The Evolution of Ideas

One-third of Americans suffer from extreme stress which drives them to overeat, drink, and smoke. Despite the privelidge of living a very luxurious life in comparison with the rest of the world, Americans complained of low salaries, too much work, and a lack of opportunity. Many admitted to having difficulty dealing with stress which leads them to unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking and smoking, loss of sleep, and a massive intake of junk food.

Short term stress may have the ability to be a motivating factor; however, chronic stress causes high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Many people surveyed indicated that exercise, socializing, and prayer helped the most in relieving their stress.

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN2430362020071024

A 14-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday night after the police received a tip that he was plotting a shooting spree at a high school in a northern suburb of Philadelphia. The police, after searching his home, found a 9-millimeter assault rifle, dozens of authentic-looking BB and air guns, and seven hand grenades he was making, four of which were operational. They also found notebooks detailing violent acts, an Army handbook on counterinsurgency operations and a DVD entitled “Game Over in Littleton,” a documentary on the 1999 rampage in which two students at Columbine High School in Colorado shot to death 12 schoolmates and a teacher before committing suicide. The assault rifle, it turns out, was a gift from his mother.

Note: Officially, it is not classified as a “terrorist plot” but only a “plot” since the boys identity and race has not yet been disclosed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/us/12plot.html?em&ex=1192334400&en=2319da34747b6831&ei=5087%0A

The CIA was reported to begin investigating its own internal inspector general, John Helgerson, because of his aggressive investigations into torture allegations against his own spy agency. Say goodbye to liberty and justice for all, if you haven’t already.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hpzNzkZo4QIbporX-wWExnjsZqBw