NBC Obtains English Premier League Soccer Rights

The National Broadcasting Company (better known as NBC) will televise the English Premier League's matchups starting next year. The deal is a 3-year, $250 million dollar agreement between the EPL and NBC. Soccer's popularity has grown exponentially in the U.S., and NBC chairman, Mark Lazarus, predicts the Premier League is "on the cusp of exponential popularity growth here in the U.S." If Lazarus is correct on his prediction, NBC struck a perfect deal that could rake in big-buck advertisements. There are going to be six live games televised each week on NBC following the opening of the EPL's next season. Soccer experts around the world believe the EPL is the most talented and most profitable soccer league in the world; Only time will tell whether or not NBC will capitalize on their newly acquired assets.

A More Democratic Libya

One year after Gadhafi's death, Libyans are making governmental headway. Successful democratic elections were held months ago in July, following registration by 1.8 million Libyans. Organizations are popping up across the nation including women's rights groups, as well as environmental groups. Libya's new policy requiring political parties to alternate male and female candidates on ballots will further advance Libya towards becoming an open, democratic society where women play an equal role to men. Libyans went from being barred by Gadhafi's network to discussing new governmental policy in a matter of months. It's a motivating sign to other people around the world who are experiencing the downfall of oppressive dictatorial regimes. Armed militias control some parts of Libya, but if the Libyan people continue to work together to overcome challenges, jihadist military groups will eventually meet a tough opposition when a constitution is drafted by newly elected Libyan officials. 

Trickledown Economics

It's a simple agenda for the wealthy politicians who most likely took office to meet their short list of priorities including and most importantly to preserve their own wealth. It's their selfish way to justify low taxes for the wealthy or themselves (whatever floats your boat). Trickledown economics is almost as unsuccessful as the War on Drugs. Failing government policy surrounds, encages, and ultimately holds back America from ever breaking free from the grasp of the Great Recession that was caused by unregulated banks free to loan as they wished to unqualified persons for the banks' benefit. Banks and people unaware that they are in no position to take out a juicy loan (or two), as well as selfish politicians who decipher the tax codes as they wish and pay taxes at a rate lower than my dog, are the reason America is becoming less and less prevalent on the global economic scale. Move to China? I'd side with that statement if only there was one place in the world where ideas flow free AND the economy's potential is as strong as the values of politicians.

Child Soldiers Break the Rules of War

Invisible Children isn't the only organization dedicated to ending the abuse amongst an estimated 300,000 child soldiers, mostly in Africa, involved in conflicts around the world. UNICEF is active today in removing children from militia and rebel groups. The idea of innocence is one that remains strong in Western civilizations, but third-world nations have evil men who manipulate and terrorize entire villages with the goal of forcing children to join them in their fight. Ishmael Beah was rescued by UNICEF years ago as a child soldier fighting for the rebel group Revolutionary United Front (RUF). He's an example of the substantial change the West can bring to lands where rebel groups roam with evil intentions. The issue isn't "how?," but rather "why?" Why isn't the United Nations using force to destroy rebel groups and why are we waiting to take down Joseph Kony and others like him? Ignorance isn't an excuse. It's our responsibility as human beings to provide support to children across the world, especially those active in dangerous rebel groups engaged in combat everyday.

I Don't Eat the Food in the Cafeteria

It's a reoccuring issue, day after day I grind out the day without eating lunch at high school. A reasonable person would hope for a nutritious and tasty lunch, but at Deerfield High School the "Caf" food isn't nutritious, nor is it tasty. Before you presume that I am spoiled for complaining about food when there are people in the world who are unable to receive proper nutrition or obtain food, you must first taste the PB&J. If I have the option of eating, I would greatly appreciate a reasonable selection of food. You know your cafeteria is awful when they can't even make a solid PB&J. What kind of person can't make a solid PB&J? I'll tell you: a person not qualified to make food. First Lady, Michelle Obama, encourages healthy and filling lunches across the nation, but the fried goods in the cafeteria only fulfill the "filling" category. Only eat the bagged goods, that is my suggestion when rummaging through the DHS cafeteria. Sodexo may respond to my criticism by suggesting that the apples in the cafe are healthy. Would it kill Sodexo to grill instead of fry? I want tasty, nutritious food in the cafeteria and I want it now.