News from around the web: 2009-10-26

Strategic default on the rise.

Anecdote contrasting von Mises and Hans Meyer

"not all spending is created equal"

The bancassurance model is dead (at Citi too)

Stimulus malinvestment in China

"Since its introduction a year ago on one device with one carrier, Android has come a long way. It is used on 12 handsets with 32 carriers in 26 countries."

Nice video and charts. Take a look.

He’s not saying immediately. But eventually, yes.

Thoughts on how to build consensus for a more constructive regulatory reform effort.

He is certainly breaking ranks now

"Two suicide bombs in Baghdad, Iraq kill more than 130 people and wound over 500 in one of the deadliest days in Iraq this year. Video courtesy of Reuters."

See the graph on life expectancy vs. expenditure

Switzerland and the U.S. diverge after 1980

Interesting premise worthy of discussion

"Those countries that clung to the gold standard were more likely to restrict trade than those that abandoned it. "

Turn the poo from toxic pollutant to energy source

A specific gene may be responsible for differences

Distraction of the Day: 6-year-old duct-taped at school