Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/andrewsullivan/rApM/~3/YsQvH6feKug/from-the-annals-of-rumsfeld.html
Brittany Murphy Britney Spears Amanda Swisten Scarlett Chorvat Kim Smith
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
From The Annals Of Rumsfeld
According to a newly released audit: The U.S. Department of Defense was unable to account properly for $8.7 billion of Iraqi oil and gas money meant for humanitarian needs and reconstruction after the 2003 invasion... . The figure is nearly...
Secretary Kerry
by Zack Beauchamp James Traub has an excellent profile of John Kerry's role in the White House's foreign policy. A lot of the piece is positive but, to Traub's credit, he doesn't spare Kerry when he thinks the Senator (and,...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/andrewsullivan/rApM/~3/8c_8KB6ySks/secretary-kerry.html
Lokelani McMichael Freida Pinto Eva Longoria Susan Ward Emmy Rossum
Monday, July 18, 2011
Chart Of The Day
Catherine Rampell checks in on grade inflation: As we have written before, private colleges and universities are by far the biggest offenders on grade inflation, even when you compare private schools to equally selective public schools. Thoreau's two cents: My...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/andrewsullivan/rApM/~3/jJzFJmXK-rw/chart-of-the-day-7.html
Jordana Brewster Laetitia Casta Claudette Ortiz Julia Stiles Marisa Miller
Oscar Grant's Best Friend, Johntue Caldwell, Found Dead
Filed under: News
From Colorlines:
The tight circle of family and friends still reeling from the loss of Oscar Grant has been dealt another tragic loss. On Friday evening Johntue Caldwell, Oscar Grant's best friend and the godfather of his daughter, was found dead inside his car in Hayward, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Caldwell, who was 25, was found inside a Cadillac parked at a Union 76 gas station, the paper reported. According to the police, the shooter walked up to Caldwell and shot through the windshield. Police are still searching for a motive for the shooting, and believe that Caldwell was not the victim of a random incident.
Read more here.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.bvblackspin.com/2011/07/18/oscar-grants-best-friend-johntue-caldwell-found-dead/
Desiree Dymond Teri Polo Summer Altice Rose McGowan Bar Refaeli
Holiday Music
Year after year, we are consistently blown away by the popularity of Holiday music on Pandora. This year we thought it would be fun to survey some of our users to get their perspective on Holiday music and we found that just as we suspected, they certainly do have a sense of humor!
Check out the questions and results, below. We are sure you will be feeling full of good cheer (and maybe even "Eggnoggy") by the time you're finished reading...
Happy Holidays and Happy Listening!
The Pandora Crew
Where do you most like hearing holiday music?
At home in front of a fire - 53%
In the car - 17%
In the mall - 14%
Outside, Christmas tree shopping - 12%
While shopping for gifts online - 4%
What holiday song are you most likely to sing along to?
It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - 39%
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - 25%
Silver Bells - 20%
Hells Bells by AC/DC - 11%
Frosty the Snowman - 5%
Overall, holiday music makes you feel:
Full of Good Cheer - 38%
Cozy - 24%
Merry - 17%
Eggnoggy - 14%
Jolly - 7%
What song is most likely to make you book tickets home for Christmas?
I'll Be Home for Christmas - 65%
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 22%
Orinoco Flow (Enya) - 8%
Wonderful Christmastime - 5%
What song would you most like to hear while being kissed under Mistletoe?
All I Want for Christmas is You - 45%
Santa Baby - 35%
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - 11%
A Holly Jolly Christmas - 9%
What song would send you running out of the mall store the quickest?
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth - 42%
Anything sung by a Chipmunk - 40%
Anything sung by a Muppet - 18%
Source: http://blog.pandora.com/pandora/archives/2010/12/holiday-music.html
Leila Arcieri Kate Mara Izabella Scorupco Carla Campbell Penélope Cruz
July's best new music from across the MAP
Around the world in 32 tracks with new music suggestions from the Music Alliance Pact
Each month, the Music Alliance Pact ? a group of 32 music blogs from around the world, including this one ? simultaneously post tracks chosen by each blog.
To download all 32 songs in one file click here
ENGLAND
The Guardian Music Blog
Gross Magic ? We're Awake Tonight
Sam McGarrigle is Gross Magic, a one-man band from Brighton who comes across like a UK Ariel Pink, all static-drenched pop with echoes of everything from glam to grunge, delivered in a fabulously fey, high, camp voice. We're Awake Tonight manages to condense 35 years of rock and pop into three glorious minutes. T Rex's iridescent boogie, ELO's Mr Blue Sky ? it's all here. As a recent Guardian New band of the day column put it, "it's really hard to find actual precedents for the sound blend he's achieved here: ELO meets glam, then fed through a hypnagogic filter. Not so much shock of the new as shock of the 'ooh!'."
ARGENTINA
Laika is a soft-rock band featuring Leticia Monge (vocals, guitar), Micaela Hattori (guitar), Leonardo Fucci (bass) and Roberto Fighetti (drums). They've just released their self-titled debut album and we think it's great, with really funny lyrics written in an almost scientific poetry. Coraz�n is one of our favourite songs and it was included in the soundtrack of Plan V, a web sitcom about the lesbian scene of Buenos Aires that we also recommend.
AUSTRALIA
Who the Bloody Hell Are They?
Guerre ? Millenium Blues
Guerre is the best thing to happen to music down under since the Australian cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. If you've not heard his ghostly take on lo-fi R&B then now is the perfect time to get into it because his official debut EP, Darker My Love, and a remix companion are available for free on his label's Bandcamp page. A good point of comparison would be blog sensation How to Dress Well, although there's enough uniqueness and authenticity here to keep you hitting repeat (plus I actually heard of Guerre first, so points for that). Highly recommended.
BRAZIL
Criolo is a rapper who released an acclaimed album this year, N� Na Orelha. In this song he pushes African beats above his rhymes and shows why he's part of a new scene of creative MCs in Brazil, including Emicida, Renegado and RAPadura.
CANADA
I(Heart)Music
Patrick Canning and the Suffering Mothers ? The Howl
The first influences listed on Patrick Canning's MySpace are Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, so it should come as no surprise that his music is dark and gloomy. Still, as a song like The Howl shows, just like his influences Canning has a way of making even dark and gloomy sound surprisingly engaging.
CHILE
Hailing from completely different backgrounds, ranging from experimental folk music to visual arts, the three members of MKRNI (pronounced "makaroni") come together to produce a distinctive sound that combines Latin American rhythms and post-punk influences, whose roots can be traced back to bands like ESG. Formed in 2008, the trio released an album through independent label Madhaus Records and are currently touring America, Europe and Brazil. Their latest single, Humedad, is a sample of their forthcoming and long-awaited second album.
CHINA
Fan Shiqi is a talented emerging singer-songwriter. Professionally trained in classical piano and influenced by jazz, Fan exhibits the peaceful urban scene with her refreshing voice and showcases the delicacy and confidence of this modern woman with her smooth lyrics. Her debut album Dreamland, released on the Peaceful Music label, is a collection of jazz-flavoured songs spanning four years.
DENMARK
All Scandinavian
Highway Child ? Love Love Love (I'm Gonna Take It Out On You)
Fuelled by a combo of Fernet Branca and a profound love for rock as it was cut 40-50 years ago, Highway Child have been personal favourites since I first caught one of their always awesome live performances a few years back. Three albums in, they keep impressing with their ability to make the musical heritage their own instead of just robbing the historical treasure mound. Their 2011 album Highway Child, from which this track is taken, expertly fuses their classic hard rock debut On the Old Kings Road (2008) and 60s psychedelia sophomore effort Sanctuary Come (2009).
ESTONIA
Popop
Laulan Sinule ? Masina Sees
Laulan Sinule is a tongue-in-cheek project by Taavi Tulev, who here leaves behind his usual deep electronics and makes pure Estonian electropop with analogue synths. For months he managed to stay anonymous with this new project, but is now gigging around Estonia; in concerts his music comes alive even more.
FINLAND
Glue
Astrid Swan ? Box Elder (Pavement cover)
Astrid Swan was meant to be the princess of Finnish pop but she always seemed to be too stubborn to accept the impositions of the music biz. With her third album, Better Than Wages, she fully embraced the indie sounds with a full roster of straightforward guitar-pop. Astrid has taken another turn in her career and in August will release a Pavement covers album with the attractive title of Hits (Pavement for Girls).
FRANCE
Yet You're Fired
Hold Your Horses! ? We Dear Are a Desert
Hold Your Horses! come from Paris and, like many others acts from the capital, they're into acoustic folk-pop. They may already be known to you thanks to an original video in which they reinterpret the history of art. Their first EP, Sorry! Household (an anagram of Hold Your Horses!), released in May, can be bought on iTunes.
GERMANY
Blogpartei
soft.nerd ? Always the Good Times
soft.nerd really are into analogue synths. In their 80s-driven tracks and remixes it's the driving force that makes room for the guitar sounds and Christian Bachmann's catchy vocals to float free in subtropical spheres. After rebuilding as a three-piece, soft.nerd recently released the album Sound Sound Sound, available via Bandcamp, from which Always the Good Times is taken.
GREECE
Mouxlaloulouda
A Victim of Society ? You're Gonna Hate Me
A Victim of Society delves into the darker side of human nature and delivers eerie, uncannily alluring melodies with raspy vocals buried beneath noise and distortion-drenched filters. His music is a plaintive, lo-fi mixture of nostalgia wrapped up in deeply ingrained noir sensibilities. You're Gonna Hate Me's rough and tumble groove, coated in sheets of echo and shadow, will leave you bewildered and enthralled in equal measures.
ICELAND
Icelandic Music Maffia
Valdimar - Undraland
Valdimar is a fresh force within the Icelandic music scene. The band's music spans the whole emotional spectrum, from intimate ballads to powerful, energetic rock. Valdimar colours its music with heavy brass, guitar and keyboard textures. They were nominated in the brightest hope category at the Icelandic Music Awards. Undraland is the title track of their debut album, released at the end of 2010 on the Geimsteinn label.
INDONESIA
Deathrockstar
Burgerkill - House Of Greed
Burgerkill are one of the biggest and longest running metal bands in Indonesia. They have just released a new album, Venomous, which is heavy as hell.
IRELAND
Nialler9
Little Green Cars - My Love Took Me Down To The River (To Silence Me)
Having first been impressed by Little Green Cars in 2008, it's with great pleasure that a mere three years later, the band consisting of 18-year olds have come good on that spark of promise they initially showed. Now a tight, talented and focused unit, their sound falls between Local Natives-style folk and Arcade Fire-style rock. Their debut single The John Wayne is out this month through UK label Young And Lost Club, and this separate new track showcases another impressive side to them.
ISRAEL
Metal Israel
Hammercult - Stealer Of Souls
Hammercult is an extreme thrash metal band formed in late 2010 by alumni of Israel's finest metal bands. Following their debut show in December, Hammercult stormed stages all across Israel, smashing into the local scene and garnering a tremendous amount of fans in a minimal amount of time. They also won the right to represent Israel in the 2011 international Wacken Metal Battle competition to be held this August in Germany. Late July will mark the release of their debut EP, Rise Of The Hammer, and their first full-length release is in the works.
ITALY
Polaroid
Giorgio Tuma - New Fabled Stories
Sometimes, in the middle of the summer, a sweet melody that brings back memories of Brian Wilson, Stereolab and flamboyant Italian soundtracks from the 60s (think Piccioni, Rota, Umiliani) is really all you need. Add a touch of bossa nova and a smoke of jazz and you'll have In The Morning We'll Meet, the brilliant new album by Giorgio Tuma, out now on the legendary Spanish label Elefant Records.
MEXICO
Red Bull PanameriKa
Candy - El Entierro
Coffin kids, you know them. Gloomy faces, an obscure way to dress and a strange glow of life that strains to endure all their gray and decaying surroundings. But wait a minute? Are we describing a slow and pitiful goth band? Maybe this approach to Mexico City's Candy is erroneous and stereotypical. Candy have all the bittersweetness, frenzy and pomp that a power-goth trio could ask for. Produced by the experienced Joselo Rangel (from Mexican super-band Caf� Tacvba), El Entierro ("The Burial") is the ravenous radio-friendly single that heralds a great sophomore album for Candy.
NETHERLANDS
Unfold Amsterdam
The Black Atlantic - Walked On Wood
The Black Atlantic is a folk-pop band based in Groningen, but they undeniably have international ambitions - no wonder given how easily their heavily melodic and lulling acoustic tracks fit in alongside the new Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes albums. The core of the project is singer-songwriter Geert van der Velde, who formed the band back in 2008 to record debut album Reverence For Fallen Trees. It has been freely available online for the past two years, although this spring it was also given a physical release in more European territories with added bonus tracks, one of which you can hear here. The band rarely takes itself off the road long enough to record new material, but a new single then EP are on the way.
NEW ZEALAND
Einstein Music Journal
Sleepy Age - D�cor
In 2009, Christchurch's Sleepy Age began their life as a guitar band, reworking the finer points of Britpop and 90s American indie rock. But in 2011, they've completely upended their sound, releasing the synth-heavy, European disco-inspired single D�cor (see video). It's a bold move, and at a time when they would be excused for making gloomy rock music, Sleepy Age has turned misery into delicious synth-pop. The band is currently escaping a string of crippling earthquakes in their home town and touring Europe and the UK - dates are available on their website.
PERU
Jos� Arbul�, a member of the well-known band Cementerio Club and considered by many people in his native country to be one of its most talented contemporary composers, returns to the music scene with his new solo production, Salta: Esp�ritu Azul, the first of a trilogy of records called SALTA. In this new stage, Arbul� tries to capture thoughts and feelings about all that happens to us and affects us in our tired routine of life.
PORTUGAL
Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
You Can't Win, Charlie Brown - Over The Sun, Under The Water
They are six, most of them from Lisbon, who have/had other projects, such as David Santos (Noiserv), a previous MAP pick. Their debut album, Chromatic, released in May, prompted influential French magazine Les Inrocks to call their music "sublime". If you are a fan of Fleet Foxes and Animal Collective, you will love You Can't Win, Charlie Brown too.
ROMANIA
Algebra come from Bucharest and just released their first album - a mix of post-rock, post-punk, noise and influences from several other genres translated into short instrumental tracks. You can find their entire album as a free download on Bandcamp.
RUSSIA
Big Echo
The Patience - Space Farewell
Novosibirsk-based trio The Patience have been searching for their proper sound since 2007. They released debut EP Sun Is Always Pt.1 this year, offering a massive wall of sound based on traditions of shoegaze and pop music. Space Farewell mixes the energy of live performance with the lead singer's beautiful voice to make it one of the best Russian tracks you'll hear these days.
SCOTLAND
The Pop Cop
The Barents Sea - O' Brother Of Mine
Every once in a while you come across a band like The Barents Sea who have an indefinable essence that makes your ears prick up. One spin of O' Brother Of Mine will confirm how capable the Perth band are when it comes to constructing punch-the-air, epic guitar riffs... but you'll probably play it over and over again just to make sure. Feel free to discover how they sounded before they developed into a harmonious blend of indie and post-rock by downloading their charming bedroom-recorded 2009 mini-album Bear Island for free here.
SINGAPORE
I'm Waking Up To...
In Each Hand A Cutlass - A Universe Made Of Strings
Outlaws, stargazers and free riders - that's the sense of freedom apparent in the debut album of In Each Hand A Cutlass. The masterpiece is called A Universe Made Of Strings, and while allusions to string theory and parallel dimensions are in order, no-one can deny the sprawling ambition that the group have laboured to achieve. Swirling with different time signatures, musical styles and rapturous energy, In Each Hand A Cutlass prove that genres are for the common man and that genius lies in the outliers.
SOUTH KOREA
Indieful ROK
SiwaRainbow - We Are All Alone
Siwa is a female singer-songwriter, Rainbow99 is a guitarist and electronica producer. Together they have formed the unit SiwaRainbow, creating a mellow sound where Rainbow99 provides the atmosphere and Siwa adds melody and lyrics. The duo's second album, We Are All Alone, was released in June. The title track opens with an epic synth-heavy intro that extends into total bliss.
SPAIN
Edred�N is a five-piece formed in the working class district of Carabanchel, Madrid. Their unique sound can be described as a cosmic mixture of psychedelia and several other genres not so easily found in Spanish indie music, such as Kraut, ambient, house or pop noir. Bizarre as it seems, this risky blend is present throughout their self-titled debut album released in 2010. Bautismo, with lyrics in French, is their particular approach to Serge Gainsbourg's �l�gance.
SWITZERLAND
78s
Dead Bunny - I Don't Know You
Dead Bunny don't invent the wheel anew, but from time to time that's bracing news, with hipster bands popping up all over the place. They play sweaty rock 'n' roll right from the heart, without frills and straight to the point.
UNITED STATES
I Guess I'm Floating
CSLSX - Keep Shining On
This band, by way of Philadelphia, are plenty young with plenty of talent. CSLSX have released a handful of tracks in the past few months, slowly showcasing their music abilities. Keep Shining On is the best yet, a perfect summer jam with stunning production value.
VENEZUELA
M�sica y M�s
Vel France - Galaxia
Vel France is one of the newest talents to come out of eastern Venezuela, a region characterized by alternative rock bands, but this time bringing a more melodious voice than has been heard in recent years. Since debuting at a festival called VirgenFest, Vel France has captivated audiences with syrupy lyrics and nice guitar riffs. Galaxia, her first single, contains a lot of that and has been played on radio nationwide.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jul/18/july-new-music-map
Lucy Liu LeAnn Rimes Adrianne Curry Jennifer Gimenez Katie Cassidy
First Lady's Hamburger Sends Right-Wing Sites Into a Tizzy
Filed under: News
For some reason, Michelle Obama's recent trip to Shake Shack warranted a story in the Washington Post, and a poll about whether or not the First Lady, an advocate for healthy eating, was a hypocrite.
Ta-Nehisi Coates at the Atlantic called it "the dumbest story ever written in all of human history." But Salon's Alex Pareene sees something darker both in the choice to run the story and the reaction it received in the right-wing blogosphere.
"The Post probably just ran the stupid story to begin with because they know Obama's anti-childhood obesity campaign is catnip for the right wing," he writes. "Matt Drudge is obsessed with Michelle Obama and his weird fantasy idea of her as a threatening, angry, anti-white black woman (who is also a liberal nanny-state tyrant). "
Added Pareene, "the tone of the Michelle Obama coverage, and the commentary it generates, is pretty unmistakably racially tinged. (In addition, obviously, to being usually blatantly sexist.)"
Presidential wives have come in for criticism when they waded (or were thought to have waded) too far into shaping policy. (Think Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton.) Laura Bush focused on childhood literacy, which is pretty innocuous and the kind of pet cause that's hard to politicize. Who's for illiteracy, anyway?
One might think that fighting childhood obesity would be the same kind of cause. Apparently it isn't.
One might think that fighting childhood obesity would be the same kind of cause. Apparently it isn't.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.bvblackspin.com/2011/07/13/first-ladys-hamburger-sends-right-wings-sites-into-a-tizzy/
Nicollette Sheridan Amber Heard Veronica Kay Mýa Natalie Imbruglia
Essential ingredients if you want to cook like Gwynie
Agave nectar, Mexican chilli sauce and wheat-free noodles: it's a gourmand's delight in Gwyneth's kitchen
This week, Gwyneth Paltrow appeared at the London Roundhouse to run through the store cupboard essentials from her new cookbook. We've come a long way since Delia Smith who, memorably, always has capers in her larder. Paltrow's least esoteric ingredient is olive oil. The rest, you might be able to find, but will you know what to do with it?
Light agave nectar: in terms of viscosity, a cross between sap and honey, this is a sweetener produced at a low temperature and, like so many foods deriving from the Mexican plant world (tacos and, um, cheese), it has a low GI; it's an excellent solution, then, if you are a raw foodist who is prone to weight gain.
Sriracha: a tasty chilli sauce for people who don't want to say "chilli sauce" because it reminds them of the time they went into a kebab shop and makes their mouth taste all meaty.
Cholula hot sauce: another hot sauce, but this one's from Mexico again, so probably has another low GI, and also won't remind you of mince.
Unsweetened peanut butter: use as regular peanut butter, just don't expect as much enjoyment.
Soba noodles: although generally these are made from a mixture of wheat and buckwheat, you can get buckwheat-only ones, which are, of course, wheat-free. This is good if you're pretending to have a wheat allergy, because you think it's still 1997.
Real Vermont maple syrup: this is an excellent choice if you have a �20 note, you want some syrup, but you don't have your wallet on you or any pockets. I hate the feeling of coins in my hand. Don't you hate that?
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/06/gwyneth-paltrow-store-cupboard-essentials
China Chow Alecia Elliott Kat Von D Ana Paula Lemes Vanessa Simmons
"Secondhand Bookshops Have Been Banished From The City"
by Zo� Pollock Michael Seidenberg?s apartment on the Upper East Side doubles as Brazenhead Books, a hidden bookstore. But Seidenberg likes it that way: If it?s all about money, there?s just better things to sell. In Patti Smith's memoir Just...
Amber Valletta Paris Hilton Victoria Pratt Shakara Ledard Vanessa Marcil
Study: Minorities More Likely to Get Tickets, Have Vehicles Searched
From Chicago Sun-Times:
After a traffic stop, minority drivers are more likely to get handed a ticket and their vehicles are more likely to get searched, according to a study released this month by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Read more here.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Laura Harring Naomi Watts Leonor Varela Joanne Montanez Michelle Obama
Remarks by the President in Presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry
Release Time:
For Immediate Release
East Room
2:23 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Chaplain Rutherford. Please be seated. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the White House as we present our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, to an extraordinary American soldier —- Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry.
This is a historic occasion. Last fall, I was privileged to present the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta for his heroism in Afghanistan, and Sal joins us this afternoon. Where's Sal? Good to see you.
So today is only the second time during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq —- indeed, only the second time since Vietnam —- that a recipient of the Medal of Honor from an ongoing conflict has been able to accept this medal in person. And having just spent some time with Leroy, his lovely wife Ashley, their wonderful children, in the Oval Office, then had a chance to see the entire Petry family here -- I have to say this could not be happening to a nicer guy or a more inspiring family.
Leroy, the Medal of Honor reflects the deepest gratitude of our entire nation. So we’re joined by members of Congress; Vice President Biden; leaders from across my administration, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn; and leaders from across our Armed Forces, including the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Jim “Hoss” Cartwright, Army Secretary John McHugh, and Army Chief of Staff General Marty Dempsey.
We're honored to welcome more than 100 of Leroy’s family and friends, many from his home state of New Mexico, as well as his fellow Rangers from the legendary Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. And as always, we are humbled by the presence of members of the Medal of Honor Society.
Today, we honor a singular act of gallantry. Yet as we near the 10th anniversary of the attacks that thrust our nation into war, this is also an occasion to pay tribute to a soldier, and a generation, that has borne the burden of our security during a hard decade of sacrifice.
I want to take you back to the circumstances that led to this day. It’s May 26, 2008, in the remote east of Afghanistan, near the mountainous border of Pakistan. Helicopters carrying dozens of elite Army Rangers race over the rugged landscape. And their target is an insurgent compound. The mission is high risk. It’s broad daylight. The insurgents are heavily armed. But it’s considered a risk worth taking because intelligence indicates that a top al Qaeda commander is in that compound.
Soon, the helicopters touch down, and our Rangers immediately come under fire. Within minutes, Leroy -- then a Staff Sergeant -- and another soldier are pushing ahead into a courtyard, surrounded by high mud walls. And that’s when the enemy opens up with their AK-47s. Leroy is hit in both legs. He’s bleeding badly, but he summons the strength to lead the other Ranger to cover, behind a chicken coop. He radios for support. He hurls a grenade at the enemy, giving cover to a third Ranger who rushes to their aid. An enemy grenade explodes nearby, wounding Leroy’s two comrades. And then a second grenade lands -- this time, only a few feet away.
Every human impulse would tell someone to turn away. Every soldier is trained to seek cover. That’s what Sergeant Leroy Petry could have done. Instead, this wounded Ranger, this 28-year-old man with his whole life ahead of him, this husband and father of four, did something extraordinary. He lunged forward, toward the live grenade. He picked it up. He cocked his arm to throw it back.
What compels such courage? What leads a person to risk everything so that others might live? For answers, we don’t need to look far. The roots of Leroy's valor are all around us.
We see it in the sense of duty instilled by his family, who joins us today —- his father Larry, his mother Lorella, and his four brothers. Growing up, the walls of their home were hung with pictures of grandfathers and uncles in uniform, leading a young Leroy to believe “that’s my calling, too.”
We see it in the compassion of a high school student who overcame his own struggles to mentor younger kids to give them a chance. We see it in the loyalty of an Army Ranger who lives by a creed: "Never shall I fail my comrades.” Or as Leroy puts it, “These are my brothers —- family just like my wife and kids —- and you protect the ones you love.” And that’s what he did that day when he picked up that grenade and threw it back —- just as it exploded.
With that selfless act, Leroy saved his two Ranger brothers, and they are with us today. His valor came with a price. The force of the blast took Leroy’s right hand. Shrapnel riddled his body. Said one of his teammates, “I had never seen someone hurt so bad.” So even his fellow Rangers were amazed at what Leroy did next. Despite his grievous wounds, he remained calm. He actually put on his own tourniquet. And he continued to lead, directing his team, giving orders —- even telling the medics how to treat his wounds.
When the fight was won, as he lay in a stretcher being loaded onto a helicopter, one of his teammates came up to shake the hand that Leroy had left. “That was the first time I shook the hand of someone who I consider to be a true American hero,” that Ranger said. Leroy Petry “showed that true heroes still exist and that they're closer than you think.”
That Ranger is right. Our heroes are all around us. They’re the millions of Americans in uniform who have served these past 10 years, many -— like Leroy -— deploying tour after tour, year after year. On the morning of 9/11, Leroy was training to be a Ranger, and as his instructor got the terrible news, they told Leroy and his class, “Keep training, you might be going to war.” Within months Leroy was in Afghanistan for the first of seven deployments since 9/11.
Leroy speaks proudly of the progress our troops have made -— Afghan communities now free from the terror of the Taliban and Afghan forces that are taking more responsibility for their security. And he carries with him the memories of Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice to make this progress possible.
Earlier in the Oval Office, Leroy gave me the extraordinary privilege of showing me the small plaque that is bolted to his prosthetic arm. On it are the names of the fallen Rangers from the 75th Regiment. They are, quite literally, part of him, just as they will always be part of America.
One of those names is of the Ranger who did not come back from the raid that day —- Specialist Christopher Gathercole. Christopher’s brother and sister and grandmother are here with us today. I would ask that they stand briefly so that we can show our gratitude for their family’s profound sacrifice. (Applause.)
Our heroes are all around us. They’re the force behind the force —- military spouses like Ashley, who during Leroy’s many deployments, during missed birthdays and holidays, has kept this family Army Strong. So we’re grateful to you, Ashley, and for all the military spouses who are here. (Applause.)
They’re military children, like Brittany and Austin and Reagan, and seven-year-old Landon, who at the end of a long day is there to gently rub his dad’s injured arm. And so I want to make sure that we acknowledge these extraordinary children as well. (Applause.)
Our heroes are all around us. They’re our men and women in uniform who through a decade of war have earned their place among the greatest of generations. During World War II, on D-Day, it was the Rangers of D Company who famously scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. After 9/11, we learned again —- “Rangers Lead the Way.” They were some of the first boots on the ground in Afghanistan. They have been deployed continuously ever since.
Today, we can see our progress in this war and our success against al Qaeda, and we're beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan this summer. Understand there will be more fighting -– and more sacrifices -– in the months and years to come. But I am confident that because of the service of men and women like Leroy, we will be able to say of this generation what President Reagan once said of those Rangers who took the cliffs on D-Day -— “These are the heroes who helped end a war.”
I would ask all of our Rangers —- members of the 9/11 generation —- to stand and accept the thanks of a grateful nation. (Applause.)
Finally, the service of Leroy Petry speaks to the very essence of America —- that spirit that says, no matter how hard the journey, no matter how steep the climb, we don’t quit. We don’t give up. Leroy lost a hand and those wounds in his legs sometimes make it hard for him to stand. But he pushes on, and even joined his fellow Rangers for a grueling 20-mile march. He could have focused only on his own recovery, but today he helps care for other wounded warriors, inspiring them with his example. Given his wounds, he could have retired from the Army, with honor, but he chose to re-enlist -- indefinitely. And this past year he returned to Afghanistan -- his eighth deployment -- back with his Ranger brothers on another mission to keep our country safe.
This is the stuff of which heroes are made. This is the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every American. And this is the reason that -- like a soldier named Leroy Petry -— America doesn’t simply endure, we emerge from our trials stronger, more confident, with our eyes fixed on the future.
Our heroes are all around us. And as we prepare for the reading of the citation, please join me in saluting one of those heroes -- Leroy Petry. (Applause.)
MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States of America, authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry, United States Army. Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, in action, with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Paktya province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008.
As a weapons squad leader with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Staff Sergeant Petry moved to clear the courtyard of a house that potentially contained high-value combatants. While crossing the courtyard, Staff Sergeant Petry and another Ranger were engaged and wounded by automatic weapons fire from enemy fighters. Still under enemy fire and wounded in both legs, Staff Sergeant Petry led the other Ranger to cover. He then reported the situation and engaged the enemy with a hand grenade, providing suppression as another Ranger moved to his position.
The enemy quickly responded by maneuvering closer and throwing grenades. The first grenade explosion knocked his two fellow Rangers to the ground and wounded both with shrapnel. A second grenade landed only a few feet away from them. Instantly realizing the danger, Staff Sergeant Petry, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, deliberately and selflessly moved forward, picked up the grenade, and in the effort to clear the immediate threat, threw the grenade away from his fellow Rangers. As he was releasing the grenade it detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist and further injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds.
Although picking up and throwing the live grenade grievously wounded Staff Sergeant Petry, his gallant act undeniably saved his fellow Rangers from being severely wounded or killed. Despite the severity of his wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry continued to maintain the presence of mind to place a tourniquet on his right wrist before communicating the situation by radio in order to coordinate support for himself and his fellow wounded Rangers.
Staff Sergeant Petry’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the United States Army.
(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)
REVEREND RUTHERFORD: Let us pray. Lord, be upon us this day we all live the values and celebrate the commitment to our nation Sergeant First Class Petry has modeled. Give us strength this day and keep us always in your care as we pray in your holy name. Amen.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for attending this extraordinary ceremony for this extraordinary hero. I hope that all of you will join the family. There is going to be an outstanding reception. I hear the food is pretty good around here. (Laughter.) And I know the music is great, because we’ve got my own Marine Band playing.
So thank you so much for your attendance. And once again, congratulations, Leroy, for your extraordinary devotion to our country.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END 2:42 P.M. EDT
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Opera 11.10 includes improved power saving features
The timing here is certainly interesting, what with Microsoft's recent report on how much power the top five Web browsers consume. In its findings, Opera 11 was fairly low in the standings. While we've not seen any new benchmarks yet, we're curious to know whether the Opera 11.10 RC offers any significant gains.
If you're running Opera 11.10 on a laptop, let us know if you're seeing an improvement in your battery life while browsing!
Opera 11.10 includes improved power saving features originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: http://www.pheedcontent.com/click.phdo?i=6990c84ce69b2b740bdb5a2ac09e06bc
Alicia Witt Radha Mitchell Melissa Rycroft Chloë Sevigny Janet Jackson
Latitude festival 2011 ? in pictures
The sixth edition of the Latitude festival in Southwold has played host to such stars as the National, Paolo Nutini and KT Tunstall
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/gallery/2011/jul/17/latitude-festival-2011-in-pictures
Kate Beckinsale Shiri Appleby Kelly Hu Michelle Rodriguez Mena Suvari
Celebrating Nelson Mandela
Filed under: Race and Civil Rights
July 18, 2011 is Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday. A cause for celebration, this is a day to remember and honor the world-changing work of the former President of South Africa, who was a powerful political prisoner and freedom fighter.
In October 2006, I was part of a delegation of artists and activists who visited South Africa at the request of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to celebrate his 75th birthday. We landed in Cape Town and were given a tour of Robben Island by the politician, author and former political prisoner with Mr. Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada. My son, Salvador, opened Mandela's cell with a large metal key, and in small groups, we stood where the wise leader had been imprisoned many of the 27 years he was incarcerated.
I was in awe looking at the thin woolen mat on the floor that he slept on each night for fourteen years before prisoners were given cots, and the small barred window high in the wall through which he viewed free citizens moving to and fro. Mandela writes of being transferred to Robben Island: "I hate being moved from one prison to another. It involves much inconvenience and degrading treatment. One is handcuffed and sometimes even manacled, and often it involves being exposed to prison officials and members of the public at each stop at different prisons en route while one is dressed in the humiliating prison outfit." ('Conversations with Myself').
Prisoners on Robben Island endured relentlessly brutal days, and Mr. Mandela and his comrades worked in a lime quarry in blistering heat and freezing cold, or hammered stones in the courtyard for hours without a break. The light bulbs in their cells were never turned off.
In direct contrast to Mr. Mandela's prison cell, our delegation was graced with a private meeting with the father of South Africa at the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. In groups of three or four, we sat beside the great leader and he asked us questions about America and our lives. I cherish a photo I have of Mr. Mandela, his head thrown back in laughter, me on his left side, smiling with all my heart.
The beloved South African elders -- Mr. Mandela, Archbishop Tutu, Ahmed Kathrada, Barbara Hogan, and Mama Albertina Sisulu -- have given me powerful examples of creating dreams and goals in life without giving up or surrendering to suffering, and keeping a forward movement in resisting violence and oppression. Their work and words encourage me to keep open the doors of inspiration and strength, and allow no one authority over my heart's vision. In 'Long Walk to Freedom,' Mr. Mandela writes, "...to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly formally declared July 18 to be Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela has given 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity and the Mandela Day Campaign in South Africa is reaching out to people worldwide to request that every July 18th, we give 67 minutes of our time to be of service to expand Mr. Mandela's vision. Whether it is supporting a chosen charity or serving in local communities, we are encouraged to make a contribution to the well-being of society.
Please share with me how you give your time, and I will share how I spend my 67 minutes for my beloved Madiba.
Deborah Santana is a philanthropist, a supporter of peace and social justice, and the author of the memoir 'Space Between The Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart.' Deborah founded Do a Little, a nonprofit whose mission is to support women in the areas of health, education, and happiness. To find out more about her life and work, read her blog on Red Room.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.bvblackspin.com/2011/07/12/celebrating-nelson-mandela/
Missy Peregrym Sarah Gellman Eliza Dushku Bonnie Jill Laflin Joanna Krupa
Lounge on the Farm ? review
Merton Farm, Canterbury
By day, Lounge on the Farm was the chilled-out affair its title suggests ? festival-goers of all ages sauntered between a solar-powered cinema, a rather hit and miss comedy/theatre tent and six music stages for a programme of bands varying from folk to grime.
Of these, the best were Spector, whose synth-rock highlight, "Never Fade Away", soared somewhere between the Killers and White Lies. Other reputation-enhancing performances came from Pete Roe ? a member of Laura Marling's band, now stepping out on his own ? woozy duo Big Deal and rare Dutch treat the Bucket Boyz, who thrilled with their anarchic take on Tennessee folk.
As the sun set on Merton Farm, bigger name acts took to the stage. Indie darlings the Vaccines lacked a little of their usual punk velocity, but the rain failed to dampen Mike Skinner's spirits; the Streets star had everyone singing along to a dazzling rendition of "Blinded by the Lights".
On Saturday, Katy B (right) was equally animated, her fiery versions of last year's pop hits "Katy on a Mission" and "Perfect Stranger" proving particularly popular with the crowd. In fact, the Brit school graduate's high-energy set left Saturday's headliner, royal wedding performer Ellie Goulding, looking rather lacklustre in comparison. Meanwhile, over on the small Farm Folk stage, singer-songwriter Johnny Flynn, who, with his band, the Sussex Wit, has been a leading player in London's folk resurgence, went solo for a particularly intimate performance, the pick of which was the harmony-laden "Tickle Me Pink".
Now in its sixth year, Lounge on the Farm may have once been a festival for Kent locals but this year proved that there's plenty on offer to whet the appetite of music lovers from elsewhere.
Best band The Streets.
Best discovery Spector.
Overheard Pete Roe: "I have two CDs for sale! Not two albums. Just two actual CDs."
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/jul/17/lounge-on-farm-festival-watch
Marley Shelton ThalÃa Brooke Burke Thandie Newton Liz Phair
This week's festival news
Pulled Apart By Horses show the kids how to RAWK at Underage (5 Aug, Victoria Park, E2), where Ms Dynamite, Is Tropical and Johnny Flynn join the bill ?
SBTRKT, Gold Panda, Three Trapped Tigers and Becoming Real will take to Transgressive's Alternative Stage at Leeds Festival (26-28 Aug, Bramham Park) ?
Tom Vek headlines Sunday at Beacons (11?14 Aug, Heslaker Farm, Skipton), where Jamie xx and Dananananaykroyd are also among the additions to the new arts and music fest ?
Coming soon
Go to the dark side at goth weekender DV8Fest (Thu to 24 Jul, various venues, York) with Gary Numan, Utah Saints and O. Children ?
Or take the young ones to the family-friendly Deer Shed (Fri to 24 Jul, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe) with I Am Kloot and Frankie & The Heartstrings ?
Now booking
Get tickets for the 2012 versions of last weekend's heavy-hitting Sonisphere (6-9 Jul, Knebworth House, Stevenage) and T In The Park (5-8 Jul, Balado) festivals at 2011 prices.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jul/16/this-weeks-festival-news
Romney State PACs in Hot Water
If the Federal Election Commission manages to rise the challenge, Mitt Romney's campaign could be forced to answer some tough questions about its fundraising strategy.
On Thursday, the Alabama Democratic Party joined a complaint against Romney filed with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the former Massachusetts governor sidestepped campaign fundraising rules to funnel $1.5 million from his state-level political actions committees to Free and Strong America, his national PAC.
Federal campaign limits cap donations to national PACs at $5,000. But Alabama (and a couple other states) allow donors to give unlimited amounts of money to state PACs, allowing shrewd fundraisers like Romney to skirt federal limits while raking in massive contributions.
As my colleague Andy Kroll explained this week, national candidates often use money raised by their state-level PACs to court potential allies in key primary states. Romney's PACs, for example, distributed some $400,000 in campaign contributions in 25 different states in 2009 and 2010, including $62,000 to now-Govenrors Nikki Haley (R-S.C.) and $30,000 to Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), both of whom won their races. Romney's largesse, along with Haley and Branstad's victories, gave him a pair of powerful potential backers leading into next year's presidential race.
Harnessing state PACs in this way falls in line with Federal Election Commission rules. Shifting money from state PACS to a national PAC is kosher, as long as the candidate in question—Romney—hasn't already announced his intention to run for president. If a candidate wants to run for national office, he first has to cut ties with his state-level PACs.
But the complaint, originally filed by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, alleges that Romney failed to cut those ties before forming his exploratory committee. In essence, the complaint claims, Romney used his state PACs as "shell operations" to fund a possible presidential campaign before officially declaring his candidacy—a potential breach of FEC rules, according to The Washington Post.
"Romney has engaged in the evident subterfuge of using state laws not for the state election-related purposes for which they were enacted, but to advance his Federal candidacy with the aid of 'soft money,'" the complaint says. "He has misled the authorities of those states, filing reports of 'state' activities which were never bona fide state activities in the first instance."
Romney's campaign, meanwhile, claims that he hasn't been affiliated with his state PACs since launching his exploratory campaign.
Campaign finance experts told the Post that the FEC isnt likely to find a violation of this rule until a candidate has made a "clear and unambiguous statement that they are running for a specific federal office." The FEC—which hasn't exactly been the most vigilant campaign law enforcer in recent years—is charged with the tricky task of determining when, exactly, Romney first threw his hat in the presidential ring. Given the fact that he basically never stopped running for president after losing out on the Republican nomination in 2008, that won't be easy.
Source: http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/07/romney-state-pacs-hot-water
Penélope Cruz Kristen Bell The Pussycat Dolls Isla Fisher Sophia Bush
Whitney Port: Miami Beach Bikini Babe
Having flown into the sunshine state yesterday for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM 2012 happenings, Whitney Port wasted little time in taking to the beaches of Miami, Florida.
The newly-single reality star/designer showed off her svelte bikini body in a white two-piece as she joined a group of friends for the sun-soaking outing on Saturday (July 16).
Miss Port, who designs a label called Whitney Eve, recently spoke to Grazia Daily about who she sees as a Whitney EVE Port girl.
To this, the 26-year-old replied, "That?s a really good question. I don?t know, she?s so many different types of girl! Someone who just wants to make the most of herself. She's motivated and doesn?t have it all figured out just yet! She definitely works really hard and tries to be as confident as possible and not put too much pressure on herself. She's a fashion fiend but not necessarily a follower, she's making her own path."
During the Grazia interview, Whitney also was asked to reveal the three items of clothing she couldn't live without, to which she replied, "I have this awesome camel leather jacket, which I probably couldn?t live without. A pair of black ankle boots by Toga and a trusted pair of Levis cut-off jean shorts."
On a side-note, Port is also offering up a weekend sale in honor of the dreaded 405 freeway "Carmageddon" construction in Los Angeles.
Giving details, the for "City" star's Facebook page read: "In honor of Carmegeddon in Los Angeles, Whitney Eve, is offering a special weekend sale on www.whitneyeve.com. If you spend $40.50 or more then you are eligible for 10% off your total purchase! (Get it? Because of the closure between the 405 and the 10 fwy!) Enter "40510" @ checkout for 10% off your order!"
Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/whitney-port/whitney-port-miami-beach-bikini-babe-525103
Asia Argento Charisma Carpenter Hilarie Burton Kelly Carlson Sara Foster
Town Halls This Week: Fargo, Grand Forks, Sioux Falls, Omaha
In our ongoing quest to meet up with listeners across the country we're headed to North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, for visits that we had set up once before and had to reschedule at the last minute... I've been waiting for this for a long time. We'll host Town Halls (see below) - very informal gatherings where I'll share some Pandora history, some background on the Music Genome Project and talk about what's ahead for Pandora. I also want to hear what's on your mind - questions, complaints, ideas...everything is fair game. Direct listener feedback is one of the things that keeps us jazzed at Pandora. It should be a fun time, complete with free Pandora t-shirts!
We're stopping in Fargo, Grand Forks, Sioux Falls and Omaha. With some hefty drives in between (any recommendations you have about cool places to stop and stretch legs or get a cup of coffee or a great meal between Grand Forks and Sioux Falls or Sioux Falls and Omaha, please let us know at tour@pandora.com). The response from the local audience has been wonderful, although no one has yet offered to make sure there's no snow...
So if you have friends you think might want to drop in, point them to the info below and ask them to email us at tour@pandora.com to RSVP. Not everyone on Pandora opts in to get emails so we always miss people that we wish we could reach.
We'll be putting up pictures and videos daily from the road. Stay tuned and stay in touch, and if you're nearby, please email us and let us know you'd like to join, we'd love to have you!
Tim (Founder)
Town Hall Details:
Tuesday, November 9th
Fargo & Grand Forks
Fargo:
11.30 a.m.
Babb's Coffee House (604 Main Ave.)
Grand Forks:
7.00 p.m.
The Coffee Company (2100 South Columbia Rd, #107)
Wednesday, November 10th
Sioux Falls
7.00 p.m.
Museum of Visual Materials (500 N. Main Ave.)
Thursday, November 11th
Omaha
7.00 p.m.
The Durham Museum* (801 South 10th Street)
*Town Hall will be held in The Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall
Source: http://blog.pandora.com/pandora/archives/2010/11/town-halls-this.html
Jessica Biel Christina Milian Kelly Brook Robin Tunney Kate Groombridge
Laura Levine: Musicians - in pictures
Levine is a highly regarded photographer and observer of the music scene of the 80s and early 90s, particularly around NYC. Her first one-person show is at the Steven Kasher Gallery in New York from 21 July to 19 August
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/gallery/2011/jul/17/laura-levine-musicians-in-pictures
Brooke Burke Thandie Newton Liz Phair Aaliyah Katherine Heigl
How To Handle Breasts In The 17th Century
by Zo� Pollock A generous guide. I love this bit from the Ladies' Dictionary, published in 1694: Breasts that hang loose, and are of an extraordinary largeness, lose their charms, and have their Beauty buried in the grave of uncomeliness,...
Sara Spraker Alexis Bledel Kim Kardashian China Chow Alecia Elliott
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President's Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov
Release Time:
For Immediate Release
President Obama met with Foreign Minister Lavrov today and discussed a range of bilateral and international issues. The President thanked the Foreign Minister for his efforts to complete a new bilateral agreement on visa liberalization as well as a new agreement on adoptions, both of which will touch many lives in Russia and the United States. President Obama expressed his support for Russia’s efforts to mediate a political solution in Libya, emphasizing that the United States is prepared to support negotiations that lead to a democratic transition in Libya as long as Qadhafi steps aside. Both parties discussed the need to continue cooperation towards a peaceful transition in Sudan and South Sudan. They also discussed the challenge presented by Iran’s failure to live up to its obligations with regard to its nuclear program, the role of the international community in preventing further violence and pressing for political change in Syria and Yemen, and next steps on Middle East Peace in the wake of the Quartet meetings earlier in the week. President Obama thanked Foreign Minister Lavrov for his efforts regarding Nagorno-Karabakh and underscored the U.S. commitment to achieve a framework agreement. President Obama and Foreign Minister Lavrov also discussed the opportunities for cooperation on missile defense in Europe. President Obama reaffirmed his strong support for Russia’s efforts to complete its WTO accession process this year, and discussed the necessity of granting Russia Permanent Normalized Trade Relations. President Obama and Foreign Minister Lavrov also discussed issues of democracy and human rights, including the tragedy surrounding the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
Padma Lakshmi Sarah Mutch Gabrielle Union Alessandra Ambrosio Amanda Detmer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)