THE WEEK IN REVIEW: DECEMBER 8-13, 2013

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY, THE TRAGEDY AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT (USA) OCCURRED.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Matchbox toy cars.

Amongst events happening around the world this past week...

*South Korea, concerned by China's recent military exercises, has expanded its air defense zone.
*Jang Sung-taek, uncle to current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and supporter of his late father, has been expelled from office and executed!
*The Association of Southeast Asian Nations held an emergency summit to discuss China's recent military activity.
*Chang'e 3, with the Chinese rover Yutu, has landed on the moon.
*After an international memorial service December 10, the coffin of Nelson Mandela has been flown back to Qunu in preparation for his state funeral December 15.
*As clean up and relief efforts continue, the death toll in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan has now been officially confirmed at 6000+!
*Pope Francis has been named Time magazine's Man of the Year for 2013.
*The United Nations has announced that the legalization of marijuana in Uruguay is a violation of international law.
*Australia's High (Supreme) Court declares that same-gender marriages held within that country are invalid.
*The Bali Package has been adopted by the World Trade Organization in hopes of improving international commerce.
*Civil unrest continues in Iraq, Syria, the Central African Republic, and Afghanistan.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...
*The National Security Agency has admitted to playing games online that feature live chat in an attempt to discover possible terrorist activity. They have also been tracking Internet Cookies to identify potential hacking targets.
*The Federal government will enforce sanctions against American companies that assisted Iran with its nuclear program.
*The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has shut down 52 bus lines for safety violations.
*Congress is attempting to develop a bi-partisan budget by the January 2014 deadline.
*The US Airways Group and the AMR Corporation have merged to form the American Airlines Group.
*Voting has begun for the 71st Golden Globes awards. The winners will be announced January 12, 2014.

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