"In the Conversation"

Varoufakis in conversation with leading academics as Syriza splinters and elections beckon in Greece.

c. Yves Hermany/Reuters

http://yanisvaroufakis.eu/2015/08/27/in-conversation-with-leading-academics-as-syriza-splinters-and-election-beckons/

Art Can Heal!

I have had a hunch about this for a long time:
Art does heal:
Scientists say appreciating works of art and nature can boost our immune systems!

Image from Getty

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11403404/Art-does-heal-scientists-say-appreciating-creative-works-can-fight-off-disease.html

What is the State of Greece today?

What is the State of Greece today?  Having just returned from Athens, I have no words. Only images.

Digital Photograph From: "The State of Greece" Photographic Series

c. 2015 Triada Samaras

Death by Debt: My Response to the German Finance Ministry, by Jeffrey Sachs

Death by Debt:  My Response to the German Finance Ministry, 

by Jeffrey Sachs

Posted on August 1, 2015 by yanisv

"Dr. Ludger Schuknecht, senior economist at the Germany Finance Ministry, 
explains his ministry’s viewpoint regarding Greece. This viewpoint essentially 
holds that Eurozone countries should live within their means; adjust to their 
debt burdens; and take their reform medicine as needed. If they do so, they 
will be successful, as illustrated by Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. Greece has only 
itself to blame, and indeed was on track to recover as of late 2014 if it had 
not deviated from its course."  

"I have enormous respect for Dr. Schuknecht as an able and thoughtful economist. Yet I believe that he misses a historical reality. While his policy prescription is certainly correct most of the time – countries should repay their debts and take the reform actions necessary to do so – it is also sometimes wrong.  It is wrong when debt servicing, combined with other economic ills, can push society to the breaking point.  The wisdom is to recognize the times that it is wrong and to act creatively at those times."  (edit)..... (Jeffrey Sachs)

For more of this article please read:

http://yanisvaroufakis.eu/2015/08/01/death-by-debt-my-response-
to-the-german-finance-ministry-by-jeffrey-sachs/