business & economy
China's economy at crossroads between freer enterprise, state control
China's been on a road to greater economic freedom for decades. But as the country seeks to move from developing world to developed world, the pressure is on the move state enterprises out of key economic sectors and let the private sector play a greater role in fueling the country's economic growth.
Chinese land reform efforts move ahead with more fits than starts
China's rural economy is at a cross-roads. As the government begins reforms designed to give farmers ownership of that land, that effort is running into the cold reality that land sales back the spending of local governments. And that can only happen when farmers land is taken for little compensation.
Communities seek to forge small business ties between Mexico, U.S.
Mexican entrepreneurs are looking to north to build on successes their businesses are already having in their home country. But this can be difficult. So now, both Mexican and American officials are seeking ways to augment these ties -- for the benefit of both countries.
China's hukou system puts migrant workers at severe economic disadvantage
In China, social benefits are tied to where you live. And they vary widely from urban to rural areas. But as more Chinese decide to abandon their farms and move to cities, this system of denying them benefits in their new homes is proving problematic -- and possibly untenable.
In Japan, banker tries to cash in on compassion, clean energy
Japan's society has been roiled by the tsunami and disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant. At one credit union, the CEO has decided that it will do its part to help eliminate nuclear power in the country. And he's rewarding his customers who do the same.
On South Korean island, tensions high as North Korea's tough talk continues
In most of South Korea, people are taking the North's sabre-rattling with a big grain of salt. But on islands along the border, especially on Baengnyeong Island, people are a bit more tense. And all of the strong words are hurting the islands' economy, as well.
French carmaker brings air-powered hybrid car to market
Peugeot's hoping to revolutionize the hybrid car market with a little bit of air. Rather than storing energy in a complex system of batteries, Peugeot is building a car that will store energy in an air tank. And they're seeing strong results in fuel savings.
Asia Development Bank imagines fleet of electric trikes to help Manila
Manilla is known for its traffic, and it's pollution is getting worse too. A bank is hoping to take advantage of those circumstances by financing the production of 100,000 electric trikes to replace the city's fossil-fueled versions.
Two court cases take diverging path when it comes to digital rights
The U.S. federal courts are being forced to apply 1976 law to modern digital innovations. With respect to two new digital services, judges took two different paths, ruling one was compliant with federal copyright law, while another was not.
Pacific Northwest governors urge federal officials to look closely at coal export proposal
Federal officials are considering a plan to open up federal lands to coal mining, with the idea that the coal would be exported, likely to Asia. But two governors, in Washington and in Oregon, are urging federal officials to look closely at the proposals and consider whether its in the national best interest.
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(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ...
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Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.