Sunday, July 14, 2013

COMMENTS - 2013/07/14



WEEKLY BLOG COMMENTS No. 72
DATES: 2013/07/07 – 2013/07/14
ANALYST: Domingo Trassens
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Dear Friends:

During the last week, one of the key questions was: “What is Justice?” Different events gave elements to ask more than one time what happen when “Justice” is mixed with political and religious factors and what kind of punishment deserves who kills innocent people for extremist ideologies and making “terrorism” as revenge of other wars and political conflicts.

The week began with the news about the accident of the Korean airplane in San Francisco Airport and the Egypt’s events after the fall of President Morsi, but in the domestic side, the press and a lot of politicians were pending of the verdict of trial against George Zimmerman in Florida.

Nobody knows about the possible violent attitude of Trayvon Martin against Mr. Zimmerman the night of his tragic death, but more than one wanted the jury should say: “Guilty!” The jury said: "Not guilty!" and big explosion came from both sides.

Other case related with “What is Justice?” was the start of the trial against the suspect of the Boston bombing attack was captured by the police. According to his own words, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev wanted to make justice for himself when with his brother detonated two bombs in the end of the Boston Marathon.

The other trial that started during the week was the Cleveland case against Ariel Castro - a kidnapper – who had in captivity three women for approximately 10 years and has being accused of rape, sexual abuse and killing (977 charges).

In parallel with all these trials, the immigration reform was also headline during the last few days due to the bill approved by the Senate entered to the House. And again the “border security” and the amnesty to 11 million illegal immigrants became the main issues of the debate.

Meanwhile, Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary announced her resignation, leaving the President Obama’s cabinet to be the president of the University of California system.

Outside the country, in Moscow Airport, Mr. Snowden – the NSA’s leaker - received offers of asylum from Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua, but now he is seeking a temporary asylum in Russia because he doesn’t have valid passport to travel to any of these Latin American countries.

In Europe, Germany stopped a proposal of resolution of the EU banking authorities that wanted to have the “power” to close any distressed bank across the euro-zone without agreement with national regulators.

In the United Nations, Malala (Malala Yousafzai) - the Pakistani schoolgirl who was attacked by Taliban a year ago - addressed a speech to members of this organization and a crowd of youngsters of different countries of world. She claimed education rights for everybody. And she asserted: “the extremists are afraid of book and pens” after Taliban had closed or destroyed 600 schools. (Sources: 1.6)

In the technology arena, two important analysts of the market – IDC and Gartner – commented that the shipment of personal computers continues declining across the world. They also informed that the Chinese Lenovo surpassed HP as leader of the world PC market in the last quarter. (According to IDC in the second 2013 quarter the world PC market declined 11.4% compared with a year ago. From the other side, Gartner said the fall was 10.9% also compared with the second quarter 2012).

IDC figures about the PC market share: (See Sources 1.4)
- Lenovo: 16.7%.
- HP: 16.4%.
- Dell: 12.2%.
- Acer: 8.2%.
- ASUS: 6.1%.

- And the Gartner numbers: (See Sources 1.5)
- Lenovo: 16.7%
- HP: 16.3%
- Dell: 11.8%
- Acer: 8.3%.
- ASUS: 6.0%.

In other news of technology industry, Microsoft announced a very important plan to refocus its business under a new common strategy.

Now I would like to share with you a series of comments posted by myself in the WSJ Journal Community and PBS through Twitter during the last seven days about the top news of the week.

The comments are organized in the following sections:
- United States
- Europe
- The World (Asia, Africa, Middle East…)
- Latin America
- Education
- Economy, Business, Technology.

DAT
July 14, 2013


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UNITED STATES



Subject: Florida jury found George Zimmerman not guilty of the murder of Trayvon Martin in the city of Sanford a year ago.

During the last weeks, this case became a political headline of the news due to some  comments President Obama made when the black young boy died fighting with Mr. Zimmerman due to a gunshot in 2012.

My Comment: A police case with strong political connotations was closed on Saturday July 13 after long deliberations. In Sanford, Florida, a jury acquitted George Zimmerman of all charges in the death of Trayvon Martin.

Now, we have to observe if all will be calm during the next days, weeks and months. (After we published this comment, across the country different groups showed disappointment for the verdict.)

Meanwhile, will somebody with political stature make a statement about the verdict? (2013/07/14) 6 Recommendations



Subject: The United States is seeking direct nuclear talks with Iran after a moderate clergyman leader won the presidential elections weeks ago.

My Comment: After decades of hostility, it is not prudent to go too fast to the negotiation table. We have to observe the reactions of the new Iranian leader before we assume compromises. (2013/07/13) 


REPORT  -  AIR DATE: July 12, 2013 - News Wrap: In Cleveland, Kidnapping Suspect Castro Faces 977 Charges

Subject: The trial against Ariel Castro started in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Castro faces 977 charges.

My Comment:  The story says that Ariel Castro who is accused of holding three women captive for 10 years is indicted of 977 charges.

In a world that looks for justice, it has to be enough guilt in 4 main crimes:
1) Kidnapping,
2) Rape,
3) Sexual abuse,
4) Killing.
(By TWITTER) (2013/07/13)



Subject: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is leaving the federal government.

My Comment: The departure of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano takes place exactly at a key moment.

The immigration bill is entering in the House where the discussion about border security and other issues related to immigration will be the target of hot disputes.

Probably Ms. Napolitano doesn’t want to be in the center of the debate or President Obama prefers to change the “pieces” on the board to avoid a domestic war with the opposition.

Meanwhile the former two terms Arizona Governor will enjoy her new academic mission. (2013/07/12) 



Subject: Swiss banks are dealing with the United States for tax information of American citizens.

My Comment: Approximately a year ago, after a series of negotiations, the Swiss banks agreed to give details of the transactions of German customers to Berlin with the purpose of detecting cases of tax evasion. This case opened the door to other claims….

Why they will not share the same kind of information with Washington?

In a short time, nothing will be secret in this world. (2013/07/12)


PBS - UPDATE    AIR DATE: July 11, 2013 - Jury Hears Closing Arguments From Prosecution in Trayvon Martin Murder Case

Subject: (This story was before the verdict). It talked about some political and racial organizations pushed for the punishment of the murder of Trayvon Martin.

My Comment: From the beginning, this “police case” was handled as a “political case” with racial connotations at a national level. Now, it is impossible to change the direction.

The only element on the table is that Trayvon Martin – a young black boy - is dead. It is impossible to resuscitate him and learn if he really was a bad or good guy. But he was killed by a white man with a gun.

For this reason, George Zimmerman will be punished independently even if he is innocent or guilty. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/12) 2 Recommendations


PBS - CONVERSATION    AIR DATE: July 11, 2013 - Rep. Raúl Grijalva: Strict Focus on Secure Border Fences Is 'Naive Thinking'

Subject: When the immigration bill entered to the House, Rep. Raúl Grijalva made comments against a strict border security.

My Comment: The new immigration reform is not only about “secure border” but without an efficient “secure border” every 5 or 10 years we will have 11 or more million of illegal immigrants asking for amnesty. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/12) 12 Recommendations



Subject: The U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hugel traveled to Egypt after the military coup brought down the government of President Morsi.

My Comment: The visit of the U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hugel to Egypt and his meeting with General Abdel Fattah Al Sisi several days after the coup was a risky movement.

If the new “process” doesn't work properly, the eyes of the world will accuse the U.S. as co-responsible for the failure. (2013/07/11)


PBS - ANALYSIS - AIR DATE: July 10, 2013 - Alleged Boston Marathon Bomber Pleads Not Guilty to 30 Criminal Charges

Subject: The trial against the Boston Marathon bomber started in Boston.

My Comment: The news says that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev - alleged Boston Marathon Bomber – pleaded: “Not Guilty”.

From the other side, before he was captured, the young ethnic Chechen and Muslim – also according to the news – wrote the following message: "The U.S. Government is killing our innocent civilians. I can't stand to see such evil go unpunished. We Muslims are one body. You hurt one, you hurt us all. Stop killing our innocent people and we will stop."

When we compare the “Not Guilty” statement with the previous statement, we immediately see the inconsistency of the way of thinking and acting of Mr. Tsarnaev.

If Dzhokhar Tsarnaev believes that he has the right to kill innocence people in revenge of others, he has to say in front the court: “Yes, I am guilty of the Boston’s massacre. I accept the charges…”

Cowardice is not an attribute of heroes. It is an attitude of criminals. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/11) 1 Recommendation


PBS - ANALYSIS - AIR DATE: July 9, 2013 - Could Texas Turn Blue? Democrats and Republicans Both See Lone Star Opportunity

Subject: Texan Governor Ricky Perry announced he will not pursue reelection.

My Comment: Till now Texas is a “red state”. What can Democrats offer to change the color in a short term? It doesn’t look like an easy change now. They have to work looking ahead. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/10)


 PBS - POLITICS -- July 9, 2013 at 8:55 AM EDT - Rick Perry's Exit Unleashes Texas-Sized Political Ambition - By: Christina Bellantoni

My Comment: The statement from Ricky Perry: “I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead…” shows that the Texas Governor is thinking about new challenges (The White House?). (By TWITTER) (2013/07/10)


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EUROPE



Subject: Vatican freezes assets from a monsignor who faces charges for money smuggling.

My Comment: A signal that under Pope Francis, the Vatican is changing.

During decades we read different news and comments about the corruption of members of the
Vatican bank and other Catholic institutions who managed funds of the church and donors for humanitarian projects.

Now Monsignor Nunzio Scarano is in jail and the
Vatican’s chief prosecutor froze his accounts at the Vatican bank after he was accused of participating in money smuggling activities. (2013/07/13)



Subject: The Luxembourg Prime Minister resigned for a corruption case but he plans to come back.

My Comment: According to the news, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker is resigning for a case of corruption, but he has the intention to return soon.

In the political arena, the ambition of power is more important than ethics. Nobody wants to take a step down when they make mistakes. (2013/07/10) 1 Recommendation



Subject: Germany shot down a proposal of the EU for distressed banks.

My Comment: It is very important that Germany stopped the European Commission’s proposal for a single authority to close the euro-zone banks with problems.

The euro-zone authorities have to find a point of balance among their goals and the sovereign rights of the members of the community.

Always the mega-structures with a complete centralized power are like "Titanics" without the flexibility of maneuvering in front the "icebergs" hidden in the world of economy and finance. (2013/07/10) 2 Recommendations



Subject: The European Union regulators are suing Russia on automotive imports.

My Comment: It is the first time that we hear that the European Union sues Russia.

Frequently, the EU regulators take legal actions against American companies like Microsoft, Google and others. (2013/07/09)



Subject: A Russian leader of the opposition is facing a possible jail sentence with courage after he criticized hardly the politics of President Putin.

My Comment: The Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny testifying in court is a good example of what is “courage” in Russia.

If we compare Alexei Navalny with Edward Snowden, immediately we see the differences:

- The Russian opposition leader said: “I cannot run away”. He will face jail in his own country for his ideals.

- Edward Snowden also talks about his ideals and conviction but hidden in another country and trying to escape from American justice. Mr. Snowden never showed the resolution to return to his country and testify in court. (2013/07/09)


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THE WORLD (Asia, Africa, Middle East…)



Subject: In Egypt, since the Morsi’s government crashed against the opposition and powerful institutions of the country, the “deep state” rose like when President Hosni Murabak was forced to resign.

My Comment: The “deep state” is a good framework to generate revolutions and coups, but it cannot help to deploy democratic systems because the “underground” movement doesn’t work in public. They meet in secrecy assuming they have the right to decide what is good or bad for everybody. (2013/07/13) 1 Recommendation


PBS - REPORT - AIR DATE: July 11, 2013 - In Tahrir Square, Recent Protests Have Been Scene of Rampant Sexual Assault – Part 1

My Comment: During violent riots, the Arab women cannot expect “good manners” from men who grew up in the culture of “machismo” and the subordination of woman. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/12) 1 Recommendation


PBS - REPORT - AIR DATE: July 11, 2013 - In Tahrir Square, Recent Protests Have Been Scene of Rampant Sexual Assault – Part 2

My Answer another member who doesn’t understand the differences between the Muslim and western countries: The younger generations are changing but slowly. Till now in Muslim countries, the Islamic women are dominated by men.

Also in Europe, you can see how the Arab and Turkish men treat the women.

We know about a series of testimonies of women raped by their own husbands or attacked for "mafias" when they don't follow the behavior of their countries. The sexual harassment is normal for these kinds of people. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/12)


PBS - REPORT - AIR DATE: July 9, 2013 - News Wrap: Toronto Hit With Flash Flooding, Widespread Power Outages

Subject: During the last weeks, the bad weather created serious problems in the east of Canada.

My Comment: This summer, flooding is epidemic. First, the floods hit important historic cities of Germany and also the water generated serious problems across Central and East Europe.

After that, the famous French city of Lourdes and other locations of France were affected by floods.

Next, the flooding hit some areas of the United States. Now Toronto suffers similar problems.

But water is not the only problem related with the climate during this season. California, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona were hit by wildfires due to high temperature and droughts. (By TWITTER) (2013/07/10)



Subject: After the coup, a provisional government began to rule Egypt.

My Comment: According to the news, the new Egyptian government is acting in a way to put the country in order.

First, they must include the Muslim Brotherhood in the negotiations despite this group doesn’t want to cooperate.

A national conciliation demands that all the political parties sit around the same table. It is a difficult effort, but the only path to rebuild the political foundation of the country.

From the other side, they have to block all possible infiltration of terrorist groups like al Qaeda.

If they don't act in this way,
Egypt will be the new Syria of the Middle East. (2013/07/09)


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LATIN AMERICA



Subject: Brazilian police fights hard against the crime. Frequently, they kill suspects of crime in the crime scene or before the intervention of justice.

My Comment: The story “As Crime Rattles Brazil, Killings by Police Turn Routine” says the Police in São Paulo state killed one suspect for every 229 they arrested last year, more than anywhere across the world.
We don’t have statistics to confirm the figures provided in this story, but we know that São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are dangerous cities because the bad neighborhoods are located in the middle of residential areas.

Also it is not new that in areas of high criminality, the police don’t have compassion for the suspects of crimes. They know that if they don’t kill first, later will be too late.

In general, the population supports this aggressive behavior of the police because everyone is tired of robberies, rapes and other crimes.

Today due to the drugs and poverty, other big cities in Latin America suffer similar sickness. And always when the policemen don’t react hard, the criminals rule the neighborhoods. (2013/07/13) 2 Recommendations


PBS - REPORT:  AIR DATE: July 8, 2013 - News Wrap: Countries Offer Asylum to Snowden.

Subject: Different Latin American countries offered asylum to Edward Snowden.

My Comment: The news says that Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua have offered asylum to Mr. Snowden.

But nobody explains how the NSA’s leaker can leave the Moscow airport in the direction to one of these countries. Will they send special airplanes and diplomatic personnel to Moscow? The asylum operation will be not easy.

According to the news, the former U.S. government contractor Edward Snowden is seeking political asylum in Russia for now.

In his first press conference in the Moscow Airport, Mr. Snowden participated of a panel with members of the human rights organizations and speaking to a crowd of journalists from the entire world. By TWITTER) (2013/07/09)


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EDUCATION



Subject: The Pakistani schoolgirl that was attacked for members of Taliban a year ago came to the United Nations.

My Comment: The Malala’s statement: “the extremists are afraid of book and pens” has a lot of meanings:

- It reflects the cruel reality of countries that still live in the medieval times. Countries where the women don’t have rights and the children are used as slaves. It is not only a Taliban’s problem. We see also this behavior in a lot of places across the world, in particular in the African countries where the children are used as gold miners or soldiers.

- The Malala’s words also reflect that books and pens are strong “guns” in the fight against the oppression, abuse and injustice. Everybody who can read and write, they can fight for justice.

- The “book and pens” (education) are the only way to demolish the “walls” of discrimination. (2013/07/13) 1 Recommendation


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ECONOMY, BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY



Subject: After a long investigation, a new Boeing 787 was damaged for internal fire.

My Comment: British investigators said that the batteries didn't cause the fire that damaged the Ethiopian Airlines 787. Could it be sabotage against Boeing? (2013/07/14) 1 Recommendation



Subject: RadioShack has serious financial problems and its CEO looks for new alternatives.

My Comment: RadioShack is an electronic retail chain with a long History and good and bad moments.
In the 80s and 90s, the explosion of the personal computing industry helped it grow as provider of information technology for consumers, commercial users and professionals.

Recently, the smart-phones gave it another business opportunity with devices that include new technical features and special plans of services.

Now we read the company has again financial problems, and the new CEO plans to remodel its stores and offer franchises in colleges and other institutions.

Personally, we think that Joseph Magnacca - the new RadioShack’s CEO - has to remodel the “brains” of his employees and managers.

When anybody visits an electronic store that frequently has new devices, components and tools, he or she expects to receive a good advice about the differences between a product and another and how to use or install it. The people, who don’t need a contact with a skilled salesman, buy through the Internet.

By the way, during the last few years, we visited a series of RadioShack stores in different locations across the country and really we felt disappointed by the poor skill and the non-professional attitude of the employees. (2013/07/13) 6 Recommendations



Subject: United Kingdom recalls drugs made by Indian laboratories of medicaments.

My Comment: This is a serious warning. Nobody has to play with the health of others. If you are sick, you need a medicine or drug that helps to heal.

A medical laboratory that adulterates drugs has to be closed and its owner has to be punished severely. (2013/07/11)



Subject: Microsoft unveiled an extensive plan to realign its business operations and product units.

My Comment: Microsoft CEO - Steve Ballmer - in an internal communication to the employees of the technology company announced an important reorganization under the motto: “One Strategy, One Microsoft”. He said: “We will see our product line holistically, not as a set of islands.”

The initiative is good, but we have to expect that for now we can see Microsoft as a unique and flexible technology solution and not as a bunch of problems and mystery. (2013/07/11) 1 Recommendation



Subject: Lenovo – Chinese maker of technology products - took the PC sales crown from Hewlett-Packard.

My Comment: During the last few years, HP and Dell didn’t make a big effort to continue as leaders of the PC market despite they knew Lenovo was pushing to be the No. 1.

HP made a lot of mistakes buying companies and products from different segments of the technology without a clear plan (Autonomy, Palm, 3Com…).

Dell never had the capability to jump higher in the technology sphere. It bought also a series of companies but till now it continues working like when Michael Dell started to assembly PCs in a dormitory of the university.

While the two American heroes of the PC industry were “dancing” in different ballrooms, in 2005 the Chinese maker bought the IBM PC unit and since that moment it began to deploy a solid plan of gradual steps.

Till now, we remember when we met Yang Yuanqing - Lenovo Chairman and CEO - in the meeting the Chinese company introduced itself to the IT analysts of
United States. Mr. Yang was very clear in his goals: No.1 of the PC industry.

Lenovo started its “race” in the 4 rank after HP, Dell and Acer in 2005. Now in 2013, it has achieved the top of the market. (2013/07/11) 3 Recommendations


Story: Suit Against Google's Scans Loses Class-Action Status

Subject: A suit against Google for the scanning of books is close to a settlement.

My Comment: Since the moment that Google began the massive scanning of books, the work of writers has lost value dramatically.

For the same work that six years ago a normal writer received a payment of $200 or $300 today receives $20, $30 and sometimes less than $10.

All the intellectual work in the creation of content is losing economic value including translation, proofreading, editing.

Due to this situation, the quality of writing material is also declining dramatically. Now some writers have to produce hundreds of pages per month without a serious process of analysis and creation for make their living. (2013/07/10)



Subject: Kroger is in the process to acquire the chain of Harris Teeter supermarkets.

My Comment: The story says: “Not everybody can be a winner” but the reality is that who has money and power enjoys devouring the smaller competitors.

The good point in this Kroger-Harris Teeter acquisition is that buyer is not Chinese.  (2013/07/10)



Subject: Due to the accident of the Korean airplane landing in San Francisco Airport, some people criticized the passengers who tried to carry personal stuff in the evacuation.

My Comment: Today nobody who carries a laptop computer or valuable documents wants to lose it.

For this reason, it is a good idea to travel with a backpack easy to put over the shoulders.
If everybody tries to carry in their hands all their stuff, they create problems for others.

The handling of a backpack depends of the experience of the passenger. Of course, some people need time for moving their own body fast.

In cases of accidents, nobody acts similar to others, but the hands of everybody have to be free. (2013/07/09) 2 Recommendations



Subject: Microsoft tries to buy other companies because they think their products need more horsepower.

My Comment: The story talks about the "lame horses" that Microsoft is observing. This attitude is not new. Steve Ballmer always looks for bargains.

However, Microsoft has to redefine its business model and its goals in the technology arena before looking for acquisitions of “lame horses” (companies with problems).

After a clear redefinition of what the company wants, probably it can try to acquire other companies that plug with these goals.

It doesn’t make sense to deal to buy “lame horses” (companies with problems) like Barnes & Noble, Nokia, Yahoo or Dell only because it can buy them at a bargain.

During the last decades, we saw different cases of mergers among companies that don't fit for culture problems or other reasons that ended in a complete disaster.

From the other side, the acquisition of a series of bargains doesn’t guarantee more “horsepower” for the own technologies and products of Microsoft.  (2013/07/08) 2 Recommendations


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SOURCES:

1) External Sources:
1.1) Wall Street Journal: different articles and issues.

1.2) The New York Times: different articles and issues.

1.3) PBS NewsHour: different programs and pages.

1.4) IDC press: “Lenovo Overtakes HP as the Top PC Vendor While U.S. Shipments Stabilize in the Second Quarter of 2013, According to IDC.” 10 Jul 2013 -  FRAMINGHAM, Mass.

1.5) “Gartner Press: Gartner Says Worldwide PC Shipments in the Second Quarter of 2013 Declined 10.9 Percent” - STAMFORD, Conn., July 10, 2013

1.6) United Nations: Office of Gordon and Sarah Brown: “Gordon Brown appoints Ziauddin Yousafzai as his special adviser on global education”
Note: Ziaddin Yousafzai is the father of Malala and a Pakistani educator.


2) Own Sources: My own research for previous publishing projects: TTT of Comlab Corp, Spanish English Club online.



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