Updated: 2:18 PM 3/25/2012
via Yahoo! News - Top Stories on 3/25/12
Baseballs, beer, masks: Cuba's patron saint ready for pope
via Yahoo! News - Top Stories on 3/25/12
EL COBRE, Cuba (Reuters) - Dressed in a billowing pink ball gown for her 15th birthday celebrations, Lisette Catanares smiles at the myriad offerings on a shrine to Cuba's patron saint, a doll-sized figurine that Pope Benedict will visit this week. A can of strong 'Bucanero' beer, a medal, carnival masks, signed baseballs, locks of hair: Cubans of all beliefs make offerings here when they ask for miracles and blessings from The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, a symbol of nationalism that transcends religion. ...
Pope brings message of hope at giant Mass
via Yahoo! News - Top Stories on 3/25/12
VIDEO: Mexicans join Pope for Mass
via BBC News - World on 3/25/12
Pope Benedict XVI has held an open-air Mass in the central Mexican city of Silao on his first visit to the Latin American country.
Pope calls for peace, justice in Mexico
via msnbc.com: World news on 3/25/12
Tony Gentile / Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead a mass at the Parque del Bicentenario in Silao, Mexico, on Sunday.
Obama squeezes N. Korea to change, China to help
via Yahoo! News - Top Stories on 3/25/12
U.S. Compensates Afghan Villagers for Soldier’s Attack
via NYT > World by By MATTHEW ROSENBERG and SANGAR RAHIMI on 3/25/12
The families of 16 Afghan villagers killed this month by a rampaging American soldier were given $50,000 by the United States for each of their slain relatives, Afghan and American officials said.
Annan meets with Medvedev to discuss Syria
via Reuters Video: Top News on 3/25/12
Mar. 25 - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev voiced strong support for U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's mission to end a year of violence in Syria. Deborah Gembara reports.
Tory Lobbyist Caught in Undercover Sting Operation
via WSJ.com Video - World on 3/25/12
US healthcare reforms battle moves to supreme court
via The Guardian World News by on 3/25/12
Attorney generals representing 26 states claim Barack Obama's sweeping healthcare reforms violate the constitution
The bitter political battle over Barack Obama's healthcare reforms moves to the supreme court on Monday as more than half of states in the US seek to get the legislation declared unconstitutional.
The court will hear a challenge by attorney generals representing 26 states, who argue that the healthcare law violates the constitution and tramples on individual liberties by requiring almost all Americans to buy health insurance.
Both sides have described the case as the most politically significant since the supreme court handed George Bush the presidential election over Al Gore in 2000. The outcome could shape the future of Obama's presidency in an election year.
The hearings are scheduled to be the longest in recent history with nearly six hours set aside for arguments over three days.Michael Dorf, a professor and constitutional law scholar at Cornell law school, said: "I think the court recognises the extraordinary importance of the case, not so much because of the jurisprudential issues but because of the political impact.
"Suppose the justices agree with the plaintiffs and say that this law exceeds the power of Congress – Congress could get around that limitation and still have all of the power it has. The reason it's important is because it could strike down the signature domestic policy accomplishment of a president. In that sense, the political stakes are higher than in any case since Bush v Gore."
The law, known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but derided by its opponents as "Obamacare", was passed two years ago as a sweeping reform of the healthcare insurance industry.
The reforms are intended to cover more than 50 million Americans who have been priced out of the market, and to end a slew of practices that lead to some people losing their homes to pay for their medical bills.
The new law ends higher insurance rates for women and people with chronic illnesses. It also bars insurance companies from cutting off coverage when people fall ill, and any limits on the long-term cost of providing care.
But the reforms have become a rallying point for large numbers of conservatives - Republicans and Democrats - who claim the changes will lead to bureaucrats replacing doctors in medical decision-making, and that the quality of health care will diminish. .
The legislation is also widely unpopular among many less political Americans who have so far seen few benefits as the changes kick in over several years.
Popular opposition helped galvanise the rightwing Tea Party movement, which has portrayed the reforms as an assault on American freedom. The House of Representatives, now under Republican control, has held a largely symbolic vote to repeal the legislation. Obama's Republican opponents have promised to overturn the law if elected.
Political fights have flared over individual elements such as the requirement for health insurance to cover contraception. But in the supreme court, the assault on the legislation is narrower even if the outcome could lead to the collapse of the all the reforms.
The principal challenge at the supreme court focuses on a legal requirement for almost every American to buy health insurance, a move designed to make provision affordable for millions by spreading the risks and costs.
Randy Barnett, a lawyer for business interests that are also part of the legal action, said the legislation was unconstitutional because for the first time Congress was obliging most Americans to buy a product from the private sector with no means of opting out.
"They're trying to funnel money out of people's pockets into the pocket of the private insurance companies," he said. "It's a difference between a tax, which is a power the Congress has, and the power to take money from a person and direct it to a private company – which is a power they don't have. It's a constitutional power that if recognised would be a fundamentally dangerous new power [for] the government."
Some critics say that if Washington can force people to buy health insurance it can oblige them to join a weight-loss programme – or buy other things.
"If the government can force us to buy health insurance it can force us to buy cars to prop up Detroit, or stocks and bonds to prop up Wall Street," said Betsy McCaughey, a conservative Democrat and former lieutenant governor of New York.
The Obama administration argues that the healthcare industry, which accounts for 18% of the US economy, differs because just about everyone would use a hospital or clinic at some point in their lives.
A justice department brief for the supreme court argues that people who do not pay for health insurance are not opting out but shifting responsibility to those who do. It estimates that people without insurance add $1,000 to the average family's health bill by using hospitals and clinics without paying for them.
The constitutional decision largely hangs on the legislative powers of Congress government under what is known as the "commerce clause" in the constitution and a 1942 ruling that the federal government had the right to regulate how much wheat farmers could grow.
The legal challenges have been dismissed as politicking by some judicial conservatives.
Charles Fried, solicitor general under Ronald Reagan, now a Harvard law school professor, has described the lawsuits as "grandstanding in a preposterous way", adding: "It's simply a political ploy and a pathetic one at that."
Mike Nova's starred items - 1:34 PM 3/25/2012
U.S. Compensates Afghan Villagers for Soldier’s Attack
via NYT > World by By MATTHEW ROSENBERG and SANGAR RAHIMI on 3/25/12
The families of 16 Afghan villagers killed this month by a rampaging American soldier were given $50,000 by the United States for each of their slain relatives, Afghan and American officials said.
Puerto Rican influence growing in Election 2012 - Boston Herald
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/17/12
Puerto Rican influence growing in Election 2012
Boston Herald
She loved politics almost as much as she loved her native Puerto Rico — although in Puerto Rico the two are virtually synonymous. Like many Puerto Ricans of her generation, Abuela Carmen lived for years in New York, but returned to the island to ...
A look at Puerto Rico, as it holds its 2012 Republican presidential nominating ...Washington Post
A look at Puerto Rico as it holds its primarySan Francisco Chronicle
Buddy Roemer Beating Gingrich, Paul in Puerto RicoABC News (blog)
all 86 news articles »
Puerto Rico votes; GOP candidates battle elsewhere - Las Vegas Sun
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/24/12
Puerto Rico votes; GOP candidates battle elsewhere
Las Vegas Sun
AP The GOP presidential race veered offshore to Puerto Rico, where 20 delegates were in stake in Sunday's primary but residents cannot vote in the general election. While fighting for votes in the US territory, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum already ...
Politics of Romney's Puerto Rico winFox News
What Rick Santorum's Puerto Rico sideshow tells us about his campaignWashington Post (blog)
Puerto Rico goes for RomneyPhiladelphia Inquirer
Reuters -San Jose Mercury News
all 12,335 news articles »
*Puerto Rico*: “My Favorite Bars” · Global Voices
via puerto rico - Google Blog Search by Firuzeh Shokooh Valle on 3/24/12
Puerto Rico: Online Campaign to Stop Unnecessary C-Sections · More » ... The feminist blog Mujeres en Puerto Rico is celebrating [es] its third anniversary: “This year will bring important moments for this country's women.
The Liberator of Dead Dog Beach - New York Times
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/24/12
The Liberator of Dead Dog Beach
New York Times
Dead Dog Beach, a notorious spot on Puerto Rico's southeastern shore, has been a dumping ground for abused and abandoned satos, slang for mongrels, for years. A committed network of volunteers on the island and the continental United States makes it ...
and more »
The Liberator of Dead Dog Beach - New York Times
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/24/12
The Liberator of Dead Dog Beach
New York Times
Dead Dog Beach, a notorious spot on Puerto Rico's southeastern shore, has been a dumping ground for abused and abandoned satos, slang for mongrels, for years. A committed network of volunteers on the island and the continental United States makes it ...
and more »
In time for Somos, Cuomo taps Rivera for Labor
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
... operation of the chamber, where Rivera serves as Speaker Pro Tempore and presides over the chamber. Born in Puerto Rico, he has served in the Assembly for almost two decades. Colleen Gardner, a holdover from the Paterson administration, had been ...
"The doctor is in the House"a . Dr. Elizabeth McGhee takes...
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
... will be competing against women from around the world for the title of Ms. World International 2012. San Juan Puerto Rico will serve as the backdrop for the Inaugural Event. The World Renowned El San Juan Resort Hotel & Casino will serve as the host ...
Ms. Connecticut World International 2012 is Laurye Natalea
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
... from around the globe for the title of Ms. World International 2012 August 5-10th. Beautiful historic San Juan Puerto Rico will serve as the backdrop for the Inaugural Event. World Renowned El San Juan Resort Hotel & Casino will serve as the host ...
See more of Mike Nova's starred items ...
Get started with Google Reader
Mike Nova's starred items
Mike Nova's starred items*Puerto Rico* – Caught Between Two Worlds « Yes, It's Absurd
via puerto rico politics - Google Blog Search by Victor on 3/24/12
For all it's tropical charm and cruise line appeal, Puerto Rico is a country at a bizarre crossroads of culture, language, politics and even, against common sense, time period. I grew up spending my summers with my ...
Jayson Velez Boxes His Way To Win Over Jose Beranza - BoxingScene.com
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/24/12
Jayson Velez Boxes His Way To Win Over Jose Beranza
BoxingScene.com
The latest achievement in the Puerto Rican's promising career came Saturday evening at Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, soundly outpointing battled-tested veteran Jose Angel Beranza. Scores were 96-94 (twice) and 98-92 for Velez in a ...
and more »
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25 - Fayetteville Observer
via puerto rico business - Google News on 3/24/12
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25
Fayetteville Observer
He is a native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, and is a licensed pastor. Santiago has extensive experience in investment properties and serving home buyers and sellers throughout the region. Michael Solomon, a Realtor who lives in Hope Mills, ...
Next-gen Twins are beginning to grow up - Minneapolis Star Tribune
via puerto rico sports - Google News on 3/24/12
Next-gen Twins are beginning to grow up
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Rosario, 20, was considered the best hitting prospect in Puerto Rico when the Twins selected him in the fourth round in 2010. They hoped he would develop power as he matured, and he has surpassed expectations. He led the league in runs (71), ...
and more »
Jayson Velez Boxes His Way To Win Over Jose Beranza - BoxingScene.com
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/24/12
Jayson Velez Boxes His Way To Win Over Jose Beranza
BoxingScene.com
The latest achievement in the Puerto Rican's promising career came Saturday evening at Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, soundly outpointing battled-tested veteran Jose Angel Beranza. Scores were 96-94 (twice) and 98-92 for Velez in a ...
and more »
Jayson Velez-Jose Beranza Early Results From Caguas, PR
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
... decision over Felix Perez in six-round bantamweight bout Saturday evening at Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter:@JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to ...
Jayson Velez Boxes His Way To Win Over Jose Beranza
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
The latest achievement in the Puerto Rican's promising career came Saturday evening at Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, soundly outpointing battled-tested veteran Jose Angel Beranza.
No. 8 Men's Volleyball Sweeps Rutgers-Newark
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/24/12
... one error for a .750 hitting percentage. Turko also posted four aces. Redshirt senior Edgardo Goas (San Juan, Puerto Rico) paced the offense with 27 assists and had a match-high eight digs. Turko led the team in blocks with four, while Sunder ...
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25 - Fayetteville Observer
via Puerto Rico Business News's Facebook Wall by Puerto Rico Business News on 3/24/12
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25 - Fayetteville Observer
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25 - Fayetteville Observer
Business Observer for Sunday, March 25Fayetteville ObserverHe is a native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, and is a licensed pastor. Santiago has extensive experience in investment properties and serving home buyers and sellers throughout the region. Michael Solomon, a Realtor who lives in Hope Mills, ...
See more of Mike Nova's starred items ...
Get started with Google Reader
Mike Nova's starred items
Windsteam Vs. Sprint: Which For Stronger Gains? - Seeking Alpha
via puerto rico business - Google News on 3/25/12
Windsteam Vs. Sprint: Which For Stronger Gains?
Seeking Alpha
Sprint offers wireless and wire-line communications products for individuals, businesses, government and resellers. It offers wireless and wire-line services in the territorial US Puerto Rico and the Us Virgin Islands. Its retail brands include Boost ...
Third suspect arraigned in Fitchburg killing - Worcester Telegram
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/25/12
Third suspect arraigned in Fitchburg killing
Worcester Telegram
Edward J. Ortiz, 19, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, was extradited from there and arrived in Massachusetts Thursday night for the hearing. Judge Zide allowed him to stand in the hall outside the courtroom out of view. Assistant District Attorney Cara L.
and more »
Former WBO champ suspended in Puerto Rico - WMC-TV
via puerto rico sports - Google News on 3/17/12
Former WBO champ suspended in Puerto Rico
WMC-TV
AP Sports News Video More>> SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Former WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez has been suspended by Puerto Rico boxing authorities after he accused a referee of betting on one of his fights. Puerto Rico's Professional ...
and more »
Corey's Weekly *Political* Post...3/24/12
via puerto rico politics - Google Blog Search by jamesb101 on 3/24/12
Out of all the things I have observed and participated in regarding politics, one thing I really never expected was to personally witness a victory speech for a Puerto Rican election. That is exactly what I got to experience though ...
via Puerto Rico News by Mike Nova on 3/25/12
Puerto Rico Weather
- Puerto Rico
-
Aguas Buenas
-
Arroyo
-
Aguada
-
Aibonito
-
Adjuntas
-
Aguadilla
-
Arecibo
-
Añasco
-
Barceloneta
-
Barranquitas
-
Bayamón
-
Camuy
-
Ceiba
-
Cidra
-
Caguas
-
Ciales
-
Comerío
-
Carolina
-
Coamo
-
Cabo Rojo
-
Cataño
-
Culebra
-
Canóvanas
-
Cayey
-
Corozal
-
Dorado
-
Fajardo
-
Florida
-
Gurabo
-
Guayama
-
Guaynabo
-
Guayanilla
-
Guánica
-
Hatillo
-
Hormigueros
-
Humacao
-
Isabela
-
Juncos
-
Juana Díaz
-
Jayuya
-
Lajas
-
Las Marías
-
Las Piedras
-
Luquillo
-
Lares
-
Loíza
-
Maunabo
-
Moca
-
Mayagüez
-
Maricao
-
Manatí
-
Morovis
-
Naguabo
-
Naranjito
-
Orocovis
-
Peñuelas
-
Ponce
-
Patillas
-
Quebradillas
-
Rincón
-
Río Grande
-
Salinas
-
Sabana Grande
-
San Germán
-
Santa Isabel
-
San Juan
-
San Lorenzo
-
San Sebastián
-
Toa Alta
-
Toa Baja
-
Trujillo Alto
-
Utuado
-
Vega Alta
-
Vega Baja
-
Villalba
-
Vieques
-
Yabucoa
-
Yauco
via Puerto Rico Daily Sun - Timely news about Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and the world on 3/25/12
Sunday, March 25, 2012
This post has been generated by Page2RSS
Book Review: A Boy Called Duct Tape, by Christopher Cloud
via Puerto Rico Newswire on 3/25/12
... interesting classroom read. Recommended. Multi-genre author and book reviewer Mayra Calvani hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She's a member of NuncaSola, a group of dedicated Latina writers, agents and editors. Visit Mayra at www.MayraCalvani.com. ...
via Puerto Rico News on 3/25/12
For the past week, my partner and I had the pleasure of being on an Atlantis cruise.
Report: American Eagle plans to end operations in Puerto Rico next year - The Republic
via puerto rico - Google News on 3/25/12
Report: American Eagle plans to end operations in Puerto Rico next year
The Republic
AP SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Puerto Rican newspaper says the regional affiliate of American Airlines is planning to suspend its operations in Puerto Rico next year as it tries to shave $75 million per year from labor costs. El Vocero reported Sunday ...
See more of Mike Nova's starred items ...
Get started with Google Reader
Mike Nova's starred items
It's grim down south: Who should get southern England's precious water...
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
It's grim down south: Who should get southern England's precious water, gardens...
It's grim down south: Who should get southern England's precious water, gardens...
It's grim down south: Who should get southern England's precious water, gardens or golf courses? Pipe down - FT.comwww.ft.comAfter a heavenly, often mild winter, gardeners in southern England are confronted with a ban on hosepipes....
Oil shutdown pushing South Sudan to end row: Sudan
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Oil shutdown pushing South Sudan to end row: Sudan
Oil shutdown pushing South Sudan to end row: Sudan
KHARTOUM (Reuters) - South Sudan's shutdown of its crude production in a damaging row with Sudan over oil payments appears to have backfired and put pressure on Juba to soften its bargaining stance, one of Khartoum's negotiators said on Sunday.
Nuclear Protests Ahead of Seoul Nuke Summit
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Nuclear Protests Ahead of Seoul Nuke Summit
Nuclear Protests Ahead of Seoul Nuke Summit
Pro and anti-nuclear protests in Seoul a day before major nuclear summit. (Video: Reuters)
Russia says Annan should work with Syrian opposition - Reuters
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Russia says Annan should work with Syrian opposition - Reuters
Russia says Annan should work with Syrian opposition - Reuters
Russia says Annan should work with Syrian oppositionReutersMOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia, which accuses other nations of encouraging opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, urged UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan to work hard with the government and opposition to seek peace, the Foreign Ministry said on ...
Quotation of the Day: "It’s hard to justify how many horses we go through. In hu...
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Quotation of the Day: "It’s hard to justify how many horses we go through. In hu...
Quotation of the Day: "It’s hard to justify how many horses we go through. In hu...
Quotation of the Day: "It’s hard to justify how many horses we go through. In humans you never see someone snap their leg off running in the Olympics. But you see it in horse racing." - Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the California Racing Board.Mangled Horses, Maimed Jockeyswww.nytimes.comThe new economics of horse racing are making an always-dangerous game even more so, as lax oversight puts animal and rider at...
GlobalNews: 25 Mar 12: US warns North Korea
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
GlobalNews: 25 Mar 12: US warns North Korea
GlobalNews: 25 Mar 12: US warns North Korea
Obama threatens sanctions over N Korea missiles / Annan in Moscow to discuss Syria / Payout for Afghan massacre families / Aung San Suu Kyi suspends campaign
Obama Urges Bejjing to Pressure North Korea
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Obama Urges Bejjing to Pressure North Korea
Obama Urges Bejjing to Pressure North Korea
At a news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak President Obama called on Beijing to get North Korea to cancel its missile launch. (Video: Reuters/Photo: AP)
Syrian forces on the offensive; Annan in Moscow
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
Syrian forces on the offensive; Annan in Moscow
Syrian forces on the offensive; Annan in Moscow
BEIRUT/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia offered "full support" for international efforts to end a year of fighting in Syria on Sunday but gave no details of how that would play out on the ground as forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad attacked Homs and other rebel strongholds.
A year ago the Israeli-born director of a tiny theatre in a West Bank refugee ca...
via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/25/12
A year ago the Israeli-born director of a tiny theatre in a West Bank refugee ca...
A year ago the Israeli-born director of a tiny theatre in a West Bank refugee ca...
A year ago the Israeli-born director of a tiny theatre in a West Bank refugee camp was gunned down. Now young Palestinians are fighting to save the place where they can voice their anger, frustration and dreams in creative ways (via Observer New Review)Young Palestinians act out their struggle on another stagewww.guardian.co.ukAfter the murder of their Israeli-born director, the students of a tiny theatre in Jenin refugee camp are fighting to...
See more of Mike Nova's starred items ...
Get started with Google Reader
Mike Nova's starred items
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Arrestan mujer policía después que realizara varios atracos con su arma de reglamento. http://t.co/7OdnDp0I
VoceroPR: Falso es supuesto castigo al que escuhe música de Arjona. http://t.co/bFpWvhLc
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Falso es supuesto castigo al que escuhe música de Arjona. http://t.co/bFpWvhLc
VoceroPR: Héctor Conty confiado en la transparencia de la CEE. http://t.co/1deWH6CB
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Héctor Conty confiado en la transparencia de la CEE. http://t.co/1deWH6CB
VoceroPR: Balacera deja dos muertos y varios heridos en negocio de Fajardo. http://t.co/HC2D1off
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Balacera deja dos muertos y varios heridos en negocio de Fajardo. http://t.co/HC2D1off
VoceroPR: Hasta 15 años las penas a padres de menores intervenidos en pub. http://t.co/1UXtEIu6
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Hasta 15 años las penas a padres de menores intervenidos en pub. http://t.co/1UXtEIu6
VoceroPR: Modelo de Playboy se baña en una tienda #vídeo http://t.co/CRrBMfV4 via @voceropr
via Twitter / VoceroPR on 3/25/12
VoceroPR: Modelo de Playboy se baña en una tienda #vídeo http://t.co/CRrBMfV4 via @voceropr
primerahora: No todo es alegría por la #visitaPapa a #Cuba http://t.co/9aB5W4cG
via Twitter / primerahora on 3/25/12
primerahora: No todo es alegría por la #visitaPapa a #Cuba http://t.co/9aB5W4cG
primerahora: Raúl Castro recibe a Hugo Chávez ( @chavezcandanga ) en #LaHabana http://t.co/hv7GKj4d
via Twitter / primerahora on 3/25/12
primerahora: Raúl Castro recibe a Hugo Chávez ( @chavezcandanga ) en #LaHabana http://t.co/hv7GKj4d
primerahora: Arrestan mujer #Policía por robo http://t.co/ITfX20vw
via Twitter / primerahora on 3/25/12
primerahora: Arrestan mujer #Policía por robo http://t.co/ITfX20vw
See more of Mike Nova's starred items ...
