politics & society
Reporter ignites controversy by asking what is most average place in America
In the course of reporting a story, The New York Times' Annie Lowrey asked an innocent question to her Twitter followers. What city is the most average in America. The answers poured in and ignited a controversy around the answers that were given.
As China prospers, residents increasingly demand more rights, freedoms
China's economic prosperity has opened the world to its people. But that openness has meant many of them are demanding the rights and freedoms they see residents of other successful countries enjoying. But so far, the Communist Party has been slow to offer up reforms, despite the people's demands.
Jason Collins makes waves as first active, male major sport athlete to come out as gay
On Monday, for the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, Jason Collins wrote a first-person essay became the first active male athlete in a major U.S. professional sport to come out of the closet and publicly say he's gay.
Handwriting a much debated window into people's inner thoughts -- maybe
Handwriting can say a lot about a person. At least that's what the French think. Others say its overblown. But according to Philip Hensher in a new book, we all seem to agree that handwriting is something that's highly personal. And something we rarely do any more.
EPA raises concerns about State Department's Keystone environmental statement
The U.S. State Department has prepared an Environmental Impact Statement for the pending, and controversial, Keystone XL pipeline that lays the groundwork for the project to go ahead. The Environmental Protection Agency, however, has some issues with what the statement says.
Texas Democrats discussing prospects for turning state blue -- or at least purple
Texas is one of just four states that are majority minority -- and its the only one that is Republican. But Democrats see those changing Demcorats as providing an opening, and an opportunity to turn one of the brightest red states more purple -- if not outright blue.
China's one-child policy increasingly being questioned
Decades ago, China decided it had too many people and instituted a policy that allowed most couples just one child. While the policy has been loosened some, it's still largely in place. But many hope that as more people question the morality of the policy, it will be rescinded entirely.
Obama still trying to get green team in place
President Barack Obama is still trying to get his second-term cabinet nominees in place. A number of those still to be confirmed focus on the environment, including Energy Secretary nominee Ernest Moniz and EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy. Moniz and McCarthy both recently had confirmation hearings.
Iranian American dismayed to learn State Department no longer wants his services
Amir Mohammed Estakhri has spent nearly a dozen year working with the State Department as an Iranian-language translator. But, recently, he's learned his services are no longer needed -- and he thinks it may be because he translated for Iranian officials in the U.S. as well.
Thatcher's legacy includes activists songwriters who challenged her tenure
Margaret Thatcher was controversial in her life. As the world contemplated her legacy, a number of musicians who composed songs opposing Thatcher's time as British prime minister recalled how they felt and the songs they wrote while she was in office.
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Alexander Smartg (16 May, 2013 06:00:20)Outlaw employers, the modern plantation owners, hire the emminently exploitable, down-trodden all in the name of lowering the sacred "bottom line"! -
peter - stop smoking south africa (16 May, 2013 09:17:56)"32 percent continued to smoke while pregnant".... scary. I know there are people who just don't care, but to do this to your child in this ...
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filthyliberalDOTcom (15 May, 2013 07:54:55)They're acting like children who have been caught ignoring an assigned job. Ridiculous. If this man hid them from neighbors, what do they think they ...
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Saje Williams (13 May, 2013 06:52:47)Yeah. I can't imagine why anyone would look at groups that advocate tax evasion for evidence of tax evasion. It would be like ...
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Kristin (13 May, 2013 02:26:21)Dear Takeaway, He was definitely not building a pristine golf course. Pristine means untouched and unspoiled and in original condition. A golf course is as ...