Feeney recommends placing pantyhose in front of the vehicle's air intake system.

In the Spurr eruption, Feeney's repair shop worked on a lot of cars damaged by ash.

"Cars were coming in running just bad, plugged up air filters," he said. "Some people even pulled the air filter out trying to get from point A to point B. Ash can be a slow death to some older cars, destroying the engine so it's not worth fixing."

Breathing in volcanic ash feels heavy on the lungs and throat, and it lingers for months in backyards and roads. It finds its way into homes and offices, so many people also plan to cover computers with plastic and block off doors and windows with wet, rolled up towels.

One pleasant surprise for many after Spurr was the fertilizing effect ash had on lawns and gardens all over town. Feeney liked it so much he bagged the stuff and used it each summer for almost a decade.

"The soil loves it," he said.

Tokyo Volcano Eruption

Instead of posting the story for this eruption, I will just post the link to the story so YOU can watch the fly over video. Japan has 108 volcanoes. Two have recently erupted.Volcano Spews Smoke, Rock Near Tokyo

I post these stories on "Global Peoplz Newz" because volcanic eruptions, major ones especially, have an effect on the global community. Not just the origin of eruption.

"Global Neighbors Tokyo & Anchorage",

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Witch" Dragon, Book of Shang

Mumbai Attacks, Religious Ignorance?

Gunfire follows witnesses fleeing violence in Mumbai

(CNN) -- Manuela Testolini and her colleagues had just sat down to dinner at the Oberoi hotel restaurant in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday when the sound of gunfire erupted outside.

At first, they didn't know what it was. Then, one of Testolini's colleagues saw a man get shot to death outside the restaurant's front door, and everyone started to run.

"We left everything behind, including purses and phones," Testolini told CNN's Miles O'Brien. "There was a lot of panic."

Testolini said gunfire followed her as she and dozens more fled through the kitchen and down to the ballroom, where they found temporary refuge from the gunfire and grenades raining outside.
Testolini, a Canadian in Mumbai for business, was at the center of a brazen series of coordinated attacks in southern Mumbai that rocked the city overnight Wednesday. Watch Testolini describe running from gunfire » For the rest of this story from the account of Prince's ex wife Manuela, go to Gunfire follows witnesses fleeing violence in Mumbai - CNN.com

For a link to many videos from the Mumbai attacks, go to Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com#/video/world/2008/11/26/bpr.ibn.indi CNN has it covered!

On this Thanksgiving Day in the States, keep the people of Mumbai, India in your thoughts and prayers.

Peace,

Bobby Sharpe Bobby Sharpe's " Opyn Mindz": Religion, Messing Up Again Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz": Panda To Student, "Hug This"...