From national uprisings to man made meat, here are some things that you may want to have on your radar.
1. Taking it to streets. The future of Egypt is the hands of its residents. To date, almost 100 people have lost their lives, as citizens demand the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and the end of his regime. A coalition of opposition groups have called for one million protesters to gather in Cairo on Tuesday to signal the end of the autocratic leader’s reign.
2. Parenting 101: Present a United Front. A few weeks ago Amy Chua made headlines as she defended the uber strict rearing guidelines shared in her bestselling book, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”. Now her husband, Jed Rubenfeld is finally coming forward — ironically in time to promote his own book. Nevertheless, the proud papa supports his wife’s high standards for their children (ex. No A-‘s or sleepovers, just studying and practicing) in an effort to make their kids top-notch competitors in the global economy.
3. Could you survive on $200 per month? Sadly in Zimbabwe that’s high living. Many families are earning just $1 daily, while skilled workers, such as teachers and government employees earn about $50 per week. Neither paltry amount is enough to meet the nation’s poverty line, $467 per month (for a family of five). The country continues to rebuild its agriculture-based economy after seizing thousands of farms from white landowners in 2000.
4. Don’t be salty. The government is in our pots and pans — and many think rightfully so. As obesity and high blood pressure rates skyrocket, the Agriculture and Health and Human Service departments have suggested that all African-Americans, yes all, reduce their daily sodium (salt) intake to a half of teaspoon. People older than 51, and those with hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease were also encouraged to follow similar guidelines.
5. Would you eat meat grown in a lab? The Medical University of South Carolina is working on a cure for land and livestock shortages: bioengineered meat. The Food and Drug Administration won’t fund the project, which experts say may cost upwards of $1 billion.
The “Tiger Parents” nixed school plays, sleepovers and limited their kids’ television time and replaced it with hours of studying, practicing instruments and perfecting viable skills. Should more African-American families adopt this lifestyle?
