Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
Sure it's hard to keep track of what country is melting down economically, but you'll want to check out this article on the Irish Mess. What stood out for me was that Ireland was being used as a tax shelter by some companies, essentially contributing nothing to the economy.
Yeah, I know, more depressing stuff – but this is going to affect our future.
Bonnie's got links for awhile, but I wanted to make sure all you progeeks and profans out there saw this:
A fantastic look at various financial and investment activities, and the question if these things do any good for the country (and the world) at large.
Some time ago I wrote, wistfully, that writers of fictions and worldbuilders of all kinds could do better – and have interesting ideas if they focused on economics. Economics helps you build a world, create plots, and of course, make a story more relatable since we deal with economic issues all the times.
I'd like to return to that issue by noting a specific area of fantasy fiction and gaming – especially gaming – that I'd like to addressed further. Those of you writing, those of you building games, and so on, keep this in mind. It will help you create better.
(And this issue really bugs me).