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11 Feb 2012 18:48

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Politics: Mitt Romney wins Maine caucus, with Ron Paul at his heels

  • 39% Mitt Romney’s percentage in the Maine caucus, a momentum-building win after a tough week
  • 36% Ron Paul’s second-place percentage; he held tight to Mitt, but his first win again evaded him source
  • » The other candidates didn’t take part, really: With Rick Santorum scoring 18 percent and Newt bringing up the rear with 6 percent, Mitt’s victory in the non-binding primary wasn’t clean, but it was another win for him. The Maine caucuses are generally ignored by primary-watchers, but gained attention after Mitt kinda blew it earlier in the week.

11 Feb 2012 15:04

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Politics, Tech: The official 3G dead-zone map, courtesy of the FCC

The Official 3G Deadzone Map, Courtesy of the FCC

  • FCC announces creation of mobility fund: In a press release Friday morning, the FCC reaffirmed its commitment to increasing broadband and mobile coverage in rural areas. The agency announced the creation of a new Mobility Fund, a new addition to the Connect America Fund, created to “accelerate our nation’s ongoing efforts to close gaps in mobile wireless service.” Included in the press release was a reminder that the agency will soon host a $300 million reverse auction, with the winner receiving $300 million to provide rural broadband coverage. They also revealed an interactive map of the nation’s worst coverage areas, created with online map-making tool MapBoxsource

11 Feb 2012 14:19

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Politics: Real Time: Bill Maher blasts Republicans for divisive tactics

  • Bill Maher Says GOP Is “Dividing America”: During last night’s ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, the host lambasted Republicans for taking a divisive approach to politics. Saying the current crop of GOP candidates could save Americans time by simply disclosing “which parts of America they don’t hate”, Maher pointed out that members of the GOP regularly denigrate “East Coast Elites and San Francisco Liberals” — among other groups — while simultaneously accusing the President of dividing the country. (Edit: fixed minor spelling error, thanks Portorock for tip) source

11 Feb 2012 14:11

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Politics: Roaring applause: Allen West energizes conservatives at CPAC

  • “It is not the public good that matters, it is the personal good.” Representative Allen West (R-FL) fired up the crowd, during his speech at CPAC Friday night, saying that conservatives have allowed “the other side to paint us as racist” for too long. Rep. West reminded voters that proof of that statement’s inaccuracy stood before them saying, “today, as a conservative black Republican and former soldier, I’m here to set that record straight.” His comments drew roaring applause. (photo by Flickr user markn3tel) source

11 Feb 2012 11:59

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Culture, Sports, U.S.: Jeremy Lin lights up Lakers, sets new team record for Knicks

  • 89 points scored by Jeremy Lin during his first three starts with the New York Knicks this week
  • 80 points scored by former team record-holder Bill Cartwright in his first three starts, way back in 1979-1980 source
  • » What can’t he do? With a solid showing against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, including a career-high 38 points scored, Jeremy Lin set a new Knicks team record (EDIT: And league record) for the most points scored by a player in their first three starts since the NBA-ABA merger. He’s also one game away from matching Lebron James’ — 20 point, 5 assist, 50 percent shooting — four-game performance streak, the longest streak by any player this season.

11 Feb 2012 11:10

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Culture, Politics: Bill Murray: Is he a Closet Libertarian?

  • I think we ought to be personally responsible.
  • Bill Murray • Speaking during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” The actor made clear that he believed we should all help ourselves and any others we can. Saying that many people forget America is a “pioneer country”, Murray stopped short of condemning the social safety net; however, he did say that “we’ve sort of gotten used to someone looking out for us”, though we apparently shouldn’t, because some people are simply  “compost for the whole planet.” The interview left many wondering, is Bill Murray a closet Libertarian? source