Rice Farmer

## Global economic meltdown ##
Money Supply Figures Suggests Italy Headed Into Depression; Non-Performing Spanish Loans Hit 134 Billion Euros, 7.51% of All Loans, Highest in 17 Years; Eurozone Unemployment Charts

The World Continues Preparations for the End of the Global Dollar-Based Ecosystem (Financial Sense)

Fed's Latest Easing Could Cost $1 Trillion: Economists
"The Federal Reserve is likely to step in with $1 trillion worth of easing that could be announced as soon as this month, according to a growing consensus of economists who see the recent uptick in economic growth as unsustainable."

Large Nations Consider Economic IMF Aid as Smaller Ones Collapse

## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##

Russia says will stand firm with China on Syria
"Russia will offer Washington no explanation for arms deliveries to Syria and together with China will prevent the U.N. Security Council from approving any military intervention in the conflict-torn nation, its foreign minister said on Wednesday."

Top U.S. general in Israel to discuss Iran's nuclear program
"The top U.S. general, visiting Israel at a delicate and dangerous moment in the global standoff with Tehran, is expected to press for restraint amid fears that the Jewish state is nearing a decision to attack Iran's nuclear program."

Operating from Range to Defeat Iran's Anti-Access and Area-Denial Threats
"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. military has been able to project power overseas with few serious challenges to its freedom of action. This 'golden era' for U.S. power projection may be rapidly drawing to a close."

## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Protesters try to disrupt showpiece Bahrain Air show
"Anti-government protesters tried to disrupt the Bahrain airshow on Thursday, burning tires which sent up columns of smoke as the authorities attempt to show life is returning to normal in the troubled Gulf kingdom."

"Five unemployed Moroccan men set themselves on fire in the capital Rabat as part of widespread demonstrations in the country over the lack of jobs, especially for university graduates, a rights activist said Thursday. Three were burned badly enough to be hospitalized."

"'Shame on you, shame on you,' shouted protestors, as officials met to discuss plans to restart Japan's nuclear plants for the first time since last year's Fukushima disaster."

## Energy/resources ##

With Gas so Cheap and Well Drilling Down, Why is Gas Production so High? (Post Carbon)

"So, despite vocal industry proponents to the contrary, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Growing, or even maintaining, U.S. oil and gas production will require an increasing level of inputs in terms of the number of wells drilled, the footage drilled, the capital investments required, and, likely, the large amounts of collateral environmental damage incurred."

A good read in that it mostly sidesteps the environmental issues and concentrates on inputs. -- RF

Fuel costs, weak euro compound Europe's troubles
"Euro prices for gasoline, diesel reach record high"
Fuel crisis continues despite government's claims of breakthrough (Egypt)

Shortage of coal to worsen power woes (India)

## Got food? ##
Russia Restarts Grain Purchases for Government Reserves
European Commission Aims to Cut Food Waste 50 Percent by 2020

## Environment/health ##
Study Finds that Childhood Leukemia Rates Double Near Nuclear Power Stations

## Intelligence/security/internet/systemic breakdown ##
Internet SOPA/PIPA Revolt: Don't Declare Victory Yet

Anonymous strikes back after feds shut down piracy hub Megaupload

## Japan ##
Tepco Drills a Hole in Fukushima Reactor … Finds that Nuclear Fuel Has Gone Missing

About that "cold shutdown"... -- RF

"Japanese negotiators on Thursday urged the U.S. to exclude domestic banks from any penalties related to the Iranian oil sanctions, citing a potentially debilitating impact on the nation's economy."
Oi plant gets initial NISA restart nod
"The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has tentatively approved two idled reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi power plant in Fukui Prefecture as safe to restart but had a hard time submitting the draft to nuclear experts because of hours of interference from protesters."

Welfare ministry to make new poverty index
"The welfare ministry has decided to create a new poverty index in response to the sharp increase in the number of people living on welfare benefits and problems related to the working poor, it has been learned."

## UK ##
Hague to 'uphold UK sovereignty' over Falklands

## US ##
Gas Tax Hike Debated In Virginia, Iowa As Revenues Disappoint
Wall Street Job Cuts December 2011: Financial Industry Shed 2,000 Jobs Last Month

The extent to which war underpins the industrial base cannot be underestimated. -- RF

Americans Anti-Big Business, Big Gov't (Gallup)