12-17 IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

SUNNI CIVIL WAR

So far in Iraq, the biggest civil problem has been reconcilation of the Sunni and Shiites. However, all of this is beginning to change as bitterness begins to separte the Sunni from each other. There are now deep divisions within the Sunni community. Mostly, these divisions take place between the old guard, or those who joined the cause to fight Al Qaeda early, and the newly transformed insurgents. One sign of hope however, is that tribal leaders are now quarreling over politics and rights in the new government, rather than fighting with dangerous weapons the streets.

Newsweek. 10 December 2007. 36.

12-17 ELECTION

OBAMA AND OPRAH TEAMING UP

Although presidential hopeful Barack Obama's numbers have improved and even skyrocketed to the lead in Iowa polls, he is still trailing rival candidate Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has something to say about that. Oprah and Obama first met on a plane ride down to New Orleans to comfort Katrina victims in 2005. Now, Oprah is offering the candidate support like she has never done before. She is preparing to travel through southern states to campaign for Obama. Insiders believe that she can shift the view of many voters, especial African-American women. The truth is, southern African-Americans are surprisingly leaning toward Clinton. They believe Obama will never get elected because of his race. Oprah will spend her campaign time attempting to convince voters that Obama is the relief necessary after Bush's rocky eight years of service.

Newsweek. 10 December 2007. 12.

12-17 HEALTH

FERTILITY, DIET, AND EXERCISE

Diet and exercise relate to fertility and pregnancy conditions more than most people think. Research from the Nurses' Health Study shows that carbohydrate choices play a huge role in fertility. Eating easily digested carbs, like white bread, potatoes, and sugared sodas, increases the odds of difficult fertility. On the other hand, choosing slowly digested carbs rich in fiber improves fertility. Balancing fats is also key to good fertility. Generally, the more trans fat in a woman's diet, the greater the chances of developing ovulatory infertility. Too much protein in a diet can also cause infertility. Women who eat more beans, peas, tofu, soybeans, or nuts tend to be more fertile than those who dine on chicken, red meats, and turkey. Women who consume more full-fat dairy products have trouble getting pregnant as well. Body weight is another serious factor. A woman should maintain an average body weight, not too thin or too fat. Exercise helps with this and also increases fertility rate. Types of exercises suggested include aerobic, strength training, stretching, and activities of daily living.

Newsweek. 10 December 2007. 53-62.

12-17 LOCAL

HIGHLAND BEATS ANDERSON FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR!!

Highland outscored Anderson 15-4 in the third quarter of the Highland-Anderson game last Wednesday. This was the turning point which led to a 47-45 win by the Scots. This is the Scots' second straight win over the Indians. They played a good game, coming out ahead after being down by nine at half time. Highland's Tealgil Stonewall did an excelllent job of holding off one of Anderson's star players, Troy Taylor, to one point during the entire second half. Other impressive statistics include McKinney's 18 point team high, on 6-of-14 from the field, including 2-for-4 from behind the arc; Jay Mohr's 11 rebound game high to go with 12 points for the double-double; and Tealgil Stonewall's nine points, on 4-for-6 shooting. Even Anderson coach Ron Hecklinski admitted that Highland in every way "deserved to win the game."

http://www.heraldbulletin.com/sports/local_story_346233120.html

12-17 STATE

DEEP FREEZE TO FOLLOW SNOW

After the accumulation of about 5 inches of snow in most of central Indiana, the worst is yet to come. A deep freeze is expected to come over the area tomorrow. Wind chill temperatures are expected to stay around 11 degrees for the rest of the daylight hours, with wind gusts nearing 30 mph expected. Meterologists say that temperatures could even dip into the single digits. But after a freezing Monday, temperatures are expected to climb to 38 degrees Tuesday and 42 degrees Wednesday, bringing snow-melting relief and a break to Hoosiers.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/LOCAL/712160447/1006

12-17 SPORTS

COLTS WIN IMPORTANT VICTORY

The Indianapolis Colts took home a 21-14 victory against Oakland on Sunday night. This puts the Colts' season at 12-2. By winning, the Colts guarenteed the AFC South title for the fifth consecutive season. They also became the first team in NFL history to win 12 or more games five consecutive seasons. Pittsburgh's 29-22 home loss to Jacksonville earlier in the afternoon means that the Colts claimed the AFC's No. 2 playoff seed Thus, they obtaine first-round bye and divisional-round home game.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS03/712160458/1058/SPORTS03

12-17 SCIENCE

THE GREAT EMBRYO RESEARCH DEBATE

Scientists in Kyoto announced the other weak that they had found a working alternative to using human embryos to produce steam cells. The Kyoto University team first tested their theories on adult mice. The extracted skin cells from the mice and "reprogrammed" them to have the ability to transform into any other type of cell in the body. The team then went further in their experimentation and tested it on human genes. It worked! However, all this news is not for the best because now scientists are debating whether the transplant of stem cells into diseased patients will even lead to a cure. It will be years before scientists fully understand how to use stem cells to the degree of providing a cure. Most scientists admit that the great myth of stem cell cures is more fiction than it is sound scientific fact.

Newsweek. 3 December 2007. 52.

12-17 WORLD

FRENCH "REVOLUTION"

Newly elected president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, is starting to turn the wheels of revolution and attempting to create a new French economy. The French economy's downfall is a set a laws that make hiring and firing difficult and pensions and benefits very expensive. This has led to chronic unemployment in France, currently 8.7 percent, which is 50 percent higher than the average for the industrilized nations. One mission Sarkozy will undertake for reform of the economy will be tackling labor unions, the first being that of France's railway system. This union enjoys benefits that other French citizens can only dream of, such as a retirement age of fifty and high pensions. Most citizens have faith that, if Sarkozy can break this union, further reforms will follow.

Newsweek. 3 December 2007. 48.

12-3 WORLD

"RED NOTICE" ON IRANIANS

"Red notices" were issued this month for three Iranian government officials by Interpol, the world police organization. These officials included Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi. The three men have been charged with conspiring with the notorious Hizbullah terrorist Imad Mughniyeh in Argentina. It is speculated that the group planned the blow up of a Jewish community center in 1994. The attack killed 85 people. The issuing of red notices against Iranian officials is not only a victory for Argentina, but also a victory for the United States. The officials at each country's border have been notified of the criminals, and the condemned know that they are not able to leave the country. This action gives the United States new ammunition against officials in Iran that can be used against their right to do nuclear testing. The U.S. currently believes that Iran is only two to five years away from possessing nuclear weapons of mass destruction.

Newsweek. 26 November 2007. 10.

12-3 IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

A BETTER BAGHDAD

After years of what seemed to be a hopeless worsening of conditions in Iraq, things are finally turning around. IED attacks across the country are at their lowest point since 2004. Whereas suicide car bombs were going off four to five times a day and killing scores of people, there now hasn't been a successful car bomb in over five weeks. Overall, the civil war in Iraq seems to be at a standstill. Most Shiite militias are honoring their truce. Iran has temporarily stopped shipping deadly weapons into the country. Baghdad, easily the most dangerous city in the nation, is looking more normal than ever. Shops are staying open later, people are going to dinner more, and even the Baghdad Zoo is reopened with two new lionesses as their premiere attraction. One criticism about all of this positive progress is the Iraqi government's inability to use peace to their advantage. Many believe that this is the time for the government to bring together Shiites and Sunni and end the civil war. One reason for the growing peace may be the separation of the two tribes into different neighborhoods, with U.S. forces keeping them apart. It also may be attributed to the mutual growing dislike for the Al Qaeda terrorist organization. More former insurgents are becomming willing to fight alongside American and Iraqi troops in order to root out the organization.

Newsweek. 26 November 2007. 30-34.

12-3 HEALTH

AVOIDING MEDICATION MISTAKES

Errors in medication distribution harm approxmately 1.5 milion people every year. Medication errors usually occur when doctors give doses that are much higher than needed or give doses to a patient twice accidentally. The Institute of Medicine reported that at least 530,000 medication errors occurr outside of hospitals in a given year. CNN's news site listed five ways for patient's to prevent medication error. The first way is to know exactly what the doctor is prescribing you and at what dosage. Don't walk out of the doctor's office confused. The second way is to check your prescription at the pharmacist. Make sure it is the right name, medication, and dose. Third, when in the hospital, get your medication and dosage in writing. That way, if a nurse should enter to give you the same dosage a second time, you will know it. Fourth, check IV bags and medication before receiving the dose from doctors. Make sure it says your name and information. Lastly, be dramatic. If you see that a doctor or nurse is about to administer a drug other than that which was prescribed, make them check before it is taken.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/11/29/ep.medication.mistakes/index.html

12-3 SPORTS

HELIO & JULIANNE WIN "DANCING WITH THE STARTS" COMPETITION

Helio Castroneves is a two-time Indy 500 winner from Brazil. Now he is also the winner of the dance competition held on the tv show "Dancing with the Stars." His professional dance partner is Julianne Hough. Castroneves and Hough were in the finals with former Spice Girl Mel Brown and her professional partner. Castroneves stated that he was highly schocked when the judges declared him the winner because of Brown's amazing dance skills. The judges had previously said that Brown was the most versitile dancer on the show. Castroneves gave a speech thanking "America, and especially Indianapolis" for voting for him. He jokes that his dance contest trophy will look perfect between his two first place trophies from the Indy 500.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/SPORTS01/311280008/1247/SPORTS

12-3 STATE

INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS CUT BACK

The Indianapolis Public School Systym developed a plan at the last school board meeting to close eight public schools. This will require a colosol move of students and teachers next year. Superintendent Eugene White said that students and teachers won't be informed of their new school assignments until next year. The closing plan was drafted in order to counter dwindling enrollement and the state's need to cut their budged by $20 million this year. School board President Mary Busch said that there has been little opposition to the corporation's announcement to close the most schools in Indianapolis' history. The empty buildings of the closed schools will not go to waste, however. One middle school is planned to transfer into an alternative school, while another will be a program for gifted students.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/LOCAL18/311280010/1006/LOCAL

12-3 LOCAL

KING GYROS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

On Tuesday night, a pair of armed men robbed the King Gyros in Anderson, Indiana around 7:30 in the evening. Apparently the two men entered discretely through the rear door and then demanded money. After the robbery, the two men fled on foot behind a nearby building. The amount of cash stolen has not been disclosed. It is not currently known if this robbery is related to a group of robberies occuring throughout Anderson lately. This is the fifth robbery within a three-block area in the past two weeks. The police department has suspects in mind, and they are currently tracking these culprits down.

http://www.heraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_331213336.html

12-3 TECHNOLOGY/SCIENCE

NEW DEVICE MAY EVENTUALLY REPLACE BOOKS

A pastime that has existed for centuries may be slowly ending. Reading printed books could be taken over by technology in the near future. This is thanks to Jeff Bezos' new device called the Kindle. Bezos, the CEO of Amazon is pricing his new innovation at $399.00 and says it's soon to hit the market. Kindle will allow users to access virtually any printed book on a portable computer screen and store all a user's books in a digital library. The Kindle goes beyond this however, also allowing Internet access with WiFi connection.

Newsweek. 26 November 2007. 57-64.

12-3 ELECTION

KARL ROVE GIVES ADVICE ON DEFEATING HILLARY

Karl Rove, the architect behind President Bush's reelection campaign, recently published an article aimed at Republican presidential hopefuls. Hillary Clinton took the heat in this article, as its main message was how to defeat the powerful democratic rival. Rove described Clinton as tough, persistent, and forgetting nothing. He stated that any candidate who believes she will be easily outshined is very wrong. His advice to the person who wins the GOP nomination is simple. He suggests introducing yourself again right away, saying what you believe, tackling family issues, going after non-traditional Republicans, and being strong on Iraq.

Newsweek. 26 November 2007. 38.

12-3 BUSINESS

MICKEY MANAGEMENT

Disney has much to teach about business. In fact, the Disney Institute has helped several corporations, including General Motors, imporve their sales and other aspects of business. Airlines can learn and benefit from one of Disney's strategies. At Disney World, promised wait times always seem to shrink in half. Disney seems to exaggerate times in order to overdeliver and make customer's happy. Flights, which are almost always delayed, should learn this maneuver in order to increase customer satisfaction. Border security, the "Fast Pass" theory, and global attractions such as "It's a Small World" and the Epcot park provide endless tips for the government and bussinesses across the United States.

Newsweek. 19 November 2007. 18.

12-3 NATION

FROM DOLLARS TO EUROS

The euro has been predicted to eventually replace the dollar in United States currency. The dollar bill simply is not able to hold its ground against foreign currencies anymore. Pop culture is helping initiate the change from dollar to euro. Famous rap artist Jay-Z flashes stacks of euros in his new video for the song "Blue Magic" off of the "American Gangster" soundtrack. The official merchandise web site for the Wu-Tang Clan now lists CD prices in euros only. It is speculation that supermodel Gisele Bundchen is also requesting to be paid in euros, rather than dollars. Market researchers across the country agree that a new pop culture obsession with euros may cause the United States to hit a "point of recognition," where the country wakes up and realizes it is time for a change.

Newsweek. 19 November 2007. 14.

GEORGE BUSH LOOKS LIKE A MONKEY!!!

NOVEMBER 19TH NEWS PART 2

ELECTION

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama received much negative criticism when he invited the black gospel singer Donnie McClurkin to perform at his campaign event in South Carolina. This is a state where both Obama and rival Hillary Clinton are currently battling for the supoprt of black Christians and black homosexuals. McClurkin's appearance has caused many problems for Obama's campaign because of his reviled anti-gay statments and values. He believes that homosexuality is a sin that can and must be conquered by faith. Obama attempted to make the situation right to the gay community by inviting an openly gay pastor to speak at the gospel concert as well. However, homosexuals were not appeased by this gesture.

Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 12.

WORLD

The United States recently issued one of the most extreme sanctions in history on Iran. The Bush administration called for sanctions against all of Iran's major banks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Defense Ministry. Though Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has wanted to issue this sanction for some time now, the Russians and Chinese were delaying the decision by blocking a resolution condeming Iran's nuclear-enrichment program in the United Nations. When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fired the country's moderate nuclear negotiator, the United States decided that it was time for action. The United States has also warned the rest of the world to stop investing in Iran's banks or companies if they would like to remain and U.S. ally. Although these measures make it seem like the U.S. is going it alone and asking for war, the Bush administration claims just the opposite.

Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 38-39.

BUSINESS
In America, gambling is a massive industry and a major part of the American economy. In many cases, Americans save their money to go to casinos, despite their economic hardships. Legalized gambling has in fact been growing at a faster rate than the U.S. economy itself. This is because the supply of casinos is for the first time in balance with demand. More and more, revenue from casinos is not solely due to gambling. Complexes that include hotels, food, and shops contribute to about seventy-five percent of total revenue. In this way, the economy of Las Vegas has started to resemble that of America as a whole.

Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 21.

TECHNOLOGY/SCIENCE

Numerous new, high-tech products have been released by several different companies over the past year. These products make virtually every electronic activity handheld and provide hours of entertainment for people of all ages. Among the newly released digital products are Apple's iPod Touch, which features built in wireless; Samsung's YP-P2, featuring stereo Bluetooth; Creative's super small Zen, which plays movies and music; SanDisk's SansaView, a device that has the longest-lasting battery at seven hours; and Archo's 605Wifi, with the ability to buy or rent videos from CinemaNow.

Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 68.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

In comparison to other institutions in Iraq, college universities have not been a focus of civil war and threats until recently. Many more instances of kidnappings and murder have started taking place among university campuses. Shia millitants are attacking Sunni that side with the regime under Sadam Hussein, while Sunni millitants are attacking Shia that oppose the regime. It is estimated that a total of 10,000 teachers have fled the country in the past five years of war. Education is being forsaken as universities become segregated between Sunni and Shia. Students will not sign up for classes taught by teachers of the opposite sect and it is not safe to walk the campus grounds. The campus police that are implemented throughout the university for protection choose sides and cause more harm than help.

Newsweek. 12 November 2007. 60.

LOCAL

Madison County planning director Michael Hershman will leave his post this month. The reason for Hershman's retirement is not clear. He simply states that it is "the right time to leave." He has not yet disclosed his post-retirement plans. Now the Madison County Planning Commission must discuss the future of the position. One board member stated that finding a replacement for the post is not necessarily vital at this time, because winter months slow down construction and job responsibilities. The job description for the post requires a bachelor's degree in planning or a related field and ten years total experience. The starting salary is $50,000 to $60,000.

http://www.heraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_318213257.html

SPORTS

Dwight Freeney, the defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, will be sitting the remainder of season out due to a foot injury. Freeney is to undergo surgery on his foot next week. Freeney was injured during the fourth quarter of the San Diego game last Sunday. He damaged a cluster of small bones in the middle of his foot in an injury known as Lisfranc. Other players who have suffered this same injury have been fully recovered in time for the next year's season. Colts' coach Tony Dungy stated in an interview that the team is confident Freeney will be back in full gear for the 2008 season. With the Colts' season off to a rocky start, however, the team may miss one of their star players.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/SPORTS03/711150473/1247/SPORTS

STATE

The young state representative John Elrod is expected to announce that he is running for Congress. He will be running against fellow state representative, Democrat Julia Carson. Elrod is only 30 years of age and is considered one of the states fastest-rising political leaders. He will be detailing his 2008 plans at a news conference to be held at his home this week. Meanwhile, many democrats are criticizing Elrod for his lack of experience. They say that he is tired of representing his people after only one year. Carson, Elrod's rival, has had to sideline her campaign for the past several months due to health issues. This may make it easier for a new face to pull ahead and win the Congressional seat.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/LOCAL/311150004/1006/LOCAL

NOVEMBER 19TH NEWS

NATION

Right-wing Ann Coulter delivered a shocking statement while appearing on Donny Deutsch's cable show last week. While Deutsch and Coulter were discussing Israel and Iran, Coulter made the statement that "Christians just want Jews to be perfected." This created an uproar across the nation. The notion of "Perfected Jews" relates to the phrase "completed Jews," which arose during the '60s and '70s. This phrase was used to describe groups such as Jews for Jesus and other organizations that focused on Semitic peoples coming to Christ. Coulter's statement was taken as highly offensive by Jews and other Americans, however.



Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 18.





HEALTH

According to experts, the amount of allergies among children are increasing at an alarming rate. One theory for the cause of this rise of allergies is nicknamed the "hygiene hypothesis." Some theorists say that our country has become too clean, killing many bacteria that fight foreign invaders in our bodies. A recent study even shows that children born by a C-section are forty percent more likely to have high allergic reactions to many different substances. The study states that this is due to the inexposure to bacteria in the mother's birth canal. Many children must now carry EpiPens to lunch with them in order to treat all to common allergic reactions to foods. An experiment to prevent/cure food allergies is currently being tested. It involves introducing the body to small doses of the allergic substance in order to build up an immunity to it.

Newsweek. 5 November 2007. 42-47.

Anderson University to Host National Multicultural Conference

Local

Our community's very own Anderson University is scheduled to host the National Multicultural Leadership Conference on November 8th-11th. The conference is for students and provides knowledge on multicultural differneces, challenges, and realities around the world. The conference also explores the role of Christians and Christian institutions in a multicultural world. Students from all over the world attend the conference and learn what it is like to live in a multicultural environment. Indianapolis Colts' coah Tony Dungy, who is a man of strong Christian belief, will be providing an opening speech for the conference. It is a great honor for Anderson to hold such an important and prestigious event on its university.

http://www.heraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_308175726.html

The Google/Facebook Showdown

Technology/Science



After the social networking service Facebook signed a deal with Microsoft, turning Google away, Google began looking into other options. The company is now teaming up with numerous other social networks, including the popular Myspace. Google states that, as many other businesses are realizing, social networking services are where the money is currently located. The new trend in America and around the world is meeting new people with common interests via the Internet. Google is attempting to push it's partners ahead of Facebook by making the programs more interactive. They are implementing Facebook's idea of adding widgets, or programs that can be used with the site.


Google's Answer to Facebook Video

Bart Peterson for Mayor??

Local

Republicans are criticizing Mayor Bart Peterson for his "diminishing returns" occuring with the release of his official political documents. Peterson is currently running for a third term of mayor over the Indianapolis area. Before his first two elections, he released a document entitled The Peterson Plan. He referred to this document as a guide to what he would like to accomplish as mayor. Where Peterson is getting criticized is in the choice of length for his plan. The mayor's first plan, released in September 1999, was a full 95 pages. The next Peterson Plan was released in 2003 and weighed in at 73 pages. This year's plan has dropped to a mere 24 pages. Voters are taking this as a sign that Peterson may not have the same amount of ambitions for their city as they do.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071104/LOCAL19/711040360/1006/LOCAL

Colts vs. Patriots

Sports

The New England Patriots barely pulled ahead of the Indianapolis Colts to win Sunday's game 24-20. This contributed to the Patriots' 9-0 winning season, while it meant the first loss of the season for the Colts (who have a record of 7-1 now). Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady stole the spotlight of the game, completing 20 of 31 passes, 245 years, and three touchdowns with two interceptions. A disadvantage to the Colts was the loss of four starters during the game due to injuries. These starters included great players such as Marvin Harrison, Tony Ugoh, Freddy Keiaho, and Tyjuan Hagler. When New England entered the game on Sunday, they held a record of beating every team that they played by at least 17 points. Though the Colts' defeat is a disappointment to fans, the horrible circumstances of the game provide some hope for the future of their season.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071104/SPORTS03/711040462/1247/SPORTS

Aftermath in California

Nation

Now that the massive wildfires in California are under control, another major issue is concerning California residents. After the wildfires of 2003, huge mudslides broke out. They were uncontrollable, destroying homes that had been untouched by the fire. California governer Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN that his legislation is doing everything that it can to prepare for deadly mudslide outbreaks, including filling thousands of sandbags. Hillslides damaged from the fire are almost completely water repellent. Therefore, when rains arrive, currents run straight down the hill. Mudslide currents are so harmful because of the large objects that they are able to carry with them, such as trees, building debris, and boulders.



California Mudslide Threat Video