Jason Margolis
Taxes
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U.S. Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” That message often seems forgotten these days: Most citizens, the world-over, seemingly hate to pay their taxes. And in some places, like Greece, tax evasion is rampant. What’s a government to do? What’s the best way to collect taxes? And what’s the strangest way to collect taxes? All questions examined on this edition of The World’s Global Economy Podcast.
China’s Roaring Economy
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Thirty years ago, China was a centrally planned economy largely closed to international trade. Today, China is the third largest economy in the world. China’s gross domestic product grew by 8.7 percent in 2009. (And that was during a worldwide recession!)
But while China’s economic engine hasn’t stalled during the worldwide recession, China faces economic challenges of its own. On this edition of the World’s Global Economy Podcast: An in-depth look at the booming Chinese economy, points good and bad.
The Greece Problem
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The European Union appears on the verge of agreeing to emergency loans to Greece. But that doesn’t mean that Greece is out of the woods. Some economists argue this latest loan just kicks the can down the road.
Greece has run up the tab. Now the bill is due. How can the Greeks meet their financial obligations? If they can’t, what happens?
All Things Coffee
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From the bean to the barista, coffee is big business. An estimated 117 million bags are produced each year. Starbucks has more than 16,000 stores in 49 countries. On this edition of The World’s Global Economy podcast, we look at the coffee business in Venezuela, Colombia, and Taiwan. Download MP3
The All India Podcast
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India’s economy is booming. In this edition of The World’s Global Economy podcast, we look at what’s driving India’s remarkable success, and also explore the challenges of zooming ahead from a developing nation to economic powerhouse of the 21st century. How do you provide energy and sanitation for more than a 1.1 billion people? Where will the scores of new middle class live? Who will take care of India’s elderly as sons and daughters become more mobile and leave the family structure? Who wins in the new India? And who loses? Download MP3
Gambling in Russia, Taxing Canadian Carbon, and Returning from War in a Weak Economy
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It’s hard enough to go to war. Imagine coming back home to look for work in a weak economy. On this edition of the global economy podcast, U.S. military veterans looking for work at home in Wisconsin.
Also gambling in Russia, preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics, and taxing British Columbians at the gas pump to prevent climate change. And live like a hamster in France!
More Greece, Russian films, and German potholes
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More news from Greece on this edition of the Global Economy Podcast. The country in the middle of its “worst crisis” in modern history, as the Greek finance minister put it. How are the Germans feeling about Greece? And how are the Greeks feeling about Greece? Also on this edition of the podcast: potholes in Germany, film in Russia, and a new trade route through the Himalayas. Also, is it better to give charitable donations of money or goods to help rebuild Haiti? Download MP3
A Cross-Border Comparison of Stimulus Spending
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Just over a year ago, President Obama and Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better know as “The Stimulus.” It was a $787 billion shot-in-the-arm to the U.S. economy, a mix of tax cuts and expenditure spending.
The U.S. wasn’t the only country to take such action. On the Global Economy Podcast, we look at how the stimulus plans in different countries have fared and compare the actions taken by the Canadian and U.S. governments.
The Financial Problems With Greece
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Eurozone leaders say they will come to Greece’s rescue. But Greece’s Finance Minister wants details as to how exactly other eurozone nations will bailout his country. In this podcast we explore what went wrong with Greece and what it means for the rest of us.
Also, an update from Haiti: How to bring jobs to the millions of unemployed. And a small flower shop near Vancouver that is putting together 1,800 bouquets for all the Olympic medal winners.
The Costs of the Winter Olympics and Toyota
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It took seven years of planning, construction, hassle and heartache. Finally, the party is about to begin. Starting February 12th, British Columbia will host the Winter Olympics for 17 days. (And the Paralympics to follow.) Canadian taxpayers are on hook for CDN $6 billion, by some estimates. What did British Columbia get for all that money? Was it all worth it?
Also on this edition of the podcast, news about Toyota and Moscow McDonald’s turns 20. (Photo credit: © VANOC/COVAN)
Haiti’s Chances for Long-Term Growth
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The earthquake in Haiti has taken a terrible toll. But out of the rubble, there is some hope. The earthquake offers that country a chance to rebuild its economy from scratch, and develop the infrastructure its been sorely lacking.
Also on the podcast, two stories from Europe: Problems with the Euro and Iceland on sale.
Birth, Death, and Shopping in Japan
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Prices for real estate are sky high in Tokyo, not just in life, but in death too. It’s not just expensive to die in Japan, it’s expensive to be born. At least there’s deals to be had for New Year’s shopping in Tokyo.
Also on the podcast, Russians, Indians, and Israelis have arrived in Mississippi. And they may no longer be going for Olympic gold in Australia.
One state’s trade boom…
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During the first three months of the year, trade fell across the board in 49 U.S. states. Which state managed to buck the trend? Tune into the podcast to find out.
Also on this edition of the podcast: A socialist toy fair in Venezuela, Britain begins labeling food from the West Bank as either Israeli or Palestinian, and young voices in Spain talking about their country’s soaring unemployment rate.
Romance and Freedom… Making Sales
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The Global Economy Podcast was recently voted one of iTunes top podcasts for 2009! Quite an honor. Thank you, good folks at iTunes.
Some of the themes on this edition of the podcast: love and freedom. Or rather, using love and freedom to sell products. How can you not tune in for that? Now you see why this is one of the year’s best podcasts!
Business in the Developing World, Part II
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A year ago, inflation in Zimbabwe was a mind-blowing 231 million percent. (And that was before the government stopped bothering to update the figure!) A new government came to power in February and life has much improved. The Zimbabwe dollar, or Zim dollar, is gone. But that has spawned problems of its own.
Stories from Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa, Bangladesh, India and Peru on Part II of this two-part podcast about econonics and business in the developing world.
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