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14 Jan 2011 14:44

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Politics: Obama’s approval ratings back in the green

  • 47.9% President Obama’s approval rating, according to Talking Points Memo’s average – .6 percent above his disapproval rating
  • eight months since the last time his positives outweighed his negatives – and two months after a shellacking during the midterms source
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 14:30

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World: Tunisia’s Prime Minister, Mohamed Ghannouchi, taking over

  • And I urge all the sons and daughters of Tunisia, from all political and intellectual backgrounds, of every affiliation, to adhere to the true national spirit. So we can safeguard our nation that is so dear to us, in order to overcome this difficult phase and return security.
  • Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi • While informing Tunisian residents that he’ll be taking over presidential duties from troubled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who has ruled since 1987 and just dissolved the government. There are reports that Ben Ali has straight-up left the country.  source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 1 Comment • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 13:34

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Biz, World: Could food prices be a root cause of Tunisia’s unrest?

  • 32% increase in food prices in 2010’s second half source
  • » How does this matter? We’re at a record with food prices, making it hard for people to live in third-world countries. With quick growth in countries such as China, reserves are becoming harder to keep, and the supplies of basic crops like corn and soybeans (which also get used in vast quantities for such things as ethanol) are down significantly. And since Americans tend to eat more processed foods (which use fewer raw materials), price increases aren’t felt in the developed world as much as they are in the third world. “In this country, a much higher proportion of your food dollar is spent on processing, advertising and promotion and marketing,” said Global Insight economist Tom Jackson. “There’s not really that margin built in between the farmer and the consumer in the developing countries.”

 

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 12:18

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Politics: Today’s big vote: So, who’s going to be the next RNC chair?

So, much of the betting money is leaning towards this Reince Priebus guy (who we’re totally going to call Prince Riebus by accident) becoming the RNC chair. Sayonara, Michael Steele. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 11:58

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World: More on the (very scary) Tunisia government dissolution

  • Running battles amid extreme violence from police. Protesters being chased on to rooftops. This is turning very, very bad. Gunshots are now ringing around us and in the other sidestreets around interior ministry.
  • Guardian reporter Angelique Chrisafis • Tweeting about the scene in Tunisia, where violent protests have led to the country’s dissolution. At least 23 people have died, many shot by police, since the protests began a month ago. Another 12 died in Tunis and Ras Jebel last night alone. The president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, promised that police would leave protesters alone, and that he would resign office by 2014. “I understand the Tunisians, I understand their demands,” he said. “I am sad about what is happening now after 50 years of service to the country, military service, all the different posts, 23 years of the presidency.” He’s been in office since 1987. Protesters, upset about the poor economic situation, want him to step down immediately. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 11:44

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World: Tunisia’s government falls apart violently and dramatically

Guess this means the dissolution of Lebanon’s government wasn’t the worst dissolution of the week. During this protest, security forces violently beat protesters. Yikes. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Jan 2011 11:31

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World: It’s a beatification: John Paul II getting saintly honor at Easter

  • It’s official: We’re looking to make John Paul II a saint. With Pope Benedict claiming that he’s met the requirements of beatification, his predecessor will be honored at Easter. The uber-popular John Paul II reportedly was responsible for a miracle – he cured a nun of Parkinson’s disease shortly after he died. He needs another one to become a full saint. And, in case you’re wondering: This is waaaaay faster than it usually happens. (photo by bren) source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

13 Jan 2011 23:12

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Tech: Groupon made right decision in turning down Google

  • $6 billion offered by Google to buy out online coupon titan Groupon
  • $15 billion current estimate of Groupon’s worth if and when it goes public source
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink

13 Jan 2011 22:17

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Politics: Whoa! Glenn Beck has something nice to say about President Obama!

  • This is probably the best speech he has ever given, and with all sincerity, thank you Mr. President, for becoming the president of the United States of America last night.
  • Glenn Beck (!) • On President Obama’s speech last night. Is this the most complimentary thing Beck has ever said about Obama? Probably. But it wasn’t without a catch; Beck took a dig at Obama for saying “what he should have said on Saturday,” and added that “a leader says that on Day 1.” Still, not so bad from the guy who once called our President a racist. source
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink

13 Jan 2011 22:14

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Politics: Senator Hutchison, the Tea Party’s first 2012 victim

  • NO Kay Bailey Hutchison won’t run seek re-election source
  • » Why not? Basically, the Texas Senator is afraid of falling victim to a Tea Party challenge. She has good reason, too: In a September poll, only 25% of Republicans said they’d support her for renomination. Granted, she does have a not-so-bad approval rating of 58%, but, as Public Policy Polling points out, both Lisa Murkowski and Mike Castle had even higher numbers prior to their primaries, and both lost to Tea Party challengers. In an entirely unrelated development, Texas Democrats were seen licking their chops shortly after Hutchison’s announcement.
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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