RedStateEclectic

Brazil - Sixth Largest Economy, Ahead of Britain

If the growth tendency in Brazil is confirmed in the coming years it is possible that it can overtake all European countries, including Germany by 2020, adds the report published by Folha de Sao Paulo.

The source.

I don't know about the nature and quality of this boom, but I genuinely wish that places like Brazil, India or China establish true competition for our sclerotic societies and economies.

Go, Brazil, go!

See also Zazueira,  Alchemists ..., Filho Maravilha ..., Pais Tropical,  Mas Que Nada, and Pata Pata.

An Ecuadorian Market

In the center of the Galapagos Islands, on the fish market of Puerto Ayora everyone has his portion, people, seals, pelicans and dogs alike.

For more pictures, go here.

Discuss This..

I’m in the midst of grading exams for my American Government class.  Here is one of the essay questions I asked:

In the days since 9/11, new limits have been put on our civil liberties.  What do you think about those?  Are limits on civil liberties warranted by the potential threat posed by terrorism? Why or why not?  What about TSA air travel screening?  How much is an “unreasonable search”?  Does if violate privacy?  Should privacy be a concern?

Now, keeping in mind that the answers have almost all fallen a little short (in that they have failed to even completely answer the question), here are some examples of the types of answers I’m getting.

People may not understand, but these limits on civil liberties are for our best.  They are not meant to harm us so what harm have these limits done?  I would rather go on a plane knowing I’ll be safely on the ground.  The fact of the matter is we don’t live in a perfect world and if a TSA screening or “unreasonable search” is going to save my life then thank God.  People should be more concerned with their protection than with their rights and privacy. Yah, it may be a privacy thing to some, but to others it’s a safety thing, and the way the U.S is they protect their people.

And…

After 9/11 new limits were established, yes, but I find them to be justified. When a country goes through a terrorist attack such as those on 9/11 it changes things, for everyone.  I would think everyone should be more than willing to take a little more time for checking and scanning at the airport if it means the prevention of thousands of lives once again lost.  Privacy shouldn’t be an issue really.  If it is then they can easily drive.  It’s just a matter of fact and logic that when huge disasters happen in our country, preventions will be made and taken for the future.

Libertarians, arm up, start canning your food, and learn to live independently.  This is what 18-20 year olds believe today:  “Government is here to help us” and “Government would never do anything that isn’t for our own good.”

LLE

Knock, Knock, Knock - Trick or Treat?

Enjoy:

 

And this one, sung by Pavarotti:

 

Also, this one is so funny.

BOO!

Happy Halloween!

Rick Perry in New Hampshire

My only comment about this video: I’m not sure I’ve seen a presidential candidate quite this animated this year.

Schiff Speaks for 1 Percent

A fascinating video, which really points to just how confused some of these young folks are. 

Laura's Place in the Demographics ...

... and your place and my place in the demographics may be ascertained here.

This is mind-boggling.

See also my An Overpopulation of Malthusians and The Courage to Think ...

Camille Saint-Saëns - How to Pronounce ...

... the name of this brilliant composer? Can anyone help? For more on the nature of the problem consult the comments to Listening.

The remainder of the post has been freshly stolen from Brad at The Crossed Pond, who writes:

I listen to a lot of classical music – as a writer, I use it as background music – but never post any. Don’t know why. Although I am only the shallowest of classical fans, my tastes seem to alternate between grand Eastern European with a little gypsy Bohemia thrown in – Antonin Dvorák, Aram Khachaturian, Dmitry Shostakovich – and Western minimalism – Phillip Glass, Yann Tiersen, Thomas Newsman.

Anyway, Beethoven’s 9th aside, here is my favorite piece, from my favorite composer:

 

Site of the theft.