And You Thought The Tiger Mother Was Tough

Amy Chua, the "Tiger Mother," caused a media sensation with her book about being a superstrict Chinese-American mom. But she looks positively laid-back next to her mainland Chinese equivalent, "Wolf Dad" Xiao Baiyao. He not only beat his kids, he boasts about how he did it.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/14/143659027/and-you-thought-the-tiger-mother-was-tough?ft=1&f=1004

nancy pelosi

China Slaps Tariffs On Large U.S.-Made Cars, SUVs

China has announced that it will increase duties on some U.S.-made vehicles. The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing says it will levy "anti-dumping" duties on all U.S. imports with engines larger than 2.5 liters. It's the latest volley in an ongoing tariff war with China.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/15/143750958/china-slaps-tariffs-on-large-u-s-made-cars-suvs?ft=1&f=1003

george w bush

For White House, Reasons for Optimism

Anne Kornblut, Washington Post
Against the backdrop of a tightening Republican presidential contest, much of the hierarchy of President Obama’s campaign is decamping from Chicago to Washington on Tuesday for a high-profile debriefing on the the state of the president’s reelection effort.The message will be predictably upbeat. For Obama advisers in need of a little lift after months of bad news, there have been some encouraging signs in recent weeks.

Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/12/13/for_white_house_reasons_for_optimism_269135.html

newt gingrich

Former Aide: 'Newt, If I Let You Down, I'm Sorry'

In June, Newt Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler left the campaign for fear that the former House speaker didn't have the tenacity to win the Republican presidential nomination. Tyler reflects on his decision and assess the GOP front-runner's campaign.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/11/143536059/former-spokesman-newt-if-i-let-you-down-im-sorry?ft=1&f=1014

harry reid

Gingrich Iowa Political Director Steps Down After 'Cult Of Mormon' Comment

Mitt Romney's Mormon faith has been less of an overt issue so far in the 2012 presidential race than it was in 2008 but it's still lurking there. That was demonstrated Tuesday when Newt Gingrich's Iowa political director stepped down after he made a comment during a focus group about the antipathy some evangelical Christians have for Mormons.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/12/13/143678622/gingrich-iowa-political-director-steps-down-after-cult-of-mormon-comment?ft=1&f=1003

al gore

Is Iowa Completely Up for Grabs?

Ron Fournier, National Journal
I was reminded of that on Tuesday in a telephone call with Iowa state Sen. David Johnson of Ocheyedan, a well-connected dairy farmer who knows the lay of the land as well as anybody in northwest Iowa. Thursday's debate will be held in nearby Sioux City. "Iowa is always going to pull a rabbit out of the hat," Johnson said. "This is anybody's race."

Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/12/13/is_iowa_completely_up_for_grabs_269141.html

al gore

Plan B: Why Requiring Prescriptions Keeps Us Safer

Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made a decision this week, barring women ages 16 and younger from buying emergency contraception without a prescription. OB-GYN Donna Harrison says the decision keeps young girls safe.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/09/143437306/plan-b-why-requiring-prescriptions-keeps-us-safer?ft=1&f=1057

george w bush

Europe Angry With UK Because We're Right

Boris Johnson, The Telegraph
I know some people are unsettled to see all these powerful Europeans getting so very, very cross. Angela Merkel has said that we weren’t even negotiating properly. Nicolas Sarkozy can hardly bring himself to mention Britain by name and has been filmed apparently refusing to shake David Cameron’s hand. Across the Continent, the papers are full of wrathful headlines about the general arrogance and stupidity of the Englanders/Anglais/Inglesi. I watched some poor Lib Dem Euro MP who seemed about to explode with disgust at the UK’s handling of the recent summit.And...

Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/12/12/europe_angry_with_uk_because_we039re_right_269020.html

sarah palin