Friday, February 29, 2008

Make Up Blog Chuck

International
From Prince Harry Withdrawn From Afghanistan - New York Times

The Defense Ministry announced Friday that Prince Harry, the third in line to the British throne, would have to come home from Afghanistan because it was too risky for him to stay there. Skip to next paragraphThe prince, 23, has been in Helmand Province with the British Army since December with the knowledge of most of the British news media, who agreed to keep the news secret for security reasons. Details of his deployment became widely known only when they were reported by the Drudge Report on Thursday and the British media decided that the agreement was off.
This is crazy that they would let the guy go in the first place I mean he is the direct heir to the throne and queen Elizabeth is getting pretty old so they should be making sure he is staying protected. But I bet this sux for him because he probably loves it over there and likes being free for the first time in his life but he has got to be physced because soon he will be the king of England which has its perks
International
From Turkey Withdraws Troops From Iraq - New York Times
Turkey’s military announced it had withdrawn all of its troops from northern Iraq by Friday morning, bringing an eight-day ground offensive against Kurdish guerrillas to a close, just one day after Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned Turkey to pull out its troops. Skip to next paragraphEven so, reports differed on the extent of the withdrawal, with an American military official in Iraq and a representative for the Kurdish fighters saying some troops were still in the country.
This is good because those stupid turks are making one of the only peaceful parts of iraq in to a mess and its about time they pulled their troops out I mean they didn’t even need to be there really in the first place. I also think it is cool that the us has the power to convince some other country to remove its troops because it seems like everybody wants the us out of their business but we don’t listen.
Primary.
From Democratic intensity showing up at the polls - CNN.com
It is a slow but steady trickle all day long at the Hamilton County Board of Elections: The Ohio presidential primary is Tuesday, but turnout is already smashing records.In the 2000 presidential primary campaign, 10,371 absentee ballots were requested. Four years later, there were 9,600 requests. And this year More than 40,000 -- just in the Cincinnati area, part of an unprecedented early and absentee voting pattern across the state. It is in part due to aggressive pushes by both Democratic campaigns. Some Barack Obama campaign ads end with information about early voting, and to visit his Cincinnati campaign headquarters is to see an effort both to get voters to cast their ballots early and on a call-and-rides list for next Tuesday.
That a crazy amount of voters I mean forty thousand absentee ballots I mean that’s just a ridiculous amount. Espically compared to the numbers of past elections its not exactly a huge percentage but the growth percentage is also quite extraordinary. It’s a good sign but lets hope that the rest of the us can follow in ohio’s footsteps
Primary
From McCain's citizenship called into question - Nightly News with Brian Williams- msnbc.com
Jon Mccain is trying to avoid questions about whether he is qualified under the Constitution to be president. But many legal scholars and government lawyers say it's a serious question with no clear answer. The problem arises from a phrase in the Constitution setting out who is eligible to be president. Article II, which also specifies that a person must be at least 35 years old, says "No person except a natural born Citizen" can be president. Sen. McCain is undoubtedly a citizen. He was born on Aug. 29, 1936, in the Panama Canal Zone, and Congress has specifically provided that anyone born there of U.S. parents, as he was, is a citizen. the general rule is that anyone born of U.S. parents outside the United States is a citizen.
This is so dumb I mean haven’t these people ever read the constitution I mean it clearly says that a citizen is two thing law of the blood and law of the soil which means that if they are born on us soil which military bases qualify as American soil. And the other is law of the blood which means that if your parents are citizens of the us then you are also citizens of the us so I don’t see the big deal. they are just trying to give the old guy some bad publicity.

Joon

international

Bomb blast in Spain ahead of elections
A bomb has exploded at a political party office in northern Spain early Friday, causing damage but no injuries -- just 10 days ahead of national elections. Police rushed in to evacuate sleeping residents from their homes.
The blast, which occurred around 1 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), damaged various buildings. Last week Spain ordered its security forces to go on maximum alert ahead of March 9 general elections.

opinion
it is scary that bomb is blasting over the place. it is ok that no one was injured or dead. but still
they have to watch out for their selves. i hope this doesnt happen again.

international
beijing opens jumbo terminal
Beijing opened its newest airport terminal Friday, a gargantuan glass-and-steel creation built to accommodate a surge in visitors for the Summer Olympics. Dozens of passengers from the first domestic flight to arrive at Terminal 3 -- an hourlong jaunt from Shandong province in China's east -- were welcomed with flower bouquets. A British Airways flight from London landed a few hours later. A group of 10 musicians played string instruments at an opening ceremony attended by Chinese officials.

opinion
i can see that this termianl is really big and i think this terminal will be very useful. when the olympics start i believe lot of people will come to this terminal.

national
Homeowner: 'It's very easy to outrun lava'
Lava from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, destroyed three abandoned houses this week in a nearly deserted neighborhood. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said a lava flow entered the Royal Gardens subdivision on Sunday, and two structures were burned by Tuesday. A third house in the area residents fled years ago had fallen victim to the volcano by Thursday.

opinion
I hope there will be no injured people. volcanos are very dangerous. especially when the lava floats you have to run. i hope the lava will stop and find some solution to fix the houses.

national
Hospital: 5 injured in explosion at Illinois shopping plaza
Mannequins, broken glass and debris littered the street Thursday after a midday explosion at a small strip mall that injured several people, collapsed roofs and left mounds of rubble in a Chicago, Illinois, suburb. Five people were taken to Vista Hospital. Desiree Rogers, president of North Shore Gas Co., said their crews were turning off the gas lines into the mall in Waukegan so firefighters can search the rubble for anyone who may be trapped and begin trying to determine the cause of the blast.

opinion
it is really sad that people are hurt from the explosion. i hope no one gets killed. there must have been a some problem or else there wouldnt be any explosion. government should look and find out why it exploded.

David Jeong

National 1
McCain and Obama exchange harsh words
Summary: Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama engaged in a pointed exchange over al Qaeda in Iraq. McCain questioned whether Obama was aware of the al Qaeda base. Obama's response was: "There was no such thing as al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq."Obama said the question he was asked during the debate was a "big hypothetical."

Opinion: I think this is a big issue over Iraq. If America brings back the troops, it will save a lot of money and will be better even for its reputation. However, everyone thinks and views this issue differently. I think America should stop spending anything on that area for nothing really has been done. People say that they did a lot but I think not much.

National 2
Clinton raises $35 million
Summary: Rebounding from weak fundraising in January, Sen. Hillary Clinton is expected to raise $35 million in February -- a figure rival Sen. Barack Obama's campaign said it would surpass. The $35 million would be Clinton's biggest fundraising mark yet and represents a remarkable recovery for her campaign. Obama's campaign reacted promptly, promising an even higher number, but divulging no totals.

Opinion: Well, I don't really know how much is reasonable earnings for this. However, 35 million sounds a lot to me. I would not want Hilary to have that much money because she might bribe people to get the vote. She seems like a kind of a person who would do anything that would make her fame and honor.

International 1
UK pulls Harry from Afghanistan
Summary: Prince Harry is to be pulled out of Afghanistan immediately amid fears for his safety after news of his deployment was made public, the British Defense Ministry said. The prince, third in line to the British throne, has been deployed to Afghanistan since December, the British military acknowledged Thursday, but many news outlets agreed to keep the information secret for security reasons. A Web site broke the news blackout earlier in the day.

Opinion: This can be a big issue. I thought that Harry going to Afghanistan was nonsense at first. He is a prince. If somebody is a prince, he has to act like one. It would be better for him to just sit down and do his job or visiting the leaders of the other countries. I think everyone should live their life according to their professions and their classes.

International 2
Marine charged with rape released
Summary: -- A U.S. Marine who had been arrested over an alleged rape of a teenage girl in southern Japan has been released. Staff Sgt. Tyrone Luther Hadnott, 38, was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl on the southern island of Okinawa, triggering a nationwide furor over American troop-related crimes in Japan. Police said that Hadnott admitted to investigators that he forced the girl down and kissed her, but that he denied raping her.

Opinion: I really appreciate American troops in my country and all over the world to keep the peaceful world. However, there are always some retarded guys act wrong and make the others look bad. This is the case. Most of the soldiers in the foreign countries are nice and they try to help the people there but some of them rape girls over there and kill the people and whatsoever. I truely think american troops need to be around my country because of North Korea. However, I think the soldiers go off limit should be punished.

Jonathan Francis Sterner Lemnitzer

Kaylen May Gerkey

UK’s Prince Harry Fighting in Afghanistan
SUMMARY
Prince Harry has been fighting on the front line in Afghanistan and seen combat, sources confirmed. He was deployed 10 weeks ago and other soldiers were sworn to secrecy. His status is currently being reviewed – while at the moment he is third in line to the British throne. His main role has been to be a member of a group called Joint Tactical Air Control. He’s been quoted saying that he is just out there to serve like everyone else, not as Prince Harry.

OPINION
I think Harry is braving for deciding to fight in the war. He’s showing his strength and courage as a young adult. I bet it’s hard being famous and yet fighting in the war, but being on the frontline I wouldn’t think many people would think about it. I bet it is also a big change from England but for someone who wanted to go fight it’s not that big of a deal. The only thing that would be a big deal is if he were to get killed, let’s pray that doesn’t happen.

Newborn Survives Fall Through Train Toilet
SUMMARY
In India a newborn baby girl fell through the toilet in a moving train and onto the tracks moments after her mother prematurely gave birth. The baby survived nearly two hours before being found. The mother was traveling with relatives on an overnight train when she went to the bathroom shortly before midnight. Then she unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl. She later fell unconscious and the baby fell through the toilet. (Toilets on Indian trains have holes that open directly onto the tracks.)

OPINION
I still can’t believe this story! The first time I read this I was like no way the baby is still alive. I couldn’t believe it lasted the fall onto the tracks. I’m just glad the poor child is okay because the whole incident just seems unbelievable. At least the mom will have a crazy story to tell the child when she grows up.

Bush Jabs Obama over Al Qaeda Comment
SUMMARY
Bush is normally reluctant to talk about the Presidential race but he couldn’t help himself after the comment made by senator Obama. Bush said that it was an interesting comment, but that Obama should stay focused on his campaign. Obama said Tuesday at the democratic debate that he would redeploy troops to Iraq if Al Qaeda was successful in establishing bases there after US withdrew. Bush’s remarks also echo those of McCain. McCain also criticized Obama for his comment at the debate.

OPINION
Bush always seems to feel strongly about the war and so to McCain. It’s no wonder that he jumped on the chance to go at Obama after his comment Tuesday. Bush first sent troops to Iraq a long time ago and pretty much has been getting flack ever since and even more so the last three-four years. But if the US were to withdraw of course things would go right back to where they were. We are no where close to accomplishing our goal in Iraq and keeping peace over there means that they do not come here.

Clinton Weighs in on Bloomberg Non-bid
SUMMARY
Michael Bloomberg officially stated that he is not running in the presidential election. Now Hilary won’t have to face the prospect of competing against a fellow New Yorker. She said that she had the highest regard for Bloomberg when asked about his decision. “This is a personal decision and I respect his decision,” said Senator Clinton. She later said that she looked forward to working with him the next couple of years.

OPINION
I find this one kind of funny. Yay Bloomberg drops out! What he ever going to run anyways? I don’t know what he would have contributed had he decided to run or what he would have taken away from the other candidates but there are only like 1/3 of the primaries to go and he would have never been able to compete. It’s a good thing he didn’t run cause it would be pretty sad for him.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Ryan Evans

National:
It seems in the upcoming Texas Democratic primary, Sen. Barack Obama will be receiving a surplus of support from Republican party members. As much as a tenth of the Democratic turnout will be supporting the first term senator from Illinois. Most of this support has stemmed from anti-Clinton sentiments. A few Republicans in Texas are saying if Clinton loses the state, she is finished. No more Clintons in the White House as many proclaim. This seems to be a great hope for Texas Republicans. Obama has begun to pull almost even with Sen. Clinton and the GOP support could be quite crucial in a dead heat race such as this. This apparent Republican support should not be surprising in times such as these.

Opinion:
This strategy seems a bit cheap, or uncalled for. However, this is how modern politics are run now a day. Voters want to find ways to handicap the candidate they staunchly disagree with the most. I find it strange that the Republicans are supporting Obama though. He has the better chance at beating McCain than Clinton does. Yet, I guess the people do not want to sit through another four to eight years of another Clinton. Obama is the media darling and is appearing as the lesser of two evils right now. Frankly, I see Hillary as a better presidential option at this point. That pains me to say but it is just how I feel. Sad isn’t it?

National:
Ralph Nader announced his candidacy for president last week. Today he has chosen his vice-presidential running mate. Matt Gonzalez, who was a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, ran for mayor of San Francisco in 2003 as a Green Party member lost to Gavin Newsom. Nader has run in the past three elections:1996, 2000, and as an independent in 2004. He is still loathed by the Democrats for apparently costing Al Gore the election, via siphoning votes away from him in the close race in Florida.

Opinion:
This sounds like a winning ticket here. Two pointless politicians who have yet to win anything that substantial, what a wreck. Voting for this ticket is a wasted vote. However, what if he siphoned votes away from the Democratic nominee and cost him, or her, the election? Wouldn’t that be crazy? He would probably have to fear for his life if that were to happen because the Dems. would go absolutely nuts. He has denounced the claims of him ruining Gore in 2000, and said it was the Democrats own fault. Oh what a hoot, and what a winner!

International:
Kenya’s political rivals signed a power sharing agreement today. This agreement is coming after two or so months of violence in the east African country. Opposition leader Raila Odinga, and president Mwai Kibeki have been at odds since the December twenty-seventh elections. Both side had been accused of fixing ballot boxes and poll stations in the country. However, this new agreement will create the Prime Minister position for opposition leader Odinga. This is most clearly what he wanted. The agreement should cool down the violence in Kenya, but the country still has plenty of ways to go.

Opinion:
This is definitely a step in the right direction for this nation. Kenya had been one of the more stable republics in Africa. It is good to see this power sharing agreement. Hopefully, this will further prevent any one official from gaining too much power in this government. Yet, both sides had been accused of fixing and rigging votes. But again, at least neither side will become a Kenyan dictator, or so I hope. This is, or could be, an important American ally as it is a democracy in east Africa. Let us all hope for the best.

International:
The Summer Olympics will come to Beijing in five or so months. Chinese scientists are trying to do what no one else has been able to do before. They are trying to control the weather. Almost 7,000 artillery guns and about 4,000 rocket launchers are being set up to try and seed the clouds and prevent or speed up rain. The Chinese want everything to be perfect as the Olympics are to be the unveiling of China’s economic prominence. The Chinese are hoping to hold clear opening and closing ceremonies to the games. If the Chinese are able to do this they will once again defied all odds.

Opinion:
As you can see, or read, the Chinese really want the Olympics to go smoothly and soundly. They are no longer in rural poverty but now an economic powerhouse. China wants to be world’s most prominent nation. If they can control the weather, then they are stinking ridiculous. However, this weather control system could be a cover for a new type of ballistic missile system, or a defense system. If the United States knows what is good, then it will move into China’s good side. This new and modern China could either be very beneficial or a dangerous threat to our well-being.

Kwang min kim

International
Korea

National Treasure No.1 burns down

Shock, sorrow, grief and anger prevailed among the public after the National treasure No.1 burned down.
Namdaemun, the 610-year-old wooden and stone gate in downtown Seoul, has been long cherished at the heart of Korean people as the nation’s historic icon.
The fire broke out on Sunday Feb 10 night at the end of the lunar new year holiday. Police caught a 69 year old suspect on the basis of its probe records of arson convicts and witnesses testimonies,

Opinion

This historic structure even survived in Japanese occupation and the 1950-1953 Korean War.
But it was burned down in just 6 hours due to our lack of care and attention. I am really mad at the people in Korea. Not hat I am advocating the 69 years old arsonist but just that careless of Korean people. If Korean people did really care about the national treasure they would protect. Another Historical treasure is fade away just like a last time when Japanese invaded Korea, Korean people did not protect the Korean treasure.

International
Korea

Korea to send medical staff to Afghanistan

Korea dispatched an advance contingent of mostly civilian medical staff to Afghanistan to help with reconstruction efforts in the “War wrecked nation”
The advance contingent, compose of the head of the Afghan Provincial Reconstruction Team and some medical staff, was recently sent to the county in the middle of this month. Hopely they will bring good news to the Afghan Society.

Opinion
Korea is planning to dispatch Medical staff to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is place where a lot of help needed and it is really unutilized county. Korea should have send medical staff earlier but Korean government is undeceive and very sensitive on war issues. Because many Korean people do not like a war and they do not wanted to do anything about war involved. It’s bias that created Korean people to view on war is bad and it also created anti-America. But I believe sometimes war is necessary for people’s better life.





National

Bill Clinton at Austin TX

They just couldn’t get enough—that’s both President Bill Clinton and the students at the University of Texas at Austin. Clinton kept bounding down the steps of the bell tower at UT to greet screaming students. He leapt towards the surging crowd as students climbed on others shoulders to shake hands and take pictures with the former President. Clearly enjoying it, Clinton came down three times to greet the cheering students. About 7,000 people listened to Clinton for an hour and learned that it was his daughter Chelsea’s birthday. He mentioned it when telling the crowd that even is he wasn’t married to Hillary he would be out campaigning for her:
“I want to tell you this, I do love my wife I plead guilty and especially today this is our daughter’s 28th birthday and she has been out here working,” Clinton said, “This is the anniversary of the happiest day of my life. “

Opinon

Yes, you love your wife. I know I understand you. That’s why you had oral sex with young chick in the house? Now Bill Clinton is advocating your wife. I heard something from the some magazine and frontline said, “ Will Hillary get divorce after the election?” I think that’s why Bill is trying so hard so he does not have to diverse her otherwise he is going to be lonely old man.


National

Huckabee’s New Texas Ad

Huckabee for president “stand up” “ being independent is being Texas not going along just get along it means standing for something so you don’t fall for just anything this election is about principle conviction not political correctness. I am the only candidate supporting the human life amendment, stopping a illegal immigrants with the real border security plan and fair tax which kills the IRS before even kills the more American business. I am Mike Huckabee and I prove this message because is time to “stand up” and counted.

Opinon
I like this Ad. I like Mike Huckabee he was the one who I was really supporting for long time even though I am not a American. I think he has really good plans for everything. He may not know about the foreign policy but I think he knows what is best for American people. He is very honest and that conviction moves him to new world. He is man of conviction and I like him because he never give up on his conviction even it seems impossible.

Brooke Bellah

Ben Thieroff

Ashley Cowan

National: Obama slams Bush, McCain on the economy
In Austin, Texas, Democratic candidate Barack Obama said Thursday the economy is "on the brink of a recession" and blamed economic policies adopted by President Bush and Republican presidential contender John McCain. For the second day in a row, Obama focused on the likely GOP nominee McCain and all but ignored Hillary RodhamClinton's continuing campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, although key Democratic primaries come up next Tuesday in Texas and Ohio.

Opinon: Well all I can really say is that Obama pretty much has this race in the bag. The democrats including those in my family are starting to resent Mrs. Clinton and turning to Obama. Obama also has some slightly conservative views and is liked amongst republicans as well as Democrats. He may not have much experience, however I truly believe that he is ready for this.

International: Prince Harry on front line in Afghanistan
In London, Prince Harry has been serving on the front line in Afghanistan with the British Army, calling in airstrikes on Taliban positions and going out on foot patrols, the Ministry of Defense announced Thursday. Officials said the prince, a lieutenant in the Blues and Royals regiment, was still deployed in the country. “His conduct on operations in Afghanistan has been exemplary,” said the head of the army. Gen. Richard Dannatt. “He has been fully involved in operations and has run the same risks as everyone else in his battle group.”

Opinion: Well if it's not about Prince William I could really care less. He is the cute one after all :) hahaha but good for Harry for fighting in the front line like that. It is also good to hear that he isn’t getting special treatment considering he is real royalty. Well all I have left to say is good for you Harry and good luck.

National: Clinton raises $35 million in February
In Washington, rebounding from weak fundraising in January, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton raised $35 million in February, a campaign official said Thursday, a remarkable recovery and her biggest fundraising period of her campaign. Clinton raised nearly $14 million in January to Barack Obama's $36 million. Obama spokesman Bill Burton would not disclose his campaign's fundraising total, but said: "We've raised considerably more than that."

Opinion: Ugh poor Hillary. It makes me sad to hear how bad she's doing. I really wish she would just stop because she has no chance in winning this presidential election. Although I do like her, I don't believe she has much momentum to stay in this race.

International: Cuba signs rights treaties at U.N.
Cuba's government signed two key international human rights treaties Thursday that Fidel Castro long opposed, but said it had reservations about some provisions and accused the United States of impeding the Cuban people's enjoyment of their rights. Fidel Castro was still president when Cuba announced Dec. 10 that it would sign the accords on civil, political and economic rights and at the time he asked government television to re-air his objections in case Cubans had forgotten his opposition. The formal signing came four days after Fidel's younger brother, Raul, permanently replaced him in the presidency after filling in during Fidel's illness since mid-2006.

Opinion: Umm.... well this story has little interest to me. Sorry but I really have no opinion on this article. Go Fidel :)

Chuck Per 1

International News
From Putin’s Anointed Heir Shows Hints of Less Icy Style - New York Times

Dmitri A. Medvedev, the man chosen to be the next Russian president, sat surrounded by soldiers. It was Feb. 23, Defenders of the Motherland Day, and Mr. Medvedev had traveled to the parade grounds of the Tamanskaya outside Moscow.The division has long been a place where Russians celebrate politics. Its battalions have marched for decades in formation in Red Square. Eight years ago, as President Vladimir V. Putin introduced himself to the world, its platoons fought for the capital of Chechnya, helping to forge Mr. Putin’s persona as a leader of icy resolve. Medvedev has said that he will not rule with the iron fist that putin is known for,
This is good maybe this guy will scare the us less. I personally feel that the us is intimidated by putin. But this guy has also shown signs of those rulers during the soviet union era of Russian history. Hopefully this guy will just worry about internal improvement and not going crazy and bombing the entire world who dosent agree with the Russian way.
International News
From Kenya Rivals Reach Peace Agreement - New York Times

Kenya’s rival leaders broke their tense standoff on Thursday, agreeing to share power in a deal that may end the violence that has engulfed this nation but could be the beginning of a long and difficult political relationship. Mwai Kibaki, the president, and Raila Odinga, the top opposition leader, sat down at a desk in front of the president’s office, with a bunch of tv cameras, and signed an agreement that creates a powerful prime minister position for Mr. Odinga and splits cabinet posts between the government and the opposition. The two sides, which have been bitterly at odds for the past two months, will now be working together in a government of national unity. But there are still many thorny issues to resolve, starting with how the new government will function with essentially two bosses who have tried unsuccessfully to work together before. The government must also deal with the delicate business of reassigning the choice positions already given to Mr. Kibaki’s allies. If they aren’t sensitive with this it may just all start over again.
This is good but I think it is a short time solution to a long time problem. I mean you have two groups of people that cant stand each other then you go and put them in cabinet positions together . do you honestly think that anything in that place is going to get done. Then you have the problem of giving the opposition leader a powerful prime minister spot which could lead to him just taking over from there.
Primary
From Coshocton Tribune - www.coshoctontribune.com - Coshocton, OH
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and former GOP congressman Rob Portman could square off in the 2010 election. But what about this year? The two often make news media and blogger lists of potential 2008 running mates for their parties. Ohio, which narrowly put President Bush over the top in 2004, again figures to be crucial with 20 electoral votes at stake, adding to speculation that the state nicknamed "the Mother of Presidents" could birth a vice presidential candidate this time. In the context of a national campaign in which Ohio is a key state, both those names make a lot of sense," said Herb Asher, an Ohio State University political analyst. "They're not exactly national household names, but if the question is, is there a running mate that could help deliver a key state, both could be able to do that." Portman, overwhelmingly re-elected six times to Congress in southern Ohio, has been projected as a possible challenger to Strickland's 2010 re-election since returning to Ohio last year after leaving his job as President Bush's budget chief. He endorsed Arizona Sen. John McCain on Tuesday, drawing more mentions as a possible running mate.
This is crasy that Mccain would pick a African American as his running mate that would really help the guy out but the thing is I don’t think that many people take real interest in the vice president I mean the only publicity Cheny got was when he shot some guy in the face. I mean the only reason most people pick a vp is if his name sounds cool with the last name of the guy on the presidential ticket. The other reason both of these guys are being picked is to help rally votes from there home state of ohio
Primary
From Superdelegates May Be Key in US Democratic Presidential Race
Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are headed for a showdown March 4 in primaries in Texas and Ohio. Those primaries could go a long way toward deciding who will be the Democratic Party's nominee for president. But as VOA National correspondent Jim Malone reports from Washington, some Democrats believe that so-called superdelegates could eventually play a major role in deciding who wins the party's nomination.If the tight Democratic presidential race continues over the next two months, it is possible that neither Barack Obama nor Hillary Clinton will secure the nomination before the party convention
This whole superdelegates thing sounds so stupid to me I mean what is the point of swing vote delegates all it really does is takes the control out of the peoples hands and put it in the hands of those superdelegates what is the point of a tight race if in the end all that happens is the superdelegates decide who will become the democratic presidential nominee. The only reason why the democrats have it is so they can be different from the GOP I mean stop making things so difficult you stupid democrats

Alex Bellah

National: Barack vs. Hillary

Summary: Hillary and Barack had their last face off before the Ohio primaries this past Tuesday in Cleveland. Hillary and Barack once again defined their goals of what they wanted to see happen in the future of the U.S. and its people. Hillary managed to slam Barack in every way claiming that he does not have enough experience to become the next President. She exclaimed that he is using other people's ideas and speeches as his own ideas. She believes that he is not capable of handling the president's role. Barack came back saying that Hillary has no idea what she is talking about and her ideas for the U.S. are only focused on the children and their families. He said that what she was saying about him was completely not true. After this debate it looks like the perception of Hillary has decreased because of what she said about Barack and his campaign.

Opinion: I believe that Barack is a better candidate for the Democratic Party. But as a republican it would be better if Hillary won and was the Democratic representative. The way the polls and scores are looking right now Hillary is going to have tough time beating Barack. His ideas and future plans for the U.S. are grabbing people's attention and they seem to like what he has to offer. Barack would definietly be a better representative for the Democratic Party!
Go McCain!!!! :]

National: McCain vs. Huckabee

Summary: Huckabee has come out saying that he would like to debate McCain again to restate the differences in their campaigns. As of right now neither side has contacted one another to discuss the possibility of this debate happening. McCain has said that he would not mind debating Huckabee and has will continue to leave the door open for this to occur. The reps for both candidates have said that the television station that had agreed to air the debate if it were to happen has backed out so they are still trying to negotiate to see what could happen.

Opinion: I believe that McCain should not debate Huckabee. I believe that no good could come out of this for McCain. I believe that Huckabee needs to come to the terms of him loosing this election and face reality that McCain is going to be the Republican representative in the national election. Huckabee is so far behind in points and in the polls that it is depressing to see him still fight to win. Reality check needs to take place for him and his campaign management.


International: Prince Harry...this is war!

Summary: Prince Harry has hung up the crown and has put on the combat boots. Harry has been seen fighting in Afghanistan. But since the news has leaked out deployment is going to have to be reviewed. Prince Harry was deployed 10 weeks ago and his fellow soldiers were sworn to secrecy. He is serving with the Blues and Royals. His deployment had been kept secret for security reasons because of the unique circumstances of the deployment. His duties include calling in air strikes and air support when necessary.

Opinion: I believe it is an amazing thing for him to be fighting in a war. He is not only helping out his country but other countries within the world. I understand why his deployment had to be kept a secret and i can not imagine the chaos and danger that could have happened if people had found out right when he was shipped out. having royalty of other countries serving on a war is very dangerous and takes great courage to do so. I am very proud of the prince for doing such an honorable and courageous thing.


International: 13 and to the Olympics

Summary: Thomas Dayle has qualified for the 2008 Olympics. He will be fourteen by the summer Olympics while most of his teammates are in their 20's. Thomas is so proud to represent England (his country). At the age of six Thomas started to dive and has loved every moment of it. He does know however that winning a medal is highly unlikely for the 2008 Olympics but this experience is crucial for the 2012 Olympics. His father who attends every meet of Thomas ' is so proud of his son and has faith in him for the 2008 Olympics.

Opinion: I am amazed at this young boy. He is so young to be going to the Olympics. I am sure that he will do well but most likely not going to win a medal. I will be surprised if he wins. But this is going to be a great opportunity for him and he is going to go far in his carrer as a diver. To represent your country at such a young age is such an honor and unexplainable experience. I am definitely going to be rooting for him this summer!

Franki Benavidez

National Summary:

In Richardson, Texas, Sen. John McCain called himself a liberal just to be goofy infront of the people. McCain probably did this unnecessary act just to make the campaign a little less aggressive. Most people would say that he got a little ahead of himself as he contrasted himself with the Democratic candidates. McCain had said in a joking sense, "I’m a proud, conservative, liberal Republi- Hello! Easy there,” while he was laughing with his audience at Texas Instruments Inc. After he said this goofy line, he corrected himself immediately by saying, “Let me say this: I am a proud, conservative Republican, and both of my possible or likely opponents today are liberal Democrats.”

Opinion: I thought it was a little awkward what McCain had done in Texas. Yes, he was trying to make the whole campaign a little more positive which is good but I don't think by calling himself a liberal was entirely a good thing to do. What I am glad he did was that he corrected himself by calling himself a "conservative Republican." No one else would ever say those kind of things to make the campaign a little more positive so I have to give him props. Overall, he was just trying to be playful in his campaign but probably shouldn't do that anymore now that the campaign is getting tougher.

Summary:
Today was said that Sen. Hilary Clinton raised $35 million for the month of February, which was her biggest haul to date. The Ohio and Texas primaries March 4 are considered must-win for Clinton inside and outside the campaign. If the polls are still rising up for Clinton, she's still in the fight. Clinton had said in this fundraising coup, “It was incredibly gratifying to see people really coming forth with their vote of confidence by their contribution to my campaign." Later on she had added that after she lent $5 million to her own campaign, “it just set off a chain reaction across the country.”

Opinion: Even though Hilary Clinton had raised the most ever, I don't think it's going to take her anywhere. Yes, she has a whole lot of supporters trying to keep her in the campaign but it's not going to help. I thought it was kind of pathetic for her to lend $5 million to her own campaign. Obama has higher numbers in his campaign than what Clinton has. I honestly think that Obama has HIGHER chances of winning this campaign against Clinton. His debates against her are a lot stronger and he gives the impression that he'll win it all.

International Summary:
In Ahmadabad, India, a newborn baby girl fell through the toilet in a moving train and onto the tracks just moments after her mother prematurely gave birth surviving nearly two hours before being found. The child's mother was traveling with relatives on an overnight train when she went to the bathroom. Later while she was in the bathroom, she fell unconscious and the baby fell through the toilet. The baby was said to be on the rail track for an hour and a half while the guards and officials were looking for her on the tracks. The child was eight to 10 weeks premature and weighed only 3.22 pounds.

Opinion: I cannot believe this premature baby fell through the toilet! I couldn't imagine how the mother felt because that is just awful. I'm extremely happy that the people looking for the baby on the tracks found the baby. I was surprised that the baby was even still alive when they found the baby. I think what makes it worse is that the baby was premature but I'm glad that the baby survived.

Summary:
In Hallowell, Maine, Jonathan McCullum came back home 4 months later from being an U.S. exchange student in Eygpt weighing a mere 97 lbs. John was in perfect health when he left home last summer to spend the school year as an exchange student in Egypt. He was denied any food while staying with a family of Coptic Christians, who fast for more than 200 days a year, a regimen unmatched by other Christians. Friends and teachers along with him in Eygpt told him to change host families but he had said that if he did, he was told that the other home was in a dangerous neighborhood of Alexandria. After returning back to the U.S., he was hospitalized for 2 weeks and had regained 20 lbs.

Opinion: What kind of host family would make an U.S. exchange student fast with them? The kid could've just went back home but I don't understand why he didn't in the first place. When the kid was going back home, he struggled in carrying his baggage in the airport and also had trouble going up a flight of stairs. Doctors said that Jon was at risk for a heart attack. The student said that he didn't view the experience as a "culture lash." Instead he said, "It reflected mean and stingy treatment by my host family, whose broken English made it difficult to communicate."

Primaries (Brooke Bellah)

Obama blames Bush for economy

Obama is blaming the Bush administration for what he says is a pending recession. He says the current administration has not done enough to help the lower and middle class, and too much for the wealthier percentage of Americans. He also attacked likely Presidential nominee John Mccain: "It was a failure of leadership in Washington — a Washington where George Bush hands out billions of tax cuts to the wealthiest few for eight long years, and John McCain promises to make those same tax cuts permanent, embracing the central principle of the Bush economic program.” Barack Hussein Obama would propose higher tax cuts for the poorer percentage of Americans. Currently, the wealthier are being taxed 35%. McCain, if elected, said he would lower this to 25% and allow tax breaks for equipment and technological advancement. In response to Barack's attack, Bush has said that no further business incentives are needed to boost economy, only that those already in place should be given a chance to work.

Once again, Barack is pointing fingers at the Bush administration for the slowed growth of the economy, and blames him for favoring the wealthier percent of America. It does say something though when the wealthiest 1% of our nation pays half of the taxes. I say we should encourage business not create a fine for it. Leave the President alone Hussein...he has more experience then you.

Bronwen Vogel

National:
Senator Barack Hussein Obama continually denounces claims that he is connected to or involved with Islam. This week a picture of Obama in Kenyan tribal clothing hit the Internet. Sunday Obama was the subject of much praise from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. What are voters to think of this? Barack Hussein Obama firmly tells reporters "If anyone is still puzzled about the facts, in fact I have never been a Muslim." Arabs are starting to be deeply offended by Obama's deploring Islamic religion, to which Jim Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American Institute, replies "It is clear he wants to have a broader relationship with the Muslim world. He has a biography that connects him to the Muslim world."

Barack spent part of his childhood growing up in Indonesia- a largely Muslim country. His father is from Kenya. Obama refused to wear the American flag pin. His middle name is Hussein. He supports leaving Iraq. Clearly there is no reason to question this man. How dare those nasty Republicans!
I am not going to say Obama is lying and he is really some Muslim with fantastic speaking skills and a fantastic plan to ruin America; I believe him when he says he does not believe or practice the religion. However, I do not believe an Islamic candidate running for president would differ much. But he certainly should expect the criticism and questioning with his name, background, and anti-war position. Someone go ask his parents why they chose Hussein!

International:
Prince Harry is serving on the front lines in Afghanistan in one of the most barren Providences. "I got here on Christmas Eve. And going from bullet magnet to anti-bullet magnet, most of the guys were pretty bummed that I was here because nothing was happening for the first few days that I was here. But things are picking up again now because it's obviously quite boring when nothing is happening", Prince Harry said in a video. Harry's location was to be kept secret, and now that it is worldwide knowledge, military chiefs are thinking of cutting his stay short from the typical 6 months to 10 weeks.

What Harry is doing is very noble, but I hope it does not subtract from the other troops in the middle east; they are just as admirable as he. It seems Prince Harry is finally revealing his redeeming qualities at age 23. It's much more attractive than a drunkard, playboy prince. I hope he is moved to protect the rest of the troops he is currently stationed with.

National:
Hilary Clinton raised $35 million dollars in February, doubling her January fundraising all all of this despite her series of losses to Obama. "It was incredibly gratifying to see people come forth with this vote of confidence in me, Obviously this is a tremendous benefit to my campaign." Senator Clinton said. Clinton has been using that money to target younger voters through advertising on shows like "American Idol" and evening sitcoms. "I think she's a person who has devoted her life to caring about other people, making sure that America works for everyone, not just the privileged few," Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said in an add for Clinton.

Well obviously by looking at her finances, Clinton is more closely connected to the privileged few. She should probably consider the fact that all this $35 million might go to waste seeing as she has lost the past 11 primaries. Maybe that's why she is now calling herself as "a fighter". I bet that made the Al Qaeda laugh.

International:
A 12 year old girl was shot and killed in the Sinai Peninsula near the border of Egypt and Israel. It is not clear who is to blame, but Egyptian witnesses say the shot came from across the border and Israeli military say no shooting was going on on their side. She was standing in front of her house, close to the Gaza strip and about 300 yards from the border of Israel.

Such a vague and controversial report cannot be determined as to what is right or wrong. I would tend to side with Israel in most things- I believe they are one of America's most valuable allies. I bet the car bomb that killed Imad Mughniyeh was planted by Israelis. I hope the troops were not stupid enough to shoot the girl; it is rather purposeless if they did. I am fairly confident there will never be peace in the middle East, but that is no reason to pull our troops out.

Andrew Reiff

National

Summary- Obama criticizes Bush, McCain on economy

Barack Hussein Obama criticized the Bush Administration on their assessment of the economy. Bush said today that the economy was not in a recession, but Obama claims that it is on the brink of one. He went on to say that it was the fault of the Bush economic plan and those that endorsed it, such as John McCain. This was the second day in a row that he went directly after John McCain, not even mentioning his competitor Hillary Clinton. Yesterday, Obama said that he would consider further military action in Iraq if al-Queda decided to have a base there, to which President Bush retorted, "Well, that's exactly what they've been trying to do for the past four years."

Opinion-

I remember the good old days, when a President looked at the brighter side of things in order to encourage the American people. It seems as though those days are over, as Barack Hussein Obama is painting a very bleak picture of America to contrast with Bush's. Well, only because it is politically beneficiary to do so... If he was in Bush's position, he would be painting a brighter picture as well, because if he did not, then everyone would accuse him of being defeatist or something. Obama wants to paint a bad picture of the country so everyone will think the present administration is doing a bad job. His policy at the moment is highlight the negative, hide the positve, then as soon as he gets into office, it reverses. Watch...

International

Summary -Canadian wins one million dollars in hockey contest

A Canadian sawmill worker won one million dollars overnight by scoring 15 goals within 24 seconds in a National Hockey League contest, local media said Thursday.
Darwin Head, 35, of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in western Canada, fired 15 out of 20 pucks from the far blue line at the Vancouver arena into an empty net during intermission before a sold out crowd of 18,630 and a national television audience for the Vancouver Canucks-Colorado Avalanche game. Head was chosen from 8.6 million entries to participate in the promotion.
He said he had practiced for two hours every night in his backyard in bone-chilling weather for the event. Head is only the second Canadian to win a million dollar sports skills contest.
In 2006, an Ontario native kicked a 50-yard field goal during halftime at a Canadian Football League game to win one million dollars. Head said he planned to use the money to pay off his house mortgage and save for his children's future. He also planned to keep his job at the sawmill, he said.

Opinion-

Wow this just proves that everyone in Canada is crazy about hockey. A sawmill worker?? You have got to be kidding me. It would be hard to make five goals in twenty seconds from that distance, which was like two thirds of the way down the hockey rink. Good for this guy, because he practiced for it. If he had not practiced, and just been chosen at random from the crowd or something, then I might have been mad... but I guess he earned it.

Summary- Israelis debate rocket defense

Israel is debating what system to use to best protect its people against the continuous rocket attacks from Gaza. They have approved over two hundred million dollars to install the system, and they have decided to build a system developed in Israel, called Iron Dome. Iron Dome uses interceptor rockets launched from many mobile launchers, and is very effective, except it takes fifteen seconds to dectect a missile and launch its interceptor. This would leave several Israeli border towns out of its protection area. The other system under advisment is Nautilus, a laser-based system that works nearly instantly and is cheap to fire, while Iron Dome costs 30-40,000 dollars per missle. The only problem is that Nautilus is still in the research phase, only a prototype has been built, which is in White Sands, NM. Also the system will not work in fog.

Opinion-

Well I am glad the Israelis have decided to protect themselves from rocket attacks. It is certainly needed. I don't know which system is better for the defense of the Israeli people, but I think I have to lean toward Iron Dome, because it can protect the entire country except for a few border towns. What Israel needs to do is create a buffer zone, where people from Gaza can't go, and where no Israelis live, so the crude rockets that Gaza launches have no effect. Then if Iran or Syria decide to launch real missiles, they will be ready. However if they choose Nautilus, what keeps Iran from launching a nuke while there is fog over Jerusalem? The defense of the entire country must take priority over a few border towns.

Susan Jewell

International:
SUMMARY
The third in line to the British throne, Prince Harry, is currently serving on the front lines of Afghanistan. Prince Harry believes that fighting in the war is as normal as he will ever get. He has joined the forces of the British Armed Forces. Harry’s deployment was kept secret from the media. It has said about Prince Harry that, "In common with all of his generation in the army today, he is a credit to the nation." The government is considering pulling him out.

OPINION
I think this is pretty neat. I hope that he is ok though. I don’t think William would handle his death well at all. I would guess that he will be taken out shortly so that he is safe. I think it is great he wants do something so normal. I don’t particularly think what he is doing is extraordinarily brave but still very good for his country and probably his morale.


National:
SUMMARY
In 1972, the Democratic candidate for Presidency, George McGovern lost against Richard Nixon. At that time Hilary Rodham and Bill Clinton were working on McGovern’s campaign management. The friendships and alliances at that time make Clinton’s campaign group hopeful that she will be able to win the March 4th primary. Gary Mauro says that after the loss in 1972 many of the members had gone out to blow off some steam. The newly dating couple simple huddled in a corner drinking soda and deciding how they would change the world politically.

OPINION
I think this story was simply released to make people like Clinton and to show how long she has been working towards the goal. I could see Bill and Hilary thinking of new corrupt ways in which to change the politics they had just lost at. I bet they were down hearted but more hopeful for their own careers.


National:
SUMMARY
Hilary Clinton currently has an ad campaign out with an image of children sleeping in beds than a voice says, "It's 3 a.m. and your children are safely asleep. Who do you want answering the phone?" Obama declared the ad “play[s] on people's fears to scare up votes.” He says it will not work this time. The ad has been compared to Lyndon Johnson ad “Daisy” which had a little girl counting down until a nuclear bomb went off. Hilary’s campaign people said that her ad is nothing like daisy. Clinton’s ad has soft images and asks a real question. The ad is not made to scare people but to make sure the question is known.

OPINION

Well if the images are soft there is no way this could be like “Daisy”. I mean people won’t be frightened by the thought of a potential national threat. That really isn’t even scary. Silly Obama.
The ad is just like daisy. I think Clinton has the ad because Johnson won with an ad like hers so maybe is she emulated the same thought and fear she too could win. It wasn’t a bad idea but the nation has changed a bit and I don’t think the audience would be as gullible as Johnson’s.


International:
SUMMARY
“The body of Katoucha Niane, one of the first African women to attain international stardom as a model and a vocal opponent of female genital mutilation, was found in the Seine River, police said Friday.” The woman was on her way home after partying. The autopsy showed no foul play so maybe she simply fell in the river. She was missing since January. Her personality was described as “sunny [and] bright.” She wrote a book about her own circumscion at nine and the mutilation she received. She started her own line of clothing in 2004. When she originally got into modeling her father was disappointed because he wanted her to be a scholar. He later thought her career was fine because of the fame she received.

OPINION
This is sad. She has three daughters of her own. I am sure they will miss her. She did a lot of good with her fame. I think she was probably a little overly intoxicated and fell into the river. Maybe someone killed her and was very good about how they did it—like poison and then the river’s water detoxed her body at least of the drug used. My first idea seems more plausible though.


FURNIA

International
1.The euro climbed to a record high of US$1.5070 in midmorning European trading on Wednesday as sentiment increased that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue its rate cut campaign. The 15-nation currency hit a series of highs, culminating in US$1.5071 before 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) before falling back slightly to US$1.5063, nearly a full cent more than the US$1.4967 it bought in late trading in New York on Tuesday, which was equal to the last record high it had reached, back in November.
Opinion
I think that it is dumb that all the money is different in all the places. They should all be the same and then it would be so much more easier. Cause now if you go over to Europe than you would have to spend like sixty bucks when it's really only 20 bucks. That's a huge difference and people don't realize it.

2.Spending several days here on top of the world, we've discovered Svalbard is a lot of things. Cold — the temperature today is below zero, Fahrenheit. Remote — this is the northernmost permanent settlement on earth. And tough — there are more polar bears than people (3,000 versus 2,500 or so human residents). All those things make it the perfect place for the Global Seed Vault, an ultra-high security, ultra-low temperature bank for the seeds of every plant we eat — more than two million of them.
Opinion
I think it's dumb they have to be all the way out there just to try and protect some seeds. What's so important about them anyways. I mean they might as well say their walking to their death because of how cold it is. My goodness who in their right mind would even think too unless they get a lot of money. Doesn't sound like it though cause it sounds like enviromental stuff and that's usually volunteer.

National
1.CLEVELAND, OHIO -- Sometimes it was difficult to tell if she was squaring off against Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, or the members of the media moderating the debate, but Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, at Tuesday night's debate in Cleveland Ohio, was forceful, determined and, in moments, clearly frustrated with her underdog status and what she seems to see as a deck stacked against her. The debate, held at Cleveland State University and moderated by NBC's Brian Williams and Tim Russert, started right off with questions about Clinton's flash of anger over the weekend with campaign mailers from Obama's campaign she views as containing misleading information.
Opinion
I think Hilary is trying to win in the wrong way. She is pulling out trash on Obama and making fun of his statements when she goes to speak. She is doing it the wrong way she needs to know that she can win another way she is just making herself look bad in front of the public.

2.Chelsea Clinton has changed dramatically from her days as an awkward teenage first daughter. Now the poised, well-spoken former White House dweller is on the campaign trail, stumping for her mother, Sen. Hillary Clinton, as a powerful surrogate who knows the Democratic presidential candidate's policy positions inside and out. One thing that hasn't changed since her White House days is that she remains extremely private, not granting any interviews with the press or talking on the record.
However, in the last three months, Clinton, who turns 28 today, has gone from silent daughter to confident campaigner. She has visited more than two dozen states since December and has visited 50 college campuses.
Opinion
This is wrong that Hilary is using her daughter as a weapon. She is just a child and you should never get your child involved in something like that so serious. People need to just believe in themselves and know that they can do it and maybe they may make progress in life. Don't use people to get to your own dreams or goals it is wrong.

m@yR@

national
McCain, Obama in heated exchange over Iraq
McCain and Obama engaged in a pointed exchange over al Qaeda in Iraq on Wednesday. McCain questioned whether Obama was aware of the al Qaeda base. Obama's response was: "There was no such thing as al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq." McCain's comments in response to Obama's remarks made Tuesday night in a debate with Clinton. Obama was asked if the president would have the right to go back into Iraq in order to suppress an insurrection after downsizing the U.S. troop presence. Obama stated that if al Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq, then he will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland.
A statement by McCain's stated to Obama's remark that maybe Obama is unaware that al Qaeda is still present in Iraq and that our forces are successfully fighting them every day, and that his Iraq policy of withdrawal would embolden al Qaeda and weaken the US security. Obama said the question he was asked during the debate was a "big hypothetical." McCain is statistically tied with Obama, 44 percent to 42 percent, and ahead of Clinton by 6 points, 46%to 40%. The poll also showed McCain with a 61 percent approval rating, a number higher than both Clinton's and Obama's in past polls.
Opinion
I honestly think that Obama knew exactly what kind of question he just doesn't want people to be thinking bad about him. I though that McCain was finished and out of the candidate run but i guess not. I think that no one actually really knows what to do in regard to the Iraq war. It is very difficult to know what to do in regard to stop the Iraq war.

International
Newborn survives fall through train toilet
A newborn baby girl fell through the toilet in a moving train and onto the tracks moments after her mother prematurely gave birth, surviving nearly two hours before being found. The child's mother, named Bhuri, was traveling with relatives on an overnight train when she went to the bathroom shortly before midnight Tuesday and unexpectedly gave birth to a baby girl.
She fell unconscious and the baby fell through the toilet. Two stations later, the mother's relatives knocked at the door ad the mother opened the door soaked with blood. Toilets on Indian trains usually have holes that open directly onto the tracks. The baby was on the rail track for almost 1½ to two hours. The baby was eight to 10 weeks premature and weighed only 3.22 pounds. She had a low heart rate and body temperature.
Opinion
This is a hard story to believe. I can't believe that the baby actually survived this eventhiugh she was born before 9 months and that she fell through the toilet. This is a real miracle. But it is also hard to believe that the mother did not know that she was going to give birth. I think that a mother knows exactly when she is going to give birth. I think this case should be investigated because maybe the mother wanted to do an abortion.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Krista etorG

NATIONAL

A Stab at Politics

SUMMARY
A Hilary supporter in Pennsylvania stabbed an Obama supporter after getting into a debate about the two candidates. The guy that was stabbed was the other guy’s brother in law. The stabber said that Obama was not a realist; this is what started the fight. In defense the other guys started choking the other guy and to fight back he stabbed him with a kitchen knife. For this he has been charged with assault and will not even be able to vote.

OPINION
I think this is insane. A fight over the primaries that ends with stabbing, who does that? I am glad he will not be able to vote, because like the candidate he is supporting, he is crazy! This is something that only a liberal would do. I’m glad the Republican Party does not have these kinds of problems. If everyone was a Huckabee supporter everything would be good, because a person that follows Huckabee has good values and judgment!

INTERNATIONAL

World’s largest airport

SUMMARY
Just in time for the Olympics, the city of Beijing has managed to create and build the largest airport in the world and in record timing. It only took four years in order for the airport to be designed and created. Although it took homes from several thousands of people and required a crew of over 50,000 to work on it none stop for the past four years it is finally finished and just in time for the up coming Olympic Games. It will be opening its doors to its first 9,000,000 people in a few weeks.

OPINION
I am so jealous, because last summer on my way to Chengdu we had to connect flights in Beijing, and if I would have been able to go to China this summer then I would have been able to see the largest airport in the world! That would have been the coolest thing! Although, if I would not have taken the trip this past summer, I probably would not have been as interested in the country as I am today. I think experience is key to understanding!

NATIONAL

Hilary loses support

SUMMARY
At the beginning of Hilary Clinton’s campaign for the primary she was on fire. She ha tons of support and was expected to win. However, Obama ha come in with a fire extinguisher and put out some of her flame. A man by the name of John Lewis who is a civil rights hero and a supporter of the Clinton administration has decided half way through the campaign that he wants to now support Obama. Clinton was supportive at a press report of Lewis’s decision. She thinks the people are changing their minds about her being president is because they are looking at it from the Commander and Chief point of view, and with such a masculine term it turns people away from a woman.

OPINION
I think she might be about to shed another crocodile tear. Things are not going her way and she needs more support, so what better way than getting more sympathy votes. It worked at the beginning of the campaign. I think Hilary is in quick sand and it is only a matter of time before she goes all the way down. Obama just has more appeal to people. I think Hilary is going crazy, and she thinks that by having more debates she will be able to get more votes, but nothing is changing. Their view on issues will always be the same until after they are sworn in as president. Go Huckabee!

INTERNATIONAL

Kenyan Airlines

SUMMARY
Because of the political crisis in Kenyan, Kenyan Airlines is loosing millions of dollars because tourists are not making Kenya their destination. Right now the airline has only lost fifteen percent. The CEO of the company is not worried yet because if he and has employees all work together and take care of he passengers, then they can get through this. If their income of passengers and funds continue to decrease then the hope will not be as high. The airline has definitely seen a decline in the customers coming from the European areas.

OPINION
Of course tourists are going to stop going to a destination if their life is in danger. People don’t go on a holiday so they won’t return but to relax. If you are visiting a place with so much controversy then you are going to be very tense throughout the trip. Even if the airlines still provides good service, they have to realize that there is a lot more to a trip than the flight, which is only a fraction of it. Once you get off the plain you have to fend for your self because their will not be any stewardesses to attend to your needs and show you were the exit is.

Blian's Brog

National - As the primaries have continued to progress, Obama has gained the backing of John Lewis, one of the primary leaders of the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s. The real kicker to this however is that he is switching from previously supporting Hilary. Lewis is also a Democratic Representative from Georgia, and his support has been highly coveted among the candidates. Senator Byron Durgan from North Dakota has also recently come out in support of Obama.

Opinion – I suppose this is mostly just a sign that Obama is building up momentum and is getting more and more support in his run for the presidency. I really don’t know whether or not Hilary still has a chance or not, but it’s been quite a comeback for Obama when he was down a little after super-Tuesday (however close it may have been).

National - President Bush recently returned from a trip to Africa and in a presentation showed pictures of it in a slideshow. If you look up some video of it, there’s some pretty great video of Bush dancing with the Africans. The trip was a mostly positive one and the people in the countries he visited were extremely grateful to Bush for the American aid they have received (Advances have been made in fights against AIDS and Malaria, and the country has been recovering from frequent conflict). Bush also paid his respects at memorials of genocide in Rwanda. People in Africa had even made shirts with Bush’s face on them.

Opinion – While Bush can’t take credit for all of the progress in Africa (and to be sure there are some countries there where the situation isn’t improving), he certainly seems popular enough there, which contradicts the popular idea that America is now hated all around the world because of Iraq. I suppose one of the reasons Bush took such a trip is because he wants to leave the presidency on something of a good note, but besides this motivation it still says something for the guy’s good intentions.

International - Condoleezza Rice recently visited Japan to make an apology. A U.S. Marine allegedly raped a fourteen-year-old girl on the Japanese Island of Okinawa where U.S. troops are stationed. The marine admitted to making her kiss him, but denied the rape. The Japanese were outraged, and Rice made the trip (already in the general area for the Inauguration of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak) to try to keep our diplomatic relationship with the nation healthy by reassuring the country that justice will be served.

Opinion – what caught my interest about this story is that we still have troops in Japan. I didn’t know that, though I guess it doesn’t surprise me too much. What I’m wondering is, do we only have troops on Okinawa, or do we have any on the Japanese mainland? And they’ve been there since the post WWII occupation right?

International - Interestingly enough, as Americans are debating over whether or not we should support a bilingual nation or push teaching English to American citizens, Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s “President”, is pushing for the citizens of his country to “say it in Spanish, say it with pride.” He is doing so by sponsoring a media campaign, plus Venezuelan radio and theatre, with the aim of stopping the trend of American words being adopted into the vernacular of his country. However, English is still taught as a second language in the country’s schools, and Chavez himself will sometimes use English in his speeches.

Opinion – I suppose this makes sense considering Chavez’s political standing (completely opposed to what he sees as America’s cultural “Imperialism”), and I think it’s nice he’s supporting the culture of his own country. But otherwise I think the whole things rather dumb and ridiculous. If Bush were to sponsor the slogan “say it in English, say it with pride” that wouldn’t go over too well. But I guess that’s because English is already on top. Anyhow, good for you Hugo – keep doing what you feel is best – even if it’s kind of silly.

Hayley Burns (national)( week of: 25-29 February 2008)

Clinton Touts Economic Plan in Hopes of Saving Presidential Bid
Summary:
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Hillary Rodham Clinton spent almost three hours Wednesday trying to persuade a college gym full of Ohioans that her detailed plans to revive the failing economy can also resuscitate her dwindling campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. “Obviously, the economy is the No. 1 issue in the country, and it’s unbelievably important here in Ohio,” said Clinton. “I think, absent any intervening circumstances, the economy will be the domestic driver with all the related issues like health care and energy costs and home foreclosures.” The former first lady said voters in key swing states are beginning to focus on “the big questions,” such as bedrock economic issues, that she said would drive both the remaining Democratic nomination contests and the fall general election.

Opinion:
Well I think it’s a good idea for Hillary to campaign heavily in large states like Ohio ad Texas. Her focus on such a detailed plan is also a good idea because she is her primary opponent Obama, is constantly talking about change, but rarely goes into detail about how this so called change.


It’s the Campaign, Stupid: Clinton Ground Game Under Fire

Summary:
The political team that famously used the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid” to vault to victory in 1992 could be in need of a new mantra 15 years later: It’s the campaign, stupid. Hillary Clinton has slipped from “inevitable” front-runner to second fiddle over the past two months, and political observers have chimed in with their take on what went wrong: No plan for after Super Tuesday. A poor caucus strategy. Her husband. Leon Panetta, former White House chief of staff to Bill Clinton, is the latest Clinton loyalist to come out and criticize the campaign. And he suggests the problem was all of the above. “It seems to me like they rolled the dice on Super Tuesday, thinking that would end it,” Panetta told The New York Observer. “And when it didn’t end it, they didn’t have a plan. And when it came to the caucus states, they did have a plan — which was to ignore them. I think those were serious mistakes.”

Opinion:
This is so funny… and true. The Clinton Campaign has not approached the other primaries like they did for Super Tuesday. It seems to me that they let themselves side into second, without even a fight, now they are trying to gain round from behind. Dumb.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Andrew Reiff

National

Summary- Clinton Campaign Starts 5-Point Attack on Obama

Clinton has been struggling hard in the race recently against Barack Obama, and she is nearing a point of desperation. She is launching a new attack on Obama because she has been rather passive thus far in the campaign. She has lost many contests in a row now, and feels she has to active in order to break Obama's winning streak. She is now behind in the delegate count and in states won, so she really does have to make a move if she wants to stay in the race and not lose it earlier than she has to.

Opinion

I think that Hillary is right here. If she does not do something drastic soon, then she may well be blown out of the race in the same way that Mitt Romney was. She started as the front-runner, and perhaps that was a difficult position to be in because of the expectations, but she has to regain that status. She does risk alienating people but it is a risk that she must take if she is to win the nomination and get beaten by John McCain.

Kellye Harkey

National:
Sens Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama face off tonight in the 20th Democratic debate -- and the last one before crucial votes in the delegate-rich states of Ohio and Texas are cast.
Watch 'World News With Charles Gibson' tonight It is do-or-die time for Clinton's presidential campaign. Senior advisers say she will firmly but calmly draw contrasts tonight between her and Obama. If she does not win in Ohio and Texas, this could be the last debate until the general election debates in the fall. Dodd Endorses Obama.Campaigning in Cleveland today, Obama accepted the endorsement of Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd. "This is the moment for Democrats and independents and others to come together, to get behind this candidacy," Dodd told reporters at a news conference today with Obama. Dodd described his awkward phone call to Clinton last night to inform her of his decision.

Opinion:
Well I really really really want Hilary to win. Right now that lady is grasping at straws but McCain has a better chance at beating her than he does Obama. Too many people like that guy and not so many people like her. I personally do not like her at all and I think she does not have a “life time of experience”. But oh well. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

National:
Senator John McCain apologized profusely today for comments made by radio host Bill Cunningham who was introducing him at an event in Cincinnati. Cunningham referred to the Illinois Senator three times as "Barack Hussein Obama." "Americans now we have a hack Chicago style daily politician who is picturing himself as change. When he gets done with you all your are going to have in your pockets is change," Cunningham said of Obama before introducing McCain. "At some point in the near future the media, the stooges from the New York Times, CBS, the Clinton Broadcasting system, NBC, the nobody but Clinton network, the all Bill Clinton channel, ABC and the Clinton News Network at some point is going to peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama," Cunningham said.

Opinion:
I am kinda confused on this. I do not understand why McCain is apologizing. Didn’t someone else say it and not him? Also, I thought that was his middle name? Ugh I am so confused. I do not see anything wrong with someone saying his full name. If someone says to me Kellye Marie Harkey! I wont take offense to it. People are too sensitive these days.

International:
On Jan. 6, 1944, Anne Frank wrote in her diary that her image of him was so vivid she didn't need a photograph to remember him. Indeed, more than 60 years later, no photograph had been found of Anne Frank's childhood sweetheart, leaving hundreds of readers around the world curious for a glimpse. But now, 81-year-old Earnst Michaelis has identified his dearest childhood friend, Peter Schiff, as the "Petel" or "Peter" from the diary … the mysterious boy who stole Anne Frank's heart. Despite "Anne Frank's Diary" becoming one of the world's most-read journals, selling an estimated 35 million copies, what Peter Schiff might have looked like was an enduring mystery. He met Anne Frank at school in Amsterdam in 1940, and they were inseparable for one summer. In her diary, Anne Frank affectionately called him "Petel," and she was ''crazy about his smile." He offered her a necklace and she fell in love with him, a love that filled her with hope during the harsh days of World War II when she and her family hid from the police to avoid capture, deportation or worse

Opinion:
This is kind of exciting! Little Miss Anne Frank had some good taste!Go anne! Go Anne! But seriously I had not idea they did not know what he looked like or did not have a picture of him. Speaking of Anne Frank that is a really sad, but true book. The girl kinda seemed a little off to me but then again she was fearing for her life. Well I really liked that story and the mystery is solved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

International:
According to a noted British bishop, it's the one thing we tend to put off thinking about, but it's also one of life's certainties.
"The question of heaven, the question of what happens after death, is one which a lot of people in our culture try to put off as long as they can, but sooner or later it suddenly swings round and looks them in the eye," said Bishop Tom Wright. Believers and unbelievers have strong views about what happens when you die. For centuries, Christians have believed that their destiny after death is heaven: a spiritual place where they -- along with a myriad of angels, -- sing praises to God for eternity. But is it possible that Christians may have gotten that part of their faith badly wrong?

Opinion:
This guy seems a little crazy, well a lot crazy. I really do not understand why people can not just accept the fact that there is a God and we go to heaven!! Why would you want to argue that? A place that has not crying, no hunger, no sadness, no sickness… NOTHING! But a place where you get to hang out with the man who parted the red sea! And also the man who saved the world!? Come on people!

Monday, February 25, 2008

mAyR@

international news
Cousin: Dying woman twice refused oxygen on flight
During an Airlines flight, Carine Desir Struggled breathing and asked for oxygen, but a flight attendant twice refused her request. After refusing to give her oxygen the attendant finally relented but various medical devices on the plane failed, including two oxygen tanks that were found to be empty and what may have been a defibrillator that seemed to malfunction. American Airlines confirmed the flight death and said medical professionals had tried to save the womans life. Desir, who had heart disease, died of natural causes. Desir's cousin, Oliver asked for the plane to "land right away so he could get her to the hospital and the pilot agreed to divert to Miami, 45 minutes away. But during that time Desir collapsed and died. But she died and the flight was continued to John F. Kennedy International Airport, without stopping in Miami. Desir's body was moved to the floor of the first-class section and covered with a blanket.
Opinion
I can's believe the airplane was carring empty oxygen tanks in the plane. This airplane airlines should be sued especially since one of the attendants refused to give oxygen to a woman that couldn't breath and was dying. This attendant should be put in prison. I think that Desir's death had nothing to do with her health problems because she could have been saved. These doctors and nurses did not try their best to save this woman. All these people could have stopped this woman from dying I can't believe that after she died the pilot did not even stop at miami.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Hayley Burns (international)( week of: 25-29 February 2008)

International

Lucky U.K. Gambler Turns $1 Bet into $2 Million Win

Summary:
LONDON — A lucky gambler has made 1 million pounds (about $1.97 million) from 50 pence — or 98 U.S. cent — bet, British bookmaker William Hill said Saturday. The man, who William Hill has not identified, correctly guessed the outcome of eight horse races Friday, beating odds of 2 million-to-one. He walked into a William Hill branch in the north England town of Thirsk and placed wagers on eight horses in eight different contests in a so-called "accumulator bet," the company said. His first win came when a horse called "Isn't That Lucky" won the 2:55 p.m. race at the Sandown track, southwest of London. By the time "A Dream Come True" crossed the finish line at the Wolverhampton racecourse in central England later that evening, the man had won 1 million pounds, or nearly $2 million. William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe says the man was oblivious to his win when he came to a different William Hill branch Saturday to place more 50 pence bets. Sharpe said the man had not won any of Saturday's wagers, losing 2.50 pounds — just less that $5. "If he does it another 400,000 times we'll have it all back," Sharpe said. William Hill PLC, one of the biggest players in Britain's gambling industry, operates more than 2,000 betting shops across the country.

Opinion:
So I don’t think that gambling is a good way to spend your money, but this guy did it right. I also think that is very awesome he had no idea about his bet winnings, so nonchalant. Part of me thinks that he cheated, but I’m sure the corporation is investigating any possibility of that.


Queen Elizabeth II Apologizes to Child Bitten by Swan

Summary:
LONDON — Elishia Stevenson wanted an apology when a swan bit her. So she wrote to Queen Elizabeth II. The 6-year-old girl from Cornwall, southwest England, wrote to Buckingham Palace because her mother told her the queen owns all the swans in Britain. She decorated her letter with flowers and a picture of a swan with a sad face. A lady-in-waiting responded, saying the queen was "sorry to hear about the swan." Though the queen doesn't own every swan in Britain, she does own certain mute swans in the Thames. This tradition goes back to the 12th century, when roast swan was considered a delicious dish, and continues today with the annual "Swan Upping," a census of swans on the Thames. David Pogson, a Buckingham Palace spokesman, said the idea the queen owns all the swans is a myth.

Opinion:
Ha-ha, I think this is very funny. The mom said something so outrageous but the little girl took it so seriously. Classic 6 year-old. Parents do this all the time, they just say something to their children to stop thinking about a particular problem, I think this always just causes more problems, and questions. Parents should just tell their kids the truth the first time; they are going to find out anyways… with caution and common sense of course.

mayra

Clinton to Obama: 'Shame on you'
Hillary came out mad on Saturday screaming at Obama over campaign literature saying that he knows is "blatantly false." Clinton jabbed the air with her hands as she told a crowd in Ohio, that two Obama mailings spread lies about her positions on universal health care and the North American Free Trade Agreement. Polls show Clinton and Obama are in statistical dead heats in delegate on Ohio and Texas, which both hold votes March 4. Gov. Ted Strickland nodded in agreement behind Clinton when she was accusing Obama of emulating the tactics of Karl Rove, President Bush's former political director who is reviled by Democrats. It is said that Obama is sending false and discredited mailings with information that is not true to the voters of Ohio. One mailing says her health care proposal would force everyone to buy health insurance, regardless of ability to pay, a charge which Clinton denied. Clinton has challenged Obama to meet her in Ohio, and have a debate about their tactics and his behavior in this campaign.
Opinion
I can't believe this. I can't believe the fact that Obama is sending false information about her. This would cause more problems between him and her. I don't think that it is Obama's job to be saying things that he thinks is true or not true about Hillary. This would definetly make hillary lose many votes. This might stop Hillary from becoming president.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Logan Lann

National

McCain’s Supposed Love Affair

Summary

The New York Times posted an article that revealed a secret love affair with an employee on his 2000 presidential campaign. Unidentified sources told the paper that he was involved with Vicki Iseman, a telecommunications lobbyist. McCain went before the press and answered any questions they had. He denied any of the allegations made about him. Most think it is just sour grapes.

Opinion

I think it is all false. McCain is too old to have an affair, even when he was eight years younger. This is a pretty low move on the part of whoever is responsible for telling this story to the papers. It is also low on the part of the papers that printed this story. This belongs on the tabloids, right up there with the UFO’s and the crop circles.

International

U.S. Embassy Stormed

Summary

The U.S. embassy was raided Thursday by a mob of angry Serbs. They were earlier that day protesting the ethnic Albanian majority to create its own independent state. The people of Serbia were very angry about the separation and creation of Kosovo. Sources told reporters that the entire faculty of the embassy was accounted for, however, one burned body was found.

Opinion

I don’t really know whether it was good for the people to separate or not. I don’t have much of an opinion about the situation. Of course, the US is behind the separatists, and of course, Russia is behind Serbia. I don’t know.

Jonathan Francis Sterner Lemnitzer

ryan evans(last blog)

International:
Radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has declared a cease fire for at least another six months. His Shi'ite Mahdi Army will try and let the recovery of Iraq continue. Iraq has been involved in sectarian violence for the past few months or so, but this is a sign of possible stability in the country. This decision by Sadr was released during prayers. When he originally halted his militia's actions last November, Sadr was widely credited for bringing the death toll in his country down by more than sixty percent.

Opinion:
At the risk of 'stating the obvious', this is a vey good sign. The situation in Iraq is stabilizing and the death tolls are decreasing. The recovery of this country is well under way, and hopefully the sectarian violence will continue to decrease. I think the United States should keep keeping a close eye on the seperate Shi'ite and Sunni sects in the country and region. Woo-hoo for stability. ya!

Kaylen May Gerkey

Teachers Go On Strike in Puerto Rico
SUMMARY:
Teachers walked off the job across Puerto Rico staging a protest that led to several arrests and clashes with police. At least 10 people were detained across the island. Most protests were peaceful and non-violent. The protest was staged after the teachers union had a breakdown in talks, after the systems 42,000 teachers demanded higher salaries and school improvements. One man was seen bleeding in the capital of San Juan after clashing with police. Striking teachers had closed the school.

OPINION:
It seems like everyone is going on strike now. First we have the writer’s strike in America because they feel they don’t get paid enough and such and now these guys feel the same way. I think the more important thing is the children’s education. They need to spend more time worrying about how the kids are doing in school than how much they make a year.

Serb Protesters Attack US Embassy
SUMMARY:
Angry demonstrators protesting Kosovo’s independence from Serbia attack the US Embassy, throwing rocks, breaking windows and setting fires. The US was among the first to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. One protester was caught on tape trying to burn the US flag. Tear gas was shot into the protesters and armored cars lined the streets before the Embassy was secured. The Serbs said earlier in the month that they would never recognize and after Kosovo announced independence last Sunday the US was among the first to recognize/

OPINION:
I can totally see why the Serbs attacked the Us Embassy, not that it’s right. The Serbs will never recognize Kosovo and we’re the first nation to jump out and do so. The Serbs didn’t like that and got angry and broke its windows and set fires. I don’t know what’s so bad about Kosovo, they just want to be independent, but the Serbs don’t like that.

McCain on Claim of Coziness with Lobbyist: Not True
SUMMARY:
Thursday, John McCain denied accusations made by the New York Times that said he once had a close relationship with a female lobbyist whose clients had business before his senate committee. McCain claimed that he would never do anything that would betray the public trust. His wife said that he has always put family first. Aides to the McCain campaign were so worried it was true they sat him down and asked him personally if it was true. The New York Times’ assertions were part of a larger article about McCain’s relationships and stances toward lobbyist.

OPINION:
I want to believe McCain. I’ve heard McCain’s name ever since I was a little kid, and I have always liked him. I don’t think he would do this to his party, let alone his wife. McCain is not that stupid. I don’t know where the New York Times concocted this story but if they really wanted to hurt McCain they would have done it at a more vulnerable time in his campaign. Right now he’s just coasting to victory, plus I just don’t believe it.

Obama Wins Democrats Abroad Primary
SUMMARY:
Obama won the Democrats abroad global primary. That gave him 11 straight victories in the race for the Democratic nominee. Democrats living in other countries voted by internet, mail, or in person and the results were in favor of Senator Obama. Nearly 20,000 US citizens voted. Obama won about 65%. The Asia-Pacific region gave him 75%. Voters in 164 countries voted.

OPINION:
I totally did not even know that there was such a thing as an abroad primary. I’m glad Obama won it though; he seems to be getting momentum as these primaries come to an end. Obama really road off with the points this time taking like 2/3 of the abroad vote.