Making Up, Gaining Attention, Saying Goodbye, Struggling, Observing, and Celebrating

Midweek in early August, time for a bit of followup on a variety of news.

Colombia's Santos was sworn in as the country's new President, and admirably, both he and Hugo Chavez, Venezuela, made the effort to meet and try to patch up their serious tensions.

Chavez left, and Santos right

Wildfires around Moscow have been relatively tamed. Not before President Putin showed off his machismo, by piloting a water tanker personally, and dropping a load on one of two hundred fires burning. He doesn't seem to miss a stunt photo op.

Russian President Putin looking for smoke

Former U.S. Senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens, 86, died in a float plane crash in his home state two days ago. He was one of the longest sitting Senators from the 49th state which gained statehood in 1959. The incident reminds us of how most Alaskans rely on these planes to get around the rugged landscape.

Floodwaters from northern Pakistan are heading south, towards the Indian Ocean, swelling the major rivers, damaging cropland, and displacing huge numbers of people. Experts say 14million Pakistanis have now been "affected."

Ramadan begins August 11, when this particular new moon is finally seen. A billion Muslims will participate.

And finally, its Elvis Week August 10-16. Another whole generation of Americans and folks around the world are learning to appreciate his legacy.