1) Did the article explain complexities to the issue? This article definitely presented the reader with an explanation concerning the complexities to the issue. Immediately, they present the fact that fusion has been discussed as a “possible revolutionary energy source,” but that there are doubts about the usefulness of lasers to generate the power needed “because the plasma they create could interrupt the fusion.” In creating such high levels of heat to achieve fusion, the lasers used to generate this heat produce plasma. This plasma’s consistency interferes with the target’s ability to absorb the energy and use it as needed. They continue to explain this in further detail later in the article, but conclude that the plasma is, now, not expected to be as much of a problem as suspected. In addition, another issue raised is the complexity of the fact that scientists have been attempting, unsuccessfully, to achieve laser fusion for the past 50 years, due to the extreme conditions that are needed. Now, they are closer to this goal than ever before, due to this new research. 2) Did the article offer a depth of understanding of the issue? There is certainly a wealth of information within this story. It is very informative in terms of defining fusion, explaining previous hurdles with it, the current state of the issue, how they are attempting to overcome their last few hurdles, and what it promises for the future of technology. If one were to approach this article with no knowledge of fusion, plasma, or their correlation, this person would walk away with a general understanding of this process and what it means to the future of technology. It also goes into the specifics of why and how fusion is needed and desired, how it is achieved, and how far we have come in recent years. Having covered all the important details, this article definitely provided a depth of understanding of the issue. 3) Did the article clarify any questions you had about the issue, or did it raise more? It clarified the details about how this process is performed and what is needed for it to work more efficiently. These were the highlights that brought about the most curiosity. At the end of the article, they mention that ignition of the capsule, or the vehicle in which this nuclear fusion will occur, will take place some time this year. This leaves an open door waiting to be shut. It raises the question of “when, exactly, will it be done? What are the final steps in this process? Who will be performing these last phases of this program? Will the public be welcome to attend this historical event, or is it too dangerous of a process? Where will this be happening when it has been finished?” Among other questions, these are would have been useful in completing the story. The more information provided will better inform the reader of the full issue. 4) How will this article impact the public dialogue about the issue? Assuming that this story will mostly circulate in the world of science, at least until fusion has been achieved, it will not create much dialogue in the general public. Although within this scientific world there is most likely quite a buzz generating. Considering that this is such a highly coveted and desired source of energy, and something previously so unfathomable until recently, the assumption can be made that there are many excited people talking about the possibilities the future will hold, and in such a short amount of time from now. Aside from scientists, it can also be assumed that large corporations, (PG&E/ConEdison/BP, or example), are talking about preparations for a more powerful and useful source of energy coming into play, and how they can either get a piece of the pie, or face the possibility of being put out of business. 5) If there was a cultural or racial element to the story, how well did the story promote cross-cultural understanding? There are not many, if any at all, cultural or racial elements to this story. It is very informative, technical, and to the point, leaving no room for discussion of race, and little of culture. However, if one was to consider a scientist and her/his relation to culture, it can be considered that they live in a culture of science. In a way, so do we all. We are living in a scientific, technology driven world and without these elements we could certainly not be where we are today. Within this scientific culture are the people who have made this fusion a possibility. And in generating this story, among others that have been written about it, it has reached into the depths of other cultures, such as those that may not share the same passion for science, but desire to be informed when something historical is happening. Also, with fusion, we may have the ability to revolutionize the way we live and consume energy, forever altering the way in which we all live together on this earth, creating a global cross-cultural event.