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.
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.
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.
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