Monday, January 28, 2013

Oddly Relevant Jan-28-2013


Boeing’s 3 bold, technological leaps in 1 inning: Not kidding, it (1) opts to build the aircraft’s major structure out of more carbon-fiber than ever, (2) takes outsourcing to an extreme and (3) replaces conventional hydraulic systems with electrical controls. The goal was a cheaper, lighter, and modern plane. It’s not the first time Boeing reaches for the stars, but the accidents caused by lithium batteries suggest that more work might be needed. [Note: It’s a harder leap every time around]…Source: http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2013/01/lithium-batteries

Putin’s 2nd term and his plans for privatization: The next steps are (1) setup of mega-regulator to oversee both banks and domestic capital markets, (2) more state-owned companies to be floated on domestic exchange, (3) gradual removal of controls on capital movements on bond and equity markets. [Note: I hope to see good legal policies to precede]…Source: http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2013/01/28/putin-time-to-get-serious-about-the-stock-market-and-privatisation/#axzz2JKcfVaXd

America’s deadliest jobs: (1) 121.2 on-the-job deaths per 100,000 fishermen, then 102.4 for loggers, and 71.6 for extraction workers. (2) 3.5 on-the-job deaths for your average jobs. (3) 2.5 for firefighters, good protection there. (4) People who do die are more likely to be driving, old, and male. [Note: and all the fish die]…Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/fishing-logging-flying-an-airplane-here-are-americas-deadliest-jobs/272542/

The destiny of Egypt once again in flux: The marches, gas, and unrest return in darker and more anarchic fashion. The 2-year anniversary of the revolution had been overtaken by armed street battles. The signs are worrying—the state appears absent and untrusted by the people; accountability appears lacking, and the future of Egypt is, once again, unclear. [Note: could a dictator might again be in the throne? It’s dangerous to have politics and religion mixed together]…Source: http://www.economist.com/blogs/pomegranate/2013/01/egypts-revolution

More severe flu seasons predicted due to climate change? According to a research study published in PLOS Currents: Influenza, it appears that fewer people contract influenza during warm winters, and this causes a major portion of the population to remain vulnerable into the next season, causing an early and strong emergence. When a flu season begins exceptionally early, much of the population has not had a chance to get vaccinated, potentially making that flu season even worse. [Note: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger]…Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130128142847.htm

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