In the worst case, this could lead to emergency measures such as supplies being limited to public standpipes in the street being implemented, as was the case during the 1976 drought.

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That such a case is being pursued, though, highlights a fundamental problem with the laws in this area, she said.

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This is particularly the case for European exporters, such as Germany, which are being hurt by the rising competitiveness of Japanese exporters due to the lower yen.

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Normally, I would suggest that any investor with the option should purchase a REIT in a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA. In this case, if you think the chances of Power REIT being able to collect on the indebtedness are low, a taxable account would be most appropriate.

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In this case the source would have to be something far more exotic, such as a neutron star being swallowed by a black hole or colliding with another neutron star.

ECONOMIST: Astronomy