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.)