Just as Cold War thinking, on both sides of the Iron Curtain, created a certain ideological clarity, this clean division between the democrats and the autocrats is invigorating in its simplicity.

NEWYORKER: After America

In addition, as Australia-based Forbes contributor Tim Treadgold pointed out, iron ore prices are falling, with both BHP and Rio Tinto forecasting lower prices in the future as supply rises to meet demand.

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The huge size of the Chinese industry now makes it a dominant force in both the global steel market and the market for production inputs such as iron ore and metallurgical coal.

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And I think this is the first of quite a few steps, and I would assume that some of those details will be debated even -- will be debated further as this goes to the other side of the Hill and then ultimately when both bodies iron out whatever differences exist.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

As this was going on, I had the chance to observe that The Iron Lady was both prettier, with creamy English skin, and far more feminine than her public image would have ever led you to expect.

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