The article discusses how it is good to be near a trading partner—especially a rich trading partner—for two reasons: a) it is cheaper to trade with a close trading partner than one that is far away and b) a rich trading partner offers more opportunities for trade than a poor one. as the article points out, germany benefits as the neighboring country, france, becomes wealthier.
consistent with this argument, the states on the west coast of the united states have seen rapid economic growth as
east asia has experienced rapid economic growth.
2-in contrast, states along the east coast should see slow economic growth and possibly even a decline as the economy of
europe stagnates.

Required prepare the necessary adjusting entries in the general journal as of december 31, assuming the following: on september 1, the company entered into a prepaid equipment maintenance contract. birch company paid $3,400 to cover maintenance service for six months, beginning september 1. the payment was debited to prepaid maintenance. supplies on hand at december 31 are $3,900. unearned commission fees at december 31 are $7,000. commission fees earned but not yet billed at december 31 are $3,500. (note: debit fees receivable.) birch company's lease calls for rent of $1,600 per month payable on the first of each month, plus an annual amount equal to 1% of annual commissions earned. this additional rent is payable on january 10 of the following year. (note: be sure to use the adjusted amount of commissions earned in computing the additional rent.)