In this column, I want to talk a bit about American politics, the banking industry and proposals to regulate this industry, because I believe that Americans are about to be the victims of a perfect storm in this area of the economy. As is often been the case, this storm will hit without much warning---other than that provided herein. To really perceptive students of American politics it is increasingly clear that a number of forces are moving American taxpayers, voters and investors toward a free-for-all without parallel in American history.

There is nothing more appealing, deceptive and wondrous than falling in love.

Our little Alfred harbors unique lovers of every age. We may have an idea of what their love is like, but behind the well-dressed professors and the seemingly shy peers, there is much more than meets the eye.

Haiti, the first independent state of Latin America, began its tumultuous history under French and Spanish colonization as early as the 1500s. Sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, it is the least developed country in the Americas according to the United Nations. After years of repression under the French-created slave trade, the country led the world’s one successful slave-based rebellion in 1804.

The conflict in Northern Ireland, long portrayed as one of the most violent religious conflicts in modern times, has been brewing since the 16th and 17th centuries.