News In Brief

MIDDAY UPDATE: Tunisian protests, Urban goat farming, Costco samples

Katharine Crnko Jan 17, 2011

Protests continue today in the Tunisian capitol, Tunis. Troops fired water cannons and tear gas at demonstrators during the second month of unrest. The Tunisian economy relies on tourism and manufacturing, but both are being jeopardized by the continued protesting. Economists believe that displacement aside, the protests could yield positive results in coming years: an honest government could help stabilize the country, and increase manufacturing jobs and tourism.

Rooftop herb gardens are so last year. Today’s hip, urban farming trend is goats. Not for the novice-gardener or faint-of-heart, urban goat farming can be rewarding and fun, says Oakland-based writer Novella Carpenter. You can hear more of “Dinner Party Downloads” here.

Costco shopper come for the bargains, and wander for the samples. The famous warehouse club is known more for the dixie cups of sample fare than for their regular deals. The company says the samples are part of the business plan — you don’t want to buy 10 pounds of something without knowing you’ll love it — but are shoppers thinking about the bargains, or getting a second helping?

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