| Palmetto Politics
We're live with results from the South Carolina GOP primary, where tonight John McCain pulled off a big win. Also today, the Nevada caucuses, where Hillary Clinton beat back a tough challenge from Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney cruised to an easy win over his rivals in the Republican field. But first, to the Palmetto State, where tonight veterans and self-described moderate voters helped propel John McCain to victory over his chief rival there, Mike Huckabee. For more on that, I'm joined by Republican pollster Whit Ayers. Whit Ayers, thanks for being here. Ayers: Hey, Paul. How are you? Gigot: I'm great, thanks. Big win tonight for John McCain. Eight years ago it didn't go so well for him. What did he do differently tonight that gave him the victory that didn't happen eight years ago? Ayers: It has to be an awfully sweet win tonight after the bitter loss eight years ago.
The Grand Old White Party Confronts Obama
Exit polls tell us that African-Americans voting in this year's G.O.P. primaries account for at most 2 to 4 percent of its electorate even in states with large black populations. Mr. Obama's ascension hardly means that racism is kaput in America, or that the country is "postracial" or "transcending race." But it's impossible to deny that another barrier has been surmounted. Bill Clinton's attempt to minimize Mr. Obama as a niche candidate in South Carolina by comparing him to Jesse Jackson looks more ludicrous by the day. Even when winning five Southern states (Virginia included) on Super Tuesday in 1988, Mr. Jackson received only 7 to 10 percent of white votes, depending on the exit poll. Whatever the potency of his political skills and message, Mr. Obama is also riding a demographic wave.
Viewing all entries for: January 2008
I THINK it's safe to say that some aspects of global trade and finance may be in the process of readjusting, perhaps as a result of some sizable imbalances. Not swiftly enough for Atlantic correspondent James Fallows, however, whose latest missive on China misses the mark. It's very fair to harbour concern over China's yuan policy, its massive accrued reserves, and the resulting effects on American consumers, but Mr Fallows mistreats the economics involved in order to spin a potential disaster scenario--a rather nasty hypothetical meltdown, if not outright war. The economic misunderstandings are bothersome. Mr Fallows writes, for example that: For China, [currency manipulation] has helped the regime guide development in the way it would like—and keep the domestic economy’s growth rate from crossing the thin line that separates "unbelievably fast" from "uncontrollably inflationary." This is not at all the case.
401(k) debit draws red flags
An economic slowdown and subprime mortgage crisis have made it more difficult for many people to gain access to credit. Financial hardships are driving more of them to tap their retirement funds, financial planners say.
"We have seen an increase in loans, and we have seen an increase in hardship withdrawals from 401(k)s," Mr. Ritter said. "Anecdotally, some of it seems to be related to people paying mortgages."
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Turning A Home Space Into A Work Space
I'm launching a home-based business, and I need to find a spot in my home to turn into a workspace. I really want the area to be attractive and functional. Any suggestions? A: Wouldn't it be great if your new workroom was so fabulous that you looked forward to getting down to business just so you could hang out in such a wonderful space? I'm excited to tell you there is hope for every utilitarian space in your home, whether it's the laundry room filled with stinky socks, the sewing room piled under with unfinished projects or the world headquarters of your new cottage industry. To make these hard-working areas so awesome that they will suck you in with their gravitational pull, all you need is some imagination and an eye for important details. Your first step to creating a workroom that's both fun and functional is to make a list of demands that the space must achieve.
A voyage of discovery
Six months have passed since the opening of the Cairo Children's Cancer Hospital (CCHE), a project that epitomises Egyptians' collective effort to provide free treatment for those in need through making charitable donations. The hospital, known as "57357" after the number of its bank account to which donations can be sent, now treats some 760 patients, 40 of whom are from Arab countries. Built on half the allocated plot of land in the Sayeda Zeinab district in Cairo, leaving the other half free for gardens, the hospital's unique design stands out from its surroundings like a ship of hope. Its beauty is reflected inside the hospital, which is a comfortable place for parents, while at the same time providing high-quality treatment for children with cancer. "We are trying to make the hospital look like a big toy, or a cheerful place for children, because cancer is a very cruel disease for them," says Sherif Abul-Naga, director of Academic Affairs, Research, Training and International Outreach at the Hospital, as well as professor of paediatric hematology and oncology at the National Cancer Institute at Cairo University.
Arbor Day trees planted along Macon's riverwalk
Twenty-one new trees have been planted along the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail near downtown, some Saturday in celebration of Macon's first Arbor Day. State and city foresters selected the tree varieties, five of which are species not native to the riverwalk. The Macon Tree Commission oversaw the project with support from the city, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Power, the Fort Hawkins Commission and John Deere Landscapes. Residents gathered near the Spring Street trailhead Saturday for a program about the new trees and Arbor Day, which former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Julius Sterling Morton founded in 1872. The national holiday is celebrated the last Friday of April each year. "This is our first Arbor Day.
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