Sudden Outbreak of Common Sense

Jobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

"For many, mass migration or further education have been the answer. Rapti is among those who do not want to join the exodus that has already seen about 120,000 young professionals emigrate – mostly to Germany and other countries in the eurozone’s wealthier north but also as far as away as Australia, Canada and the US. But force of circumstance has pushed growing numbers to think outside the box. Exploiting their flair for enterprise and entrepreneurship – a spirit doused by decades of dependence on state largesse – young Greeks are also behind an explosion of bars and restaurants nationwide, but especially in Athens." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

Jobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

"For many, mass migration or further education have been the answer. Rapti is among those who do not want to join the exodus that has already seen about 120,000 young professionals emigrate – mostly to Germany and other countries in the eurozone’s wealthier north but also as far as away as Australia, Canada and the US. But force of circumstance has pushed growing numbers to think outside the box. Exploiting their flair for enterprise and entrepreneurship – a spirit doused by decades of dependence on state largesse – young Greeks are also behind an explosion of bars and restaurants nationwide, but especially in Athens." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

Charges Dropped Against Teen for Wearing NRA T-shirt

"14-year-old Jared Marcum, who was suspended and arrested in April over an NRA t-shirt that he wore to school, has had all charges against him dropped. The decision followed massive controversy, including a threat of a gag order. A local news station reported that the dismissal order signed by Judge Eric O’Briant stated, 'The state of West Virginia is not interested in the possibility of creating a juvenile criminal record for this defendant.' A statement which has brought Jared’s mother, Tanya Lardieri, to tears of joy." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCharges Dropped Against Teen for Wearing NRA T-shirt

South African group calls for Obama’s arrest during presidential tour

"Cosatu cites Obama's 'horrifying record of US foreign policy in the world', highlighting, the 'militarisation of international relations for the multinational companies and their profit-seeking classes in the US'. It is also opposing the 'US support for oppressive regimes that benefit US narrow interests', saying in a statement on its website that its call was part of world-wide struggle against imperialism. Many in the country have already heeded the call with a huge protests, dubbed the 'Nobama campaign', being planned across the country. The University of Johannesburg's decision to award him an honorary degree has already spurred protest and frustration." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSouth African group calls for Obama’s arrest during presidential tour

Restore The Fourth: Group Organizes Nationwide Anti-NSA Spying Protests On July 4

"Restore the Fourth is a grassroots, non-partisan, non-violent movement that seeks to organize and assemble nationwide protests on July 4th, 2013. Protesters in over 100 cities across America will gather to demand that the government of the United States of America adhere to its constitutionally dictated limits and respect the Fourth Amendment. http://www.RestoretheFourth.net provides a detailed list of protest locations. Restore the Fourth maintains that justification of the Fourth Amendment beyond the original text need not be given; the legitimacy of which is self-evident." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRestore The Fourth: Group Organizes Nationwide Anti-NSA Spying Protests On July 4

Dept. of Agriculture approves horse slaughterhouse in New Mexico

"A New Mexico meat plant received federal approval on Friday to slaughter horses for meat, a move that drew immediate opposition from animal rights group and will likely be opposed by the White House. The Humane Society of the United States and Front Range Equine Rescue threatened on Friday to sue the USDA, saying horses are raised as pets and as working animals. Because they are not intended as food animals, horses are given medications banned from other livestock, the groups said, questioning if the meat would be safe. The USDA says it can test for residues of 130 pesticide and veterinary drugs. It also has safeguards to keep horse meat out of the food supply." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDept. of Agriculture approves horse slaughterhouse in New Mexico

Anti-government protests continue in Istanbul: ‘Government, resign!’

"Thousands gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim Square on Saturday to protest against the harsh police treatment of demonstrators whose anti-government rallies have rocked the country for nearly a month. Riot police blocked off the centre of the square, the symbolic heart of the nationwide protest movement, for some two hours as the demonstrators chanted 'Government, resign!' but there was no fresh violence. The crowd also denounced the death of a demonstrator in the country’s Kurdish-dominated southeast on Friday after soldiers opened fire to disperse villagers protesting against the expansion of an army outpost." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAnti-government protests continue in Istanbul: ‘Government, resign!’

Lawmakers propose cyber crime reforms inspired by Aaron Swartz

"Critics of the current law, called the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), say it is far too vague and led to the overzealous prosecution of Swartz after he accessed an MIT database containing academic research papers, many of which were created with public funding. Aaron’s Law would also cut back on redundant penalties in the current CFAA that can see some offenders punished twice for the same crime. The bill also seeks to address a flaw in the current law that makes 'unauthorized access' of any kind a felony, whereas something as simple as lying about one’s age to Facebook could be considered unauthorized access." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingLawmakers propose cyber crime reforms inspired by Aaron Swartz

“Banish Fractional Reserve Banking for Real Reform”

". . . says Thomas Mayer, a former IMF economist and former Chief Economist of Deutsche Bank Group and Head of DB Research, and now a Deutcshe Bank Senior Advisor. Mayer goes on to cite Austrian monetary and business-cycle theorist Jesus Huerta de Soto on the causal connection between fractional reserves and banking crises throughout history. He points out: 'Since there is no single state in the eurozone able to bail out banks in a systemic crisis, a banking regime without state backing is needed.' He concludes his letter with a four-step plan for 'comprehensive' banking reform that would implement just such a regime." Continue reading →

Continue Reading“Banish Fractional Reserve Banking for Real Reform”

American Bar Association: Some basic rules for using ‘bitcoin’ as virtual money

"Techies know that 'bitcoin' is a virtual currency generated by predetermined computers and recognized on traditional currency exchanges as BTCs. Of interest to investors and business owners, bitcoins have skyrocketed into mainstream popularity, as has their price. No government is involved in creating bitcoins, and they are insulated from Cyprus-style bank lockouts. But before joining the BTC revolution, here are seven fundamentals to consider." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAmerican Bar Association: Some basic rules for using ‘bitcoin’ as virtual money