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19 Aug 2011 19:26

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Politics: Russ Feingold’s out: Wisconsin political institution sits out 2012 races

  • While I may seek elective office again someday, I have decided not to run for public office during 2012.
  • Former Sen. Russ Feingold • Breaking the hearts of many a progressive with a single quote. The Wisconsin institution, who’s currently teaching at Marquette Law School and working on a book about 9/11, says he’s enjoying the stuff he’s currently working on and wants a little bit of a break from the political game. This is not a particularly great sign for Democrats going into 2012, as Feingold was seen as likely to do well in another Senate race. Feingold lost his Senate seat, which he held for three terms, last year. Let the speculation begin: Perhaps he’s holding out for a race with Scott Walker? source

19 Aug 2011 17:06

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U.S., World: Dominique Strauss-Kahn case might be decided by money, not courts

  • the Strauss-Kahn accuser might drop the case for money. However, the woman’s lawyer is denying these claims that follow a report from the Wall Street Journal that sites anonymous sources. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were trying to make a deal — anything close to a conviction in this case would be political suicide for prominent French politician Strauss-Kahn, if his career isn’t over already. It’s evident that he and his team want this case out of the way as soon as possible, and from what’s being said, the woman might just take money instead of going through with the trial. We’ll see. source

19 Aug 2011 16:53

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U.S.: West Memphis Three aren’t so happy about having to admit guilt

  • Although I am innocent, this plea is in my best interest.
  • Jessie Miskelley Jr., one of the West Memphis Three • Explaining why he essentially pleaded guilty to get out of jail. It’s believed that the prosecution would’ve had enough evidence to convict them, so the plea deal was in their best interest — but none of the three seem to be happy about having to plead guilty to be free. As a condition of the plea deal, the trial will remain on probation for ten years, and if they re-offend they’ll have to go to prison for another ten years. So what do you think — was justice served? source

19 Aug 2011 16:23

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Culture: ‘Real Housewives’ death won’t stop Bravo from airing the show

  • realityEven after a main character committed suicide, Bravo won’t cancel their hit reality show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Russell Armstrong’s suicide follows on the heels of marriage and money problems that were likely caused by the show. Originally, the show’s return to airwaves wasn’t even going to be delayed.
  • actuality This situation shows how reality TV affects the stars — and the lengths networks are willing to take to keep the moneymakers on the air. People are fascinated with reality TV and want to watch others live their lives — but reality stars make a big sacrifice to keep up the facade. Russell Armstrong is a perfect example of that. source

19 Aug 2011 15:59

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Music, World: Another stage collapse: Belgian music fans grieve after Pukkelpop tragedy

  • Pukkelpop was cancelled Friday, a day after a collapsed stage, violent storm and uprooted trees killed five and injured 140 at the Belgian music fest, which included major acts (the Foo Fighters, Eminem) and up-and-comers (Odd Future, Crystal Castles). Many of the acts that played or were scheduled to play have offered condolences for the tragedy on Twitter. It’s the latest in a long line of devastating stage collapses this summer, and the worst so far by injuries. Sadly, a sixth person died in the Indiana State Fair incident from last week. source

19 Aug 2011 14:46

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Culture: “The King” is dead: Burger King retires its creepy mascot

  • An awesome ad campaign dies: One of the most unlikely ways to advertise that you should eat burgers will go the way of many other kings before it, as high-calorie ruler Burger King (which has been struggling a bit recently) has decided to refocus its marketing on something a little less … y’know … creepy. Bring back the Subservient Chickensource

19 Aug 2011 14:17

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U.S.: Obama administration eases up on deportation case prosecution

  • what The Obama administration has chosen to prioritize its deportation cases — focusing mostly on those accused or convicted of criminal activity rather than immigrants who may not have come to the country on their own accord as children.
  • why Obama faced criticism, particularly from Hispanics, that the administration was being too tough on immigration issues by focusing on deportation cases of those that been productive members of society. source
 

19 Aug 2011 13:13

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Politics: Christine O’Donnell apparently had too much going on Wednesday night

  • I want to apologize for being so late, I know that’s not respectful of your time, so please accept my apology. We started out at about five o’clock in the morning at Fox and Friends and we’ve gone nonstop until the final stop at CNN a few minutes ago.
  • Christine O’Donnell • Talking to the Women’s National Republican Club in NYC on Wednesday night — a meeting she had apparently double-booked with the taping of “Piers Morgan Tonight” — you know, the one she walked out on after being asked a question about gay marriage. Sounds like someone made up a mini-controversy in an effort to get out of something. source

19 Aug 2011 11:11

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Biz, Tech: Hewlett Packard’s stock reflects yesterday’s poor decision-making

  • » Investors were NOT happy with the news: HP fell down to its lowest level in years — a level so low that they last time it was at this nadir, Carly Fiorina had just left the company. We think this should tell HP something — killing off the race horse (WebOS) immediately after it starts the race is terrible business strategy, and investors will not react kindly to this. That was your future, HP, and you blew it because you had no idea how to feasibly make it work.

19 Aug 2011 10:32

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U.S.: Michael Bloomberg: Don’t put politics into Ground Zero ceremony

  • We’re trying to keep focus on families, and that’s where it belongs. This day is not above any of us, it’s about the families of 3,000-odd people who lost their lives 10 years ago.
  • NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg • Reacting to reports that nearby governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo were angling for bigger roles in the Ground Zero ceremony next month. Bloomberg just ain’t having it. And we support this line of reasoning entirely — leave the memorial for the people who felt it most directly. The governors can have their speeches later. source