http://www.smh.com.au/business/aviation/malaysia-airlines-to-ramp-up-services-to-help-win-back-passengers-20151001-gjzcuu.html

   Malaysia Airlines will begin introducing improved services for passengers in flight and on the ground in order to rebuild confidence following the twin disasters of MH370 and MH17 that beset the carrier last year.Malaysia Airlines chief executive Christoph Mueller said he would lead team to improve all its aspects include that new seats, catering, in-flight entertainment and lounge concepts, as well as operational improvements such as better punctuality and improved connection times through Kuala Lumpur on popular routes. These changes can really help Malaysia Airlines compete with other Airlines companies.
There is no doubt that the name and new livery on the planes are a must to attract new business and bring back former passengers. However, Mr Mueller said “I would not call it a hard rebranding.It is really more a brand refresh.” I don not think so. I think a hard rebranding is absolutely as all the suggested changes will only be noticed by the passengers who are continuing to fly with them. They need also focus on safety of their planes, not only service and marketing. This is a real challenge for this company. Obviously, it is a hard way to make money like before. So the leaders of Malaysia Airlines still have a long way to go.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/london-proposes-tougher-rules-app-161042201.html

The drivers in London have argued Uber bypasses local licensing and safety laws and amounts to unfair competition.They have staged a number of high-profile protests, including go-slow demonstrations that have brought traffic in the centre of London to a standstill. So London’s transport chiefs announced plans on Wednesday to tighten control on private hire vehicles . And Uber has also provoked a backlash in cities across the globe.

However, as far as I am concerned, even if  taxi drivers protest, the customer is not backing the traditional taxi. Uber customers are tired of  self-interest groups holding the public hostage. Government and Unions both want to continue a system that does not improve services or cut costs.

On the other side, taxi drivers are mad because they rent the taxis and pay leases and almost anyone with a car can be a taxi. However, by fighting with app-based ride-hailing firms such as Uber, traditional taxi operators are running risk because the public now is aware of the increased benefits of using PHV and  force change eventually. In my opinion, the only and real solution would be to reduce local licensing and safety laws. But of course we go the other way again. There is simply no end to it.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gop-field-tax-cuts-dont-worry-consequences-072955776–election.html

Kyle Pomerleau, an economist at the Tax Foundation said that the Republican tactic was to shrug off the slam on the deficit. While, the Republican also argue that, by goosing the economy, the benefits from well-designed tax cuts would spread out more equitably through the economy.

In my opinion, a government’s second greatest economic power is the ability to levy and collect taxes. Far more powerful than that is the ability to selectively “un-tax.” As we all know, there are always some loopholes that allow you to escape taxes. These loopholes are what lobbyists sell to their donors. The government can lower tax rates substantially if they close the loopholes.

However, just tax cuts will not work. It has to be a combination of reduced spending, passing no legislation unless it is paid for, and then cutting taxes. Just cutting taxes won’t do it anymore as the rich have gotten smart and have stopped putting the money back into the economy. In addition, the current tax system is so complex that it fills volumes and no one can fully understand it. All politicians should talk about tax simplifications instead of tax cuts or tax reforms.