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

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

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

President Biden’s Trip to Europe…and a Misstep in Warsaw

Hong Kong Today | Radio Three | March 28, 2022 Host Samantha Butler asks Barry about President Biden’s meeting with Nato and EU leaders in Brussels and his subsequent stop in Poland where he met Ukrainian refugees and US soldiers and then the Polish president before giving what turned out to be controversial remarks about Russian president Vladimir Putin. Listen Continue reading President Biden’s Trip to Europe…and a Misstep in Warsaw