Brazil Future Economic Super Power?

Nov 19, 2009 - After decades of political instability, poverty and uncertanty has Brazil finally hit her stride?  We all know that Brazilians know how to party and play (football) but can they roll with the G8 and give them a run for their money?  In 2001 Goldmen Sachs placed Brazil with Russia, India and China as the economies that would come to dominate the world.   Some may find it queer to place a country with a growth rate as skimpy as its swim suits, an economic fragility that consistantly suffered with any financial crisis, chronic political instability and a history of squandering economic potential could have so effectively put those wose behind them to pave the way for such a prosperous future.  China is said to lead the world out of our currant economic down turn with Brazil hot on their heals.  Brazil did not avoid the down turn but was among the last in and the first out.  Their economy is growing at a rate of 5% annualy and will pick up in the short term as new deep sea oil fields come online.  Brazil also enjoys a food and mineral trade with many Asian countries. Sometime after 2014 Brazil is scheduled to become the worlds 5th largest economy saying to Great Britan and France uhm excuse me I beleive that's my seat.  In many ways Brazil is said to outclass the other up and comers (Chine, India and Russia).  Unlike China and Russia it is a democracy.  Unlike India it has no insurgent, ethnic, religious hostility or unfriendly neighbors.  Unlike Russia it exports more than oil and arms and treats it's investors with respect.  Is that code for arss kissing? - 4 Comments

UN Budgets and Follow the Money

Nov 09, 2009 - UN Budgets and Follow the Money Kenneth Anderson • November 8, 2009 9:01 pm The New York Times reports on budget season at the UN and various battles hotting up. It’s a good piece by Neil MacFarquhar, dated November 7, 2009. As the article says, that fact that it costs the United Nations an average of $2,473 per page to create every single document in its six official languages, while outside contractors complete the same work for around $450, prompts diplomats to accuse the organization of running amok during a global financial crisis. - 0 Comments

Iowa's early Halloween-goers need jokes for treats

Oct 30, 2009 - DES MOINES, Iowa – There's no trick to earning a treat for Halloween in Des Moines. All that's required is a good joke. Even if it's a bad joke. - 11 Comments

2012 isn't the end of the world, Mayans insist

Oct 12, 2009 - MEXICO CITY – Apolinario Chile Pixtun is tired of being bombarded with frantic questions about the Mayan calendar supposedly "running out" on Dec. 21, 2012. After all, it's not the end of the world. - 29 Comments

The federal budget deficit tripled to a record $1.4 trillion for the 2009 fiscal year

Oct 08, 2009 - By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer – Wed Oct 7, 7:02 pm ET WASHINGTON – The federal budget deficit tripled to a record $1.4 trillion for the 2009 fiscal year that ended last week, congressional analysts said Wednesday. The Congressional Budget Office estimate, while expected, is bad news for the White House and its allies in Congress as they press ahead with health care overhaul legislation that could cost $900 billion over the next decade. The unprecedented flood of red ink flows from several factors, including a big drop in tax revenues due to the recession, $245 billion in emergency spending on the Wall Street bailout and the takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. - 3 Comments