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    Posts Tagged
    ‘Qaddafi’


    By: Katie Scholick

    News Round-Up: Monday, June 27, 2011

    Monday, June 27th, 2011

    The celebrations continue after gay marriage was legalized in New York on Friday, the Dodgers file for bankruptcy, Obama is trying to raise the debt ceiling, and the Souris River has flooded to new records in North Dakota.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    (via POLITICO Breaking News from Jun 25, 2011 at 12:15 AM)     New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed the bill legalizing gay marriage in the Empire State, more than doubling the population of Americans for whom same-sex nuptials are available. The law will go into effect in New York in 30 days, and when it does, gay marriage will be legal in six states and Washington, D.C.

    TSA stands by officers after pat-down of elderly woman in Florida, http://bit.ly/ih3ADH

    The TSA is defending its officers after a 95-year-old Florida woman was required to take off her adult diaper to get through airport security. According to the TSA, the officers acted “according to proper procedure,” but the woman’s daughter argued that “if this is your procedure…your procedure needs to be changed.”

    Dodgers Owner Files for Team Bankruptcy,     http://on.wsj.com/j5lCuC

    The Los Angeles Dodgers filed for bankruptcy in order to not be taken over by Major League Baseball.  Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig rejected a 17-year $2.7 billion deal with Fox Sports because Dodgers owner Frank McCourt planned to use $150 million to settle his divorce with his former wife and pay outstanding debts.

    Congressional Week Ahead: Obama Enters Budget Talks,     http://nyti.ms/iriwsE

    President Obama is meeting with the Majority and Minority leaders of the Senate this week to try and work out a deal to raise the debt ceiling before August 2nd, when the Treasury says the country will default for the first time in history. Republicans in the House refuse to raise taxes, but any package with only budget cuts will likely fail in the Democratic Senate.

    Global arrest warrant issued for Qaddafi, son, http://bit.ly/jSVKHG

    Arrest warrants are out for Libyan leader Muammar al Qaddafi, his son Saif al Islam Qaddafi, and Qaddafi’s brother-in-law and Libya’s head of intelligence, Abdullah Al-Senussi, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court has stated that all 116 nations of the Court are obliged, under the Rome Statute, to arrest Qaddafi and turn him over to the court.

    Souris River crests in North Dakota, surging past 1881 mark, http://usat.ly/k9lf5s

    The Souris River in North Dakota flooded this weekend, peaking at 1,562 feet above sea level. That’s 4 feet higher than the previous record, which was set in 1881. Over ten thousand residents have bee evacuated, and four thousand homes have been swamped. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the slow-moving river could take a “long long time” to return to normal and allow the community to recover.

    (via POLITICO Breaking News)     Rep. Michele Bachmann formally launched her presidential campaign Monday morning. “My name is Michelle Bachmann, I stand here among my family and many friends to announce formally my candidacy for president of the United States,” she told a crowd of supporters in Waterloo, Iowa. The three-term Minnesota congresswoman, who’s running in a dead-heat with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney in Iowa according to Saturday’s Des Moines Register poll, is launching an announcement tour that will also include stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

    Atop TV Sets, a Power Drain That Runs Nonstop, http://nyti.ms/iv6g10

    There are 160 million DVRs in America and according to a new report, those little boxes use more energy than refrigerators. Some even use more power than AC systems, since the boxes’ drives are running 24 hours a day, even when nobody is watching the TV. This means that they waste 66% of the $3 billion in energy they cost to run.

    CULTURAL:

    Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket sells for $1.8m at auction, http://bit.ly/iwe0GQ

    Chris Brown & Rihanna In BET Awards Screw-Up, http://bit.ly/iQT7Mb

    William & Kate Feel the Love at Wimbledon, http://bit.ly/kDYkFU

    ‘Cars 2′ Parks At #1 For Weekend Box-Office Debut, http://on.mtv.com/jFysk4

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

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

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    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Katie Scholick

    News Round-Up: Friday, June 24, 2011

    Friday, June 24th, 2011

    The House rejects a resolution to formally authorize a U.S. military intervention in Libya, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor walks out of debt negotiations, three men are arrested before carrying out a terrorist plot in Seattle, and Qaddafi is ‘seriously considering’ fleeing Tripoli.

    Also, the Ohio Senate and Pennsylvania House have passed legislation requiring voters to show photo ids at the polls, while North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue has vetoed a photo ID bill.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    (via POLITICO Breaking News) The House has rejected a resolution that would have formally authorized the U.S. military intervention in Libya, a rebuke of President Barack Obama’s policy in the north African country. The vote was 123-295. The House will also vote later Friday to cut off funding for the Libya conflict.

    Cantor’s exit leaves debt talks up to Boehner, Obama to get deal, http://bit.ly/kjPC1q

    House Majority Leader Eric Cantor walked out on Vice President Biden’s negotiations over the debt yesterday.  Leaders on both sides say the impasse is due to Republicans’ opposition to all tax hikes.

    Accused Seattle attackers wanted media attention,     http://bit.ly/mrCtJm

    “Three Muslim Males Walk Into MEPS Building, Seattle, Washington, And Gun Down Everybody.” That’s the headline a pair of would-be-terrorists envisioned on the newspaper stands, had they not been arrested before they could carry it out. Seattle police foiled the plot after a third partner alerted the authorities.

    Qaddafi ‘Seriously Considering’ Fleeing Tripoli, U.S. Officials Say, http://fxn.ws/il0th2

    NATO forces have Libyan dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi on the ropes, with sources saying the leader is “seriously considering” fleeing Tripoli.

    Pennsylvania House backs photo-ID bill for voters, http://bit.ly/igLSoC

    After almost 10 hours of debate over three days, a bill passed in the Pennsylvania House that requires voters to show photo ID at the polls. Rep. Daryl Metcalfe says the bill will cut down voter fraud; yet Democrats argue that voter fraud is not a problem, and that the bill will instead disfranchise thousands of eligible voters.

    Perdue vetoes ID bill for N.C. voters,     http://bit.ly/lsnIN3

    North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue vetoed a photo ID bill yesterday, saying that “North Carolinians who are eligible to vote have a constitutionally guaranteed right to cast their ballots, and no one should put up obstacles to citizens exercising that right.” Her fellow Democrats argued that the Republican-passed measure would decrease voter participation.

    Senate OKs elections revamp, http://bit.ly/j0Q9ME

    The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that requires voters to show photo ID before casting a ballot. This bill will also shorten early voting, prohibit Franklin County and others from mailing unsolicited absentee ballots to all registered voters, and move the presidential primary from March to May.

    Presidential Candidate Huntsman Opens Up HQ in Orlando,     http://bit.ly/kS7yDO

    GOP Presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman isn’t taking the usual route to the nomination. He skipped the straw pole in first-in-the-nation Iowa, and is looking to New Hampshire to make his mark. He also opened a headquarters in Orlando, focusing his energies on the Florida primary. The presidential hopeful has said that he wants to target young voters.

    Arrest Puts Spotlight on Brazen Hacking Group LulzSec, http://nyti.ms/iLIDTp

    19-year-old Ryan Cleary of the UK has been accused of being a “young criminal mastermind” behind the actions of his hacking group “Lulz Security.” He reportedly has hacked British organized crime agency websites in an effort to protest and antagonize his targets.

    CULTURAL:

    Cavaliers make Irving No. 1 pick; Timberwolves take Williams No. 2,  http://bit.ly/kK36mO

    Oprah Winfrey Gets Schooled in South Africa, http://eonli.ne/kJqz7s

    Hugh Hefner: Anna Sophia Berglund Is ‘One in a Million,’ http://bit.ly/mrRIae

    The White House Pulls Colbert’s Naturalization Ceremony, http://bit.ly/m8WjKm

    Supreme Court Rules Against Anna Nicole Smith Estate, http://aol.it/kdlgXn

    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: Kristin Andrews

    News Round-Up: Monday, April 4, 2011

    Monday, April 4th, 2011

    President Obama announced his reelection campaign via digital media, while perhaps his most charismatic and moderate GOP challenger, Jon Huntsman, scores an amusing profile in Politico that details his years as a keyboardist in a rock band. Politico also outlines the Dem plot to take back the house in 2012, and New York mag considers whether Eric Cantor is positioning himself at the helm of a Tea Party House takeover that could undermine John Boehner. Jeffery Toobin weighs in on Supreme Court rulings over campaign finance laws http://nyr.kr/i27ozB that will shape this election.

    Qaddafi’s sons want to take over in Libya, a large hacking job this weekend left enormous number of customers email addresses exposed, a CBS exec confirmed Katie Couric’s farewell, the Daily Beast has all the details you need about the people’s princess, Kate, and country bumpkin Taylor Swift won entertainer of the year at the ACM Awards last night.

    CRUCIAL:

    Obama Launches Reelection Campaign With Video, http://politi.co/esmMCb

    Obama launched his campaign for 2012 today, and is scheduled to begin fundraising in Chicago on April 14th. Obama is currently focused on using grassroots support to start up his campaign and he launched a video featuring supporters who give their reasons for backing the president. Obama does not appear in the initial video.

    Jon Huntsman, The Rock and Roll Years, http://politi.co/geImZv

    Jon Huntsman’s unconventional past consists of dropping out of high school and playing in a band, which makes him a unique potential candidate for either the 2012 or 2016 race. His brother and the Horizon PAC are laying the groundwork for a run while he fulfills his time as Ambassador to China.

    Dems Plot House 2012 Comeback, http://bit.ly/eaMmFs

    In districts that usually vote Democratic during election years, Democrats are hoping to take back many of the 14 seats currently occupied by Republicans.

    2 Qaddafi Sons Are Said to Offer Plan to Push Father Out, http://nyti.ms/h0SmV7

    In a plan proposed by two of Qaddafi’s sons, one son Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, would take over the country and help its transformation to a constitutional democracy. It seems as if Qaddafi may be ready to end the fighting in Libya, and agree to transitioning power to his son, although he has not agreed to step down.

    More Customers Exposed as Big Data Breach Grows,  http://reut.rs/gLHh3Y

    A variety of companies using Epsilon, which is an “online marketing unit of Alliance Data Systems” were hacked, and email addresses of tons of people were exposed. No other information, such as social security numbers or credit card information seems to have been taken.

    Report: Katie Couric Leaving Anchor Chair According to Anonymous CBS Executive, http://bit.ly/fswdAU

    With many recent hints that Couric might be leaving CBS, an executive has confirmed that Couric plans to move on, although no official word has been given. It is rumored that Couric will be hosting her own talk show.

    James Surowiecki on how to handle internet distractions at work: http://nyr.kr/dPdfb9

    John Heilemann on Boehner’s Tea Party troubles: http://bit.ly/h94ttM

    CULTURAL:

    Behind the scenes of Kate and William’s relationship: http://bit.ly/fRB1Ww

    The Kennedy’s series considered a snooze: http://bit.ly/fkIwbB

    Witherspoon’s wedding photos: http://bit.ly/eWcHL1

    Charlie Sheen gets standing ovation in Chicago post-Detroit flop: http://huff.to/eoAtme

    American Country Music Awards gets a new face this year by incorporating rock and pop: http://on.mtv.com/eoaNBk

    Kids Choice Awards slimes Heidi Klum, Snoop Dogg, Josh Duhamel, Russell Brand, and Johnny Depp: http://bit.ly/gP8aeS

    Most Americans will be rooting for Butler tonight: http://ti.me/gVSYaq

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

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

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    By: Kristin Andrews

    News Round-Up: Thursday, March 31, 2011

    Thursday, March 31st, 2011

    C.I.A. agents have been sent to Libya to track Qaddafi and meet with rebels leaders, Biden says a newly proposed budget looks promising but we aren’t holding our breath, Gabrielle Giffords staff is gearing up in the event that she might run, and a new Harvard poll shows Millienial support of Obama is on the rise. Meanwhile, the scare of ‘Facebook depression’ has passed, The Governator is now available in cartoon form, some celebs are quitting twitter, and Perez Hilton writes a children’s book.

    CRUCIAL:

    C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels, #mce_temp_url#

    Groups of CIA agents have been in Libya tracking Qaddafi’s whereabouts and meeting with the rebel groups. While no ground troops will be brought into Libya the president did authorize shipments of weapons to be sent to the rebels, although the order has not yet gone through as much debate continues.

    Budget Compromise Talks Continue as Tea Party Watches, http://huff.to/flwzW3

    A congressional proposal to cut $33 billion dollars over the next six months seems to be on the right track, according to Biden, despite demands for more cuts by Tea Party supporters.

    An Arizona Senate Race Waits to See if Giffords Emerges to Run, http://nyti.ms/h8hgpZ

    Despite Representative Giffords still recovering in the hospital, some of her staff have begun preparing for her race in the event she is able to and wanting to run. Whether or not Giffords decides to run will have a major impact on the other candidates in the race, as some Democrats have said they would not compete with Giffords.

    Obama Approval Ratings on the Rise, Especially on College Campuses, Harvard Poll Finds, http://bit.ly/fiBIsI

    A poll conducted by Harvard University reveals that four-year college students job approval rating for the president is at 60%, Additionally, the economy remains the top issue with Millennials.

    ‘Facebook Depression’: A Nonexistent Condition, http://huff.to/gD95IN

    Despite a recent report, Facebook Depression is not a new from of Depression. Dr. O’ Keeffe explained that ”Facebook is really a magnifier. You’re not going to catch something on Facebook, but Facebook tends to amplify any of our insecurities.”

    The New York Times ponders whether this tech boom will bust too: http://nyti.ms/fdM615

    Jessica Levinson weighs in on the Supreme Court and public campaign finance programs: http://huff.to/fL9h6s

    CULTURAL:

    Schwarzenegger now in cartoon format: http://bit.ly/gi4aKZ

    Will Ferrell to be a permanent addition to The Office?: http://bit.ly/h7Je5m

    Did Chris Brown’s outburst up his sales?: http://nyti.ms/hESnGr

    Will George Clooney testify in Italian Prime Minister’s trial?: http://on.wsj.com/gD9Tpn

    Details on a possible fourth Dragon Tattoo novel: http://bit.ly/huI1Zm

    Celebrity Twitter quitters: http://aol.it/fSermR

    Perez Hilton pens a children’s book: http://ti.me/fVhDag

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

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

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    Posted in News Round-Up | 1 Comment »


    By: Kristin Andrews

    News Round-Up: Friday, March 18, 2011

    Friday, March 18th, 2011

    Citizens United is not done fighting for new campaign finance laws, meanwhile O’s campaign could reach $1 bil; the UN authorized a no fly zone over Libya with Britain and France ready to take action; Christine Hassler tells overbearing parents to make 20 somethings grow up; the New York Times is making online readers pay up, and T Swift and Zac Effron will co-star with Betty White in the new Dr. Seuss movie.

    Dispatch from the War on Voting: Our very own prez Heather Smith writes The Real Way to Win the Future, for The Hill http://bit.ly/gjJLr8.

    CRUCIAL:

    Citizens United Not Enough for Right, http://politi.co/h7qkv7

    Following the 2010 decision that allows unions and corporations to fund election ads, Citizens United is coming back for more. They are going after the courts on everything from disclousre requirements to bans on certain types of contributions.

    Libya Calls Ceasefire After Britain and France Vow Action ‘Soon’, http://nyti.ms/ePjTG8

    The Libyan foreign minister declared a ceasefire on the rebels shortly after the United Nations Security Council authorized military action and the imposition of a no-fly zone. British and French officials are prepared to use military force against Qaddafi loyalists, and were ready to mobilize quickly after the vote.

    Japan Earthquake: Slow Progress at Nuclear Plant, http://bbc.in/fHEQQO

    After many attempts to cool the nuclear reactors at a plant in Japan, operators say the last resport will be to bury the plant in concrete.

    Groupon’s Ambitious Plan to Change How and When We Eat, http://on.mash.to/hSIbOg

    Groupon launched a new mobile program that allows users to get time and location specific deals at any moment after selecting either “I’m Bored” or “I’m Hungry.” This initiative will give companies the option to try to drive business at slow times by offering deals on those days.

    Newspaper Guild Calls on HuffPo’s Unpaid Bloggers to Stop Blogging, http://bit.ly/hvmuDN

    Unpaid bloggers at the Huffington Post are being asked by the Newpaper Guild to stop producing for free. Arianna Huffington did not seem too concerned, “’the idea of going on strike when no one really notices,’ Huffington said. ‘Go ahead, go on strike.’”

    Christine Hassler on how parents who hover hinder 20 somethings: http://huff.to/fMFbZ8

    Morning Jay on understanding the 2012 polls: http://bit.ly/ho9JOp

    CULTURAL:

    Rachel Black lashes out at ‘Friday’ haters: http://bit.ly/ejvSv7

    Rashida Jones is not the marrying type: http://on.today.com/eI791n

    Steve Carell’s final episode of ‘The Office’: http://on.mtv.com/guUX2H

    A-list cast for Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Lorax’: http://bit.ly/f2DMeE

    Billy Ray Cryus calls off divorce: http://bit.ly/g5wbEa

    Celebrities donating millions of dollars to Japan relief: http://bit.ly/fb9bmC

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

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

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in News Round-Up | 1 Comment »