Gold Trim
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 Figurine Vintage Blonde girl in White ceramic with gold trim $5.00 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 56m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 |
 VINTAGE RETRO MID CENTURY 6 BROWN BULL COW w GOLD TRIM FIGURES $9.00 Time Remaining: 5h 27m |
 Porcelain Angel Figurine Bell with Gold Tone Trim $5.99 Time Remaining: 11d 14h 6m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Gentleman Figurine Handpainted Japan Red Lettering White Gold Paint Trim Colonia $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 13m |
 GIRL FIGURINE OPALESCENT 9 INCHES TALL GOLD TRIM STATUE $15.00 Time Remaining: 25d 10h 2m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Japan Hand Painted Figurine Gold Trim $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 37m |
 Vtg Figurine Porcelain Ballerina Mostly White with Gold Trim Some Color $7.99 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 39m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 twin BALLET DANCER figurines Detail painted faces Gold trim $99.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 54m |
 Vintage Elegant VICTORIAN MAN Figurine Gold Trim $8.55 Time Remaining: 17d 10h 15m Buy It Now for only: $8.55 |
 Ceramic Motorcycle Bride and Groom with Gold Trim 6 x 4 1 2 $5.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 27m |
 PAIR OF CERAMIC DOVES WITH GOLD TRIM 3 1 2 TALL $3.40 Time Remaining: 29d 8h 42m Buy It Now for only: $3.40 |
 Beautiful Carnival Glass Swan with 22 Kt Gold trim by Pearl $6.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 37m |
 Girl watering flowers figurine colorful floral gold trim design ceramic $15.95 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 49m Buy It Now for only: $15.95 |
 Beautiful Carnival Glass Swan with 22 Kt Gold trim by Pearl $6.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 41m |
 Vintage Miniature PIG CRYSTAL Clear ART GLASS Figure Mini Animal w Gold Trim $8.95 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 59m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 |
 Vintage MIJ Sunday Best Figurine 2251 Girl in Dress Purse Hat Gloves Gold Trim $8.50 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 42m |
 Porcelain Lady in Pink Dress Holding ROSE Gold Trim FIGURINE Made in China $12.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 12m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Dancing Porcelain Ballerina Gold trim 8 1 4 tall $5.00 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 8m |
 Vintage 1960s Ceramic Geisha Asian Girl Cold Painted Lotus Flowers Gold Trim $12.99 Time Remaining: 26d 18h 9m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Vintage PINK DEER Porcelain Figurine FIGURES GOLD TRIM Reindeer JAPANAnimals $12.00 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 59m |
 Elephant figurine blue white gold trim floral design ceramic $11.95 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 VINTAGE PAIR FOOT HIGH COCKATIEL DECO BIRDS CREME w GOLD TRIM CERAMIC PARROTS $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 42m |
 Glass Figurine Teddy Bear with Gold Trim $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 1m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Vintage Porcelain Swan Vase Planter Figurine w gold trim $25.00 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 3m |
 Figurines Victorian Colonial Man Playing Fiddle Woman White Gold Trim Japan $16.99 Time Remaining: 25d 10h Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Vintage NEW TRENDS Asian Oriental Figurine Gold Trim Excellent Condition $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 14m |
 Vintage Made in Japan Holy Mother Mary Prayer Gold Trim Figurine Antiq Religious $11.95 Time Remaining: 18d 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 1952 Marbello Artcraft CoHand painted Beautiful Mexican Woman W GOLD trim $2.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 10h 2m |
 CRYSTAL GRAPES CLUSTER WITH GOLD TRIM $16.00 Time Remaining: 23h 42m Buy It Now for only: $16.00 |
 MINIATURE CERAMIC CIRCUS ELEPHANT FIGURINE ANIMAL STAMPED JAPAN GOLD TRIM MINI $8.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 27m |
 Angel figurine white yellow red heart gold trim design ceramic Japan $11.95 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 57m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 Porcelain Glazed Flapper style Woman with gold trim has chinese stamp on bottom $14.50 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 46m |
 Vintage Porcelain Girl Figurine 55 Blue with Gold Trim marked Calerias Melarca $7.98 Time Remaining: 20d 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $7.98 |
 1984 New Bright Talking Magic Mike ll Robot Toy Model b Red Gold Trim 2002 $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 12m |
 VINTAGE RELCO BONE CHINA GENTLEMAN STATUE EXC GOLD TRIM $10.95 Time Remaining: 23d 5h 28m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 |
 KPM Retro Lady Figurine White with Gold Trim Excellent Condition $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 35m |
 Vintage Porcelain Ballerina Figurine Gold Crown Trim $13.50 Time Remaining: 12d 49m Buy It Now for only: $13.50 |
 VINTAGE FIGURINE GARDENING BOY WITH CAT GOLD TRIM $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 28m |
 VINTAGE PORCELAIN SITTING ON CHAIR VICTORIAN WOMAN GOLD TRIM $5.95 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 32m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 |
 4 Vintage FRENCH ITALIAN PROVINCIAL LORD LADY Figurines 9 Tall w gold trim $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 4m |
 WHITE ANGEL PLAYING HARP WITH GOLD TRIM ON WINGS FIGURINE $5.39 Time Remaining: 22d 12h 19m Buy It Now for only: $5.39 |
 Vintage Porcelain Swan Figurine Planter Vase White Gold Gilt Trim $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 28m |
 Elephant figurine blue white gold trim floral design ceramic $11.95 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 57m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 UNIQUE SET OF VINTAGE WHIMSICAL DOGS W GOLD TRIM 4 TALL $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 26m |
 Elephant figurine blue white gold trim floral design ceramic $11.95 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 57m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 |
 Gold Trim Horse Carriage 2 Figures $4.95 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 53m |
 Neptune Figurine 9 1 2 Tall w Gold Trim Seahorses $10.49 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 38m Buy It Now for only: $10.49 |
 3 CRYSTAL GLASS ANGELS GOLD TRIM HOLDING HORN VIOLIN OPEN BOOK VINTAGE $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 2m |
 Vintage Angel Figurine Light Blue Flowers Gold Trim Holding Yellow Bird $16.99 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 45m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 BOY BY FENCE WITH SQUIRREL BLUE WITH GOLD TRIM FIGURINE $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 4h 43m |
 Vintage Pioneer Mdse Yellow Shoe w Angel Figurine Japan Gold Trim $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 57m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 ANGEL MERRY GO ROUND SPUN GLASS CAROUSEL GOLD TRIM BRIDE WEDDING SHOWER Gift $9.75 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 34m |
 22K GOLD TRIM PLATE GLASS ANGEL READING PRAYER BOOK NEW $13.45 Time Remaining: 19d 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $13.45 |
 BUST OF BOY WHITE CERAMIC W GOLD COLORED TRIM ON RAISED BASE $4.99 Time Remaining: 5d 1h 51m |
 Vintage Colonial Style Man Figurine 5 7 8 Tall White w Blue Gold Trim $19.95 Time Remaining: 12d 8h 48m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 BEATRIX POTTER PETER RABBIT TWO HANDLED PLATE W GOLD TRIM 2002 NO CHIPS $4.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 29m |
 PRETTY ANGEL BELL White Porcelain w Gold Trim Looks Like Figurine $12.99 Time Remaining: 12d 21h 47m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Vintage June Angel Bride Spaghetti Trim Gold Japan Lefton $6.95 Time Remaining: 5d 7h 57m |
 Older Porcelain Ceramic 11 Clown or Court Jester Figurine Mask Motif Gold Trim $17.10 Time Remaining: 15d 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $17.10 |
 Figurine of a Boy with a bunny rabbit at his legs Shiny glaze Gold trim base $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 48m |
 Blue White Porcelain Rocking Horse Figurine Gold Trim $9.99 Time Remaining: 24d 36m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Ceramic Girl Bonnet Blue White with Gold Trim Very Nice $5.99 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 55m |
 VINTAGE CERAMIC PORCELAIN GENTLEMAN STATUE GOLD TRIM EX $12.95 Time Remaining: 23d 5h 28m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
 Little girl figurine with baby chicks peeps Japan vintage gold trim $11.95 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 22m |
 Glass Angel Gold Skirt Ornament Gold Trim 3 1 4 NIP $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 2m Buy It Now for only: $2.99 |
 Vintage Porcelain Lady Figurine W Flower Decoration Ceramic Gold Trim Stuning $19.99 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 53m |
 3 Ceramic Elephants Blue with Goldtone trim Delft or Floral Trim Nice $18.00 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 17m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 Vintage 1960s Japan Flower Fairy Pixie Angel Figurine Yellow Dress w Gold Trim $3.99 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 42m |
 PRAYING ANGEL FIGURINE STATUES PORCELAIN 10 1 2 TALL TRIM IN GOLD AND PINK ROSE $16.05 Time Remaining: 27d 5h 50m Buy It Now for only: $16.05 |
 Porcelain Figurine Man Dressed In Colonial Attire White with Gold Trim $14.99 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 54m |
 Two White Gold Trim Cherubs 2 1 2 and 2 3 4 Tall CER60 DNG $3.99 Time Remaining: 15d 21h 47m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 Atelier Romania Sitting Lady Figurine with Gold Trim $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 37m |
 Porcelain Miniature White Chicken On The Nest Trim in Gold $7.99 Time Remaining: 27d 9h 51m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 VINTAGE HEREND PORCELAIN FIGURINE FISHNET BLUE ELEPHANT GOLD TRIM 3 1 2 INCHES $49.95 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 29m |
 Vintage Boy graduation figurine diploma cap gown gold trim party or table EXC $12.71 Time Remaining: 10d 1h 45m Buy It Now for only: $12.71 |
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Is Water The New Gold?
An estimated 1/3 of the world's population currently lives in water-stressed or water-scarce countries. On the current trajectory, it is estimated based on most recent population projections (according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Geneva Conference) that by 2025 countries will have water demand in excess of supply and 64% of the world's population will be under significant pressure.
The Middle East (and North Africa) has the greatest absolute and relative water supply problem, in fact classified as ‘high' stress compared to the rest of the world which is classified as moderate (Asia) and low (all other regions). It is estimated that the Middle East's population of 314 Million will rise by 34 Million within 30 years, with an annual water requirement of 470 Billion cubic meters annually - 132 Billion more than the total available supplies based on current level of consumption from both renewable and non renewable sources and on the assumption that there will be an improvement in conservation of about 2 percent annually. Arab Gulf states water needs jumped from 6 Billion cubic meters in 1980 to 22.5 Billion cubic meter in 1990 and estimated to reach 35.5 Billion by the end of this year.
Given these alarming statistics, we at Blackhawk strongly believe that water is in fact turning into the "New Gold" for this decade and beyond. No wonder "smart money" is aggressively moving in this direction. Take a close look for example at legendary investor Warren Buffet last year's buyout of a water treatment provider, Nalco Holdings Company, adding to other water-related investments in his wildly successful portfolio.
The move sent ripples through the investing community: a clear signal that investing in water is an untapped opportunity. Once again, remember that water, like oil, is finite. There is only so much ocean saltwater, glacier freshwater and water in the air, while global consumption is growing twice as fast as the world's population.
Climate change affects how and where this resource is delivered around the world, with more intense rainfalls and dry spells impacting everything from the food cycle to manufacturing to drinking supplies. Climate change is expected to account for about 20% of the global increase in water scarcity in coming years. The World Bank estimates water availability will change dramatically by the middle of this century, leading to what some have called "water wars."
New water management technologies are the key to managing water scarcity. Buffet's investment in Nalco, which had $3.7 billion in sales in 2009, is one example. The company helps its industrial customers reduce water and energy use. For example, it claims it 3D TRASAR® cooling water technology has saved more than 200 billion gallons of water. Nalco is also teaming up with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund to help develop ways to conserve water. The company's stock price has doubled over the past year.
Water quality is indeed a concern in the U.S. and around the world as well. The New York Times recently ran a series called "Toxic Waters" that exposed the worsening pollution in U.S. water systems and lax regulatory responses – despite the Clean Water Act, which helps regulate 100 pollutants. The fact remains that most of the pipes in the U.S. are over 100 years old; the American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that domestic water utilities will need to invest $330 billion over the next 20 years to replace aging pipes and treatment plants.
Putting our money and brainpower where our mouth is, we are actually involved in the recapitalization of a major water bottling facility in Iraq as we strongly believe that the Middle East at large; as mentioned earlier, will need double the amount of water it used in the past. As it is, per capita water consumption in such comparatively Arab countries as Jordan is only about 80 liters and Israel is 300 liters, on a par with the European average. Meanwhile, unless other projects are implemented, water available in Israel would be half of what was available in the past. Some countries -like Oman- have already trimmed its development program to take account of high population growth, and other countries will soon be forced to follow suit.
No wonder that the bottled (packaged) water industry; worth roughly $85 Billion in annual revenues, has been growing at an average rate of 8% by volume per annum over the last decade.
The penetration rate of bottled water is quite mixed, for instance, in China the consumption per capita is 10% that of Italy. US consumption is nearly 30% lower than Europe. The industry outlook for growth continues to be very strong for water worldwide, mainly due to health benefits of drinking water for developed market consumers, and to avoid ill-health for the emerging market consumers.
The market drivers are different according to each region, with growth in the developed markets driven by health benefits, by contrast emerging or developing markets increasingly seeking water to avoid health issues as local municipal suppliers have fallen short of the quality required. Consumption levels within each market varies markedly from region to region with the more affluent groups within each market willing to pay a premium for water based on the source.
Bottom Line:
Annual water use is up six-fold over the last century, more than double the rate of population growth. Growth in water usage has significantly outstripped population growth for 3 broad reasons:
(a) Rising real incomes have increased the demand for more expensive (and water-intensive) food groups,
(b) Advances in technology have brought water and sanitation into the home, making it more convenient to use in greater quantity, and
(c) Growth in industrial processes and agriculture has added to greater demand for water.
What do you say?
About the Author
Ziad K. Abdelnour is a deal maker, trader and financier with over 20 year experience in merchant banking, private equity, alternative investments and physical commodities trading. Mr. Abdelnour has been a trusted advisor to a number of the largest family offices in the United States, Europe and the Middle East and a turnaround investor in a number of companies where Mr. Abdelnour's corporate capital commitment through Blackhawk came either through acquiring those and other companies through their distressed debt or through the chapter 11 process.