9/27/14 Update

Hey Everyone! I hope your weekend is going well. Western European news has been wild as ever this past week. 

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UK- In Scotland a cultural divide has been noticed as a result of the Scottish independence referendum. I expect this will simmer down in the coming days (hopefully) as if it doesn't, it could prove to be a serious issue for the future of Scotland. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29300724

Prime Minister David Cameron has released a statement saying the UK will "play its part." I expected this since the US and France have already taken action. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29357116

Prince Charles, the prince of Wales is expected to attend National Police Memorial Day service. I view this a highly respectable and appropriate action. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29394531

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EU hopeful of gas deal between Ukraine and Russia. I hope this pans out as this would be extremely beneficial in boosting the European economy and reducing tensions along the Ukraine/Russian border. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29380637

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Greece- Greeks have discovered a tomb from Alexander the Great's era, distracting them from a dire economic crisis. It is being protected at all times of the day from raiders and extremists. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29239529

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Spain- The president of the Spanish region of Catalonia has signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence. The Spanish government quickly denounced the plan, deeming it unconstitutional. The region of Catalonia accounts for one of Spain's most richest and industrial regions. Personally, I hope this plan for independence falls through as Spain's economy is already experiencing setbacks and independence will only further destabilized the Euro. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29390774

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Cyprus- Police in Cyprus have persuaded nearly 300 migrants, thought to be Syrian refugees, to disembark from the cruise ship that had rescued them. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29358265

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Italy- Italy stands in firm support of the Islamic State coalition.  As expected. http://www.thelocal.it/20140925/italy-stands-firm-in-support-of-isis-coalition

George Clooney was married to Amal Alamuddin in Venice. Congrats! 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/25/george-clooney-marries-amal-alamuddin_n_5881690.html

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Germany- German anti-Semitism on the rise. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/09/25/germanys_jewish_problem_angela_merkel_anti_semitism_europe

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France- France's first Ebola patient in "stable" condition. 

http://online.wsj.com/articles/frances-first-ebola-virus-patient-in-stable-condition-1411729278

Welcome!

Introduction

Hey, welcome to my blog.
I will be posting here about noteworthy news happening in this region this school year. 
Maintaining this blog this year will be manageable and (hopefully) enjoyable as I've taken both AP World History at Varela as well as AP European History and was interested in both courses while I took them (I also passed both exams). I've always been interested in Western Europe and I've actually been privileged enough to visit Ireland, Wales, England, France, and Spain at some point. My own goal for this blog is go beyond a classroom assignment and actually become more globally conscious as well potentially getting a classmate interested in this region and its diverse nature. 

The first significant events that occurred in this area include:

The vote for Scottish independence was ruled in favor of remaining in the UK, leading the Pound (£) to surge in Asia. The results also lead David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the UK to promise some kind of reform of the UK government as there were a significant amount of votes in favor of Scottish independence. 
Personally, I feel that the results were favorable. If Scotland had achieved independence  their economy would have to shift back to bartering over sheep or adopting the less valuable Euro. The results promise UK governmental reform across the board, another positive consequence in my opinion. (Also, without Scotland, the flag would be much less appealing to the eye.)
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-29271763
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29268196?OCID=twitterasia
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France carried out its first air strikes over Iraq against IS militants according to French President Francois Hollande. 
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29277630
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Republic of Ireland's economy sees strong growth
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29252950
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Pro-independence citizens of the Catalonian region of Spain watch the Scottish vote for independence closely as they plan for a similar vote in November.  
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29234242
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Switzerland may take Edward Snowden in return for Testimony on Spying.
I am really not sure how to interpret this. 
http://www.newsweek.com/switzerland-may-take-edward-snowden-return-testimony-spying-270745
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Italy to Remain in Recession This Year, Says IMF
http://online.wsj.com/articles/italy-to-remain-in-recession-this-year-says-imf-1411052486
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Greece to not receive a third bailout, official says
Hopefully Greece actually has seen improvement and this statement is not a result of pride.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/09/20/greece-new-bailout-out-question/BNtg5UxVtxwMIjQalTsBUK/story.html

Myself and my travel companions in front of a Welsh Castle this past summer.

(Not pictured: the drama and physical stress involved in trans-Atlantic travel.)