#TROUBLE AHEAD AS #ICE SHELF DEVASTATED IN #ANTARCTIC

 REUTERS

Thinning Antarctic ice shelf finally crumbles after heatwave

By Isla Binnie

March 25 (Reuters) - An East Antarctica ice shelf disintegrated this month following a period of extreme heat in the region, according to scientists.

Satellite images show the 1,200 square-kilometre Conger Ice Shelf collapsed completely on or around March 15.

"Possible it hit its tipping point following the #Antarctic #AtmosphericRiver and heat wave too?" asked NASA Earth and Planetary Scientist Catherine Colello Walker on Twitter on Friday, sharing images of a white expanse crumbling into shards over the dark ocean.

READ MORE

EXTREME HEAT WAVE STRIKES BOTH POLES

CLIMATE CHANGE ACCELERATING BEYOND BELIEF

HE GETS IT! #BernieSanders US Senator - Declared Nation's Hero

HE GETS IT!

"Global Warming is a Greater Threat than Al Qaeda"

Monday, October 21, 2013 -  Bernie Sanders -UNITED STATES Senator for Vermont

US SENATOR

Bernie Sanders

Calls for War on Global Warming

Declared
National HER0 2013

Visit 
The Senator's Official Website 

Read More

Applause!, Applause! Why have we declared US Senator , Bernie Sanders, the American 2013 National Hero?

Because Senator Bernie Sanders, well  -  HE GETS IT! And if we also had an International 2013 Super Hero Award (Bigger than a Nobel Prize), we would award him that one too. And when he shows up to speak at our International Award Ceremonies next year, we want every one of you there to praise, celebrate and applaud the wisest, smartest and most forward-looking member of the US Senate in decades, if not centuries. When is 2016 anyway?

This prize comes because of Senator Sander's courage and leadership, by stating that Global Warming is an even greater threat to the United States of America, than Al Qaeda terrorists, or for that matter we add, any terrorist group. How right you are Mr Senator, Sir. Now let's see if the rest of your colleagues can follow your heroic historic call to arms. We are not holding our breath.

Let's not forget that the good Senator Sanders also represents the great and wise state of Vermont. A place where people are still plain folks, caring neighbors and warm friendly communities. A State and a people, who share a greater connection with nature's life and are not the disconnected zombies of hub-bub urban sprawl. And its stunning intoxicating scenery, challenges the best real estate in paradise,(Guess we kinda like Vermont, eh!). All this is reflected in the quality of leadership that these wise folks have chosen to represent their democratic interests. He Gets It!  

They say too, that the State of Vermont, is the home and founding state of good ole fashion common sense. Is there something in that Maple Syrup?  We could go on for hours singing high praises of these wonderful people, its scenery and down to earth values..Google's servers still aren't large enough yet.  But rather, we ask that you visit Senator Sander's official congressional website, that we have linked to above - hear the words straight from the horse's mouth. You will be amazed by how insightful, balanced and wise this guy actually is - he's the "lke" for our times!  

Then you will also see why he won the highly coveted American 2013 National HERO Award - HE GETS IT!  And so does the home of common sense, the beautiful state of Vermont - THEY GET IT!  

Remember keep thinking 2016, "I Like Bernie - HE GETS IT! 

Dr. Peter G. Kinesa
October 26, 2013

Vermont

Beautiful Common Sense

Where It All Began...

   

Five Billion People Face Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity

Five Billion At Risk

Read More

By the end of this century with concurrent trending in population growth it is projected that up to five billion people could be exposed towater scarcity. These figures are according to a recent scientific research letter published in IPOScience  (read more  above).  Here’s the real scary part – that assumes that temperature does not rise 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. Guess what? We are trending to go higher because restrictive measures are not being implemented.  The number should be bigger!

The report referenced provides ample numerical, mathematical and modeling analysis if you have a geeky urge.  What cannot be emphasized enough is that we are not just talking about ducks and daisies here – we are talking about the essence of human life. Climate change is not a bad dream to be swept under the media carpet, and ignoring it may not affect our lives, but the misery we are leaving our children, grand children and so on, has never been imagined by any word constructions of any dictionary on the planet.

Now, I leave you with no further words - just that thought…  

Dr Peter G Kinesa

October 17,2013

Popular Museum Attraction - 2133 AD 

#California Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

#California Smoke Gets in Your  Eyes 
(Read More)

NASA Satellite View

Earlier we posted an important climate economic graph reflecting the upward shift in temperatures in six California regions - 1950 to 2010. If there are any doubters out there who think that a warmer climate is not causing displacements and health hazards to human conditions then they are certainly missing the tides of what may come. Major wildfires such as Yosemite pose not only health and living hazards, but the economic costs associated with containment and prevention may become overwhelming for a State already struggling with its finances.

And the wildfire damage also leads to further erosion in the quality of top soil. This means when the rains do come the coastal mountains respond by covering the scenic PCH with tons of fallen earth. Again giving rise to more costs to be born as the  sequential consequences of a warming climate   

Furthermore, fears of fire triggered by the smallest ember could lead to stricter regulations on campfires, barbecues, fireworks and maybe even smoking of any sort.These regulations would also affect other industries, commerce and tourism. At this point, no one knows what to anticipate as the climate's rising temperatures makes many areas much dryer. 

For sure, if conditions persist, the State will not be able escape deep economic consequences in the years ahead. Adding another concern to our list of non-financial metrics.

Dr Peter G Kinesa
September 5, 2013

  "On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair

Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air..

 Welcome to..."

Eagles, Lyrics Hotel California

   

Top Economic Graph "CALIFORNIA STEAMING"

Top Economic Graph "CALIFORNIA STEAMING"  

(Read More)

 

Here again we can look at key non-financial metrics that dig deeper into the wealth of an economy. California is already plagued by financial woes as budgetary deficits have brought the state to the brink many times. It is dancing on thin ice and requires the environment and climate to co-operate, if there is any hope of repairing fiscal issues. Not likely, as these climate graphs indicate.

Since 1950, the min and max temperatures have been increasing in all six regions in the state. Warmer temperatures means more wildfires as well as poorer growing conditions for agriculture, a major export from the state. This also means the supply of water will become more critical to serve both local fire-fighting and agricultural needs. This can only mean higher costs that will get passed on to food production; in turn consumers.

So, with this in mind we should keep a focused eye on the number and size of wildfires given their far-reaching economic implications within and outside the state. Hopefully, the Santa Ana winds don't make surfers and surfing also a past-time similar to those of California sun-bathers from millions of years ago.

Or, I wish they ought to be... 

Dr Peter G Kinesa

September 4, 2013

Land of the Endless Summer?

#Bloomberg - #Detroit Gone to the Dogs (Video)

Bloomberg - #Detroit Gone to the Dogs (Video)

Detroit's recent bankruptcy filing places it at the top of our list of major economic events along with the other circumstances that surround it. To many these events go beyond the horrors of a Hollywood epic. Because we know they are real!

This is a great multi-media article using both a supporting video and slide show to provide a substantive visual sense of just how bad it is on the streets of Detroit these days. There are wild hungry dogs roaming the streets; painting a picture of a lost world at damnation's edge. Raving animals who have been left behind by stressed owners unable to neither care nor feed their once beloved pets. And certainly for many of these family pets, the cycle of life mirrors the destitution of their former or current caregivers.

Bloomberg's story is a good one, reminding us that there are so many ways to view this city's plight from a human, economic, social and political perspective. Emphasizing that the determiners we use have not been enough to warn us to hit the breaks, long before the train speeds over the cliff. 

What can be learnt from this city's history - falling from the penthouse to the doghouse in less than a century? Where do we begin with our line of inquiry? Is there anything that can ever be done, particularly when global conditions are poised to worsen? 

Many questions without easy answers - and perhaps hiding omens of things to come.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

August 23,  2013

Downtown Detroit 1950's - 

Amazing Picture

#JAPAN - Radiation Leaks Escalate - Markets Nervous?

JAPAN - Radiation Leaks Escalate - Markets Nervous?

(Read More)

Stop the Nukes?

Continuing to keep an eye on this radioactive hot spot as it has significant implications on just about everything; including the Japanese money markets, economy, currency and world energy prices.  

Should pressure from this growing public concern force Japan's return to fossil fuels, then it should add further to global oil demand, moving prices much higher. What is really more concerning are the effects of this radiation on living and environmental conditions. Is there a possibility of turning parts of Japan into a giant nuclear wasteland? Remember too, the same folks trying to fix this problem were the ones who caused it! Einstein did not think that this was a good idea.

Lets not also forget that this will dampen interest in nuclear power, as an alternative to fossil fuel, around the world. Not good for an industry that is already struggling with slowing demand. But a positive change for fish stocks and those who depend on them for survival.

Meanwhile, do you ever wonder about the intelligence of our species?

"Jack, let's build a nuclear reactor?"

"Where Steve?"

"How's about by the ocean near lots of people and fish that sits on a fault line exposed to large tidal waves?"

"Are you sure Steve?"

"Certainly - it is the most economically viable choice"

Now imagine that some form of this line of simple reasoning actually occurred. Worse. It will probably happen again. 


Dr Peter G Kinesa
August 14, 2013

Remaining Fukushima Fish demand  vote?

CLIMATE CHANGE - #China's Economy Overheated

CLIMATE CHANGE 
(Read More)
CHINA'S ECONOMY OVERHEATED

Sometimes a pictures can tell us more than all the numbers and words combined together, as evidenced by our captioned photographic gem. China is experiencing its worst heat wave in 140 years, while the economic measures continue to move it on the path of unbridled growth, that contaminates the water and environment to the point where arable land for the nation of 1.4 billion people is also rapidly contracting. Without resources, lets not forget, there can be no economic outputs.

So do you think that there may be something wrong with our global economic doctrine? Can it be sustained? Perhaps this picture has a clue to these questions' answers.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

August 5, 2013

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS - Peter #Kinesa #JimRogers #EricSprott #FDIC

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS:

Week Ended, August 4, 2013

DR. PETER G. KINESA'S
INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS

"PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS"


 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

www.pwa2100.blogspot.com

 

 

US BANKS HUGE PROBLEM PERSISTS -Unofficial Problem Banks - FDIC Report

(Read More)

Hmm ... Emerging Pattern?

Despite how others are interpreting the latest figures, reported by the FDIC - we do not share their same enthusiasm. In fact, we have grave concerns, as the pattern appears to mimic the one experienced during the credit humbling days of the Great Depression. Here are some numbers to consider.

In Q2 2009, nine months after the meltdown, only 4.7% of the 8,195 insured banks were classified as problems. By the second quarter of 2012, the percentage rose to 13.3% of 7,513 insured creditors - at the same time, over 600 banks had vanished for a host of reasons. Today, we are looking at a figure of 10.3%, on a total report of 7,018 insured banks. Now these percentages do look somewhat comparable, in shape, to the 1930-32 period graph for bank failures, prior to the big collapse of 1933. Spooky.

Add to this numerical and graphic analysis, the fact that we have seen an extended period of monetary and quantitative easing, that has not seen benefits flow down to the Main Street banks. Disturbing! These banks are indeed no where near the numbers reported just nine months after the great 2008 meltdown - 4.7% to 10.3%. Meaning the problems have not been fixed to any great extent by policy measures, so far.

But could there be another 1933 in a year or two? The odds are good that a further market and credit meltdown is in the cards. First, because policy has had very little impact on the credit system's organic health; and secondly, a rise in interest rates would deflate financial and property assets, and thereby wipe out much of the equity in an already problematic and highly levered system. Thirdly, let's not forget that the global economy is fragile and exposed to contract widely with minor tremors.

These numbers and analysis are forewarning, so it would be wise for policy-makers to have the toxic-asset bail-out (disaster) plans in place well before events transpire, breaking the bank machine. But, should we ever expect them to Think ahead? Perhaps as 2008 indicates, the idea is just too novel.

Investors should also take note that another credit crunch is, not only terrible for markets, but also the domestic economy, as the banking system that is even numerically weaker than it was back in 2009, cannot quickly act to stabilise both activity and valuation contractions. Meaning that the breach in valuations could also be much greater than the September 2008 meltdown losses, as market liquidity is also more susceptible to rapid tightening with weaker banks.

To close, analyse and draw your own conclusions, but we cannot help having this sinking feeling inside - there is something in the Autumn Air.

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

First Financial Insights

August 2, 2013

When the bank machines are broken, expect...

One big point in all this is that we simply do not have the diagnostic measures to advise us when the economy, markets and banks are headed for big troubles. This case is somewhat different in that the mathematics of financial valuations is just lurking out there, ready to pounce asset values downwards. It also makes sense from a physical economic view to see values decline, as we exponentially use the planet's resources, while printing buckets of money. No matter what markets, economics and governments cannot win the fight against physics and mathematics - it is hence only a matter of time.

Dr. Peter G Kinesa
August 2, 2013

The Jim Rogers Blog : WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE! - There is a huge artificial Boom (video)

We are right behind Jim on this issue and recommend reminding yourself often and keeping an eye the ball, not getting caught when the trap collapses.

INVESTORS' INSIGHTS

This is beginning to sound like a chorus line with a song that sings about the coming collapse of almost every kind of asset value. We recently commented in The New York Times that values could collapse by as much as 50% should long rates rise by 2% or more. Readers got mad at us, but it's not our fault, because we did not invent financial mathematics - someone else did! Nor we do believe that these rules are open to negotiation, legislation or persuasion of any kind. They are absolute.

So how did we ever get backed into this corner? Well. you can blame the usual suspects, who lost sight of common sense and were "influenced by the political immediacy of their times." Now there is no where to run or hide.

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

First Financial Insights

August 1, 2013

Remember these guys - Unusual Suspects?

Anyone of these guys alive when Japan hit the skids and got stuck in a low interest rate trap that is almost impossible to exit? That's pretty basic financial mathematics, so no wonder their eyes glaze over when I talk about eternity, physical constraints and the exponential function. THEY THINK I"M NUTS!

I truly wonder some times...

Dr Peter G Kinesa
August 1, 2013

The Eric Sprott Blog: HA! HA! - There is a Serious Shortage of Gold - (Read More)

"I think it’s just been one big scheme to try to get people dissuaded from owning gold and to cause supply to come out. As you mentione...

So do want to buy our new book - with over 1 million pre-sold copies? The title is "The Secret to How to Make a Lot of Money Real Quick"; - write a book like this.

Sarcasm notwithstanding, Eric is basically a promoter and should disclose his personal, corporate and managed positions, so it is clear where he is coming from and fair to everyone who listens to his pitch. As well, to make this relevant for serious investors - sources, numbers and opposing views should be brought forward for objective analysis. We strongly believe, moreover, that if this was such a great investment, folks like Buffet, Bogle, Gates, Goldman and many others, would all be quietly chasing this huge home run. There is little evidence suggesting they are swinging at the plate.

In the meantime, we will continue to support the belief that gold is a psychotic placebo, that has lost substantial real purchasing power over the past 33 years, as well as being the one of the worst asset classes over that time. Making it just a speculative relic used by barbarian traders that holds none of the attributes true investors desire - like expected or defined returns.

Bottom line, we are not putting much faith in the rhetoric of gold promoters like Faber, Sprott and Rogers. For as Charlie Munger would say, "if its too good to be true, it usually is "

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

First Financial Insights

July 31, 2013

Our Message..

These wise guys are not "Gold bugs" for a reason -

On our side, my colleauges include Gates, Buffet, Keynes, Kinesa, and Roubini. There team consists of Faber, Sprott, Rogers, Schiff and Glenn Beck. Place your bets accordingly.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

July 31, 2013

The Dr Peter G Kinesa Blog: ECONOMIC GRAPH OF THE DAY: UK Wildlife Index Decli...: (Read More)

ECONOMIC GRAPH OF THE DAY: UK Wildlife Index Decline (1968 -2010) To the point, forget about all the graphs, ch...

You may think that Peter's comments are absurd, outlandish or just plain funny from an investment, finance and economic point of view. We, on the other hand, view such measures and observations quite seriously. So much so, that in the end we believe that one his upcoming books "Bugonomics - The Silent GDP of Bugs" will far out pace Freakonomics as a best seller.

Bugs by their nature are existentialists, just as Pete's Economic Doctrine plants itself in this philosophic foundation. For when man is gone, what happens to Bugs? Or is the question worded backwards? Hmm.

Read the book...

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

First Financial Insights

July 30, 2013

BUGONOMICS - The Silent GDP of Bugs

The loss of bugs may actually lead to wars long before we run out of oil and other raw materials. For without them, that should pretty much wrap things up for some time.

OK so remember you heard it here first, but evidence warns that we are now past "PEAK BUGS" - funny in a dark way, but so very true.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

July 30, 2013

 

JAPAN-- What if the water becomes contaminated?

JAPAN -- What if the water becomes contaminated? (read more - The New York Times)

What? Their water is radioactive?

Not just a passing concern nor high speculation, but a possibility that can be assigned some level of probability. Perhaps something you would not normally be concerned with when thinking about markets, however a wide-scale disaster of this sort could cause an unprecedented collapse in Japanese securities' markets. The nature of this disaster could make significant portions of the island nation just unlivable.

Anyway we remain skeptical about what authorities are disclosing and this lack of transparency,promptness and accuracy does not create a lot of confidence in competencies. We are assigning much higher levels of risk because we fear the unknown, unknowns that could emerge out of nowhere. Try to explain to clients why you didn't see this one coming,

Anyway, for sure, we are staying away from coastal properties as long-term investments. To be forewarned, is to be forearmed - invest wisely.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

July 27, 2013

ITS OK TO BE SMART

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS - BLOOMBERG, ALJAZEERA, PAUL KRUGMAN

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS:

Week Ended July 21 2013

 DR. PETER G. KINESA'S 
INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS

"PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS"

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

www.pwa2100.blogspot.com

The Marc Faber Blog: Somewhere down the line we will have a Massive Wealth Destruction

Just a short post noting that Marc's 50% prediction is in line with what we suggest is a possible valuation adjustment in our July 17th comments on Paul Krugman's Blog - Prophecies of Maestrodamus.

Not a hard one to figure out as it is really just "present value mathematics" whereby if long 30 year bond rates double, then their market value dips by 50%. Very straightforward mathematics that no amount of economic theory nor policy measures can override as it is simply a hard conceptual constraint. Mathematics cannot be persuaded, legislated nor negotiated with - and that should come as no surprise to anyone.

Down the line, looks to be a scary turbulent road ahead. 

We will post more comments from this blog later on.

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

July 21, 2013

What waits down the line?

By every account, all negotiations with mathematics have resulted in a win-lose situation. Some things are just absolute.

Dr Peter G Kinesa

July 21, 2013  

Bloomberg BusinessWeek - The Social Media Bubble is Quietly Deflating

Just a few months back, you may recall, along with Jim Rogers, we raised concerns about Facebook and generally the whole social media industry, referring to it as a generational fad and having difficulty seeing how a sustainable business model could be developed. Moreover, whether such tools or derivatives could find useful and profitable transitions into business markets. Guess what? Looks like the markets are tuning into Mr Rogers and ourselves as VC (Venture Capital) funding has plummeted to 2% this past quarter.

As one insider notes; what a business - "thinking about how to make people click ads"  And that pretty well sums up the industry's "Critical Success Factor" and how you build any sort of Sustainable Competitive Advantage around it, remains a puzzle.

Anyway we still believe that the big ticket, high margin objects just simply requires good ole face to face contact -  a little of that human touch!

INVESTORS INSIGHTS - February 18, 2013  

JIM ROGERS - Facebook is not an Investment, it's a Waste of TIME  

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

July 20, 2013

Not a Happy Camper

Comparing the social media frenzy to the dot-com bubble may not be such a good analogy, albeit in both cases you can observe that common sense gave way to a strange fear of missed opportunity combined with unrealistic expectations. The other common ground was that object business measures, standards and principles no longer applied . Market history repeated again.

And for some strange reason this won't be the last time. Humans? Go Figure?

Dr Peter G Kinesa

July 20, 2013  

Bloomberg - Spanish 10-Year Bonds Decline as Italian Yield Rises to 4.48%

In light of our market alert, regarding Portugal's Bonds, earlier this week, along with the growing concern for adverse circumstances in Europe, even more focus is now being given to European Bond Markets. Market activity in these markets may now have greater bearing on the global financial system than US treasuries. No kidding?

Similar to Japan, bond values and rates in the US appear to be hand-cuffed at low levels for some time. Moreover, enjoying the reserve currency status allows the US to gather the loose liquidity in the global system and harbour its flight and fright capital, thereby easing any upward rate pressures. Plus, an interest rate increase state-side would be absolutely devastating to the US economy at this juncture - and just pour gas on a stumbling economy's fires. 

Underlying the European bond markets are chronic diseases that  show no signs of abating - in fact there is growing evidence to the contrary. Like Japan and Middle East countries, Europe suffers from a physical economic overcapacity issue that cannot be resolved by abstructionist economic measures. Limited and declining physical economic inputs can only lead to one result - declining economic outputs. All of which is made worse as populations grow and per capita output consumption ratios thusly sink even further. Bad "Real" News!

Particularly after Cyprus, we are seeing signs of desperate central bankers pulling out devious last stops to cure the terminal economic cancer. The markets in Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland and Portugal are at the greatest risk of crashing global bond prices. They are "bonded" by a common concern with a staggering rippling potential affecting markets with traumatic head to toe  effects. 

Our main message here - this one ain't over yet; 'cause, "it ain't over, 'til its over"  

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS

July 19, 2013

A Bonding Crisis - the future is yet to come...

While the rest of the world may think that the FED is the driver behind global rates, largely because of the US reserve currency status and its trading volumes - we are not so certain, and believe as Grandma use to say "the devil is in the details - at Lehman Bros?" And so when all hell breaks loose; something small and overlooked is often perpetrating the angst.

Of course, then there was Yogi's wisdom - a great "Bondplayer" too  

Dr. Peter G Kinesa

July 19, 2013

The New York Times 

The Prophecies of Maestrodamus

Paul Krugman

Comments:

"I know one thing; that I know nothing" Hmm. I think we could all learn from one of Socrates’ last thoughts - but you never know!

Still we could attribute much of our current mess to too many who believe they know - then later we find that even simple notions were somehow forgotten. Or a fog had set in. (- R. S. McNamara).

Despite what may be economic headlines today, Greenspan's legacy may be his contribution to our current low interest rate trap - that has lasted for much too long. Getting out of it could trigger a massive deflation of financial assets - causing an unprecedented ASSET VALUE WRITE-DOWN. Evaporating years of value in moments.

A mere 2% rise in rates, for example, could deflate financial assets by as much as 50% - wiping out the equity boxes of financial intermediaries and banks , while creating massive unfunded pension and insurance fund liabilities on the basis of marked to market accounting calculations. =ing HUGE liquidity CRUNCH.

Moreover, the total value of US federal debt could grow substantively with a mathematical pen stroke, which has little to do with deficits or economic theory and activity. And I don’t even want think about what could happen if rates should revert to levels over their historic mean; it would be devastating.

So it seems that the Maestro knew how get us into this trap, but did not know how to get us out of it - but then again "who knows?" And as far as we know, he's still on first...

INVESTORS' INSIGHTS

Juky 17, 2013

I don't know?

ALJAZEERA - (English) Worldwide PC sales keep sliding

Lenovo (China) Top PC Maker???

Bad news for everyone, except China as they take the leadership position in another market that has long been dominated by American makers for decades. Who do we blame this on? Management? Tablets? Consumers? Or China's low cost producer strategy for an industry where products are becoming commoditized, as it really does not take that much to do the reverse engineering. Again China is following a "national business strategy" much like Japan did from the 60's onwards in automotive and consumer electronics.

But the real issue is what good is the WTO? How does it ensure that everyone is on an equal playing field when labour, environmental, and health standards are barbaric is contrast to North America. Add to all that a fixed currency to the US dollar and this game becomes a one horse race.

But who loses big time? North American and European union and salaried workers. In fact, in America the real hourly wage, according to St Louis, FED statistics have not risen much since 1982! So, where are the unions???

Beyond all this meaning more doom and gloom for the ordinary American worker, here 's list of PC makers facing tougher times as this saturated market begins to consolidate. Smaller players will be forced to merge or simply fade away into the sunset - while margins face continued presures from commoditization.

TOP Five PC Makers
  41% (est) Market Share

Lenova
Hewlett Packard
Dell
Acer
Asus

INVESTORS' INSIGHTS

First Financial Insights

July 16, 2013 

Those were the days - "in our home towns... and they ain't coming back"

- Bruce Springstein