Top 10 AC News Articles of 2006

Associated Content has, for me, become an often-visited site for current news coverage. Content Producers generally do a good job of writing up quick but informative summaries of the hottest news stories and getting them published on the AC web site while the news is still considered news. Frequently, and this is the part that makes the coverage so much fun to read, content producers add to the articles their own original thoughts on the news stories they are writing about. It's a great way to find out what writers are thinking about the people and events that fill the news airwaves. The articles that follow here are my picks, not in any particular order, for the top ten Associated Content news articles for 2006.

No. 1: Fidel Castro's "Surgery" Never Happened by Wayne McDonald. Written back in August when the rumors about the imminent demise of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro were prominent in the news cycle, Mr. McDonald does a good job of presenting the other side of the story, from the perspective of the Cuban government. Of course, Castro's illness is the result of a CIA plot that was foiled. If you like a little satire, or a funny twist to your news, this is a great article.

No. 2: The Crocodile Hunter Dies Doing What He Loved Best by Rachel Solano. Ms. Solano succinctly gives the facts surrounding Irwin's death and shows his passion and no-holds barred approach with clarity in this news article published in September.

No. 3: Wii Release Date and Price Announced by John Constantine. Published in September, Mr. Constantine laid out all the relevant details for the upcoming release: price, date and components.

No. 4: President Chavez Spews Venom by Kathryn Stoltzfus. A brief summary of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's UN speech that resulted in some interesting comments from readers.

No. 5: This Just In: John Mark Karr Will Not Be Charged in Murder of JonBenet Ramsey by Tim Sexton. Very brief article that does a great job of showing the absurdity of what America considers news.