March 13: That Was The Week That Was

As we look at the news this week, it is interesting to see how quickly our priorities can change.  

Reporters spent days fixated on the Charlie Sheen saga, but when the Japanese disaster struck, their headlines quickly adjusted.

On that note, let's take a look at this week's guide to the headlines for the area's 'twenty-something' generation:

LOCALLY:  Three longtime incumbents, who serve on the Toms River Regional District's School Board, .   Patch reported that Board President Linda Garvey and former board presidents Betty Vasil and Meera Malik would not be returning to serve on the board after their current terms expire. All three have served on the board since 1993.

The district reports that 11 candidates have filed the paperwork necessary to fill the open positions. This year’s election is April 27.

In the coming weeks, Patch will profile the candidates, but in the meantime, it's a good idea to become informed about the election.

After all the school district has faced this year it is more important than ever to pay attention, and to vote in April. 

NATIONALLY:  Every week, I feel like I've covered serious topics.   Last week,  I ignored the Charlie Sheen saga, but this week, I simply cannot. In recent weeks, the American media has been consumed with "Sheen Fever" (probably run on tiger blood).   If you haven't paid attention, Charlie had a winning week: He was officially fired from Two and a Half Men on Monday, and had filed a lawsuit by Tuesday. He started searching for a social media intern, and he called his co-star, John Cryer, a "troll" on Twitter. He topped the week off when police raided his home in search of weapons on Thursday.  He sat patiently eating a hamburger. 

This weekend, we learned of his latest plans: a one man show, "Charlie Sheen LIVE: My Violent Torpedo of Truth."   The tour only has two stops (Chicago and Detroit) scheduled as of now, but tickets cost $35.  

Would you really be willing to spend $35 to see him?

 INTERNATIONALLY: Relief efforts are continuing in Japan.   The 8.9 magnitude quake, which struck off the coast of Northeast Japan at 2:46 p.m. local time on Friday, is the strongest in recorded history for the country. But, most of the damage came when the quake spawned a ferocious tsunami that flattened entire cities, killing hundreds.

 At least 50,000 Japanese troops are being sent to the parts of the nation that were hardest hit. The United States has deployed eight  warships to assist the country, and organizations like the Salvation Army are mobilizing to assist rescue workers.   

As of Saturday, the death toll topped 900, and at least 88,000 people were reported missing, according to Japanese media.   

Fears of a nuclear disaster also are high. Failed pumping systems at two of the country's power plants have forced the evacuation of more than 83,000 people. Officials say there is no immediate danger, but they remain cautious.

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In the meantime, do not nap today! Experts say that napping today will only make things worse, as we adjust to     

Until next time, feel free to use the comment section to voice your opinion!