The student loan default rate for fiscal 2009 surged to 8.8%, up from 7% in 2008.
Two years ago critics warned that government-backed student loan defaults would rise. The question was how soon would taxpayers feel the pain. This month, the U.S. Department of Education provided part of the answer when it reported that the default rate for fiscal 2009 surged to 8.8%, up from 7% in 2008.
Continue reading… “Student loan defaults continue to grow and the worst is yet to come”
Paris is innovating again.
When Paris’ now famous bike share system Velib’ in 2007, it was a pioneer in the field. Now similar programs are popping up in major cities all over the world, and Paris is looking to break the mold again. This week the City launched Autolib’ – a car sharing system that works the same way…
Continue reading… “Paris launches a vehicle sharing program with 3,000 electric cars”
Netherlands has a new outlook on alcohol.
Starting December 1st, the Netherlands will be giving their drunk drivers a holiday gift. Drivers who have been pulled over with high blood alcohol content will be given “alcolocks” to install into their cars. The device acts as a breathalyzer that can keep an engine turned off…
Continue reading… “Dutch mandates alcolocks”
The new tax will be applied to foods such as butter and cheese.
People cannot control themselves and the statistics prove it. Delicious, fatty, comfort foods are driving obesity, disease, and medical costs to unacceptable levels. The once theoretical debate on food sin taxes has entered reality in Europe, where Denmark just implemented the world’s first tax on saturated fats.
Elvy Musikka, 72, displays her marijuana cigarettes, which she regularly receives from the U.S. Government.
On a moonlit highway in rural Oregon, sometime after midnight a state trooper is checking a car he has just pulled over. In the car he finds less than an ounce of pot on one passenger. That passenger is a 72-year-old woman blind in one eye.
Continue reading… “U.S. government provides legal marijauna in decades old program”
Nevada is a magnet for businesses seeking secrecy.
In Nevada, the business of registering businesses is booming and the consultants in this thriving industry, many who are former felons, are aiding companies in seeking to avoid liabilty and disclosure. But many of these consultants are former felons. All of this comes at a time when Washington is calling on other nations to enforce greater transparency of financial flows.
Continue reading… “Nevada’s big bet on ‘shell’ secrecy”
The free checking account will soon be gone.
According to a survey released by Bankrate.com only 45% of non-interest bank checking accounts are free, down from 65% in 2010 and 76% two years ago. Fees, meanwhile, are rising: The average monthly fee for a non-interest account is $4.37, up 75% from a year ago.
Continue reading… “Prepare to say goodbye to the free checking account”
‘Infinite Hero Bacon’ on the hoof.
Where does one secure the very best bacon? The supermarket? Shut up, rookie! You secure it from the heroic pig that survived for more than a month buried beneath the rubble of China’s horrific Sichuan earthquake.
His name is Zhu Jianqiang, or “Strong-Willed Pig,” but he might as well be known as “Infinite Hero Bacon” since it’s now obvious that his Chinese handlers plan on keeping his DNA alive forever…
Continue reading… “China creates “Infinite Hero Bacon” by cloning Invincible Earthquake Pig”
Apple Inc. has removed from its French online store an application called “Jew or Not Jew” that says it allows users to identify whether a politician or celebrity is Jewish, amid pressure from French social activists.
Continue reading… “Apple withdraws app in France amid pressure from social activists”
Futurist Thomas Frey: Over the past couple years, internet-fueled uprisings in Egypt, Lybia, Syria, and other parts of the world have made Chinese officials very nervous. They have exerted a firm hand in controlling any communications deemed detrimental to the ruling party and have now gone so far as to block any Google searches of the English words “democracy” and “freedom.”
Continue reading… “The Great Information Wall of China”
Goldlink Go-Abroad Consulting Co., an immigration consulting firm in Bejing assists Chinese to immigrate to Canada and the United States.
One of the people powering China’s economy on its path to becoming the world’s biggest is Chines millionaire Su, who builds skyscrapers in Bejing.
Continue reading… “What’s at the top of wish list for China’s wealthiest? To leave China”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
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