Showdown in the Middle East, Goodbye Twinkies and Ikea's Forced Labor

Join the national conversation in this week's Hot Topics column.

This column is designed to offer a platform to discuss national stories on a local level. Share your opinion in the comment section! ---------- As Israel and Gaza traded rockets, the world watched it unfold over Twitter. With tweets like "We recommend that no Hamas operatives, whether low level or senior leaders, show their faces above ground in the days ahead" and "The #Hamas' Fajr-5 missile can reach 3.5 million Israelis. Imagine the entire population of #LA under threat" from the Israeli Defense Force, it seemed likely earlier this week that the fight would escalate. It did. On Friday, Hamas fired a rocket near Jerusalem, the first time they have ever aimed for the city. It's possible that this could become full on war, as Israel …

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Crystal Huskey

9:54 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

These were primarily political prisoners -- innocent people who dissented against the government -- who were forced to do hard labor 15-16 hours per day. Keep in mind this was Communist East Germany in the 80s.   more ›

Great Escape

Great Escape: Bring Chaos to Calm at IKEA

Try hitting one downtown hot spot to enjoy some shopping with a friend and help you organize.

Many of my friends seem to always be on a quest to organize.  Like me, they have this inherent belief that if your surroundings are more organized, you will feel more in control.  As one can imagine, with kids leaving toys, clothes, school crafts and sports stuff just about everywhere, our home-front struggle for control in chaos becomes a very real battle. I suggest you take a trip with me to a place that is not too far, but large and unique enough to help you gain a foothold in organization.  Let me take you to the idea store called IKEA in Atlantic Station. First, make a list of the areas in your home you want to bring some order to.  Take measurements of the available floor and wall space for your project area.  Then take your list and…

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