Tag: extemp files Page 17 of 23

Here is your R&D for August 25th:

Russia admits crop loss of 38%; self sufficient in 2010 but no reserves for 2011 from MercoPress
Russia’s drought has caused the world’s third largest wheat exporter to drain its reserves.  A great impact article for the recent environmental disasters plaguing Russia.

Worries about US recovery deepen from the Financial Times
Analysts are worried about the state of America’s economy.  This article breaks down those anxieties and how Asia and Europe are coping with the global economic downturn.

What Scott Brown’s Win Tells Us About November from Real Clear Politics
In this interesting piece, Sean Trende uses the methodology he used to forecast Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts and boldly predicts that the GOP could pick up 12 Senate seats this fall if the qualities of the candidates are not weighed against each other.

Is a Mosque Near Ground Zero A Bad Idea? from the Council on Foreign Relations
Need a diverse set of opinions about the mosque at Ground Zero?  This CFR piece brings five “experts” on the issue together in a lively discussion of the project and its foreign policy implications.

Carter linked to Pyongyang mission from the Asia Times
Former President Jimmy Carter is traveling to North Korea in order to retrieve Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who has been imprisoned there since January.  The impact of Carter’s visit and what North Korea might gain from it are discussed in this article.

[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 24th:

Poll numbers in 1994, a bad year for Democrats, don’t bode well for them in 2010 from the Washington Post
Some political commentators have speculated that 2010 could be 1994 all over again for Democrats.  Find out information about 1994 polling patterns and how it ties to the elections this fall.

US rebuffs ‘freeze’ precondition from the Jerusalem Post
The building of Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory is a huge roadblock in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.  However, the U.S. has said that an Israeli settlement freeze will not be a precondition prior to a Middle East peace summit in September.

Cuccinelli: Virginia has right to regulate abortion clinics from the Washington Times
Abortion remains the most divisive cultural issue in American politics.  Just when the issue appeared to be dying down, Virginia’s attorney general has reinvigorated the debate by claiming the state can regulate abortion clinics just as it does hospitals.

German Government Pulls a Bait-and-Switch on Taxes from Der Spiegel
Although the German government came into office promising tax cuts, its drive to reduce the budget deficit might lead to higher taxes on German workers instead.

Mission Assassination in Afghanistan from the Asia Times
The U.S. military has hit squads to target al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders in Afghanistan.  Find out why these hit squads are a bad idea.

Here is your R&D for August 23rd:

New York mosque controversy worries Muslims overseas from the Los Angeles Times
The controversy over the mosque near Ground Zero has antagonized Muslims globally and could complicate U.S. outreach to Muslim nations.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks: Why are they resuming now? from the Christian Science Monitor
In early September, the United States will host a Middle East peace summit.  The goal for the summit is paving the way for a Palestinian state.  This article provides a good overview of the planned peace talks.

As Mission Shifts in Iraq, Risks Linger for Obama from the New York Times
President Obama wants to remind voters before the midterm elections that he got troops out of Iraq.  However, as the drawdown continues the situation in Iraq could become more unstable and undermine Obama’s political position.

Australian stock market shaky after inconclusive poll from the BBC
The Australian parliamentary elections were inconclusive and the nation’s stock market is taking a beating because of it.  Find out why and what happens next Down Under in this article.

Contest of the century from the Economist
India and China are two of the world’s emerging superpowers but they don’t get along.  Find out what the future of Chinese-Indian relations hold in this piece.

Here is your R&D for August 20th:

More tough economic times forecast by CBO from Reuters
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), high unemployment will continue to plague the American economy, increasing the risk that we are headed for a double dip recession.  The CBO also weighs in on extending the Bush tax cuts.

U.S. reviews options after Colombia court voids base agreement from the Washington Times
The Colombian Constitutional Court recently voided the nation’s base agreement with the United States.  Find out what this means for the future of U.S. military cooperation in the area.

On Midterm Stump, Clinton Is Defender in Chief from the New York Times
With President Obama being seen as a liability by some Democrats, former President Bill Clinton is on the campaign trail stumping for Democrats across the country.

Arming Hizballah? U.S. Military Assistance to Lebanon from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy
U.S. military assistance to Lebanon has come under fire after the shooting of an Israeli Defense Forces officer in early August.  Analysts worry that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) might have too many ties to Hezbollah.  Part one of this two part piece helps to explain the history of U.S. support for the LAF and helps to sort out the messy Lebanese political situation.

Have your Roma back from the Economist
France is expelling hundreds of Roma, many of whom are Romanian nationals.  Find out what this expulsion might mean for Romanian society.

[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 19th:

General Motors Files for an Initial Public Offering from the New York Times
General Motors has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) so that it can repay taxpayers for the bailout that the company received last year.  The IPO should reduce the government’s ownership of GM but is GM acting too soon?

100 facts about the coalition’s first 100 days from the Guardian
Great Britain’s governing coalition has been in power for 100 days.  This article provides a valuable summary of budget cuts the coalition has made, its top ten quotes, foreign policy iniatives, surprises, and more.

Chad:  Beyond Superficial Stability from the International Crisis Group
Chad has in a perpetual state of crisis for over the last five years.  With elections approaching, Chad has the opportunity to reestablish democracy and shore up its internal stability.  Will it accomplish this?  This International Crisis Group report breaks down the issue.  (Make sure to print the report!)

Last U.S. combat convoy has left Iraq from CNN
After being on the political radar screen for seven years, U.S. forces are gradually drawing down their presence in Iraq.  The departure of this last combat brigade brings the number of U.S. troops in the country down to 56,000.

Americans Divided About Future Gulf Drilling from Gallup
The capping of BP’s oil well has reignited a debate over whether the Obama administration’s moratorium on offshore oil drilling should remain in effect.  Since extempers will run into questions about this issue during the year, having recent public polling data on the matter doesn’t hurt.
[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 18th:

Reviving California’s economy: Meg Whitman versus Jerry Brown from the Los Angeles Times
The California gubernatorial campaign is one of the major national races in 2010 and one that extempers may get questions about in September and October.  Similarly, questions about the California economy are bound to come up as well.  This article critically examines the California economy and describes what one of the largest economies in the world needs to do to revive itself.

Conflicting Objectives for U.S. in Afghanistan from the Council on Foreign Relations
In this interview piece, the Council on Foreign Relations describes how long the U.S. might remain in Afghanistan and evaluates the current U.S. counter-insurgency strategy there.

Many Blagojevich jurors disappointed from the Chicago Tribune
Need an article for your Blagojevich file?  You might as well get a source for the trial’s verdict from the state where it happened.

With mosque remarks, Obama purposefully walks against the traffic from the Washington Post
President Obama has come under fire from Republicans and some Democrats for his remarks about the mosque being built near Ground Zero.  This article examines the political fallout of Obama’s remarks and what this means for the public’s perception of the administration.

China targets U.S. troops with arms buildup from the Washington Times
Bill Gertz of the Washington Times, who has written an interesting book on China’s military capabilities called the China Threat, pens this piece that warns of China’s military buildup in the Pacific.
[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 17th:

Why Development Aid for Africa Has Failed from Der Spiegel
Extempers are familiar with questions concerning the impact of foreign aid on Africa’s economy.  This is a good article for answering those questions, which will emerge in the 2010-2011 season.

US breast cancer drug decision ‘marks start of death panels’ from the UK Telegraph
The US Food and Drug Administration’s decision to remove an endorsemnt for Avastin, the world’s leading cancel drug, in treating breast cancer has come under fire.  Critics allege that its the first step in rationing care in the United States.

Protesters in Bolivia’s Potosi region end blockade from the BBC
Protestors in Bolivia’s Potosi province have been lifted their blockade of roads and the region’s airport.  The protest started because locals believe that President Evo Morales has not lived up to his campaign promises.

Some Democratic candidates distance themselves from Obama from the Washington Post
Are Democrats afraid to have President Obama campaign for them?  Obama’s impact on some 2010 midterm races is discussed in this article.

Unification tax proposal sparks debate from the Korea Herald
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has proposed a “unification tax” to fund the reunification for the two Koreas.  See the political impact this proposal has had in South Korea in this article.

[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 16th:

Zero Tolerance in the Fight against ETA from Der Spiegel
Spain’s fight against the ETA doesn’t get the coverage that it deserves from the U.S. press.  This article from Der Spiegel discusses the steps being taken in the Basque country and how it will impact national elections this November.

South Korea and U.S. Begin War Games from the New York Times
The United States and South Korea have begun war games drills off of the South Korean coast.  Both nations have ignored North Korea’s threats of retaliation.

China surpasses Japan as world’s No. 2 economy from the Washington Post
Japan’s economic slowdown has pushed it behind the United States and China on global economic tables.  Find out what’s wrong in the Japanese economy in this small news piece.

Is public opinion on gay marriage ahead of the Supreme Court’s? from the Los Angeles Times
Most analysts concede that the Supreme Court will soon decide a case on the constitutionality of gay marriage.  This opinion editorial by professor Michael Klarman of Harvard Law School is a plea to Justice Anthony Kennedy to vote with the Court’s four liberal members when that time comes.

Unauthorized Immigrants and Their U.S.-Born Children from the Pew Research Center
The issue of “anchor babies” has now entered the immigration debate and some politicians have called for a re-evaluation of the 14th Amendment, which defines U.S. citizenship.  This Pew poll evaluates births in the United States to illegal immigrants and how the public feels about re-evaluating the 14th Amendment.

[fblike] [twitter]

Here is your R&D for August 13th:

Dissidents say Iran nuclear sanctions are helping Ahmadinejad from the Christian Science Monitor
Are U.S. sanctions against Iran working?  A group of Iranian dissidents say they are not.

Green Light and Delay on Same-Sex Marriage from the New York Times
The federal judge who ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional over a week ago has lifted a temporary stay that prevented same-sex marriages from being conducted.  However, its mixed news for gay couples because he allowed the Ninth Circuit Couple of Appeals time to consider the issue.

One more bailout from the Boston Globe
Although President Obama has said that there won’t be any more Wall Street bailouts, some believe that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government owned mortgage entities, will get a government bailout shortly.  Find out what the future might hold for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in this article.

Into the Inferno:  Russia’s Wildfires Provide the Prime Minister with an Opportunity to Show How Much He Cares from the Economist
Russian Prime Minister and former President (and he may be president again) Vladimir Putin recently piloted a plane that dropped 12 tons of water on wildfires plaguing central Russia.  How will the wildfires impact Putin’s future political aspirations?

South Asian ‘superbug’ spreads to Australia from the Sydney Morning Herald
In an era of easy international travel and medical tourism scientists worry that superbugs that are drug resistant will spread and create a medical crisis.  This provides a good example for a speech on global medical issues.

Here is your R&D top five for August 12th:

Low Approval of Congress Not Budging, Now 19% from Gallup
Extempers always need poll data, especially for domestic politics speeches.  This article discusses Congress’s continually low approval rating and how voters of all parties are not satisfied with the legislative branch.

North Korea offers ginseng to pay Czech debt from the Financial Times of London
Thought the North Korean economy was bad?  This story is great AGD material about how short on funds the current North Korean government is.

$3 Billion Allocated For Jobless Homeowners from the Los Angeles Times
The American housing market is still reeling and the Obama administration hopes that more aid to jobless homeowners will solidify it.  Read about the nation’s foreclosure problems in this article.

Somalia’s Ban on Aid Agencies is Condemned from IRIN (courtesy of AllAfrica)
The Islamic terror group Al Shabab has banned three aid organization from operating in south-central Somalia because they are allegedly proselytizing.  Read more about the ban and its impact on Somalia’s people.

Blagojevich jurors suggest they may be deadlocked from the Washington Post
If you thought that the federal government’s case against former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was a slam dunk think again.  The jury has said that its deadlocked on some counts.

Here is your R&D top five for August 11th:

Why we need to let states go broke from the New York Post
Political strategist Dick Morris argues that federal bailouts to states send the wrong message and that a new Congress after the 2010 elections should amend federal bankruptcy law so that states can declare bankruptcy and abrogate the agreements they have with public employee unions.

Agricultural Production Falls 7.5% in Cuba from the Latin American Herald Tribune
Times are tough for the Cuban economy.  Falling agricultural production has made Cuba import more food and has spurred calls for economic reform for the tiny island nation.

The Costs of Pakistan’s Floods from the Council on Foreign Relations
In this enlightening article, the Council on Foreign Relations summarizes the issues facing Pakistan after the worst flooding it has ever experienced.  It links to other articles that will help extempers build a file for this important issue.

Colorado Democrat Bennet escapes anti-incumbent mood from Reuters
Yesterday was election day in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, and Minnesota.  Michael Bennett, Colorado’s incumbent Democratic Senator, who had the support of President Obama, defeated an insurgent campaign from Andrew Romanoff.  Get a summary of yesterday’s primary action in this article.

Ginsburg urges cooperation on judicial nominees from the San Francisco Chronicle
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said that partisan arguments over judicial appointments are regrettable and that more bipartisanship is needed in the judicial confirmation process.

Here is your R&D for August 10th:

2012 calendar moved back, for now from Politico
The Republican Party has tentatively fixed its 2012 presidential primary calendar and placed the Iowa caucus on the first Tuesday in February.

Rwandan president plans victory party ahead of early election results from the Washington Post
Not a fan of Rwandan President Paul Kagame?  This article strengthens the argument that the Rwandan presidential election is a mere formality.

First Guantánamo military tribunal under Obama gears up from the Christian Science Monitor
The first military tribunal under President obama’s term starts Tuesday.  This article provides an overview of the trial.

Higher Education and the Economy from the Brookings Institute
Grover Whitehurst argues in this piece that America’s diversity in higher education is a great asset that the government needs to take advantage of to boost American economic competitiveness.

Hillary for Vice President? from the Wall Street Journal
Some Democratic political advisors are championing a 2012 switch where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice-President Joe Biden would swap roles.  Why do people want this?  Read this short article to find out.

Here is your R&D for August 9th:

New Poll Finds Merkel Government at Rock Bottom from Der Spiegel
Germany’s economic recovery isn’t helping Angela Merkel’s coalition.  New polls show that 83% of Germans aren’t happy with their current government and the Social Democrats appear ready to pounce.

Teachers unions improve schools from the Miami Herald
Do teachers unions get a bad rap?  In this editorial from Karen Aronowitz, president of the United Teachers of Dade County, argues that they do.

Frat party:  Which Miliband brother deserves to lead Labour? The one who best understands the Conservatives from the Economist
This Bagehot feature argues that when the Labor Party elects a leader in September they need a candidate that best understands their opposition and that party elders don’t understand how the Conservative Party has transformed itself.

Democratic candidates all but ignore their legislative successes from the Los Angeles Times
As Democrats campaign this fall, strategists are advising them not to brag about their legislative successes.  Is that good politics or a major blunder that could cost Democrats control of Congress?

Venezuela and Colombia leaders to hold talks on rift from the BBC
After their latest diplomatic rift, the new president of Colombia and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seek to repair relations.  Chavez still hates the U.S., though.

Here is your R&D for August 6th:

America Is at Risk of Boiling Over from the Wall Street Journal
In an opinion-editorial piece, Peggy Noonan discusses how Americans are no longer optimistic about their children’s futures and how politicians are tone deaf to their concerns.

Al-Qaeda’s new ‘planning chief’ lived in US for 15 years from the UK Telegraph
Adrian Shukrijumah is al-Qaeda’s new planning chief and is considered very dangerous because he lived in the U.S. for 15 years.

Snap analysis: July jobs show odd mix of bad news from Reuters
Need some help figuring out the latest unemployment figures?  This article from Reuters should help you.

State aid bill a gamble for Dems from Politico
Next week the House will pass the Senate’s $26 billion aid package to states.  However, they could face backlash from the public because of the cost.

Nearly 30,000 Dead in Mexican Drug War from the Latin American Herald Tribune
In a chilling report, it is estimated that 30,000 people have been killed in Mexico’s drug war since 2006.  Read an overview of the drug war in this article.

Unhappy robber: Gunman calls restaurant to gripe from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Granted, this is usually a place for “hard news” but this hilarious story would be great for an AGD.

Here is your R&D for August 5th:

Ruling against Prop. 8 could lead to federal precedent on gay marriage from the Los Angeles Times
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that California’s Prop. 8, which barred gay marriage in the state, was unconstitutional.

Obama’s Iraq speech: another missed opportunity from Foreign Policy
Peter Feaver of Foreign Policy says that President Obama’s Iraq speech was a missed opportunity for bipartisanship and admitted past mistakes.

Trade deal casts shadow on Taiwan from the Asia Times
The ECFA between China and Taiwan is ruffling feathers as supporters of an independent Taiwan fear more economic integration with China will drastically change political relations.

ObamaCare Meets the Voters from St. Louis Today
On Tuesday, Missouri voters rejected the individual mandate of President Obama’s health insurance plan.  Does this vote matter?

Italy minister says snap polls possible in autumn from Reuters
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi survived a confidence vote, but says that snap elections might be held this fall.