Clearing out a neglected inbox where non-urgent, personal emails have accumulated can be a daunting task—perhaps somewhat similar to figuring out what to do with mounds of paper mail. There’s always the temptation to hold on to certain things for just a little while longer—the “I might need that later” justification. Not to mention the assortment of paperwork that we do need to keep, both electronic and hard copy. So, with bravery and a bit of cheerfulness, I tackled my inbox one evening, realizing I could delay no longer.

“Motherless babies could be on the horizon after scientists discovered a method of creating offspring without the need for a female egg” (Telegraph, September 13, 2016). Scientists from the University of Bath have created mice using this new technique. They are now planning to test this process with animal skin cells.

The U.S. forces in the Middle East are being increasingly provoked by Iran. “There have been 31 unsafe America[n] encounters with Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf so far this year, up from 23 in all of 2015” (CNN, September 6, 2016). Due to weakened U.S. foreign policy, Iran has been emboldened to test U.S. might in the region. “Two American surveillance aircraft flying in what U.S.

“For centuries, Chinese products have wended their way thousands of kilometers across mountains and deserts to the heart of central Asia, Afghanistan. Now, for the first time, the trade is carried by rail. With the first train last week pulling in to Hairatan, northern Afghanistan, China marked another advance in President Xi Jinping’s Silk Road project to deepen his nation’s influence along old trade routes.

It's easy to get used to a select group of friends, but what can you do to go beyond your habitual relationships and break down social barriers?