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    Archive for January, 2011


    By: Maeve Coyle

    News Round-Up: Wednesday, January 26, 2011

    Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

    The Congressional Budget Office released a report stating the deficit will likely reach an unprecedented $1.5 trillion this year, President Obama is set to address gun control issues soon, and “Skins” creator Bryan Elsley defends the increasingly controversial show.

    CRUCIAL:

    After jobs-focused speech, Obama to tour Wisconsin factories: http://wapo.st/hgN7Kx

    President Obama travels to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, today to tour local businesses and factories.  This is Obama’s second economy- focused trip this month.  He is scheduled to travel to Schenectady, NY again later this week.

    David Plouffe: President Obama will address guns: http://politi.co/h62tul

    Although President Obama did not touch on gun control issues in his State of the Union address, senior advisor David Plouffe said late Tuesday that Obama will address gun control issues soon.

    CBO report: US budget deficit to reach $1.5 trillion, highest ever: http://wapo.st/hRoezt

    A recently released CBO report estimates that the budget deficit will reach $1.5 trillion this year, the biggest budget gap in history.

    Financial meltdown was ‘avoidable,’ crisis panel finds: http://huff.to/ieKxXK

    The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission will release a report on Thursday stating that the financial meltdown in the US could have been avoided.  The report states that the crisis was a result of excessive risk taking in Washington.

    Google says it plans to hire more than 6,000 in 2011: http://bit.ly/e2S0Ym

    Google plans to hire more than 6,000 employees this year to fight off rivals such as Facebook.

    CULTURAL:

    Glee Stars Chord Overstreet and Naya Rivera “Hooked Up” in Vegas: http://eonli.ne/f8S6sw

    Ochocinco No Mo’: http://bit.ly/hcwiMN

    Wiz Khalifa Announces New Album Release Date: http://bit.ly/eg5gta

    Outgoing Google CEO Eric Schmidt Keeps Door Open For TV Job: http://bit.ly/icMmvd

    The Men Who May Take Regis Philbin’s Seat on Live!: http://bit.ly/hLR1sI

    Why I Created Skins: http://huff.to/fldgkY

      Maeve Coyle
      Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
      @mmcoyle
      Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

      Posted in News Round-Up | Comments Off


      By: Maegan Carberry

      Tonight’s State of the Union

      Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

      It’s one of the most anticipated nights of the year in DC, when President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress. Our nation’s capital is bustling with energy as administration officials, legislators and their staff members, reporters and other key political players prepare to dissect the vision that will be presented for our country in 2011.

      Rock the Vote will be watching the speech at the New Organizing Institute, and after the programming we’ll share our reactions along with our friends at the League of Young Voters Education Fund and AllHipHop.com. You can watch us break it down live on UStream here beginning at 8:15pm EST. (*For DC locals: Come join us at 10pm at the 18th Street Lounge to debrief over drinks if you want to keep the conversation going.)

      In his address tonight, President Obama is expected to challenge members of Congress to work together and silence popular notions that the next two years will be marked by political gridlock.  He will also emphasize a “competitiveness” initiative that will help the country regain its status as the world’s most influential economy and create jobs. Other things to look for: plans to reach out to Republicans and work more closely with the business community, removing troops from Iraq by the end of this year and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan (a process that is expected to start in July and continue through 2014), energy and climate change policies in the wake of the Gulf Oil Spill, and other pressing issues ranging from immigration reform, gun control and equal rights.

      The GOP rebuttal will be given by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan. If you’d like to better familiarize yourself with him, visit his official House site or his Prosperity Project initiative.

      For live updates throughout the speech tonight, follow @rockthevote on Twitter and check back on the blog tomorrow for a follow up post on important State of the Union coverage.

        Maegan Carberry
        Bio: Maegan is Communications Director of Rock the Vote.
        @maegancarberry
        Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

        Posted in Barack Obama, Congress, State of the Union | 1 Comment »


        By: Maeve Coyle

        News Round-Up: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

        Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

        President Obama’s top environmental advisor Carol Browner announced last night that she will leave the White House in the coming weeks, the US military can’t find any link between Army Specialist Bradley Manning and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, and the Jersey Shore cast heads back to their native land Italy for the fourth season.

        CRUCIAL:

        Carol Browner to leave White House: http://politi.co/i9VIgT

        President Obama’s top energy and environmental advisor Carol Browner announced yesterday that she plans to leave the White House in the coming weeks.

        US can’t link Army private to Assange: http://on.msnbc.com/hk49zi

        US military officials have been unable to determine any connection between Army Specialist Bradley Manning and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.  Manning was previously thought to have leaked thousands of Iraq war documents to Wikileaks.

        Chevron accused of ‘world’s worst oil-related disaster’: alleged evidence submitted in lawsuit: http://huff.to/fiyH6R

        Tens of thousands of residents in Ecuador are suing Chevron, claiming the company created the ‘world’s worst oil- related disaster.’  The company may be liable for up to $113 billion.

        Food industry unveils plan for nutrition labels on package fronts: http://wapo.st/ihYwyd

        On Monday, the food industry rolled out a plan to put nutrition information on the front of food packages.  Though this has been a priority for the FDA for a few years, the administration is unhappy with the way it is being executed, saying the labels frame nutrition information in a way that makes unhealthy food seem nutritious.

        GOP lawmakers planning meeting to explore alternatives in Afghan War: http://huff.to/gNPFzz

        On Monday, Reps. Walter Jones (NC), Ron Paul (Texas) and Jimmy Duncan (Tenn.) sent a letter to all Republican House members inviting them to a Feb 16th meeting to discuss alternative plans in Afghanistan.

        CULTURAL:

        Kristen Bell Is the New Face of Neutrogena: http://eonli.ne/hSig1C

        Leighton Meester Spills on Single Life—And Her Future With Chuck Bass!: http://eonli.ne/h9q0TC

        Nicki Minaj And Lil’ Wayne Announce Tour Dates!: http://bit.ly/fcqR2D

        50 Cent Joins The Film Biz, Starts A Production Company: http://bit.ly/fLi2ac

        Former MTV Execs Tony DiSanto & Liz Gateley Unveil New Company, First Slate: http://bit.ly/fScXxJ

        MTV Greenlights Fourth Season Of ‘Jersey Shore’, Sends The Gang To Italy: http://bit.ly/evtc9E

        Kate Middleton Quits Her Job: http://bit.ly/gDYefi

          Maeve Coyle
          Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
          @mmcoyle
          Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

          Posted in News Round-Up | 1 Comment »


          By: Maeve Coyle

          News Round- Up: Monday, January 24, 2011

          Monday, January 24th, 2011

          In today’s news, Senate Republicans may be able to force a health care repeal vote, a suicide bomber attacks Moscow’s Domodedov airport, and Justin Beiber’s famous locks aren’t cheap.

          CRUCIAL:

          Dick Durbin admits Senate may face health care repeal vote: http://huff.to/fZ1ZhS

          Though Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has repeatedly said he will not bring a health care repeal vote to the Senate, Republicans may be able to force a vote.

          Moscow airport explosion: http://huff.to/etmegu

          An explosion shook Moscow’s Domodedovo airport earlier today.  CNN reports that 31 were killed and another 130 were injured by a suicide bomber.

          Jim DeMint, Chris Christie skipping CPAC 2011: http://huff.to/ezKBZE

          Organizers of the Conservative Political Action Conference are allowing GOProud, a gay Republican group, to participate in this year’s conference.  Leading conservatives Senator Jim DeMint and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will not be attending the event.

          Google critic calls for probe: http://politi.co/hur3dF

          The Consumer Watchdog group has asked Rep. Darrell Issa to bring former Google CEO Eric Schmidt before his oversight committee this year, claiming that Google has inappropriately benefitted from ties to the Obama administration.

          Public universities relying more on tuition than state money: http://nyti.ms/hKMhV4

          Public universities are experiencing a shift in budgeting because of the recession- most state university budget needs are now covered by tuition rather than state appropriations.  The rising tuition costs are a growing concern for most college students.

          Rahm Emanuel booted off Chicago mayoral ballot: http://politi.co/hFPIOB

          A panel of judges ruled today that Rahm Emanuel does not meet the residency requirements to run for mayor.   He is currently off the ballot.

          NH tea party win a sign for 2012?: http://politi.co/ed5K93

          Sunday’s victory by tea party favorite Jack Kimball in the NH GOP chairman’s race indicates that the tea party movement isn’t fading away.  The victory signals that the tea party could reshape the 2012 GOP presidential race.

          Twitter diplomacy: US diplomacy embracing Twitter amid global crises: http://huff.to/h3eyZb

          America’s diplomacy has stepped up efforts on online social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter as they recognize the increasingly influential roles the sites play around the world.

          CULTURAL:

          Sandra Bullock Gears Up for Her Next Movie: http://bit.ly/dLONcx

          What Is Oprah Winfrey’s Big Family Secret?: http://bit.ly/dYErLq

          Nicki Minaj, In A Latex Suit, Chased From Buckingham Palace By The Bobbies?: http://bit.ly/hYu10H

          Bill Clinton Hobnobs With Cameron Diaz, A-Rod and Chad Ochocinco in Miami: http://eonli.ne/eFse6g

          Being Justin Bieber’s Hair Is Expensive: http://bit.ly/hznJQh

          Kelly Osbourne Is Madonna’s New Material Girl!: http://bit.ly/flEAcv

          Six Degrees Of ‘Skins’, ‘NYPD Blue’ & PTC: Behind MTV Series’ “Porn” Controversy: http://bit.ly/eKtr4M

            Maeve Coyle
            Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
            @mmcoyle
            Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

            Posted in News Round-Up, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »


            By: Maeve Coyle

            News Round- Up: Friday, January 21, 2011

            Friday, January 21st, 2011

            In today’s news, House Republicans are drafting a new healthcare bill, Google CEO Eric Schmidt steps down, Obama moves 2012 campaign headquarters to Chicago and Beyonce will star in Clint Eastwood’s remake of “A Star is Born.”

            CRUCIAL:

            GE’s Immalt to head Obama economic advisory board: http://lat.ms/h5wkv3

            President Obama travels to Schenectady, NY today to name GE CEO Jeff Immalt the chairman of the new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.  The new council will advise the president on job- creation policies and long- term economic growth strategies.

            House to begin work on health care law substitute: http://bit.ly/idGKeY

            House Republicans are drafting new health care legislation after Wednesday’s successful House repeal vote.  There is no timeline for the unveiling of the new bill, but the process will most likely last through the 2012 election season.

            Eric Schmidt to step down as Google CEO: http://politi.co/gvYPkH

            Google CEO Eric Schmidt announced yesterday that he is stepping down from his post, saying he will take on a more outward looking focus.

            Obama will move political operations to Chicago: http://nyti.ms/fxHvmk

            President Obama plans to move reelection campaign headquarters from Washington to Chicago, a first for modern day reelection campaigns.

            CULTURAL:

            Jay-Z Opens Oprah’s Mind To Rap Music: http://bit.ly/dW2qrK

            Clint Eastwood to Direct Beyonce in ‘A Star is Born’ Remake: http://bit.ly/h1wrED

            All This New Media Attention Makes Natalie Portman a Little “Uneasy”: http://eonli.ne/ikiolA

            Piers Morgan Falls To Third Place On Day 3: http://bit.ly/eghuhU

            ‘The Iceman’ Draws Killer Cast: Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro, James Franco: http://bit.ly/fD1Njs

            Ivanka Trump Is Pregnant!: http://bit.ly/ejvwOV

              Maeve Coyle
              Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
              @mmcoyle
              Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

              Posted in News Round-Up, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

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