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    News Round-Up: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

    Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

    If you missed it over the holiday weekend, the New York Times had a front page story on the War on Voting: http://nyti.ms/iWiJnb

    In today’s news, the Afghan President has said no to NATO, bankers and hotel maids are back in the headlines, and an Egyptian general admits to ‘virginity checks’ on female protestors.

    Meanwhile, OSU football coach Jim Tressel retires after Sports Illustrated revealed that he let his team trade memorabilia for, tattoos (of all things); all the more reason to text, the WHO admits that cell phones may cause brain cancer; Snooki drives a car and ends up in a neck brace; and the Hangover Part II is really, really lucrative.

    Maegan + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Second Banker in Hotel Sex Bust, http://nyp.st/kCsRWW

    Another banker and hotel maid? The former head of Egypt’s Bank of Alexandria has been arrested for trying to have sexual relations with a maid at The Pierre Hotel in NYC. After she gave him a fake phone number, he graciously let her leave.

    Afghan President Seeks to Limit NATO Airstrikes, http://yhoo.it/iynkPH

    Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that he will no longer allow NATO airstrikes on civilians’ homes. NATO has said that it will comply, and that it checks all plans of airstrikes with Afghan officials beforehand. A NATO spokeswoman also noted that many insurgents use civilians as shields.

    Egyptian General Admits ‘Virginity Checks’ Conducted on Protestors, http://bit.ly/lFoM0q

    According to an Amnesty International report, seventeen female protestors arrested last spring in Egypt “were subjected to beatings, electric shocks, strip searches, and virginity checks.” An anonymous Egyptian general is now confirming this report.

    Republican Legislators Push to Tighten Voting Rules, http://nyti.ms/iWiJnb

    Featured on the front page of this Sunday’s NY Times, the article notes that Republicans are pushing restrictive voter legislation under the radar in a number of states. Because this legislation is being passed in between election seasons, voters may be unaware of the new rules until they are turned away on Election Day.

    Mobile Phones ‘Possibly Carcinogenic’ Say World Health Organization Experts,
    http://bit.ly/lFLMu2

    The Agency for Research on Cancer, backed by the World Health Organization, has admitted that cell phones may cause brain cancer. The agency will send its findings to the World Health Organization and national health agencies for their review and subsequent advice regarding cell phone usage.

    Sports Illustrated Investigation Reveals Eight-Year Pattern of Violations Under Tressel, http://bit.ly/lKTavl

    Ohio State University’s football coach Jim Tressel has resigned after Sports Illustrated published a lengthy investigation of different scandals that knowingly went on under his watch. The scandals violate NCAA rules and include 28 players trading memorabilia for items such as tattoos and marijuana.

    Apple CEO Jobs to Unveil iCloud Service, New iPad Software, http://buswk.co/mC57IO

    At the annual Apple conference on June 6, CEO Steve Jobs will unveil new software for the iPad, iPhone, and Mac computers. He will also reveal iCloud, which will allow users to store content online.

    David Brooks tells new grads “It’s Not About You,” http://nyti.ms/mpt4rl

    CULTURAL:

    Royal Tour: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s  14,000-Mile First Official Trip, http://bit.ly/jbt5Du

    Singer Sean Kingston Stable after Jet Ski Accident, http://bit.ly/iwJB4k

    Snooki Loses License, Faces Possible Lawsuit after Crash, http://bit.ly/kA0qqQ

    Why did ‘The Hangover Part II’ Make Such an Ungodly Amount of Money?, http://bit.ly/miWDnz

    (via Cynopsis) Actor Jeff Conaway, 60, best known for his role on classic TV series Taxi and for playing the rebellious Kenickie in the mega-hit 1978 movie musical Grease, died last Friday.  Mr. Conaway appeared on the hit TV series Taxi, playing struggling vain actor Bobby Wheeler from 1978 to 1981; he left the show for its last two seasons.  Following Taxi, Mr. Conway appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful in 1989 and Babylon 5 in the 1990s.  For his fans, confirmation of his long fight with addiction to alcohol, cocaine and painkillers became apparent when he appeared in two seasons of VH1′s Celebrity Rehab series as one of Dr. Drew Pinsky’s most heartbreaking and difficult cases.    In 1980, Mr. Conaway married Olivia Newton-John’s sister, Rona and they had a son named Emerson. The couple divorced in 1985.

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



    News Round-Up: Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

    As President Obama looks toward his 50th birthday in August, Politico looks at how his personal narrative has shifted from a story of youthful ambition to a gray-haired political veteran. Meanwhile, the young generation he is credited with inspiring in 2008 says in a new poll that while they are happy with their lives, the country’s strained economic situation is brutalizing their financial health and personal and professional options.

    In other news, Leader Boehner plans to resume defending the Defense of Marriage Act in the House (as opposed to Dept of Justice, which is no longer defending the policy), journalism’s highest honor – the Pulitzer Prizes – announced winners yesterday, the NYT’s David Brooks explains the Trump Presidential Phenomenon with surprisingly deep analysis, the ‘Three Cups of Tea’ author acknowledges some inconsistencies in his widely read book, and the Duke Lacrosse accuser is charged with murder in her boyfriend’s death.

    CRUCIAL:

    Wistful Barack Obama Faces Turning 50http://politi.co/gdJ1oo

    As President Obama’s fiftieth birthday approaches, he often references his graying hair and tired eyes, remarks that make him more relate-able to the public as he ages. The President has said that although he is an older, familiar candidate now, his spirit is still the same as it was 2008.

    Poll: Young Adults Happy With Their Lives But Not With Their Financeshttp://bit.ly/fr7xDj

    Graduating from college during tough economic times leave young people feeling as though achieving the lifestyle they desire will be much more difficult than in was in years past. While they may be struggling with the economy, young people are happier than older generations, according to the poll.

    Boehner Seeks to Redirect Justice Funds to Defend Marriage Acthttp://bit.ly/fcNaxK

    Boehner suggested that he plans to “redirect funds from the Justice Department to argue for the Defense of Marriage Act in court.” Boehner and Pelosi are heated over the issue and have exchanged several letters back and forth.

    Mortenson Admits There Were ‘Discrepancies’ in ‘Three Cups of Tea’,  http://bit.ly/gtWwq3

    The author of the widely read ‘Three Cups of Tea’ book admits to simplifying as well as making up part of the book detailing his experiences in Pakistan. Mortenson placed much of the blame on his co-author David Oliver Relin, and claimed that he objected to the compression of some events.

    Duke Lacrosse Accuser Charged With Murder in Boyfriend’s Stabbinghttp://bit.ly/hMtkbY

    Crystal Mangum, who generated media buzz after accusing Duke Lacrosse players of rape in 2006 was charged with the murder of her boyfriend on Monday after he died as a result stab wounds five days earlier.

    2012 Presidential Election: Obama Struggles, Ditto for GOP Lineuphttp://abcn.ws/fRMAm8

    With the worsening view of the economy, President Obama ‘s approval ratings have dropped significantly, with 57 percent disapproving of the job he is going to aid economic growth. Given that a GOP all star candidate has yet to emerge, it is difficult to interpret what this rating may mean for 2012.

    Pulitzer Prize winners announced yesterday: http://www.pulitzer.org/

    David Brooks on why Trump’s outspoken ways can be appealing: http://nyti.ms/gdBE3S

    CULTURAL:

    Which star is making his way to ‘Idol’ next?: http://eonli.ne/eZwkOA

    Jennifer Hudson shows off her new bod: http://bit.ly/fsXPKR

    ‘Captain America’ Chris Evans Talks Body Transformation: http://huff.to/gfYa2h

    Teen Mom’s Leah Pulls Plug on Marriage, Divorcing Corey After Six Months: http://eonli.ne/icFk8M

    Daniel Radcliffe admires Lady Gaga’s gay rights advocacy: http://bit.ly/e2sb6w

    Simon Cowell Trades One ‘X Factor’ for Another: http://nyti.ms/fKRAXY

    Kristin Andrews
    Bio: Kristin is Rock the Vote's Communications Intern

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



    News Round-Up: Tuesday, April 5, 2011

    Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

    As 2012 speculation sparks political insiders to salivate over possible scenarios for the next presidential electoral match up, reality looms. At the center is Wisconsin Rep Paul Ryan, who today released a massive proposal to cut $6 trillion from the country’s budget in what he argues will be a step toward eliminating our national debt and avoiding government shutdown, which could happen on Friday. With all that big news to digest, don’t let this headline fly under the radar: The Federal Trade Commission is considering launching an investigation of Google.

    Meanwhile, the GOP continues to go Hollywood, with E! announcing it will produce a True Hollywood Story episode on Sarah Palin, T-Paw courting young voters with Lady Gaga jokes in public speeches, and um, it turns out The Governator cartoon is not a joke after all.

    CRUCIAL:

    The GOP Path to Prosperityhttp://on.wsj.com/h8d4R7

    Paul Ryan writes on the GOP budget proposal, and breaks down the benefits of his plan, including the creation of a million private-sector jobs, and increasing economic growth. He explains how the cuts would affect everything from Medicare and Medicaid to tax reform.

    Obama Calls Boehner to White House to Talk Budgethttp://yhoo.it/eMfAVQ

    With a continued threat of a government shutdown, President Obama plans to meet with Boehner today to discuss the budget and how to avoid the shutdown.The White House is preparing in the event that a shutdown does occur if a deal is not reached.

    Google Said to Be Possible Target of U.S. FTC Antitrust Probehttp://bloom.bg/fnuP0Z

    Once the Justice Department reveals whether it will allow Google’s travel search site, or whether it would eliminate competition in the industry, The Federal Trade Commission will decide whether to investigate Google for anti-competitive actions. 

    Sarah Palin to Be Subject of Tabloid Documentaryhttp://usat.ly/eVHMVr

    Sarah Palin will be on E! True Hollywood Story this month, a show which features celebrity documentaries.

    Social Media Let Candidates Bypass Traditional Mediahttp://bo.st/fZOrlz

    Candidates in the 2012 race have already shown the prominent role online tools and social media will play in their campaigns. With many time and cost saving benefits, social media will aid in the use of traditional media to bolster candidates outreach.

    Tim Pawlenty Appeals to College Republicans With Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga Referenceshttp://bit.ly/gjNik3

    Pawlenty made a “winning” reference to Charlie Sheen, but wasn’t able to keep the youth connection up with a not so successful joke about Lady Gaga, calling the relationship between Obama and the youth vote a “Bad Romance.”

    David Brooks lauds Paul Ryan’s budget proposal: http://nyti.ms/dLrH6A

    CULTURAL:

    UConn takes the NCAA title: http://nyti.ms/egI65C

    It wasn’t an April Fools joke, the Governator to take cartoon form: http://bit.ly/dPm6sE

    Miley returns to Twitter: http://aol.it/hLZWGt

    Facebook’s Sean Parker gets engaged: http://bit.ly/ezao7S

    Harry Potter’s Bonnie Wright talks filming the epilogue: http://on.mtv.com/hU0xaS

    Will and Jaden Smith sign on to new project with M. Night Shyamalan: http://eonli.ne/hDNp1h

    Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label expands overseas: http://bit.ly/hwcm1R

    Was Julia Child a spy?: http://usat.ly/iazjXY

    Kristin Andrews
    Bio: Kristin is Rock the Vote's Communications Intern

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



    News Round-Up: Monday, March 7, 2011

    Monday, March 7th, 2011

    The Washington Post details the War on Young Voters taking place in states across the country: http://wapo.st/edchbo

    Elsewhere in today’s news, Defense Secretary Gates heads to Afghanistan to examine the state of the war, Twitter’s valuation hits $7.7 billion, Glenn Beck causes a fissure at FOX and speculation looms about him leaving the network, the real Mayor Emanuel meets his Twitter imposter, and Gwyneth is recording a country album (!).

    CRUCIAL:

    Libyan Rebels Try to Regroup After Setback, http://huff.to/dReMky

    Gadaffi and his supporters made advances on rebel groups on Sunday using air attacks as the situation in Libya worsens.

    Wisc. Senate Democrats to Return Soon, Lawmaker Says, http://wapo.st/f3nj1K

    Democrats are rumored to return soon to vote on the bill that would take away collective bargaining rights from unions. State Senator Jauch believes that it will be chance to “hold the Republicans responsible for their actions.”

    White House Seeks to Allay Muslims’ Fears on Terror Hearings, http://nyti.ms/eBgLpa

    Many protested in Time Square surrounding the hearing Rep. Pete King has brought to the table surrounding about extremism starting in the states. Many Muslims feel that such a bill will further stereotypes and promote negative imagery.

    In States, Parties Clash Over Voting Law that Call for IDs, Limits on Where College Students Can Cast Ballots, http://wapo.st/edchbo

    Voter ID laws in states across the country are making it harder for many groups, including college students to vote. These laws are said to stop voter fraud, although it is rarely reported, and will instead cost states millions.

    Private Trading Raises Twitter Valuation to $7.7 Billion, http://on.mash.to/eeTFPp

    The latest estimate of Twitter’s value is almost double what it was in January, with shares of stock selling at $34.50.

    Huckabee Narrowly Leads the GOP Presidential Pack Among Fox News Viewers, http://aol.it/gstOnC

    Huckabee leads by a narrow margin in a Fox News poll conducted to see who Republican regular viewers, occasional viewers, and non-viewers would choose for the presidential nomination.

    David Brooks’ new book ‘The Social Animal talks about why we live the way we do’: http://on.msnbc.com/h7yxQR

    Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaks out about low performing schools: http://bit.ly/gWw06s

    Glenn Beck’s time on Fox might be nearing the end: http://nyti.ms/f39dyf

    Michael Moore argues that America is not broke: http://huff.to/gALRuB

    CULTURAL:

    Katy Perry ties Mariah Carey and Santana longest run in Billboard top ten list: http://bit.ly/f7FFnI

    Gwyneth Paltrow to release country album: http://nyp.st/h1S72z

    Phil Collins quits music for health reasons: http://bit.ly/egM9x4

    Charlie Sheen’s goddess gets tattoo of his signature: http://bit.ly/dNk1ME

    Miley Cyrus as Justin Bieber on SNL: http://huff.to/dSzcoq

    Steve Carell has officially left The Office: http://huff.to/eZqelj

    Rahm Emanuel and his fake twitter counterpart meet: http://politi.co/ieZHjt

    Kristin Andrews
    Bio: Kristin is Rock the Vote's Communications Intern

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