Send Thank You Notes

Taking a break from politics to read an article my boss at the LRC sent to all of us. Is this a hint??? I like the first one. I totally got the first one. Story of my childhood since my mom wouldn't let us open the next Christmas present until we had written our thank you notes!

http://www.inc.com/eliza-browning/business-etiquette-rules-that-matter-now.html

Russia's 9 m Muslims

Today's article was about labels. The most interesting point was that "Muslim world" and "Arab world" are sometimes used as near synonyms. But what about Russia? Russia has about 9 m Muslims (more than Lebanon and Libya combines.) Good point whoever wrote this. I also read about the life of Henry Luce-very fitting as I am about to start working on my application for the Luce Fellowship again!

Mission Accomplished

Andie finally made it to class! Way to go girl :) She totally rocked it too. (Update from June Challenge)

Really want to read this book even though the Economist thought "Hiro's analysis is marred by gaps and inconsistencies." But mirlyn doesn't have it in the catalogue :( #firstworldpains

America's Fastest-Growing Minority

I always joke with people that I only date foreigners. Of course it's not completely true, but I definitely enjoy the learning that comes with intercultural dating. I've never know much about latino issues until I started dating my current boyfriend Marco. Today I read an article about the rapidly growing latino minority in the US. Unfortunately, this minority is still vastly underrepresented in the US government. What hits closer to home though, is the issues within higher education.

Here is a great video that everyone who is reading this should watch:

http://www.upworthy.com/why-honor-students-across-the-country-are-being-thrown-in-jail?g=5

Russia, China and Nuclear Non-Proliferation

So I'm reading an economist from 2010...why? History is interesting! And I didn't really have time to read in 2010 anyways. Today I read about nuclear sanctions on Iran. I gravitate towards this issue because it involves my favorite players in any international policy conflict: The US, Russia, China and the Middle East. I've been trying to think of a research topic for my Fulbright Proposal. Could this be it? Could a lowly Public Policy BA do any meaningful research on a topic that is so existentially important? That's definitely what attracts me to it. I feel like nuclear non-proliferation is more exciting that any other topic because if something goes wrong, we all die. Plus it's a hot topic in the UN. Definitely a contender for what I'd like to be studying next year. 

July Challenge

July's challenge is to read at least 20 minutes of international news everyday. Why? Because I always say I'm going to do it and I never do. And that is exactly what these challenges are for! Plus I have a bunch of old Economists I've been wanting to get through.