Free Republic

SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) – For those who value their freedom of expression as much as health, wealth, and prosperity, then Finland is the place to be, with an index ranking the Nordic nation the best in the world. The 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index, published on Tuesday and compiled by the Legatum Institute, an independent policy, advocacy and advisory organization, ranked 104 countries which are home to 90 percent of the world's population. The index is based on a definition of prosperity that combines economic growth with the level of personal freedoms and democracy in a country as well as measures...

Forbes magazine just released its fourth annual ranking of the best states for business (see full article here and full data set here). According to Forbes: Our Best States ranking measures six vital categories for businesses: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. We factor in 33 different points of data to determine the ranks in the six main areas. Business costs, which include labor, energy and taxes are weighted the most heavily. Virginia nabbed the top spot with the best business climate in the country for the fourth straight year. Relative...

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 29% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -11. That’s the first time his ratings have reached double digits in negative territory (see trends). These updates are based upon nightly telephone interviews and reported on a three-day rolling average basis. Today is the first update based entirely upon interviews conducted after the President’s prime time televised press conference. The number who Strongly Approve of...

"The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 30% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-eight percent (38%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of –8. The President’s Approval Index rating has fallen six points since release of a disappointing jobs report last week."

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 32% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-seven percent (37%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of –5. The number who strongly disapprove inched up another point to the highest level measured to date and the overall Approval Index is at the lowest level yet for Obama  

Green shoots? Are you serious? This crash isn’t over yet, but the mainstream media is so hungry for a new storyline that it risks detaching from reality. Perhaps the stark reality of this recession can only be understood in pictures, so I created a depression index to make it clear. This index measures not just the weakness of the economy, but the weakness of macro policy capacity as well. Economic Capacity Underutilized, Media Oblivious When the government’s Employment Situation report was published last month, it inspired some laughable adjective pairings. David Leonhardt of the New York Times called it "Dreadful,...

Exciting New Custom Ball Technology is Now Available! THESE BALLS ARE MADE AS ORDERED AND ARE SHIPPED FROM THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY. ONLY ORDER THESE BALLS BY THEMSELVES OR WITH OTHER ONTHEBALL CUSTOM PRODUCTS ONLY. PLEASE ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE SHIPPING AND SELECT GROUND SHIPPING ONLY IF WITHIN THE U.S. IF YOU ARE ORDERING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE U.S., ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL WEEK BEFORE SHIPPING. These Fun rolling bowling balls are made for picking up spares or for rolling straight for the recreational Bowler. They are also great for display!

It is incredibly difficult in turbulent markets to look ahead with the big picture in mind. Let's give it a try. I have been following for some time the annual report on the Index of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal. It ranks countries based on a grading system that includes ten freedoms such as property rights protection, investment freedom, tax rates, government intervention in the economy, business freedom, freedom from corruption and monetary, fiscal and trade policy. The idea is not just to rank countries but to track movement both up and down...

The Next Financial WMD? Dan Freed 12/17/08 - 09:49 AM EST Updated from Tuesday, Nov. 16 The creators of an index that some say gave hedge funds the fuse they needed to blow up the subprime mortgage market postponed the expected launch of a new benchmark to track U.S. prime mortgage securities. Markit, a 1,000-person financial technology and data firm that is highly influential among derivatives dealers such as Morgan Stanley (MS Quote - Cramer on MS - Stock Picks), Goldman Sachs (GS Quote - Cramer on GS - Stock Picks), JPMorgan Chase (JPM Quote - Cramer on JPM -...

After studying the average yearly price of gasoline from 1949 to 2007, and assigning the number "1" to the ratio in 1960, we found today's prices comparable to what they were in 1960 (1.35 today to 1.00 in 1960, with a high of 3.32 in 1998). The higher the gasoline affordability index figure, the lower the price of gasoline relative to disposable income. Anger about rising fuel prices has taken a while to build because, until the last year or so, the increases could be shrugged off as natural year-to-year price variation. Moreover, pump prices still seemed relatively cheap given...

Because it is crucial to closely monitor weak states—their progress, their deterioration, and their ability to withstand challenges—the Fund for Peace, an independent research organization, and FOREIGN POLICY present the fourth annual Failed States Index. Using 12 social, economic, political, and military indicators, we ranked 177 states in order of their vulnerability to violent internal conflict and societal deterioration. To do so, we examined more than 30,000 publicly available sources, collected from May to December 2007, to form the basis of the index’s scores. The 60 most vulnerable states are listed in the rankings, and the full results are available...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As spiking fuel and food prices rattle markets and consumers worldwide, the U.S. government on Tuesday formed an interagency task force to assess developments in oil and other commodity markets. The task force is comprised of staff from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the departments of Treasury, Energy and Agriculture. It will examine oil supply and demand factors, investor practices and the role of new players in the markets, such as speculators and index traders, according to a CFTC release. With gasoline prices exceeding $4 a gallon, government...

MAC Indexing has announced the introduction of the MAC Global Solar Energy Index, the first index to independently track the rapidly growing solar energy sector. Dow Jones will publish the Index, which was developed and is maintained by MAC Indexes, an affiliate of Melvin and Company that specializes in clean energy equity research and index development. The MAC Global Solar Energy Index has been licensed to Claymore Advisors, LLC, which anticipates launching the first solar power exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the NYSE-Arca under the symbol "TAN" in April (www.claymore.com/tan). "The creation of the MAC Global Solar Energy Index recognizes the...

In an exclusive new index, Foreign Policy and the Center for a New American Security surveyed more than 3,400 active and retired officers at the highest levels of command about the state of the U.S. military. They see a force stretched dangerously thin and a country ill-prepared for the next fight. Today, the U.S. military is engaged in a campaign that is more demanding and intense than anything it has witnessed in a generation. Ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, now entering their fifth and seventh years respectively, have lasted longer than any U.S. military engagements of the past century,...

CHICAGO, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- As more foreign auto manufacturers open assembly plants in the U.S., the notion of "buying American" has taken on new meaning. With the 4th of July Holiday upon us, Cars.com has created the American Made Index to help consumers identify the top ten vehicles that are truly the most American in terms of their parts, where they're produced and that are popular with U.S. buyers. As expected, many traditional American manufacturers have made the top ten; however, several Toyota vehicles including the Toyota Camry, Camry Solara and the Siena also made the top ten.

<p>WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - U.S. wholesale prices rose a larger-than-expected 1.9% in September, the biggest jump in 31 years, the Labor Department said Tuesday.</p> <p>Price increases were led by a 7.1% rise in wholesale energy prices, the biggest jump in 15 years. Food prices also soared, rising 1.4% on a record 49% increase in egg prices.</p>

I spent a good chunk of the 1990s writing mutual fund advertising, so much of it that the required caveats and footnotes still trip off the fingers: "Past performance is no guarantee of future results." "The Fund is offered only by prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money." Financial services advertising, you see, is ringed about by careful regulation. You can't cherry pick and show off only one good year. You can't make false comparisons. And so forth. One home truth came through that long experience, and I share it here with doubters and fear-mongers who...

Below is an index of Foxhole threads going back to December, 2002. The index is in three parts. First is an index sorted by chronologically by Era. Second is an index sorted by type. This one is particularly useful in finding biographical sketches and information about armor. The third (to be posted later) is a supplementation of the other two. Scroll down to find the most recent information. Thanks to Snippy, SAMWolf and other contributors who make the Foxhole worth reading.

AccountingWEB.com - Jan-6-2005 - For the first time ever, the U.S. does not rank among the world's 10 freest economies in the Index of Economic Freedom, published annually by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal. The U.S.' score in the 2005 Index did not change from 2004. But improvements in the economies of Chile, Australia and Iceland enabled all three to surpass the U. S., leaving it in a tie for 12th with Switzerland and out of the top 10 for the first time in the 11-year history of the Index.

Pacific Research Institute ranks the 50 States. 1. Kan. 11. Ariz. 21. Mont. 31. Wash. 41. Mass. 2. Colo. 12. Nev. 22. Fla. 32. W. Va. 42. N.J. 3. Va. 13. S.C. 23. Ark. 33. Alaska 43. Ohio 4. Idaho 14. Ind. 24. N.C. 34. Mich. 44. Minn. 5. Utah 15. S.D. 25. Ala 35. Hawaii 45. Penn. 6. Okla. 16. Iowa 26. Tenn 36. Vt. 46. Ill. 7. N.H. 17. Texas 27. Md. 37. N.M. 47. R.I. 8. Del. 18. N.D. 28. Miss. 38. Wisc. 48. Conn. 9. Wy. 19. Ga. 29. Ore. 39. Ky. 49. Calif. 10. Mo....

Leading index points to strong growth By Rex Nutting, CBS.MarketWatch.com Last Update: 10:00 AM ET April 19, 2004 WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The U.S. index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent in March, as expected, the Conference Board reported Monday. "Economic growth in the first quarter was strong and the second quarter may be as good or better," said Ken Goldstein, economist for the board. Economists expected the 0.3 percent gain, according to a survey conducted by CBS MarketWatch. See Economic Calendar. The index was flat in February. In March, six of the 10 leading indicators improved: vendor performance, money...

Terri's Threads on FreeRepublic.com - 18 Nov 2003 0351 PST I've got good news and I've got bad news................ THE GOOD NEWS There are now five hundred seventy-four ( 574 ) 'Terri' threads containing a total of sixty-seven thousand five hundred and twenty-five ( 67,525 ) posts....that could be counted...I couldn't find eight of the threads previously posted.) THE BAD NEWS The blog I used seems to have nullified the URL's I pasted to each thread. If one of you is a wizkid and can tell me how overcome this situation - without having to do the whole thing over...

Terri's Threads on FreeRepublic.com - 13 Nov 2003 1035 PST Today, as of 1035 PST, a total of four hundred and ninety-five threads (495!!!) related to the Terri Schiavo life or death struggle taking place in Florida have been posted by one hundred and seventy-two (172) FReepers!!! Given the astonishing and incredible number of threads which focus on a wide variety issues all reated to the same subject, I thought it might be helpful to the FR membership, and those who occasionly review FR commentary, to have a source from which they could more easily access a particular item of...

We wake up in the morning, and our evil deeds begin before we have time to curse the alarm. As we slept, our refrigerators were hard at work giving Chileans skin cancer. We turn on the air conditioner, and amphibians grow extra limbs. We breathe and contribute to global warming. We put on our clothes and cover the world with sweatshops. We slip on our athletic shoes and tie children to workbenches with the laces. We poison the soil by eating breakfast. We drive to work and drown Pacific Islanders. We go to the doctor and kill animals. We devastate...

Anatomy of the deadly China syndrome Virus Sars is first of many epidemics to come Ian Sample, science correspondent Friday April 25, 2003 The Guardian We're unsure where it came from, have no treatment for it and no idea when or where it will spread next. The virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome is shrouded in unknowns. But two things are agreed upon: it's lethal, and it's not going to go away. What's more, we can look forward to far more new and extremely dangerous viruses in the next few years. In mid-February, a retired Chinese doctor, Liu Jianlun,...

QUESTION: Wasn't Erasmus, whose work led to the Textus Receptus and ultimately the King James Bible, really a Roman Catholic? Doesn't this mean that the King James Bible is just another Roman Catholic Bible? ANSWER: Erasmus was raised a Catholic and did not openly "leave" the Roman Catholic Religion, but he did not believe in Roman Catholic doctrine either. In fact, his best friends and defenders were the Christians, like the Anabaptists and Martin Luther. Here is proof from researcher Gail Riplinger.

QUESTION: Was Erasmus, the editor of the Textus Receptus, a "good" Roman Catholic? ANSWER: Erasmus, who edited the Greek text which was later to be known as the Textus Receptus, was an embarassment to the pope and a poor example of a "good" Roman Catholic.

Full-text state statutes and legislation on the Internet This page seeks to link to sites containing full-text state constitutions, statutes (called codes or compiled laws in some states), legislation (bills, amendments and similar documents), session laws (bills that have become laws), and administrative rules. Updated 11/9/02. The Internet is a good reference tool, but don't assume any information is accurate, complete or current; double-check it elsewhere before relying on it. Links to sites maintained by governments are in bold type. Check the box if you want links to open in a new window AlabamaConstitution, statutes, legislation, session lawsAdministrative Code, Administrative...

<p>In the 2003 Index of Economic Freedom, released today by the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal, the big story is Europe. Six of the 10 freest economies in the Index are in North America or Europe and half of all "free" economies are in Europe. European politicians may cling to the rhetoric of socialism, but on much of that continent, economic liberty is gaining ground.</p>

VANNROX Archived Links The following links were collected as interesting from the fall of 2001 up until early June 2002. These links are collected as interesting or as noteworthy for reasons known only to VANNROX. It is my hope that others may use these links and enjoy them as I have. Colonel's letter attacking Bush prompts debate on free speechhttp://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/696687/posts Don't let Alan Keyes Get taken off the airhttp://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/696447/posts Federal Judges who DEFY the Law and violate MANDATORY minimum Sentences imposed by Statute.http://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/696964/posts I Sniff Some Politics (Bush approval rating: 73%)http://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/685803/posts Missile Nuclear Warhttp://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/691251/posts TERROR' LAWYER CAUGHT IN ACT'http://www.FreeRepublic.com/focus/news/694294/posts...

Cost of Laughing Rises 2.9 Percent in Last Year March 22, 2002 8:12 am EST By Ellen Freilich NEW YORK (Reuters) - The price of chuckles, giggles, guffaws and outright hilarity rose 2.9 percent over the last 12 months, according to the tongue-in-cheek Cost of Laughing Index for 2002. Malcolm Kushner, the attorney turned humor consultant who developed the Index, found the rise in the cost of laughter during a recession perplexing. Was scarcity a factor? Did the demand for laughs outstrip supply in a time of war? Though not included in the index, Andersen, the accounting firm that...