Although lower taxes make the U.S. salary look like a better deal compared to the Nordic salaries, the higher taxes in these countries are channeled into providing a high standard of free education and universal healthcare so there is a public service benefit.

FORBES: Are Americans Overtaxed?

In Spain, among other things, the new government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has latched on to blowing up bridges to make vacations look more like those in Britain and the U.S., which have moved most public holidays to Fridays or Mondays.

WSJ: Spain Plans to Burn Its Bridges to Keep Vacationers on the Job

It would make it easier for foreigners studying in the U.S. to stay and look for a job.

NPR: Critics: High-Tech Visas Cheat U.S. Workers

It's a bit of deja vu -U.S. presidents on their way out who look to make a dent in the Middle East peace process as they're out the door.

NPR: Iran, Peace Top Agenda for Bush's Mideast Trip

The U.S., however, has yet to make such a move, as a look at the back of your credit card will quickly reveal.

FORBES: Have We Seen The Last Of Credit Cards As We Know Them?

The New York Post has been beating a drum that the U.S. Census has been hiring and rehiring workers in an effort to make the economy look stronger than it really is.

FORBES: Reality Check: Census Worker Churning Is Not Buffing Hiring Numbers