COMMENTS - 2013/05/05

WEEKLY BLOG COMMENTS  No. 62

DATES: 2013/04/28– 2013/05/05

ANALYST: Domingo Trassens

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Dear Friends:

The news reports of last week of April and beginning of May showed more details of the investigation of the bombing attack at the Boston Marathon and the collapse of the garment building in Bangladesh that killed more than 400 people.

It was also a bloody week in Iraq due to the explosion of a series of powerful car bombs with a lot of deaths.

President Obama visited Mexico and Costa Rica. Some of his comments in Mexico produced negative reactions in the United States.

In the economic side, the figures of the jobs and unemployment of April were better than before but didn’t generate enthusiasm in the observers who know the official numbers of US Labor Department don’t show a complete picture of the job market today.

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

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

DAT

May 5, 2013

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UNITED STATES

Story: Job Gains Calm Slump Worries

Subject: The decline of the unemployment rate to 7.5% in April slump worries of observers who only review official job numbers.

My Comment: This story says: “Jobs Gains Calm Slump Worries”. I prefer to say: Jobs gains calm for the lucky workers who found a job during the last month. Who continue in the job market have less possibilities than before because nobody reviews old resumes today. The drawers of the employment offices are full of applications that an officer never reads. (2013/05/04)

Story: Boston Suspect Died From Gunshots, Blunt Trauma

Subject: The official certificate of the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev didn’t add data or more details about the Boston’s bombing attack.

My Comment: The new information about the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev doesn’t give more relevant data about the key issues related to the Boston Marathon bombings. (2013/05/04) 4 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Immigration Overhaul Tests Mexican Partnership – Part 1

Subject: During the visit to Mexico, President Obama spoke to the population about the new U.S. immigration law.

My Comment: From my point of view, the American authorities don’t need the okay of the Mexican people about U.S. immigration law. (2013/05/04) 21 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Immigration Overhaul Tests Mexican Partnership – Part 2

My Comment: The United States is a sovereign nation. And the immigration law is an issue related to our sovereignty. For this reason, it is not appropriate that we discuss immigration with Mexicans, Canadians, Cubans, Russians or others. (2013/05/05) 8 Recommendations

Story: Obama: Time to Reset Partnership with Mexico

Subject: President Obama met the Mexican President and both leaders talked about a partnership between the two countries.

My Comment: It is positive that U.S. and Mexico maintain good relationships because both countries are neighbors.

Nonetheless, the “border control” with Mexico has to be very rigorous and effective.

Partnership: Yes! Illegal immigration and drugs: No! (2013/05/03) 4 Recommendations

Story: Pentagon Bulks Up 'Bunker Buster' Bomb to Combat Iran

Subject: Some sources comment Pentagon developed special bombs to destroy the Iranian nuclear bunker if it is necessary. Meanwhile, the US authorities expect changes in the Iranian politics after the June elections.

My Comment: I don’t believe the election of June will shift the military goals of the Iranians. Behind the scene, the elite that rules the country, it will be the same.

From the other side, during decades, the regime indoctrinated the young generation with hate against Israel and the United States. (2013/05/03)

Story: U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 to Payrolls

Subject: During April, the U.S. economy added 165,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.5%.

My Comment: The unemployment rate (7.5%) of April looks better, but this is only a drawing. 

In the real world, the job search continues difficult and it is possible to perceive the frustration on the street. 

Some analysts say that we will need a decade to fix the job market. (2013/05/03) 3 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Charges Three More in Boston Marathon Case

Subject: The investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing revealed at least 2 other foreign students were involved with the suspects of the attacks.

My Comment: The advance in the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing is showing a poor image of the immigration system related to student visas.

Youngsters from other countries come to Boston like students and use their time in dirty affairs.

At least in the civilized countries, it is not funny that guys of 19 use their time to make bombs, kill people and produce destruction. (2013/05/02)

Story: Three Suspects in Custody in Boston Case

Subject: Three friends of the youngster bombing attacker helped him to hide evidences.

My Comment: It is good news that the bombing investigation is bringing more elements to know all about the criminal attacks that destroyed the lives of a lot of normal people.

Sometimes, those who have never lived the drama of a bombing attack don’t realize the magnitude of this kind of crime when all is smoke, blood, debris and confusion. (2013/05/01) 4 Recommendations

Story: Obama Seeks Consensus on Syria

Subject: President Obama seeks international consensus on Syrian case to take direct action about possible chemical weapons used during the civil war.

My Comment: In the case of Syria, the expression “international community” does imply nothing. If United States really “seeks consensus”, President Obama has to talk personally with President Putin. Any new debate through the United Nations will be fruitless. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

Story: Female DNA Found on Bomb in Boston Attack

My Comment: In cases like bombing attacks, everybody who is near the potential attackers has responsibilities if they know about the plans and they don’t stop the crime before it happens. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

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EUROPE

Story: The Russians Are Shrinking!

Subject: Some recent studies show the abuse of the drink could shrink dramatically the Russian population in the next decades.

My Comment: The information says that the Russian population is shrinking due to the abuse of the drink.

It is not our business to advise the Russians of their drinking problems. They have to decide for themselves, what is good or bad for their country. (2013/05/04) 13 Recommendations

Story: Willem-Alexander Becomes King of Netherlands

Subject: During the week, Willem-Alexander became new King of Netherlands.

My Comment: If 78% of the Dutch population supports the monarchy, we can say nothing. Each country has to decide about its government model and institutions. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

Story: About 35 Hurt in Prague Gas Blast

My Comment: The information about the explosion in Praga remarks that it was not a terrorist attack. However when a powerful explosion happens, there is a reason. Frequently it is due to the negligence of somebody. Who was responsible? The story doesn’t’ give any elements. (2013/04/29) 

Story: New Italian Government Sworn In

Subject: The Italian politician Enrico Letta was designated new Prime Minister.

My Comment: We have to hope that Enrico Letta performs his new public function of Italian Prime Minister without receiving “tips”.

According to the research the Italian media, one or two years ago he received some “tips” that stained his political background. (2013/04/28)

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THE WORLD: Asia, Middle East, Africa…

Story: Israel Launched Attack in Syria, U.S. Says

Subject: Israel launched a second attack against Syrian targets to stop heavy weapons that come to the extremist groups.

My Comment: In the case of Syria, everybody - Israel, Russia, Iran… - has clear goals with the exception of the US. We put money – humanitarian aid and more…- everywhere, but we don’t have control of our actions. (2013/05/04) 5 Recommendations

Story: The Global Garment Trail: From Bangladesh to a Mall Near You

Subject: The series of accidents that killed hundred of garment workers in Bangladesh has generated different protests across of the world.

My Comment: In brief, the series of Bangladesh’s tragedies show that the world is living in a new kind of slavery supported by big international organizations that don’t want to pay the true job cost and they have branches and partners across the poorest countries of the globe.

These organizations are using the hunger and basic needs of a lot of people to the benefit of their business ambitions and profitability.

The case is serious because all these organizations have the tacit agreement of corrupt politicians who don’t care for the health of their people. (2013/05/04) 4 Recommendations

Story: North Korea Sentences U.S. Citizen to 15 Years Hard Labor

Subject: U.S. Citizen was condemned to 15 years of hard labor for a court in North Korea.

My Comment: Everybody knows the risks of any mistake in North Korea. Kenneth Bae is not the first American citizen sentenced by Pyongyang. Now, the point is what will be the cost of his “stupidity”. (2013/05/02) 2 Recommendations

Story: China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors

Subject: Chinese garment manufacturers are moving their factories to Asian neighbors with cheaper payrolls costs.

My Comment: The reality is that nobody wants to pay the labor cost. With this criterion, now the manufacturers are looking for the last countries with slaves. Probably in the future also the slaves will be replaced by robots. (2013/05/01)

Story: Retailers Seek Plan to Prevent Disasters

My Comment: In Bangladesh, the disasters are consequences of the slavery conditions of the garment factories. If the social conditions of the workers don’t improve, the better conditions of the buildings don’t guarantee a complete solution of the issue. (2013/05/01)

Story: Owner of Collapsed Building Arrested on India Border

My Comment: Only one responsible? I believe in this case there is more than one. Probably they are high officers of the government. Everybody has to go to jail for the rest of their lives or die under the stone debris of the collapsed building. (2013/04/28) 1 Recommendation

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LATIN AMERICA

Opinion: Opinion: Kirchner Targets Argentina's Judiciary

Subject: Argentine President Cristina Kirchner is trying to destroy the Judiciary system of the country.

My Comment: In Argentina, the people are disappointed with the government since the time of Nestor Kirchner, but if more than 50% of the voters continue voting wrong, they cannot complain.

The plans of Cristina Kirchner are very clear: Take all the necessary steps to implement “a civil dictatorship” under a faded umbrella with the label of “democracy”. (2013/04/28) 11 Recommendations

Opinion: Opinion: Kirchner Targets Argentina's Judiciary

My Comment answering to somebody who says all the Argentine citizens are responsible of the political problems of the country : Thank you for your comment, but I know directly about the Argentine problem today through a lot of people who currently live in Argentina and are disappointed with the Ms. Kirchner and the previous presidents.

Cristina, like her husband and the former President Menem uses the technique to divide her enemies. She has good "teachers" next to her.

During 2012 in Buenos Aires and other cities, a lot of people went to the street shouting against Ms. Kirchner. However, always in the moment of an election, the people against the regime don’t have a strong leader. They are all divided and also some citizens don’t vote because they feel frustrated.

More than 50 years after the first Peron’s presidency, the Peronistas – with different names and leaders - continue using the technique of divide the opposition. From the other side, the Radicales are very stupid to find a good formula. In between Peronistas and Radicales there are other groups without any strong power to change the direction of the politics.

Additionally, Ms. Kirchner has the support of the ideologists of the Montoneros, the "Madres de Plaza de Mayo" and other leftist groups who destroyed the country with a terrible civil war in the 1970s. Meanwhile, a lot of western intellectuals – in special from Europe - continue believing in the "fairy tales" of the "Madres de Plata de Mayo".

By the way, all the generals and military leaders who made mistakes during the civil war are in jail, but the Montoneros and other leftist leaders who also killed people and put bombs everywhere are involved with the current government.

As I said before, Cristina Kirchner is going to consolidate a “civil dictatorship” with the disguise of a “faded democracy”. It is very difficult for a divided opposition to confront her and her government apparatus. (2013/04/29) 10 Recommendations

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ECONOMY, BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY

Story: Intel Names Krzanich as New CEO 

Subject: Intel’s board designed the successor of Paul Otellini who will retire during May.

My Comment: Intel named Brian Krzanich as new CEO and Renée James as president, in a movement that implies the promotion of two executives who grew across different positions inside the company and they know very well its culture.

Brian M. Krzanich, current COO of the company, was before general manager of manufacturing and supply chain.

Renée James is leader of the software units of the company.

I believe both – Brian and Renée - will carry the Intel t-shirt with self-respect for the semiconductor leader. (2013/05/02) 2 Recommendations

Story: Alibaba Takes Aim at Google's Android

Subject: Alibaba is aiming against Android operating system with the support of the Chinese institutions.

My Comment: In brief, the information says that Alibaba aims at Google’s Android through its operating system project. I don’t have doubts the Chinese ambitions include software dominance.

Since the Chinese Internet and software explosion, the Chinese government began to block Google with the intention to give their own software and Internet companies the possibility to overlap Google.

The Chinese want to be Number 1 in all the segments of technology including software.

The software is key component in the cyber-war and is the control of the business and economy of the world.

However, in this case, if the rest of the world prefers Android, it will not be easy to change this preference.

In the software arena, the dominance of one or another operating system platform requires a global consensus of software developers, application integrators, OEMs, hardware partners, information systems services, technology and information systems consultants, institutional users, commercial users and consumer users. (2013/04/30) 

  

Story: Fiat Posts Loss on European Weakness

Subject: Fiat posted losses in the last quarter due to the weakness of the European automotive market.

My Comment: The European crisis comes from one or two years ago. Last year, Peugeot-Citroen – second European car maker - reported deep losses. (2013/04/29)

Story: Amazon Grows, and Spends

Subject: Amazon continues expanding its business through new important investments.

My Comment: The story says: “Amazon Grows, and Spends”. I prefer to say: “Amazon Grows, and Invests”. Since its first days, this e-commerce company always invested a lot of money in its foundation to continue growing. (2013/04/28)

RETHINKING - 2013/04/27

Different informative sources commented during the last days that somebody sent letters with a poison to U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (Republican, Miss.) and President Obama and a judge.

After a series of investigations, FBI agents arrested a man from Mississippi with apparently frustrated political goals. Till now it is not clear how the case will end.

Meanwhile, a lot of questions are in the air: Have these letters any connection with the Boston Marathon bombing? Are they part of another terrorist conspiracy?  Or is this the “hand” of a mentally sick person?

DAT

RETHINKING - 2013/04/25

A week after the Boston Marathon bombing attack, Heather Abbott who was seriously wounded by one of the bombs, had to make a difficult decision: to try to keep her mangled foot, or amputate her leg. With a lot of courage, she decided for the second option.

In the place of Heather, what decision would you take? Live for the rest of your life with a badly wounded foot or amputate your leg?

DAT  

RETHINKING - 2013/04/24

From Dhaka, Bangladesh, informative sources comment that a garment factory building collapsed killing at least 235 people. 

Before this accident and since last November in a series of fires at several garment factories, 700 people have died.

In all the cases, the authorities and owners of the factories don’t show sorrow for the dead workers. Their only worry is the risk to lose the international clients who look for cheap manufacturing.

My reflection: In the current Millennium, can somebody feels comfortable wearing clothes that are produced by slaves who die for the benefit of corrupt politicians and businessmen?

DAT

RETHINKING - 2013/04/23

Apple announced the financial results for its fiscal 2013 second quarter ended March 30, 2013 with revenues of $43.6 billion, up 11% compared year-over-year, a net income of $9.5 billion, down 18% also compared with the same period of the previous year. 

Additionally it reported sales of 37.4 million units of iPhones (up 7% year-over-year) and 19.5 million units of iPads (up 65% year-over-year). 

In spite of these results, investors and analysts showed disagreement and all Wall Street perceived the bad mood.

My observation: Why is it every time that a “star” doesn't shine like at other opportunities, everybody is in a bad mood? The impatience of investors frequently damages public companies. 

DAT

RETHINKING - 2013/04/22

A week after the Boston bombing attack, the news is Dzhokhar Tsarnaev - a young man 19-year old – who became famous for the crime he committed together with his brother.

The case opens a lot of question marks about the behavior of the youngsters, immigration, religious fanaticism, the security of the big cities and more.

My point: Is Dzhokhar a human being or a “robot”? If he really is a human being, what kind of human sensitivity has? Only robots or devils can commit crimes of the magnitude of the Boston Marathon’s bombing.   

DAT

COMMENTS - 2013/04/21

WEEKLY BLOG COMMENTS (WBC) – No.60 V.1.1

DATES: 2013/04/14– 2013/04/21

ANALYST: Domingo Trassens

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Dear Friends:

The third week of April was shaken by the bombing attack at the Boston Marathon. Also other very important subjects were the explosion in Texas, the voting of the gun control bill in the Senate and the proposals about a new immigration law.

In the economic side, a series of technology companies – Intel, IBM, Yahoo, Nokia… - showed weak results for the period January-March 2013.

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

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

DAT

April 21, 2013

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UNITED STATES

Story: Before Suspect's Capture, a Day on Lockdown

Subject: The manhunt of the two brothers from Chechnya who are the suspect bombing attackers at the Boston Marathon.

My Comment: Two young guys of 26 and 19 from Chechnya paralyzed Boston area for more than 4 days. This is a good subject for a book of terror. (2013/04/20) 3 Recommendations

Story: Opinion: The Brothers Tsarnaev – Part 1

Subject: Different images of the brothers Tsamaev since they arrived to the United States and after the bombing attack.

My Comment: “The hunt is over” but till now it is not possible to achieve serious “conclusions”.

The case is completely open. There are a lot of question marks:

-Why ()did they made the bombing attack?

-Who supported the two brothers?
-Who is behind them?

-And about IMMIGRATION, this case shows again that the entrance of refugees who come from countries destroyed by terrorist activities requires very special procedures. When the officers of Homeland Security give visas to people from areas with civil wars or totalitarian regimes, before they authorize the entrance into the country, they have to research more than twice if they are “criminals” disguised like “tender lambs”. (2013/04/20) 7 Recommendations

Story: Opinion: The Brothers Tsarnaev – Part 2

My Comment: Somebody suggested that probably the Chechen brothers had resentment... What kind of resentment could the youngest have?

According to the news, Homeland Security gave him American citizenship and the people of Boston, Massachusetts helped pay for his studies.

From my point of view, both had the criminality in their blood or they were “robots” of an extremist group. (2013/04/20) 11 Recommendations

  

Story: Democrats Regroup on Guns

Subject: After the voting of the gun control bill in the Senate, the Democrats try to regroup.

My Comment: The result of the Senate’s voting was a serious defeat for the promoters of the gun control bill.

Somebody said the voting was a “pyrrhic victory”. (2013/04/19) 2 Recommendations

Story: A Grim Day for a Small Town

Subject: A big explosion in a factory of a small town of Texas left a lot of deaths and damages.

My Comment: The title of this story says: “A Grim Day for a Small Town”. I would like to summarize the news of the Texas’s explosion and the Boston bombing attack with the expression: “A Grim Week for all the Country”.

Both tragedies touch us intimately with pain, death and panic. (2013/04/19) 3 Recommendations

Story: Opinion: Now He's After Your 401(k)

Subject: One analyst from Wall Street Journal suggests that the current administration of the White House wants to limit the high incomes of the retirees.

My Comment: The “social models” that tie your hands and restrict your possibilities to be who you want to be are totalitarian. (2013/04/18)

Story: Senate Scuttles Gun Limits

Subject: Before the voting of the background-check bill (gun-controls) different groups pressured the members of the Senate to pass the bill without objections.

My Comment: The background-check bill requires that everybody votes according to his/her own principles independently of the political game that we see behind this case. The country needs real solutions and not winners and losers. (2013/04/17) 3 Recommendations

Story: Nation's Oldest Marathon, and a Local Holiday Tradition

Subject: Two explosions of bombs put shadows at the Boston Marathon.

My Comment: The terrorism always wrecks the life of normal people, independently of the flags it lifts.

The Boston Marathon was a good target to generate popular panic in America, wounding and killing people.

These attacks are a serious alert for the country and an infamous crime against the people. (2013/04/16)

Story: Kerry Focuses on Iran, North Korea Leaders

Subject: During a conference in Japan, Secretary of State John Kerry focused Iran and North Korea like the same block due both countries work in the development of nuclear technology without the agreement of the international community.

My Comment: Personally, I don’t think it is a good idea to put North Korea and Iran in the same basket… (2013/04/15)

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EUROPE

Story: Serbia, Kosovo Reach Deal Ahead of EU Meeting

Subject: Serbia and Kosovo work to put down their disputes with the intention to be accepted as new members of the European Union.

My Comment: The preliminary accord between Serbia and Kosovo is an important step for a permanent peace across the Balkans countries. However, it is not enough to heal the wounds that remain open in the Serb and Muslim communities of the region. (2013/04/20)

Story: Merkel's Rivals Struggle To Find Election Foothold

Subject: In Germany, the candidate of SPD – Peer Steinbrück – for the September election attacks his rival Angela Merkel. 

My Comment: The September election in Germany is a duel between Angela Merkel and Peer Steinbrück. While everybody knows the good and bad sides of Angela Merkel, Mr. Steinbrück is a big question mark. … (2013/04/15) 1 Recommendation

  

Story: German Trial Spotlights Alleged Spies

Subject: Two Russians spies with Austrian passports and natives from Argentina and Peru respectively were found guilty of espionage against the western countries.

My Comment: These spies are lucky that they have been caught in Germany, a country where the jails are better than the average. (2013/04/14)

1 Recommendation

Story: Pope Begins Vatican Overhaul

Subject: Pope Francis began the overhaul of the cases of priest sexual abuse.

My Comment: We have to hope Pope Francis takes effective action against the priest sexual abuse cases. If the Catholic Church loses this opportunity, nobody will believe anymore in the institution.  (2013/04/14) 4 Recommendations

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THE WORLD:  Asia, Middle East, Africa…

Story: Musharraf Flees as Court Orders Arrest – Part 1

Subject: The former Pakistani dictator challenged the Islamabad High Court that ordered his arrest.

My Comment: The escape of Pervez Musharraf from the Islamabad High Court with military protection shows that the former Pakistani president has enough influence in the army institutions to challenge the judicial apparatus of the country and put in a checkmate to his political enemies. (2013/04/18) 

Story: Pakistan Ex-President Musharraf Is Arrested – Part 2

My Comment: After all the actions that we saw during the last few days, we have to suspect that former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf returned to his country with clear political goals.

Since 2008, when Mr. Musharraf left power, Pakistan is living in chaos and with the “stain” of having given refuge to Osama bin Laden.

Under all these circumstances, Pervez Musharraf represents a possible important option for a lot of Pakistanis including members of the military institutions. (2013/04/19) 3 Recommendations

Story: Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad Quits

Subject: Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad resigned due to serious differences with other members of the government of Palestine. Mr. Fayyad was considered a “friend” of the western nations.

My Comment: Always the good politicians with professional qualifications are the target of corrupt people. 2013/04/04 2 Recommendations

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LATIN AMERICA

Story: Tensions Surge in Venezuela After Vote

Subject: Nicolás Maduro after his victory, assumed the office of Venezuelan president in the middle of serious complaints from the opposition that wanted a recount of the votes.

My Comment: The future of Venezuela looks gloomy but only the Venezuelans can modify their destiny. Now they will learn the consequences of regimes like the Chavismo. … (2013/04/15) 1Recommendation

Story: Political Tension Rises After Tight Venezuela Election

My Comment: Now Nicolás Maduro has to show if he really has the capability to lead Venezuela by himself. The “test” will be difficult because the country is divided and the opposition looks strong. … (2013/04/15) 2 Recommendations

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ECONOMY, BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY

Story: TSMC Expects Lift from Smartphones, Tablets

Subject: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing posted positive figures for its last financial quarter with good expectations for the current period.

My Comment: Today Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) is smiling while other technology companies cry.

Its case is very interesting. It works for others and the others are the providers of chips for the smart-phone niche.

TSMC is the largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry (a chip fabrication plant).

One of the most important customers is Qualcomm, a strong provider of chips for the phone and tablet makers.

In brief, while the majority of the companies involved in the PC business are in trouble, the “revenues” of the members of the “chain” of the smart-phone sector grow. (2013/04/20)

Story: IBM Finds Itself Singing the Growth Blues

Subject: According to the story, IBM blames to the software business for its last poor financial results.

My Comment: The real news is IBM presented weak figures in the financial results of its first 2013 quarter.

Its total revenues were $23.408 billion, down 5.1% compared with the first 2012 quarter and its net income was $3.032 billion, down 1.1% also compared with the previous year.

Despite some comments of the story posted by Wall Street Journal we cannot blame the IBM Software unit for the bad results because the other key units of technology company: Global Technology Services, Global Business Services and Systems and Technology registered negative growths.

Really, all its business units declined with the exception of the Global Financing Division that grew 1.9%.

In summary, IBM showed a poor image like its operations and projects didn’t work well during the last quarter. (2013/04/20)

Story: Blackstone Ends Pursuit of Dell

Subject: The investor group that offered to pay the biggest price for the acquisition of the stocks of Dell ended its bid.

My Comment: The news says Blackstone ended its bid for Dell Inc paying $24.4 billion.

From my point of view, Michael Dell didn’t accept the offer because Blackstone wanted to change the management of the company.

I believe this was the conflictive point with Michael Dell who wants to continue as CEO of the company.

Meanwhile, the future of the PC maker continues uncertain. The decline of the personal computer business makes difficult any other solution. (2013/04/20)

Story: Apple Takes Another Tumble

Subject: Before the publication of the financial results of the last quarter, Apple anticipated its sales of iPhones were less than previous expectations.

My Comment: The title of this story: “Apple Takes Another Tumble” is more than dramatic. In the technology business, the ups and downs are normal to the industry. Really, these fluctuations don’t imply falls. (2013/04/19) 

Story: IBM in Talks to Sell Part of Its Server Unit to Lenovo

Subject: Some rumors say IBM is talking with Lenovo to sell its x86 Servers unit. Lenovo is the Chinese company that in 2005 bought the IBM PC unit.

My Comment: When IBM sees that one of its business units is not more profitable, it sells it. During the last ten years, the technology leader sold its printing systems to Ricoh, its hard disk unit to Hitachi and its PC package to Lenovo. (2013/04/19)

Story: Nokia's Turnaround Under Time Pressure

Subject: Nokia posted better financial results than in the previous quarters, but it registered losses again.  

My Comment: The fall of Nokia was deep due to its slow reaction in front of the advance of Apple and Samsung in the niche of smart-phones.

Now we cannot expect its financial recovery will be fast. It is important that in the last two quarters, the Finnish company improved its results.

Personally, I think Stephen Elop, Nokia CEO, has to strengthen the position of the Lumia in the segment of smart-phones, but without disregarding their other business lines. (2013/04/18)