The New York Times has put together a fantastic silde show of photographs capturing unseen reactions in the air around us. You can view a simulated explosion inside an airplane cabin, modelled with store mannequins!

Talking Points Memo reports that Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) was convicted today of making false statements on Senate financial documents and engaging in a scheme to conceal over $250,000 of home renovations and other gifts, which he received from William Allen, former CEO of the now defunct Veco Corporation, an Alaska-based oil pipeline service and construction company. Among the cozy amenities provided gratis by Mr. Allen were a new deck, garage, and Viking grill; information which Stevens, who maintains his innocence, failed to disclose to the Senate. The conviction comes one week before Stevens' bid for re-election against Democratic Anchorage mayor Mark Begich.

I recommend viewing this discussion with Roberto Lovato and Linda Chavez.  The intro includes a clip of MATT founder Lionel Sosa and follows with 20 minutes of debate that cannot be found within the normal cable news cycle. 

Mire la primera entrevista exclusiva de Sarah Palin, candidata republicana a la vicepresidencia, con un medio hispano, en la edición del Noticiero Univision con Jorge Ramos, esta noche, 21 de Octubre, a las 6:30 pm, este.

 ¿Cómo fue ella?  Comparta sus pensamientos.

Regardless of what you may think of this rule, please remember and remind others that, in many states, there is no campaigning (t-shirts, buttons, signs, etc.) within 100 feet of polling sites – you will be turned away. Become informed and avoid any trouble at the polling places.

One woman from New Mexico, wearing an Obama t-shirt, was turned away from an early voting site, able to return only after turning her t-shirt inside out.

You aren’t allowed to parade your political affiliation; something considered a disturbance, however, as referenced in the video, and the following article, voting while intoxicated is OK.

View the video from CNN of the woman who got turned away.

Read the article from Time about drinking and voting.
 

I recently watched the Oprah show that featured thrifty guests who were creating money-saving alternatives to the failing economy.  Beyond coupon cutting and edible gifts, the most interesting, I found, were those who developed a barter system between friends and businesses.  The exchanges ranged from relatively small to large.  Two friends exchange couches, rather than spending money on new ones for their living room; one family trades their home with another family; one woman offers to teach aerobic classes in exchange for a free gym membership, one dance studio owner accepts restaurant dinners from a student rather than monthly payments.  I never would have before thought of alternative forms of payments to businesses.  But I am, no doubt, excited to learn that more and more people and businesses are helping themselves and others through financial challenges.

I wonder how far and how long this barter system could extend.

What are you doing to save money during this financial crisis?

Read the full article and learn more money-saving tips from the show.

A common mistake in the upcoming election, according to some Latinos, is that politicians typically cast Latinos, as voters, into specific demographic groups, with certain beliefs, concerns, and subjects related to them.  However, as this video and article, from the Austin American-Statesman, illustrate, not every Latino fits into a specific voter bloc.  Latinos, according to age, upbringing, and other factors are holding a variety of stances across the political spectrum.

What is your definition of the Latino voter??

Watch the full video

Read the related article

In a weak attempt to strengthen immigration laws, domestic security leaves some feeling that the U.S is more bureaucratic than ever.

"Capital" or "stock" injection is an alternative, direct investment option now being considered for the rescue of the United States economy. NPR's Chris Arnold has cleverly termed it "the Backdoor Bailout plan." On Sunday, NPR reported that at the last minute, an unknown individual or individuals slipped vague language into the bailout legislation which left open the possibility of a stock injection plan resembling the one that Britain opted for yesterday.

Tune in to Texas Public Radio, KSTX 89.1 FM, on Friday, October 10, at noon, for a live debate over whether or not terms of office should be extended for San Antonio city council and mayoral positions. City of San Antonio Mayor, Phil Hardberger will be arguing in favor of term limit extensions against Bob Martin, president of the Homeowners Taxpayers Assn. of Bexar County.  Terry Gildea, KSTX “All Things Considered” host, will act as moderator of the program.

St. Mary’s University students will be proud to hear their very own Dr. Henry Flores, Professor of Political Science, will be joining the panel along with San Antonio Express News columnist, Jaime Castillo.

You can participate in the debate by submitting your questions and comments to termlimits@tpr.org.

Listen live, or tune in later in the evening at 7 PM for the re-broadcast.