Saturday, November 25, 2006

Yes, Philippines' economic climate turn around!

Business Week asked...
'Is the Philippines Finally Turning Around?'
Growth is up. The deficit is down. President Arroyo has survived impeachment threats. The service sector is thriving. Yet much remains to be done.
by Assif Shameen'.
Yes, my friend it is. Like everything else, everyone adjusts locally and globally to life's changes. And Filipinos in the Philippines and diasporic Filipinos 'turn around' for better Philippines.
Much work must be done, still. Smaller government, privatize government owned businesses - Landbank,DBP,unsubsidize PNB, simplify titlement of properties, simplify business start up by doing away with all requirements except name registration. Filipinos are independently inclined. We must be free to make mistakes as well as free to succeed in all that we do.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Milton Friedman...

from my favorite and funniest online pundit, author of America Alone, Mark Steyn...
'Free to lose' isn't good philosophy for the right wing
If Milton Friedman had to die, then a week after the defeat of a Republican Congress that had apparently forgotten every lesson Friedman taught in Free To Choose is eerily apt timing. As it happens, had ill health not intervened, Professor Friedman would have been disembarking round about now from a National Review post-election cruise with yours truly and various other pundits and commentators.
Instead, we were obliged to sail without him, and in the days that followed I found myself wondering what the great man would have made of the most salient feature of our deliberations: On the one hand, there are those conservatives for whom the war trumps everything and peripheral piffle like "No Child Left Behind" can be argued over when the jihad's been seen off. On the other, there are those conservatives for whom the war is peripheral and, insofar as it exists, it doesn't begin to mitigate the abandonment of Friedmanite principles on public spending, education and much else.

from disciples...
A Charismatic Economist Who Loved to Argue by Austan Goolsbee, economics professor, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
One of Mr. Friedman’s major impacts on economics was in establishing a basic worldview. Economics is not a game or an academic exercise, in that view. Economics is a powerful tool to understand how the world works. He used straightforward theory. He gathered data from anywhere he could get it. He wanted to see how well economics fitted the world. That view now holds sway throughout much of the profession.


from critics, liberals and alike...
The Great Liberator by Lawrence H. Summers, economics professor, Harvard, Treasury Secretary Clinton administration.
This all would be enough to mark Milton Friedman as a great man. But beyond Milton Friedman the economist, there was Milton Friedman the public philosopher. Ask reformers in any one of the countries behind what we used to call the Iron Curtain where they learned to contemplate alternatives to communism during the closed era before the Berlin Wall fell and they will often tell you about reading Milton Friedman and realizing how different their world could be.


Reluctantly from The Economist with unnecessary negative tones...
One of the most influential economists of the 20th century
It is another mark of his greatness that so many of the ideas that seemed crazy when he came up with them—from blaming the Depression on bad central-bank policy, to school vouchers and the volunteer army—have gained mainstream acceptance. But Mr Friedman always recognised that his success was fragile; free markets and stable money have lots of enemies, particularly among politicians. He has left us a staggering legacy of economic theory and public-policy prescriptions—but is that inheritance growing or shrinking?

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Milton Friedman...

Milton Friedman, A Modern Galileo By Michael Strong
Milton Friedman, whose life I fondly commemorate with this article, was probably responsible for more human happiness and well-being than any other individual in the 20th century. And yet his tireless efforts on behalf of humanity were, for much of his life, greeted with taunts, ridicule, and abuse.

Every Filipino politician, business leader, academic and bureacrat read Capitalism and Freedom and Free to Choose.

Milton Friedman By Mark M. Alexander
Speaking of the need for free markets for freedom, Friedman argued that "the tide of ideas isn't local. It's international; it's worldwide." Indeed, his influence has been felt worldwide. Friedman's "Chicago Boys" provided economic leadership in countries around the globe: Thatcher's Great Britain, Chile, the Czech Republic, Portugal, South Korea and Spain, to name a few. By enacting Friedman's free-market ideas - hammering inflation, reducing trade barriers, inducing foreign investment and cutting public spending - these economies went from dormancy to dynamism within a matter of years.


Milton Friedman's Love of Life by Claudia Rosett
Milton and Rose Friedman were family friends. One of the finest evenings I can remember was a dinner at my parents’ home in Chicago, more than a quarter of a century ago, where Milton traded witticisms with one of the best, the late Nobel laureate and free-market economist George Stigler — another great believer in the importance of individual freedom. It’s been too long to remember the lines*, but in thinking about it tonight, I went looking on the internet for the photo posted above. It shows diminutive Milton and tall George strolling together near their offices at the University of Chicago — a scene that someone at the time dubbed “Two Giants of the Chicago School.” It captures, perhaps, a halcyon moment in the modern history of ideas.

Milton Friedman...

according to Thomas Sowell in Opinion Journal
Freedom Man: Milton Friedman had both genius and common sense.
Friedman’s own personal background made him familiar with the problems of those who begin life without the privileges of the elite--and of the importance of education as a way to advance beyond their beginnings. Born in Brooklyn in 1912 to immigrant parents, he grew up in New Jersey, living over his family’s store, and worked his way through Rutgers University. Later, he went on to postgraduate work at the University of Chicago. The rest, as they say, is history.

Friedman's Sampler: A selection of writings from The Wall Street Journal.
On the Free Market
What most people really object to when they object to a free market is that it is so hard for them to shape it to their own will. The market gives people what the people want instead of what other people think they ought to want. At the bottom of many criticisms of the market economy is really lack of belief in freedom itself.

On Jobs
The real problem is to establish an economic environment in which there is a demand for workers at wages that those workers not only regard as satisfactory, but are qualified to earn: Better qualified workers and better wages--not simply more jobs--is the real problem.

On Hong Kong
By some accident of officialdom, the colonial office assigned John Cowperthwaite, a Scotsman and a disciple of Adam Smith, to serve as financial secretary of Hong Kong. Cowperthwaite's free market policies are widely credited with producing the subsequent economic miracle that led to a phenomenal rise in the average level of living despite a nearly 10-fold rise in population.
It is hard to conceive of a more severe test of free market policies. Hong Kong is an island devoid of any significant natural resources other than a great harbor. When the Communists took over China, refugees came streaming over the borders with only the possessions they could carry. They and their successors produced a rapid rise in population. Hong Kong received negligible if any foreign aid to assist the assimilation of the refugees.
Under these adverse circumstances, the salvation of Hong Kong has been its complete free trade and free market policy. No tariffs on imports, no subsidies or other privileges to exports. (The only restrictions are those that Hong Kong has been forced to impose by pressure from other countries, including the U.S., as under the multifiber agreement.) There is no fixing of prices or wages; few if any restrictions on entry into business or trade; and government spending and taxes have been kept low. The top tax rate on personal income is 25%, with a maximum average rate of 15%. . . .
What a contrast to the experience of most of the colonies to which Britain gave their freedom after the war. And what a striking demonstration of how much better free trade and free markets are for the ordinary citizen than the protectionism of Mr. Buchanan and the "fair trade" of President Clinton. "Fair" is in the eye of the beholder; free is the verdict of the market. (The word "free" is used three times in the Declaration of Independence and once in the First Amendment to the Constitution, along with "freedom." The word "fair" is not used in either of our founding documents.)

Filipinos pray for application and implementation of free market and free trade principles of Adam Smith (probably a Catholic, Christian) and modern day apostle - Milton Friedman - in the Philippines. May their spirit sprinkle dust of capitalism to Filipinos.

Friday, November 17, 2006

work hard, save, invest...

principles for peace and prosperity in climate of Economic freedom. Economic freedom led to political freedom according to Milton Friedman. Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, capitalist and libertarian of every color, mourn the death of the patron saint of free market and inflation focus central bankers (BSP bankers included), today.
Mr. Friedman believe inflation result from too much money chasing too few goods. Government regulations restricts freedom to trade. Less freedom to trade led to few goods to buy. He believe concentration of power in government is the great threat to freedom.
Government is necessary to preserve our freedom, it is an instrument through which we can exercise our freedom; yet by concentrating power in political hands, it is also a threat to freedom.
Introduction, Capitalism and Freedom, 2002 ed, pb, p.2.
Milton Friedman's autobiography

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Philippines, the Iraq of 1900...

a blast from our past...
From US Library of Congress on Philippines in 1902
July 1, 1902
The first organic act, known as the Philippine Bill of 1902, was passed by the U.S. Congress. It called for the management of Phillipine affairs, upon restoration of peace, by establishing the first elective Philippine Assembly and the Taft Commission comprising the lower and upper house, respectively, of the Philippine Legislature. The passage of the Act may be attributed in part to José Rizal and his stirring last farewell to his beloved country immortalized in his poem, Mi Ultimo Adios, that he wrote in his cell at Fort Santiago on the eve of his execution by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896. At first, there was strong opposition to the passage of the bill from misinformed members of the House, some of whom referred to the Filipinos as "barbarians" incapable of self government. Thereupon, Congressman Henry A. Cooper of Wisconsin took the floor and recited Rizal's last farewell before a skeptical House. Silence soon pervaded the floor as Cooper, eyes moist with tears and voice deep with emotion, recited the poem stanza by stanza. Soon after his recitation, Cooper thunderously asked his colleagues might there be a future for such a barbaric, uncivilized people who had given the world a noble man as Rizal. The vote was taken on the bill, and passed the House.
July, 1902
War ended in the Philippines, with more than 4,200 U.S. soldiers, 20,000 Filipino soldiers, and 200,000 Filipino civilians dead.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

200B money remittances to developing countries!

According to World Bank study, click here for pdf article, are due to:
increased scrutiny of money flow after 9/11
reduction in remittance costs & expanding networks of the remittance industry
depreciation of US dollar
growth in migrant stocks and incomes.

DtPhp little contribution includes:
Meager fee of $7 per transaction below $350 and 2% thereafter.
$ to Php rate within 1% of average rate of previous day's close (+-)10c.
"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Hebrews, 13:6

Friday, November 10, 2006

Acetaminophen alert!!!

Millions of bottles of Acetaminophen, generic name for Tylenol, manufactured by Perrigo Co recalled. There's no recall and no shortage of Tylenol.
Perrigo toll free - (877) 546-0454.
For batch list click here.
click here for article.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Sony HVR-A1E PAL

Some info about hvr-a1e here, and here,
Weighing just 670 g, the new Sony HVR-A1E is an ideal choice for a wide range of professional users seeking the quality and convenience of the HDV format in the smallest, lightest package yet with full 1080 line resolution. Building on the strengths of the acclaimed HVR-Z1E, the new camcorder joins the professional Sony HDV line-up. Thanks to its highly compact design, it offers an ideal solution for applications where space is limited or complete mobility is required.
Like other professional HDV products from Sony, the HVR-A1E provides a ‘bridge’ between the worlds of HD and SD production, thanks to its ability to capture and playback in HDV, DVCAM and DV formats. Like the successful HVR-Z1E, the HVR-A1E incorporates features that have designed with professional users in mind, including:
Built-in down-conversion to Standard Definition
2-channel Audio XLR inputs
Time Code Preset
16:9 Viewfinder (Black & White, Colour switchable)
2.7-inch 16:9 Hybrid LCD monitor
In addition, other new functions include:
Still image capture - Maximum pixel size for still images is 2.8M (1920x1440) pixels in Memory Mode. Users can record 1.2M (1440x810) pixel images in Tape and Play/Edit Mode.
Histogram Indicator - Users can check the brightness of an object and easily adjust exposure by viewing this graphical presentation.
Tele Macro - This feature enables users to capture a macro image from a distance. This is especially useful for shooting smaller moving objects, and it also provides the ability to make subjects more prominent against a backdrop and to suppress shadow projection.
The HVR-A1E incorporates a new 1/3-inch primary colour 3 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Teamed with Enhanced Imaging Processor technology, this provides wide dynamic range, lower power consumption and a high quality image for professional results.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

PAL & NTSC ?

Information about PAL, NTSC & SECAM, click here.
The system used in America & Canada is called "NTSC". Western Europe and Australia use a system called "PAL", and Eastern Europe and France use "SECAM". Without standards conversion, it is impossible to view a video program that is recorded in a foreign country without first converting it.

You need a converter to switch from one to the other.
This 2004 article in camcorderinfo.com explains...
As far as camcorders are concerned, NTSC video is characterized by a frame size of 720x480, and produces images at a rate of around 30 frames per second. PAL video is slightly different in that there is a bit more image quality - the frame size is 720x576 - but it only produces 25 frames per second.
When a miniDV camcorder sends data out from its DV port (known similarly as firewire, i.Link and IEEE1394), it doesn't matter what format the video was shot in. As far as the computer is concerned, it's just a bunch of ones and zeroes. In fact, if you do some basic math, you see that NTSC and PAL have a common bandwidth that makes data transmission work:
NTSC: 720 x 480 x 30 = 10,368,000
PAL: 720 x 576 x 25 = 10,368,000

Website also has a message board. Click here for HVR-A1E discussed.
From Wiki, the free encyclopedia, click here.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Sony camcorder & camera...

List of Sony camcorder and camera included in class action suit. Click here for legal information from Sony website and this for other information as well as FAQ .
TO: All persons nationwide who purchased, not for resale, any of the following camcorder OR digital still camera products ( hereafter, the "Settlement Class" ) :

Camcorders
CCD-TRV118; CCD-TRV128; CCD-TRV318; CCD-TRV328; DCR-DVD100; DCR-DVD101; DCR-DVD200; DCR-DVD300; DCR-HC20; DCR-HC20 M; DCR-HC30/S; DCR-IP5; DCR-IP55; DCR-PC101; DCR-PC105; DCR-PC120BT; DCR-TRV18; DCR-TRV19; DCR-TRV19M; DCR-TRV22; DCR-TRV240; DCR-TRV25; DCR-TRV250; DCR-TRV260; DCR-TRV27; DCR-TRV33; DCR-TRV340; DCR-TRV38; DCR-TRV39; DCR-TRV460; DCR-TRV50; DCR-TRV740; DCR-TRV840; DCR-TRV950; DCR-VX2000; DCR-VX2100; DSR-250; DSR-250/1; DSR-PD150; DSR-PD170; and DSR-PDX10.

Digital Still Cameras
DSC-F717; DSC-P10/S; DSC-P2/S; DSC-P31; DSC-P31M; DSC-P32; DSC-P32M; DSC-P51; DSC-P51M; DSC-P52; DSC-P52 M; DSC-P7; DSC-P71; DSC-P71M; DSC-P72; DSC-P72M; DSC-P8/L; DSC-P8/R; DSC-P8/S; DSC-P92; DSC-P92M; DSC-U10/S; DSC-U20/B; DSC-U20/LJ; DSC-U20/S; DSC-U30/H; DSC-U30/LJ; DSC-U30/S; DSC-U60; DSC-V1; MVC-CD250; MVC-CD250 M; MVC-CD400; MVC-CD500; MVC-FD100; MVC-FD100 M; MVC-FD200; and MVC-FD200 M.