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Follow Friday: 5 news stories more important than Weiner's weiner

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I know that I'm suffering from penis fatigue. It's a sad day when the lead stories on the national news all seem to involve men and their  sexual escapades (DSK...Weiner...Edwards....Schwarzenegger...you get the drift). 

Surely, there must be something else to talk about. It's hard to believe, considering the coverage that CNN (and other news organizations) gave to the Weiner story just yesterday. I was sitting in a diner with cable news playing in the background and I am pretty sure that 90% of the screen time during my hour (or so) at lunch revolved around the build-up of the lead-up to the announcement that Weiner was going to announce that he was planning to decide that he was announcing that his next big decision was to decide THAT HE WOULD RESIGN his office.*

(*yes, that sentence was purposely rambling. No, I have not completely lost my ability to write a coherent sentence.)

So in case you are finding it difficult stay current on the REAL issues of the day, I bring you 5 news stories that are infinitely more important than Anthony Weiner. 

1. It's the economy, stupid! There has been a lot of discussion around taxes these days. Are we taxed too much? Do the rich pay their fair share? What is happening to the middle class? Will we ever emerge from this recession? For some interesting insights on this issue, I direct you to 10 Ways America Has Become a Low Tax Country as well as this creative video from Robert Reich: 


2. Gabrielle Giffords released to outpatient rehab. Having experienced the impact brain surgery can have on a life, I have followed Rep. Giffords's story closely since January. Her release from the hospital to outpatient rehabilitation is no small feat. That's a story about a politician worthy of some attention.

3. While this is not a recent story, I think everyone should take the time to listen to an episode of Fresh Air from May 9, 2011.  I recently listened to Ian Brown's poignant discussion about the concept of disability, children with special needs, and the parents who care for them and was moved beyond words. His insights regarding the ethics and emotions surrounding these unique individuals within our community should be required listening (or reading) for everyone.

4. There's a lot going on in the Middle East these days. One story you may not have heard much about is the growing movement to remove the "unofficial" driving ban imposed on women in Saudi Arabia. Could you imagine not being able to get in your car and drive anywhere you needed to go simply because you are a woman? Thanks to social media, women are gaining some ground in this struggle and that's something worthy of discussion. 

5. Finally, if you're wondering why this Friday feels a little less...musical...today, it could be because Rebecca Black's meme-worthy single has been pulled from YouTube. Why? Nobody is sure. Perhaps this is a stepping stone in her bid for pop stardom. We all know that the Future of Pop Music can take many forms. 

So there's your homework for this weekend. Relax, enjoy, and please: text responsibly.
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