Monthly Archives: April 2016

SPENDING It is not how much you make, it is how much you spend. It is not the things you have, it is the memories you make. Possessions do not bring happiness, they mainly complicate your life. To illustrate these … Continue reading →

We all choose our own path in life. Education and training for a job determine how much money one can earn through your lifetime. There is a strong correlation between education and your lifetime earning potential. How you manage that … Continue reading →

In his exercise of power at home, Xi Jinping is often ruthless. But there are limits to his daring Apr 2nd 2016 Economist Shortly before the annual session in March of China’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress, two curious … Continue reading →

Myanmar celebrates a civilian government; the generals carry on as before Apr 2nd 2016 Economist It was an extraordinary moment, and seen by many as a happy culmination to a long, often bloody and always wrenching story: this week Myanmar … Continue reading →

Venezuelan cash is almost worthless, but also scarce – You look a million bolívares Jul 12th 2018 ECONOMIST  VENEZUELAN hawkers on the border with Colombia call it “money art”. The handbags, purses and hats they sell are made from nearly new … Continue reading →

Back in court – The justices ponder messing with Texas Mar 5th 2016 Economist In their four-decade fight against Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court ruling of 1973 that recognised a right to abortion, pro-lifers have taken several tacks. One … Continue reading →

Running against Roe – The governor has signed the most restrictive abortion law in the country Apr 2nd 2016 Economist Gail Riecken, a Democratic state representative in Indiana, is the grandmother of a five-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome, a genetic … Continue reading →

Sin and politics – Evangelical churches and sin Apr 2nd 2016 Economist “If we’re gonna do what we did the other day,” Robert Bentley, the governor of Alabama, tells his aide in a recently released recording, “we’re gonna have to … Continue reading →

BACK IN CHINA March 7 – April 6 2016 After a busy 6 1/2 months on the road this winter, I am back in Hongqiao for 3-4 weeks (I still don’t have a return flight), to be with my sweetheart, … Continue reading →

The case for free trade is overwhelming. But the losers need more help Apr 2nd 2016 Economist In 2011 Ronnie Dunn, a country singer, recorded “Cost of Livin’”, a poignant song about a former factory worker’s search for a job. … Continue reading →