Week of December 14th

Hi there! 

I have a bit of a news variety show for you guys this week.  Something for everyone? 

Starting with news from the Netherlands-- the first country to open up a solar road!  It is a bike path, slightly tilted to angle towards the sun. 

The University of Virginia is looking at ways to curb fraternity drinking.  Is this do-able?  Christina, responding to your request for more background knowledge-- this is in response to the Rolling Stone article about a rape on UVA's campus and the university's failure to act.  However, new information revealed wholes in the victim's story-- this is also explained in the Rolling Stone link.

Non slacktivist activists had marches throughout New York City (and many other areas in the country) on Saturday. 

 

 

Here is an interesting take on the issue of police violence-- the idea being that police training focuses far more on dangers and risk than on deescalation of problems.  

 

We've discussed the specific  movement to increase the working wage here before-- this theory says that with job openings much higher than hiring, American companies will have to increase wages soon.  

The CIA Torture Report was released this week.  What did it say?  Here is a summary of the gist of the report.   Dick Cheney was not concerned, stating that he'd do it all again.  And Antonin Scalia says torture is constitutional, because the Constitution forbids cruel and unusual "punishment", which torture isn't.  

:Michele Bachmann is exiting Washington- and took a chance to advise Obama to "take out" Iran at her last holiday party.  (Michele Bachmann)

Remember Michael Sam?   Wondering what became of him?  Did you also predict that more athletes would come out in 2014....but really, they didn't?  This article gives an interesting summary of the events surrounding Michael Sam's quick media rise and fall.

The Royal Couple was in NYC, did you hear?  And here, for your background, is the Royal Baby-- Prince George's Christmas photos.  I have to say, the sweater vest and knee sock combo seems a bit over the top to me!  

 

And just because-- here is the supposed best in New York Street food.  Breakfast cart bagels?  What do you think?  They do not top my list, I have to say!