The resource-based Australian economy has greatly benefited from massive iron ore exports which have supported China’s economic boom.  “China takes 25% of Australia’s exports and iron ore accounts for 60% of all the goods Australia sells to China.  One reason Australia avoided recession during the global downturn of 2008-09 was that it had a well-run banking system.

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, millions of youngsters are getting ready to go back to school. Some have already started. Most of them, from elementary school age to high school students, are eagerly looking forward to the many activities of the school year. Of course, there are a sizeable number who dread it like the plague; at least that is what they tell their parents and friends.

In response to the growing threat of an Israeli military attack, Iran is planning a massive defense drill in October, involving their air defenses, army and revolutionary guard (Reuters, September 1, 2012).  “Today our systems are prepared in a serious way for modern air threats,” noted Iran’s air defense commander (ibid.).  An Iranian naval commander said that Iran now sees Israel and the U.S.

Recently, a series of earthquakes struck California and El Salvador—adding to a worldwide number of earthquakes in various places.    Imperial County, California, experienced many tremors ranging from 2.0 to 5.5 in magnitude.  “By 5 p.m., the USGS had recorded about 300 earthquakes, and the count continued to rise throughout the evening” (LA Times, August 26, 2012).   Although earthquakes are common in the region, so many at one time is unusual.

Considerable research supporting male circumcision has surfaced over the last decade.  As a result, The American Academy of Pediatrics just reversed its 13-year stance.