British King Crowned in Hollywood at Oscars
The Kings Speech, an engaging but seemingly improbable British film, was crowned as Best Picture at the Oscars. The Coronation in Hollywood, rather like George VI’s coronation in London in May 1937, seemed unlikely, but then emerged as the perfect choice.
The movie recounts the trials and tribulations of King George VI, who wrestles with a terrible speech impediment, as he is unexpededly thrust into the role of Monarch, following the abdication of his wayward brother, the uncrowned, Edward VIII.
The historic film, whose splendid era costumes and art deco setting recall the golden haze of pre-war Britain, and recount the Monarch who still reigned over one quarter of the world, including India, vast swaths of Africa, and the Caribbean. Importantly George VI the wartime King, ruled over Britain during WWII between 1939-1945.
Colin Firth, won Best Actor for his portrayal of the King. At its annual gala celebration of cinema, the Academy Awards in total awarded four Oscars to this British film.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Comment du Jour
Trading Places/USA Trade Tilts More to Asia
By John J. Metzler
United Nations—American exports surged last year to reach impressive new highs. Despite the recession, over $1.8 trillion dollars in U.S. goods were shipped worldwide. But before anyone thinks about popping the champagne corks to celebrate these new commercial successes, the U.S. Commerce Department also announced a dangerously high $498 billion trade deficit, representing an almost 33% increase which dampens the effervescence of the rebound.
American exports are booming for many reasons. A gradual global economic recovery, the quality of the products, and a weak dollar which makes the items more attractive, are among the reasons.
Trade partners and patterns illustrate so very much about international relations well beyond the business bottom line. East Asia’s growing economic weight brings the region enhanced political clout and global gravity.
As recently as 1990, seven of America’s top fifteen export destinations were European. As one would expect the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Spain made the list. So too were Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Back then, the People’s Republic of China was number 18.
But fast forward twenty years to 2010. Five European countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium) made the list but new players abound. The “new world trade order” has Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom in the top five. Italy has been supplanted by Singapore.
Now let’s look at America’s imports. In 1990, four European countries (Germany, UK, France and Italy) were among the top fifteen. The top five still included Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and Taiwan.
In 2010, European countries made up five of the top fifteen sources of imports But the People’s Republic of China has shoved aside Canada, for first place, so the new top five list reads, China, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Germany.
Equally by 2010, China became the world’s second largest economy, pushing Japan into third place.
The China Trade has swamped American markets, devastated industries, and decimated jobs is glaringly obvious. While American businessmen are gloating over a record $92 billion in exports to the Mainland in 2010, the USA imported $365 billion in products from the People’s Republic. Thus Washington’s trade deficit with Beijing hit a dazzlingly dangerous $273 billion and that’s in a recession! Looking at it another way, this is $273 billion sloshing around in China’s coffers gives Beijing the bling to keep up its global raw materials buying binge.
To illustrate how things have changed in less than a generation, tiny but entrepreneurial Singapore (pop 5 million) now has larger two-way trade with the USA than does Italy (pop. 60 million). In today’s world high-tech items seem to surpass fine foods, wines and fashion.
Economic power is tilting towards East Asia and away from traditional West European partners. This allows Asia a growing commercial advantage as well as political weight in the global economic order.
By John J. Metzler
United Nations—American exports surged last year to reach impressive new highs. Despite the recession, over $1.8 trillion dollars in U.S. goods were shipped worldwide. But before anyone thinks about popping the champagne corks to celebrate these new commercial successes, the U.S. Commerce Department also announced a dangerously high $498 billion trade deficit, representing an almost 33% increase which dampens the effervescence of the rebound.
American exports are booming for many reasons. A gradual global economic recovery, the quality of the products, and a weak dollar which makes the items more attractive, are among the reasons.
Trade partners and patterns illustrate so very much about international relations well beyond the business bottom line. East Asia’s growing economic weight brings the region enhanced political clout and global gravity.
As recently as 1990, seven of America’s top fifteen export destinations were European. As one would expect the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Spain made the list. So too were Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Back then, the People’s Republic of China was number 18.
But fast forward twenty years to 2010. Five European countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium) made the list but new players abound. The “new world trade order” has Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom in the top five. Italy has been supplanted by Singapore.
Now let’s look at America’s imports. In 1990, four European countries (Germany, UK, France and Italy) were among the top fifteen. The top five still included Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and Taiwan.
In 2010, European countries made up five of the top fifteen sources of imports But the People’s Republic of China has shoved aside Canada, for first place, so the new top five list reads, China, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Germany.
Equally by 2010, China became the world’s second largest economy, pushing Japan into third place.
The China Trade has swamped American markets, devastated industries, and decimated jobs is glaringly obvious. While American businessmen are gloating over a record $92 billion in exports to the Mainland in 2010, the USA imported $365 billion in products from the People’s Republic. Thus Washington’s trade deficit with Beijing hit a dazzlingly dangerous $273 billion and that’s in a recession! Looking at it another way, this is $273 billion sloshing around in China’s coffers gives Beijing the bling to keep up its global raw materials buying binge.
To illustrate how things have changed in less than a generation, tiny but entrepreneurial Singapore (pop 5 million) now has larger two-way trade with the USA than does Italy (pop. 60 million). In today’s world high-tech items seem to surpass fine foods, wines and fashion.
Economic power is tilting towards East Asia and away from traditional West European partners. This allows Asia a growing commercial advantage as well as political weight in the global economic order.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Comment du Jour
New York's Swann Gallery recenty held an auction for Ocean Liner and Transportation Memorabilia. The venue provided an amazing array of photos, posters, and ship related items which recalled a bygone era.
The Transatlanticecho was proud to visit the gallery and be in the midst of Cunard, French Line, North German Lloyd Line, United States Lines and a score of other passenger and merchant shipping companies which are today mostly but a memory.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Comment du Jour
Saving the SS United States
The legendary ocean liner the SS United States has been again spared the wreakers-ball due to the exemplary efforts of dogged and determined historic preservationists. The United States Conservancy, has assumed formal ownership of the rusting vessel, now berthed in Philadelphia. But the legendary liner still faces an uncertain future.
In July 2010, the Conservancy announced a pledge of $5.8 million by Philadelphia philanthropist H. F. "Gerry" Lenfest to purchase and maintain the vessel for twenty months. The Owners Norwegian Cruise Line/Genting Hong Kong entered an exclusive purchase option. The Conservancy has now formally bought the ship.
“We are one big step closer to ensuring that this great symbol of American innovation is permanently preserved,” stated Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy's board president, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the legendary liner.
“Now that we have secured title, we will accelerate our efforts to redevelop the nation's flagship as a multi-purpose waterfront destination with dynamic hotel, retail, educational and museum offerings, “ Ms. Gibbs said.
“This is the first time in the history of the SS United States that a group concerned primarily with the vessel's historical significance and preservation has owned her,” said Dan McSweeney, the Conservancy's Executive Director. Yet he added, “We can't truly say she's saved yet - that will happen when we establish a successful partnership to redevelop the ship--but we can say that we're generating the right momentum to be able to achieve that goal.”
Launched in 1952, the United States was the fastest ocean liner afloat which plied the trans-Atlantic crossing. The flagship of United States Lines, the ship was retired from service in the late 1960’s.
In New York the prestigious Swann Gallery offered a number of historic items and artifacts from the SS United States, as part of an auction of Ocean Liner and Transportation Memorabilia.
For further information log on to the www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org
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