Generations

Hello again. Today's little post isn't a rant really...it's more of a theory. As the title may suggest, this refers to the different generations man has gone through. Once again, this serves no other purpose other than to put my own thoughts in 'writing'. Socrates would say I am compromising my mind's capacity to remember...but if it hadn't been for Plato who transcribed his dialogues, we would not know who he (Socrates) is.

Without further ado...

Pre-1843 : The Distant Generation. Let's face it - the people of this time are long gone to bother putting too much time into it. Basically, anyone before 1843, including Stone Age folks, fall under this category.

1843 - 1879 : The Strauss and Howe Generation. Another group of people who are long gone so I won't go into this. Strauss and Howe are two authors on generations (predominantly American generations). I give the people born within this time period their name as it is a period covered by Strauss and Howe but falls short of being included within my theory.

1880's : The Gay Generation. Let us remember, that back in those days 'gay' does not mean the petty thing it does today (ie. homosexuality). Gay was still used as it's proper meaning - happy. The reason I chose this term is because of the phrase 'The Gay Nineties'. Before I go on, the names I give these generations are based an occurance that happened the decade after they were born - as in, events that are among the earliest and most influential memories. Back to the generation...the last surviving person of this decade died on 27th August 2006 - Maria Capovilla. Therefore, this generation has joined it's extinct predecessors and with it, could one assume that gaity (happiness) is extinct too? This generation fought in World War 1 and retired during or just after World War 2. The majority of this generation died throughout the 1950's and early 60's with exceptions such as Capovilla.

1890's : The Turn of the Century Generation. This is a no brainer, really. These were the youngest entrants into the 20th Century. These were the main fighters of World War 1 and would later fight in World War 2 when things got bad, or in higher positions. Joining the group of retirees in the 50's and dying in mass amounts during the mid to late 60's. The oldest person in the world (at minute of writing) is Edna Parker born April 20th 1893. This make this generation the oldest extant one.

1900's : The World War 1 Generation. The people born in this era experienced World War 1 during their teenage years or mid-childhood. They would later fight in World War 2 (however, the earlier arrivals were already in their 40's at by this time so their capabilities were limited). They retired amidst the socio-cultural and socio-political change of the 1960's. The majority of this decade passed away later on that decade up to the early to mid 1970's. This generation is (virtually) our last link to direct memories of World War 1.

1910's : The Depression Generation. Truth be told, the main effects of the depression came about in the 1930's (despite the actual cause having occured in 1929). I chose this name for the generation in question as these were the people who entered the labour market with little/no hope of getting a decent job (if any job at all). To top it all off, a decade after the depression, World War 2 started and (while this gave them work to do) shows us why this generation may have been 'depressed'. Retiring in the 70's, this generation produced entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin - primary entertainers from the early 1940's to the late 1960's. Most of the people of this generation died in the late 70's and early 80's famous exceptions including Martin and Sinatra as well as the recently deceased Joey Bishop.

1920's : The Swing Generation. Named for the strong presence of swing dancing and music in the following decade and to a certain extent in this decade mainly in the form of Charleston. Most of the people born in this generation ended up fighting in the heat World War 2 and retired forty years later around the 1980's. The majority of deaths from this generation came about in the mid to late 90's and even the early 2000's for the younger member of the generation. Current popular survivors include Tony Bennett.

1930's : The World War 2 Generation. Named for the same reason as those born in the 1900's. While this generation did not fight the war they were raised in it and in the case of the late-comers, born into it. They are currently the mainstream 'dying' generation. As with previous generations, there will be exceptions to this that live on for more decades and with them the memories of World War 2 and the labour market during the recovering economic periods of the 1950's. It is likely that this generation are the grandparents of most of today's teenagers having retired in the 1990's (approximately the time they were born). They will remain the 'dying' generation over the next three years and possibly spilling into the next few years after that. Examples of people belonging to this decade (both of whom passed away very recently) are actor Peter Boyle and opera singer Pavarotti.

1940's : The Rock 'n' Roll Generation. Half of this generation was born under the conditions of war while the other half during the period of economic recovery. As teenagers, this generation swooned to greats of the time such as Elvis Presley and other Rock 'n' Rollers during a time of massive social change. Dancing was very similar to that of swing. Performers born during this decade are today considered the 'legends' of showbiz. One example includes Nancy Sinatra, who (while on the topic of swooning) was the daughter of Frank Sinatra - the king of swoon during this decade. Many of these performers began their careers during the 1960's when the social change initiated in the 50's accelerated. While some of the people born during this generation still work today, most of them would have retired by the end of this decade or in the early years of the next. Deaths of people belonging to this generation are currently still taken as 'young deaths'. This is expected to change with the dawn of the next decade but expected to stretch on longer than any of the previous generations potentially touching the 2020's for those born in the last year or so of this decade. This makes this generation the current oldest generation without mass deaths. So, like the performers born during this time, one could also assume that Rock 'n' Roll music is still legendary, even in the new millenium.

1950's : The Hippie Generation. Ironically, I'm writing this as I listen to the Beatles' hit 'All You Need is Love'. Indeed, the people born in this generation sat on the road wearing long, baggy clothes listening and singing this music in their teen years and early 20's. Protesting against warfare and a general lack of civil liberty which led to many changes we take for granted today. Together with the previous generation, they were the driving force that led people to recognise war wasn't as great as the adverts in the 1940's made it out to be. Today, this generation leads the world in Prime Minesterial and Presidential positions such as Malta own Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi. This can be reflected in the various measures taken towards promoting peace which are implemented in the United Nations. Interestingly enough, these are ignored by the US (whose President was born in the 40's) and various Middle East countries whose leaders may be older (but don't quote me on this). People of this generation are expected to enter retirement in the next decade, adding to the pension problem brought about by the previous generation.

1960's : The Disco Generation. Called so because of the disco fad that the early-comers went through and the 'Disco Sucks' period the late-comers brought about. Entering the labour market during the 80's today, this generation is the foundation on what modern laws are based. Most of today's ministers (or Senators) having been born in this generation are more health conscious than most of the previou generations as can be seen through various health precautions having been taken in the past couple of terms or so. Entertainment-wise, this generation is also the current controller being given critical movie parts and dominating the A-list. Two prime examples are Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts. In the majority of cases, they are also the parents of today's teenage generation. Assuming no major changes in the retirement age, this generation will start retiring in the 2020's. Additionally, assuming (another assumption) that health standards continue to improve at the rate they are and assuming (three times a lady) that no new major health risks (such as AIDS) are discovered, this generation will be the first to have reaching 80 years old as common-place.

1970's : The AIDS Generation. Unfortunately called so because they lived most (or all) of their youth with knowledge and fear of this disease. It is notable that this generation is less sexually active/somewhat more cautious than it's predecessors or sucessors, probably because of this very reason. In most cases, this generation has just started a family or will be starting a family/settling down very soon. Politically, this generation has yet to make a significant contribution. This being said, the first instances are already evident and these should accelerate over the next few years.

1980's : The Hip-Hop Generation. Like the Swing and Rock 'N' Roll Generations before it, this generation was named for the music style predominant during their teen/tween years. This generation is just entering the labour market or, as is the trend, reading for a university degree. With regards to the world of entertainment, those born in this generation are the current (as E has often titled them) 'Young Hot Hollywood'). Examples include Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. As is the trend, these entertainers will experience a dive in popularity in the next decade before making a successful comeback (in most cases) years later. This has already been seen with some entertainers (Spears in particular). Generally this could be explained as a younger generation dominating the music market thus requesting younger singers and old fans are unable to purchase CD, choosing instead to purchase cars and save money. Later on, however, once these 'old' fans have settled down and sorted their lives an element of nostalgia sparkled by a 'comeback' encourages them to reignite their collection.

1990's : The Millenium Generation. Easy to name, as was the Turn of the Century generation. My generation, and also the teenage generation (in the case of the first half of the generation). Those born post-1995 belong to the tween or pre-tween demographic. Either way, this generation is currently the section of the economy most marketers aim for - the most influential, and generally, profitable market. They will provide the mainstream entertainment of the 2010's and start families around the 2020's. Influence on the government will be spread over the 2030's right into the 2040's. Assuming little/no changes in pension age, they will retire in the 2050's. This generation, assuming health standards ...(refer to 1960's)... will be the first generation to have reaching 90 years of age as standard.

2000's : The Unknown Generation. An, as of yet, uncompleted generation with just less than three years worth of babies to be born into it. Called so since the 2010's have not yet begun to award a characteristic to the generation. The eldest of this group are just seven years old and (in Malta) are only mid-way through primary school. Their impact is relatively minor, the only effect being on those of the AIDS generation (the probably parents) as they have been brought into a new stage of maturity whereby they must care for another himan being. The name of this generation will change based on events that occur in the next decade. The change could occur anytime between 2011 and 2020. Based on previous trends, this generation will be named after the pre-dominant music trend of the 2010's.

2010's and beyond : The Unforseeable Generation. Used to describe people who have not been born yet (similar to the Distant Generation, except in that case it describes people who are long gone). Nothing can be predicted in terms of this generation(s), except that they will be living in a world where oil production would have reached its peak (this being a potential name for the previous generation).

And that concludes my overview of generations. Sometime within the years 2017 and 2019 I'll return to this post to provide updates.

In the meantime, this is Darryl from Malta - Online.

Malta Budget 2008

Before I begin my post, there are two things I'd like to address.

First of all - the reason I've been gone so long. I know I never promised frequent posts, but when I did try to post (for the Eurovision for example) I was blocked from logging in for some reason. Now it works. Anyway, since that time I've gone on a ver enjoyable cruise and took a day trip to Sicily :).

Secondly, just after I typed in the title of this post, I found out about Joey Bishop's passing :(. This is a sad moment for me as he was one of the last remaining links to a world I love but don't belong to. So, RIP you 'son of a gun' - as he would say.

Now, on to my analysis of Budget 2008. Before me is the PriceWaterHouseCoopers summary of this year's budget which I will use as my guideline.

First and foremost is the budget deficit. Expected to reach 37.2 million by the end of this year - decreasing by 7 million next year and down to just 3.8 million in 2009. By 2010, the government aims to have a positive figure of 25.5 million. Looking at these figures, one immediately thinks - Wow...

At least, that was my impression. However, this is an optimistic pursuit to say the least. I'm not saying it can't be done. Generally, if Dr. Gonzi says it can - his past has proven to me that it can (That being said, the past is no guarantee of the future). Nonetheless, while many Labourites have often said that Gonzi is too optimistic I generally disagree. This time, however, it is clear that he is being somewhat optimistic. One must question - did he make this prediction because he knows he has a good chance of losing the next election? In that case, it could easily be used as propoganda against the new government for failing to reach aims that were projected when the Nationalists were in government.

Moving on, one sees favourable figures with regards to inflation, GDP, balance of payments, employment, tourism and the manufacturing industry. Seeing these figures directly after reading the deficit projection makes one realise that perhaps, Gonzi's aims are not as optimistic as they may seem and are actually reachable. This is purely a case of time will tell.

The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) this year is Lm 1.50. Lm1 of which is being made in advance of the coming year. For the first time, this adjustment is being awarded in full to pensioners whereas before, the only benefitted from a 2/3 increase in pensions. Naturally, this is hard to criticise. Who wouldn't want an extra Lm 1.50 in their wallets each week? Even more so for the pensioners. Despite cries over the past few years that we will not be able to support pensions in the near future - they are now being awarded the full COLA. Fair enough, after all - they pay the same prices everybody else does for goods and services - why shouldn't they benefit from equal COLA adjustments? Notably, students do not benefit from any increase. While, as a student, I would have liked to benefit from and extra Lm1.50 (assuming that every month has four weeks that is an extra Lm6.00 a month), one understands that the parents of students are already getting the Lm1.50 (Lm3 in the case of both parents working and together). Not forgetting, that those students who qualify for, what I am calling, the 'Hardship' benefit (luckily - I do not qualify for this) get a greater stipend than other students.

The revision of tax bands. A measure that, up till just before the budget was announced, was promised not to be there. Naturally, this was done to create a positive surprise. I have to admit - it worked. All tax brackets have been expanded for both joint and single computations meaning that the first Lm4,894/3,497 (Joint/Single) are not taxed and that the minimum value for being charged 35% (from that amount on) has been raised to LM12,021/8,157 (Joint/Single) with the joint rate in this case rising by approximately Lm2,000.

Tax deductions for sports and cultural activities are well thought out measures, in my opinion which will help to boost interest in partaking in such activities knowing that costs will be reduced. Furthermore deductions for residential services to the elderly - clearly a proactive approach to the fact that, not only are we living in an aging country, but an aging continent - which our EU membership has made it our issue too (and vice versa). Deductions for Kindergarten school fees - many parents of young children (who wish to send their children to private schools) will find relief in this measure. Back in 1994, when I attended Kindergarten 2 (ie. Second year), such a deduction was non-existant and remained so until 2002/2003 - at which point I was attending Senior school (Form 2/Form 3) (one should note that the deductions introduced at that time affected all private schools from Kindergarten to Senior. The deductions which have been extended in this budget refer only to Kindergarten schools). While I personally, never understood the point of the deduction system - I appreciate it and were I to be in government would not work at getting it removed. Although, I would not hesitate to lessen it in time's of economic need. Nevertheless, it is a measure which all parents will welcome. Especially since within three years, a new generation will be giving birth to children (and sending them to school).

This measure clearly creates an incentive to send children to private school. The reason is simple, despite our aging population there are still many youngsters to cater for which the government struggles to handle in state schools. Thus, by relying on the private sector - a weight is evidently lifted. This is also seen in the case of University...but that's another rant for another time.

Stamp Duty also underwent adjustments in this year's budget. This includes inheritance of property by spouses or children. What interested me more, however, was the stamp duty reduction for first time buyers (as I hope to be one pretty soon). The new rate is that of 3.5% on the first Lm50,000, rather than Lm30,000 (previous situation).

Pension-wise another scheme was introduced by which those people who are of retirement age (currently 61 - reason this has not been raised yet is undoubtedly the upcoming election) and continue to work do not lose any part of their pension. On a similar note, service pensioners will benefit from Lm200 not being calculated when it comes to finding out whether a pensioner qualifies for the additional social security pension. Many soon to retire servicemen and women will welcome this after their years of service to the Maltese Islands.

A few other measures I will mention quickly : paying of one year's social security to people over 45 who are unemployed and seek out a self-employment license, incentives for companies to employ people with disabilities, new unemployment register for people seeking part-time work (a healthy measure which means parents who need to stay with children do not have to worry about being refused unemployment benefit if they refuse a full time job), increase in children's allowance and stipends given to students studying abroad (as mandated by EU law).

This overview leaves out certain measures such as the new Police Academy and the improvements to the Armed Forces of Malta.

An interesting thing to note is that the government did not remove the Airport tax as it was instructed to do before last year's budget (which it responded to by halving it) and this year's budget (no action taken). Undoubtedly, the European Commission will have something to say about this and there is a good chance that the money Maltese people have paid in Airport tax will be refunded.

The Labour party is right in saying that this is an election budget. There is no doubt about it. It is the budget before an election, even if the measures proposed weren't favourable - it would still be an 'election' budget. This being said - my reply is 'so what'? I believe that even if it is an election budget, we should make the most of the measures while we can. The fact is that if the Nationalists are re-elected and they keep this measures, it's a sign of good planning. If they remove them by this time next year - then it's unlikely they will get re-elected for quite a while. Either way, at this point we have this very good, centrist budget and I suggest we enjoy it.

One thing that does concern me however, is that despite all the new expenditure, we see no measures to boost income. Clearly, the government is relying on economic success, investment and growth. Will this gamble prove worthwhile? Only time will tell.

The last bit may seem a bit rushed as it is late here and I am tired...honestly, when I was planning it out - it seemed much better.

Anyway...I'll arrange it tomorrow if I feel the need to...
Till that time, this is still Darryl, from Malta - Online.