Even though many Brazilians may not have understood her earnest talk about the need for sustainability, she came across as someone honest, fresh and different to voters disillusioned with the rough and tumble of everyday politics.

BBC: Green Party votes up for grabs in Brazil's election

Mr Stanakzai also denied that President Karzai was an obstacle to peace talks, though the Taliban have said in the past that they won't talk in earnest until he steps down and Western forces leave Afghanistan.

BBC: Afghanistan eyes Taliban peace ahead of Nato withdrawal

Talk of changing the law to protect teachers began in earnest after media organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, published those results.

WSJ: Deal on Teachers Nears

Now that the government seems to be easing or dropping the conditions attached to these funds, some banks are beginning to talk in earnest about getting their hands on them.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banks