Non-Paper Daily, 12.11.2008

*In numbers higher than predicted, unemployment insurance applications surged to a 26-year high.

*Regardless of how you feel about it, the auto company bailout plan was on track, then knocked off track, but again sees a glimmer of light. Apparently Ford can survive for awhile with out it, but GM and Chrysler are staring bankruptcy straight in the eye.

*Anti-globalization protests are spreading across Europe in response to the ever-worsening economic situation. Maybe just a little something, but maybe something much bigger.

*Without direct knowledge it's hard to tell, but Pakistan seems to be taking steps against those that perpetrated the bombings in Mumbai. If accurate, this is certainly a positive development. Pakistan has two groups in charge--the military versus citizen government--that often do not see eye to eye. There are all kinds of question marks that will continue to surround Pakistan until there is progress stabilizing the governing structure.