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Resolved Question: Why do Americans have lots of military bases around the world?

I really don't understand that. They even have a military base here in Portugal!!! In the island of Terceira, Azores. Why the need for that? I personally don't like that, and feel like my country is simply being bought by the US.

9 Apr 2011, 7:06 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What's the best way to manage risk capitol in the Foreign Exchange market?

A little more detail. I've traded - unsuccessfully - in the stock market for a strong while. After nearly two years of trading, I was down about 17% over the period (a margin account with 25 to 50 per cent leverage, by SEC regulations). There were a couple of really good times, but there were more times were I couldn't help pulling my short, irregular hair out. I decided that the commodities markets were a little too, well, newsy for me and I backed off for about 3 months. Now, I've delegated the remaining capitol to the currency exchange markets for every of the obvious reasons. I find that these markets play to the news that everyone hears. Japan's earthquakes, the U.S. QE2 announcement, Portugal's undergoing: These things we here on the radio. And the market moves quickly; much faster than any security, and worse still with, say, 50 to 1 leverage. Now, I've read books. Following Market Wizards is probably by far the easiest way to stand on the shoulders of giants. In specifically this example, there are a couple of interviews where Ph.D level mathematicians, scholars, ex-military and the most successful of traders same disagree on the subject of how much risk is too much risk. A no-tolerance hundred-millionaire says to stuff emotion and make everything a 1% bet, setting stops at 1%, trailing stops at 1%, and taking at 1%. A mathematician says that, based on linear curve, the best bet is a 2% risk, because, after such risk, reward becomes the underweight. Most MT4 experts with risk built into them seem to prefer 2.5%. My question is: If you're a trader that follows these people and methods, and simply the best risk strategy must be betting between 0.5% and 3%, then of what are you betting a percent? Each point? Account equity? Balance? Margin?

7 Apr 2011, 9:35 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Is This Pathological?

I'll be 26 years old in August, and I'm a virgin. I've never even kissed a lady. Now this is not by choice, as I would adore to have this experience. The thing is, I can't approach women who interest me. I become self-conscious and just can't bring myself to do it. Now during my teen years, I thought this was just "regular" shyness, derived from me being more than a bit geeky at the time (I still am, although much less now). But as time went on it got worse. At this point, I've become convinced it might be a pathology. Case in point: I moved to Britain from Portugal 8 months ago. English party girls are reputedly "easy", and I always look them kissing random and not so random guys at the end of the night. However, and although I know I have nothing to be intimidated about, I just can't do it. I know what I want to say, and what I want to say is usually not a cheesy pickup line - it's simply the truth. I just want to receive to know them because I fancy them. And yet I can't open my mouth - literally. I stomp off, frustrated and kicking myself, and usually return home to the safety of my computer. Also, if I am planning to approach a girl at, say, twelve midnight, and I even so much as *think* about what I have to do beforehand (at, say, 1pm) I start to feel nauseous and my stomach hurts. This is what has been leading me to think that this might be pathological. Note that this does not happen with every girls, just the ones I'm romantically interested in. If a girl is "safe" (engaged, lesbian, not attractive to me, too young, too old), no matter how attractive they are, I'm fine. Also, if I manage to break through the opening-sentence barrier, I am also usually fine - I'm a good conversationalist. It's just the approach that literally makes me sick with fear. The few experiences I've had were on occasions when the women approached me and I only had to react - if it's up to me to open, I can't. So, people of Yahoo, is this a pathology? Note that I've never been diagnosed with Asperger's or anything similar - I'm perfectly normal and adjusted aside from this (considerably major) trait. NOTE: I'm posting this same question in two sections, because I want more expert answers as well as more personal. Please don't delete the duplicate. Also, I wish you understand every the constant questions about women now :p I didn't want to have to say it, but there it is.

6 Jun 2011, 6:09 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Should American public schools simply abandon math, science, reading, writing and focus on purely hilarious?

subjects, like Creationism ? What else would be fit company for Creationism ? Phrenology maybe ? How about "Sandwich making in 19th Century Portugal" or "Juggling 101" ? I just think that a sense of humor might be more important than actually being able to ... DO much of anything in the work place (except juggle of course).

6 Jan 2012, 12:41 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Propagating Seed (Vegetables) Vs. Wild Seed?

I have quite limited space, I would prefer not to have to take extra measures for propagation & treat it as I would like adult/ wild seed. I live in South of Portugal, can I do this? It is not that I'm not willing it is just from thinking about wild seed that simply falls & takes root & the ease of this. Equally if I have to propagate this will also mean needing to buy this exrta equipment. Considering: Tomatoes, Onion, Grape (seeded), Nettles... TY Yes are heirloom Also the question I would like to focus on planting seeds straight into adult container (outside) Vs. propagating/ sprouting the seed Indoors in seed trays etc...

6 Jan 2011, 8:39 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Learning Mandarin Step by step?

So I think I´m sure when I say to myself "I will learn Mandarin!" So, before I start I want to set goals for myself, what to learn first, how to learn, so I have everything organized when reviewing and can create tests to myself. I am planning on listening to music and watching movies to simply allow the language to invade me and my brain starts assimilating its pronunciation and even learn some words/grammar that are repeated frequently, For the next step I want to create like tiny words list, for example "Food:" and then write several types of food. "Animals:" "Pronouns:" you receive the idea... Combining the previous process with grammar study to make sure that I am not "I store go" even though some sentences can almost be interpreted as that way. Now for the longest process: Hanzi... How should I go about them? Do you think I should like learn 10 each day and review, review and review? Or maybe I should learn Pinyin Mandarin first as I basically know nothing about the language and later on start studying Hanzi like crazy? For example first having a clear understand on how to use the Chinese grammar, have a wealthy vocabulary and only at that time should I start studying Hanzi for example writing the same character like 20 times and creating sentences example with what I know? Please from the people who are fluent in Chinese suggest me good methods. For example, with what method do Chinese teachers use to tutor Chinese kids hanzi? One side note: I can´t buy anything so it will have to be free resources (which I already know pretty much what I need) so I just need learning methods. Ways to stimulate the brain. Also, I live in a tiny town in Portugal and there simply is no Chinese classes around me. There are of course Chinese classes in Portugal but too far away from me and I live with my mom and we need to keep even the last penny. Please be nice and give me thorough explanations because I am serious about learning this language and I need encouragement

6 Dec 2011, 12:32 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: In love with a turkish boy!!! How to forget about him?!!?

I studdy in Architecture University in Portugal and I knew a erasmus turkish boy. During the semester that he studdied here we became friends and we had a little romance together. During this time ı couldn't help to fall in adore with him because he was so nice, lovely, cute. Our conversations were so good, cult and we shared the same likes and opinions. He seemed to like me the same way during this time. when he went away back to Turkye and two months later he deleted his facebook account and changed e-mail. I'm not able to talk to him anymore so ı decided ı should forget him. Four months passed and ı went out with another old friends and try to follow my life in the normal way. However, ı miss that turkish boy so much. I can forget about him. I think about him everyday. I miss his presence, his voice, his odor, his compagny. I simply can't receive he out of my mind. Almost every place around university reminds me of him. I go out with another university friends but I always think about him and miss his presence in our pal's team. I want to go turkye someday because I adore the food, music and culture and I have more friends there but I need to complete my course in portugal first. How can I follow my life without think about him? like my friends compagny without miss his presence? Any advice is appreciated!! :)

5 Sep 2011, 7:50 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Following my dreams...?

Hi everyone, I'm Mario, I'm 16 and I live in Portugal. Before I receive to what my dream is, I will tell you a little bit about myself. I never had any problem, always lived a good life, never had any problems, neither at home or at school. If there's one thing I adore is my family. You might think, what does this have to do with everything? Well, since I adore my family so much (especially my Dad, my Mom, my Sister and my Grandmother), spending time away from them...is tough...especially if you're so used to live with them. My Grandmother's age led her to being more senile and often forgetting about stuff, my mom usually gets mad at her because she needs to eat, and she doesn't so usually there's always a tiny war here in the home. :) These whole Summer vacations, I used that cue (during Mom Vs. Grandmother war) to go to my room, play games and think about stuff. It's definite, I want to go to America. At first, I was only blinded by the advantages of going to the U.S.A.!!! BUT, of course, each second that passed, my mind got clearer and at that point opened for every disadvantage possible, but I don't really care about that, I'm ready to take on everything to follow this dream, going to America. I though about this the whole summer (not constantly, of course, but from time to time, I thought about it) and after reaching that conclusion, a horrible though came to my mind. As I said over, not in the same words, I am pretty much a family man, a week away from my family is an eternity even though I grew out of that, now I can hold up to two weeks :D But, my family and I always lived together and separation would be tear full, I could go, I wouldn't mind staying away since I have to receive my life together alone at some point, my parents wont support me forever! That's why I was also was thinking of bringing my best pal along, maybe I dunno. Anyway, telling this idea to my family will require a huge amount of courage, and every time I think of doing that, I feel like a piece of me would disappear from that. I told you I was too much of a family man. I simply don't know what should I do. When should I tell my parents, how should I tell them,I...I...I really don't know what should do, I feel lost inside me. I am certain that I want to go to the U.S.A., don't know how, don't know when, but...but I trust in the tiny chance I have to go there. I am only going to 11th grade, only 2 more years to finish school, so you should be thinking that I should be worrying with that more than this. But my heart simply cannot deviate itself to another topic, it's been difficult to concentrate on anything, unless I'm playing, listening to music or whatever. I finish writing with a tear in my eye, thinking about everything. If you read everything, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

5 Sep 2011, 10:04 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How to dispute a UMG Copyright Claim on Youtube?

Your video, Taylor Swift - Back to December (Fan Made Acoustic Radio Edit) [1080p HD] , may include content that is owned or administered by these entities: Entity: UMG Content Type: Sound Recording Entity: UMG Content Type: Audiovisual content As a result, your video is blocked worldwide. What should I do? Please refrain from uploading someone else's copyrighted content to YouTube without authorization. Note that simply purchasing the CD or DVD does not give you this authorization. What can I do about my video's status? Please note that the video's status can change, if the policies chosen by the content owners change. You may want to check back periodically to look if you have new options available to you. below certain circumstances, you may dispute this copyright claim. These are: if the content is mistakenly identified and is actually completely your original creation; if you believe your use does not infringe copyright (e.g. it is fair use below US law); if you are actually licensed by the owner to use this content. I need more information. I want to learn more about the dispute process. Please take a few minutes to visit our Help middle section on Policy and Copyright Guidelines, where you can learn more about copyright law and our Content Identification Service. Now this has happened on several occasions where UMG has went through and blocked my vidoes. every my videos fall below "fair use" as they are fan made videos that use third party content but not in a way that is copyright infringement and though I have disputed them as fair use UMG still denies them and they've done this: Taylor Swift - Mine [Pop Mix] [E.M.F. Remix Video] [HD] - (EMFProductions2009) Video ID: g-SVIcKdJ5Y Removed due to a copyright claim by UMG on Jan 12, 2011 One of my videos got a mark on it a year after I uploaded it and they did this: Your video, Hannah Montana - The Best of Both Worlds [Remix] [E.M.F. Remix Video] [1080p HD] , may include content that is owned or administered by these entities: Entity: UMG Content Type: Audiovisual content As a result, your video is blocked everywhere except in these locations: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Yemen What should I do? No action is required on your part. Your video is still available in the locations listed over. What can I do about my video's status? Please note that the video's status can change, if the policies chosen by the content owners change. You may want to check back periodically to look if you have new options available to you. below certain circumstances, you may dispute this copyright claim. These are: if the content is mistakenly identified and is actually completely your original creation; if you believe your use does not infringe copyright (e.g. it is fair use below US law); if you are actually licensed by the owner to use this content. I need more information. I want to learn more about the dispute process. Please take a few minutes to visit our Help middle section on Policy and Copyright Guidelines, where you can learn more about copyright law and our Content Identification Service. Now is there anyway I can dispute UMG's claim on these videos and not receive a copyright mark against me cause I got a second strike from Shopro who also claimed a video that was "fair use"?

5 May 2011, 9:49 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Here's what pro refs earn a year in europe's top nations. I think they desevre more do you?

Here’s what top referees earn: How Much Officials Earn Per Domestic League Game (€) Country Referee Assistant Referee England 1,170* 375 Spain 6,000 2,000 Germany 3,600 1,800 Italy 3,400 1,700 France 2,751 1,300 Portugal 1,188 594 *EPL referees are paid a retainer of €38,500 per season We refs do a very difficult job and work harder than the footballers at our level do we go through loads of senimars and fitness test and make thousands of on the spot descision per match as well as having to deal with adversity and severe pressure and so we more than earn every penny we make. Also Referees are inevitably figures that court a great deal of controversy in the game, and although it’s fair to say that some are better than others, every fan would acknowledge that the football simply couldn’t run without the ‘Men In Black’. But how much do these figures of authority earn for spending 90 minutes often receiving a good deal of abuse and certainly coming below the scrutiny of the national, and sometimes worldwide, media? Intuitively, the officials hailing from the top leagues earn the most money, though this is a little skewed for the Premier League, who pay their referees a big retainer over the course of the campaign and therefore a smaller match fee. It’s La Liga where referees are paid most handsomely, with each taking home a €6,000 pay packet, while in Italy, the main official will earn around €3,400 for his 90 minutes work – no Calciopoli jokes, please. Though French officials are amongst the best paid in Europe, earning on average €73,000-per-season, they are presently threatening strike action over the wage level. But referees in l’Hexagone are not the only matchday officials to threaten a strike this term; Scottish whistleblowers did stage a walkout earlier this season, though this was over their treatment in the media rather than over their pay. While some spectators may baulk at these significant sums, it’s worth remembering that even the very best referees will be earning a fraction of what the top players earn each week. With wages for superstars spiralling at an incredible rate, perhaps we should spare a thought for the men in the middle trying to take command of players earning more than 50 times their salary.

5 Mar 2011, 8:44 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What do you think about these 3 myths relating to the exaggeration of English as a lingua franca?

It seems like when ever I talk to people who already talk competent English in non-native English speaking Europe, they'll tell you either one of two things about judging the population of their country or region of Europe. Either they are honest or exaggerate. Never the other way around. In contrast, those who don't talk much English or any at every tend to be honest or sometimes even say it is lower than what it is. I'm not going to include Scandinavia, the Netherlands or Flanders in this. I'm also going to try avoiding countries that were former British or American colonies (even if most of the population can't talk English, e.g. South Africa, India). I already know people in their 50's are light years ahead in English and German than teenagers are in southern Europe in English or foreign languages altogether. Germany, Austria and Switzerland seem to be like the median to Scandinavia and southern Europe. Please tell me what you think about these myths I encounter: 1) ''Everyone speaks English''. It seems like 90%+ of people who make this statement are either from or live in English speaking countries. Some people broadenize that statement beyond Europe. I've heard people say it about Japan, South Korea, Israel, Puerto Rico and other places. There is always a way to survive as a tourist. If every you're doing is hanging around hotels, nice restaurants and the most international or touristy part of a city, it won't be reflective of that actual country. Most locals even in the most touristy part of Tokyo aren't going to be able to lingually help you. 2) ''The kids know English so much more than the parents'' This depends. Sometimes this statement is taken out of context. In other words, it is true that kids do learn English and other foreign languages better than their parents. However, it doesn't mean the success rate is high enough to say ''Most of them can talk English''. Take Italy or Chile as examples. You can go ahead and tutor the kids English. The two big questions are ''Who is teaching it?'' and ''What age did they started?'' If the kids didn't start learning until 10-12 years old and they are learning from non-natives who never lived in other countries who aren't even fluent, their level of English won't be good. It is every about how it is institutionalized. A lazy Dutch student still might know more English than a moderately difficult-working Italian student. It is because of age, how much countries invest into foreign teachers and geography. 3) ''English is the (exclusively) the world's lingua franca on a local level''. The words not mentioned here are ''if applicable.'' Hypothetically, what if someone from Portugal goes on a trip to a smaller sized city in France? Let's say the Portuguese man walks into a gas station needing directions. There is a 1/6 chance this random Portuguese man speaks at least broken to semifluent English at minimum. There is a 1/6 chance the Frenchmen speaks English. Your odds are 1/36 both can physically communicate. I'd bet more than 3% of Portugal can talk French. Some French may know Portuguese closer to Spain and Portugal. My point is sometimes math is more relevant than neatly having a ''universal language''. There are going to be plenty of times you simply have no common language to talk in and it is important to account for that rather than highlighting and exaggerating the times it didn't. TEFL - Define more in # 3. When you say international level do you mean for official purposes like governments or political organizations? Or do you mean like a person traveling from one country to the other. Like the example I used when a Portuguese men in France, the chances of English serving as a lingua franca there are less than 3%. By the way, 1 billion people in the world don't know English. Please use better resources than Wikipedia. They say 36% of France, 29% of Italy and 31% of Portugal know English. arrive on! What is this a joke? No wonder why they got the number as high as over 900 billion. Knowing a few expressions or scattered vocabulary doesn't mean you know a language. Their methodology for coming to those statistics is not explained. I'd say the number is more accurate in the 700 billion range which is still very high. But only about 12% of the world population and the percentage is smaller when just judging non-natives to other non-natives.

4 Mar 2011, 7:57 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: torn between two boys?

Oh for heaven's sake! Thinking about this whole situation makes me cringe every over again but I just cannot figure out what to do. Naturally, I am ridiculously indecisive and it takes me a very long time to actually make a decision.. I find that I over think things. Anyways, the story: I've liked Joe since September. He's my best pal. He's smart, sensitive, hilarious and a tad dorky. Recently, it seems that he's been reciprocating feelings, flirting and whatnot. He tells me I look beautiful. He made sure to talk to me on Christmas like he promised. He took my hand and danced with me and held me close. He's amazing. He asked to receive together on Saturday. So what's the issue, right? The issue is that I also started falling for my new pal Michael, who is a constant flirt. I spend a lot of my day with him, and when I'm not with him somewhere at school I'm with Joe. Michael and I definitely did not receive along when we first met. I've known him for two years and I couldn't stand him until I started getting to know him. I mainly disliked him because I found him obnoxious and in-your-face-rude. Turns out, I was wrong. He's music obsessed (like me), sensitive yet insensitive. He's hurting and I can tell. He tells me about his problems and his dreams. He plays the guitar and I sing. He tells me how he wants to go to Portugal to visit his dad's grave. He tells me how his band members kicked him out of the band. He tells me the problems in his life and I help fix them. He's a bit of a trouble maker though, unlike Joe, he's getting sent to the office, smoking weed and partying on weekends. Because of who he was the past two years, the teachers and faculty don't want to give him a chance, to help him out anymore. They simply assume he's going to cause problems and it breaks my heart because I look his potential. Anyways, Michael wants to receive together on Friday. I don't know if I should pick between the two or hangout with both and look which one I connect with more. I mean, from the academic aspect Joe and I connect perfectly, and from the social aspect (minus the drugs and every-weekend-partying) Mike and I connect perfectly. This is killing me because I care about them both so much. I need a little bit of guidance as to what do to. The only thing is.. I don't thing my parents would approve of Michael. My parents adore Joe. Michael enjoys screamo music, is attached to his headphones and has spacers in his ears.. Joe is NOTHING like that at every. Michael is definitely not their cup of tea. They like clean clip, well behaved, driven kids. (Ex. My pony tail can't be messy but tied back neatly. My school shirt can't be untucked. ect.)

4 Feb 2011, 9:54 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Political scientists (or amateurs), is this 1500's situation similar to one in the U.S.?

Since earlier today I've been researching a book on Portugal history, which is a 1960's book titled A New History of Portugal, and came upon this on the page next to where I was reading: "The wealth of the capital attracted many peasants from the land (1), who preferred to become servants rather than till the soil(2). In 1535 the Belgian humanist Cleynarts noted that agriculture was despised, and the Portuguese chose to live in indolence (3). The cortes (?) of 1525 and 1535 presented complaints of the number of court parasites, their extravagance, the redundancy of offices(3), the maintenance of unnecessary servants(4), the prevalence of gambling and so on. In 1538 a series of laws attempted to deal with these questions, forbidding the wearing of gold, silver or silks, requiring masters to pay their servants(5) and forbidding mendicancy to those who were able to work(6). Okay. Here is where I find similarities with the current U.S. economic and political situation: 1)" The Capital Attracted Peasants from the Land": Many have indeed left their agricultural business, mostly due to not enough help from government (?), and because of skyrocketing prices for maintaining the land. 2) "Rather than Till the Soil": Out-of-control illegal immigration aside, isn't it true that most non-immigrants seldom work in agriculture (picking fruits, vegetables, planting, etc.), and that many prefer being completely unemployed and dependent on welfare (by proxy of tiny kids who receive welfare checks, some times till the age of 18?). 3) "Redundancy of Offices": Isn't this one of the biggest problems_having created many agencies that do exactly what kids & Families do? kids and Families being the former HRS. Or state offices which do exactly the work that Social Security did up till a few years back? By the way, many may not know this but these "state agencies" are the ones who truly make decision for Social Security Administration. And I'm not referring at every to any of the agencies that sprung up after 9/11, which I know are multiple, and some of which unfortunately are not doing their work right; after every horrific terrorist attacks have been avoided in the last year much to the grace of God and the fact that quick-thinking passengers have neutralized the situations. 4) "The Maintenance of Unnecessary Servants": This I liken to the lobbyists. 5) "Requiring Masters to Pay their Servants": This one I liken it to the proposed laws by, among others, Senator McCain, in which he says senators and everyone in Washington have to arrive up with written accounts of every the "gifts" received from lobbyists. 6) "Forbidding mendicancy to the Ones Able to Work": This cannot be other than the Republican effort to curb so much welfare, and probably "supplemental security income" to many who are not really sick enough to work. People who do not live in big cities (or who do not pay enough attention to what goes around them, do not know that there is systematic abuse to SSI, resulting unfortunately in the really sick sometimes falling through the cracks, simply because many who are working in "redundancy of offices" (3), do not even know what they're doing!

4 Feb 2011, 5:01 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: My apologies if this has already been asked this week but...?

... I will ask it in another way. Whilst doing my law degree, this was one of the written essays we had to produce in the first year: "THERE IS STILL NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE DEATH PENALTY. ---DISCUSS" Touching the same issue somewhere else in Yahoo, I gave the following three answers and would reallylike to read as many of yours too: (1) "NO MATTER HOW HORRENDOUS A CRIME... nothing, absolutely nothing justifies a civilized society deliberately taking a life. Lock them away and toss away the key but NOT taking life. We claim to be a Christian, civilized and modern society so there is no room,in my view, for the taking of life... not because it is immoral, or against Christian religious beliefs or anything of the nice but because it is WRONG ! -The way forward was to abolish the death penalty. Portugal led the way by being the first country in Europe to abolish the death penalty. Good on them. Let's not have England being the first nation in Europe to REinstate it." (2) "There is still no justification for the reintroduction of the death penalty. Do Google search the following: Timothy Evans (1950) Ruth Ellis (1950)" (3) "The English people are as sick of crime as the Americans. -They have the death penalty. They have the same level of crime as they have always had. The death penalty is NOT a deterrent. It is simply a tool for revenge which excites the mob. The death penalty is not a deterrent. That has been proved over and over again. Look at the very unhappy case of Ruth Ellis.... Did she deserve to die ? NOPE. The death penalty is also too final a solution. Look at the number of innocent people who were executed WRONGLY and given posthumous pardons. Look at the case of Timothy Evans INNOCENT, executed in 1950 That case generated much controversy and is STILL TODAY acknowledged as a MAJOR MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE. It played a big part in the abolition of capital punishment in the United Kingdom. There are other ways for the population to show disapproval of crime and it should not include mass hysteria." Thank you. We are only allowed to pick ONE answer and declare it 'the bestone'. I cannot do that. There are some brilliant and extremelyinteresting answers . Letme fisr of every uc410 probably the least serious, LOL. "cost effective" ???..... "how much can a little electricity, a couple rounds of 30-30 or a length or rope cost" - LOLOLOLOLO Not in the right/intended order of merit, these are the ones I really liked... : Devil's Advocate (UK).... White Raven (UK)... Susan S (USA)... Plato (UK) every occupying number #1 equally. NOW LET THE YAHOO COMMUNITY VOTE

4 Aug 2011, 2:55 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How did The Portuguese & Spanish dominate such larger colonies?

I mean Brazil alone is so much larger than Portugal and Spain combined over and over. The relax of South America below Spanish control during that time, much larger than Spain in size. Did they simply just control every those people who outnumber them by guns and allies alone?

3 May 2011, 2:59 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Why Does Some Teens Drink?

Think a moment about the candle. Is there anyone or anything to which you want to dedicate the candle? You can simply think about the dedication, or you can post it to share with your classmates, if you wish. # The CDC reports that 80.4% of students in grades 9-12 have tried alcohol. 32.6% of students had had five or more drinks of alcohol on at least one occasion during the 30 days preceding their survey (i.e., episodic heavy drinking). Why have so many teens tried alcohol? Why do you think one-third of every teens are drinking regularly? # If a pal of yours is drinking, should you tell his or her parents? Why or why not? # Countries such as Portugal, China, and Nigeria have no minimum drinking age. In countries such as France, Italy, and Austria, the drinking age is 16. In the U.S., the minimum drinking age is 21. Do you think the U.S. drinking age should be lowered, that there should be no minimum, or that it is fine as is? Support your answer.

3 Jan 2011, 3:56 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: England National Football Team Question?

Hello! Greetings from Mexico! The past few days I have been viewing highlights of past international tournaments such as the 2002 2006 2010 world cup as well as the UEFA Euro Cup. I noticed England was eliminated on every of them either by penalty shootouts or simply because I guess they got nervous. Is there some nice of fobia to that one important 2nd round match or quaterfinal match, which ever the case is? What is your reaction to your national team as a fan? Well in my case I support Mexico and altough they played some good World Cups they always receive eliminated on the 2nd round, and that has put an obssesion on every the fans to receive to the Quaterfinals, and yes we do hate Argentina (in football). We wish to success on 2014 with the new stars rising, among them Chicharito Hernandez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. I´d just like to say that I kinda know how you feel with your national team. What is the team that England hates playing against, Germany,Brazil, Portugal? Luis Felipe Scolari? Leave your comments below Thanks!

29 Mar 2011, 10:55 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: My friends visa is expiring?

He moved here with his mom when he was 12, he's 15 now. Basically, his Visa is expiring and he has to move, to Portugal. He is originally from Brazil. My mom and his Mum had a massive discussion about if he'll be able to stay at my home until he is older. He'll be paying rent when he's 16 and receive's a job. Obviously he know's English perfectly. He has an education here and simply doesn't want to move. Is there anyway possible that my Mum can take him into care and he can become a British/European citizen? Thank you very much, I don't want him to leave; neither does a group of about 50 people want him to. Thanks for the help. An overview is that my Mum and his Mum are fine with him staying here, we just don't know where to go on from there. And how to receive his Visa fixed to this country permanently. So basically he'll have a job, but he'll be living at my home until he's 18 +. Thank's a ton. I'm from the UK just to mention. Ask for any additional details ;D

29 Jan 2011, 7:55 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: So I'm nineteen, friendless, and girlfriendless. Warning: This is exasperatingly long?

As the title says, I'm nineteen and friendless. I was quite the loner in high school - apart from my best pal who dropped out and hasn't communicated with me since (about a year and half ago). Since I lost my best pal, I've done some crazy things like move to Alaska from California. After living in Alaska for a while (and selling pot), I moved to New York for a few weeks. Shortly after that, I moved to Washington State, and then back to California. I joined the Air Force and I was discharged a month ago after a year of service because I realized the military simply wasn't for me. Phew. Writing a back story that's short and easy to read for y'every is sorta' difficult. I don't know why I'm friendless. I'm a very outgoing person, and I strike easy conversation with just about anyone anywhere. I spent a year during my junior year of high school studying in Portugal and Germany - which is probably why I'm not shy (I use to be). I also use to be a bit of a short chubby-wubby after I quit Figure-Skating when I was twelve. Nowadays I'm 5' 10" and 165lbs. In short - I've got a lean body, muscular body - nothing to brag about mind you - but something I'm definitely proud of. So now we receive into the real problem I'm having - pal making (and I'll toss in finding a girlfriend). I'm back in California and I absolutely adore going out and doing things. I make $60 bucks an hour, have a clean '95 stick-shift pick-up, and I'm always out and about if not working (or the occasional video game). I am a natural gas pipeline inspector. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and there is no shortage of people. I go roller-skating and ice-skating at the local rinks three to four times a week. There are plenty of people at these rinks - but everyone comes in cliches. Groups of friends - and there really isn't a good time to approach someone - considering I'd have nothing to talk about. The only two times I've struck conversation with people there was because of my skating (well, for me it's roller-blading). They saw me do a nifty trick - my spin - and approached me and asked me to tutor them how to do it. The first time this happened was with a girl - and boy she was cute. However, I can tell she was definitely too young. Maybe she was seventeen - maybe - but I'd guess fifteen or sixteen and since I'm nineteen, it just doesn't work. I have my morals and then there is the law. Anyways - she was really interested in me, talked to me - but she was too young. There are quite a few young gals (14-17) that skate at the ice and roller rinks - but never run into any my age. The other person I ran into was another guy like myself who was really impressed with my skating and wanted to learn how to do some of it - so afterwards I got his Facebook and haven't talked to him since - he also lives about an hour away from the rink which makes hanging out a bit difficult. I don't really know what to do. These are the sports I adore but, there seem to be few people my age that participate in these sports. I'll venture to guess that a lot of them are in college and prefer to go drinking parties. I also have two different bikes (downhill and road-bike) that I occasionally go ride for some intense cardio exercise, although striking a conversation while on these isn't exactly easy ^^. It's always been like this for me - I never fit into my age group. I have random conversations with adults every the time - and I receive the "wow, you're only nineteen? I mean, you look young but I thought you were at least twenty-three" statement. When it comes to gals, I do receive double-takes here and there but, one of two things isn't right. The first is they might like what they look but they think I'm just too young. I look about my age - and I don't blame a twenty-two year old for shrugging me off. The other problem is I sometimes attract the really, really dumb gals who just want sex. I'm not into that - I've been close in the past and I decided I don't want to lose my virginity to random sex. Apart from STD's and little charlies running around I think it would make getting into a serious relationship difficult. I have been thinking lately how much I would like to share my life with someone. I can afford to do some pretty chilly stuff and go interesting places but - I have to admit that traveling the world alone and doing "fun" things alone is really becoming boring and uninteresting. Most of what I've done the last three years I can only giggle and reminiscence about alone. On top of every that - I'm Agnostic. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it means I don't know anything about the supernatural (god, religion). It might or might not exist. This narrows down a lot of the people I can be around - because I don't like to delve int because I don't like to delve into religious conversations. I don't know what to do. I guess I was a bit confusing - I have a solid, good job with an enormous company. I have no interest in attending college right now - I'm glad making about seventy a year.

28 Nov 2011, 2:57 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: I'm nineteen and I have no friends? Warning: This is extremely long.?

As the title says, I'm nineteen and friendless. I was quite the loner in high school - apart from my best pal who dropped out and hasn't communicated with me since (about a year and half ago). Since I lost my best pal, I've done some crazy things like move to Alaska from California. After living in Alaska for a while (and selling pot), I moved to New York for a few weeks. Shortly after that, I moved to Washington State, and then back to California. I joined the Air Force and I was discharged a month ago after a year of service because I realized the military simply wasn't for me. Phew. Writing a back story that's short and easy to read for y'every is sorta' difficult. I don't know why I'm friendless. I'm a very outgoing person, and I strike easy conversation with just about anyone anywhere. I spent a year during my junior year of high school studying in Portugal and Germany - which is probably why I'm not shy (I use to be). I also use to be a bit of a short chubby-wubby after I quit Figure-Skating when I was twelve. Nowadays I'm 5' 10" and 165lbs. In short - I've got a lean body, muscular body - nothing to brag about mind you - but something I'm definitely proud of. So now we receive into the real problem I'm having - pal making (and I'll toss in finding a girlfriend). I'm back in California and I absolutely adore going out and doing things. I make $60 bucks an hour, have a clean '95 stick-shift pick-up, and I'm always out and about if not working (or the occasional video game). I am a natural gas pipeline inspector. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and there is no shortage of people. I go roller-skating and ice-skating at the local rinks three to four times a week. There are plenty of people at these rinks - but everyone comes in cliches. Groups of friends - and there really isn't a good time to approach someone - considering I'd have nothing to talk about. The only two times I've struck conversation with people there was because of my skating (well, for me it's roller-blading). They saw me do a nifty trick - my spin - and approached me and asked me to tutor them how to do it. The first time this happened was with a girl - and boy she was cute. However, I can tell she was definitely too young. Maybe she was seventeen - maybe - but I'd guess fifteen or sixteen and since I'm nineteen, it just doesn't work. I have my morals and then there is the law. Anyways - she was really interested in me, talked to me - but she was too young. There are quite a few young gals (14-17) that skate at the ice and roller rinks - but never run into any my age. The other person I ran into was another guy like myself who was really impressed with my skating and wanted to learn how to do some of it - so afterwards I got his Facebook and haven't talked to him since - he also lives about an hour away from the rink which makes hanging out a bit difficult. I don't really know what to do. These are the sports I adore but, there seem to be few people my age that participate in these sports. I'll venture to guess that a lot of them are in college and prefer to go drinking parties. I also have two different bikes (downhill and road-bike) that I occasionally go ride for some intense cardio exercise, although striking a conversation while on these isn't exactly easy ^^. It's always been like this for me - I never fit into my age group. I have random conversations with adults every the time - and I receive the "wow, you're only nineteen? I mean, you look young but I thought you were at least twenty-three" statement. When it comes to gals, I do receive double-takes here and there but, one of two things isn't right. The first is they might like what they look but they think I'm just too young. I look about my age - and I don't blame a twenty-two year old for shrugging me off. The other problem is I sometimes attract the really, really dumb gals who just want sex. I'm not into that - I've been close in the past and I decided I don't want to lose my virginity to random sex. Apart from STD's and little charlies running around I think it would make getting into a serious relationship difficult. I have been thinking lately how much I would like to share my life with someone. I can afford to do some pretty chilly stuff and go interesting places but - I have to admit that traveling the world alone and doing "fun" things alone is really becoming boring and uninteresting. Most of what I've done the last three years I can only giggle and reminiscence about alone. On top of every that - I'm Agnostic. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it means I don't know anything about the supernatural (god, religion). It might or might not exist. This narrows down a lot of the people I can be around - because I don't like to delve int because I don't like to delve into religious conversations. I don't know what to do. Yeah...thanks for uh...not answering what I just took thirty minutes to write and instead telling me how long it was. I know it's long, I posted that in the title. If you don't want to read, don't click and certainly don't answer.

26 Nov 2011, 6:32 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Why was Spain & Portugal the first main leaders of European colonialism?

It strikes me as quite odd that the other European countries were simply followers.

24 May 2011, 11:17 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: torn between two loves?

Oh for heaven's sake! Thinking about this whole situation makes me cringe every over again but I just cannot figure out what to do. Naturally, I am ridiculously indecisive and it takes me a very long time to actually make a decision.. I find that I over think things. Anyways, the story: I've liked Joe since September. He's my best pal. He's smart, sensitive, hilarious and a tad dorky. Recently, it seems that he's been reciprocating feelings, flirting and whatnot. He tells me I look beautiful. He made sure to talk to me on Christmas like he promised. He took my hand and danced with me and held me close. He's amazing. He asked to receive together on Saturday. So what's the issue, right? The issue is that I also started falling for my new pal Michael, who is a constant flirt. I spend a lot of my day with him, and when I'm not with him somewhere at school I'm with Joe. Michael and I definitely did not receive along when we first met. I've known him for two years and I couldn't stand him until I started getting to know him. I mainly disliked him because I found him obnoxious and in-your-face-rude. Turns out, I was wrong. He's music obsessed (like me), sensitive yet insensitive. He's hurting and I can tell. He tells me about his problems and his dreams. He plays the guitar and I sing. He tells me how he wants to go to Portugal to visit his dad's grave. He tells me how his band members kicked him out of the band. He tells me the problems in his life and I help fix them. He's a bit of a trouble maker though, unlike Joe, he's getting sent to the office, smoking weed and partying on weekends. Because of who he was the past two years, the teachers and faculty don't want to give him a chance, to help him out anymore. They simply assume he's going to cause problems and it breaks my heart because I look his potential. Anyways, Michael wants to receive together on Friday. I don't know if I should pick between the two or hangout with both and look which one I connect with more. I mean, from the academic aspect Joe and I connect perfectly, and from the social aspect (minus the drugs and every-weekend-partying) Mike and I connect perfectly. This is killing me because I care about them both so much. I need a little bit of guidance as to what do to. The only thing is.. I don't thing my parents would approve of Michael. My parents adore Joe. Michael enjoys screamo music, is attached to his headphones and has spacers in his ears.. Joe is NOTHING like that at every. Michael is definitely not their cup of tea. They like clean clip, well behaved, driven kids. (Ex. My pony tail can't be messy but tied back neatly. My school shirt can't be untucked. ect.)

24 Jan 2011, 6:35 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Are Italians white or Latino?? READ MY REASONS WHY THEY COULD BE LATINO BEFORE ANSWERING?

FACTSSSS -Italians are from Latin descent. -The word "latin" refer to people and Countries of Latin culture and language (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Romania) -Only in the United States and probably Canada does the word "latino" mean Latin American, the exact meaning of the word is simply latin, if you look for the word latino in a spanish dictionary the word latino. STUFF I THINK... -People say Italians are white because they are from Europe, BUT Spain and Portugal is there too. -Latino languages and Italian are very similar. -Italians are have dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes. Which white people CAN be dark too, but almost every of Italians are dark. -The Mexico flag and The Italian flag are nearly identical, but i suppose that's just ironic. ALSO People think Italians are white because when italians started coming over to America they wanted to be considered white. And people i know who are going to say "cease trying to build walls in america between races", that's not what i'm trying to do. I just would like to know if I'm considered Caucasian or Latino. Ps I think my great grandpa was from sicily, and my great grandma was from southern italy

23 May 2011, 9:08 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: God and Government. How do they mix?

The bible says in the book of Romans chapter 13 that every authority on Earth is instituted by God. Anyway, I have always struggled with this chapter. Governments in history have always done grand atrocities in the name of the welfare of the common good. The Roman Empire used to conquer and steal lands of the conquered peoples and spoil their wealth, and persecute people (such as christians) whom they deemed threatening to the empire. Portugal and Spain annihilated many indigenous populations in the Americas, and the European powers instituted slavery of Blacks. The government of Southern states in the America supported segregation and Jim Crow laws. Oops I forgot, I forgot to mention Hitler. He was put in power legally and exterminated Jews in the name of the welfare of the aryan race. Anyway, is a christian simply supposed to sit idle by and wait a long time for these oppressors to die and go to hell? Or are we supposed to battle to depose such governments and institute better ones? (like for example, the American Revolution) As for corrupt governments, should we battle to bring about better government or should we just sit and pray for better days?

23 May 2011, 11:35 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: Will i fail 9th grade?

I am suffering from depression and i have an EXTREMELY severe anxiety disorder to the point that I simply CANNOT go to school.. This term (2nd term) I never went to school. Basically, never. It started 1 January, which means I missed 23 consecutive days of school. Plus 30 misses in the 1st term.. I want to go to college, FEUP college, the best college in portugal, i'm very smart actually, but this might ruin my year.. Is there any chance I can still recover it? It's like almost 1/3 of the period is gone.. but I still haven't missed any tests so..

22 Jan 2012, 6:55 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Did we as human build off the age of Enlightenment or regress away from it while watching TV?

The Age of Enlightenment (or simply the Enlightenment) is the era in Western philosophy, intellectual, scientific and cultural life, centered upon the 18th century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source for legitimacy and authority. It is also known as the Age of Reason.[1] Developing simultaneously in France, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the American colonies, the movement culminated in the Atlantic Revolutions, especially the success of the American Revolution, which resulted in independence from the British Empire. The authors of the American Declaration of Independence, the United States Bill of Rights, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Polish–Lithuanian Constitution of May 3, 1791, were motivated by Enlightenment principles.[2] The "Enlightenment" was not a single movement or school of thought, for these philosophies were often mutually contradictory or divergent. The Enlightenment was less a set of ideas than it was a set of values. At its core was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals, and a strong belief in rationality and science. Thus, there was still a considerable degree of similarity between competing philosophies.[3] Some historians also include the tardy 17th century as part of the Enlightenment.[4] Modernity, by contrast, is used to refer to the period after The Enlightenment; albeit generally emphasizing social conditions rather than specific philosophies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment The use of reason and logic to support social progress, and the exploitation of the liberating possibilities of rational and scientific knowledge. Progress was facilitated by the intellectual concept of differentiating human "oneness" into three "value spheres" of morals, science and art ("the good the true and the beautiful") so that a (reason based) scientific theory (for instance) no longer needed the approval of the (belief based) church. http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Chronologies/Part%202%20%20World%20of%20Middle%20Ages.htm#Enlightenment Did we build off of the over age of Enlightenment -- or did things like this receive in the way ? iraq war 2003 - Shock and awe live coverage tv http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGr5_a5yBU The age of Enlightenment was said to have occurred between 1600 and 1800 -- The American revolution the seperation of church and state the role of government and limits on powers of government -- Art philosophy architecture -- beauty art truth and discussion -- The Industrial revolution -- 2 world wars and colonisation of the globe -- The wage earner class and production outputs gross national product and international finance The space era The technological revolution -- The comupter age the micro chip the nano age The internationally know -- Rev Jerry Falwell -- and his role in politics as described by CNN http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2009/08/27/amanpour.gcw.falwell.cnn.html Did we build off the enlightenment -- or regress away from it while watching TV?

21 Apr 2011, 5:59 am | click here to view more

Voting Question: Help, 18, and a lot of trouble with financing?

I am sick of the UK and came to live with my dad back in Portugal. Now I want to apply to study at university here which I will do but I simply cannot borrow student money here as it's too risky ( You pay it every back job or jobless ), that means students have their tuition payed by their parents which is still a good price! It is 1000 euros a year (847 pounds, 1347 dollars)! It's so much more in other countries, usually. So it's normal tuition gets payed for by parents, but my dad cannot pay for it which I understand as he has not been a proper dad; I have only been staying with him for holidays. It's been 10 years since I lived with him properly. He is earning money slowly after having a bit of a crisis with money so he cannot support me apart from make dinner and I made it clear he shouldn't have to pay for tuition. But the worst part is my mom... She will not pay for my tuition at every even though she does have a good job and earns plenty of money which could really help me ( as she has helped me financially before ). I have tried to at least talk to her rationally ( I talked to her about her just lending me money then paying her back when I can ) She still said no but it's not a surprise as she says no to a lot of things, even rational ideas like this. I have had trouble studying before because of my possess problems but living here I would feel so much more motivated and I think my mum does not look that. She only thinks I should receive a job and earn money and take care of myself but what about my future? There are also many other things I need to pay for ( I have even been wanting dental care and pay to do my driver's license, 200 plus 800 euros, a grand... ) and I am still looking for a job! My mom will not pay for any of these things because she simply does not want to, and she keeps saying '' don't worry you will find something '' and I am finding this really unfair so I was wondering if maybe any of you could give me some hints on how to approach her, make her think more about my future, any other ways I could talk to her, approaching her? Thank you very much for reading.

20 Jan 2011, 4:02 pm | click here to view more

Open Question: I would just like someone to explain this for me?

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/players/player=229397/index.html Messi the god that many Barcelona fans say he is had 30 shots on target in the World Cup and converted a world class amount of 0 with Argentina http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/players/player=201200/index.html and before you start screaming o ronaldo did no better ronaldo is trash he scored in 21 shots with a much weaker Portuguese side No don't rant about how Argentina are trash because http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/teams/compare/index.html Argentina had more matches than Portugal and 40 more shots so please no whining about his lack of a team So can someone explain how Messi is still this god given player to the earth and how he is sooooo superior to CR7 and please state facts and not rubbish like o the World Cup doesn't matter or PK's don't count simply because Messi is plain rubbish at them and if your doing the o he's a team player well o CR7 is a threat in the air Messi isn't Just wondering can you prove Argentina is worse other than your opinion? I stated that they won more and had many more shots to prove their better what do you have besides its your opinion?

2 Feb 2012, 5:17 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Why doesn't C Ronaldo ever show up in big games? Is he simply not that good?

He never showed up for the biggest tournaments on earth: In both World Cups he did nothing and in the Euros he didn't really do much, especially the last Euro. He never does anything in qualifying for Portugal either and didn't do anything in the CL league against Barca and never really did much against Chelsea when he played for United. Sure he scored once in a final in 2008, but he also missed a penalty that almost lost them the game.

2 Aug 2011, 5:24 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: You think some of the Knights Templars survived after the pope condemned and arrested them?

The needy Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Latin: Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Solomonici), commonly known as the Knights Templar, the Order of the Temple (French: Ordre du Temple or Templiers) or simply as Templars, were among the most famous of the Western Christian military orders.[4] The organization existed for nearly two centuries during the Middle Ages. Officially endorsed by the Catholic Church around 1129, the Order became a favored charity throughout Christendom, and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades.[5] Non-combatant members of the Order managed a big economic infrastructure throughout Christendom, innovating financial techniques that were an early form of banking,[6][7] and building fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land. The Templars' existence was tied closely to the Crusades; when the Holy Land was lost, support for the Order faded. Rumors about the Templars' secret initiation ceremony created mistrust, and King Philip IV of France, deeply in debt to the Order, took advantage of the situation. In 1307, many of the Order's members in France were arrested, tortured into giving untrue confessions, and then burned at the stake.[8] below pressure from King Philip, Pope Clement V disbanded the Order in 1312. Portugal was the only European country where Templars were not persecuted and arrested (due to the King's will). The abrupt disappearance of a major part of the European infrastructure gave rise to speculation and legends. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar

19 Jan 2012, 7:23 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Why do I prefer Russia to my own country, Portugal?

I don't know why, but I always felt being Russian, since I was 4 or 5 years old. I always loved that wonderful country and when I started learning the language, it was so easy that I though it was better to talk with someone. A linguistic expert told me that I have a natural talent to learn Russian. Now, some days ago, I hear to the Russian anthem and damn, I felt something really odd, like an electric shock in my spine. After it, I felt confident, powerful and very patriotic.. But that doesn't happen when I hear to the portuguese anthem.. I simply don't feel nothing. What is happening with me? I am not schizophrenic, I know that I am not adopted because I've made some tests and I adore the Russian climate. I adore snow. It's most beautiful thing in the world. And I adore their food too and their way of living. I don't even know if it's due to the 3rd option the 3rd user gave me. I just don't know why do I feel like Russian. Maybe it's something more spiritual that modern science can't just explain? Mara Cyrus, what do you mean with that? Email me, if you are able to answer and nice enough to explain me why do I feel a "Slavic". @Dosia I already visited Russia and even with every the negative aspects, I continue loving it. It looks like that, even if its worst than Portugal in some aspects, I continue loving it.

19 Aug 2011, 8:46 am | click here to view more

Voting Question: I have decided that I really DO wanna move permanently to Ireland from Portugal.?

Hi there! This is my finally decision. I have made up my mind, and I do, indeed, want to move to Ireland. I wanna assist River-dance shows, interact with Irish people, breath the northern climate, attend Irish pubs and steer on the left side of the road. I'm sick of Portugal's sunny days, and it's conformism for Soccer and never ending Corporate Nepotists. I can't accept the fact, of living and developing my life, where I was born. Yet, a few doubts are stuck on my mind, when it comes to Immigration within countries outside the "Schengen Area". I'm from Portugal, a country inside EU, along side Ireland. However, Ireland, does not belong to the "Schengen Treaty", just like United Kingdom. Which means I don't have free roam between this countries (Portugal - Ireland), right? As Portuguese I have the ability to move to France, Italy, Germany without any nice of paperwork, but my Portuguese ID and Drivings License. What documents do I require to move to Ireland? How many years do I need to reside in Irish soil, in order, to apply for Irish citizenship. (I wanna renounce my Portuguese citizenship) Is it a long process. Or can I simply move to Ireland, and acquire the civilian rights, right the way? Do I need a Passport?(I've heard of British fellows in need of some nice of Passport to move to the european continent) I really need to know what documents do I need before immigrating, please inform what documents are mandatory. I don't want to be committing felony, due to lack of migration knowledge. Side Question: Once I achieve Irish citizenship, am I change my name? Any input regarding the subject of this thread, would be much appreciated. Note: I've asked a similar question to this one, but no such look, as I got lack of feedback and different answers.

18 Jul 2011, 2:07 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: A question that will get a lot of people pissed, but well I cant help it?

A very dear pal of mine the other day, an American, referred to me, as an "African-Portuguese", to which I replied: "What did you just say?" lol And then I went on to further explain that in Europe we don't do that, and that subsequently I am Portuguese period, because in Europe we go by what our passport says, and it's about nationality more than it is about ethnic origin. An African descent person in either Spain, Portugal or England is just, Spanish, Portuguese or English. In Europe we don't need to wear a tag on our foreheads, we make it simple we don't do that. That is an American tag, so it nice of got me pissed at first, first that he didnt know that, and second, that he wanted to transport it onto me. Later I realized that I had to respect his possess views of the world, the ones below which he was born, understand and just explain how it works where I arrive from. "There is nothing about Africa neither on my ID card, nor on my passport, because I was born in Portugal, and lived my life there, and in every frankness I have never even been to Africa, and whereas I am just as fond of my African origins as I am of my Portuguese ones, I am simply Portuguese, and not "African-Portuguese", because that doesn't exist. That's an American thing that you Americans do. But the relax of the world doesn't. And to be quite honest, it's not that I give any importance to being Portuguese either, it just happens to be what's on both my passport and ID card! So my question to you is: Why is it that the land of the free so fixated in branding, tagging and cataloging people so much!? What if I go to the US, what will people call me within the realm of their society? Latino, because I'm from a Latin speaking country, African-American, because I'm mulatto, (even though I am obviously not American lol). Seriously, and who the F... cares, other than, again, Americans?? Haven't they, Americans, learned anything from Charlize Theron's statement? Before acquiring the American nationality as well, she was simply African, period. She was born in South Africa, so she was African, not "Euro-African" like Americans would probably call her according to their logic, given that she is white. Facts are she was just African, because that's how it works with the relax of the world: people go by what their passport says. And now the only reason why she has called herself an African-American was because in the mean time she did acquire the American nationality, which does give her a double nationality (which might have made a few red neck heads' explode I'm sure). Seriously why is it that Americans feel this need to brand themselves and the relax of this world as if we were every cows that HAVE to belong to a speciphic heard? Because mind, origins wise, some of us simply dont. look my family is so mixed by now, that originally we could just be a map of the world (its not just African and Portuguese blood that goes through my veins), and do Americans even know about this, about people like me? Or maybe they don't, because they are just too busy branding the cows. And mind, us the relax of the world do have things like History and cultural and ethnic origin diversity, and issues that arrive with it too, in buckets. It's not just the US that is a racial melting pot anymore, and it's not just the US that has had and still has racial issues to solve. However, we just don't use tags, because that would make life unnecessarily complicated, and at times also unfair. We simply dont do that to ourselves in Europe, it's already as difficult as it is sometimes why make it stupidly complicated? Tagging oneself should be the most stupid and dumbest fault a human being can commit against himself, and not to mention a really confusing one too! But if you can give me a reasonable explanation why I wont say another word about it, and even give you a best anwer if it sounds plausible the enough. Anyway, thank you. @ By famous Gilbert: I didnt want to receive many answers, dear, just the one, the right one, and I think I just did. Posting a long question is actually a great way of making sure that you are not going to receive plunged with piles of useless crap, like your answer just was. Tk u. lol

17 Jan 2012, 6:02 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Trying to Identify this piece of Portugal pottery?

I was given a mustard yellow or golden yellow leaf shaped piece of pottery. The shape looks to me a maple leaf and it is very "veiny". On the back of this particular piece it says "dishwasher safe" then right underneath that it says "Olfaire Made In Portugal" then below that "Microwave safe" every in I am thinking green lettering. The front of the bowl has a sticker on it and it says "FEITO EM PORTUGAL - MADE IN PORTUGAL". I have been searching online for this color of pottery piece and exact shape to no end and I just simply cannot find it. I need help! The piece measures almost 4 3/4 at it's widest point and 5" length wise. Any help and assistance will be greatly appreciated. Smiles! Christy

16 Jul 2011, 11:59 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: I am trying to identify this piece of Portugal pottery?

I was given a mustard yellow or golden yellow leaf shaped piece of pottery. The shape looks to me a maple leaf and it is very "veiny". On the back of this particular piece it says "dishwasher safe" then right underneath that it says "Olfaire Made In Portugal" then below that "Microwave safe" every in I am thinking green lettering. The front of the bowl has a sticker on it and it says "FEITO EM PORTUGAL - MADE IN PORTUGAL". I have been searching online for this color of pottery piece and exact shape to no end and I just simply cannot find it. I need help! The piece measures almost 4 3/4 at it's widest point and 5" length wise. Any help and assistance will be greatly appreciated. Smiles! Christy

16 Jul 2011, 11:58 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Spain always lose Friendlys, argentina vs spain 4-1 portugal vs spain 4-0 Italy vs spain 2-1...why we so happy?

Spain always lose Friendlys, argentina vs spain 4-1 portugal vs spain 4-0 Italy vs spain 2-1...why we so glad? its not a big deal... Spain simply don't really care about friendlys and we're getting glad over some rebound goal that let us win 1-0 Granted Spain were boring c*nts throughout and England were painfully sh*t? England are sh*t, villa missed a sitter and then hit the post. England got a lucky rebound of a post.. Welbeck playing for England , indicates how sh*t we really are! , He's average at best

13 Nov 2011, 8:01 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Should Britain and Portugal have a special friendship similar to what Britain and the United States have?

Basically, In my opinion I thoroughly believe that Britain should form a new special relationship with Portugal and remove the Special relationship with United States. Key points in my opinion are: - That Portugal has helped Britain out several times in the past. - That Britain has helped Portugal out several times in the past. - That after 2 major wars Portugal has remained close allies with Britain. - That When Britain when through hardship and competition; Portugal still remained loyal and Vice Versa. -That both countries have been below pressure in the past but never results in either one fighting another. -That Portugal is closer to Spain and France (Via Connection between countries) But never joined either against Britain -That when Britain had and Empire ready to attack from almost anywhere on Earth governing 35% of Earth's landmass, Britain never back-stabbed it's allies. -That Britain and the United States of America have only truly became proper "allies" since World war 2 liberating Normandy. -That Britain and Portugal actually finish jobs that they are involved in. I was simply wondering whether or not anybody agrees with my perspectives or not, and please give me thorough, honest, decent, and mature answers.

13 May 2011, 11:02 am | click here to view more

Voting Question: I can't decide who to pick. Torn between two boys.?

Oh for heaven's sake! Thinking about this whole situation makes me cringe every over again but I just cannot figure out what to do. Naturally, I am ridiculously indecisive and it takes me a very long time to actually make a decision.. I find that I over think things. Anyways, the story: I've liked Joe since September. He's my best pal. He's smart, sensitive, hilarious and a tad dorky. Recently, it seems that he's been reciprocating feelings, flirting and whatnot. He tells me I look beautiful. He made sure to talk to me on Christmas like he promised. He took my hand and danced with me and held me close. He's amazing. He asked to receive together on Saturday. So what's the issue, right? The issue is that I also started falling for my new pal Michael, who is a constant flirt. I spend a lot of my day with him, and when I'm not with him somewhere at school I'm with Joe. Michael and I definitely did not receive along when we first met. I've known him for two years and I couldn't stand him until I started getting to know him. I mainly disliked him because I found him obnoxious and in-your-face-rude. Turns out, I was wrong. He's music obsessed (like me), sensitive yet insensitive. He's hurting and I can tell. He tells me about his problems and his dreams. He plays the guitar and I sing. He tells me how he wants to go to Portugal to visit his dad's grave. He tells me how his band members kicked him out of the band. He tells me the problems in his life and I help fix them. He's a bit of a trouble maker though, unlike Joe, he's getting sent to the office, smoking weed and partying on weekends. Because of who he was the past two years, the teachers and faculty don't want to give him a chance, to help him out anymore. They simply assume he's going to cause problems and it breaks my heart because I look his potential. Anyways, Michael wants to receive together on Friday. I don't know if I should pick between the two or hangout with both and look which one I connect with more. I mean, from the academic aspects Joe and I connect perfectly, and from the social aspects (minus the drugs and every-weekend-partying) Mike and I connect perfectly. This is killing me because I care about them both so much. I need a little bit of guidance as to what do to. The only thing is.. I don't thing my parents would approve of Michael. My parents adore Joe. Michael enjoys screamo music, is attached to his headphones and has spacers in his ears.. Joe is NOTHING like that at every. Michael is definitely not their cup of tea. They like clean clip, well behaved, driven kids. (Ex. My pony tail can't be messy but tied back neatly. My school shirt can't be untucked. ect.)

13 Jan 2011, 9:15 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: My reply to Jess..... Fabiola closed to question when I was typing my answer, Q inside scroll down....?

Jess Barcelona have never lost 4-0 with Xavi, Iniesta, Messi... the greatest defeat they ever suffered was by a two goal difference, and that 3-1 defeat can be credited to fatigue of the bus journey they had to undertake, 3-1 Betis, Iniesta didn't play and Messi still scored (and Missed a penalty and was unimportant due to 5-0 first leg), 2-0 Hercules - Xavi didn't play the first half.... I'm sorry I just can't believe how silly your statement's are, to actually think Messi is more important for Argentina, it's insane, how did I blame Messi for the 4-0 defeat? I'm just simply stated Messi is much more effective for Barcelona, 99% of players are more effective for club than country, Messi plays better for Barcelona because he spends more time playing there, more time with his team mates and they compliment each other better etc.... Messi won the Ballon D'or for his club performances ONLY..... because his international matches were only good, never great.... You're the one blaming Messi for that defeat.... you said Argentina is a one man team... so if Argentina lose 4-0 then that's Messi losing 4-0.... I didn't claim that, you did.... You're such an idiot, your totally getting confused....''Messi is worth three players in Argentina''.... I didn't say he wasn't... Messi could be worth 100 rubbish players to Argentina..... but he definitely not worth Messi, Xavi and Iniesta to Barcelona...... The only reason Argentina struggled in qualifying was due to the non-managerial skills of Maradona, that guy was useless, if Argentina had a capable manager and even took out Messi I can guarantee you they would have got more points.... I 100% fully believe that, the team they had was much better than Chile and Paraguay..... Argentina don't have to rely on Messi but that rubbish manager made his formation that way and called up every the wrong players.... even without Messi you're saying their team is worse than Ecuador, Colombia, Venezula, Bolivia & Peru? haha.... what a muppet.... No, Messi's role in Argentina was just behind the strikers, same as Barcelona, against Algeria he played directly behind Tevez and Higuain as he did against South Korea, Greece, Mexico and Germany but again Maradonas waste of space managerial skills failed to call up the right players forcing Messi to drop deeper to receive the ball... thus rendering him ineffective and forcing him to player longer passes.... and that's was exactly happened against Portugal, he kept dropping deeper to receive the ball..... maybe it's you who needs to watch their matches, you don't seem to understand what's going on.... didn't you pick up on that? His role is not to play deep but he HAS to.... cease embarrassing yourself, the more you agree with Fabiola the deeper hole your digging, you arrive here with every your higher standards saying you felt sorry for people on here using such language and arguing.... yet your a prime suspect... such a hypocrite of the worse nice... and what's HILARIOUS is you actually believe in what your spewing out.... Take away Messi from Argentina you still have a side capable of reaching the quarter finals of the WC as Messi did and further if they had a more capable coach.... Take away Messi you have a less effective Barcelona, take away Inesta, Xavi and Messi then you have a shadow of the Barcelona team that would be way behind Real Madrid in the league... Let me ask you, what team do you support? Or are just a Messi lick arse? EDIT OK.... let me dumb it down for you.... 1.don't ever put my name as your heading to your moronic question, got that? What can you do about it LOL.... scary girl... Anyway back to the question..... you asked ''show me where I said Lionel Messi is more important to Argentina than he is for FC Barcelona. '' You said ''This current Argentina team cannot cope without Lionel Messi.. Whoever says that's true either doesn't like Lionel Messi or never watch the past few matches of Argentina.. Taking out Lionel Messi from Argentina is like removing Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta from FC Barcelona.'' 1. ''Argentina team cannot cope without Messi''...... So you must also feel Barcelona cannot cope without Messi otherwise he is more important for Argentina?... so do you? 2. ''Taking out Lionel Messi from Argentina is like removing Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta from FC Barcelona.''....... You said taking Messi from Argentina is like taking away Messi hims

13 Feb 2011, 8:23 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Does anybody actually buy Harper's excuse? RE: UN Security Counsel?

BACKGROUND The UN Security Counsel was accepting 2 nation-states on a "temporary" (10 year) term. 3 countries were bidding for these two spots: Canada, Portugal, and Germany. Germany being mainland Europe's economic powerhouse was every but guaranteed a spot and they got one. So it every came down to Canada and Portugal which saw Canada receive humiliated through 2 rounds of voting before conceding defeat and pulling out, giving Portugal the seat. Dating back to Prime Minster Lester B. Pearson, every time Canada has put in a bid for a security counsel seat, they have won one. RESPONSE In response to this, Foreign Affair minister blamed opposition leader Michael Ignatieff solely for the inability to beat out Portugal. Surely people can't be buying this? Yes, Ignatieff spoke out against the Conservative government, who has shown very little regard for anything UN related since coming to power in 2006, bidding for a security counsel seat. However to argue that just because an opposition party criticized a move your government made costs you a seat is simply absurd. The Conservative government has been cutting aid money, reducing its role in international peacekeeping, has been critical of the UN since coming into power, has followed a relatively unpopular pro-Israel stance, among other foreign policy blunders. Do they actually expect people to buy that the over reasons had nothing to do with the loss and it was simply due to an opposition leader speaking out?

12 Oct 2010, 8:00 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Torn between two guys?

Oh for heaven's sake! Thinking about this whole situation makes me cringe every over again but I just cannot figure out what to do. Naturally, I am ridiculously indecisive and it takes me a very long time to actually make a decision.. I find that I over think things. Anyways, the story: I've liked Joe since September. He's my best pal. He's smart, sensitive, hilarious and a tad dorky. Recently, it seems that he's been reciprocating feelings, flirting and whatnot. He tells me I look beautiful. He made sure to talk to me on Christmas like he promised. He took my hand and danced with me and held me close. He's amazing. He asked to receive together on Saturday. So what's the issue, right? The issue is that I also started falling for my new pal Michael, who is a constant flirt. I spend a lot of my day with him, and when I'm not with him somewhere at school I'm with Joe. Michael and I definitely did not receive along when we first met. I've known him for two years and I couldn't stand him until I started getting to know him. I mainly disliked him because I found him obnoxious and in-your-face-rude. Turns out, I was wrong. He's music obsessed (like me), sensitive yet insensitive. He's hurting and I can tell. He tells me about his problems and his dreams. He plays the guitar and I sing. He tells me how he wants to go to Portugal to visit his dad's grave. He tells me how his band members kicked him out of the band. He tells me the problems in his life and I help fix them. He's a bit of a trouble maker though, unlike Joe, he's getting sent to the office, smoking weed and partying on weekends. Because of who he was the past two years, the teachers and faculty don't want to give him a chance, to help him out anymore. They simply assume he's going to cause problems and it breaks my heart because I look his potential. Anyways, Michael wants to receive together on Friday. I don't know if I should pick between the two or hangout with both and look which one I connect with more. I mean, from the academic aspects Joe and I connect perfectly, and from the social aspects (minus the drugs and every-weekend-partying) Mike and I connect perfectly. This is killing me because I care about them both so much. I need a little bit of guidance as to what do to. The only thing is.. I don't thing my parents would approve of Michael. My parents adore Joe. Michael enjoys screamo music, is attached to his headphones and has spacers in his ears.. Joe is NOTHING like that at every.

12 Jan 2011, 5:41 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How can i Move to london?

Im 16 living in portugal, and im thinking on moving to other country once i finish college( im still in high school btw). Im studyng arts, every lets face it, portugal is not a good place to artists, we receive no recognition. I still dont know what i exactly want to do with my future, i adore design, phtography but most of every music. I adore every arts. I looking for a job to start saving up, i think its the best i can do. Im a pretty ambicious person, i wanna go to a bigger city. My dream would be new york, but it is difficult because of immigration laws to receive a visa, i dont know how i could do it. And i heard its quite expencive. So i was thinking about london, i think its a wonderfull city. The environment isnt as appeling as portugal ( im so used to the sunny days) but i think that i could receive a better job there.But can i simply move from portugal to london? And also what the best city to make a career in music/arts? I know youre probably thinking this is just teen talk, but im serious, i want to start building my future now, i dont wanna stay in my country ( i adore portugal but, i want more), Please tell me what should i know before i pick to leave, how can i organise my life? Also , new york or london?

12 Jan 2011, 5:05 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What the best city for an artist?

Im 16 living in portugal, and im thinking on moving to other country once i finish college( im still in high school btw). Im studyng arts, every lets face it, portugal is not a good place to artists, we receive no recognition. I still dont know what i exactly want to do with my future, i adore design, phtography but most of every music. I adore every arts. I looking for a job to start saving up, i think its the best i can do. Im a pretty ambicious person, i wanna go to a bigger city. My dream would be new york, but it is difficult because of immigration laws to receive a visa, i dont know how i could do it. And i heard its quite expencive. So i was thinking about london, i think its a wonderfull city. The environment isnt as appeling as portugal ( im so used to the sunny days) but i think that i could receive a better job there.But can i simply move from portugal to london? And also what the best city to make a career in music/arts? I know youre probably thinking this is just teen talk, but im serious, i want to start building my future now, i dont wanna stay in my country ( i adore portugal but, i want more), Please tell me what should i know before i pick to leave, how can i organise my life? Also , new york or london?

12 Jan 2011, 5:00 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How to move to London/New York?

Im 16 living in portugal, and im thinking on moving to other country once i finish college( im still in high school btw). Im studyng arts, every lets face it, portugal is not a good place to artists, we receive no recognition. I still dont know what i exactly want to do with my future, i adore design, phtography but most of every music. I adore every arts. I looking for a job to start saving up, i think its the best i can do. Im a pretty ambicious person, i wanna go to a bigger city. My dream would be new york, but it is difficult because of immigration laws to receive a visa, i dont know how i could do it. And i heard its quite expencive. So i was thinking about london, i think its a wonderfull city. The environment isnt as appeling as portugal ( im so used to the sunny days) but i think that i could receive a better job there.But can i simply move from portugal to london? And also what the best city to make a career in music/arts? I know youre probably thinking this is just teen talk, but im serious, i want to start building my future now, i dont wanna stay in my country ( i adore portugal but, i want more), Please tell me what should i know before i pick to leave, how can i organise my life? Also , new york or london?

12 Jan 2011, 4:58 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What the best city for a musician?

Im 16 living in portugal, and im thinking on moving to other country once i finish college( im still in high school btw). Im studyng arts, every lets face it, portugal is not a good place to artists, we receive no recognition. I still dont know what i exactly want to do with my future, i adore design, phtography but most of every music. I adore every arts. I looking for a job to start saving up, i think its the best i can do. Im a pretty ambicious person, i wanna go to a bigger city. My dream would be new york, but it is difficult because of immigration laws to receive a visa, i dont know how i could do it. And i heard its quite expencive. So i was thinking about london, i think its a wonderfull city. The environment isnt as appeling as portugal ( im so used to the sunny days) but i think that i could receive a better job there.But can i simply move from portugal to london? And also what the best city to make a career in music/arts? I know youre probably thinking this is just teen talk, but im serious, i want to start building my future now, i dont wanna stay in my country ( i adore portugal but, i want more), Please tell me what should i know before i pick to leave, how can i organise my life? Also , new york or london?

12 Jan 2011, 4:57 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Why are divorce rates much lower in every country that allows same sex marriage than the USA?

These countries recognize same sex marriage, they every have significantly lower divorce rates than the USA. Do they simply take marriage more seriously? Argentina Belgium Canada Iceland Netherlands Norway Portugal South Africa Spain Sweden

12 Feb 2011, 11:32 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Can someone help me with this please?

I am currently writing this essay about Brazil. Here is my topic.... Most nations in the world today still show the signs of foreign powers who once ruled the land. Maybe it is the language spoken there or the types of crops grown. In the age of exploration many of the world’s biggest powers such as France and Portugal conquered lands in Latin America. In some instances these foreign invaders had a positive influence, but in many they were seen as oppressive to the natives’ way of life. I am stuck with this one question which I have been searching the internet for this answer for a while now but every that pops up is brazils soccer, and thats not what im looking for here is my question... If the conquering nation no longer holds power, how did they lose their power? (Through rebellion? Or did they simply leave?) Can someone help me please and thank you

11 Oct 2011, 9:15 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: With a Greek trady looming, can the EU continue the way it is?

It is now clear that Greece’s 2010 bailout failed to improve the sustainability of its public finances. The risk of another default or — the nightmare scenario — of Greece deciding, or being asked by the Germans, to leave the single currency has spooked investors. The country today, like Ireland, faces record borrowing costs as investors demand a high price for holding risky Greek debt. The markets simply do not believe Greece will grow quick enough to service its debts and the gap between Greek and German bond prices has widened sharply. Greece likes to claim that budget trickery was responsible for their disaster. In Ireland, of course, we blame the banks. In Portugal, however, no such excuses are available. Everyone — citizens, governments, banks — is in massive debt. Over the past decade, growth has been virtually nil. The euro reduced interest rates, leading to an explosion of credit, which now makes their bailout necessary. Their austerity package will in every likelihood, push Portugal back into recession this year and next, threatening a vicious circle of decline where more austerity is always necessary just to keep up with a contraction of the economy. They have neither the physical infrastructure nor the human resources to make themselves more competitive, but it is in these areas — roads, universities and training – where the axe will fall hardest. What they are being asked to do is to repay the vast debts not just of their public sector but also of their banks while enduring sizeable declines in real wages, and radical reform of their institutions and political culture. Is it any wonder that the Portuguese are beginning to yearn for the return of the escudo so they can adjust through devaluation? Unlike Ireland, Greece and Portugal will find it very difficult to generate the necessary impetus for exports to offset the impact of continued austerity. Exports account for only relatively tiny proportions of their GDP — unlike in Ireland’s case — and trade little with countries outside the slow-growing EU. Officially, restructuring the debt of any eurozone country is not even on the agenda. The talk is instead of adjustment in the terms of the Greek bailout — for if Greece restructures or exits the euro, can Portugal be far behind? But never say never. We’ve heard this story before. RESTRUCTURING Greece’s debts is supposedly a non-starter for European officials — but so too was a bailout a little over a year ago. Initially, the EU will no doubt try and receive away with "soft" restructuring, involving a combination of longer maturities and lower interest rates. Some form of full-scale debt restructuring — the polite term for default — now looks every but inevitable, however, whatever the denials. Whether it works is another matter. A full-scale Greek default with debt write-downs of 50% or more will be akin to something like an economic apocalypse. But even this will not guarantee continued membership of the euro for the weakest countries. If Greece restructures, investors will assume that Portugal is next and then Spain will arrive below scrutiny again as the contagion spreads. The euro area will have to inject capital into defaulters’ banks, which have huge holdings of their respective governments’ debts. The impact will be felt far beyond the EU itself. Even this will be just a sticking plaster. What Greece and Portugal need is economic growth but that will require real and profound changes in the structure of their economies. Until then, they will struggle to tap capital markets at anything but prohibitively high rates. With luck, Ireland might just be able to unhitch itself from the others and manage to convince the markets that it is still solvent despite running a huge deficit. The price will be austerity for years to arrive although this might be sustainable given that we are now running a current-account surplus, unlike the others, and are not relying on foreign borrowing to finance the deficit. But for the EU to continue as it is now is not possible, even if it were desirable. Will countries have to leave the euro area (and perhaps even the union unless the current rules are bent), or will a US-type transfer union emerge instead? The way politics is currently, the latter looks like an outside bet.

11 May 2011, 5:12 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: geography help please???

Most nations in the world today still show the signs of foreign powers who once ruled the land. Maybe it is the language spoken there or the types of crops grown. In the age of exploration many of the world’s biggest powers such as France and Portugal conquered lands in Latin America. In some instances these foreign invaders had a positive influence, but in many they were seen as oppressive to the natives’ way of life. pick three Latin American nations from the list provided below which were once ruled by a non-Latin American country. 1.How the Latin American country became a conquered land (be specific–include dates, people, etc.) 2.What the natives thought of their conquerors (Were they glad? Were they upset? Why?) 3.If the conquering nation no longer holds power, how did they lose their power? (Through rebellion? Or did they simply leave?) 4.What signs of conquering nation still exist today? (Language? Crops? Cultural influence?) 1. Brazil 2. French Guiana 3. Mexico 4. Guyana 5. Suriname

10 Oct 2011, 1:11 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Are the UK's Public Sector workers greedy or just plain stupid.?

Ireland, Greece , Italy , Spain and Portugal are on the verge ruin, they face a decade of economic misery because for years they spent money, that they didn't have, on their Public Sector workers and benefits . So they simply borrowed it , but now the world 's markets want it back or else . Let us be clear about one thing , despite what the left says , the banking crisis did not cause these economic problems -- it simply revealed them. It only brought judgement day foreward. Unfortunately , the UK is in a very similar position . We borrow more than £1 in every £5 that our government spends -- and most of this spending is used to pay our Public Sector workers and pay social welfare benefits. However , despite the slow motion crashes we are witnessing every over Europe , the UK's Public Sector workers are still demanding that they be insulated from the economic problems coming our way ;that they be allowed to hold onto their privileged status -- of better wages than in the private sector ,and better pensions than most of us can only dream about ( whilst contributing only around about a quarter of the cost of them). The economic tidal wave, affecting the relax of Europe, is coming our way . We will be forced to clip spending one way or another by around £50 Bn a year --- and quite simply the choice is between cutting spending on the Public Sector or reducing social welfare benefits But Public Sector workers appear to remain blind to this --- is it greed or madness on their part "For the past 15 years those at the top have seen their wealth skyrocket" I completely agree with that, and the mad sentiment behind it .I too want the system to deal with this wretched greedy group of individuals . But Public Sector workers are behaving in exactly the same way -- they too are abusing their position in our society in order to retain their privilaged positions , to the detriment of the relax of us . In this book , bankers and Public Sector workers are the pigs and humans of Animal farm and I look no difference between them Hugo : Except that here , the Public Sector have made it clear that they believe that the relax of us have no right to end their contracts .That we have no right to say that we cannot afford to go on employing them on such generous terms ,that we will therefore pay you what we owe, and then end the contract. Instead the Public Sector insist that we go on paying them what they want , for as long as they want it -- even though it is clear that we cannot afford it .They insist on frog marching us to the bank and forcing us to borrow money we cannot afford, in order to pay them . That's not a contract --- that's extortion. Celia H ; One of our (ex) Public Sector's finest no doubt ,who thinks that the Guardian is really the word of god . "Anyone who believes public sector pay is better than the rate for similar jobs in the commercial sector, except for a tiny minority at the top, is living in a fantasy world" Well according to the last (Labour ) governments statistics , the average wage in the Public Sector was almost 10 % higher than in the private sector --- which is quite remarkable considering the size of the top end salaries in the private sector. ( Oh --- And that doesn't include the Public Sector Worker's pension benefits which equate to 10%-20% of additional salary .) "And finally, if you think that public spending needs to be clip, why not call for the end of the British military presence in Afghanistan, or an end to posturing as a nuclear armed power" The Public Sector workers true stance .The Public Sector worker does not care how we receive the money to pay them -- just that the relax of Avram Y: "Servile wretches like you turn my stomach. What will put the country to rights would be a bloody revolution, where the idle wealthy, the modern day thief barons and servile wretches are carted to a place of execution and decapitated." So what made you crawl out of the slime in such a foul mood then -- spent every your benefits already ? I can't help wondering if you have ever had a job and kept it -- or actually , even if you have ever applied for one ?. You look, I suspect that working for a living in our capitalist society would be beneath you -- though no doubt living off the dirty capitalists within it wouldn't be.

10 Nov 2011, 12:45 pm | click here to view more

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