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    News Round-Up: Thursday, January 26, 2012


    By: Caitlin Maguire
    January 26th, 2012

    Jan Brewer and President Obama have a heated exchange; two buildings collapse in Rio de Janeiro; Gingrich’s campaign admits they had no witnesses to counter Marianne Gingrich’s claims; and more information has come to light about the harsh working conditions in Chinese Apple factories. Meanwhile, Demi Moore may have been doing whip-its before her hospitalization; a Dwight Schrute spinoff is in the works; and Pat Sajak admits to hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ drunk.

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Brewer, Obama exchange tense words over book, immigration at airport, http://bit.ly/yuvZ8e
    President Obama and Republican Arizona Governor Jan Brewer got into a heated argument immediately after the president arrived at the Phoenix airport yesterday. Brewer told the media that Obama was upset that her recent book did not paint him in the best light. She went on to add that he admitted he did not read the whole thing and that he walked away from her before she finished speaking. At one point, Brewer heatedly pointed her finger in the president’s face. When asked how she felt about the interaction, Brewer said, “I’ll regroup.”

    Rio de Janeiro building collapse rescue continues, http://bbc.in/xkpaSL
    Two buildings have collapsed in Rio de Janeiro including one that was twenty stories high. Five people have been rescued, nineteen are missing, and three have died. The cause of the collapse is unknown, although witnesses say there was a strong smell of gas and an explosion similar to an earthquake. Three months ago, a suspected gas explosion at a Rio restaurant left three people dead.

    (via Chicago Tribune) Secretary of State Schultz to unveil voter ID bill, Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz plans to unveil a voter identification bill at Statehouse news conference. Schultz, a Republican, has scheduled an announcement Thursday morning on a voter ID bill. The issue was central to his successful 2010 campaign for secretary of state.  http://trib.in/w9xKzf

    Gingrich campaign admits error, http://bit.ly/xNb9G8
    When asked about his ex-wife’s claims that he wanted an open marriage, Newt Gingrich responded that the allegations were false and that his campaign had several witnesses to counter Marianne Gingrich’s story, which had been released to ABC News. When ABC said no witnesses came forward besides Gingrich’s two daughters who are regular campaign fixtures, Gingrich retorted that ABC’s claims were “just baloney.” Now Gingrich’s Campaign secretary R.C. Hammond is admitting that ABC was actually right, and Gingrich was mistaken. Hammond says that the only witnesses to come forward were in fact Gingrich’s daughters who  are from separate marriages than the one in question.

    In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad, http://nyti.ms/xO5Upg
    Maybe we shouldn’t be so excited about iPhone 5 rumors after all? The New York Times has investigated the Chinese factories producing Apple products and have found less than desirable conditions. Apple’s audits show that hundreds of its supply factories in China require workers, some as young as 15, to work more than 60 hours a week. Despite the almost deadly conditions, less than 15 factories have been shut down due to transgressions. “You can either manufacture in comfortable, worker-friendly factories, or you can reinvent the product every year, and make it better and faster and cheaper, which requires factories that seem harsh by American standards,” a current Apple executive told the Times. “And right now, customers care more about a new iPhone than working conditions in China.”

    Ray LaHood’s son barred from leaving Egypt, http://politi.co/xHf4Gr
    Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s son, Sam LaHood, and at least four other U.S. citizens are currently not allowed to leave Egypt after security forces raided the offices of Washington-backed groups that are monitoring the country’s elections. The security forces raided 17 foreign nongovernmental organizations on December 29 in an effort to seek out “foreign influences” behind recent protests. LaHood is the director of one of the groups, called Egyptian program of the International Republican Institute, which is closely connected to Republican Congressional leadership. LaHood and the other IRI employees have not been given a reason as to why they cannot leave. Their passports have not been taken.

    Aboriginal activists attack Gillard, Abbott on Australia Day, http://bit.ly/xUMRJE
    Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was caught in a protest during yesterday’s Australia Day. The 200 demonstrators were advocating for Aboriginal rights outside of a restaurant where Gillard was officiating a ceremony. The protest became rowdy, causing Gillard to lose a shoe and be pulled away by security officers. Afterwards, Gillard said she was made of “pretty tough stuff” and thanked the police for their service. A senior Aboriginal leader condemned the protestors for their aggression.

    CULTURAL:

    Dwight Schrute Spin-Off From ‘The Office’ In Works, http://on.mtv.com/zlLMIK

    Pat Sajak: I’ve Been Drunk on ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ http://bit.ly/xinVze

    Documentary on Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ screens at Sundance, http://lat.ms/zvliId

    James Farentino dies at 73; prolific TV actor, http://lat.ms/zeOQqW

    Demi Moore Doing “Whip-Its” Before Rushed to Hospital, http://bsun.md/x6HVyP

     

      Caitlin Maguire
      Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
      @caitlinmagu
      Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

      Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

      News Round-Up: Wednesday, January 25, 2012


      By: Kelly Holleran
      January 25th, 2012

      U.S. Navy SEALs who killed Osama bin Laden save two people in a Somali raid; Obama’s State of the Union address shows poll approval, but commentators are largely critical; and Michelle Bachmann will seek another term in the House while Gabrielle Giffords will not. Meanwhile, Demi Moore has been hospitalized, and Alex Ovechkin pulls out of the NHL All-Star game.

      Kelly + Caitlin

      CRUCIAL:

      U.S. military raid in Somalia frees Dane, American, http://usat.ly/yjMnKT
      The same team of U.S. Navy SEALs that killed Osama bin Laden have rescued one American and one Dane hostage in Somalia. Nine Somali kidnappers were killed during the raid and both hostages remained unharmed. Obama, after giving his SOTU, called the American hostage’s father to let him know his daughter was finally safe.

      Gabrielle Giffords bids an emotional farewell to Congress, http://lat.ms/wrtYga
      Amidst a standing ovation and a heart-felt hug from Obama, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords graced the House floor one last time last night. Giffords was shot in the head one year ago when a gunman opened fire at a public event outside of a Tucson grocery store. Giffords will cast her final vote on a bill that will give the Homeland Security Department greater ability to go after ultralight planes suspected of transporting narcotics from Mexico.

      Bachmann says she’ll seek fourth term in House, http://usat.ly/A6qjki
      Despite her failed presidential bid, Michelle Bachmann announced that she will seek a fourth term in the U.S. House. Bachmann’s announcement came out during a critical interview over Obama’s State of the Union Speech.

      Christie Wants Voters to Decide on Gay Marriage, http://nyti.ms/zzWgdy
      Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey announced that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage and instead has asked NJ’s state legislature to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide.

      (via ThinkProgress) Missouri House Committee Passes Voter ID Bill, Republicans Hold Near Veto-Proof Majority, Missouri may soon join a growing group of states that have enacted laws requiring citizens to present a certain form of photo identification before being permitted to cast a ballot. On Tuesday, the Missouri House Committee on Elections voted 7-3 in favor of Rep. Shane Schoeller’s (R) voter ID bill. The party line vote now sends the legislation to the floor, where it will almost certainly pass the Republican-controlled House with ease, http://bit.ly/xg9u8p

      Scotland: Let 16-year-olds vote on independence, http://bit.ly/wTn71C
      Scotland First Minister has announced that 16 and 17-year-olds should be eligible to cast ballots in a referendum on Scottish independence from Britain.

      CULTURAL:

      Demi Moore Rushed to Hopital for Substance Abuse, http://bit.ly/y0Wra9

      Alex Ovechkin pulls out of NHL All-Star game: ‘I got suspended, so why I have to go there?’ http://thedc.com/yiNMGG

      Vanessa Paradis Addresses Johnny Depp ‘Rumors,’ http://bit.ly/xDowak

      Music has a greater presence at Sundance festival, http://bit.ly/xKA4VF

        Kelly Holleran
        Bio:

        Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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        Last Night’s State of the Union


        By: KristinKenney
        January 25th, 2012

        Tonight was the first time I actually sat down and watched a State of the Union speech.  At first, I thought it would be like any other somewhat dull and self-serving speech that you hear from a politician.  However, I was surprised to find myself immediately in rapt when President Obama began the State of the Union speaking about the war in Iraq and the veterans that have come home or are in the midst of returning.  Hearing the President talk confidently about the end of the war in Iraq and welcoming home our troops confirmed that veterans like myself and my friends and family members that did not make it home were truly being honored by our fellow Americans.  Veterans have been through so many trials and tribulations; it was humbling to hear the President tell America, “[i]magine what we could accomplish if we followed [the military’s] example.”  It truly felt good to have the President state that America could learn something from little ole’ me.

        The issue of college affordability and student loans also struck a chord with me.  The President even challenged college presidents “to stop tuition from going up” and that “Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July.”  I know how hard it is to find not only a job that pays the bills — especially when you choose to serve rather than to go to college — but also to obtain an education that provides the skills that employers need.  Hearing that it might be easier to pay for college and obtain the job skills needed to survive in the 21st century workforce really resonated with me.  There are just so many obstacles that veterans have to overcome to re-enter civilian life, and all of that felt a little less burdensome when I heard the President say he had plans to take action on these issues.

        The President also spoke about the importance of staying in school and “call[ed] on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen.”  Speaking for myself, I truly wish that my home state had required me to graduate from high school.  I wish I could have walked across the stage to receive my high school diploma instead of just obtaining a GED.  With no other option but to stay in school, I would have strived harder and made more out of the education at my fingertips.  I know we all have regrets, but none of those regrets should include anything about one’s education.  The President’s right; youth shouldn’t be given the option to just drop out when things get tough. I think a mandate like that would be better for the youth of tomorrow, don’t you?

        During the end of the State of the Union, the President spoke again about service and mentioned the importance of unity within the service and the United States. It was touching when he spoke about what the American flag from the Navy SEALs meant to him.  As the President said, when we serve, we are a family, and it’s imperative that we have each other’s “backs.” In the army, we worked hard and as the old service proverb goes, we truly “rise and fall together and no one is left behind!” According to the President, that kind of unity will keep America on top.  Do you think these are the basic values that we have been missing for much of this past decade?  Let’s hear from you, America — now is the time to speak up!

          KristinKenney
          Bio: Kristin is an intern with Rock the Vote.

          Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

          Tags: , ,
          Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

          News Round-Up: Tuesday, January 24, 2012


          By: Caitlin Maguire
          January 24th, 2012

          Arab League observers will soon leave Syria; secret tapes from JFK’s last day have been released; and Mitt Romney’s tax returns are revealed. Meanwhile, 2012 Oscar nominations are out; Tracy Morgan is back at work; and Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were pleasantly surprised by their pregnancy news.

          Caitlin

          CRUCIAL:

          Gulf Arab states to pull observers from Syria, http://bbc.in/zLYu8K
          The Gulf Cooperation Council is preparing to withdraw from Syria causing the Arab League to lose six more observers. The withdrawal comes after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad refused the observers’ proposal that he relinquish power to a deputy and add opposition to the government. Assad called the proposition “flagrant interference.” The head of the observers says their mission is succeeding; however, a Kuwaiti newspaper is reporting that the GCC does not want to be “false witnesses to crimes committed against civilians.” The members of the council, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, are urging the U.N. Security Council to to take “all needed measures … to press Syria to implement the Arab League and the Arab initiative on Syria.”

          Secret tapes of JFK’s last days released, http://on.msnbc.com/yF68SC
          President John F. Kennedy’s library has released the last 45 hours of his secret tapes that include conversations between him and others regarding Vietnam, Soviet relations, the space race, and his reelection. The tapes are part of 260 hours of private meetings and phone conversations that JFK had recorded. In these last 45 hours, which took place during the final months of his life, Kennedy worries about the disconnect between Washington and the rest of America and discusses reaching young voters. At one point, he introduces Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to his children, Caroline and John Jr.

          (via The Los Angeles Times) Texas’ attorney general announced Monday that the state has sued in federal court for permission to enforce its controversial voter identification law. “The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that voter identification laws are constitutional,” Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott said in a statement released to The Times. “Texas should be allowed the same authority other states have to protect the integrity of elections. To fast-track that authority, Texas is taking legal action in a D.C. court seeking approval of its voter identification law.” http://lat.ms/zhRXa7

          Mitt Romney’s tax returns shed some light on his investment wealth, http://wapo.st/z2bklG
          Mitt Romney has released a preview of his tax returns to The Washington Post showing  that he made $20.9 million from profits, dividends, and investment interests in 2011. In 2010, Romney paid a 13.9 percent tax rate or $3 million, and in 2011, he paid 15.4 percent. The documents also show that Romney has a Swiss bank account and foreign investments in Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Cayman Islands, all of which are legally taxed and bring in little income. His overall net worth is between $190 million and $250 million.

          Julian Assange says he’s launching TV talk show, http://apne.ws/ziJ3ud
          According to a statement from Wikileaks, founder Julian Assange is launching a TV talk show that will  “draw together controversial voices from across the political spectrum – iconoclasts, visionaries and power insiders—each to offer a window on the world tomorrow.” The statement did not mention how the TV show will be produced or distributed.

          Costa Concordia: oil salvage operation under way, http://tgr.ph/yrZFIO
          Salvage operations have begun on the Costa Concordia. The crew is inspecting the ship from the inside while another team pumps oil on to an outside barge. It will take four to six weeks to completely empty the fuel. Two more bodies were discovered yesterday, bringing the death toll to 15. 20 people are still missing.

          Strongest solar storm since 2005 hitting Earth, http://yhoo.it/w7ZnLs
          Earth is currently in the strongest solar storm since 2005. The solar flare began Sunday night and will most likely continue through tomorrow. Radiation from the storm may cause satellite disruptions or communication problems for polar-travelling airplanes. However, effects on earth will not be felt. In 1989, a solar storm caused a blackout in Quebec, and last year a freak storm caused auroras to be seen as far south as Alabama.

          CULTURAL:

          Oscars nominations 2012: ‘Hugo,’ ‘The Artist’ dominate the field, http://lat.ms/wD56V5

          Disney changes dress code to allow employees to grow beards, http://lat.ms/zaWw1i

          ‘The Boss’ to perform at Jazz Fest, http://bit.ly/zKJ35B

          Tracy Morgan: Out of Hospital, Back at Work on ’30 Rock,’ http://reut.rs/wumpQP

          Kristin Cavallari, Jay Cutler reportedly surprised by pregnancy, http://bit.ly/A3p2KA

           

            Caitlin Maguire
            Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
            @caitlinmagu
            Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

            Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
            Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

            News Round-Up: Friday, January 20, 2012


            By: Caitlin Maguire
            January 20th, 2012

            France threatens to remove troops from Afghanistan; Iran shuts down toy stores for selling Barbie dolls; Gingrich releases his tax returns; and time to start paying for Showtime and HBO, the U.S. government has shut down Megaupload. Meanwhile, President Obama makes our “entertainment” section again this week – this time for singing Al Green at a fundraiser.

            Caitlin

            CRUCIAL: 

            France threatens to pull its troops out of Afghanistan early, http://usat.ly/x55oyw
            France has threatened to pull its troops out of Afghanistan after an Afghan troop killed four French NATO personnel. The deaths bring the number of French casualties in Afghanistan to 82. “The French army is not in Afghanistan so that Afghan soldiers can shoot at them,” President Sarkozy said. Afghan President Hamid Karzai will meet with Sarkozy in Paris next week. Six NATO soldiers were killed in a separate helicopter crash early this morning. Early signs indicate that they were Americans.

            Iran shuts down shops selling Barbie dolls, http://apne.ws/wct2rX
            Iran has confiscated Barbie dolls and shut down dozens of toy stores for selling them. An unnamed Iranian police official said that this marks a “new phase” in the country’s crackdown against “manifestations of Western culture.” Iran has banned the sale of Barbie dolls since the mid-1990s.

            Gingrich paid just under $1M in taxes for 2010, http://usat.ly/yvNyHC
            Gingrich kept his promise and released his tax return for 2010 during last night’s GOP debate. He paid taxes of $994,708 on an adjusted gross income of $3,142,066. On Wednesday, Gingrich said he paid an effective tax rate of 31% while Mitt Romney admitted earlier this week that he pays “closer to 15%.” Gingrich also said that if he were to debate Obama, it would be a battle of knowledge and a teleprompter. After being booed, Romney said he would release his tax returns once he’s the nominee. Ron Paul noted that he’s too embarrassed to show his numbers next to Romney and Gingrich while Santorum said his taxes are on his home computer.

            Treasure haul as N.Z. police raid Megaupload guru, http://bit.ly/wSPIGB
            Yesterday, New Zealand police raided the fortified mansion of Megaupload founder “Kim Dotcom,” who is now being accused of online piracy in one of the largest cases of of copyright theft in U.S. history.  Armed officers arrested Kim Schmitz, a 37-year-old German citizen with New Zealand and Hong Kong residency, denying him bail with three other men on Friday in a court appearance. Police seized a pink Cadillac, a sawed-off shotgun, and froze millions of dollars in cash after raiding Schmitz’s mansion. The U.S. government shut down Megaupload yesterday causing a hacking sweep of government websites.

            Senior al Qaeda figure killed in drone strike, http://reut.rs/wdbxtT
            U.S. officials said Thursday that a “senior operations organizer” for al Qaeda was killed by a drone strike in Pakistan last week. Aslam Awan was the last member of a Pakistan-based al Qaeda cell that Pakistani police have been trying to eliminate since 2008.

            Wildfire Near Reno Destroys More Than 20 Homes, http://nyti.ms/z5bt5P
            More than 10,000 people had to evacuate their homes Thursday after a brush fire became out of control in Reno, Nevada. The fire started Thursday and has already damaged several homes. 82 mph winds caused the brush fire to become fast-moving. The area had gone a record 56 days without rain before a snowfall occurred earlier this week.

            (via POLITICO) The Supreme Court has thrown out the Texas redistricting maps drawn by a San Antonio federal court. “Because it is unclear whether the District Court for the Western District of Texas followed the appropriate standards in drawing interim maps for the 2012 Texas elections, the orders implementing those maps are vacated,” the court wrote in its decision.

            CULTURAL: 

            President Obama sings Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ http://usat.ly/xNdcME

            Elton John’s Husband Backtracks On Madonna Statements, http://on.mtv.com/zFAsXQ

            Lana Del Rey: ‘I Don’t Love Live Television,’ http://on.mtv.com/wUXnFP

            This year’s Sundance shorts go online, http://usat.ly/xAkgnT

              Caitlin Maguire
              Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
              @caitlinmagu
              Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

              Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
              Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

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