Archive For June 2010
Petraeus May Recommend Obama Ditch July 2011 Deadline
on June 30, 2010 by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
Round-up of AfPak news, Petraeus edition.
Petraeus may recommend Obama shelve July 2011 deadline. At his confirmation hearing, Gen. David Petraeus told senators that while he currently endorses Obama’s strategy, he may, based on the situation he finds on the ground in Afghanistan, propose “tweaks, refinements, [and] perhaps some significant changes” to that strategy later in the year. When defending the rationale for the deadline, Petraeus said, “I’m convinced it was not just for domestic political purposes. It was for audiences in Kabul, who, again, needed to be reminded that we won’t be there forever.” [AP]
My Only Expertise Is Rage: Cyril Vetter and James Carville Radio Interview
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
Interview w/ Cyril Vetter and James Carville begins at 7:45
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrkf/local-wrkf-909826.mp3
Big Victory in the House, but Big Fight Remains
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
Today, in a historic vote, the House of Representatives passed financial reform legislation that, nearly two years after the reckless behavior of the Big Banks took our economy to the edge of the abyss and cost eight million Americans their jobs, will begin to rein in the Big Banks, bring transparency to Wall Street, and protect consumers. This was an important victory for the American people and came in the face of overwhelming opposition from the Big Banks. It is a very significant step to build on for accountability bringing a voice for Main Street.
Today’s victory would not have been possible without the millions of Americans who stood up and demanded action, or the numerous organizations that have fought for these changes.
World Cup: Quarterfinals Preview
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
The World Cup is moving right along, and it’s hard to believe that we are already in the quarterfinals. With some time off before matches resume on Friday, here is a quick primer on each of the four games.
Game 1: Brazil vs. Netherlands (Friday, 10:00 AM on ESPN)
Cigarette Tax Goes Up, But Will Smokers Quit?
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
With the proposed increased tax, a pack of cigarettes in New York City will be as high as $12.00. For the pack a day smoker, the monthly cost of 336.00 could be adversely life changing. Yet I believe that most adults, even those in financial distress will continue to support their habit. Some companies will not hire smokers and will fire anyone who does smoke because of the additional costs to their health care. In this economy, jobs are hard to come by yet I believe most smokers will risk their jobs to keep smoking.
According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, over $96 billion is spent on public and private health care combined and each American household spends $630 a year in federal and state taxes due to smoking.
Shrek: Promoting Healthy, or Mindless, Eating?
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
It’s likely that you’ve noticed the explosion of Shrek food products on the market since the release of the new movie a few weeks ago. His face has popped up everywhere. However, on further investigation, he seems a little confused. Shrek has been sending very conflicting message to kids about how to eat.
On one hand, he is making it cool to eat veggies again. In the Wall Street Journal, a recent article explained why onion sales have been doing so well (up 30 to 35 percent). If you’ve seen the original Shrek movie, you may remember that Shrek compared ogres to onions. As Shrek munches on an onion he tells Donkey that, “ogres are like onions … we both have layers.” Since Shrek likes onions, it was not a far stretch to work Shrek into the packaging and marketing of onions. Not surprisingly, Vadalia onion sales, with the Shrek packaging, are up. Kids are even clamoring for onions when they see Shrek on the packaging.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do — Even More So With a Friend
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
“Experts at Manchester University claim the bonds of friendship are so deep that splitting with even unwanted pals leads to ‘terrible’ guilt. And women in particular find it more traumatic to dump their friends than they do their lovers,” reported The Daily Telegraph on April 13.
Friendship breakups are a loaded topic. No matter which side you’re on–the dumper or the dumpee–they’re often fraught with guilt and betrayal and lingering “what-did-I-do-wrong” questions. And even when it’s quite obvious what was done wrong–she slept with your man, you threw her under the bus in front of the boss–ending a friendship can seem pretty harsh. In my own relationships, even when there have been times where I thought, “I just need to end this,” I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Too stressful. Too … mean.
Let’s Put Discovery Back into Our Science Classrooms!
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
It’s funny what inspires one toward a career in science or engineering.
Kary Mullins who earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, says it was the experience of growing up in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina that did it for him. There, in a more simple and idyllic time than today, he had the freedom to build and launch his own rockets, and to dream while exploring the biodiversity in the woods, the swamp and the orchards near his home.
Travel Warning Deters Some From Summer Study In Mexico
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
The far reaching implications of continued drug-related violence in Mexico has hit study abroad programs this summer.
A travel advisory extended twice since March finds colleges tasked with determining whether to continue studies in areas not affected by the violence or to suspend all programs in the country until the advisory is lifted.
Alleged Russian Spies (PHOTOS): Guide To The 11 Suspects
on by Jude Emantsal in Other News, Comments (0)
Whether or not the 11 alleged Russian spies arrested this week ever succeeded at the task of espionage, they certainly did manage to pull off the trick of passing for run of the mill, mundane Americans.
The Los Angeles Times perhaps best captured the banality of the alleged spy ring’s lives when it wrote: “The group led mundane lives far from the James Bond image. Instead of car chases and shootouts, they paid taxes, haggled over mortgages, and struggled to remember computer passwords.”