http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_177170457.html

Eight employees for the OU press will be laid off, according to the Norman Transcript. The economic crisis strained the press's finances, forcing it to cut costs. In addition to the eight laid off, book production will lower 20%.

This is yet another blow to the print industry. The economic crisis has likely damaged numerous other printing establishments and publishing industries, exacerbating the decline print media has been suffering for years now. As someone who intends to write for a living, I worry I won't be able to find a suitable job.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/us/politics/27climate.html?ref=global-home

According to the New York Times, The House of Representitives has passed a bill "intended to address the threat of global warming." This bill overcame many deep divides within the house-- it passed 219 to 212-- but still falls short of European standards and expectations.

It may not be perfect, but I'm glad that it passed at all. For years the US has lagged behind other industrialized nations regarding carbon dioxide emissions. Any effort at all is preferable to none, even though it might not be sufficient to avert the worst environmental change. Hopefully we can improve standards later.

http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/speciales/special_iran/20090626.OBS2123/barack_obama__la_diplomatie_sera_affectee_par_les_viole.html

The Nouvel Observateur reports there may be diplomatic repercussions from the Iranian government's response to the protests in Tehran. President Barack Obama has indicated that the response will affect the diplomatic situation between the US and Iran. Obama will not seriously consider the Iranian demands for an apology.

I admire the stance Obama has taken with Iran, but fear it isn't feasible unless he makes some larger concessions. I don't think he has any reason to apologize, but if he wants to achieve his diplomatic aims with such a volatile and hostile state, he may have to. This may even be the wrong stance entirely; it's difficult to know if we can negotiate with Iran.

http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_168011608?start:int=0

Some of those gigantic, tire busting speed bumps that they installed last year will be altered so you don't destroy your vehicle if you go faster than five mph. Future traffic calming methods will rely less upon the speed mountains more upon traffic circles and such.

They shouldn't have ever made those horrible speed tables. I hate them. They succeed at their intended purpose, but oh, how annoying they are. My vehicle absorbs shocks badly, so I have to crawl over these speed reducing monstrosities and hope I don't smash my head against the ceiling, pass out, drive into the lake on the way home --by which one of the tables is conveniently located-- and drown. I'm glad they're being "smoothed"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090617/ap_on_re_us/med_ama_health_overhaul

The American Medical Association has indicated it won't oppose President Obama's health care proposal, which will establish a sort of government insurance that will compete with private insurers. The AMA is known to be rather conservative and, though its membership has dwindled, remains a powerful lobbying presence in Washington.

I think it's about time we created a national healthcare system, although this isn't truly national care. The current system wastes more money per person than other industrialized states with universal health care. It also means that the poor can finally afford the health care that they deserve.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8106211.stm

This article analyzes the current situation in Iran regarding the protests. The size of the protests appears to be growing, although it is difficult to say if they can maintain momentum. The Iranian government has spoken of making a few concessions, although they might be insufficient. It is possible there could be another Iranian revolution if the situation deteriorates.

I'm deeply conflicted about a possible revolution in Iran. I don't like the Iranian government, but I can't hope for a revolution either. They don't often accomplish very much. If there were a revolution, we could find, after intense bloodshed and chaos, that a far worse organization assumes control of the nation.