USA and UK growth and debt

The BBC News reports that the US economy is growing at a greater rate than expected and that the number of jobs created has averaged 241,000 a month this year. They say the USA economy powers the world. It all depends on whether or not an economy really can live on debt.

It seems to me that both the USA and the UK economies depend on debt to exist. This is not sustainable. Every nation has to live within its means or ultimately wither. When nations like China will no longer buy government IOUs (gilts) the game is up. The debt game cannot go on for ever. In reality, we all know this.

We no longer rule the world. We no longer have an Empire to exploit. We live in a new world order and the sooner we wake up to this the better for us all.  Up to now, the UK has always paid those it owes money to on-time. There may come a time when it cannot or the pound will be devalued and people will no longer want to buy our debt.

See http://www.dmo.gov.uk/index.aspx?page=gilts/about_gilts .

Homeland?

Sometimes it is hard to separate fact and fiction. The recent US TV series "Homeland" was about the dynamics between the USA and Al Qaeda. Today we hear news that the latter's leader has been killed. in Pakistan. This is very much like the latest series.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30358538 .

Orion's successful test flight

This may (eventually) be used on a manned Mars mission possibly in 2033. Today, NASA carried out an unmanned test flight of this crew module. It splashed down in the Pacific.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30352472 .

FTSE 100 and Sepura shares

Both the FTSE 100 and Sepura (SEPU) shares have made gains today. The FTSE 100 index closed well up on  the day and Sepura also continued its recent good run ending the day at 149p, close to its all time best. In recent weeks Sepura has done well.

Books for prisoners

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30344867.

What total nonsense!  Of course prisoners should be allowed to receive books.   How else are they meant to reform?

Rail Fare Rise

Yet again, rail fares are risng, but this time by just 2.2%. This is still greater than the rate of inflation, squeezing yet more the incomes of commuters. I am very glad I don't have to use trains into London every day, often without a seat.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30341586 .

Elgin Marbles

These should be returned to Greece, no arguments. They are not ours to keep or to loan to the Hermitage Museum in Russia. All such artifacts should be returned to their rightful homes. We accuse the Nazi's of stealing but conveniently have excuses when we are guilty. By all means let us replace them with excellent copies.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30340704 .