Very cool. Who would've thought vinyl would make a resurgence? This article looks at a trend once rendered obsolete as newer, slicker, and more compact music media and technologies emerged. It also tracks the plummeting sale of CDs, replaced by online music-sellers like iTunes.
It takes an interesting turn at the end, pointing out the reality that it's often not about convenience, but about love and passion that gives something its staying power. It was disappointing that the article lacked quotes or comments from the born-again "scratchers," which would have been great examples to bolster the piece. Apparently the feel of mixing and matching tunes gives music-lovers and those nostalgic for days past something to revel in.

This article offers some insight into the world of surfing, specifically, when as rare an event as a 50-foot wave may be around the corner. It conveyed the excitement around the event, revelaed sportsmens' philosophies and unwavering love for the sport, following waves around the globe if need be. It also talks a bit about how surfing contributes to Hawaii's economy. It's interesting, and for those ignorant to the world of surfing, it's a glimpse through a small, curtained window.

A new trend seems to be emerging, and I can't pinpoint when exactly it began. More and more it seems people are trying to get back to basics. My thoughts are that it might have always been around, but that the current economic situation spurred its progression. This article is about getting back to nature.
It caught my eye because it's about a) kids, b) school. And so I was hooked. It proved quite an interesting read about a school in which nature--not manicured lawns, and shiny jungle-gyms but the rugged outdoors--is an integral part of the experience. I liked the descriptions of the leafy outdoor classroom, of children partaking in imaginative games, and of the idea fueling the new program. This article was more of a snapshot than a narrative.

So basically we're screwed. Our meat is tainted with E.Coli, and now we find that the plastic containers we keep it in are hazardous to our health. This article, frightening as it may be, doesn't propose that all is lost, but emphasizes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As it is an opinion piece, I guess it makes sense that he kept it short, and focused only on one form of cancer--breast cancer--but I felt the scope a bit too narrow. I would've appreciated it more if it were a longer piece, making explicit--with data and comments from oncologists--the bajillion factors that add to our risk of developing cancer in our urban jungles.

I was drawn to this article because it's a follow-up on one that freaked me out in early October. It was about meat riddled with extremely harmful bacteria, the lax hygienic rules in place at slaughterhouses, and the not-so-watchful FDA. Apparently they've been working on vaccinations in an attempt to curb outbreaks (more like lessen the number of embarrassing recalls). Sadly though, nothing seems to fully solve the problem.
A disturbing reality that this article and the earlier one touched on, is the lack of action on the government's part. True, it's the slaughterhouse's fault for having dirty facilities, but aren't the government agencies in place to a) make sure that isn't the case, b) prosecute those who don't comply, c) work to remedy the situation? It seems more time is devoted to trying to figure out if Tiger Woods is cheating on and beating his wife.

Apparently the wave of unemployment that's been plaguing the nation is slowing. I would've liked to know how the revised--smaller--numbers were calculated. I wonder if they are fact-based or "fudged" to instill confidence in the market.
The delineation between long-term and short-term unemployment, and their respective consequences is pretty interesting. I don't think the average reader would have made the distinction had it not been made clear. I sure didn't.
To keep statistics from anesthetizing us from the direness of the situation, the author ends the article by referring to the "millions of Americans, who must deal with piles of unpaid bills, worries about unexpected medical expenses and concerns about losing their homes." He then goes on to tell the story of a struggling mother, grounding us in the disturbing reality.

Hello, nice to meet you.... again.

Wohoo! Thank you high-speed internet. The link embedded in this article offers a real-time look into the brain-shaving and other laboratory procedures that are currently being undergone to map and preserve an anomaly of a brain.
This is a great article as it is science worded in lay terms for the average reader, but is by no means dumbed down. It is also peppered with technical lingo for those with a little more experience. I enjoyed the detailing of the patient's symptoms (in a lighthearted manner) and the descriptions of his experiences. It made him more than just a 'famous brain.' This article reads like a story--there is definitely a narrative flow--, and an exciting one at that. With quotes from experts in the field of neuroscience telling of how much they could potentially learn from H.M's brain, it's quite thrilling.

I find it very surprising that legislation allowing for same-sex marriage has been shot down in recent times. California. Maine. Isn't this the time of change, the time of hope? If anything I thought the backlash from the eight previous conservative years would propel the legislation through and have gay couples lined up at the chapel by now.
Odd. Or maybe i don't really understand the intricate inner-workings of politics. Or maybe Republicans--whose votes are needed--should get out of this new habit of opposing anything proposed by the Democrats.
In any case, this article is about the recent progress--or lack thereof--of the issue in New York. Included in it are excerpts from some senator's speeches, which are quite moving. Apart from that it's a straight-forward account of the buildup to today's unfortunate decision.

This is a very good opinion piece on why more troops should not be sent to Afghanistan. The reality is that America cannot be the world's Paladin for much longer if its economic situation continues to deteriorate. However, it is certainly a tricky situation. Pulling out too quickly and without bolstering Afghanistan's local forces would leave it open to invasion by the Taliban and AlQaeda, rendering America's war on terror a failure. Continuing with the excessive spending and prolonged presence will lead to a soaring deficit... and then what?