Plunging European real estate values have China eyeing future infrastructure purchases.  Despite European nations being loath to sell their infrastructure to China (e.g., railroads, power companies, and factories), Chinese investors are circling and waiting for prices to “hit bottom.”  China’s Minister of Commerce made the following statement this week:  “Next year, we will send a delegation for promoting trade and investment to the European countries...

At some time or another, we have all been temporarily lost—turned around, going the wrong way, on the wrong road, or at the wrong address. Perhaps we received bad directions, saw a misleading road sign or missed a turn, or encountered unforeseen obstacles in our path. How do we get to where we are trying to go?

Losing our way may be only a minor, temporary irritation, with the only real consequence being the loss of time spent backtracking or driving farther, which may make us late. Once we make the necessary corrections, we are not lost anymore.

At some time or another, we have all been temporarily lost—turned around, going the wrong way, on the wrong road or at the wrong address. Perhaps we received bad directions, saw a misleading road sign or missed a turn, or encountered unforeseen obstacles in our path. How do we get to where we are trying to go?

For years, scientists have warned about the growing strength and drug resistance of bacteria.  In Europe, nations are reporting drug resistance of up to 50% with some bacterial infections.  This means that antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial infections are failing half of the time.  Experts cite overprescribing and misuse as major reasons that antibiotics are failing (Reuters, November 17, 2011).

As the European financial crisis continues, rhetoric becomes more pointed and possibilities become more interesting.  A German news source, Der Spiegel, recently proclaimed, “The old EU is Finished.”  The author went on to summarize an interview with Joschka Fischer, former German foreign minister.  Mr. Fischer “wants to see a resolute political body consisting of the leaders of euro-zone countries.