Stories for March 13th 2008
A dolphin saves two stranded whales in New Zealand beach
A dolphin has come to the rescue of two whales which had become stranded on a beach in New Zealand. Conservation officer Malcolm Smith told the BBC that he and a group of other people had tried in vain for an hour and a half to get the whales to sea.
Petrobras diversifies LNG provision; signs accord with Shell
Brazil's government managed oil corporation Petrobras and Shell have signed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) “firm” supply agreement to furnish the Pecém (Ceará) and Baía de Guanabara (Rio de Janeiro) re-gasification terminals.
Oil and Euro deny the Central bankers' revival plan a chance
Oil prices which reached 110.20 US dollars a barrel and the Euro which hit a new record high of 1.55 US dollars seem to have reduced the central banks concerted effort to a mere one day good intention.
Brazilian package to boost exports and prop the ailing dollar
Brazil levied a new tax on foreign capital and announced tax breaks for exporters Wednesday in an effort to slow the Brazilian Real's gains against the US dollar which has appreciated 62% against the greenback in three years.
US tightens smog forming ozone pollution controls
The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced this week it was tightening the amount of smog-forming ozone that will be allowed, declaring that the air in hundreds of U.S. counties is too dirty to breathe. But the new lower level, 75 parts per billion (from 80 parts per billion), still is significantly higher than what the agency's scientific advisers had urged.
Fears of overheating as Brazilian economy grows 5.4% in 2007
Brazil's economy expanded a greater-than-expected 6.2% in the fourth quarter, the fastest year-on-year quarterly expansion since June 2004, helping the overall 2007 expansion to reach 5.4%, boosted by consumer spending and business investment.
Foreign investment in Chile doubles to 15 billion in 2007
The Chile Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) reported Wednesday that foreign investment in Chile almost doubled to 15 billion US dollars in 2007. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) grew almost 94%, compared to 2006.
London the best city but also the most expensive & dirtiest
London was voted the best European city to visit by international travelers in a TripAdvisor survey, despite also being voted the most expensive and dirtiest. In a poll of 1,100 travelers worldwide, London retained its place as the number one city in Europe for nightlife and was also voted the best in Europe for public parks.
Fifth year running Argentine economy grows above 8%
Argentina's GDP expanded 8.7% in 2007, after having grown 9.1% in the fourth quarter, up 1.9% from the previous quarter announced Thursday in Buenos Aires the country's Statistics and Census Office, Indec.
Brazil and Spain agree to a “truce” in migratory controls
Brazil and Spain have agreed to a “truce” on migration controls following a stand off between both countries regarding Brazilian and Spanish tourists.
