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This article examines the life of former U.S. President George W. Bush in his home state of Texas since his term of office ended. Bush departed the presidency with a disapproval rating of 73 percent and is suggested to be avoiding public attention. He has spent much time reaching out to children and young adults, writing his memoirs, and fundraising for a political think tank to be built on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Texas.

The article focuses on the presence of nanoparticles in food in the U.S. These particles help in delivering nutrients, ensure longer freshness of food, act as thickening agents or enhance flavor. In 2011, researchers found that silver nanoparticles, when inhaled, cause lung toxicity or inflammation in exposed mice.

The article reports on the research concerning the connection of environmental toxicity to autism in children and the ways to prevent it in the U.S. Several scientists claims that vaccines preserve with mercury-containing thimerosal as well as dental fillings and coal-burning power plants which is also a source of poisonous mercury can contribute to the cause of autism. It also discusses research on the relation of heavy metal toxicity and autism that uncovers surprising answers such as the research on poryphyrins which shows that these chemicals present in the autistic kids can be increased by in the blood by heavy metal toxicity. It notes the use of biomedical treatments paired with supplements and diets to treat the mental disability.

The article relates the experiences of snowboarders and top winter athletes in the U.S. Alpine skier Steven Nyman who won his first World Cup downhill race, has experienced chasing off-season snow with the U.S. ski team. Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky started skating with the neighborhood kids on a backyard rink that his father built. The 26-year-old pro Gretchen Bleiler, the female snowboarder who has achieved her goals in halfpipe competitions, shares her experience of hitting the slopes at the glacierlines Mount Hood in Oregon, the Southern Alps in New Zealand, and the Andes Mountains in Chile.

The article offers information regarding the trend of green economy in the U.S and futility of the concept for the middle class. The green economy promises well-paying manufacturing jobs of management and sales, opportunities with huge growth potential, and lots of niche positions for enterprising students and job seekers looking for alternative careers. On the upper tiers of the economic ladder, many corporate executives are already jumping into green jobs, and online green job directories are heavy with listings for those with established business experience. In this context it also refers to the Green Jobs Act, which was passed in the House as part of the Energy Bill in August 2007.

Because the National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) was reluctant after the spacecraft Challenger explosion in 1986 to make certain key disclosures, NASA chief Sean O'Keefe has been adamant about conducting the investigation of the destruction of the spacecraft Columbia transparently. The U.S. Air Force produced photos taken during the Columbia's re-entry that appeared to show damage to the left wing, but NASA is not sure. NASA is on trial, and with it, the whole worldwide enterprise of manned spaceflight. In the United States, the political will to send people into space has waned steadily since the moment astronaut Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969. After the September 11, 2002 terrorist attacks it began to seem like an extravagance. For decades, NASA's manned space program has suffered a slow, painful decline. NASA over the years has offered a litany of important jobs--microgravity research, fixing broken satellites in orbit, building a space station. But neither research nor satellite-fixing could ever justify the huge price tag. Perhaps letting the space station die would be a good thing. Scrapping it would free up NASA to send even more robotic probes to the solar system and telescopes peering back to the beginning of the universe. The scientific return on investment would increase.

Profiles John Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo, the men who allegedly shot thirteen people in the sniper attacks in the Washington D.C. area. How the criminals converted a Chevy Caprice as a killing machine; Role of police chief Charles Moose from Montgomery County, Maryland in the media coverage; How Muhammed was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington; Investigation conducted by police in Maryland; Views from criminal psychiatrists about the case; Significance of a murder and robbery in Montgomery, Alabama.

Reports on the rise in childhood obesity in the United States. Factors contributing to childhood obesity, including the rise of video technology; Weight-loss programs for children; Health risks posed to children who are obese; Details of physical and psychological aspects of obesity in children; Percentage of children in the US who are obese; Genetic and social aspects of childhood obesity; Importance of the intervention of parents into the lifestyles of their children.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to the article "Negotiating a Build-Down" in the October 17, 1983 issue, one on the U.S. Immigration Reform and Control bill in the October 17, 1983 and an article that talks about the Nobel Prize award given to William Goldings.

The article reports that burgeoning worldwide market and contamination fears have led to the revival of interest in irradiated food in the U.S. According to a revision in the rules of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2006, food which had undergone irradiation, but not "material change," would no longer have to bear the radura logo, a symbol for irradiation, and companies could replace the word "irradiation" with the more consumer-friendly "pasteurized" or something else innocuous. Industry insiders argue that irradiation is a necessary answer to food-borne illness such as E. coli 0157:H7. Irradiation in the world of fresh produce is still something new, and it's opening the door to American imports of fruits from Thailand and India.

The article focuses on the U.S. National Park Service (NPS)'s plan to start research and conservation initiative at the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park to gain monetary benefits for the U.S. government. The NPS are planning to start the initiative, which it termed as bioprospecting, in view of profits earned by commercial researchers and private companies through conducting research on heat loving microorganism living the park. However, the environmental groups like Edmonds Institute, the Alliance for Wild Rockies, the Wild West Institute have come together to oppose this initiative. They claim that this will cause potential harm and damage to the park's fragile ecosystem. However, the NPS rejects their objections insisting that all the research in the park is closely monitored.

The article reports on the study conducted by the staff members of the American Historical Association evaluating how the agreement with the Office for Human Research Protections fared out in the policies of colleges and universities in the U.S. Most college administrators refused to accept the arrangement with federal authorities and even considered the rules governing oral history as inviolate law. INSET: White Paper Suggests "Mission Creep" Reduces IRB Effectiveness.

Discusses attempts by both the Bush and Kerry campaigns to damage the reputation of their opponents through the use of "slime" tactics. Use of political advertisements on cable and the Web; Impact of the flood of unregulated cash into campaign funds; Suggestion that George W. Bush was protected from going to Vietnam because he was well-connected; Suggestion that if John Kerry is elected the U.S. is more prone to a terrorist attack; Focus on the character and integrity of both candidates; Criticism of Bush's national Guard service and Kerry's Vietnam service.

Reports that Rusty Yates, the husband of murderer Andrea Yates, wants a divorce. Details of Andrea Yates' behavior in prison; How she refuses to eat or drink and is dying in mourning of her children whom she killed; Quotes from friends who have spoken to Andrea Yates.

Focuses on Andrea Yates, her mental illness, and life in prison for drowning her five children in Houston, Texas. The second psychotic setback in prison with her refusal to eat, according to attorney George Parnham; Placement of Yates on suicide watch; Comment of her mother, Karin Kennedy, about Yates' delusions.

Discusses the efforts of organizers to complete large construction projects for the 2003 Super Bowl to be held in Houston, Texas. Consideration of the construction of the hotel Hilton Americas-Houston; Cost of landscaping and various construction projects.

Reports on the trial against the accounting firm, Arthur Andersen LLP. Information on Andersen's defense lawyer Rusty Hardin, and his arguments in defense of the accounting firm; How Hardin may have hurt the U.S. government's case against Andersen.

Focuses on the trial of Andrea Yates of Houston, Texas, who is charged with the murders of her five children. Testimony of Dr. Melissa Ferguson, a forensic psychiatrist who interviewed Yates extensively; Videotape that was shown by prosecutors; Argument of the prosecution; Yate's history of postpartum psychosis; Question of whether Yates received adequate care during her psychotic episodes.

Questions why former Enron executive Clifford Baxter committed suicide. Pressure that was on Baxter following Enron's collapse, including his role as a central figure in the lawsuits and investigations; Comments of former friends and colleagues; Baxter's style; Career highlights; His criticism of Enron's questionable business deals and resignation from the company; Possibility that Baxter's suicide note will yield some answers.

Focuses on the trial of Andrea Yates of Texas, who has pleaded not guilty to drowning her five children by reason of insanity. Relationship between Yates' family and her husband Rusty's family; Background on Yates, whose lawyers claim suffered a psychotic break that led to her acts; Focus of the trial.

Discusses the trial of Houston, Texas mother Andrea Yates who confessed to drowning her children in her family's tub. Approval of judge in the case to allow the jury to hear her taped confession to police; Plea by Yates of not guilty by reason of insanity; Possible punishments for Yates if convicted, including life in prison or death by lethal injection; Comments of Yates' brother Andrew Kennedy regarding his sister's mental state; Attempts by Yates' husband Rusty to talk to the media.

Reports on the arrest of Angel Leoncio Reyes Maturino Resendez, the so-called `railroad killer' in July 1999. Massive manhunt for the serial killer; Allegation that Maturino Resendez killed nine people in the United States; Possible motives for his surrender; Probability that Maturino Resendez will plead insanity; Possibility that Maturino Resendez' family could claim reward money.

The article discusses Texas governor Rick Perry. In an era of rising federal spending under the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, Perry appeals to voters who say they want more freedom and economic growth, and a smaller government. Professor David McComb believes Perry is also attractive to Texans made anxious by the declining proportion of whites in their state. Perry was an early supporter of the U.S. Tea party movement, and claims to have no interest in running for President in 2012.

Discusses the investigation into the destruction of the spacecraft Columbia. Space shuttle debris found throughout Texas and Louisiana; Memorial service attended by U.S. President George W. Bush at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas; Statement that some journalists denounced the administration for wasting money on showy but scientifically trivial manned spaceflights while others condemned the administration for not spending enough; National Aeronautics and Space Administration engineers discuss what could have gone wrong.

Focuses on Kenneth Lay, chairman of the failed Enron Corporation. The deepening scandal concerning his company's collapse; View that Lay knew about Enron's schemes to hide losses and debts; Biographical highlights; Overview of Lay's career, including his merger of two natural gas companies; The corporate culture that Lay created at Enron; Lay's explanation of why he sold stock before the company collapsed.

Discusses the need for prescription drug health insurance coverage for the aged in the United States. Reasons that seniors are spending more for drugs, including the high prices, which remain high because of patent restrictions; Details of the health-care plans of presidential candidates, Al Gore and George W. Bush; Statistics concerning the pharmaceutical industry; Topic of cost-shifting; Assertion that profit margins in the prescription drug industry surpass almost every other major economic sector. INSET: Flo's Big-Dollar Backers, by Mark Hosenball.

Discusses United States authorities' search for Angel Leoncio Reyes-Resendiz, also known as Rafael Resendez-Ramirez, in connection with eight murders. Details of Operation Train Stop, the Houston, Texas-based investigation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); His background and use of rail transportation; Details of the crimes to which he is connected. INSET: Tracking Down a Suspected Killer.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including one on the ObamaCare legislation in the "Washington Slows The Economic Recovery" editorial, one on the ranking of the 200 Leading retailers and the world's top online dealers in the August 2010 issue, and one on the piano market with combined historical perspective and current views of a contemporary panel.

The article presents a guide to donating to organizations involved in tree-planting efforts in the U.S. and internationally. Since the early 1980s, Trees for Life has helped people in developing countries plant and learn how to tend fruit trees. The purchase of Give-a-Tree cards and electronic cards (e-cards) from the Arbor Day Foundation will help support reforesting in U.S. National Forests. Through the Revive a Rainforest Campaign of the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), a $10 donation will plant a tree in Costa Rica's Turrialba region.

The article discusses the challenges faced by U.S. President Barack Obama in dealing with the problem of global warming. According to the fourth annual Energy Pulse study released by the Shelton Group, U.S. citizens take little responsibility for their own increased energy use, are mostly unclear as to the real reasons behind global warming and blame the government, not themselves, for rising energy prices. When the president announced his energy and environment team, he emphasized the need for the country to develop new forms of energy and new ways of using it.

The article discusses how U.S. President George W. Bush is handling the last weeks of his presidency. Topics include an examination of his mood during the transition period, his relationship with members of the Republican Party, such as the one with U.S. Senator John McCain and how he believes history will judge his presidency.

The author reflects on green consumerism in the U.S. She states that green-stamped products, such as lotions, furniture, and clothes have become profitable businesses and more exclusive and expensive goods are hitting the market. She contends that poor people may be paying extra for planet-safe dish soap, while the rich are blowing more on their hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs). She cites that consumerism has become the ultimate guilt-minimizer, a way to enjoy all the comfort of life.

The article reports on the shop World of Good, online at www.worldofgood.com, which brings beautifully handcrafted jewelry, scarves, house-wares and other items to an American audience. It is reported that these products are available through kiosks at Whole Foods, campuses, bookstores and natural food stores nationwide. , The shop, which works with artisan groups in 32 countries, also gives consumers a new purpose in shopping, supporting fair wages, safe work environments and environmentally sustainable practices in the developing world. It is also reported that ten percent of the company's profits go to World of Good's nonprofit development organization, Project Good, which strengthens standards for handcrafts in the fair trade industry.

The article presents information related to the environment-friendly children's footwear which are being produced by the environmental shoe companies in the U.S. It is reported that companies with a green perspective are looking to balance durability and flexibility with materials and methods that are better for the planet. According to Craig Throne, general manager of footwear at outdoor clothing company Patagonia Inc., the first step is that the company is using relatively high recycled content, including rubber off the factory floor. According to Lisa DeMarkis, head of the kid's division at Timberland, which is launching its first line of sustainable kid's shoes in the spring of 2008, even young children are beginning make the connection between their actions and the environment.

Discusses how the United States is preparing for a bioweapons attack. Development of the smallpox vaccine; How U.S. President George W. Bush ordered smallpox vaccinations for U.S. military personnel serving in high-risk areas; Risks of routine vaccination; Views from Donald Miller and Michael Lane about the dangers of the smallpox vaccine.

Discusses how the United States is preparing for a bioweapons attack. Development of the smallpox vaccine; How U.S. President George W. Bush ordered smallpox vaccinations for U.S. military personnel serving in high-risk areas; Risks of routine vaccination; Views from Donald Miller and Michael Lane about the dangers of the smallpox vaccine.

Focuses on United States Vice President Dick Cheney who formerly was a chief executive officer (CEO) at Halliburton Co. Discussion of his absence from the debate on how to reform corporate America, in the wake of business and accounting scandals; History of Cheney's former company, which is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its accounting practices during his tenure; Idea that Cheney's stint at Halliburton shows how CEO make fortunes while shareholders lose out.

Reports on the jailbreak of seven inmates from the John B. Connally prison south of San Antonio, Texas. Details of the escaped men who have robbed a Radio Shack and a sporting goods store since the jailbreak; How it is unusual for inmates to stay together as a group after escaping from a jail; Thought that George Rivas is responsible for keeping the group together.