Briefing+Book

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__Double Earthquake Strikes Spain, 10 Dead__ On Wednesday, May, 11 two earthquakes struck southeast Spain. The earthquakes killed at least ten people and injured many more. These quakes cause a numerous amount of damage to buildings and homes say officials. This is the highest death-toll caused by an earthquake that has happened in Spain in over 50 years. The earthquakes were rated a 4.4 and a 5.2. Many victims of these two moderate earthquakes were hospitalized. A few of the deaths that occured were caused by the first earthquake, but most of the deaths were due to the second, stronger earthquake.

__Royal Spanish Academy Ponders Changes to Spanish Language__ The Royal Spanish Academy, the institution in charge of changing the Spanish language, is thinking about getting rid of accent marks on certain words. Some of these words include, 'este' (this), 'aquel' (that) and 'solo' in coming months. Currently, these words contain accent marks when used in certain ways, but not in others. The Spanish language is changing more often due to globalization. Languages that don't keep up and stay in-tune with modern society might disappear like other languages have before.

__5 Economies Worse Off Than the United States__ The unemployment rate for the U.S. is at 8.8%, but since Spain's unemployment rate was at it's highest in February at 20.5%, they are worse off. The rate for newer, younger workers is at 40%. Along with unemployment rates are a housing market and a banking sector. Both are 'troubled.' When there is such a high number of people unemployed, you can automatically expect there to be a pause or slow down in the housing market and in banking. When people are out of a job, they aren't going to have the money to buy a house or take out any loans from the bank.

__Protests: Has the Revolution Come to Spain__ Protests were caused because of the economy and how low unemployment rates are. The protests started after the two earthquakes that hit May, 11. Streets were being filled up and Spanish squares were bein taken over by protestors. Citizen's commisions held meetings to discuss all of these issues every day. Some of the organizers of the protests have tried to encourage others into turing blank ballots in when it's time to vote.

__Appreciation: Seve Ballesteros, Spain's Fallible and Fabulous Golf Hero__ The professional golfer, Seve Ballesteros, died from respiratory failure and a long battle with cancer on May 7. He was only 54 years of age. He had won 5 major championships. Ballesteros was adored by his fans, because not only was he one of the first few Spanish golfers, but because he golfed like any of them could. He got himself into situations that any other amateur golfer would get themselves into. He got the ball stuck behind a tree or any other random place you could think of. He was good, but it seemed like he was on the same levels as his fans were.