• Categories

  • Post Archives

  • Twitter Updates

      > Follow us on Twitter

    • Latest Posts

    • Meta

    Posts Tagged
    ‘Millennials’


    By: coral@rockthevote.com

    NEWS ROUND-UP: Thursday, September 8, 2011

    Thursday, September 8th, 2011

    In today’s news, terrorist attacks strike New Dehli; archeologists find important evidence of evolution; DADT will officially be repealed September 20; and GOP supporters are asking if Perry worked for Gore’s campaign. In entertainment news, Ben & Jerry’s comes out with a ‘Schwetty Balls’ flavor; Nick Jonas is taking on Broadway; and Reese Witherspoon has been hit by a car while jogging.

    Coral + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    After Quake, Virginia Nuclear Plant Takes Stock, http://nyti.ms/phGCrB
    A nuclear plant in North Anna, VA has no protocol for determining whether or not it can hold up after an earthquake. The plant shut down when the East Coast earthquake struck two weeks ago. It appears to only have suffered cosmetic damage. However, officials must determine whether it is safe for the plant to reopen.

    Terror Strikes India, http://bit.ly/pGNLQu
    On Wednesday, a suitcase full of explosives went off in a security line outside of the High Court in New Delhi. The explosion killed a dozen people and injured 90. Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that he and his fellow lawmakers are “determined to track down the perpetrators of this horrific crime and bring them to justice.”

    Now Is the Time for All Good Millennials to Come to the Aid of Their Country, http://huff.to/qMrJ08
    In 2012, the people will be able to choose between two radically different candidates, and the Millennial generation will be a strong influence on this decision. In particular, over 61% of Millennials will be able to vote in the 2012 election.


    USW Applauds Sen. Durbin for Hearing on Voter ID Law, http://bit.ly/oaKZJU
    Illinois Senator Richard Durbin has agreed to chair a Congressional hearing on September 8th to review the impact of the new restrictions placed on voters in several states. These laws shorten the number of early voting days, make it more difficult for third party organizations to register voters, and require state identification be shown at the polls.

    (via Young Democrats of America) On Tuesday, September 20, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) takes effect and the military’s longstanding policy will become history.

    Romney, Perry Pull Ahead at Debate, http://bit.ly/mXSrrv
    Mitt Romney and Rick Perry stole the show at last night’s debate. Ron Paul was left complaining about his lack of questions, while Michele Bachmann spoke only five times in 90 minutes.

    Possible human relative, 2 million years old, a ‘snapshot of evolution in action’, http://wapo.st/qYD6b5
    Researchers have found a male skeleton and a partial female skeleton in a cave 25 miles north of Johannesburg. The skeletons are different from that of humans. The new species has been deemed Australopithecus Sediba, and has been dated back to 1.98 million years ago. The male was built to stand up right and also climb. These skeletons raise a lot of questions as to whether or not they are relatives of humans.

    Rick Perry and Al Gore: What’s the truth?, http://politi.co/r3oDkB

    Supporters of Rick Perry want to know whether or not he worked on Al Gore’s Presidential campaign in 1988. In a posting on Wednesday, PolitiFact said that it was only “half true” or a “legend.”

    CULTURAL:

    It’s True: Ben & Jerry’s Introduces ‘Schweddy Balls’ Ice Cream Flavor, http://n.pr/o7PXi8

    Nick Jonas Heads to Broadway, http://on.mtv.com/oHED2I

    Reese Witherspoon Hit by Car While Jogging, http://bit.ly/pqHKZg
      coral@rockthevote.com
      Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote

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

      Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
      Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


      By: Caitlin Maguire

      News Round-Up: Monday, August 8, 2011

      Monday, August 1st, 2011

      The question begs: are any progressives happy with the last minute debt deal?; the Chinese government has decided to allay its people’s anger with a “media blackout;” friends say the Norway killer is bizarrely obsessed with his appearance; a Mexican drug cartel member has admitted to over 1,500 murders; and new evidence could reveal the identity of elusive plane hi-jacker and parachuter, D.B. Cooper. In 2012 news, young people are displeased with Obama and may never end up liking Huntsman. In the entertainment world: Woody Allen speaks, Fantasia is pregnant, and Kelsey Grammar wants to be Bloomberg?

      Caitlin

      CRUCIAL:

      Debt Deals Offers Only Small Blessings for Economy, http://reut.rs/qef2FI
      Some analysts say that Sunday’s last minute debt deal will not have a big impact on fixing the U.S. economy; in fact, it could still cause the U.S. to lose its triple-A credit rating. The deal calls for $2.4 trillion in cuts, $1.5 of which will be decided by a bi-partisan (and thus, maybe defunct) committee.

      Again, Boehner Needs Votes, http://on.wsj.com/oD50o2
      A debt deal has finally been reached! Well, not so fast. Despite the agreed upon deal being “all cuts” and not raising any taxes, Boehner may have to convince a number of fellow Republicans and moderate Democrats to pass it. Boehner’s 24 hour persuasion deadline may not be enough time; twenty displeased Democrats have already sent a letter to Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, demanding they create a committee to handle more deficit reduction plans.

      Media Blackout in China After Wreck, http://nyti.ms/qcjlNa
      Many Chinese are outraged by the recent high speed train wreck that killed 40 last month. Some are saying that the Chinese government chose to risk lives in the name of technological advancement. The outrage has become so widespread that the Chinese government chose to institute a “media blackout” this weekend; specifically, the government ordered that newspapers replace their investigative articles with cartoons and fluff stories. Many online news site did not follow suit and instead, openly criticized the government’s use of “propaganda.”

      FBI Investigating ‘Promising Lead’ in D.B. Cooper Skyjacking Case, http://bit.ly/oetQKd
      In 1971, a man – dubbed “D.B. Cooper” by the media – “hijacked a Seattle-bound Boeing 727 on Thanksgiving Eve 1971 and parachuted into history from the rear of the plane with $200,000 in cash.” Cooper was never found; however, someone has come forward with fingerprints that may belong to the hi-jacker. The FBI says that the new evidence points to an individual that has never been considered a suspect.

      Norway Massacre: The Real Anders Behring Breivik, http://tgr.ph/q2TR1p
      Ex-friends have revealed to the Telegraph some (unsurprisingly) weird stuff about Anders Behring Breivik, the man who killed 77 in Norway. Specifically, Breivik had gone to America to have a nose job, chin implant, and face lift in order to appear more Aryan. Breivik has also refused to take a mug shot, as he only wants the pictures he has taken of himself to appear in the media. Not to mention, the mass-murderer will only appear in a red Lacoste sweater since his arrest.

      Mexico Drug Cartel Suspect Acosta ‘Admits Killings,’ http://bbc.in/q2SqWF
      Mexican police have arrested Jose Antonio Acosta Hernandez, the leader of La Linea gang – a group that has acted as “hired killers” for the Juarez drug cartel.  Acosta has admitted to ordering the murders of 1,500 people, in addition to 15 teenagers at a party last year and a pregnant U.S. consulate member and her husband.

      New Voter-ID Laws Target Women, http://bit.ly/ntAVuY
      New laws that require voters to show identification at the polls could have a negative effect on women. Specifically, women change their names in almost 90% of marriages and divorces. Married or divorced women will have to show photo identification that has their new last name, or else “they will have to fill out substitute ballots and later return with valid documentation like a certified court document showing a divorce decree or marriage license. ”

      Actor Kal Penn’s Final Thoughts After Leaving the White House: ‘The Score Keeping on Capital Hill’ is a Bummer, http://abcn.ws/pAK4ex
      In his first interview since getting into politics, Kal Penn spoke with ABC News about his work as a White House youth liaison. Penn said he chose to work with Obama after realizing how many friends of his were unemployed or in Iraq or Afghanistan. The “Harold and Kumar” actor has called his time at the White House “awe-inspiring,” but also frustrating: “It is a kind of bummer if you look at the score keeping on the Hill … and what we have been focusing on is getting folks on the same page, focusing on the solutions.” Penn will be returning to Hollywood with a role on the hit TV show, “How I Met Your Mother.”

      Huntsman Courts Young Republicans, http://bit.ly/rlOfGG
      GOP presidential hopeful, Jon Huntsman, has touted himself as “cool,” frequently alluding to his dropping out of high school and playing in a rock band. However, his golden years may be behind him. It seems that Huntsman couldn’t really connect with the group of young Republicans he spoke to in DC last week. The former governor talked about “doing Google” and “the Twitter,” and had to keep looking down at his notes. “He hasn’t really said anything that’s got me excited so far,” said Jeremy Douglas, a recent college graduate.

      In 2012, Youth Voters May Prove Elusive for Obama, http://usat.ly/qAQRKz
      Many Millennials who supported Obama in 2008 are no longer enamored with the president. Many of the 18-29 year-olds that supported and even campaigned for him have been left jobless. The President had promised to end bickering in Washington, but young people have seen the opposite during the debt deal crisis. It seems that the President will have to do something “new” to maintain the Millennial vote in 2012. He is no longer seen as a “fresh face” in politics, and the social media he so aptly used in 2008 has become crowded with Republicans and Democrats alike.

      CULTURAL:

      Woody Allen Finally Lets Down his Guard for PBS, http://lat.ms/pf8ZQJ

      Amy Winehouse was Adopting Girl of 10, http://bit.ly/nnMjMs

      Fantasia Announces her Pregnancy On Stage, http://bit.ly/rpyZTj

      Kelsey Grammar for Mayor of New York?!, http://eonli.ne/n6C5Iz

        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 | Comments Off


        By: Katie Scholick

        News Round-Up: Friday, June 10, 2011

        Friday, June 10th, 2011

        An ex-NSA executive escapes jail time with a plea deal, the U.S. imposes more sanctions on Iran, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates questions the future of our NATO alliance.  Voter ID laws may become more strict in Maine and North Carolina, Iowa Senator Shawn Hamerlinck tells student leaders to “go home,” Millennials are fighting with Baby Boomers for jobs, and the White House tries to rally youth support with roundtables. Also, Newt Gingrich loses much of his campaign staff, and Mitt Romney won’t be making an appearance at the straw polls in Iowa, Florida, or Michigan.

        Caitlin + Katie

        CRUCIAL:

        Ex-NSA official Thomas Drake takes plea deal, http://politi.co/kT7GvX

        Thomas Drake, the former NSA executive, was supposed to go to trial on Monday for ten felony counts of illegally taking classified information to his home and making false statements to investigators and obstructing justice.  However, in exchange for no jail time and a dismissal of all previous charges, Drake agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of exceeding his authorized access to government computers.  This plea deal is a setback for the Obama administration’s campaign against leaks.

        U.S. slaps new sanctions on Iran, http://bit.ly/j4JtQE

        The US is imposing more sanctions on Iran in response to the country’s crackdown on protestors. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted the regime’s hypocrisy of “applauding protesters abroad,” while arresting and executing those in Tehran without due process. Protests started in Iran after the controversial 2009 re-election of President Ahmadinejad and have followed suit with the wave of “Arab Spring” protests throughout the Middle East.

        Gates blasts NATO, questions future of alliance, http://yhoo.it/mTWSoN

        Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the future of our NATO alliance with Europe will be “dim, if not dismal” if European nations continue to neglect their share of the military burden. Even though every NATO nation voted for the recent mission in Libya, shrinking European military budgets have left the US with little support. Gates also noted the 850 non-US NATO troops who have died in Afghanistan, many of whom were the first casualties for their home countries since WWII.

        ‘Go home,’ senator tells student leaders, http://bit.ly/ky5ieq

        Shawn Hamerlinck, a State Senator from Iowa, has landed in hot water after he told student leaders at a state budget hearing to “go home.” The Dixon Republican thanked them for their carefully prepared remarks but told the students, who spoke about rising tuition, to “leave the circus to us” and to not “spend your time worrying about what we’re doing up here.” Iowa Democrats called the comments “disrespectful and insulting,” while Hamerlink’s Republican colleagues defended his reaction to the “parade” of students “looking to spend additional taxpayer dollars.”

        NC House OKs blocking low-interest college loans, http://onforb.es/jSh8Uh

        North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue vetoed a bill to end the financial aid requirement at the state’s community colleges. The state legislature is trying to get around that veto by passing four local bills, which Perdue would not be able to veto. The new laws will allow more than two dozen community colleges the option of refusing to offer low-interest student loans.

        Upside Down: Why Millennials can’t start their careers and baby boomers can’t end theirs, http://bit.ly/mG9rLZ

        Current college graduates are attempting to enter the job market despite a youth unemployment rate above 17%.  At the same time, millions of baby boomers have been forced to delay retirement due to the economy.  These opposing trends create less jobs for young people.

        White House reaches out to youth vote with ’roundtables’, http://bit.ly/m9qjEv

        The Obama campaign is hoping to rally the same support from young voters that proved so successful in 2008. They have already hosted 381 roundtables in 47 states. Many of the roundtables have been with administration officials and sometimes even the President himself. The roundtables are said to be less political and more of the administration listening to young people.

        Poll: Generation Y Divided On Abortion, Like Their Parents, http://n.pr/j6TmW1

        A new poll finds that many members of the Millennial Generation, usually thought of as socially tolerant and politically liberal, have similar attitudes to their parents when it comes to the issue of abortion.  The majority of Millennials are pro-choice (about six in ten), but these statistics show a similarity to those of the general public.

        CULTURAL:

        Kim Kardashian Already Calling Dibs on “K” Baby Names With Fiancé Kris Humphries, http://eonli.ne/khAIeV

        Ja Rule To Begin Prison Term Today; Rapper Speaks On Sentence, http://bit.ly/lQNuIR

        MTV’s ‘Skins’ Remake is Officially Dead, http://bit.ly/luGjpH

        Jack White and Karen Elson Are Divorcing – and Throwing a Party, http://bit.ly/jjMUI7

        Tracy Morgan Apologizes for Anti-Gay Comments at Nashville Show, http://bit.ly/kuzutt

          Katie Scholick
          Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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

          Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
          Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


          By: Katie Scholick

          News Round-Up: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

          Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

          This morning Rock the Vote released its first ever voting system scorecard- a 50 state analysis of laws and policies that have an impact on young voters’ access to the political process.

          Unfortunately, this scorecard reveals that young Americans are being left out of the democratic process because of outdated voter registration practices, barriers encountered when trying to cast a ballot, and our country’s failure to adequately prepare them for active citizenship.

          Rock the Vote President Heather Smith and Senator Jason Carter discuss  the scorecard here: http://huff.to/j46zgP.  Pennsylvania, a state ranked 40th on the scorecard, fails young voters: http://bit.ly/iTmZiy.  You can view the scorecard, key findings, and a link to
          the full report here: http://www.rockthevote.com/research/2011-voting-system-scorecard.html.

          In today’s news, presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty discusses the Obama economy, Facebook has created a controversial, automated photo tagging feature, Nintendo releases a new touch-screen Wii, and Apple’s new iMessage may not go over well with cell carriers.

          Caitlin + Katie

          CRUCIAL:

          Outdated and Failing: Modernizing Our Voting System for the Rising Electorate, http://huff.to/j46zgP

          Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote and Senator Jason Carter discuss the fact that despite the Millennial generation being the largest and most diverse in the country, the outdated voting process presents itself as a huge barrier to young voters.  While states’ voting systems should be constantly improving, it is actually becoming harder for the rising electorate to participate due to differing state laws, ID legislation, same-day registration policies and other road blocks.

          Rock the Vote Voting System Scorecard, http://bit.ly/mmPo75

          Today, aRock the Vote released the Voting System Scorecard, which is a 50 state analysis of how well states are serving the rising electorate leading up to the 2012 elections.  In light of the action around photo ID, early voting, Election Day registration and more, the comprehensive scorecard looks at how states are helping or hurting young voter participation. The national average score was a disappointing 41%.

          Rock The Vote: Pa. Fails Young Voters, http://bit.ly/iTmZiy

          Pennsylvania is among one of the worst states for voting based on the Rock the Vote Scorecard.  Pennsylvania received this low ranking because it does not offer same-day and online voter registration, mandatory civics education or voter pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds.

          ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’ blogger detained, http://wapo.st/jEiUC0

          Syrian American, Amina Arraf is a popular, lesbian blogger in Damascus, Syria. Monday evening Arraf was captured by three armed men in central Damascus and has not been heard from since. Her family has not been able to find out which of the 18 branches of the security services is holding her.

          Republican freshmen spend big bucks on cars, PR,           http://politi.co/k93tES

          Having just recently been elected, many House Republican freshmen are spending large sums of taxpayer money on items such as $1,000-a-month car leases, mass mailings, and expensive online advertising contracts. They have been called hypocritical as they publicly call for budget cuts and pared-back government spending. These spending habits contrast other Republican rookies who have decided to not lease cars or take part in unnecessary congressional spending with taxpayer money.

          Jason Derulo Teaches High School Students About Democracy for Rock the Vote, http://bit.ly/iJVAs7

          Jason Derulo surprised students at Bronx Guild High School when he came and taught Democracy Class with Rock the Vote!

          Is Increased Debt Inflating The Self-Esteem Of Recent Grads?, http://huff.to/j46zgP

          While the average college graduate finishes school with about $25,000 of debt, these high costs might actually increase self-esteem. Specifically, people view debt from education as an investment in their future selves.  Debt can help young people achieve goals, such as a college education, that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.

          Pawlenty Prescribes Economic Rehab for Obama, http://bit.ly/jouRHI

          GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty said that President Obama “needs to go to rehab” if he thinks the economy is recovering. The comments came during what was described as the most important economic speech of his campaign, given in Obama’s home city of Chicago. Pawlenty has promised to cut costs and scale back unnecessary government services. Obama advisor David Axelrod has challenged Pawlenty to defend his handling of Minnesota’s finances.

          Facebook’s Automated Photo Tagging Prompts EU Probe, http://on.mash.to/iTSP2g

          Facebook’s new facial recognition software saves users time by guessing which friends are in their pictures. Users must confirm the names before the friends are tagged, and the feature can be deactivated. European Union regulators are worried about the privacy risks. Microsoft, Google and Yahoo have also faced EU scrutiny in the past for their privacy policies.

          Countering Video Game Rivals, Nintendo Introduces a Touch-Screen Wii,           http://nyti.ms/jG4zwU

          Nintendo announced a new hand-held, touch-screen Wii video game console that has the ability to control play through motion. Nintendo has also added a camera, microphone and speaker to the device.  The new controller can both be used as a second screen, or to mirror the game on a big screen.

          Will cell carriers allow iMessage?, http://bit.ly/mhE2rD

          Apple’s new “iMessage” service will compete with not only BlackBerry’s hugely popular BBM service, but also with regular texting. This won’t make carriers like AT&T and Verizon happy, who make huge profits on expensive SMS plans and only heard about the new service when Apple announced it to the public. iMessage, which will allow iPhone, iPod and iPad users to communicate for free could decrease texting by as much as 12%.

          CULTURAL:

          (via Cynopsis) Announced at a press conference yesterday in Switzerland, the International Olympic Committee granted NBCUniversal the US television rights to the next four Olympic Games through 2020.  The agreement has NBCU paying $4.4 billion for the rights to continue being the US media home of the major global sporting event.  FOX and ABC/ESPN also submitted bids for the Olympics.

          OMG it’s a social tattoo, http://bit.ly/iNLpvk

          Dirk Nowitzki fights off fever to rally Mavs past Heat, even Finals at 2, http://es.pn/lKRGLN

            Katie Scholick
            Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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

            Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
            Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


            By: Caitlin Maguire

            News Round-Up: Tuesday, May 17, 2011

            Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

            Media outlets are reporting a hodge-podge of scandals and politics today. Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted to fathering a child with a household staffer, the IMF Chief says his sexual relations with a hotel maid were consensual, and the Queen arrives in Ireland after officials detonated a bomb discovered there the night prior. Meanwhile in U.S politics, Trump is out of the presidential race; Romney is raking in the dough; and Gingrich is ruffling GOP feathers. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is pregnant according to her father-in law; will she follow in the footsteps of an Israeli Facebook obsessed couple and name her baby “Like”?

            Maegan + Caitlin

            CRUCIAL:

            IMF Chief Claims Consent In Hotel ‘Attack,’ http://nyp.st/iVMGt5

            Lawyers for Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the IMF, are arguing that the sexual encounter he is facing charges for was actually consensual. The hospital examinations for the hotel maid pressing charges support that Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted her.

            Syria Denies ‘Mass Grave’ Claims, http://bit.ly/kNnqIT

            Citizens of Daraa, the Syrian city recently targeted in government attacks, has found a mass grave with thirteen bodies in it. The Syrian government is denying involvement with the grave despite hundreds of people deemed missing in Daraa since the sieges.

            Schwarzenegger Fathered A Child With Longtime Member Of Household Staff,             http://lat.ms/m3tINy

            On the heels of his split with Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted that he fathered a child with a household staff member over a decade ago. He has secretly been financially supporting the child.

            Queen Arrives In Ireland After Bomb Discovery, http://bit.ly/ifec3S

            A bomb was discovered and safely detonated in Ireland last night. Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Ireland today, marking a monarch’s first visit to the country since it became independent. The two incidents may be related as an Irish dissident group threatened to bomb central London on Monday.

            Unemployed, Educated, and Indebted: More Millennials Seeking Work Outside U.S., http://usat.ly/l1Zte1

            With a bleak job market, inability to find work, and rising student debt, Millennials are venturing to other countries for job opportunities.

            Mitt Romney’s Money Machine Cranks Up, http://politi.co/lwFzRg

            Mitt Romney’s campaign has been and might continue to be unmatched in its fundraising for the GOP race. The Romney campaign raked in $10.25 million from a call-a-thon it held yesterday.

            Donald Trump Exit Signals End To Silly Season, http://politi.co/lOYP3n

            After Donald Trump announced yesterday that he will not run for President in 2012, the GOP is signaling the beginning of a serious 2012 Republican Field.

            The Wall Street Journal’s “Gingrich To House GOP: Drop Dead,” http://on.wsj.com/lHLnxp

            CULTURAL:

            Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Pregnant, Says Father-in Law, http://bit.ly/kMRAFK

            Beauty Pageant Girl, Eight, Given Botox By Her Mother Is Taken Into Care, http://bit.ly/jNkeXP

            ‘Family Guy’ Creator To Give Modern Spin To ‘Flintstones,’ http://lat.ms/lAtsPg

            Facebook Inspires Israeli Couple To Name Baby ‘Like,’ http://bbc.in/jTNagH

            The Situation Sues Dad, http://bit.ly/l4AI7d

              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 | 1 Comment »

              « Older Entries