News Nuggets 241

An American Fallow Buck in the morning.

A 'Promising Start' to Talks with Iran from The Hindu [of India in English]

"The sharp shift in stance by the U.S. and its allies towards the Iranian nuclear posture can be attributed to the Obama administration’s better appreciation of the “big picture” that obtains in the region."

Steps Towards Crafting a Nuclear Deal with Iran from World Politics Review

"Despite Russia and France's declared willingness to proceed with this plan, it has been hotly debated in the U.S., with some hawkish pundits, such as John Bolton, opposing it on the grounds that, a) it puts a seal of approval on Iran's enrichment program, which is the subject of several U.N. Security Council resolutions; and (b) it actually raises the risk of Iranian proliferation. The problems with Bolton's objections are three-fold. "

Public Option Gains Support from the Washington Post

"A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that support for a government-run health-care plan to compete with private insurers has rebounded from its summertime lows and wins clear majority support from the public."

Polls Show Obama Shine in Character Department from US News and World Report

"Despite setbacks on the political front, President Obama is succeeding where many other politicians have failed—in the character department. He has become a role model for the kind of traditional values that Americans have long celebrated."

Hillary Reborn from New York Magazine

"At State, as in the Senate, she often talks softly—but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t carry a big stick."

The Very Separate World of Conservative Republicans from Democracy Corps

"The self-identifying conservative Republicans who make up the base of the Republican Party stand a world apart from the rest of America, according to focus groups conducted by Democracy Corps."

GOP Seethes and Sputters while Obama Moves On (Robert Shrum) from the Week

"The last of Barack Obama's 2008 debates with John McCain previewed the kind of president he has become. It also painted a vividly distinct portrait of the current GOP."

Race and the Right's Paranoid Obama Conspiracies (David Corn) from Politics Daily

"It’s not just Obama’s policies that these conservatives suspect; they believe he’s not real — on two significant levels."

Poll Shows Specter Staring at 'Near Fatal' 31 Percent Re-election Figure from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Only 31 percent of Pennsylvania voters believe Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter should be re-elected, and 59 percent believe it's time to give someone else a chance, a state poll released today shows."

ANCIENT HISTORY NUGGET!

Lost Greek city that may have inspired Atlantis myth gives up secrets from the [Manchester] Guardian

"The secrets of a lost city that may have inspired one of the world's most enduring myths – the fable of Atlantis – have been brought to light from beneath the waters off southern Greece."

Crist Twist: Florida Primary Tightens from Politico

"A question that once would have been unthinkable is starting to make the rounds — could Charlie Crist lose in the Republican primary? "

Answer: YES HE CAN!

CIVIL RIGHTS NUGGET!!

A Second Look at the Emmett Till Case from CBS News [from 2004]

"This past spring, the U.S. Justice Department opened a new investigation, based on evidence suggesting that more than a dozen people may have been involved in the murder of Till, and that at least five of them are still alive. Those five could face criminal prosecution."

ASTRONOMY NUGGET!

Astronomers Discover 32 New 'Exoplanets' from the Washington Post

"The planets were found around a variety of stars, suggesting that planets are common in our galaxy. Gas giant planets were found orbiting "metal-poor" stars -- those lacking in elements other than hydrogen and helium -- which until now had been considered unlikely places for planets to form."

ARCHITECTURE NUGGET!

Amazing Architecture: 11 Incredible Buildings from the Huffington Post

"We've picked out the most incredible architecture from designers around the world -- some plausible, some possible, others currently in construction. Prepare to be amazed by these 11 incredible buildings from the future."