Beat Update Nov. 16

http://www.newsweek.com/id/222632
Even during the global recession we are currently experiencing, many European countries are spending big money on remodeling cultural infrastructure such as a new exhibition center for the British Museum, or simply building new ones like the museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in France. The article says many European museums are getting a "recession makeover." This is in sharp contrast to the state of museums here in the U.S. where staff, hours, shows, and renovations are all being cut-back.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g_RVkRyq5w3swuwmZ5xS1jk5M7dAD9BRNBO80
This article from the Associated Press discusses a 12-year-old girl who pierced her nose as a way to express her Indian heritage; she is the daughter of an Indian immigrant. However, she was suspended from her school for violating a dress code. I found this article interesting because this issue could clearly fall into the realm of the First Amendment due to freedom of religion and expression.