Public spending has been rising there as the government tries to prop up the economy with fiscal stimulus packages like its car-scrapping scheme, but the state has also started reining in its spending to repair its poor public finances.

FORBES: European Economy

Despite the transitional period the All Blacks are going through following the departure of a host of players - including world-class performers like prop Carl Hayman, lock Chris Jack and centre Luke McAlister - the public perception is that the hosts' winning trend is likely to continue.

BBC: Reddan sets bar high for Ireland

Facing decline, France enacted silly laws to prop up the mother tongue, such as requiring the use of French in the public square, in advertising, etc.

FORBES: Detroit's Brand Killer

In addition, Grassley, the Senate's top Republican tax writer, says the bill would "prop up" a complex tax shelter related to banks' leasing facilities to transit systems and public utilities.

FORBES: Auto Bailout