Topic: Panama Canal

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Top 10 real-life adventure stories

What’s the best way to enjoy the summer: A cookout in the backyard? A trip to the beach? These are nice, but look no further than reading a non-fiction adventure book. It’s by far the best way to immerse yourself in another world. Check out this list to see some of the best titles in this excellent genre.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: John Glenn
In Pictures: Space Photos of the Day: Earth from Above II
In Pictures: Best of Monitor Photography 2010 International

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Clamoring for the future, Savannah has to first deal with the wreck of the CSS Georgia

A scuttled Civil War battleship at the bottom of the Savannah River is just one of many complicating factors in Savannah’s bid to become a port able to handle 1,200-foot mega tankers expected to start moving through the Panama Canal in 2014.
Panama Canal expansion to ease international trade, with a grain of salt

The economic impacts of the canal expansion have been widely cited, but environmental repercussions like the contamination of drinking water with salt water may be overlooked.
The Last Great Senate

Did the Senate really used to be a grand institution? Ira Shapiro argues that it was – and not that long ago.
Why Jerry Brown is standing firm on shaky California high-speed rail plan

Another report critical of California's $100-billion high-speed rail project – the second this month – has not shaken Gov. Jerry Brown's faith in the plan. He has his eyes on his legacy, some say.
Jerry Brown's defiant State of the State: California is still golden

With chronic budget woes engulfing California, many analysts had expected a 'gloom and doom' State of the State address from Gov. Jerry Brown. They got nothing of the sort.
Terrorism & Security
Ex-dictator Manuel Noriega headed home to Panama

Citizens of Panama have mixed feelings on the return of Manuel Noriega, a dictator deposed and imprisoned by the United States. 
Congress finally gets it: Free trade is good for America

Despite negative public opinion about open trade, Congress is poised to approve delayed free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. The deals will help the US economy by increasing exports and supporting and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
Top 10 real-life adventure stories

What’s the best way to enjoy the summer: A cookout in the backyard? A trip to the beach? These are nice, but look no further than reading a non-fiction adventure book. It’s by far the best way to immerse yourself in another world. Check out this list to see some of the best titles in this excellent genre.
Could Donald Trump reenter the presidential race?

During a visit to Panama to inaugurate the first Trump hotel and tower outside the US, real estate mogul Donald Trump called President Ricardo Martinelli an example for Washington.
The Vote
Can President Obama just ignore the debt limit?

Some economists suggest that the 14th Amendment renders the debt limit conversation moot (and maybe unconstitutional): the US must pay its debts. Period.
Decoder Wire
John Boehner's tough talk on debt limit: a departure from history

Speaker John Boehner would exact a stiff price for once again raising the debt ceiling: trillions in spending cuts. Guess how many times Congress has raised debt limit since 1962?
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: John Glenn
What Obama missed by skipping Panama in Latin America tour

Panama is investing $20 billion to boost itself as a global hub. President Ricardo Martinelli's vision provides a glimpse of the US's newest trade partner as a bilateral free trade agreement works its way through Washington.
China grabs Latin America, well ahead of Obama's outreach

In the past year, China has secured some $65 billion in regional deals. President Obama's current visit to Latin America is seen as a counteracting move.
In Pictures: Space Photos of the Day: Earth from Above II
In Pictures: Best of Monitor Photography 2010 International
"Jimmy Carter" and "White House Diary"

Jimmy Carter ran for president as a maverick. It’s also how he’s lived his life.
Global News Blog
14-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker sets sail – despite growing controversy

Laura Dekker set sail from Portugal Saturday in a bid to become the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe.
In Earth Day setback, Brazil OKs dam that will flood swath of Amazon

On the eve of Earth Day, Brazil awarded a $10 billion contract for what will be the world's third-largest dam. Brazil says it will meet urgent energy needs, while critics say it will displace thousands of people and profoundly endanger wildlife.
Global News Blog
Panama Canal: dream vacation destination?

Tourists can't seem to get enough of the Panama Canal, which has pulled in 4.7 billion tourism dollars since it was transferred to Panamanian control in 2000.
Latin America's surprise rising economic star: Peru

Peru's growth rate – 9.8 percent – was one of the fastest last year. It's poised to break with neighbors Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador with its center-left but pro-business governments.
Japanese subs found off Hawaii could have changed World War II

The two Japanese submarines – which were commandeered and scuttled by the US after World War II – were much larger, faster, and stealthier than US subs of the day. One included a float-plane that could attack New York.
One year after his election, what has Obama achieved?

Obama got off to a quick start. But almost one year after winning the presidency, his deeds are at risk of paling next to his aspirations.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about why Supreme Court justices should be empathetic, Obama's approach to the job of US president, and the importance of correctly attributing war crimes.
Why Panama tilts right in presidential vote

Most Latin American nations are electing leftists, but supermarket tycoon Ricardo Martinelli's message of change gives him an edge going into Sunday's election.