Laura+Vining

Laura Vining

__**The Week of Monday June 20th, 2011**__ On Wednesday, President Obama announced that he will be removing 10,000 troops from Afghanistan this year. He followed this with a promise to remove another 20,000 by the end of next summer. The plan does not match that of many military commanders, Obama's plan being faster and deeper. Obama is feeling the economic pressure on the homeland.
 * "Obama Opts for Faster Afghan Pullout" - International**

I am currently watching Obama's follow up speech. His main point is basically that through the progress the U.S. has already made (especially when Osama Bin Laden was killed), we can now start to "wrap-up" the war in Afghanistan. Obama mentioned the economic pressures he was facing. I thought it was good that he admitted that "We will not make Afghanistan a prefect place" and that there is still hard times ahead for Afghanistan, because it is most definitely true. I thought it was very interesting how Obama made sure to placate any anger that might be brought up due to his debatably "overly trusting" tactics toward Afghanistan by saying that, as opposed to letting our defense completely down, America will "build a partnership with Afghanistan that is longlasting".


 * Cooper, Helene. "Obama Orders Troop Cuts in Afghanistan." //New York Times//. Web. 22 June 2011. .

On Wednesday of this week, Al Gore harshly criticized president Obama's leadership in regards to the climate crisis. In Rolling Stone magazine, Gore said that Obama's actions were only a little bit more effective than Bush's. Gore's interview revealed that his issue with Obama's tactics were that he talked the talk, but did not walk the walk so to speak. Gore said that Obama clearly understands the pressing isue of global warming, even appointing many enviromental activists to speak about the issue, but the President has failed to make any large effort to ameliorate the climate crisis. Although I don't agree with many of Mr. Gore's politics, I completely agree with him. Obama used the climate crisis as one of his biggest political platforms, and many people voted for him specificaly because they believed that Obama could help the cause. The fact that our president hasn't really made any lasting efforts to help the planet is a little shady. It bothers me that he mentions saving the planet in many of his speechs, but there is still no sign of any active, strong effort from the President.
 * "Gore Criticizes Obama for Record on Climate" - National**


 * Broder, John. "Al Gore Criticizes Obama for Record on Climate." //New York Times//. Web. 24 June 2011. [].

The Federal Reserve met this week and realized that the European Debt Crisis is a pressing issue. Now in the addition to the U.S. economic slowdown, the Federal Reserve must deal with the fear that the crisis will infect the global economy. The stock market dropped several hundred points this week due to the fear that Greece, along with a few more countries, will default on it's debts. The Reserve has concluded that if this were to happen, the already fragile U.S. economy will take a huge hit, as well as the rest of the world. The Reserve is currently trying to figure out a plan to protect the U.S. if those countries do not pay off the debt. In my opinion, this crisis is a huge deal. Although I am not an economist, it is not hard to see that our fragile economy really cannot afford to deal with the burden that will be created if Greece does not pay their debt. I also thought it was very interesting how the stock market was said to be effected by a single emotion, fear. It reminded me of the Great Depression, and although the European Debt Crisis wasn't really like the Great Depression, both instances proved that the economic market is a very sensitive and vulnerable market. It is a comfort that the Federal Reserve is so aggressive in planning for the worst though.
 * "Europe Debt Crisis Shadows Fed Meeting on Economy"- Economic**


 * Crutsinger, Martin. "Europe Debt Crisis Shadows Fed Meeting on Economy - USATODAY.com." //USA Today//. Web. 24 June 2011. []

__**The Week of Monday June 27th, 2011**__ On Wednesday, European investigators found that the aggressive outbreak of E. Coli in Germany and France is linked to fenugreek seeds that came from Egypt. The seeds entered Europe though a single German importer, who then distributed the seeds throughout Europe. The outbeak first surfaced in Germany in May and has claimed 48 lives in Germany and 16 lives in France since, effecting over 4,000. Officials are still trying many things to figure out if any fowlplay was involved, including investigating the farm that produced the seeds. In my opinion, I think that it's a little ridiculous to be so skeptical of the farmer who claimed that the seeds came from the bad bean sprouts he was growing. Due to lack of evidence, I think that the European officials should just end the investigation. I don't think that the E. Coli case was any different than how any other case has been, unfortunate.
 * "Egyptian Seeds Linked to E. Coli in Europe" - International**


 * Neuman, William. "Egyptian Seeds Linked to E. Coli Outbreak in Europe." //New York Times//. Web. 29 June 2011. .

Over the past year, the budget has become increasingly smaller for the California Rehabilitation Center. The worst of the budge crisis as shown its face in the decreasing art programs available for inmates at the center. Many of the programs are not set up for just fun, many are actually used as rehabilitation programs. Inmates are taught to control their emotions, and let out anger and negativity in a safe, healthy way. In the center, the arts are used as a way to break down social barriers, channel emotion, and teach vital social skills to the inmates who are lacking in those categories. Only two prison arts programs are left in California, and they both rely solely on volunteers. I am a very big supporter of the arts, especially when it comes to rehabilitation of any kind, so when I read this story, I was very frustrated. The arts have proved to be a hugely effective way to strengthen social skills and control anger, and I think that the inmates of California deserve to better themselves in that way. In order to create a more stable, well rounded person, the state of California, in my opinion, must take effective measures in ensuring a more well rounded person through exposing them to different experiences. What is the point of having a rehabilitation center, if the state of California insists on cutting out one of the most effective rehabilitation programs they have? ‍‍‍
 * ‍‍‍"A Safety Valve for Inmates, the Arts, Fades in California" - National**


 * Nagourney, Adam. "A Safety Valve for Inmates, the Arts, Fades in California." //New York Times//. Web. 30 June 2011. [].

Ever since Disney bought Pixar Studios in 2006, there has been a harmonious collision of both good ideas and good buisness. At first, there were many concerns that Disney may inhibit the charming, unique, and creative ideas that Pixar brough to the table. But so far, all is well. Disney/Pixar's "Cars 2" has proved very successful in it's advertising, ticket sales, and opinions by the public. Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 3" was noted as "remarkable" by many, and even earned a place in Hollywood history. It seems that Disney's 7.4 Billion dollar investment into Pixar was a good choice. It didn't surprise me that Disney bought Pixar. I am glad that things are working out so well, but it has only been about four years. There is still time for Disney's collosal buisness tactics to weigh down Pixar's enchanting and quirky stories. I hope that the collaboration does not hinder any future success of the movies that my generation has grown to love and cherish.
 * "A Collision of Creativity and Cash at Disney/Pixar"- Economic**


 * Stewart, James. "A Collision of Creativity and Cash at Disney/Pixar." //New York Times//. Web. 1 July 2011. [].

Today, after a nearly six week testimony, Casey Anthony was found not guilty of killing her daughter Caylee Marie. The verdict vindicated the defense that claimed that Caylee drowned in a swimming pool and her Grandfather, George Anthony, panicked, and concealed the death. Caylee went missing in 2008, and her mother failed to report her missing. Casey was found guilty of providing false statements to police. In my opinion, I think the verdict was fitting. Many people find this verdict controversial and unfair. America's judicial system practices the phrase "innocent until proven guilty", not "guilty until proven innocent", the system should not pick and choose due to popular belief. Prosecutors had no hard evidence. Only circumstantial evidence existed, and although it was strong, the evidence should never be enough to send Ms. Anthony to death row on its own. Just because the court found Ms. Anthony not guilty does not mean she didn't do it, and I would not be surprised if she did. She seemed almost heartless through the entire ordeal. But I believe that until real evidence is found to pinpoint the person who killed poor, innocent Caylee, nobody should be pointing fingers.
 * __The Week of Monday July 4th, 2011__**
 * "Casey Anthony Not Guilty in Slaying of Daughter"- National**


 * Alvarez, Lizette. "Casey Anthony Not Guilty in Slaying of Daughter." //New York Times//. Web. 5 July 2011. [].

In London, the popular tabloid "News of the World" announced that it will close. Robert Murdoch, the owner of the tabloid, announced the abrupt closing is due to allegations that the tabloid was involved in hacking cell phones belonging to a 13 year old murder victim aswell as relatives of fallen soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are also allegations that the tabloid was involved in interfering in a murder investigation nine years ago. The scandal cost the company, News Corp., more than $12 billion dollars. Murdoch acknowledged the "serious problems" and "repeated wrongdoing" of the tabloid over a period of many years. In my opinion, the Murdochs did the right thing in deciding the close the "News of the World" tabloid. I think that even if they were cleared of the allegations, the tabloid would still cause the people of London to be angry and distrusting of the tabloid, therefore I believe that I was a wise buisness decision. I just hope that the Murdochs deal with the consequences responsibly now that they decided to close the tabloid so quickly.
 * "Murdoch to Close Tabloid Amid Fury Over Hacking" - International**


 * Lyall, Sarah. "Murdoch to Close Tabloid Amid Fury Over Hacking." //New York Times//. Web. 7 July 2011. [].

It was discovered that the government is printing less paper money and yes, coins too. The U.S. Mint printed about 5 billion pennies, nickles, dimes, and quarters in 2010. That number is less than one third the average printed over the past 30 years. It is clear that people are using less coins. In 1992, Coinstar invented a system that counted spare change. In the early 2000s, Coinstar was collecting more coins than the U.S. Mint was producing. The coins were being put back into circulation, meeting a growing market demand, and reducing the need for the Mint to produce more coins. Coin production is likely to increase when the economy recovers, but the U.S. Mint estimated that the production count still will not top 10 billion coins a year. Therefore, plants are being shut down in places like Philadelphia and Denver. In my opinion, I think it is a good idea for the U.S. Mint to be so flexible in the amount of coins it produces. Keeping tabs on human usage of coins is, I think, the only was to successfully go about coin production. I think that Coinstar's idea was brilliant as well as needed, and I think that it's a good thing that the U.S. Mint is working with Coinstar in a way to insure that their actions do not interfere with each other.
 * ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍"Yes, Coins Too" - Economic**

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 * Appelbaum, Binyamin. "Yes, Coins Too." //New York Times//. Web. 7 July 2011. [].

Many people, including the NAACP, have found many reasons to hate Scott Beason, the 41-year-old Republican state senator. Beason is a champion for conservative populism and has become the topic of controversy in Alabama. One of the many things the public is angry at Beason for is his sponsorship of the strictest immigration bill in the U.S.. There are also hard feelings towards Beason due to his success in squashing any efforts to save an economically depressed town via financial contingency plan. Beason has apparently done some shady things, such as wear a concealed recorder during a federal investigation as well as saying some racist comments towards blacks. In my opinion, Beason is just another politician with very strong beliefs. Although I don't agree with some of his actions, but let's be honest, when are there not shady things going on in the political scene. I think Beason is just another politicial with beliefs that should be respected, just like any other politician with any other beliefs.
 * __The Week of Monday July 11, 2011__**
 * "An Alabamian as Polarizing as the Issues" - National**


 * Lyall, Sarah. "Murdoch to Close Tabloid Amid Fury Over Hacking." //New York Times//. Web. 7 July 2011. [].

Amazon is doing something very ambitious, they are trying to rewrite tax policy for the internet era. Amazon has started to fight California to eliminate sales tax for virtual buyers. Tensions are high between Amazon and retailers such as Target and Walmart because if Amazon succeeds in eliminating virtual sales tax, Amazon will crush it's competition. Amazon sells many of the same items as Target or Walmart. Many people see this fight as showing how the the internet has come, eliminating sales tax for online shopping marks a huge milestone in the internet era. Internet shopping is no longer for random items that you can not find in stores. In my opinion, eliminating sales tax is obviously a tempting movement, but I think that sales tax should remain. I think that eliminating sales tax will unfairly put retailers who are not in the virtual world in a tough spot, so I understand California's position. But then again, that's buisness.
 * "Amazon Takes on California" - Economic**


 * Richtel, Matt. "Amazon Takes on California." //New York Times//. Web. 13 July 2011. [].

‍‍During the evening rush on Wednesday, three bombs hit the streets of Mumbai, India. The bombs killed atleast 21 people and injured about 141. Indian officials are calling it a coordinated terror attack on the country's economic capitol. Another attack happened in November 2008, when terrorists from Pakistan mounted a large care assault killing 160 people. After the incident in 2008, Indian officials broke peace talks with Pakistan. No one has been found resposible for the attacks Wednesday. In my opinion, I think that Indian officials should not have broken peace talks with Pakistan, I don't think that it helped the tensions between the countries. I hope that this unfortunate incident will not mark India and Pakistan as enemies if Pakistan is found responsible, adding another volatile relationship in the middle east. ‍‍
 * "3 Bombs Hit Crowded Sites in Mumbai" - International**


 * Bajaj, Vikas. "3 Bombs Hit Crowded Sites in Mumbai." //New York Times//. Web. 13 July 2011. [].

__**The Week of Monday July 18th, 2011**__ Since January 2011, marches organized by protesters in Jordan have grown and persisted. King Abdullah II and his security forces have tried to hamper the protesters efforts, which has increasingly frustrated them. They are also mad because their protests have caused no real change within the Jordan government. On Friday, riot police beat protesters when they tried to stage a sit in in a busy market. The few times the demonstrators were able to protest without much trouble, they were left wondering if it ever made a difference. The protesters of Jordans requests are simple; to reform the government, not request its downfall. These requests are very modest compared to Jordan's counterparts, Egypt and Tunisia, but still not change has occured. The protesters are left wondering how hard they should push. In my opinion, I think that Jordan is another country where the government should pay attention to the people more, they have every right to put forward ideas and opinions. I hope that the violence does not escalate.
 * "Jordan's Protesters Ask Little, and Receive Less" - International**


 * Fahim, Kareem. "Jordan's Portesters Ask Little, and Reveive Less." //New York Times//. Web. 20 July 2011. [].

The landing of the space shuttle Atlantis on Thursday marked the end of the manned space shuttle era. The three decade program had it's good and bad times, and has left us wondering what is next for the future of American exploration. Apparently, through the year 2020, the International Space Station will still be studying space and performing tests. But any direct space exploration will have to take place mostly through Russia. Obama sees that in the future, Americans will still lead the way in space exploration. NASA’s $18 billion budget is a tiny part of some $3.7 trillion in annual federal spending. So it is safe to say that Congress will provide NASA with enough money to keep themselves at the head of space exploration. In my opinion, I don't think it was right for the government to decide what is important to America, but I understand where they're coming from. It is very expensive, but I believe that there are other places where money can be saved.
 * "After the Space Shuttle" - National**


 * "After the Space Shuttle." //New York Times//. Web. 21 July 2011. [].

It has recently been reported that family in today's world earn more than they did three decades ago. This is not because of raises, but rather because they are working more hours. The collective number of hours worked by both parents has increased 26 percent. Even though more hours are being worked, wages have not increased like they should be. Most of the increase in hours indicated today compared to those of 1975 is due to women joining the work force. Apparently, women's work effort has more than doubled, where as men's have generally stayed the same. One sad fact is that single parents still make less than one fourth of what an average two-parent family earns in a year. Single parents generally have more expenses as well. In my opinion, I think that single parents should receive more assistance. Two-parent families can make it because they have each other to depend on, but single parents generally only have themselves to rely on financially.
 * "Rising Family Income: More Work, Not Raises" - Economic**
 * Rampell, Catherine. "Rising Family Income: More Work, Not Raises." //New York Times//. Web. 21 July 2011. [].

__**The Week of Monday July 25th, 2011**__ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍Palestinian Women from the landlocked region of West Bank risked prosecution when they went to the sea. Most of them had never gone before, but aided by Israeli women, they were able to splash around on the beach, despite the risk. This was all a small protest against what these women think are unjust laws. In the face of heated Israeli-Palestinian relations, these women showed how despite politics, simple pleasures should still be enjoyed. These women also showed how coexistence is hard, but not completely impossible. I was smiling the entire time I was reading this article. The pictures of the womens splashing in the waves made me so happy. I think it's absolutely amazing how these women, despite the likelyhood of severe punishment, defied popular belief that peace between Israeli and Palestinians is out of reach. Now if only the political forces in each country could take a day off to go to the beach together. ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
 * "Where Politics are Complex, Simple Joys at the Beach" - International**


 * Bronner, Ethan. "Where Politics Are Complex, Simple Joys at the Beach." //New York Times//. Web. 27 July 2011. [].

The Institute of Medicine will release a report on Friday that will approve a tougher approval proccess for medical devices such as hip implants. This report was requested by the FDA after some well known recalls on products that have injured thousands of patients. Device producers are opposing these reports claiming that they are biased. With millions of dollars at stake, it is very simple to see why device makers would strongly oppose this report. In my opinion, I think it's very sketchy that device makers wouldn't want confidence in the safety of their customers. I think that when it comes to health, no matter how much money is at stake, the most strict regulations should be put into place to ensure the safety of vulnerable Americans. I think that the FDA is wise, and I hope that the regulations are approved.
 * "Study of Medical Device Rules is Attacked, Unseen" - Economic**


 * Meier, Barry. "Study of Medical Device Rules Is Attacked, Unseen." //New York Times//. Web. 27 July 2011. [|http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/health/28institute.html?ref=business#].

Residents of Bakersfield, California have started to see some significant changes in their water levels. They have recently found out that the changes are due to a system known as Water Banking. Water Banking is the process of storing water underground for future use or for leasing to fast growing urban areas. This has caused the small local water utility to go to court to challenge the weathly farmers who own the largest water banks. The case against the water banks highlights that the huge withdrawals of water might cause geological damage and a variety of costly repairs. In my opinion, the process of water banking seems unfair. I see where the bankers are coming from, but I don't think that the residents of Bakersfield should have to suffer the consequences.
 * "Storing Water For a Dry Day Leads to Suits" - National**


 * Barringer, Felicity. "Story Water For a Dry Day Leads to Suits." //New York Times//. Web. 27 July 2011. [].

British authorities have recently seized a huge shipment of "Class A" drugs. The UK Border Agency worked with the Dutch Police Force to arrest six members of a gang on Tuesday. Authorities worked together to track a luxury yacht. The search took six days and ended in police finding drugs hidden under the boat's bathing platform. The drugs were stashed there in Venezuela. The drugs were worth 50 million in wholesale and 300 million in street value. Class A drugs include cocaine, LSD, heroin, and ecstasy. The bust was the largest in British history. In my opinion, I think this bust is very positive. Not just because the drugs were seized before being released into the streets, but because it showed that the UK Border Agency can work smoothly and effectively with other authorities in different countries to stop the flow of drugs quickly. ‍‍‍
 * __‍‍‍The Week of Monday August 1st, 2011__**
 * "Largest Hard Drug Bust in British History" - International**


 * Saltmarsh, Matthew. "Largest Hard Drug Bust in British History." //NewYork Times//. Web. 3 Aug. 2011. [].

A Gallup poll was released on Tuesday shows that Muslims are loyal to and optimistic about America. 9 out of 10 Muslims say that they are not sympathetic towards Al Qaeda. The poll is said to contradict many beliefs that Muslims are disconnected and alienated in America. The terrorist attacks of September 11th were nearly a decade ago, and since then Muslim Americans have been the target of many federal investigations and prejudice among the American people. A shocking two thirds of Muslim Americans say that they identify strongly with the United States. Many see this as a promising step towards better Muslim American relations. In my opinion, this poll makes me content. I think that Americans had every right to be nervous around Muslims after the terrorist attacks, just as Muslims had every right to feel uneasy around Americans. Since the attacks were a decade ago, I'm glad that Muslims are stepping up and identifying themselves with America. I think that better American/Muslim relations starts with their willingness to assimilate, and should not just depend on Americans to step up and be the only ones putting toward any tolerance.
 * "Muslims Are Loyal to the U.S. and Hopeful, Pole Finds" - National**


 * Goodstein, Laurie. "Muslims Are Loyal to U.S. and Hopeful, Poll Finds." //New York Times//. Web. 3 Aug. 2011. [].

‍America's fast food has been going viral internationally for years. China and India are prime examples of U.S. fast food's quickly growing markets. Now, the industry is targeting Russia. Fast-food industry analysts compare American markets to Russian markets saying that fast food will be bought with a new disposable income. McDonalds has grown to over 279 locations in Russia in recent years. This success has caused an influx of other chains such as Burger King, who has opened 22 locations in the past two years, and Subway, which has opened about 200 locations. Yum Brands, which includes KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, has opened more than 350 locations alone. Russia's development in many cities has helped these fast food chains flourish. The success has also been traced to Russia's growing wealth. Many Russians are more affluent due to the trickle down of the nation's successful oil exports. Although the average American family still earns much more- $43,539 in the U.S. compared to $7,276 in Russia- Russian's still have a large portion of money to spend on fast food and other miscellaneous things. Overall, American fast food chains are doing very well in Russia, and are bringing in lucrative sales. In my opinion, I think the success of American fast food chains in Russia is brilliant. It's interesting how Americans were able to tap into the fast food industry in Russia at the perfect time, right when Russia was growing and flourishing when it came to individual family income. I think that the success is a classic example of America's genius when it comes to business.
 * "Russia Becomes a Magnet for U.S. Fast-Food Chains" - Economic**

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 * Kramer, Andrew E. "Russia Becomes a Magnet for U.S. Fast-Food Chains." //NewYork Times//. Web. 3 Aug. 2011. [].

__**The Week of Monday August 8th, 2011**__ On top of the many issues facing Somalia including sickness and starvation, food aid theft can now be added. The United Nations World Food Program is investigating allegations that sacks of grain and other supplies meant to relieve hunger in Somalia were stolen. The allegations point out that the thieves may have been business men who are going to take the food and supplies and sell them for a profit. The World Food Program was first alerted months ago. The goods were possibly stolen from Mogadishu, Somalia's capital city. In the case that the allegations are baseless, nothing more has been released. Each aid delivery is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Since Somalia is marred with so much corruption, it is common for only less than half of the food aid deliveries reach the people in need, therefore this incident is tragic. In my opinion, I hope that the World Food Program uses everything possible to find the thieves. I think that whoever did this is disgusting, and I hope they are punished to the extent of the law.
 * "Allegations of Food Aid Theft Resurface in Somalia" - International**


 * Gettleman, Jeffrey. "Allegations of Food Aid Theft Resurface in Somalia." //New York Times//. Web. 9 Aug. 2011. .

For most of the summer, President Barack Obama has been under constant attack by the White House. In an attempt to regain support in the region, Obama kicked of a three day bus tour in the Midwest region. Obama realizes that the Midwest's support was vital for his re-election due to the massive majority of Republicans in the area. He struck themes important to both independent and moderate voters. He presented a "country first" view on the next election, and encouraged the Midwest to fight Washington to get what they want. Obama told the Midwest states, including Iowa and Minnesota, that he had plans up his sleeves to create jobs and boost the economy. In my opinion, I think that Obama is using intelligent and effective tactics to try to gain support for his re-election, and I respect that. What I do not respect, is how he is advertising that he has new way of boosting the economy which he has not yet put into play. I don't really get what he's waiting for...if he has such great plans why has he not used them? The economy is not getting better anytime soon, so where have these amazing and innovative tactics been since he started his presidency? I wouldn't be surprised if some of the things that he said angered the Midwestern states.
 * "Obama Tries to Reclaim Momentum With Midwest Bus Tour"- National**


 * Landler, Mark. "Obama Tries to Reclaim Momentum With Midwest Bus Tour." //New York Times//. Web. 9 Aug. 2011. .

Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, and Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, have called for more fiscal unity in Europe. Closer coordination will obligate the 17 countries that share the euro to balance their national budgets. Economic growth in Europe is slowing and the proposals are aimed to boost economic competitiveness of euro zone countries. This is all for the purpose of keeping out of debt, and strengthening overall stability of the euro. it was also proposed that French and German officials meet quarterly to analyze economic forecasts. In my opinion, I think this proposal is a positive thing and can only lead to good things. I think that reassurance of stability is essential in the current economic climate in Europe.
 * "Sarkozy and Merkel Call for More Fiscal Unity in Europe" - Economic**


 * Clark, Nicola. "Sarkozy and Merkel Call for More Fiscal Unity in Europe." //New York Times//. Web. 9 Aug. 2011. [].

__**The Week of Monday August 15th, 2011**__ Family members of the victims of the shootings on Utoya Island last month visited the site of the shooting. This extremely painful process was not helped by the fact that the man responsible for the shootings, Breivik, seems to be unremorseful and stuck in his ways. At one of his hearings, Brevik complained about his jail conditions, claiming that they were "sadistic torture". About 500 family members, let by police, walked the island as they experienced where their late family members were when they were murdered. In my opinion, I think that it is great that the families of the victims are allowed and encouraged to pay tribute to their family members at the place where they died. This is not only the case. I also hope that Brevik is punished to the extent of the law, especially since he is so unremorseful.
 * "Kin of Norway Victims Visit Scene of Shootings" - International**


 * Libell, Henrik Pryser. "Kin of Norway Victims Visit Scene of Shootings." //New York Times//. Web. 19 Aug. 2011. .

Frank Schaeffer, son of a popular Evangelical minister, has decided to turn his back on the faith he was raised on. Frank grew up in Boston, and lived in L'Abri Switzerland, a Evangelical Christian community in the mountains for a good chunk of his life. In the 1960s, L'Abri was known as a popular place to come to the mountains and contemplate God and talk about the Bible with Frank's parents Francis and Edith. His father being a hero to American Evangelists, his family was famed and his father's advice was taken seriously. Frank grew up around eccentrics, but he recently wrote a book called "Sex, Mom, & God" which highlights some of his doubts about his parent's religion. He broke away from conservatism in the '80's expressing that he felt uneasy and trapped in the religion. In my opinion, I think that Frank did the right thing. I don't think there's anything wrong with Evangelical Christians, but I just hope that his family and friends supported him in this decision, and did not alienate him like so many extreme religious groups do. I think that it was time for Frank to live his own life the way he wanted.Oppenheimer, Mark.
 * "Son of Evangelical Royalty Turns His Back, and Tells the Tale" - National**


 * "Son of Evangelical Royalty Turns His Back, and Tells the Tale." //New York Times//. Web. 19 Aug. 2011. .

On Friday, stocks closed low in the worldwide financial market. Unrest in the market first started in Asia, then went to Europe, and now there is turmoil in America. America's market closed down with more than 4 percent this week, after wavering between both gains and losses. There is a lot of concern for American markets and how they are being effected by the Euro zone debt crisis. The S.&P. was down 4.6 percent, Dow fell 4 percent and Nasdaq fell a whopping 6.6 percent in a five day period. Analysts say that the deepest decline happened on Thursday when indexes fell 5 percent due to worries about Europe's debt crisis. In my opinion, these losses are not surprising. When I was doing my article on the European Debt Crisis, I had a feeling that somehow, someway, America would be effected negatively. It only makes sense that it would be. I just hope that stocks improve, and that businesses can hold out until they do.
 * ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍"Stocks End Week With New Losses Worldwide" - Economic**


 * Hauser, Christine. "Stocks End Week With New Losses Worldwide." //New York Times//. Web. 19 Aug. 2011. .‍

__**The Week of Monday August 22, 2011**__ A United Nations building in Abuja was hit by a deadly bombing this week. Nigeria's president suspects that Boko Haram, a Muslim terrorist group, is responsible for this attack. The attacks left 18 people dead and many more wounded, and the president is planning on bringing the suspects to justice as soon as possible. The building held workers of the World Health Organization when the suicide bombers set off a car bomb. Boko Haram, which has possible links to Al Qaeda, is said to have admitted involvement to this attack, but an investigation is still being launched. In my opinion, this attacks was very sad news to me. I think it's horrible that an organization that does so much good could have something like this happen to them without cause. I don't think I could ever see or understand why the bombers did this. I hope that something like this isn't repeated and that Nigeria isn't a victim of any tension caused by this attack.
 * "T ‍‍‍‍‍‍errorist Group Suspected in Nigerian Suicide Attack" - International**


 * Polgreen, Lydia. "Terrorist Group Suspected in Nigerian Suicide Attack." //New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. [].

<range type="comment" id="902193">‍‍‍Jared L. Loughner, the man responsible for the shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona, was in poor condition when a court stopped his forced medication. He was up for 50 hours, pacing, and lost almost 9 pounds over a short period of time. Judge Burns of Federal District Court recently resumed his forced medication saying that it "seems entirely appropriate and reasonable to me". Loughner opposes this idea telling his doctors that he feels like he has no control over the situation. The medication has been proved to benefit his mental health. In my opinion, I would usually not support forced medication, but under these circumstances, I do. I think that Loughner should have little control over the medications he is given, but he also should not be ignored. I think that since the medications are good for him, and he is in bad condition when he doesn't take them, he should be forced to take them until he is in a better mental state. ‍‍‍
 * "Judge Allows Forced Medication For Arizona Shooting Suspect" - National**


 * "Judge Allows Forced Medication For Arizona Shooting Suspect." //New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. [].

<range type="comment" id="191669">‍‍‍Many schools and businesses are pushing for more enviromentally friendly options for back to school shoppers. They encourage things like Tupperware to take the place of Ziplocs, lunch bags to replace brown paper bags, and refillable water bottles to replace plastic ones. Sales for enviromentally friendly school supplies are through the roof. Many schools have created a strict eco-friendly lunch policy. It has gone so far that many children feel embarassed if they bring Ziplocs to school. Schools say that building these habits have to start in the schools. In my opinion, I think it's a little ridiculous to make parents feel like they have to buy eco-friendly. And I think that it's especially ridiculous that children are ashamed to not follow the policy. Those are the kinds of habits that shouldn't be enforced. I think that it would be better for schools to recommend these choices to parents, showing them the benefits and financial plan, instead of putting a harsh policy in schools which some families may not agree with. ‍‍‍
 * "The Plastic Sandwich Bag Flunks" - Economic**
 * Clifford, Stephanie. "The Plastic Sandwich Bag Flunks." //New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. [].