By RP Staff, on Thu Apr 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET The Politics of Immigration It’s extremely difficult to accurately estimate the number of people that cross into the United States each year from our southern neighbor. Most estimates are based on apprehension numbers from the border patrol. Clearly, it’s hard to extrapolate from those unlucky enough to have been caught and sent back over la frontera. The solution, it turns out, may be as simple as picking through the garbage. [Nature]
British Prime Minister David Cameron again makes controversial statements regarding immigrants in Great Britain. Apparently, immigrants in the UK have created a “kind of discomfort and disjointedness” in British communities. Whatever your political feelings about immigration are, only a British PM would classify animosity towards immigrants as “discomfort”—that’s what happens when you let your knickers down! [The Guardian]
In case you missed it, France formally banned on Monday the wearing of full veils (niqabs) in public. Although very few Muslim women actually wear full veils (erroneously called burqas by the French) in France, the French government under President Sarkozy (L’Americain) has determined that they are a threat to public safety. A safety issue? Caving to anti-immigrant extremists? Anti-Islam politics at its most cynical? Or a necessary safeguard against the loss of French identity? What do you think? [New York Times]
Hey, do you like Latino music, but get sick of eating chips and salsa to recycled Mariachi songs at your favorite taco stand? There’s mucho más música available from Latin America. Check out [Alt.Latino] ahora!
By Grant Smith, RP Staff, on Thu Apr 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Jon Stewart bids an emotional (and hilarious) farewell to Glenn Beck. [Hulu]
Kim Kardashian and international politics. [TMZ]
President Obama discusses the downside of fame. [Columbus Dispatch]
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg gets an assist from the Federal Courts. [Breitbart]
Steve Jobs agrees to an authorized biography. [Yahoo News]
By Zack Adams, RP Staff, on Wed Apr 13, 2011 at 3:00 PM ET
6 Life Lessons [The Walrus and The Oyster]
No thanks… [picture]
That is one crafty physics professor. [picture]
Sometimes you just have to play a little air guitar. Our RP’s will know what I’m talking about! [.gif]
Are you supposed to be writing a research paper right now? [picture]
By Stephanie Doctrow, RP Staff, on Wed Apr 13, 2011 at 1:30 PM ET
Can’t kick that morning coffee habit, no matter how hard you try? According to research, caffeine dependency might be in your genes. [Time]
Talk about a comeback. After losing his job as a salesman, Andy Lunsford discovered his true calling: being an opera star. [CNN]
Got some thoughts on how to turn America around? These 20 success stories have some ideas of their own. [Newsweek]
The average American watches 143 hours of television per year– not surprising, but still scary. Good Magazine gives us eight more meaningful things we could do with our time. [Good Magazine]
By Robert Kahne, RP Staff, on Wed Apr 13, 2011 at 8:30 AM ET
What a terrible day for George W. Bush–Josh Hamilton, brightest star on the Texas Rangers, slid into home and broke his arm. He’s out six to eight weeks. If you don’t know much about Hamilton, he has one of the most amazing stories in baseball. I’ve linked an old interview with HBO’s Real Sports that you ought to watch. [Lone Star Ball] [Real Sports]
Barry Bonds’ perjury trial is almost finished, as the jury is currently deliberating about charges of him lying to a grand jury and obstructing justice. I am actually very torn about Barry Bonds. On one hand, I know he cheated and that is obviously bad. On the other, lots of people cheated, so why are they coming after Bonds so hard? More than one person has alleged racism here. What do you think? [New York Times]
Here is a heartbreaking story about opening day for baseball in Japan. I remember after 9/11 when Keith Olbermann spoke about the healing power of baseball. I don’t remember what he said exactly, but it was something along the lines of baseball being something that keeps us all connected and allows us a respite from sorrow. Here’s hoping that works at least a little bit in Japan too. [ESPN]
Have you heard about Brian Stow, the Giants fan who was almost beaten to death outside of Dodger Stadium? It’s a tragic story–he remains in a medically induced coma. The Giants have stepped up, raising almost $70,000 for his medical expenses. It makes me happy to see people being generous. I won’t lie, though, it makes me kind of sad that we live in a country where baseball teams have to raise money to pay for needed medical care. [USA Today]
“Manny being Manny” is one of my favorite sayings in all of baseball. Unfortunately, we’ve said it for what will likely be the last time, as Manny Ramirez hung up his cleats for the last time less than a week into the season. Few players in any sports elicit such strong emotions as Manny Ramirez. I’ve linked to extremely different articles for you to peruse. (I think Manny is awesome, but I’m glad he never played for my Cardinals). [Manny Sucks] [Manny Rules]
This is the picture I wanted to use for Politics of the Diamond [LOL]
By Robert Kahne, RP Staff, on Tue Apr 12, 2011 at 3:30 PM ET
Eric Clapton’s greatest album of all time–Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos–recently received a remaster. It’s fantastic. [Layla]
The RP himself confessed his love for Adele a few days ago. Her disc, 21, has been burning up the charts. It’s also really good. [Rumor Has It]
Radiohead dropped an album a few weeks ago. It’s always worth it to check it out when that happens–they did write Kid A and OK Computer once upon a time. Radiohead is one of the most political bands still releasing music. You won’t find their albums on popular services–they self release everything. [Morning Mr. Magpie]
The Foo Fighters are one of my favorite bands of all time. While I really enjoyed Dave Grohl’s side project Them Crooked Vultures, it is good to see him back in action with his greatest band (yeah, I said that). [Rope]
Wiz Khalifa, who you may know from the song Black and Yellow released an album last week. I’m not sold on it, but its super popular. [Roll Up]
Britney Spears’ new album, Femme Fatale, debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. She’s back! The album is more dance-y than she has ever been before. I like it pretty well. [Hold It Against Me]
OK Go, the band that makes incredible music videos and pretty good alt rock music, recently released an album called The Greatest Song I Ever Heard to go with Morgan Spurlock’s documentary The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. [The Greatest Song I Ever Heard]
Steve Martin released a bluegrass album with the Steep Canyon Rangers called Rare Bird Alert. There is a hilarious song on there about being an atheist and not having any songs to sing. As a Baptist, this is not a problem I have ever faced. I still find the song really funny. [Atheists Ain’t Got No Songs – Live at Bonnaroo]
By RP Staff, on Tue Apr 12, 2011 at 12:30 PM ET Much has been (and will continue to be) written about this year’s Masters—especially the spectacular battle to the finish and Rory’s agonizing implosion on Sunday. This piece from Golf magazine (normally less hyperbolic than many sports magazines and websites) caught the attention of the RP because news of Tiger Woods’ death may be greatly exaggerated. Check out, in particular, the comments following the article. Coarse dialogue is no more unusual in sport than in politics, but the author may have gone a little overboard on this one. [ Golf] Again, sometimes the comments that follow “news” items on websites are far more telling than the story itself. Should we expect equal access for reporters to a men’s locker room in a country club whose membership is open only to men? What do you think? Let us know! [CNN]
Alright, we all want to stay fit of mind and body—and for good reason. As Lord Perceval said, “The physically fit can enjoy their vices.” This is a sport that involves swings and queens—and you’ve probably never heard of it. But talk about cross-training! [Krulwich Wonders]
You would think that competitive sport between two countries that have been near the brink of nuclear war more than once could get pretty ugly. After a brief search by the RP, however, this was about as uncivil as it got—and it was big news! If only Kashmir could be as easily defused. [YouTube]
By Stephanie Doctrow, RP Staff, on Tue Apr 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Legendary CNN sportscaster Nick Charles is fighting terminal bladder cancer with strength and courage. In this story, Charles reflects on his successful career and prepares goodbye videos for his young daughter. [CNN]
In its 20 years, Comedy Central has transformed from a late-night last resort channel to a legitimate news source and a staple of all cable TV packages. The New York Times celebrates Comedy Central’s life and its future. [New York Times]
A studio in Taiwan creates animations of the day’s top news stories. What’s next, talking animals as TV anchors? [Time]
Get ready, little monsters. On May 17, Lady Gaga will be guest-editor-in-chief of Metro, one of the world’s largest newspapers. [Poynter Institute]
What would happen to the world without Google? [Soshable]
By Kristen Hamilton, RP Staff, on Tue Apr 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Forever tragic or forever young? Forever 21 is now selling your daughters’ next prom dresses: [Huffington Post]
Plan on traveling to the fashion capital of the world? You won’t be booking a flight to Paris or Milan – try Singapore: [Channel News Asia]
When planning to buy your next pair of heels, try a high-heeled pair of Crocs or wedge heels by Ugg. They are sure to turn heads, literally: [SHEfinds]
Who knew you could buy pineapples, toothpaste, and a one million dollar ring at Costco? [Time]
Country chic kilts for charity – try saying that four times! Check it out: [NY Daily News]
Want to dress up your iPad? You and your iPad can now wear matching outfits with the latest designer cases: [SHEfinds]
By Zack Adams, RP Staff, on Mon Apr 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM ET
Has the iPad already won the tablet war? CNET looks at the recent history of the iPod and the mp3 wars for the answer. [CNET]
Do you enjoy mobile gaming on a smartphone or similar device? Of course you do. But we all hate those banner ads and pop-up ads. However, good news is on the way. Recent mobile start-up Kiip is proposing a revolutionary way of advertising within mobile games. [TechCrunch]
Apparently, there is a creepy (albeit cool) walking table that could soon be scooting around a home near you. That’s pretty much it, a walking table. Check it out. [Gizmodo]
The House of Representatives recently voted to undo the newly established Net Neutrality rules. However, there is little to no chance this passes through the Senate, and even if it did, President Obama is likely to veto it. So, there’s that. [Wired]
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