Visit The Boston Globe Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Comment on this Scroll to top of page By Dave Barry December 30, 2018 We can summarize 2018 in two words: It boofed. We’re not 100 percent sure what “boofing” is, despite the fact that this very issue was discussed in a hearing of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee. All we know for certain about boofing is that it is distasteful and stupid. As was 2018. In spades. What made this year so awful? We could list many factors, including natural disasters, man-made atrocities, the utter depravity of our national political discourse, and the loss of Aretha Franklin. Instead, we’ll cite one event that, while minor, epitomizes 2018: the debut of Dr. Pimple Popper. This is a cable-TV reality show featuring high-definition slo-mo close-up videos of a California dermatologist performing seriously disgusting procedures on individuals with zits the size of mature cantaloupes. You might ask, … [Read more...] about Dave Barry’s year in review: Good riddance to 2018!
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BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 16/12
Mexico to face fierce competition from Vietnam: Mexican economists Mexican economists have shared the view that once the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) takes effect, Mexico will have to face fierce competition from Vietnam in many sectors, such as garments and textiles, leather and footwear, and electronic equipment. Arnulfo Gomez, a foreign trade expert, said Vietnam has successfully implemented a commercial strategy that helps improve the quality and competitiveness of its products on the international market by reducing spending on materials and applying technology in production. With such advantages, Vietnam has more capacity than Mexico to utilise opportunities generated by the CPTPP, he said. The experts suggested that the Mexican Government set forth new measures to raise the competitiveness of domestic businesses, thus avoiding adverse impacts from the deal. Statistics of the Mexican Ministry of … [Read more...] about BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 16/12
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 15/12
Firms should seek to grow stronger in global economy: experts Vietnamese businesses need to urgently adapt their management methods and bravely step out into the world in order to survive and develop in the context of global integration, said experts at a workshop held Ho Chi Minh City on December 13. Vu Thi Thuan, Chairwoman of Traphaco JSC, said Vietnam is going through an extensive and intensive integration process by engaging in groups such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). This allows businesses to expand their markets but also presents a lot of challenges and competition, she said, adding that the development of technology and artificial intelligence requires enterprises to map out sustainable development strategies. Businesses should make plans to maintain comprehensive … [Read more...] about BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 15/12
Palladium zooms towards parity with gold for first time in 16 years
By Peter HobsonLONDON (Reuters) - Palladium <XPD=> is outgunning other precious metals, with a surge to record highs putting it within a whisker of parity with gold <XAU=> for the first time in 16 years. gi Tight supplies, large deficits and resurgent interest from speculative investors have sent palladium prices rocketing 40 percent from a low in August.The metal, used chiefly in emissions-reducing autocatalysts for vehicles, reached an all-time high of $1,185.40 an ounce on Friday - a mere $35 short of gold at around $1,220.(Graphics of 'Palladium prices relative to gold and platinum' - https://tmsnrt.rs/2PugPWq)"What we are seeing is the culmination of several years of sustained market deficits," said Mitsubishi analyst Jonathan Butler."Clearly it (the rally) has still got some legs. $1,200 is an immediate psychological level. I could see us going towards $1,300." The physical palladium market is the tightest in nearly two decades, analysts at Citibank said. Autocatalyst … [Read more...] about Palladium zooms towards parity with gold for first time in 16 years
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 1/11
The upcoming Vietnam Digital Economy Forum (VDEF) 2018 will include special sessions which focus on Vietnam’s digital economic perspectives, featuring local and international keynote speakers. The VDEF 2018, whose theme is “Challenges and strategic solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” will take place on Thursday, November 1, at the Rex Hotel in District 1, HCMC. The forum is co-sponsored by the Association of Vietnam Scientists and Experts, and Quang Trung Software City, as well as by the HCMC People’s Committee. Some 20 policy makers and leading experts at home and abroad from the digital economy industry, together with 500 guests from ministries, organizations and enterprises, are expected to join this event. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been impacting the structures that make up the foundations of the global economy and society. Every day, millions of people benefit from innovative products and … [Read more...] about BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 1/11