M: Haiti Is Bogged Down in More Than Just Rubble

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In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, relief money, workers, and equipment arrived from all over the world to assist Haiti. That included independent contractors like Randal Perkins of Florida who hoped to cash in on the need. Perkins has experience in natural disaster cleanup having been involved in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and… Read more »

M: Kind and Respectful Campaigning

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Politics is dirty business. Yet in this campaign season where voters are polarized and the issues are contentious, Vicky Hartzler and Ike Skelton are running civil campaigns for a Missouri congressional seat. Mr. Skelton, a Democrat, currently holds the position and has done so since 1977. Ms. Hartzler has a number of successful political campaigns… Read more »

M: The Giants Win the Pennant

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The San Francisco Giants beat the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies to claim the 2010 National League Pennant and the right to face the Texas Rangers in the World Series. Giants manager Bruce Bochy is back in the series for the first time since 1998 (when he managed the San Diego Padres). San Francisco… Read more »

France Raises Retirement Age

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On October 22, the upper house of the French parliament passed a controversial bill to change France’s minimum retirement age.  The bill is designed to address France’s budget deficit in pension funding by increasing the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60.  Despite the fact France has a generous retirement program when compared to other… Read more »

Merkel’s Concession Shows Lost Clout

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Members of the European Union (EU) have reached a tentative compromise agreement about how to deal with euro-zone members who violate EU spending rules. Each euro-zone country is supposed to limit its budget deficit to no more than 3% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and its debt to 60% of GDP. One of… Read more »

M: Chile Warmed Us All (Part III)

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After living through near starvation for 17 days, 33 miners had to prepare for the rigors of their rescue. Dr. Jean Christophe Romagnoli developed a training routine utilizing an elastic band that would condition the miners’ muscles to avoid cramps and spasms during their ascent. Dr Romagnoli also monitored the miners’ health and suggested they… Read more »

M: Chile Warmed Us All (Part I)

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Chilean President Sebastian Pinera had barely been in office five months when 33 miners became trapped in the San Jose Mine run by Codelco. The president was no stranger to disaster, having ushered the country through recovery after one the strongest earthquakes on record. Once again, the national spotlight was upon him as the country… Read more »

M: Chile Warmed Us All (Part II)

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Imagine being trapped underground for more than two months. Difficulties associated with such a plight include food and water availability, personal hygiene, and psychological issues. The Chilean miners were able to overcome these problems through a vast array of technological wonders, including bacteria-killing clothing, cleansing products that required little or no water, and electronics equipment… Read more »

Anti-China Protest in Japan

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Demonstrators in Japan staged a massive anti-China rally as tensions between the two nations continue to rise. Long-simmering tensions between the countries have been fueled lately as a result of an incident last month when a Chinese boat operating off the coast of islands that both China and Japan claim as theirs purposely collided with… Read more »

Turkey Seeks EU Bid Support

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Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu urged France to more actively support Turkey’s application to join the European Union (EU). Turkey’s EU membership talks are currently stalled in the nation’s long quest to become a member of the world’s largest trade bloc. Mr. Davutoglu called on French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to help accelerate the membership… Read more »