Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

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TOP ECONOMISTS DEBATE THE CRISIS
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'Clinging to the Euro Will Only Prolong the Agony'
Leading German economists Peter Bofinger and Stefan Homburg are split
over the euro's chances of survival. In a discussion moderated by
SPIEGEL, they talked about the wisdom of introducing a euro bond and
what would happen if Germany left the common currency.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,735812,00.html#ref=nlint

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SPIEGEL 360: The Euro Crisis
http://www.spiegel.de/international/topic/euro_crisis/#ref=nlint


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RISKING LIVES FOR CHRISTMAS
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The Human Cost of Georgia's Fir Tree Business
Local people risk their health and often their lives for a pittance
every year in the mountains of Georgia so that families in Germany and
other European countries can celebrate Christmas under sweet-smelling
fir trees. Now a Danish organization is trying to make the business
safer for workers.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,735822,00.html#ref=nlint

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SOVIET LEGACIES
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Who Should Pay for the New 'Tomb' at Chernobyl?
The old concrete sarcophagus encasing the burned reactor at Chernobyl is
crumbling. Although a European consortium has agreed to entomb the site
in a metal vault, it is still unclear exactly where all the money will
come from. Moscow, for its part, appears reluctant to pay up.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,736026,00.html#ref=nlint

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ON THE TRAIL OF CHRISTMAS
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Advent Tourism Booming in Germany
Christmas-related tourism is big business in Germany. The country's
Christmas markets are famous throughout the world, and thousands of
visitors head to towns where traditional baubles and decorations are
made every December. But the old-fashioned image of Advent tourism may
be about to change.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,736138,00.html#ref=nlint

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Photo Gallery: The Christmas Pilgrimage
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-62939.html#ref=nlint


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CHORUS OF CRITICISM
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Germany Denounces New Hungarian Media Law 
The German government has joined a chorus of criticism over Hungary's
new media law, which some observers say could be misused to silence
critical publications. The country needs to be careful of EU norms, a
spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,736206,00.html#ref=nlint

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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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'How Can Foul Weather Throw Germany Off its Rhythm?'
The recent snow chaos in Germany has made headlines around the world and
caused locals to ask: When did German transportation systems stop being
efficient? Or are Germans simply spoilt by swift, uncomplicated
travel?Newspaper commentators wonder what's happened to the country.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,736143,00.html#ref=nlint

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Photo Gallery: The Long Way Home
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-62886.html#ref=nlint


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WINTER BEAUTY
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Bucking the Chaos of Germany's Blizzards
Thousands of Germans have had travel plans canceled or delayed due to
freezing winter weather and heavy snowfall. In spite of the general
frustration, some Germans noticed moments of beauty -- and sent their
photos to SPIEGEL ONLINE.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,736210,00.html#ref=nlint

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Photo Gallery: The Bright Side Of Winter
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-62951.html#ref=nlint