Have you been affected by escalating food prices? Are you worried how you will pay your bills and feed your family, if the price of basics like milk reach $10 a gallon, or if bread reaches $8 a loaf?

In the realm of economics, as the United States goes, so goes the world. America has long been considered the economic engine that has driven global finance. However, that engine has been running on credit.

Queen Elizabeth II, Monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her territories gave her Royal Assent to her country's acceptance of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. This act effectively marked the end of her position as Sovereign over this once great, independent nation that ruled vast areas of Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Whether it is a politician accidentally talking into a "live" microphone, a parent berating a troubled child, or a boss haranguing fearful subordinates, how often have we heard a speaker blurt out a thoughtless or rash statement without considering the feelings and sensitivities of the hearers?

The shock and controversy surrounding the Vanity Fair bareback-in-a-sheet photo-shoot of popular fifteen-year-old television and singing star Miley Cyrus has been passionate and persistent. The voices criticizing Miss Cyrus' choice to be in such a photo have been loud and numerous.