Friday, March 18th

United States

Judge halts Wisconsin law that harms unions.

Significance: The Wisconsin state government, headed by governor Walker, passed a law that reduced the collective bargaining power of unions. Massive demonstrations in Madison and elsewhere have grown exponentially. There is really no other way at this point to reduce the deficit substantially without this law. Without a doubt, the current governor and those lawmakers who supported him have lost reelection without running. Unions across America are as powerful as the big corporations.

International

Japan continues to suffer.

Significance: The sun has not yet shone on the Japanese people since last week, literally. Snow has made rescue missions difficult, as ten thousand people are still missing. Death tolls has almost topped 7 thousand, as the nuclear situation and food shortages remain unresolved. The nuclear situation has essentially caused countries across the globe (with exception to China) to run safety tests or halt construction on new facilities. Some countries like France, where energy comes almost entirely from nuclear facilities, do not have that luxury. Regardless of the risks, it’s a very safe and effective way to obtain energy. Japan is a country worth of US help.

Libya invasion likely.

Significance: Not long after the UN condemnation of Gadhafi, the dictator has made signals he is interested in a ceasefire, while simultaneously continuing his attacks. President Obama meanwhile has given the cornered dictator an ultimatum not much different than the one given by President Bush to Saddam Hussein. While the Arab league has given a general approval for western military action, a joint coalition of American, British, and French naval and air forces have moved into the area right outside Libyan waters. The kidnap of four US journalists by Gadhafi forces and the rising tensions in places like Bahrain, Syria, and Yemen are all factors pressuring the West to act. This has a high chance of backfiring on the US. Saudi Arabia has sent forces into Bahrain to protect the monarchy in place, while Assad has begun killing his subjects at will, meaning they don’t want change regardless of their words. If the Arab countries aren’t willing to put an end to the trouble in Libya, the West should not feel obliged to. The Arab world will not be appreciative of American help, rather turn against American “occupation”. Can anyone recall a similar situation in a place called Kuwait involving an Arab hero called Osama bin-Laden? If the French and British (since they have such large North African populations) feel compelled to invade, let them. The US already spends 100 billion dollars a year on Afghanistan.

Israel seizes ship carrying weapons for terrorists.

Significance: The German-owned, French-operated, Romanian-captained, Liberian-chartered, and a sea course sailing away from Israeli waters was how the deceptive Iranian regime tried to fool Israel. The most advanced weapons to come out of Iran and Syria jointly were hidden in boxes of lentils and cotton. Is that why cotton has been getting more expensive? The mostly Chinese-made weapons have the capability to knock out some of Israel’s sea defenses, trading-ships, and docks easily.

Thought of the Day: “I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.” –Oscar Wilde

Friday, March 11th

United States

Congressional panel discussed Muslim-American radicalization.

Significance: Led by the Chair of the House Homeland Security, Peter King, the panel essentially reached no useful objective. The panel was more of a public pulpit for people’s differing opinions, with very little effective cooperation in terms of how to solve terrorism, if its even possible. The reality is as such; homegrown terrorism is currently a bigger threat to the fabric of American society than international plots. More significantly, the younger generation of Muslim-Americans (according to PEW) are substantially more radical than their parent’s generation (10% to 25%). The best research question for the panel would have been why the youth are more prone to condoning violence than their elders. CAIR (Council for American Islamic Relations), for example, has most likely sponsored terror cells. Racism detracts from morality while political correctness detracts from finding solutions.

Illinois bans the death penalty.

Significance: Fifteen felons on death row are now simply waiting for their lives to end, the long way around. European countries have longed complained of American barbarism by executing felons. The holes in the system, especially considering how overly expensive it is to execute a person as opposed to life imprisonment, has made this decision by Governor Quinn tantalizing. In reality, awarding these rapists and serial killers with their lives has proven that committing a lethal crime is no longer that serious of an offense. This is encouragement for committing crimes; similar to how many of my own students had more serious behavioral issues during my student-teaching because the administration removed detentions. Quinn has clearly never had someone close to him stolen from this earth.

International

8.9 Earthquake devastates Japan.

Significance: Japan experienced a 6.3 and a 7.2 in the past two days building up to this, which is rare. At least a thousand are dead so far, including many foreigners. Today’s though, is the largest in over a hundred years, leading to a tsunami. The epicenter was off the main island of Honshu (Japan has four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku). The tsunami will, and has, rippled through the entire Pacific Ocean, but not really severe. Aftershocks and potentially nuclear leaks are the main concern at the moment. Simultaneously, China was struck with a quake that killed 25 people.

Violence erupted between Christians and Muslims in Egypt.

Significance: The two religious groups may have come together to oust Mubarak, but it was clear that they would resume killing one another. The Coptics (the specific Christian sect that exists in Egypt) have been widely discriminated against, and their future continues to look dim. Some radicals have become part of the transitional government, while the extent continues to be unclear. Seems the world is only interested in fighting Gadhafi forces because it affects the price of oil. World has rarely intervened in past genocides, and atrocities in the new South Sudan state in Abyei are hardly mentioned. That is because those specific oil fields feed into Chinese consumption, and not the West.

Terrorist murders Israeli family while they slept.

Significance: The Palestinian terrorist infiltrated a small village (Itamar) located in Judea and Samaria, the historical lands of Israel, and stabbed five members to death. After murdering the parents, the terrorist viciously stabbed the three children (including a baby less than one month old). The Israel Defense Forces are currently searching for the barbarian. Hopefully, the situation will remain calm.

Thought of the Day: “I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.” –Pietro Aretino

Friday, March 4th

United States

Federal Government could potentially shut down.

Significance: With a funding bill set to expire, the Democrats and Republicans are going head to head trying to reach an agreement on how much of the budget to cut. Within days, if no agreement is reached, all non-essential government jobs will be closed. In theory, this is wonderful. In actuality, this closes museums, toxic waste plants, and national parks (how can a forest be closed?). Most likely, both parties will come to an agreement right before the bill expires.

President Obama meets with Mexican President Calderon.

Significance: The incompetent, shortsighted, and opinionated Mexican president has had a close relationship with Obama. After the death of a US agent in Mexico, President Obama continued to enforce the Mexican law that no US agent should be armed in Mexico. The dead agent shot beanbags instead of bullets at armed criminals because of the law; subsequently, he was killed. It is easy for President Obama to not allow weapons for US agents, since he is safe behind a wall of Secret Service.

International

Libyan violence leads to soaring gas prices.

Significance: Unless you ride a bike, you probably saw the 23 cent increase in one week at the pumps, closer to half a dollar overall. Libya produces only about 2% of the world’s oil, but they are home to some of the highest quality oil around. Furthermore, they are the closest exporter in terms of proximity to Europe. Italy, Germany, and Ireland benefit the most from Gadhafi. Some of the oil fields in the former Roman province have been either captured by rebel forces (those fighting Gadhafi’s iron grip rule) or simply left unattended. The US has yet to allow for the American public to benefit from its own stockpiles of oil that could help balance the high cost. If the US actually does enforce a no-fly zone over the country, prices will increase even more dramatically. Remember, the only way to go about doing that is to launch a war against Libya. With forces already stationed in other war zones, not to even mention how there are worse genocides currently underway, and a soaring deficit, interfering with the tiny country of Libya would be ridiculous.

Ivory Coast sees escalation in violence.

Significance: Conflict has again returned to this land as President Gbagbo is proving to be more stubborn than Gadhafi. Ivory Coast is heading towards a civil war, since no country can have two presidents. The United Nations has slowly been pulling out of the country as violence increase. The impotent organization will hardly be missed. Though this is totally unrelated to the crisis in the Arab world, some Black African countries have seen a rise in protests similar to those in the Arab world. This has come about because of direct ties of some African leaders to the dictators of Arabian lands (such as Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and former Idi Amin of Uganda). Remember, African countries are hardly better than Arab ones for the common man.

More dead continue to be discovered from the massive earthquake in New Zealand.

Significance: The 6.3 behemoth that devastated the South Island, specifically Christchurch (which is a good place to catch a ferry heading to Antarctica), is not yet behind. The NZ civil defense is having trouble keeping up with the humanitarian problems now facing survivors. So far, the death toll has reached 161 but there is a good chance it will double. Many nationalities are among the dead (Canadians, Danes, Israelis, etc.) since it is a great hub for backpackers.  

Thought of the Day: George Washington did not want his image on US currency. He did not want to imitate European monarchs. 

Friday, February 25th

United States

Boeing is awarded 30 billion USD contract by government.

Significance: A decades-long drama on who would claim the contract from the Air Force had ended with the Chicago-based company on top. The other company, the European EADS, had actually proved better adapted for American needs. The most likely reason the contract went over to an American company was a mix of protectionism, patriotism, and corruption, though none can be verified. This will add up to 48 thousand jobs. Though Boeing has the inferior plane, their maintenance costs are much lower and can save taxpayers an enormous sum (apparently 36 billion) over the course of the entire lifecycle of the planes.

Providence sees almost two thousand teachers with pink slips.

Significance: Providence, Rhode Island that is, is facing a large budget shortfall. Education is the leading cause of financial instability, nationally speaking. By issuing pink slips, it allows the board in Providence to have more flexibility in hiring many of these teachers back, in order to save money. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Teachers in Wisconsin should be more grateful for their position as opposed to their eastern colleagues.

International

Tensions in Libya cause global affects.

Significance: Though the entire Arab world is practically aflame, Libya sticks out. Each individual conflict in the Middle East can have an impact on global fuel prices, but so far Libya has had the greatest. The situation in Libya has had and can have such a great impact that several European countries as well as the United States have been drawing up military plans in case actions need to be taken. Thousands have been killed. Gadhafi has increased wages and food stamps throughout his land to appease the crowds, while unleashing his Libyan Gestapo on the rest.

Former Pakistani President Musharraf has a warrant for his arrest.

Significance: The former US ally, who is currently in exile in London, is now unable to return to Pakistan. The warrant, dealing with the death of his political opponent Benazir Bhutto, has been quite secretive. Most likely, it is charging Musharraf with providing inadequate security to Bhutto, while also possibly dealing with his direct involvement in her death. Either way, this highlights the dangers of Pakistani politics, especially since Musharraf wants to return to the presidency.

Thought of the Day: “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death” –Albert Einstein

Friday, February 18th

United States

President Obama releases his budget for the year while teachers strike.

Significance: President Obama has left intact some altruistic but misguided governmental programs: Medicare and Social Security. Obama obviously realizes these programs are going nowhere fast and that they would require the retirement age to rise, the President would not do such a thing with elections in mind. Simultaneously, because most state budgets are facing problems (while federal money continues to pour in), governors have had to make touch choices. Some choices that have hit the education field have led thousands of teachers to strike. Teachers, not realizing that American students already receive more money on average than any other country, have become worried when their unions have been threatened. The unionization of America, though initially a good way to fight corporate monopolies in the nineteenth century, has suffocated the budget.

US agent killed in Mexico by cartels.

Significance: The Emigration and Customs Enforcement agent was killed in an ambush. There are about thirty agents working within Mexico. President Obama’s new budget threatens to lower the overtime pay for these and other border agents. Tens of thousands of people have died in the past few years from the cartels and the U.S. remains with an unsecured southern border while there has been mounting evidence that shows Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations allying themselves with these gangs.

International

Other Arab countries erupt in violence as Egypt calms down.

Significance: Violence and protests have now spread to the majority of the Arab countries, most dangerously in Bahrain and Libya. In these two countries, the military has been clamping down on protests leaving scores dead. The situation is unique in each country. Bahrain is a tiny kingdom of less than two million people with the root causes laying in discrimination against the minority Shiite population. Though its importance should not be overlooked (especially as an oil exporter), the crisis in Bahrain is not of the upmost importance in terms global impact. Libya is much more important geopolitically speaking. The dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, is guilty of such things as organizing a hero’s welcome to the Lockerbie terrorist, allying himself with Idi Amin of Uganda before his exile, continued terrorist support, and corruption. One way Gaddafi’s lack of mental stability can be seen is by looking at the Libyan flag. This solid green flag with no design nor any other color is the result of Gaddafi’s anger at the Egyptian peace deal with the only moral and democratic country in the region, Israel.

Cambodian and Thai tensions continue.

Significance: The first ever business summit between both countries will be held regardless of the tension. Nationalist pride will be put aside as both countries ultimately care more about their wallets than their national treasures. The more interconnected their economies get, the less likely war would break out.

Thought of the Day: “There is no (solid green) flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people” –Howard Zinn, edited by Don Waintraub

Friday, February 11th

United States

Food prices will significantly soar.

Significance: Currently, Americans spend roughly 10% of their disposable income on food. This is relatively little considering how important food is to our lives. A variety of factors have come into play to put pressure on the amounts of corn the country has. Corn has become somewhat of a building block of our modern food processes. It is the main ingredient in livestock feed and contained in over one-quarter of all the products in a supermarket, not including those products outside of a supermarket such as textiles. Top few factors increasing the prices for food comes from the more common use of ethanol as an alternative to oil. ¼ of our corn stocks are currently wasted on this inefficient method. Droughts and floods in the far corners of the world, and instability in the Arab world have also done their part.

Arizona sues the Federal Government.

Significance: The lawsuit is a result of Washington providing little to no support securing Arizona’s border with Mexico. The litigation is completely funded by donations and will not cost the taxpayers a dime. That is, will not cost Arizona taxpayers a dime. The rest of the country has to foot the bill for the defense of the Federal Government.

International

Egyptian president refuses to step down.

Significance: President Mubarak claims that he will lead Egypt into a peaceful transition until September, while simultaneously passing on his powers on to Vice President Omar Suleiman. The majority of western countries support this move but do not ask what powers he must have kept to himself. If Mubarak effectively relinquished all of his powers to another, then there would be no real point in him staying until September. It seems that Mubarak has kept up-to-date with the changing Russian government. When President Vladimir Putin’s term ended in the Kremlin, he decided to create a new position that did not exist (prime minister) and replace himself with a clone (Dmitry Medvedev). Others look to commend the army for not launching a military coup. How could they? The infantry is entirely conscripts (who obviously would support the people) while Mubarak himself was a general (making Egypt already a military dictatorship to begin with). Most sadly, many analysts and foreign leaders have been praising the Muslim Brotherhood for their vocal stance that they would not take power when Mubarak leaves. The Muslim Brotherhood has no power without this populace uprising, and they would do well to keep their intentions a secret until the time is right (similar to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran).

Dozens of European leaders condemn multiculturalism.

Significance: In a rare move, European leaders have publicly condemned the attempts at multiculturalism in their countries. Acknowledging the obvious, Muslim groups have situated themselves as breeding grounds for extremism within European society. Assimilation will be the new goal. Europe has passed the first stage of denial.

South African President Zuma creates work fund.

Significance: With a 25% unemployment rate, the African continent’s country with the strongest GDP by far is continuing to suffer economically. The fund is essentially the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs valued at over a billion US dollars. Economically, its not the worst idea he has ever had. Unfortunately, President Zuma is also at the head of the African National Congress. Though the ANC is historically the symbol of Black freedom in SA, it has become the symbol of the oppression of Whites. Since the end of Apartheid, over a million Whites have fled the country. Since then, there has been a direct alliance between the ANC and the Zanu PF party of Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe. Zanu PF has been responsible for heavily oppressing the Whites of former Rhodesia (the former name of Zimbabwe). The ANC has made the same racist speeches that Mugabe has made in the past.

Thought of the Day: A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?

Friday, February 4th

United States


Biggest Blizzard in decades hits one-third of country.


Significance: Stretching over 2 thousand miles, the storm left dozens dead from exposure and other related deaths. Thousands are still without power in negative degree weather. 100 million people were affected in total. There was a mix of heavy winds, hail, thunder and lightning. Around 2 ft. of snow was the average depth.

Unemployment drops to 9%.

Significance: Despite the drop, and despite 36 thousand new jobs added this past month, it is still not a wonderful indicator for the economy. The harsh snowstorms all month long are possible reasons for the decrease in unemployment as construction slows down. 36 thousand new jobs is also not as relatively much as it seems; Canada had approximately 70 thousand new jobs this past month.

International

Egypt becomes more polarized as no end in sight.

Significance: Tensions continue to turn violent throughout Egypt as crowds are battling one another with rocks and fists. Though multiple deaths and hundreds hurt, it is not yet a full out civil war. The rioters resemble football hooligans. Journalists have become targets. Protests in solidarity have been banned in Gaza under Hamas and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

Cambodia and Thailand exchange artillery fire leaving two dead.

Significance: The ancestors of the Khmer Rouge are finding themselves once more in a serious dilemma. Two years ago, the World Heritage listing allowed for a Thai temple to be listed as Cambodian. This has since resulted in the “Yellow Movement” in Thailand and fervor on both sides.

Thought of the Day: Dear Mubarak and protestors; please do not destroy the Pyramids. We will not rebuild them. –The Jews

Friday, January 28th

United States


Illinois Supreme Court allows Rahm Emanuel to remain on Chicago mayoral ballet.

Significance: After typical political games that ended up with the temporary removal of Emanuel from the candidacy, a lengthy litigation that disputed Emanuel’s Chicago residency came to an end. The former White House Chief of Staff has succeeded in remaining on the ballot after several close calls. Because of the proximity of the decision to the election date, it almost cost taxpayers countless money on reprinting and correcting ballots. Polls showed Emanuel with clear leads.

Massive snowfall breaks records in the Northeast.


Significance: New York has received their highest amount of snow in January on record (almost half a meter). President Obama had cut his trip short, yet was still unavoidably detained in traffic for hours because of the white out.



International

Riots slowly get out of control in Egypt and other Arab countries.

Significance: The attempt of several Arab peoples to break away from the oppressive shackles that hold them in place may be in vain. There have been at least one thousand arrested and several dead in Egypt while their government remains in control. Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President, raised military salaries so that the army remains loyal. The Muslim Brotherhood has orchestrated many of the demonstrations throughout the Arab world. Essentially, this is a terrorist organization in all but official recognition. It is considered a political movement throughout the region, but few other movements are responsible for massacres, Nazi-affiliations during the Second World War, and attempts at imposing Sharia law wherever they go. On the surface, it would appear that a democratic process was taking hold (even according to President Obama), but in actuality, it is uncertain. Next Arab country to look at will be Yemen. With Al Qaeda bases, insurrections and civil strife, and military conflict on the borders, recent protests will likely bring down the US-backed government.


U.N. official in charge of Human Rights denies Al Qaeda involvement in 9/11 attacks.

Significance: The guilty party, Richard Falk, is a permanent investigator on “Israel’s violations of the principles of international law”, which by itself is a bias council since it only looks at Israeli violations and not Palestinian. This is another example of the laughable existence of the United Nations. Though Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has condemned the remarks, Falk remains in his position.

Important gay activist in Uganda beaten to death.

Significance: David Kato, a campaigner for gay rights in Kampala, was beaten to death after a newspaper published his name and address for being a homosexual. Uganda, a Christian nation, has seen a surge of anti-homosexuality since several American Evangelical preachers came to spread their religious myths. In 2009, there was an attempt to pass a severe anti-homosexuality bill to replace the regular punishments. Since the time of Idi Amin, “Iron Bar Killings” (name speaks for itself) have been the preferred method of murder.


Thought of the Day: "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn” –Emerson

Friday, January 21st

United States

China’s premier, Hu Jintao, visited leading American officials.

Importance: On an official state visit to Washington D.C., President Jintao met with President Obama and other politicians and business leaders. Claiming China had no interest in hegemony, both presidents made a sincere effort to restart American-Chinese relations. Some unresolved issues remain after the visit: Chinese human rights, sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet, and Chinese currency manipulation. As expected after such a visit that is plagued with economic uncertainty, stocks slightly decreased.

Well over one hundred mobsters arrested in northeastern states.

Importance: Though FBI attention has focused on Islamic terrorism this past decade, organized crime is still powerful in many areas across the U.S. While the many arrests do in fact harm the Italian mafia, they will undoubtedly recover in a matter of time. This has been the largest bust in New York history.

American and United Airlines sue O’Hare International Airport.

Importance: The Chicago-based airport has plans to modernize substantially. The airport, which used to be the busiest in the world until it dropped to 4^th place (behind Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles), has legal obligations to notify airlines of any building proposals. Litigation has begun because the companies were not notified and have fears of added costs (that would eventually mean added costs to travelers). The city says it will add jobs.

International

Algerian and Tunisian rioting creates ripple effect throughout the Arab world.

Importance: Unrest in Tunisia continues regardless of the President’s exile. Arab leaders, all oppressive to some extent (some more than others), met to try and solve the problem. Self-immolations have occurred elsewhere in the countries in a sign of solidarity with Tunisians. Small, yet important, protests even appeared in places like Jordan in defiance of the monarchial government. Events such as these have laid the groundwork for democracy in countries such as France in the 18^th century and Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War. We shall see whether the same holds true.

French government minister attacked in Gaza.

Importance: While visiting a hospital, Alliot-Marie found herself surrounded by Palestinian mobs gathered around her. The previous day she called for Red Cross representatives to see the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit who has been in the hands of Hamas for over four years. Shalit, who was only 19 at the time, holds dual French-Israeli citizenship. Alliot-Marie only had her personal security guards to protect her because Hamas did not send police. She survived but was hurt on her head.

South Korean navy and commandos storm pirate ship.

Importance: The pirates captured a South Korean trading ship, one of eight, for a ransom. Instead, South Korea attacked. 21 pirates were killed and five others were captured. 21 sailors who were captured were released. The other ships were only released after ransom was paid. The South Korean government said it never negotiates with pirates. It is a reminder to the problems that still lay off the Horn of Africa.

Thought of the Day: "I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.” –Antonio Porchia

January 14th

United States

Higher tax hikes welcome the New Year in Illinois.

Importance: The inability of Illinois to reverse the 13 billion dollar debt it has is leading towards much higher taxes for those who live in the Land of Lincoln. Among other types of taxes, state income taxes are jumping from 3% to 5%. It is a large jump, but Illinois still remains on the much lower side of the spectrum. California, for example, has income taxes of 9.55%. Though this can surely hurt a weak economy, it may be the only final option for lawmakers who are responsible for sinking another U.S. state. California, we know how you feel.

Stricter gun laws are debated in the aftermath of the Arizona shooting.

Importance: The shooting that left six dead and about a dozen wounded, including the representative Gabrielle Giffords, has aroused the old debate about the rights of gun ownership. After most tragedies, gun sales increase and this time was no different. Whether anything would change nationally is debatable, while locally in Arizona not a whole lot.

International

Massive flooding strikes around the world.

Importance: Flooding, encompassing an area the size of France and Germany combined, devastated Australia this week without any solutions quite yet. Almost 500 dead in Brazil while around one million evacuated from their homes in Sri Lanka. The massive floods, big snowstorms, and wild weather overall may be partially to do with global warming. 2010 was the wettest year yet, while this past decade was much warmer than usual. Though the earth has normal cycles of warming and cooling, not all scientists can agree on which has had the stronger impact.

Both the North African countries of Algeria and Tunisia face heavy rioting.

Importance: The former colonies of France and ancient lands of Carthage have seen very similar protests breaking out over many similar problems. Though both countries have many things in common, (shared border, unemployment, demographic woes, pathetic governments, and an Arab background) these riots are not related. Dozens have died so far, and since the entire Arab world essentially shares the same traits of oppressive governments and suffering people, this may lead to further civil unrest in other countries.

Lebanese government collapses as ministers leave.

Importance: Hezbollah, the terrorist-organization that is funded by Iran, has toppled the Lebanese government because of their involvement with a UN tribunal into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The terrorist organization does not want its followers to learn that they are responsible for the murder of Hariri. Hezbollah was sharing power in the Lebanese government. The region is now facing uncertainty as a return to sectarian violence nears. Western countries, such as Israel and the United States, are eyeing to make sure Hezbollah does not instigate a coup d’état; If so, a possible war may erupt.

Thought of the Day: Penguins can convert salt water into fresh water. They have a gland that filters out the salt, and after consuming the remaining liquid they discard the salt.

January 7th

United States

Republicans convene new session in Congress.

Importance: The 112^th Congress was sworn in after a long wait since midterm elections. Many things to possibly expect would be a possible repeal of the HealthCare Reform, investigations into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or nothing at all since the Democrats control the Senate while the Republicans control the House.

A string of mass animal deaths occurred.

Importance: Though one or two are well-known in the United States (such as the bird deaths in Arkanas), dozens of examples were seen all across the world. From Texas birds, to Florida fish, and England crabs are some examples. Many different types of animals in many different parts of the world died en masse. Some died from manmade reasons, such as buildings and fireworks. Others died from natural causes such as temperature shifts. Many people have tried to tie all of these deaths into some apocalyptic event when in reality these sort of things happen frequently. 

William Daley appointed new White House Chief of Staff.

Importance: Another Chicagoan was named to replace the Interim Chief of Staff after Rahm Emanuel’s departure to run for Chicago mayor. Daley was, for a period, the Commerce Secretary. In addition, President Obama will be replacing his senior aide, David Axelrod, and his spokesman, Robert Gibbs, because both are returning to Chicago to help prepare Obama’s reelection bid.

International

The Ivorian political deadlock may get violent.

Importance: The disputed elections in the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) are beginning to resemble the Great Schism in 1387 A.D. when there were two popes claiming to be the rightful leaders. Both so-called “presidents”, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane and Ouattara, have said civil war can be avoided. Amusing statements considering violence has already broken out with their help. Also amusing considering they were both at the forefront of the civil war that devastated the country this past decade. Unfortunately, the Ivoirians lead western Africa as having one of the best economies and most stable country. Stable, considering the UN has been patrolling the border between the Muslim north and Christian south. It has a good economy thanks to the large production of cocoa. In fact, the tension has resulted in chocolate prices to increase throughout the world. If war breaks out, it will increase even more dramatically. Perhaps it is time to stock up on something sweet.

Southern Sudan prepares to become the 54^th African country.

Importance: Africa’s largest country will have elections, as set by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that was the only thing that ended decades of civil war thanks to the efforts of former-President Bush, on the 9^th of January. The Christian south will almost entirely vote for independence while the Arab-Muslim government in Khartoum promised to respect the decision of the elections. Considering that they are a government responsible for war crimes in the western regions of Sudan (Darfur), peace may not prevail this week. Keep in mind, the conflict in the south is distinct from the conflict in Darfur.

Thought of the Week: “What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say” –Ralph Waldo Emerson