|
(Continued from page 26)
• When the yen's value falls, many Japanese goods become less expensive worldwide. Toyotas become cheaper in Germany, the United States and South Korea. So do Sony electronics. For tourists, Tokyo doesn't cost so much to visit.
• By contrast, goods made in Europe, Asia and the United States become pricier compared with Japanese products. And as sales of Japanese products grow, Japan's economy benefits.
• The rest of the world's economies? Not so much -- not right away, at least. Japan's critics say it's manipulating its currency to give Japanese companies an unfair edge over foreign rivals. Japan says it's seeking to energize its economy, not lower the yen.
• ___
Powerball soars to $550 million jackpot with California joining mega-lottery madness
• SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The numbers sum up the frenzy that has taken over the Golden State since it joined the madness over Powerball, which has seen its jackpot soar to $550 million for Saturday's drawing.
• California has sold $83 million worth of Powerball tickets since April, when it joined 42 other states that offer the game. Since then, the most populous state has accounted for 11 percent of the game's sales, fueling such fast-growing mega-jackpots like the latest one that has the potential to be a record-breaker.
• The state expects to generate well above the originally estimated $50 million for public education, California lottery director Robert O'Neill told The Associated Press.
• "One thing California has brought Powerball is sunshine and good fortune," he said. "It has surprised us. We're very happy."
• Californians have Nevadans to thank for some of that good fortune.
• ___
Russian and American intelligence officials square off in Motherland, play by 'Moscow rules'
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- The embarrassing arrest of a suspected CIA officer in Moscow is the latest reminder that, even after the Cold War, the U.S. and Russia are engaged in an espionage battle with secret tactics, spying devices and training that sometimes isn't enough to avoid being caught.
• The most recent skirmish involves Russian security services ambushing a 29-year-old diplomat who they say was trying to court a spy. The Russians said Ryan (Continued on page 28)
|
|
