Europe/Ukraine, Uncategorized

In Central Europe Fear Amid Unwavering Support for Ukraine

During a just completed three-week assignment in Prague, I found both overwhelming support for Ukrainian resistance and fear that the war could escalate.  Blue and yellow Ukrainian banners wave defiantly from homes and public buildings. Russia’s brutal “special operation” has awakened memories of the 1968 Soviet invasion that crushed the Prague Spring freedom movement in Czech and Slovak lands. President Milos Zeman, assertively pro-Russian until … Continue reading In Central Europe Fear Amid Unwavering Support for Ukraine

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Education

Teaching at Prague’s Charles University

It’s a privilege to teach at Europe’s second oldest university (after Paris). Founded in 1348,named after a Bohemian king,  Albert Einstein taught theoretical physics here in 1911/12. I taught a two-week elective course on technological innovation in the Silicon Valley. There were daily reading assignments for what would be discussed in each 80-minute class. There were seven students, undergraduate and graduate, six Czechs, one Slovak, all … Continue reading Teaching at Prague’s Charles University

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Uncategorized

The Fed Is Determined to Slay the Inflation Dragon

RTHK radio | Money Talk | May 3, 2022 Host Peter Lewis discusses press freedom, a sharp drop in Hong Kong’s economy, and Federal Reserve tightening with Barry and analysts Dickie Wong and David Friedland. Barry argues that the anticipated half point rise in short-term interest rates reflects the central bank’s determination to drive down the rate of inflation. Listen Continue reading The Fed Is Determined to Slay the Inflation Dragon

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architecture, Uncategorized

An Architectural Gem in Budapest

BUDAPEST: Approaching the city’s new House of Music, Hungary, the low structure ahead is intriguing, its roof punctuated with what appears to be splotches of gold. Up close the roof hovers like an undulating canvass. The exterior wall is curved translucent glass reflecting trees and passersby.  Everywhere on the ceiling and walls a visitor encounters the architect’s whimsical touch, shimmering gold objects that resemble falling leaves. … Continue reading An Architectural Gem in Budapest

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Uncategorized

The Puzzle of Orban and the War in Ukraine

BUDAPEST: Hungary is a maze of contradictions. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February the populist Orban government agreed to the first round of EU/US sanctions punishing Moscow for aggression. But Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposes cutting oil and gas imports from Russia saying that would cause severe domestic hardship. Arguing that ending the war must be the priority, Orban refuses to allow armaments destined for … Continue reading The Puzzle of Orban and the War in Ukraine

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