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28 Apr 2009 10:43

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Politics, U.S.: The media’s love affair with Michelle Obama continues

  • This is someone who appeals across the usual divides. She is a celebrity you can imagine being, not a celebrity you have to watch from afar.
  • Susan M. Reverby • Professor of women’s studies at Wellesley College in Mass., discussing exactly why Michelle Obama is so great. Perhaps it’s over the top, but, well, at least she isn’t talking about how amazing her arms are. • source

27 Apr 2009 10:52

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Offbeat, U.S.: Why … yes, Air Force One just flew over the Statue of Liberty

  • No, Obama wasn’t on it. New Yorkers got a bit of a shock when they noticed a presidential plane flying over one of the nation’s most iconic figures this morning. The Air Force confirms that yes, Obama’s Air Force One backup plane flew over the Statue of Liberty this morning, but it was for a photo op. Thanks for ruining our dreams, Air Force. source

23 Apr 2009 21:44

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U.S.: Our two-second analysis of the latest Obama poll

  • think Obama is the greatest thing since bread was sliced and put into bags source
  • think Obama is a pretty awesome guy who knows what he’s doing in D.C. source
  • think Obama isn’t amazing, but they don’t think he sucks at job either source
  • think Obama is lame and wish he wasn’t president because he smells source
  • hate Obama with the raging fire of a thousand burning teabags source

23 Apr 2009 08:29

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Biz, U.S.: Next on the list: Obama takes on the credit card industry

  • The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights brings more transparency to the contractual relationship and give consumers the tools they need to responsibly manage their own credit.
  • Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, D-NY • On her bill, which would level the playing field between consumers and the credit card industry, which often charges excessive fees that many consumers see as unfair. President Barack Obama will meet with leaders of the credit card industry today, during which he’ll likely attack some of their methods. • source

20 Apr 2009 21:08

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World: This seems like a good way to spoil a U.N. anti-racism conference

  • It is all the more regrettable that a number of Western governments and the United States have committed themselves to defend those racist perpetrators of genocide.
  • Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • Who used the conference as a pulpit for his controversial views against Israel. The U.S. chose not to go beforehand, and numerous envoys walked out of the room while Ahmadinejad made his not-dividing-at-all remarks. • source

20 Apr 2009 09:47

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U.S.: Obama orders his cabinet to cut fat out of their diets

  • $100 million in budget cuts in 90 days; we suggest Atkins source

19 Apr 2009 20:04

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Politics, U.S.: The latest talking points against Obama skew diplomatic

  • NOOO!!! Now that Obama has let those torture memos out of the bag, the terrorists will WIN! The CIA will have a harder time defeating those evil terrorists and PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN!!
  • shake
  • torture
 

19 Apr 2009 11:13

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U.S., World: Did Obama break international law on torture? A UN guy says yes.

  • They are party to the convention and the convention is very, very clear. The fact that you carried out an order doesn’t relieve you of your responsibility.
  • Manfred Nowak • The UN’s Special Rapporteur on torture, on whether, by not prosecuting CIA operatives accused of torture under the Bush administration, Obama is violating an international agreement to do just that. Oh boy. • source

17 Apr 2009 09:33

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U.S., World: Alright, Obama. Cuba’s ready to talk. Your move.

  • Lower restrictions Earlier this week, as promised, the Obama administration loosened travel restrictions for people with family in the communist nation. It’s a baby step to much looser restrictions, by the way. source
  • Lower restrictions Earlier this week, as promised, the Obama administration loosened travel restrictions for people with family in the communist nation. It’s a baby step to much looser restrictions, by the way.
  • Raul wants to talk Raul Castro, brother of Fidel and Cuba’s current leader, has taken this overture as a chance to thaw things. Castro said “that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything.” source
  • Lower restrictions Earlier this week, as promised, the Obama administration loosened travel restrictions for people with family in the communist nation. It’s a baby step to much looser restrictions, by the way.
  • Raul wants to talk Raul Castro, brother of Fidel and Cuba’s current leader, has taken this overture as a chance to thaw things. Castro said “that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything.”
  • A crazy history It won’t be easy. In the 50 years since Fidel Castro first led Cuba, the relationship with the U.S. has been icy at best. That trade embargo hasn’t helped, but this could be the turning point. source

16 Apr 2009 09:28

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Culture: Well, that was quick: A book on Bo, the Obama dog, is coming

  • Bo’s thoughts on the novel? “Woof.” It must run in the family; Bo won’t be the first Obama with its own book, but “America’s Commander in Leash,” as indie publisher Mascot Books titled said book, will have a kid’s book by the end of the month. Quick advice to Mascot Books: It’s April 16 already. You’re shipping by April 30. You might want to proofread really well. source