Our Week In The Web: October 10, 2014

First things first — it was Russian President Vladimir Putin's 62nd birthday this week, and he celebrated with a fantastic "Hercules" themed art exhibit. You should investigate the magic of this collection elsewhere on the Internet this weekend.  But also, we couldn't help but notice how concerned many of you were earlier this week after we posted a fun excerpt of a Monday interview about the massive cultural influence of the George Lucas "Star Wars" franchise. Rather than defend our choices, we think we should turn to our very wise — and completely unprompted / unpaid — Facebook fan, Adam Mermer. His comments are posted below, but he understands our aims and interests and, most importantly, appreciates what we hope to provide to our digital audiences. So thank you, Adam. We're glad you *get* us. Bring some others along with you, if you have the time!

1. How America Has Lost Its Way (October 7, 2014)

2.Week In The News: Secret Service, Hong Kong, Ebola In America (October 3, 2014)

3. What America Must Do To Stop Ebola, Now (October 8, 2014)

4. The Noble Reign Of Music's Prince (October 3, 2014)

5. Kansas Turns Topsy-Turvy In Midterm Election (October 7, 2014)

"Nothing 'just happened' for Sonia Sotomayor; she was an agent for herself." — Joan Biskupic

"'There's a bit of Casablanca-effect here; moderate Republicans are 'Shocked, shocked Brownback is so conservative!'" — Bob Beatty

"As a youngster, salsa was the music I heard coming from every window in the South Bronx." — Oscar Hernandez

"We aren't in Seattle's shadow, we bask in their glow." — Marilyn Strickland

"I’m so proud to hear our mayor, @MickCornett, representing our great city on @OnPointRadio!" (@ddemoss)

"How am I supposed to work with such great music playing in the background? I can't stay in my seat!" (@spellucci)

"Wow. Sure are a lot of people that apparently never actually listen to 'On Point.' It's not a 'News Show' but one that discusses a broad range of topics and how they relate to society. The question is actually a fairly deep one when you think about it. 'Can an artist change the nature of their work after it's been released?' Han clearly shot first back in '77 but is the original release canon? Or did the special editions supplant it? How you answer that question can relate to your view of many things. Interpretations of a great many documents, fictional or otherwise. When does a work of art stop being the possession of the artist and become part of the culture?'" (Adam Mermer)

This spot-on behind-the-scenes look at what being a Morning Edition producer is really like. (Travis Larchuck / Twitter)