Commentary on the profits in copying, comparative capitalism, the rise and fall of unions, free trade negotiations, public transit in 20 different  cities, Greece to leave soon, and the case for 100 million Canadians.

Important article that reminds us that there is much profit in copying and adapting.

Economist -- Pretty profitable parrots
For businesses, being good at copying is at least as important as being innovative.

Not all economies are created equal.

Globalist -- The US and the EU: Capitalisms Compared
With the eurozone up against the ropes, all signs are that the U.S. economy and economic model reign supreme.

As the economy becomes more specialised and skills based unions lose their ability to compete.

Pdf below -- Rise and Fall of Unions in the US

Thoughts on the announcement of free trade negotiations.

Economist -- China/Japan/South Korea economy: Free-trade talks begin
Asia's three largest exporters, China, Japan and South Korea, have agreed to begin negotiations towards a trilateral free-trade agreement (FTA).

Not far in Miami but miles and miles in London.

Atlantic Cities -- 30 Minutes on Mass Transit in 20 World Cities
You've got 30 minutes and a bus pass. The world is your weirdly shaped blob.

The banks go first.

Telegraph -- Debt crisis: Greek euro exit looms closer as banks crumble
A tsunami of capital flight from Greece threatens to overwhelm the authorities, forcing the country out of the euro before fresh elections in June.

A big country.

Globe and Mail -- What would a Canada of 100 million feel like? More comfortable, better served, better defended
If you were in London 110 years ago to watch the coronation of King Edward VII, it would have looked a lot like the scene of this month’s royal jubilee, with one notable exception: In 1902, the route of the royal coach, visited by millions of people, had been transformed into a giant advertisement for immigration to Canada.