Economy
Economic and Political Ripple Effects Felt From Italian Elections
The effects from Italy’s fractured election results are likely to cause problems in the Eurozone and beyond, including here in the United States.
Journalist Says US and Italy Should Recognize Welfare State is Dead
Fiscal stability is on the minds of many Americans as the sequester deadline looms. There’s been much discussion about how unpleasant the cuts could be, and how they might slow down the economy. Europeans are brutally familiar with that kind of austerity.
Spanish Baker Starts a Bread War
A baker in the region around Valencia, Spain, has his own answer to the national economic crisis. He’s selling loaves of bread for just 20 euro cents. Other bakers are furious, claiming he’s selling below cost to put them out of business.
US Tire Maker Titan in Stereotype Spat with (Baguette-Eating) French
The head of US tire maker Titan, Maurice Taylor, has said it would be “stupid” to invest in France. In a letter to a French government minister, Taylor claimed that French workers only put in three hours a day. His letter came in response to a request to consider investing in a loss-making tire plant in France.
Ethiopia’s Economy Benefits from Returning Diaspora
As Ethiopia’s economy grows, Ethiopians who had moved abroad are now returning home. Some have come back out of a sense of patriotism, while others have returned to make money.
Italian Adaptation of ‘The Full Monty’ Features Real-Life Unemployed Workers as Cast Members
As Italian politicians campaign for national elections this weekend, the sad state of the economy and politics in Italy are the subject of a new stage adaptation of “The Full Monty.” It features two real-life unemployed workers as cast members.
China’s Telecommunications Giant Huawei Under Scrutiny
A Congressional report last fall urged American businesses and government agencies not to buy equipment from Chinese telecommunication giant, Huawei suggesting that it could be used as a backdoor for Chinese cyberspying.
Little Enthusiasm for Latvia’s Euro Effort
Latvia is on the path to adopt the euro starting in January 2014, but most Latvians don’t share their government’s enthusiasm and they don’t want to give up their own money — the lat.
High-Tech Manufacturing Driving Economy in Mexico
Mexico was once known for cheap manufacturing. But as that sort of business has fled to Asia, Mexico has concentrated on auto manufacturing and other higher-tech industries.
US Post Office’s Southernmost Branch at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
For our Geo Quiz, try to come up with the zip code for the southernmost post office in the world at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
Romanian Plea to the British: Why Don’t You Come Over?
After rumors circulated this week about a advertising campaign warning Romanians and Bulgarians not to come to England, Romanians have just unveiled their own cheeky ads about how life is better right where they are.
Some in Rural Ireland Trying to Loosen Drunk-Driving Laws to Support Local Pubs
As one farmer at the pub put it, who is going to be dumb enough to go to the police station, tell the police they’d like to drink and drive, and ask for a special permit to do so?
Kabubble: Kabul’s Looming Collapse
A recent article in Harper’s highlights the huge distortions in the economy of Afghanistan. Scenes of crass conspicuous consumption, alongside highly inflated prices for land and goods and services are unsustainable, the article argues.
Clash Over Canadian Lobster Catch
Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are at odds over the size of lobsters that fishermen are allowed to catch in the Northumberland Strait.
The Upside of Austerity in Spain: Rooting Out Corruption
Spain’s top corruption investigator recently called corruption a cancer destroying democracy.
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