Democratic Revolution in Egypt?

Today, the idea of democracy is at the center of world news. A few hours ago, Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman read the following statement: 

In these grave circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave his position as president of the republic. He has mandated the Armed Forces Supreme Council to run the state. God is our protector and succor.

This is a remarkable development with a long way to go before Egypt emerges under a new government. As the story unfolds there are many questions to keep in mind. Will a new democracy arise in the country? As the new government takes hold, how will it impact the balance of power in the Middle East? How will these developments impact the U.S. relationship with Egypt and the region?

Advertising Support for Extreme News

There was a period in American history when newspapers intentionally published articles that were sensational. The stories were slanted toward scandals, sex and violence in an effort to sell as many papers as possible. This was a successful strategy for a long time in the late 1800′s and made individuals like Pulitzer and Hearst very wealth. Eventually however, the sensationalism became so bad, that advertisers began pulling their support from the papers because they did not want the shady qualities of yellow journalism to rub off on their products and business images. This is why papers like the National Inquirer or the Star struggle today. Both have strong circulations, but major advertisers do not want their brands to be tainted with the unsavory qualities associated with both publications.

With that said, I have a question for you. How are the lunatics on cable television and talk radio (wingnuts from the left and right) able to secure legitimate advertisers? Why  do advertisers stay with the extreme pundits?

The Social Experiment: Students Try No Facebook, No Texting For One Week

Facebook and texting are like food and water for modern-day teenagers. They think in status updates, check e-mail before brushing their teeth and fall asleep while texting. But can they live without social networking for a full week? This article reveals how some high school teenagers faced the challenge of going cold turkey on “a trip back to 1995: no Facebook, no texting, no e-mail, no Instant Messaging.” (12/10/10 ABCNews, Ki Mae Heussner and Neal Karlinsky) … Read Article

1. What event inspired the “Social Experiment”? What did Nicholi Wytovicz say about “paper-and-ink book” during the experiment?

2. What is the relationship between video production teacher Trent Mitchell and the teacher from the rival high school, Shorewood?

Democrats Try to Salvage Pride in Lame-Duck Session

House Democratic leaders seek small victories as lame-duck session winds down. And following the tax deal the President made with the Republicans the White House will need to find a way for House Democrats to save some face. (12/12/10 ABC News, Rick Klein) … Read Article

1. What, according to the article, is “the potent force inside his own party” that the president has to deal with? And what is at the heart of the anger that erupted on Capitol Hill last week?

2. According to the article, what is the “conspicuous potential casualty” of the rest of the lame-duck session?

(Video)WikiLeaks’ Julian Asange Arrested

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was denied bail in the U.K. and vows to fight an extradition request from Swedish authorities, who want to question him in a sexual assault case. (12/7/10 CBSNewsOnline, Elizabeth Palmer)

1. If Asange’s court appearance has nothing to do with his WikiLeaks’ revelations, according to the reporter, what offense has he been arrested for?

2. What makes Asange a flight risk?

Gates Foundation Aims to Increase College Graduation

For many years, diversity in higher education has been measured by how many low-income students and students of color enroll in college. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation wants to make a dramatic change in that definition, by focusing instead on college graduation rates. This article reveals how the Gates Foundation is working to make a difference in students college graduation rate. (9/27/10 Associated Press in ABC News, Donna Gordon Blankinship) … Read Article

1. In what specific project does the mayor of New York City plan to invest the grant from Gates Foundation?

2. According to the article, what is the long term goal of the Gates Foundation?

US and S. Korea Trade Pact Could Mean Thousands of US Jobs

The Obama administration is looking abroad to create thousands of jobs at home, with a newly forged trade deal with South Korea that could mean a big boost for the U.S. auto industry. The pact would be the largest since the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico in 1994. This article sheds light on the potential benefit of the agreement for US industries and consumers. (12/4/10 Associated Press in ABC News, Julie Pace and Ken Thomas) … Read Article

1. What is the potential impact of the overall agreement on industrial and consumer goods within five years?

2. What would be the potential benefit of the agreement between the US and S.Korea on the US auto industry?

Can Facebook and Twitter Predict Election Results?

In November’s elections, the candidate who more people “liked” on Facebook won in 71 percent of Senate elections. Twitter was even more accurate, with the candidates with more followers winning in 74 percent of elections. Could social media set the new trend in election prediction? This article provides an analysis of  the effect of social media in the November election. (11/25/10 ABC News, Jennifer Schlesinger) … Read Article

1. According to Andrew Gellman, what is the consensus on the role of money in election; and how much money is a predictor that a candidate is likely to win?

2. How does Facebook compare to Exit poll as a predictor of the winner of young vote?

Is Gridlock Good or Bad for Legislation?

While the phrase customarily is taken as a negative, this ABC News/Yahoo! News poll finds that Republican registered voters in fact divide evenly, 42-43 percent, on whether gridlock is a bad thing because it prevents good legislation from being passed — or a good thing, because it blocks bad laws. Is it possible that gridlock can actually produce an effective government? This article sheds light what Americans expect for the next Congress as a result of the impending gridlock. (11/23/10 ABC News, Gary Langer) … Read Article

1. Why are gridlock fans happy about the result of the November election as they anticipate the impending gridlock in Congress?

2. Of Democratic and Republican voters who see gridlock as negative or positive? Why?

(Video)Home-Grown Terror Increasing in the U.S.

Terry McCarthy reports on an alleged bomb plot in Portland’s Pioneer Square that was planned by a Somali-born U.S. citizen, 19-year-old Mohamed Osman Mohamud. What is the motive behind Mohamud’s bomb plan? This video sheds light on the mind set of Mohamud. (11/28/10 CBSNewsOnline)

1. According to the reporter, how did the FBI first became aware of Mohamud’s plan in 2009?

2. What, according to the reporter, is the apparent backlash to Mohamud’s plan?