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On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:15:24 -0500, "marika" <...@gmail.com
"h065l" <...@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Hi
How are you?!
My reading about the conflict suggests that the dispute isn't about what
dues are owed to Russia but what should be paid on new upcoming contracts.
I won't pretend to know about the economies and legal structures of Europe.
However, I will comment through my American eyes and ears
I again caught up with my concierge as to what he is hearing and reading
from his native Bulgaria.
He said that neither Americans nor non Slavic Europeans will ever really
understand what is going on over there.
Possibly
But I do understand a bit about free markets, capitalism and contracts.
In a free democratic system, you charge what the market will bear or you
don't sell your wares.
If you are the purchaser or the consumer, you pay what the seller wants.
However, free market (deomcratic?) contract bargaining requires what is
called arms length transactions
So to suggest that a free market democratic model applies here isn't really
possible.
Gazprom isn't just a monopoly, it is a state owned monopoly.
Where there is a government owned monopoly, arms length transactions are not
possible so that free market contracts are not possible.
That is why the US has what are called antitrust laws that limit to the
extent possible such impositions on the free market.
The real debate isn't what Ukraine owes. Russia and Ukraine are arguing
about future prices. Ukraine is offering a price about 2 billions less than
what Russia wants. (I think that is what I read but the math could be off)
Ukraine and Russia are arguing about future prices, and bargaining and
Astonishingly, Ukraine has found Russia's Achilles heel with respect to the
bargaining process. What they have done is to find the only thing that
could change the game from bargaining with a strictly goverment monopoly to
a seller who has to amend their posture in the bargaining situation to the
extent they are not really the monopoly able to charge whatever they want.
It's almost but not quite an arms length transaction.
From the perspective of a US viewer, Ukraine is acting the exact opposite of
a soviet bloc country. They appear to be learning the ropes of market
tactics and negotiations.
It's a shame that their European neighbors may have been shaken up.
However, what really did Ukraine have to lose by not agreeing to the prices
demanded
Europe doesn't extend any invitations to join their financial and economic
and defense institutions. Institutions which at present, BTW are
excessively shaky and ones that I might worry about joining even though they
may have been more attractive before the market crashes.
They're constantly working to prove they are a reliable partner but rarely
accorded that respect. So now, the only thing that has happened is Ukraine
hasn't moved to a more trusted partner, they stayed where they were before
the spat.
Though when looked at from a very different angle, they had everything to
win by forcing Gazprom's hand, by demonstrating that that corporation isn't
reliable and that of course should have the
effect of lowering prices for everyone when bargaining with Gazprom.
Sounds like normal behavior, if not remarkably canny behavior, in a free
democratic system
I'm including 2 artiicles that I read in coming to my conclusions
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123197952101583573.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232027221.59
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On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:45:29 -0500, "marika" <...@gmail.com
"Frank Kalder" <...@r38g2000vbi.googlegroups.com...
M. K. ~ e-glob, Washington, DC
~ http://haplifnet.blogspot.com [US+EU Community]
- transatlantic daily -
. The Hudson Miracle
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/825/slide_825_14780_large.j pg
We had extensive tv coverage this early morning.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/15/usair-plane-crashed-in-hu_n_158263.htm l
-----
Excellent!
===
. Huffpost Blog
Bush's Farewell Address: Still Delusional After All These Years
(Arianna | Huffington Post)
FrankKalder comment: I agree that George W. Bushs farewell address
may be perceived as
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/bushs-farewell-address-st_b_15 8382.html?show_comment_id=19776704#comment_19776704
===
hee hee
mk5000
From Spin City
Mike: All right, everybody huddle up, close your eyes, I want to paint you a
mental picture; the mayor is very vulnerable tonight, there are a lot of
reporters here tonight, and also in attendance is a woman I will refer to
simply as "The Shark", whereas the Mayor is like an older, slow-moving sea
lion.
Stuart: [French accent] I will stay aboard the Calypso, while my assistant,
Mike, dive into the ocean to join in the life and death struggle between the
shark and the noble sea lion.
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On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:34:24 -0500, "marika" <...@gmail.com
"Frank Kalder" <...@g3g2000pre.googlegroups.com...
I tv-saw her these days with her unique hairdo. Wondering about the
toughness of the Ukrainian government. Hopefully theyll get better
conditions while, at present, the entire gas transit between Russia
and Western Europe is piped across Ukraine.
=========
Her hairdo is pretty much nonunique amongst the Slavic peoples, though. I
keep wondering if that is a real braid or if she has had to replace it with
extensions or a hairpiece because as she has aged it has become less hearty.
=============
. German Postulations
Those humanistic claims have been preliminarily published, subject to
either change and/or supplements. http://giordanobrunostiftung.wordpress.com
. Amiable Restaurant
But the owner does, though (yet more or less partly): Mr. Francois
and his entire staff would like to welcome you to L'Auberge Chez
Frans http://www.laubergechezfrancois.com/Madame.gif
MONSIEUR FRANIS in the garden at L'AUBERGE CHEZ FRANIS
===
yeah but I am too lazy to find the character to create the proper spelling
=============
The history page shows the beautiful Alsatian style scenery:
http://www.laubergechezfrancois.com/history2.shtml
. GG Fashion Comments
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-DESIGNER-FASHION/msg/077b3190e97eae17
. German Breakfast TV (Sat1)
==================
I've been away for a bit. You may recall that last year my chess player
cousin died around this time. So we got together for a bit to commemorate
him. My one cousin who works in Kiev, his older sister, reminisced about
him. She told about the times she visited him when he lived in Cambodia.
She told how he told her to bring gifts for his hosts. She brought
cufflinks, something that people in short sleeves generally don't need.
We reminisced about her parents, that is, (my aunt and uncle) as well.
I'm watching the inauguration. It was 17 yesterday and it is just a little
warmer today, it is expected to be 33 on inauguration day. Hard to say
whether I will brave the cold. Just waiting for the bus was no picnic.
MSNBC cameras are at 7th and Jefferson, directly next to the Hirshhorn
museum where I got closed in during the thunderstorm on July 4. THis is
L'Enfant Plaza where I worked two years ago.
I figured by the time I came home the gas crisis, (The new cold war) would
finally calm down.
But instead I see that Putin is insulting the EU. In a freemarket economy,
you probably shouldn't insult your customers. You never know when they will
find a different fuel source
mk5000
from Monty Ponthy
Ludovic: ['The Great Debate Number 31: TV4 Or Not TV4?'] Hello. Should there
be another television channel or not? On tonight's programme, the Minister
for Broadcasting, The Right Honourable Mr Ian Throat MP.
Mr Ian Throat: Good evening.
Ludovic: The chairman of the Amalgamated Money TV, Sir Abe Sappenheim.
Sir Abe Sappenheim: Good evening.
Ludovic: The Shadow Spokesman for Television, Lord Kinwoodie.
Lord Kinwoodie: Hello.
Ludovic: And a television critic, Mr Patrick Loone.
Mr Patrick Loone: Hello.
Ludovic: Gentlemen, should there be a fourth television channel or not? Ian?
Mr Ian Throat: Yes.
Ludovic: Francis?
Lord Kinwoodie: No.
Ludovic: Sir Abe?
Sir Abe Sappenheim: Yes.
Ludovic: Patrick?
Mr Patrick Loone: No.
Ludovic: Well there you have it, two say will, two say won't. We'll be back
again next week, and next week's "Great Debate' will be about government
interference in broadcasting and will be cancelled mysteriously.
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On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:06:42 -0800 (PST), Frank Kalder <...@haplif.de
M. K. ~ e-glob, Washington, DC
~ http://haplifnet.blogspot.com [US+EU Community]
- transatlantic daily -
Order of Saxon Gratitude for Vladimir Putin
http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/01/order-of-saxon-gratitude-for-vladimir.htm l
. Huffpost Blog
Sunday Roundup (Arianna | Huffington Post)
FrankKalder comment: Due to the audacity of hopelessness, maybe, it
appears that George Bush and Dick Cheney …
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/sunday-roundup_b_158786.html?s how_comment_id=19836988#comment_19836988
. The Hudson Miracle
. Perception
. Mental Picture
. Slavic Style
Yes, sure, as goes for contemporary Slavic women in Eastern Europe. It
was also a style in Germany probably until the first half of the 2oth
century, though.
. Cédille
Very easy. Press [ctrl][,] simultaneously and then [c].
. Commemoration & Reminiscence
. Inauguration Prospect
There’s been a press tv-talk where a number of additional options were
considered. However, a lot of political instability is involved as far
as other sources might be favored, long term.
. Great Debate
Ciao, Frank
--
http://www.haplif.de & http://www.haplif.de/61820.html [politics & economics]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-GOVERNANCE [global]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-DESIGNER-FASHION [worldwide]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING [international]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING_Deutsch [German]
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On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:07:34 -0500, "marika" <...@gmail.com
"Frank Kalder" <...@m16g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
M. K. ~ e-glob, Washington, DC
~ http://haplifnet.blogspot.com [US+EU Community]
- transatlantic daily -
Order of Saxon Gratitude for Vladimir Putin
http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/01/order-of-saxon-gratitude-for-vladimir.htm l
==========
that's amazing
==============
. Huffpost Blog
Sunday Roundup (Arianna | Huffington Post)
FrankKalder comment: Due to the audacity of hopelessness, maybe, it
appears that George Bush and Dick Cheney
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/sunday-roundup_b_158786.html?s how_comment_id=19836988#comment_19836988
========
I agree with you about Cheney, but I definitely got the impression that Bush
was acting the way he probably has when his dad yelled at him for something
or other. Though I haven't seen the movie about his life, that came out
this summer, I thought he probably has spent his life apologizing for his
headstrong attitudes and misdeeds. And this moment was just a typical day
in his 62 year old life that he is now accustomed to.
Another anecdote I remembered from my chess cousin. He went to Yale with
George Bush. He belonged to one of the secret societies so was very
familiar with the young George. He said that George was drunk and stoned at
all times, and that his usual place on campus was on one of the stone steps
snoring loudly with arms splayed out widely unaware that the world was
passing him by. You could just imagine when he had to apologize to his dad
about his poor performance in school. His speech was just such an apology.
The kind that never admits it was wrong, the words of a youth who still
hasn't learned the lessons of personal accountability
. The Hudson Miracle
. Perception
. Mental Picture
. Slavic Style
Yes, sure, as goes for contemporary Slavic women in Eastern Europe. It
was also a style in Germany probably until the first half of the 2oth
century, though.
=====
she's retro cool then!
=============
. Clle
Very easy. Press [ctrl][,] simultaneously and then [c].
. Commemoration & Reminiscence
. Inauguration Prospect
It's gone up to 33 today but everywhere around us, it is snowing. It feels
as if it might snow here but if so it hasn't arrived yet. Travel for
everyone coming to the show will be difficult. So far this is the warmest
day and it will continue to plunge even though yesterday they thought it
would go up and be a bit warmer. No luck as of today. I will continue to
watch it all on tv because I can't afford to get sick this year. It;s
probably the best seat in the house. I am sitting only a scant two miles
away. If I were in the cold, I'd be standing a mile away maybe more because
of the crowds. So I am just about as close but I will see the details very
well. On the mall all the details will be shown on a jumbotron, ie a big tv
set. I have a big tv set in my house and am almost as close! and I can
drink my hot beverage here too
I live so close to Arlington Cemetery but there is no way I could ever get
there today. Obama and Biden are there right now, they played taps and
Obama laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier. I would never have
seen this meaningful moment if out on the Mall.
They just mentioned the inauguration recipes. Very luxe. duck and some
other exotic fowl.
http://gherkinstomatoes.com/2009/01/09/breaking-news-2009-inaugural-luncheon-me nu-and-details/
Theres been a press tv-talk where a number of additional options were
considered. However, a lot of political instability is involved as far
as other sources might be favored, long term.
========
ah but you never know when someone may come up with a viable fuel source
that does not require piping or circuitry that requires reliance on other
governments and crazy short term viewed prior kgb agents. His desire is to
make as much money for the present as possible. There's no thought about
the future, there's no planning. None of this would be occurring had he had
any desires other than short term enrichment. It was all foreseen but for
greed.
My explanation doesn't make Germany any warmer unfortunately
mk5000
what's cooking at the cia
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On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:02:20 -0800 (PST), Frank Kalder <...@haplif.de
M. K. ~ e-glob, Washington, DC
~ http://haplifnet.blogspot.com [US+EU Community]
- transatlantic daily -
. Huffpost Blog
Video: “Our inauguration” (Arianna | Huffington Post)
FrankKalder comment:
That’s great! A new era of citizen responsibility and engagement is
required to cope with the challenges the United States of America are
facing. The world’s most interactive museum, the Newseum, is
considered to be a perfect location for Huffpost and friends
throughout the globe to organize and celebrate the inauguration ball
in a few hours ahead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/huffpost-video-our-inaugu_b_15 8943.html?show_comment_id=19862260#comment_19862260
. Heather de Lisle
I saw her - apparently a USian by marriage - at yesterday’s press talk
“Frühschoppen”.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,324053,00.html
. Transatlantic Daily
Here’s our fresh summary: http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/01/multicultural-blogs-update_19.html
. Honor
. Huffpost Blog
As you know I’m (personally) fond of George. Sure, that’s an obvious
ambiguity, though.
By the way, Tedium Aggression (lecture):
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING_Deutsch/msg/bf2c701861adbdfc
. Anecdote
I recall his dad had declared, a few days ago, that he’s proud that
his son became US president.
. Slavic Hairdo
. New Agreement
http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2009/01/18/1232281819_9782/5 39w.jpg
Now, as Ukraine prepares to sign an accord ending an 18-day Russian
gas embargo that disrupted energy supplies in much of Europe, the
consensus here is that instead of cleaning up the gas trade,
Yushchenko's first gas deal left this former Soviet republic more
vulnerable to bullying by Russian leaders determined to thwart its
turn to the West… http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/18/AR2009011802404 .html?hpid=sec-world
German TV news confirmed the signature of that agreement this early
morning.
. Inauguration Countdown
That’s the best option and, of course, the most comfortable one.
They - the both - rode in by train (seen on German tv), just as
Lincoln did. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/17/national/inauguration09/main4729489.s html?source=mostpop_story
. Recipes
Hopefully not a bad omen! Reminding that you once wrote George is a
“lame duck”.
. German Energy Sources
. Withstanding
Apparently we are warm and save enough to withstand him et al.
. CIA
. Specialization
“Having a law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law put Teye
Kutasi in an "in-between position".
. Ceasefire
As it was announced, a few days ago, Israel and Hamas agreed on
ceasefire in odrder not do damage Barack Obama’s inauguration
celebration tomorrow.
|| Speaking on a platform in Jerusalem accompanied by a line of
Europe's leaders, Olmert said: "We are interested in quitting the Gaza
Strip at the greatest possible speed. We don't want to stay in Gaza
and we intend to leave it as quickly as possible."
He met French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela
Merkel, the British, Italian and Spanish prime ministers Gordon Brown,
Silvio Berlusconi and Jose Luis Zapatero, and Czech premier Mirek
Topolanek, representing the European Union…||
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLI143583
. High Security [Obama's Inauguration]
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.usenet.legends.lester-mosley/msg/8ab10f5d62c d8648?hl=en
Ciao, Frank
--
http://www.haplif.de & http://www.haplif.de/61820.html [politics & economics]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-GOVERNANCE [global]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-DESIGNER-FASHION [worldwide]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING [international]
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING_Deutsch [German]
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On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:26:30 -0500, "marika" <...@gmail.com
"Frank Kalder" <...@t26g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
M. K. ~ e-glob, Washington, DC
~ http://haplifnet.blogspot.com [US+EU Community]
- transatlantic daily -
. Huffpost Blog
Video: Our inauguration (Arianna | Huffington Post)
FrankKalder comment:
Thats great! A new era of citizen responsibility and engagement is
required to cope with the challenges the United States of America are
facing. The worlds most interactive museum, the Newseum, is
considered to be a perfect location for Huffpost and friends
throughout the globe to organize and celebrate the inauguration ball
in a few hours ahead.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/huffpost-video-our-inaugu_b_15 8943.html?show_comment_id=19862260#comment_19862260
=========
I was watching MSNBC as I was waking and they were talking about this party.
This is apparently the hottest post inauguration ticket you can get
==========
. Heather de Lisle
I saw her - apparently a USian by marriage - at yesterdays press talk
Frppen.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,324053,00.html
. Transatlantic Daily
Heres our fresh summary:
http://haplifnet.blogspot.com/2009/01/multicultural-blogs-update_19.html
. Honor
. Huffpost Blog
As you know Im (personally) fond of George. Sure, thats an obvious
ambiguity, though.
==========
When you say you are personally fond, that makes it seem that you have met
him in person. Is that what you meant?
============
By the way, Tedium Aggression (lecture):
http://groups.google.com/group/HAPLIF-BLOGGING_Deutsch/msg/bf2c701861adbdfc
=========
Speaking of aggression. I watched The Valley of Elah last night. Tommy Lee
Jones was nominated for the Oscar as lead last year
It's a sad movie, and you probably won't want to see it but Jones did a
great job and deserved his nomination
==============
. Anecdote
I recall his dad had declared, a few days ago, that hes proud that
his son became US president.
=======
well what dad wouldn't be
============
==========
A few years ago, n Julia and I had a discussion about Rick Rockwell? From
"Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire"
She said that even
though she'd adopted the satellite dish & bought the first seasons of Star
Trek NG& the Simpsons on dvd to start catching up what
she missed in the 80's, she still couldn't bear to watch anything with
commercials...except for some occasional visits to the cartoon channel.
However, I love commercials so I watch a LOT of TV
She said her
channel-view menu only displays about 75 of the 200 or so channels she can
get, & only about 15 of those have commercials (lifetime-for-women, cartoon
& boom, nick, sci-fi, discovery, TLC, & animal planet--though i seldom watch
those either)...still she ended up watching commercial-uninterupted movie
channels about 99% of the time. Me - the more commercials the better.
She was also getting
into Farscape, but I could never get addicted to it
So then I tell her that a friend was having a baby and we held a baby shower
for her. She asked for books rather than toys and clothes for the baby.
Julia complimented me on buying a book that has the following
subjects: mammals, insects, pirates
She complimented me on getting this book and for spreading science geekdom
to youths!!! mammals, insects & pirates,
The sales clerk who checked out my books. The idle one,
a male, started telling me how he loves this book. I no longer remember what
it was called an I told him it is standard
baby shower fare. I told him I will be sure to buy it for him when he has
a baby. And then he tells me that he watched this movie that starred
Angelina Jolie and Sean Connery where one of the adult characters was dying
and he asked his mother to read the book to him. I vaguely remember seeing
this movie, but don't remember what it is. I looked it up and it's Playing
By Heart
I told him perhaps he
should take a few hits of vodka and maybe that would get him crying good
and proper.
The other book I bought: When I lived in Roanoke, I learned of a famous
book called "Goodbye Moon" which is ADORABLE. I used to love looking at it,
even as an adult. The drawings are beautiful. The author is from Roanoke
in fact.
http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0060775858/ref=pd_b bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232377449&sr=8-1
My friend Julia even though she was from Roanoke had never heard of it. She
said it sounds like a good book, and said she'd have to go get it for
herself!
Here' the revised version of it appropriate for 2009
http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Bush-Parody-Gan-Golan/dp/031604041X
;)
. Slavic Hairdo
. New Agreement
http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2009/01/18/1232281819_9782/5 39w.jpg
Now, as Ukraine prepares to sign an accord ending an 18-day Russian
gas embargo that disrupted energy supplies in much of Europe, the
consensus here is that instead of cleaning up the gas trade,
Yushchenko's first gas deal left this former Soviet republic more
vulnerable to bullying by Russian leaders determined to thwart its
turn to the West
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/18/AR2009011802404 .html?hpid=sec-world
German TV news confirmed the signature of that agreement this early
morning.
. Inauguration Countdown
Thats the best option and, of course, the most comfortable one.
=========
It's actually snowing
=============
They - the both - rode in by train (seen on German tv), just as
Lincoln did.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/17/national/inauguration09/main4729489.s html?source=mostpop_story
. Recipes
Hopefully not a bad omen! Reminding that you once wrote George is a
lame duck.
========
actually if symbolic, it shows that Obama will eat the duck, i e Obama
conquers, so not a bad omen
==================
. German Energy Sources
. Withstanding
Apparently we are warm and save enough to withstand him et al.
. CIA
=========
http://www.ciachef.edu/california/
the link got deleted by accident
==========
. Specialization
Having a law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law put Teye
Kutasi in an "in-between position".
. Ceasefire
As it was announced, a few days ago, Israel and Hamas agreed on
ceasefire in odrder not do damage Barack Obamas inauguration
celebration tomorrow.
|| Speaking on a platform in Jerusalem accompanied by a line of
Europe's leaders, Olmert said: "We are interested in quitting the Gaza
Strip at the greatest possible speed. We don't want to stay in Gaza
and we intend to leave it as quickly as possible."
He met French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela
Merkel, the British, Italian and Spanish prime ministers Gordon Brown,
Silvio Berlusconi and Jose Luis Zapatero, and Czech premier Mirek
Topolanek, representing the European Union||
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLI143583
. High Security [Obama's Inauguration]
=============
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.usenet.legends.lester-mosley/msg/8ab10f5d62c d8648?hl=en
mk5000
"She was a good detective, and a good woman. A good woman in a good country,
one might say. She loved her country, Botswana, which is a place of peace,
and she loved Africa, for all its trials. I am not ashamed to be called an
African patriot, said Mma Ramotswe"--Alexander McCall Smith, No 1 Ladies
Detective Club
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