http://www.economist.com/blogs/multimedia/2010/11/world_population

http://www.economist.com/blogs/multimedia/2010/11/world_population

Shopping in Hong Kong

Introducing The Chinese To The Mall

There's a strong movement in China to cultivate and then release the inner shopper potentially lurking inside each citizen. Click on the link to access a comprehensive article and slide show of the commercialization of China and how eerily it looks like 1950s America. The shiny appliances and cars with alluring women framing the chassis. It's a path we've followed to the precipice of financial peril and it'll be interesting to see how far China will take it.

Following Japan's Path

This article illustrates the disturbing trend the U.S. is following into Japanese style deflation. The graphic that accompanies the article tells us the Fed is going to have work a lot harder to generate a heartbeat out of the CPI.

Fantasy Land

The President's bi-partisan debt crisis committee has released their prescription for reversing the tailspin our country's finances have taken. Click on the link to access the tough remedies and then imagine all of the excuses they'll be for why we can't implement them.

A Return To The Gold Standard?

The head of the World Bank intimated his support for a return to some form of gold standard the other day. In the wake of a flood of money in the global economy and the seemingly reckless fiscal policies of many nations, there is a call for the bygone safety he perceives in gold. Click on the link to access five economists sounding off on the prospect of this move.

Here Comes Inflation

The spike in commodity prices on Tuesday announced the arrival of an inflation that has been plaguing the economy in heretofore unrecognized ways. Click on the link above and then access the graphics to see the year to date increases in agriculture, gold and oil prices. It was only a matter of time before the expansion of liquidity would impact resource prices. Wholesale prices jumped last month, can retail be far behind?

The U-6 Paints The True Unemployment Picture

Click on the link above and you'll access an article describing the more comprehensive U-6 unemployment indicator, a broader measurement. In addition, you'll find an intelligent graphic which will display unemployment data dating back to 1948.

Americans Are Misinformed When It Comes To The Economy

The link takes you to an article declaring the misinformation that is rife in America today. Most of our citizens carry inaccurate opinions on the status of the Economy and the government's finances. This is disheartening since they are about to make some pretty important decisions.

1. What does the reader believe to be the single biggest reason for this level of misinformation in our society today? Explain.

2. Why might it be easy to understand that, faced with the facts, individual households could still be skeptical about the macro realities?

3. If these represent the opinions Americans are taking to the polls, what impact will this have on Tuesday's election and the coming years in our national and state Capitols?

4. Can you make a connection, as students, between the disintegration of objective media, the rise of polarizing and uncivil relations in our politics, the disappearance of well-guided public education, and this level of misdirection among the electorate?

How to Restore the American Dream

How to Restore the American Dream

U.S. Falls Out Of The Top 20 On The World Corruption List

For the first time in the history of this index, the U.S. has been recognized for a deteriorating climate of legitimacy. The recent banking crisis and the Bernie Madoff revelation have led to an increased capacity for corruption in the country. The rule of law and a presumed fairness in the system are essential for a progressive economy.

Why It Doesn't Feel Like A Recovery

This a terrific article with over-laying diagrams that explains why the economy doesn't feel like it's in recovery mode. The graphs display the difference between potential output and actual output, and how long it will take the economy to recover based on different growth levels.

The Wealthy May Pay Higher Taxes But Work Less

The article describes the full impact higher taxes may have on those making more than $250,000. The author relates this increase to his own life and admits that he make work less in the future. Not only will his nominal income be tapped but also the future income of his heirs.

The Importance Of Being Banked

This article offers insight into the cost of living on the Economy's fringe. The disassociation with traditional banking services can cost an extreme amount of money to those who can least afford it.