Reflective Question April 7th

The more you read the newspaper, the more familiar you become with the stories that continue form day to day. So here’s a list of concepts, people, places etc. that are fundamental to the ongoing stories. Define them. Tell why its’ news, and if appropriate, how it connects to you.

1. Prime Rate: as reported by the Wall Street Journal's bank survey, is among the most widely used benchmark in setting home equity lines of credit and credit card rates. It is in turn based on the fed funds rate, which is set by the Federal Reserve. The COFI (11th District cost of funds index) is a widely used benchmark for adjustable-rate mortgages. (BankRate.com) as of today the Prime Rate is lower then last month and last year.
2. Tibet: Is a country at the tip of India that has been in exile from China since the 1950’s. There have been protests in China to free Tibet, during the Olympic torch running. This is a huge issue facing relations with China. For example George Bush had a meeting with the Dali Lama, and China was upset by the ‘friendly’ meeting and is not so happy with the United States making the Tibet situation ‘Ok’.
3. Colombia Trade Agreement: the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA), a comprehensive agreement that will eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods and services between the United States and Colombia.
4. Iraqi Military: A professional Iraqi army is being created to replace Saddam's army with a professional force for maintaining peace and stability. The New Iraqi Army's primary responsibilities would be for border protection, securing roads and installations, and clearing mines and unexploded bombs left over from the war. Militia: The main community army fighting against the Americans and the Iraqi Military. U.S. Military: The United States armed forces. Green Zone: The International Zone is commonly referred to as the "Ultimate Gated Community" due to the numerous armed checkpoints, coils of razor wire, chain link fences, and the fact it is surrounded by "T-Walls" (reinforced and blast-proof concrete slabs).

5. Benedict XVI: Benedict XVI was elected the Catholic church's 265th pope on April 19, 2005, after the death of his popular and long-serving predecessor, John Paul II.