Brace for double- or even triple-dip recession Like it or not, we are poised for another downturn in the economy. Given the lack of sustainable growth in the real economy, the fact that China’s economy is showing an increasing number of “weak signals,” and the IAEA’s recent report finding proof positive that Iran is building nuclear warheads, there may be more economic turbulence on the horizon in the short and mid-term. First quarter GDP growth will likely come in at something less than last quarter’s 5.7 percent. If it’s even less in the second quarter, then we’re technically in the long-dreaded “double-dip” recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. The effects of the “new normality” – unpredictable, intermittent spurts of economic prosperity intermingled with spurts of downturn – will become much more apparent if there’s a “triple-dip” recession, which could arrive as early as 2011 or 2012. Rather than grappling with how to deal with more frequent recessions, the Fed might instead seek to redefine recession, and consider that its current definition may no longer be relevant. John A. Caslione
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=”text-align:> You don’t need meat to eat well Re: “Dodge the third most lethal cancer? You can do it,” March 7 This past winter brought us record snowstorms and floods, continuing collapse of the housing market, and partisan paralysis in Washington. I really look forward to March 20, the first day of spring, with its balmy weather, blooming flowers, and the Great American Meatout. Several years ago, a local Meatout information table gave me a new lease on life by turning me on to a healthful, nonviolent diet of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains. Now in its 26th year, Meatout has grown into the world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaign, with a thousand events in all 50 states and 32 countries (www.meatout.org). Meatout’s simple message of nonviolence and good health is now touted by major health advocacy organizations and leading health authorities. The supportive “World Peace Diet” has become the #1 bestseller on Amazon.com. Adoption of the Meatout diet has been greatly simplified by the rich selection of delicious meat and dairy alternatives in our local supermarkets. David Konell
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