Odds & Ends: In The News Edition

Sunday morning I woke up with this really odd desire to read the Sunday paper. Maybe it was just for the comics, I don't know, but nevertheless I really wanted a Sunday paper. So, I drove to the gas station to pick one up. Only to realize that the price had jumped up to $2.00! As a recent college graduate, I know how precious quarters are. I was a little reluctant to give so many away shiny coins, but I gave in for a Sunday paper. I think I got my two dollars worth, seeing as I read every page. Except the Real Estate page, it was full of listings of houses that I can't afford. Getting on with it today's post. Here are some articles that were interesting to me that I wanted to pass along to you. Enjoy! 

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All articles are taken from the Mobile Press-Register and links are to al.com unless otherwise noted

MISCELLANEOUS // STATE // LIFE 

• A Pretty Low Year -- "Tornadoes in decline for second straight year across nation" Always like to hear this, especially living in Alabama and living through one of the biggest tornado seasons in history (2011).
• Nerve, Courage, Drive, But Family First -- Short glimpse into a World War ll Navy hero who was also an aide to JFK. I love biographies, so this article was a very good read. 
• Gas Lights Recognize Freedom Riders {via Anniston Star} -- Alagasco has started the "Lighting the Way" program, placing gas lights remembering the Freedom Riders in five different Alabama towns, including: Anniston, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, and Selma. 
• Study: The More Siblings, The Better {via Huff Post} -- "According to new study, people with siblings are less likely to divorce than those without." Of course there are many factors for divorce, so this one interested me. I wonder what it says about my mom, who is one of eight and has been divorced once, and my sisters. We are three together and they have both been divorced once, and what it may say about me if/when I get married.

IN DEPTH // HISTORY // LIVING // EDUCATION 

• Half A Century Later, Is This What King Dreamed? {via McClatchy} -- It has been 50 years since the March on Washington and MLK Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. How far have we come and how far do we have to go? 
• Digital Era Threatens Tenuous Future of Drive-Ins {via News Telegram} -- I remember going to the drive-in when I was younger and then later in college with friends. It was the perfect summer activity. Honda has a special project, Project Drive-In, going on to save some of America's drive-ins. For more information and how to vote. 
• Survey: Most Americans are unfamiliar with Common Core {via The Pew} -- I wasn't all that familiar with Common Core and still aren't. Yet, the more I'm researching it, the more I'm considering homeschooling my (distant) future children. Maybe there was a reason I didn't like standardized tests in school. 
• Get Your Kids To Think, Explore {via Parents @ Play} -- When I was younger, I remember having a real microscope with real slides that I eagerly studied. I would stick anything under that microscope wanting to see it up close and personal! I also have a slight obsession with the Moon. I love seeing it shine bright in the night sky. Which is probably a reason why I want to try out Nancy B's Moonscope. I already told my mom to add it to my Christmas list. 

OPINION 

• Why Most Rapists Get Away With It -- It takes a lot of courage for someone to admit they were assaulted. And it takes even more to step up and fight against it. To know that many rape kits are getting untested is discouraging. 
• Why Alabama Accountability Act Isn't The Right Answer -- Education. Everyone deserves an equal chance. Failing schools need our help. 

SPORTS 

• NFL fines RG lll $10K for 'Operation Patience' T-Shirt {via Bleacher Report} -- Although he apparently hasn't officially been fined the $10K, I still think this is petty on the NFL's part. Just don't take away his awesome sock choices. 
• Freshman Moses Trying To Live Up To The Hype -- Moses stands at 6'0 and 220 lbs. He holds offers from LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Notre Dame, Georgia, Ole Miss, UCLA, Nebraska, Florida State, and Florida. Did I mention he is a freshman. IN HIGH SCHOOL. 
• Drive McCarron -- AJ McCarron is thankfully returning as the quarterback for the Crimson Tide. He is 30-3 when it comes to touchdowns and interceptions. A Heisman Trophy watch. And on his way to leading his team to a three-peat. Three National Titles back to back...to back. Something that no one has done. Here's to another exciting and entertaining college football season. Roll Tide, friends. 

That's all for this ODDS & ENDS. 

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Check back tomorrow for the next installment of Twenties Answer. 
Click here for question #1 and my answer. 

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