theeconomist:

The Economist cover ASIA: we advise readers in Asia and America that despite a recent slowdown, the world’s second-biggest economy is more resilient than its critics think.

theeconomist:

The feeling’s mutual. Mr Hollande and Mrs Merkel are clashing over Eurobonds, and more.

Let’s hope that the 3rd and 4th rounds of elections in France (actually for the Representants, yet direclty impacting the options and possibly turning the results of the Presidential election into almost nothing) will support the paths towards a sustainable growth policy in France and in Europe, that is one made of structural reforms and not of more public debt.

As he still fighting for as large a majority as possible in the Parliament, Hollande is merely advertising for options that have proved over the 70s and the 80s that they do not lead to growth. His discourse is full of demagogy. The question with the French people? Are they able to understand that Hollande is only bullshitting everybody? We ‘ll know in 1month from now.

The result of the French legislative elections will directly impact the economic debate in Europe. And there is for sure a huge possibility that either the socialist have the possibility of a majority (either alone or in coalition), or that no clear majority emerges from the French Parliament… In that latter case, we have to wait al least for 1year before new elections can occur.

BTW: “Eurobonds” are a buzzword that covers almost anything. Per se, Eurobonds are neither good nor bad. Yet anything does NOT go. Summing up the issue with Eurobonds remains simple: most people find here a way to have the sound economies and debt-free budgets pay for the countries that are almost bankrupt. It echoes Frederic Bastiat’s words about the State, this fantasy giving the impression that anyone can live at the expense of all others. In other words, Bastiat’s “State” is enlarged up to cover the whole EU, and Eurobonds allow for spending without constraint, and for living on a money that is not available. It’s then only a matter of time before everybody goes bankrupt… together.

theeconomist:

Cover: we advise readers in Europe that a limited version of federalism is a less miserable solution than the break-up of the euro.

Indeed…

theeconomist:

Tomorrow’s cover today: we advise readers in Europe that a limited version of federalism is a less miserable solution than the break-up of the euro.

[Ubergizmo] I’m Watch delayed due to hardware improvements, new shipping dates announced

Last year, Italian smart watch manufacturer, I’m Spa, unveiled the I’m Watch Android smart watch concept. It was then turned into a prototype that debuted at CES and was then put up for pre-order. Now the bad news is that if you were planning on placing your pre-order or if you have already done so, it seems that the watch has been delayed. According to the company, the delay supposedly has something to do with them improving the hardware on the watch, which we guess is them hoping to offer up a more enticing gadget compared to the Kickstarter success, the Pebble smart watch.

For the first batch, 300 I’m Watches are expected to begin shipping out on the 15th of June. Supposedly these are meant for testing and feedback, and further outstanding orders will be fulfilled by the 15th of July, and all orders are expected to be dispatched by the 15th of September. Given the huge success that the Pebble smart watch has seen with its Kickstarter funding, we’ll have to wonder which of these smart watches will prevail. In the mean time you can pop on over to I’m Watch’s website for more info, or check out the email below for details about the delay.

theeconomist:

Zuckerberg’s rocket, ready for lift-off. Despite the hype as it prepares to launch its IPO, Facebook still has plenty to prove.

theeconomist:

KAL’s cartoon: this week, a sculpture about the Euro-crisis and austerity

theeconomist:

Cover for the US edition of the Economist: The cover in America examines the rise and fall of a great invention, and explains why it matters.

With a new election looming, Greece is slouching towards the drachma.

(via theeconomist)