abatis

Dropping the Bomb on Healthcare

Peter outlines the basic flaw in the current legislation very well. However, what is a viable solution to a problem that all sides agree we have concerning healthcare in the USA? I would like to hear that from someone who hopefully will be a Senator in the near future.

Will Japanese Industry Find Critical Earth Metal Solutions in Kazakhstan?

Jack, I know you have mentioned Lynas several times in the past - have you noticed the Lynas share price lately? RE investment is alpha to me.

China Will Push Increased Demand for Rare Earths

Mr Lifton
your well written article is much appreciated.
jimp wrote: "Abatis,

From an investment stand point is Lynas Corp your favorite rare earth miner/producer?"

I have been accumulating Lynas for the last several years. The Mt Weld mine is a proven resource and the to be completed processing plant in Malaysia lends for a cost effective delivery chain. I think they have top management as demonstrated by the upfront RE sales, the project being on budget and ahead of schedule prior to the bond issue and the ability to get a decent package from the Chinese without destroying the existing shareholders. We just need the Aussie government to appreciate the value and tax revenue the Chinese are bringing to the table. I am also invested in China Rare Earths on the Hong Kong exchange and it has recently experienced a nice pop. I am not taking profit on either as I see the REs really booming after the current economic downturn reverses over the next several years. I also like commodities as a position as the looming dollar inflation gets closer. If Jim Rogers is correct we will see chaos in the currency market in the future and I like the idea of equity in a strategic mine over dollars in the bank.

The MolyCorp play will be interesting if they can get the mine running as scheduled for 2011. I believe they are working down some old stockpiles now. It will be hard to IPO it without the regulatory etc. all worked out. I am a non-practicing geologist but I value the RE's unique and critical role in current and future technologies.

China Will Push Increased Demand for Rare Earths

From my reading it was Goldman Sachs ( a western firm) and some hedge fund that decided to cut the bond funding for Lynas, thus forcing Lynas to look for help from the Chinese. I see GS continues to sell their remaining shares in Lynas:
"Source: News Bites
The Goldman Sachs Group sold a net 7,001,904 Lynas Corporation shares between April 30 and June 1, decreasing from 41,580,477 shares (6.42%) to 34,578,573 shares (5.28%).
STOCK DASHBOARD: June 04, 2009"

Goldman Sachs also is a partner in MolyCorp that is mentioned above. The MolyCorp rare earths are located in California and I think that is a tough political/business environment for a miner. Maybe they will eventually start producing.

At least the Chinese have a vision and see the value of rare earths - a key to our technilogical future. Who cares about West or East - think Global Economy.

Microsoft's Mobile Misfortune

Germany's total population is 82 million people. I think the US market is far larger and probably explains why Vodaphone and T-Mobile have stakes in US carriers. The real market growth is in the Asia market.

The Apple iPhone proves that even in a mature market innovation can generate terrific revenue. By the way I am trying to sell a Verizon Omnia over on my site classifieds. I went back to my i760 - better phone.

Microsoft's Mobile Misfortune

Surur, I think Bloor is on track here. Doesn't it seem like Microsoft lost track on a number of fronts (eg., windows mobile, vista). I have been a Windows Mobile fan and supporter from the beginning, but now you pick up a phone even as simple as the Samsung Instinct from Sprint and it will connect with MS Exchange update email and calendar etc. But like the iPhone it is has a great interface. Recently I testes a Verizon Omnia - nothing special at all just another clunky WM interface. Anyway, I think the market says it all with concerning Windows Mobile in the US flagship phone market.

Source: comScore Wireless E-Commerce Report

Wireless Carrier Site
Phone
Ranking by Sales Revenue
Ranking by Unit Sales

AT&T
Apple iPhone
Number 1 for revenue
Number 9 for units sold

Sprint
Samsung Instinct
#7 for revenue
#15 for units sold

T-Mobile
HTC G1
#1 for revenue
#8 for units sold

Verizon
Blackberry Storm
#1 for revenue
#8 for units sold

Where is Windows Mobile on the top producer list ? The WM development team has to get that interface fixed or truly WM is history.