John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 46% |
Barack Obama (D) | 45% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 45% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 42% |
Monday, March 31, 2008
New Jersey: McCain Leads Both Democrats
Italy: Conservatives Continue to Lead
If the election were held today, which party would you vote for?
| Mar. 20 | Mar. 11 | |
| Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL) | 38.1% | 37.9% |
| Democratic Party (PD) | 33.3% | 33.2% |
| Left Rainbow (SA) | 7.5% | 7.7% |
| Union of the Centre | 6.3% | 6.1% |
| Northern League (LN) | 5.5% | 5.6% |
| Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) | 3.5% | 3.7% |
| The Right (La Destra) | 2.0% | 2.0% |
| Socialist Party (PS) | 1.3% | 1.4% |
| Movement for Autonomy (MPA) | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Other parties | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Source: Dinamiche
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 2,000 Italian adults, conducted on Mar. 19 and Mar. 20, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Israel: Likud, Labour Down; Kadima Up
Prospective results of a Knesset election
(Results presented in seats)
| Mar. 2008 | Nov. 2007 | |
| Likud (Consolidation) | 26 | 31 |
| Labour | 19 | 20 |
| Kadima (Forward) | 16 | 13 |
| Israel Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) | 11 | 9 |
| International Organization of | 11 | 10 |
| National Union (Ikhud) and | 8 | 9 |
| Yahadut Hatorah (United Torah Judaism) | 6 | 7 |
| Vitality-Together (Meretz-Yachad) | 6 | 7 |
| Green Party (Yerukim) | 4 | -- |
| Social Justice (Tzedek Hevrati) | 3 | 4 |
| Arab Parties | 10 | 10 |
| Gil (Retired People’s Party) | -- | -- |
Source: Shvakim Panorama / Israel Radio
Methodology: Interviews with 508 Israeli adults, conducted on Mar. 26, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Editorial Criticizes Politician for Wanting to Know Where the Corpses in Chinese 'Bodies' Exhibition Came From
"According to the show's promoter, Premier Exhibitions of Atlanta, these bodies were unclaimed and legally acquired in China. However, a recent report by ABC said that some of the bodies came from executed prisoners."
"As far as Pennsylvania goes, there are more pertinent issues that should be addressed."
Virginia: McCain Lead Grows Over Both Democrats
John McCain(R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 58% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 36% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 52% |
Barack Obama (D) | 41% |
Wisconsin: McCain Leads Obama, Hillary
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain | 48% |
Barack Obama | 46% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain | 50% |
Hillary Clinton | 39% |
Hungar: Fidesz Leads Socialists, 69 to 20
Which party would you vote for in the next legislative election? (Decided Voters)
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) | 69% | 68% | 67% |
| Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) | 20% | 22% | 22% |
| Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) | 5% | 5% | 6% |
| Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) | 2% | 3% | 5% |
Source: Tarki
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Hungarian voters, conducted from Mar. 10 to Mar. 19, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
US Against Bailing Out Deadbeat Lenders & Borrowers
Should homeowners who borrowed more than they could afford be helped out by the federal government?
| Yes | 29% |
| No | 53% |
| Not sure | 17% |
Should banks that made bad loans be helped out by the federal government?
| Yes | 15% |
| No | 61% |
| Not sure | 23% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Mar. 19 and Mar. 20, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Top 100 Spring Plants
1 Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare'
Long, silvered leaves with an apple-green cast flatter deep violet flowers, making this pulmonaria perhaps the best of all. Part shade (30cm/2ft).
2 Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
Graceful wiry stems with two-tone yellow flowers above heart-shaped, shiny green leaves. A toughie. Part shade (30cm/2ft).
3 Erysimum 'Bowles' Mauve'
In flower from spring until late autumn, this bushy wallflower produces sprays of purple flowers above grey-green foliage. Sun and good drainage (75cm/2.5ft).
4 Dryopteris wallichiana
Black bristly hairs contrast against bright green fronds when this handsome upright fern unfurls its croziers in late April. Good soil, shade (1.2 m/4ft).
5 Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty'
Easy, deep blue, diminutive bulb to drift through paler spring bulbs, whether miniature narcissi or erythroniums. Semi-shade (15cm/6in).
6 Cyclamen coum
Jaunty swept-back flower with a magenta nose. Grow in full sun or under trees and allow to self-seed. Good drainage (10cm/4in).
7 Clematis macropetala
Let it scramble over a wall and, given time, it produces ragged, soft-petalled flowers with cool green middles. Good drainage (3m/10ft).
8 Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Park Farm Hybrid'
Early spicy, sweet fragrance as deep pink buds open to apple-white flowers that show up well against the shiny green leaves. Easy (3m/10ft).
9 Crocus chrysanthus 'Blue Pearl'
For early spring sparkle, this delicate silver-blue crocus shimmers in spring sunshine and complements yellows, oranges and purples. Full sun (7cm/3in).
10 Narcissus 'Jetfire'
This vivid yellow-petalled cyclamineus hybrid develops a bright orange trumpet, so it makes a great impact. Easy anywhere (24cm/9in).
For the other 90 go to the Telegraph.
Long, silvered leaves with an apple-green cast flatter deep violet flowers, making this pulmonaria perhaps the best of all. Part shade (30cm/2ft).
2 Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
Graceful wiry stems with two-tone yellow flowers above heart-shaped, shiny green leaves. A toughie. Part shade (30cm/2ft).
3 Erysimum 'Bowles' Mauve'
In flower from spring until late autumn, this bushy wallflower produces sprays of purple flowers above grey-green foliage. Sun and good drainage (75cm/2.5ft).
4 Dryopteris wallichiana
Black bristly hairs contrast against bright green fronds when this handsome upright fern unfurls its croziers in late April. Good soil, shade (1.2 m/4ft).
5 Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty'
Easy, deep blue, diminutive bulb to drift through paler spring bulbs, whether miniature narcissi or erythroniums. Semi-shade (15cm/6in).
6 Cyclamen coum
Jaunty swept-back flower with a magenta nose. Grow in full sun or under trees and allow to self-seed. Good drainage (10cm/4in).
7 Clematis macropetala
Let it scramble over a wall and, given time, it produces ragged, soft-petalled flowers with cool green middles. Good drainage (3m/10ft).
8 Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Park Farm Hybrid'
Early spicy, sweet fragrance as deep pink buds open to apple-white flowers that show up well against the shiny green leaves. Easy (3m/10ft).
9 Crocus chrysanthus 'Blue Pearl'
For early spring sparkle, this delicate silver-blue crocus shimmers in spring sunshine and complements yellows, oranges and purples. Full sun (7cm/3in).
10 Narcissus 'Jetfire'
This vivid yellow-petalled cyclamineus hybrid develops a bright orange trumpet, so it makes a great impact. Easy anywhere (24cm/9in).
For the other 90 go to the Telegraph.
Missouri: Nixon Leads 2 Republicans for Governor
Jay Nixon (D) vs. | |
|---|---|
Jay Nixon (D) | 46% |
Sarah Steelman (R) | 39% |
| Jay Nixon (D) vs. | |
|---|---|
Jay Nixon (D) | 48% |
Kenny Hulshof (R) | 37% |
Zimbabwe: Mugabe Losing According to Poll
Which candidate would you vote for in the presidential election?
| Morgan Tsvangirai | 28.3% |
| Robert Mugabe | 20.3% |
| Simba Makoni | 8.6% |
| Langton Towungana | 1.0% |
| Other | 1.9% |
| "Vote is secret" | 23.5% |
| Refused | 7.5% |
| Will not vote | 5.4% |
| Not sure | 4.4% |
Source: Mass Public Opinion Institute
Methodology: Interviews with 1,693 Zimbabwean adults, conducted in March 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
Missouri No Longer a Battleground State?
Missouri - 2008 U.S. Presidential Election
John McCain (R) 53% - 38% Barack Obama (D)
John McCain (R) 50% - 41% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 500 likely voters in Missouri, conducted on Mar. 24, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.
No Respect for Belgian Government
Do you think the new government will last until the end of the current legislature in 2011?
| Yes | 19% |
| No | 68% |
| Not sure | 13% |
Source: RTL / VTM
Methodology: Interviews with 1,027 Belgian adults, conducted in March 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
France: Sarkozy Still Needs to Regain Popularity
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Satisfied | 37% | 38% | 47% |
| Dissatisfied | 63% | 62% | 52% |
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Satisfied | 58% | 57% | 50% |
| Dissatisfied | 40% | 40% | 46% |
Source: Ifop / Le Journal du Dimanche
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,878 French adults, conducted from Mar. 14 to Mar. 21, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
McCain Leads Hillary, Obama Nationwide
If the next election for president were held today, and John McCain were the Republican candidate and (...) were the Democratic candidate, for whom would you vote?
McCain vs. Rodham Clinton
| Mar. 25 | Mar. 7 | Jan. 2008 | |
| John McCain (R) | 46% | 45% | 46% |
| Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) | 44% | 47% | 44% |
| Depends | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Neither / Other | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| Not sure | 5% | 4% | 6% |
McCain vs. Obama
| Mar. 25 | Mar. 7 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Barack Obama (D) | 44% | 47% | 42% |
| John McCain (R) | 42% | 44% | 42% |
| Depends | 3% | 1% | 4% |
| Neither / Other | 4% | 3% | 5% |
| Not sure | 7% | 5% | 7% |
Source: Hart/McInturff / The Wall Street Journal / NBC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 700 registered American voters, conducted on Mar. 24 and Mar. 25, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Of Course They Did: UN Attacks Dutch Anti-Terrorist Movie
“I acknowledge the efforts of the Dutch Government to stop the broadcast of this film..."
—Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Thursday, March 27, 2008
French Air-Head Insults Sarkozy
Unlike the skinny-skank-Socialist, Sarkozy handles himself with grace. It's not easy being a good guy and a politician in this world.
Oregon: McCain Leads Hillary, Trails Obama
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 46% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 40% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 42% |
Barack Obama (D) | 48% |
French Support Sarkozy Standing Up to China
Do you support or oppose French president Nicolas Sarkozy boycotting the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China?
| Support | 53% |
| Oppose | 42% |
Do you support or oppose French athletes boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China?
| Support | 41% |
| Oppose | 55% |
Source: CSA / Reporters without Borders
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 959 French adults, conducted on Mar. 19 and Mar. 20, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
New Zealand: Conservative's Lead Grows
If an election were held today which party would receive your party vote?
| Mar. 16 | Mar. 2 | Feb. 3 | |
| National | 51% | 49.5% | 45.5% |
| Labour | 34% | 35% | 36.5% |
| Greens | 6.5% | 7% | 9% |
| New Zealand First | 3% | 4% | 4% |
| Maori Party | 2% | 2% | 1.5% |
| ACT | 2% | 1% | 2% |
| United Future | 1% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Progressives | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Source: Roy Morgan International
Methodology: Interviews with 822 New Zealand voters, conducted from Mar. 3 to Mar. 16, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Cowardly Canadians Want Others to Fight Terrorism
As you may know, the House of Commons has authorized an extension of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan until the end of 2011, which is conditional on Canada coming up with unmanned aerial vehicles and transport helicopters, and NATO providing an additional 1,000 troops in the south. Do you agree or disagree with the decision to extend Canada’s mission in Afghanistan until the end of 2011?
| Agree | 37% |
| Disagree | 58% |
| Not sure | 5% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,045 Canadian adults, conducted on Mar. 17 and Mar. 18, 2008. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.
Palestinians Split on Negotiations With Israel
In view of the last Israeli operations against the Gaza Strip, do you support or reject resuming political negotiations between the Palestinian authority and Israel?
| All | West Bank | Gaza Strip | |
| I strongly support | 15.9% | 9.2% | 27.4% |
| I support | 32.4% | 34.7% | 28.6% |
| I reject | 29.0% | 35.2% | 18.4% |
| I strongly reject | 20.4% | 19.8% | 21.4% |
| No opinion | 2.3% | 1.2% | 4.2% |
Source: An-Najah National University
Methodology: Interviews with 1,360 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, conducted from Mar. 20 to Mar. 22, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Italy: Leftists Behind Conservative PdL
If the election were held today, which party would you vote for?
| Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL) | 37.7% |
| Democratic Party (PD) | 31.3% |
| Left Rainbow (SA) | 10.2% |
| Union of the Centre | 6.8% |
| Northern League (LN) and | 4.6% |
| Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) | 2.3% |
| The Right (La Destra) | 0.6% |
| Other parties | 6.5% |
Source: Demoskopea / Sky TG24
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,004 Italian adults, conducted from Mar. 13 to Mar. 17, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Massachusetts: One of the Few States McCain is Not Winning
Massachusetts - 2008 U.S. Presidential Election
John McCain (R) 35% - 54% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
John McCain (R) 42% - 49% Barack Obama (D)
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 500 likely Massachusetts voters, conducted on Mar. 18, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.
Germany: Conservative Coalition Still Ahead
What party would you vote for in the next federal election?
| Mar. 18 | Mar. 5 | Feb. 6 | |
| Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) / | 38% | 39% | 38% |
| Social Democratic Party (SPD) | 27% | 28% | 30% |
| Left Party (Linke) | 12% | 12% | 11% |
| Green Party (Grune) | 11% | 10% | 9% |
| Free Democratic Party (FDP) | 9% | 8% | 9% |
Source: Infratest-Dimap
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 German voters, conducted on Mar. 17 and Mar. 18, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
British Want to Shrink Abortion Window
MPs will shortly debate the law on abortion. Currently, the legal time limit for abortion is 24 weeks. Some MPs want to reduce this limit to 20 weeks. Leaving aside medical emergencies, which of these options do you favour?
| Keep the time limit at 24 weeks | 35% |
| Reduce the time limit to 20 weeks | 48% |
| Ban abortions altogether | 8% |
| Don’t know | 9% |
Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,311 British adults, conducted on Mar. 13 and Mar. 14, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Israel: Opposed to Withdrawl From West Bank
In light of the results of the disengagement process from the Gaza Strip, are you in favour of a continued withdrawal from Judea and Samaria?
| In favour | 23.9% |
| Not in favour | 64.9% |
| No answer | 11.2% |
Source: Mutagim Institute / Jerusalem Post
Methodology: Interviews with 500 Israeli adults, conducted in March 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.
Most Americans Support Death Penalty
Do you believe in capital punishment, that is the death penalty, or are you opposed to it?
| 2008 | 2003 | |
| Believe in it | 63% | 69% |
| Opposed to it | 30% | 22% |
| Not sure / Refused | 7% | 9% |
Source: Harris Interactive
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,010 American adults, conducted from Feb. 5 to Feb. 11, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Minnesota: Norm Coleman Leads Senate Race by 2
Norm Coleman (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
Norm Coleman (R) | 48% |
Al Franken (D) | 46% |
Georgia: Saxby Chambliss Leading 3 Democrats
Election 2008: Georgia Senate | |
|---|---|
Saxby Chambliss (R) | 52% |
Dale Cardwell (D) | 36% |
| Election 2008: Georgia Senate | |
|---|---|
Saxby Chambliss (R) | 56% |
Vernon Jones (D) | 30% |
| Election 2008: Georgia Senate | |
|---|---|
Saxby Chambliss (R) | 51% |
Jim Martin (D) | 33% |
Minnesota: Close to Becoming a Red State
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 47% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 46% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 43% |
Barack Obama (D) | 47% |
Arkansas: McCain Leads Hillary, Clobbers Obama
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 50% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 43% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 59% |
Barack Obama (D) | 30% |
Georgia: McCain Leads Hillary & Obama by Double Digits
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 53% |
Barack Obama (D) | 40% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 54% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 34% |
Venezuela Has Its Eyes on Guyanese Territory
Historically, Venezuela has also claimed all Guyanese territory west of the Essequibo River; this 159,500 square kilometres (61,583 sq mi) tract was dubbed Guayana Esequiba or the Zona en Reclamación (the "zone to be reclaimed").
Source: Wikipedia
New Mirror Lets Women Know if Their Butts Are Too Big
I fear that in a lot of households, this mirror is not long for this world.
White Voters Slipping Away From Obama
Maybe it's because they're racist.
Like the Romans who killed the black Jesus.
They were Italians.
Which means they were white.
And like the typical white man, they are racist.
And rich!
So when some people say God Bless America...
I say no! No! I say god-damn America!
Look how god-damned America has made Barack suffer!
He's about to win the Democrat nomination for president!
God-damned America, look what they did to our Barack!
Like the Romans who killed the black Jesus.
They were Italians.
Which means they were white.
And like the typical white man, they are racist.
And rich!
So when some people say God Bless America...
I say no! No! I say god-damn America!
Look how god-damned America has made Barack suffer!
He's about to win the Democrat nomination for president!
God-damned America, look what they did to our Barack!
UK: Conservatives 43, Labour 27
If there were a general election tomorrow, which party would you vote for?
| Mar. 14 | Feb. 27 | Feb. 15 | |
| Conservative | 43% | 40% | 41% |
| Labour | 27% | 33% | 32% |
| Liberal Democrats | 16% | 16% | 16% |
| Other | 13% | 11% | 11% |
Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,311 British adults, conducted on Mar. 13 and Mar. 14, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
New Zealand: John Key Favored as Prime Minister
Who would you prefer as prime minister?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Dec. 2007 | |
| John Key (Nat.) | 36% | 36% | 35% |
| Helen Clark (Lab.) | 31% | 27% | 30% |
| Winston Peters (NZF) | 5% | 4% | 2% |
Source: Colmar Brunton / One News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 New Zealand voters, conducted from Mar. 8 to Mar. 13, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Italy: Conservatives Hold Small Lead
If the election were held today, which party would you vote for?
| Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL) | 37.9% |
| Democratic Party (PD) | 33.2% |
| Left Rainbow (SA) | 7.7% |
| Union of the Centre | 6.1% |
| Northern League (LN) | 5.6% |
| Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) | 3.7% |
| The Right (La Destra) | 2.0% |
| Socialist Party (PS) | 1.4% |
| Movement for Autonomy (MPA) | 0.4% |
| Other parties | 2.0% |
Source: Dinamiche
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted from Mar. 7 to Mar. 11, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Germany: Conservatives Lead by 15
What party would you support in Germany’s next federal election?
| Mar. 14 | Mar. 7 | Feb. 15 | |
| Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) / | 37% | 38% | 35% |
| Social Democratic Party (SPD) | 22% | 23% | 29% |
| Left Party (Linke) | 14% | 14% | 13% |
| Green Party (Grune) | 11% | 11% | 9% |
| Free Democratic Party (FDP) | 11% | 10% | 9% |
Source: Forsa / Stern / RTL
Methodology: Interviews with 2,501 German adults, conducted from Mar. 10 to Mar. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.
Most Americans Dislike UN
Do you think the United Nations (UN) is doing a good job or a poor job in trying to solve the problems it has had to face?
| Feb. 2008 | Feb. 2007 | Feb. 2006 | |
| Good job | 27% | 29% | 30% |
| Poor job | 65% | 66% | 64% |
| Unsure | 8% | 5% | 7% |
Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,007 American adults, conducted from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
101 Ways to Cope With Stress
- Get up 15 minutes earlier
- Prepare for the morning the night before
- Avoid tight fitting clothes
- Avoid relying on chemical aids
- Set appointments ahead
- Don't rely on your memory ... write it down
- Practice preventive maintenance
- Make duplicate keys
- Say "no" more often
- Set priorities in your life
- Avoid negative people
- Use time wisely
- Simplify meal times
- Always make copies of important papers
- Anticipate your needs
- Repair anything that doesn't work properly
- Ask for help with the jobs you dislike
- Break large tasks into bite size portions
- Look at problems as challenges
- Look at challenges differently
- Unclutter your life
- Smile
- Be prepared for rain
- Tickle a baby
- Pet a friendly dog/cat
- Don't know all the answers
- Look for a silver lining
- Say something nice to someone
- Teach a kid to fly a kite
- Walk in the rain
- Schedule play time into every day
- Take a bubble bath
- Be aware of the decisions you make
- Believe in yourself
- Stop saying negative things to yourself
- Visualize yourself winning
- Develop your sense of humor
- Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better today
- Have goals for yourself
- Dance a jig
- Say "hello" to a stranger
- Ask a friend for a hug
- Look up at the stars
- Practice breathing slowly
- Learn to whistle a tune
- Read a poem
- Listen to a symphony
- Watch a ballet
- Read a story curled up in bed
- Do a brand new thing
- Stop a bad habit
- Buy yourself a flower
- Take time to small the flowers
- Find support from others
- Ask someone to be your "vent-partner"
- Do it today
- Work at being cheerful and optimistic
- Put safety first
- Do everything in moderation
- Pay attention to your appearance
- Strive for Excellence NOT perfection
- Stretch your limits a little each day
- Look at a work of art
- Hum a jingle
- Maintain your weight
- Plant a tree
- Feed the birds
- Practice grace under pressure
- Stand up and stretch
- Always have a plan "B"
- Learn a new doodle
- Memorize a joke
- Be responsible for your feelings
- Learn to meet your own needs
- Become a better listener
- Know your limitations and let others know them, too
- Tell someone to have a good day in pig Latin
- Throw a paper airplane
- Exercise every day
- Learn the words to a new song
- Get to work early
- Clean out one closet
- Play patty cake with a toddler
- Go on a picnic
- Take a different route to work
- Leave work early (with permission)
- Put air freshener in your car
- Watch a movie and eat popcorn
- Write a note to a far away friend
- Go to a ball game and scream
- Cook a meal and eat it by candlelight
- Recognize the importance of unconditional love
- Remember that stress is an attitude
- Keep a journal
- Practice a monster smile
- Remember you always have options
- Have a support network of people, places and things
- Quit trying to fix other people
- Get enough sleep
- Talk less and listen more
- Freely praise other people
Pope Baptizes Prominent Italian Muslim
"We no longer stand alongside or in opposition to one another. Thus faith is a force for peace and reconciliation in the world: distances between people are overcome, in the Lord we have become close."
–Pope Benedict XVI
Injustice: Murderer Convicted in 2003 Let Out of Jail
"She taught immigrants how to read English. She worked with senior citizens. She enlivened theater productions."
Friday, March 21, 2008
Germany: Merkel Coalition Still Popular
What party would you vote for in the next federal election?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) / | 40% | 41% | 42% |
| Social Democratic Party (SPD) | 29% | 30% | 30% |
| Left Party (Linke) | 10% | 10% | 9% |
| Green Party (Grune) | 9% | 7% | 7% |
| Free Democratic Party (FDP) | 8% | 7% | 7% |
Source: FG Wahlen / ZDF
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,232 German adults, conducted from Mar. 11 to Mar. 13, 2008. Margin of error is 2.7 per cent.
Austria: Sweep Nazi Past Under the Rug
Should the Nazi past still be discussed in Austria?
| Yes | 36% |
| No | 60% |
| No opinion | 4% |
Source: SWS
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 509 Austrian adults, conducted in March 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Finland: 3 Partys Fight it Out
What party would you support in Finland’s next general election?
| Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| National Rally (KOK) | 23.3% | 22.9% |
| Social Democratic Party (SDP) | 22.5% | 21.6% |
| Finnish Centre Party (KESK) | 22.0% | 22.5% |
| Green League (VIHR) | 9.9% | 9.8% |
| Left Wing League (VAS) | 8.3% | 8.4% |
| True Finns (PERUSS) | 4.8% | 4.7% |
| Christian-Democrats (KD) | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Swedish People’s Party (RKP) | 4.0% | 4.3% |
Source: Taloustutkimus / YLE Radio News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 2,900 Finns, conducted in February 2008. Margin of error is 2 per cent.
UK: Gordon Brown's Popularity Dips Further
Do you think Gordon Brown is doing well or badly as prime minister?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Well | 33% | 36% | 35% |
| Badly | 59% | 57% | 56% |
| Don’t know | 8% | 7% | 10% |
Do you think David Cameron is doing well or badly as Conservative leader?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Well | 51% | 51% | 55% |
| Badly | 37% | 37% | 30% |
| Don’t know | 12% | 12% | 15% |
Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,311 British adults, conducted on Mar. 13 and Mar. 14, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Obama's Church Tones Down Web Site
Gone from the site according to World Net Daily:
"Trinity United Church of Christ adopted the Black Value System, written by the Manford Byrd Recognition Committee chaired by the late Vallmer Jordan in 1981. We believe in the following 12 precepts and covenantal statements. These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered. They must reflect on the following concepts:
1. Commitment to God
2. Commitment to the Black Community
3. Commitment to the Black Family
4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education
5. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence
7. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect
8. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness"
9. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the Black Community
10. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions
11. Pledge allegiance to all Black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System
12. Personal commitment to embracement of the Black Value System."
Via World Net Daily
Germany: Conservatives Lead by 11 pts.
What party would you vote for in the next federal election?
| Mar. 5 | Feb. 6 | Jan. 23 | |
| Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) / | 39% | 38% | 39% |
| Social Democratic Party (SPD) | 28% | 30% | 30% |
| Left Party (Linke) | 12% | 11% | 10% |
| Green Party (Grune) | 10% | 9% | 9% |
| Free Democratic Party (FDP) | 8% | 9% | 9% |
Source: Infratest-Dimap
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,500 German voters, conducted from Mar. 3 to Mar. 5, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Czechs Like NATO
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Czech Republic’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?
| Satisfied | 53% |
| Dissatisfied | 24% |
| Not sure | 23% |
Source: CVVM
Methodology: Interviews with 1,046 Czech adults, conducted from Jan. 14 to Jan. 21, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
Taiwanese See Themselves Independent of China
Which is the current status of Taiwan?
| Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country | 63% |
| Taiwan’s sovereignty is undetermined | 31% |
| China’s sovereignty extends over Taiwan | 5% |
| No answer | 1% |
Source: Zogby International
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Taiwanese adults, conducted from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Zogby: McCain Leads Obama & Hillary
Possible match-ups - 2008 U.S. presidential election
McCain v. Obama (w/ Nader)
| John McCain (R) | 44% |
| Barack Obama (D) | 39% |
| Ralph Nader (I) | 5% |
| Other / Unsure | 11% |
McCain v. Rodham Clinton (w/ Nader)
| John McCain (R) | 45% |
| Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) | 39% |
| Ralph Nader (I) | 6% |
| Other / Unsure | 11% |
Source: Zogby International
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,001 likely American voters, conducted on Mar. 13 and Mar. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Florida: McCain Leads Hillary by 7, Obama by 4
John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 47% |
Hillary Clinton (D) | 40% |
| John McCain (R) vs. | |
|---|---|
John McCain (R) | 47% |
Barack Obama (D) | 43% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
New Poll: Jeremiah Wright Hurting Obama
Favorability Ratings for Rev. Jeremiah Wright | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Very Favorable | 2% | |||
Somewhat Favorable | 6% | |||
Somewhat Unfavorable | 17% | |||
Very Unfavorable | 41% | |||
Not Sure | 33% | |||
| Do Wright's Remarks Make You More or Less Likely to Vote for Barack Obama? | |
|---|---|
More Likely | 11% |
Less Likely | 56% |
No Impact | 30% |
Not Sure | 2% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Italy: Conservatives Lead by 6
If the election were held today, which party would you vote for?
| Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL) | 38.5% |
| Democratic Party (PD) | 32.5% |
| Left Rainbow (SA) | 7.5% |
| Union of the Centre | 7.0% |
| Northern League (LN) | 4.5% |
| Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) | 4.0% |
| The Right (La Destra) | 2.5% |
| Socialist Party (PS) | 1.5% |
| Movement for Autonomy (MPA) | 0.5% |
| Communist Workers Party (PCL) | 0.5% |
| Democratic Union for Consumers (UDPIC) | 0.5% |
| Critical Left (SC) | 0.2% |
| Communist Alternative (AC) | 0.1% |
Source: IPR Marketing / La Repubblica
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted on Mar. 6 and Mar. 7, 2008. Margin of error is 2.4 per cent.
Pennsylvania: Another Poll Shows McCain Leading Both Democrats
John McCain (R) 47% - 44% Barack Obama (D)
John McCain (R) 48% - 42% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Source: Strategic Vision
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,200 likely Pennsylvania voters, conducted from Mar. 7 to Mar. 9, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
Barghouti, Abbas Favored in Palestinian Elections
Who is your favourite candidate you would vote for to be the president of the Palestinian Authority in the next presidential elections?
| Marwan Barghouthi | 24.3% |
| Mahmoud Abbas | 23.1% |
| Ismail Haniyeh | 12.4% |
| Mustafa Barghouthi | 9.5% |
| Mohammed Dahlan | 5.2% |
| Khalid Mashal | 3.6% |
| Mahmoud Zahar | 3.3% |
| Salam Fayyad | 3.2% |
| Aziz El-Duwaik | 3.1% |
| Ahmed Qorei | 2.2% |
| Other | 1.4% |
| Don’t know | 8.8% |
Source: Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO)
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,220 Palestinian adults in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, conducted from Feb. 22 to Mar. 6, 2008. Margin of error is 2.8 per cent.
Most British Wise to True Intent of 'Green' Taxes
Do you believe that so-called green taxes are designed to encourage environmentally-friendly behaviour or to raise extra revenue?
| Encourage environmentally-friendly behaviour | 10% |
| Raise extra revenue | 59% |
| Both | 25% |
| Don’t know | 7% |
Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,038 British adults, conducted from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Ukraine: Hope for Better Relations With Russia
Do you think relations between Ukraine and Russia will be better, worse, or stay the same during the next eight years?
| Better | 31.3% |
| Stay the same | 25.4% |
| Worse | 17.4% |
| Not sure | 25.9% |
Do you trust Russian president Vladimir Putin?
| Yes | 58.2% |
| No | 24.2% |
| Not sure | 17.7% |
Do you trust Russian president-elect Dmitry Medvedev?
| Yes | 28.1% |
| No | 22.2% |
| Not sure | 49.8% |
Source: FOM-Ukraine
Methodology: Interviews with 2,000 Ukrainian adults, conducted from Feb. 20 to Mar. 2, 2008. Margin of error is 2.2 per cent.
Germany: Merkel Gains Popularity
If you could directly elect the federal chancellor, who would you vote for?
| Mar. 2008 | Feb. 2008 | Jan. 2008 | |
| Angela Merkel (CDU) | 62% | 54% | 62% |
| Kurt Beck (SPD) | 20% | 25% | 22% |
| Neither / Other / Not sure | 18% | 21% | 24% |
Source: Infratest-Dimap
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,500 German voters, conducted from Mar. 3 to Mar. 5, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Poland: 2 Conservative Parties Combine for 83% of Vote
What party would you support in the next election?
| Civic Platform (PO) | 60% |
| Law and Justice Party (PiS) | 23% |
| Left and Democracy (LiD) | 8% |
| Peasant’s Party (PSL) | 3% |
Source: PBS DGA / Gazeta Wyborcza
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,128 Polish adults, conducted from Mar. 7 to Mar. 9, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
New Zealand: Conservative National Party Increase Lead
If an election were held today which party would receive your party vote?
| Mar. 2 | Feb. 3 | Jan. 20 | |
| National | 49.5% | 45.5% | 52% |
| Labour | 35% | 36.5% | 33.5% |
| Greens | 7% | 9% | 6.5% |
| New Zealand First | 4% | 4% | 3.5% |
| Maori Party | 2% | 1.5% | 2% |
| ACT | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| United Future | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Progressives | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Source: Roy Morgan International
Methodology: Interviews with 816 New Zealand voters, conducted from Feb. 18 to Mar. 2, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
Italy: Conservatives Break Through 40% Mark
If the election were held today, which party would you vote for?
| Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL) | 41.1% |
| Democratic Party (PD) | 33.4% |
| Left Rainbow (SA) | 7.1% |
| Union of the Centre | 7.0% |
| Northern League (LN) | 4.6% |
| Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) | 3.3% |
| The Right (La Destra) | 1.5% |
| Socialist Party (PS) | 1.4% |
| Communist Workers Party (PCL) | 0.3% |
| Movement for Autonomy (MPA) | 0.2% |
| List for Life (Prolife) | 0.1% |
Source: Digis
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted on Mar. 8 and Mar. 9, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
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