What You Should Be Reading 11/17

I’m going to start doing something different each Saturday.

I’m calling it “What You Should Be Reading” and, as I see it now, it’s going to be a hodgepodge of stories we all should be reading each week.

I won’t be yelling at you to read them, but rather pointing you in the direction of topics/ideas that I have interesting over the last week.

I don’t have any set topics  yet, but it’ll range from Twinkies to Patreaus. And I know those two links are from The Washington Post, but the stories will all be from different newspapers and outlets from across the country, and quite easily the world.

This will be a work in progress for a bit, so bear with me while I get used to it myself.

In the meantime, you’ll have some things to read.

If you haven’t already heard, BP Global is going to have to pay a hefty fine, along with pleading guilty to manslaughter, among other charges, since the oil spill in 2010. For BP’s statement go here. It’s worth a read.

Via Youtube

I had no idea that things were going to come to a decision this week. It was a crazy reminder about all that had happened. I don’t know what kind of precedent this sets for the rest of the oil companies moving forward, but it’ll be interesting to see when the next spill happens. And I’m sure a new explosion Friday didn’t help things.

This last topic isn’t an easy one, either.

Israel has begun what many have called the biggest Gaza escalation in years. I think we are just waiting for the Hamas retaliation.

via PrisonPlanet.com

The stories are hard to read and, frankly, could mean the start of another war in the Middle East. I’m no expert, but from what I’ve read stories have mentioned that already.

It’s not hard to find Gaza stories. Go here if you don’t believe me.

As for the United States, we’ve given our “full backing” to this. Just a point of clarification, Israel is using many American-made weapons in this assault. I’ll keep my eye on this, but you see anything noteworthy send me a comment or tweet me (@jonstank).

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Now, I won’t be able to cover every top news story each week. If you have something that you want me to highlight let me know. I’m more than okay with ideas/suggestions on my posts. In fact, I welcome it. I’d love to have discussions about all of these stories and more.

Jonathan