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The Death of a Lion

Senator Edward M. Kennedy passed away on the night of August 25, 2009, at home in Hyannis Port, Mass. He was 77 years old. He died from brain cancer, which he had been battling since his diagnosis in May 2008.

Kennedy had served as a Democratic senator from Massachusetts since 1962. Known as “The Lion of the Senate,” Kennedy was the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history.

Kennedy was born into a very famous and storied family. Known as “Ted,” he was the youngest brother of president John F. Kennedy and senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated, and Joe Kennedy, a pilot killed in World War II.

Ted Kennedy ran for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination in 1980 but lost to then-President Jimmy Carter. Although Ted Kennedy never made it to the White House, he had a long and influential career as a lawmaker. More than 300 bills that Kennedy wrote have been passed into law.

He played a key role in passing many pieces of important legislation including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997, and the No Child Left Behind Act 2002. Most recently, as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, he fought for universal health care. He called health care reform “the cause of my life.”

President Barack Obama is among Kennedy’s many mourners. “An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time,” Obama said.

Kennedy worked with Republicans to find compromises and get laws passed. Republican senator John McCain called Kennedy “the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results.”

Kennedy’s funeral will be held on Saturday, August 29 in Boston. He will buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Kennedy is survived by his wife Vicki, his two sons Edward M. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, his daughter Kara Kennedy Allen, two stepchildren and four grandchildren, and his sister Jean Kennedy Smith.

A statement from Kennedy’s family read: “We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever.”

Like his brothers, Kennedy was well known for his public speaking abilities. In his rallying speech to the Democratic National Convention in 1980, he famously said: “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.”

Photo: AP Images

Eye on Iran

Protesters continue to pour into the streets like an angry river in Tehran, Iran. They are the supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mousavi claims that the June 12 presidential election that he lost to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was “rigged” and corrupt. Mousavi and his followers demanded a new and fair election. Mousavi is generally considered the more moderate candidate, one who would loosen restrictions on the people of Iran. Incumbent Ahmadinejad is considered a “hard-liner” who supports severe restrictions based on Islamic law. Many of Mousavi’s supporters are young people who tend to think that Iran should open up more to the modern world. Ahmadinejad is supported by many of Iran’s Muslim clerics and by the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei declared that the presidential election was fair and free from widespread fraud and ordered the protesters to go back to their homes.

The protesters didn’t listen. No international reporters were allowed to record what was happening in Iran, yet the whole world was able to see. On Saturday, June 20, images recorded on mobile phones and by hidden video cameras revealed scenes of brutality and violence. They showed riot police firing tear gas canisters to break up opposition rallies, protesters being shot and beaten with clubs, and victims carried off in ambulances. Protesters were able to secretly upload the photos and videos to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube and send them around the world. A blood-soaked video of a young woman, Neda Agha Soltani, reportedly killed by police, became a symbol of the protest and its desire for more democracy—even at the price of death. Iran’s government reported only a few dozen deaths, but Mousavi’s supporters say the dead likely number in the many hundreds.

Despite stern warnings, hundreds of protesters continue to take to the streets. “Nothing is certain now,” Hassan Baghernejad, a top Mousavi aide, told The Washington Post. How the crisis will end, no one knows. “We must wait and see.”

Photo: Protesters clash with riot police at an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran on Saturday June 20, 2009. (AP Photo)

Making Sense of Swine Flu

Don’t panic. That’s the message from U.S. President Barack Obama about the recent outbreak of a type of influenza A (H1N1) virus known as swine flu. Yes, cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in the United States, but so far the number is small and health experts are urging the public not to overreact.

In a recent speech, Obama urged people to be vigilant but calm. The flu “is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it’s not a cause for alarm,” he said. He advised people to take simple—but powerful—precautions against catching the virus, such as washing hands and coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top U.S. public-health agency, reported 109 cases of H1N1 in the United States as of April 30. One U.S. death is blamed on the virus. The World Health Organization reports that Mexico, where the virus likely originated, has 26 confirmed cases and seven deaths attributed to H1N1. Cases have also been confirmed in Canada, Spain, New Zealand, and Great Britain, among other countries.

The World Health Organization has upgraded its alert for H1N1 to level 5 on a six-stage scale. That means that the disease can spread quickly among people and cause outbreaks in other countries. The level also warns that a pandemic is expected but is not yet under way. A pandemic is a widespread outbreak of a disease.

The virus is a new strain that originated in pigs and then mutated, or changed, and was transmitted to humans. Because the strain is new, there is no vaccine that will protect against it. Scientists say it will likely take six months to create a vaccine to ward off H1N1.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms: fevers, coughs, body aches, headaches, and chills.

Some basic steps can help cut down on the spread of any type of flu:

•  Wash your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, after being out in public or using the bathroom, before touching food, and after sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Get enough healthy food, rest, and exercise to keep your immune system working well.
• You can’t catch swine flu by eating hot dogs, bacon, ham, or other pork products. Instead, the virus spreads through droplets of mucus when people with the infection cough or sneeze. Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw it away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow so you don’t spread the virus with your hands. Then wash your hands.
• Call your doctor if you think you have flu symptoms. Don’t go to a hospital emergency room unless the symptoms are severe.
• If you are infected with influenza, stay home from school and other activities.

Want to know more? Here are some useful links:

Kid- and teen-friendly information on H1N1 from the Nemours Foundation

Swine Influenza and You, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Photo: AP Images

I Went to Work!

More than 100 kids arrived at the Weekly Reader/Reader's Digest headquarters in Pleasantville, NY, on April 23, for Take Our Kids to Work Day. Aspiring writer and Weekly Reader fan Rose O’Dair-Gadler was on the scene to report on the day’s events:

I stuck my head out the window of my mom's car on the way to Reader's Digest; we were almost there. I was so excited because I love my mom’s work and looked forward to seeing all the people. I had no idea that we would have all day planned for us for Take Our Children to Work Day. We arrived at the giant building about 8:30 a.m. My mother, Barbara O’Dair (who is an executive editor of Reader’s Digest magazine), and I rushed through the doorway, my mom flashed her ID card to the guard, and we raced toward the cafeteria. We managed to grab breakfast and sign in. Then my mother and I darted into the cafeteria. The room was filled with kids, mothers, and fathers. When I noticed I was sitting with complete strangers, I was worried for a moment, but I also thought I would probably make some friends.

We got in our groups and were taken to different parts of the building. I’m used to it because I’ve been there before, so I didn’t get confused by the long hallways.

My first workshop was called Make a Magazine. I couldn’t wait to get to this class, especially because my mother was teaching a part of it. First, Ann Powell, the managing editor, introduced everyone, and my mom came up to talk about magazine covers and we voted on what we thought sold best. I have to admit, I guessed in the car, and got two out of four right. Then other editors spoke about their jobs.

Then my group went to a Reader's Digest music/I-Tunes session, where we got our pictures taken and got to listen to a bunch of different songs. After I-Tunes, we went to a speech class called Toastmasters. Next, lunch, where we had yummy sandwiches and a choice of chips, fruit or cookies.

By this time, I’d made two friends, Luna and Samantha. Sam is also 10. It was a beautiful day, and we all went outside to play kickball in the parking lot. It was awesome. After recess, we went to see puppies back in the cafeteria. I hugged one. We made cards, bags, and puzzles for children in need. I made a puzzle from a picture of detailed flowers and a blue sky that I drew first. I also made a card.

After a wonderful day, we were called by table to go get our goodie bags. Inside was a CD with our team’s picture on the cover from the I-Tunes workshop, a world almanac from the books department, and other items. Overall, I had a great time. I learned new things about magazines, the photographs, and writing. I learned how to make a speech. And I learned how to make an album from I-Tunes. I’ve been to about five Take Our Kids to Work days, and I think this one was the best because we had lots of things to do. I think Sam and Luna had a great time, also. I was really glad to meet them.

~By Rose O'Dair-Gadler, 10

Photo: At the end of the day, Rose got to make her own Weekly Reader magazine.

She Got Game

University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers head coach Pat Summitt makes hoop dreams a reality. On February 5, the Lady Vols pummeled the University of Georgia Lady Bulldogs 73-43, making Summitt the first Division 1 college basketball coach—male or female—to reach 1,000 career wins. The first and only female coach to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, Summitt has been called a living legend. She has coached 14 Olympians, 19 All-Americans, and led the Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships. She spoke to Current Events about her achievements.

Current Events: What was it like to reach the 1,000-victory milestone?

Pat Summitt: I never ever imagined having that many wins in our program, and I really didn’t think much about it. The night that it happened, for the first time, I realized it was history in the making for the program here in Tennessee, and it created a time for me to reflect on the great players who wore the orange. One thing about the sport I love is bringing a team together to reach a common goal.

CE: How did you become a coach?

Summitt: I love playing basketball. I grew up on a dairy farm with three older brothers. … We would just do our chores and then head out to play basketball until we had to go back in to do homework or eat dinner. They made me a lot tougher, physically and mentally. They didn’t take it easy on me because I was a girl. … When I graduated [from college], … I was going to work as a graduate assistant under [head coach] Margaret Hudson, but when I started, [she left, and the school] asked me to be the head coach. I had never been a coach a day in my life, just a player. I had the courage to do it. And 35 years later, I’m still here.

CE: What is the key to your success, both on and off the court?

Summitt: On the court, you get not what you expect, but what you demand. And being a great teacher. I always say it’s not so much what you know; it’s what you teach them, so they know what it takes to be successful. On the floor, it is setting a standard for performance. Off the court, for me, it’s being a good person, a good mother, a good leader, and reaching out and giving back to the community. 

CE: How do you motivate your players?

Summitt: You want your players to practice the way they want to play the game. They have to bring the intensity. … We place a lot of emphasis on defense and on executing on offense. … It’s about having great people, whether it’s staff members or great players. And allow them to do what they do best. Players have to take ownership for how they want to perform. Young people today need to understand that you have choices in life. If you want to be on a team, then you have to work on your skills, you have to be a good teammate, and you have to be a competitor. … You have to invest in each other and come together … to be the best you can be. You have to be focused, driven, and competitive to be successful. And that’s true in life. Everyday when I get up, I want to go to work. I don’t think of it as work. I think it’s a great opportunity to influence the lives of others and to try to raise the bar. … That’s what I enjoy.

CE: How has women’s basketball changed? 

Summitt: We have more teams that are capable of being successful. We have better players across the board because a lot of these young girls are working on their skills constantly. They’re starting at a much younger age, not just playing when they’re with their high school teams. They’re working hard to be better. The motivation is greater now than ever. 

CE: How does the Women’s National Basketball Association compare to the National Basketball Association?

Summitt: Unfortunately, the pay scale, you can’t even compare the two. The [pro] women are playing for the love of the game rather than salaries. … The pro athletes on the men’s side, it’s amazing how much they make. … It’s not fair. You have the argument about endorsements and ticket sales, but I still think more could be given to the women’s pro game.

Photos: Pat Summitt (Patrick Murphy-Racey)

Super Bowl Scoop

There were thousands of reporters on hand for Media Day at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLIII. And CE's own Tyler Smith was among them. "It was so loud I could hardly hear myself think!" said the 11-year-old student reporter. Tyler scored interviews with top players from the big game's Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. Here's what they had to say.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers quarterback

How does this feel compared to your last Super Bowl win?

Well I played a little better than last time, so it feels a lot better to be able to come back on the last drive, probably a drive that will be remembered for a long time, at least in Steelers history. So it feels really good. ... really special.

How many plays do you have to remember?

We have about 200 plays to remember, and most of them are on [my wristband], so that helps. I can read them off.

Who was your idol growing up?

My dad. I wanted to be just like him. I still do. I’d talk with a kid all day over [regular reporters]! Any other questions? We could just talk if you want.

Troy Polamalu, Steelers safety

Do you worry about someone tackling you by the hair?

No, for one reason. If I have the ball as a defensive player, it’s always a good thing. I [used to wear] my hair up during games. My uncle told me one time, you know you should let it loose and just go out and just let it flow. I did it one game and I’ve done it ever since.

Hines Ward, Steelers wide receiver

What is your favorite touchdown celebration?

I can’t dance. … I try to emulate other guys. I’m big fan of Chad Johnson. … I try to practice his dance in the mirror, see if I can emulate him. It doesn’t seem to work out.

Willie Parker, Steelers running back

Do you play fantasy football?

No, sir.

If you did, would you be on your team?

Of course, I’d be first pick. I’d pick myself over and over again. A team full of Willie Parkers!

Greg Warren, Steelers long snapper

Do you ever talk to opposing players during the game?

A little bit. It depends on who it is. Sometimes you and another guy are going back and forth about who’s better, or you know [you’re] giving them something to kind of get them a little fired up so that you can kind of get fired up … but it’s all in good fun.

James Farrior, Steelers linebacker

Does football take you away from your family?

Yeah, it’s a sacrifice that we have to make as players. … You’re always working, so … you definitely don’t get as much time to spend with your family as you would like, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

Brett Keisel, Steelers defensive end

Does this Super Bowl compare to your last one?

Well, it’s nice and warm and sunny, and I didn’t get a chance to be interviewed by a junior reporter [last time], so that’s been exciting. It’s a great feeling to be able to play for my second Super Bowl.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals wide receiver

As a ball boy in Minnesota, did you think you would be at the Super Bowl one day?

I definitely hoped and dreamed, and every day I was working. I was aspiring to get to this point. So you know as a child you have to dream, you’ve got to dream big. Never sell yourself short because you can always achieve your goals. 

What is your favorite touchdown celebration?

I’m not a celebrating guy. I get in the end zone and usually I’m tired from a long drive, so I just give the ball back to the official and go on about my business and try to do it again.

Anquan Boldin, Cardinals wide receiver

Who was your idol growing up?

Walter Payton was a guy that I really enjoyed watching, a guy that I looked up to as a football player. [I] loved the way that he approached the game, loved the way that he played it, and loved the type of person he was off the field as well.

Tim Hightower, Cardinals running back

What other position would you want to play?

I always wanted to be a quarterback. Everyone wants to be a quarterback. I got three plays in high school to get my shot to shine [as a quarterback]. … I threw [the ball] 10 yards in front of the receiver, 10 yards behind him, and 10 yards over his head. Then I went back to running back.

Karlos Dansby, Cardinals linebacker

Do you have any superstitions?

I have to eat salmon before every game.

Edgerrin James, Cardinals running back

If you didn’t play football, what job would you have?

I’d probably be doing something with kids, having fun. I wouldn’t have a stressful job.

Check out more Super Bowl coverage at weeklyreader.com/superbowl.

Photos: CE student reporter Tyler Smith with Brett Keisel; Ben Roethlisberger; Edgerrin James

A New Era

(Check back here for our continuing coverage of the inauguration and for stories by Current Events student reporter Betsy Potter and WR News Editor Brooke Ross.)

Nearly 2 million people gathered today at the National Mall and parade route in Washington, D.C., to witness a historic event—the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Many families drove hundreds of miles and waited for several hours on this cold, sunny day just to catch a glimpse of the new president. 

New Beginnings and Old Traditions

The morning began according to custom. After a church sermon, the president-elect went to the White House to have breakfast with the outgoing president. After their meal, Obama shared a ride with Bush to the Capitol in a heavily armored presidential limousine.

Barack Obama listened and smiled as Aretha Franklin sang “My Country, 'Tis of Thee.” Then Joe Biden was sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. During a musical performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and others, Barack Hussein Obama officially became the country’s first African-American president. (As stated in the U.S. Constitution, the president-elect officially becomes the president at noon.) 

Obama recited the presidential oath of office at 12:05. The 35-word promise, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, has been spoken by every president since George Washington. As he recited the oath, Obama placed his left hand on the same Bible that President Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861. The crowd cheered and celebrated as Obama was sworn in as the new president of the United States. 

Current Events student reporter Betsy Potter was about a block away from the stage. “It was really exciting to see history in the making. You could feel the excitement in the air. [People] were really joyful. They were chanting, 'He can do it, we can do it!'" 

Brianna Hoffman, a 13-year-old student from Hampstead Middle School in New Hampshire, attended the inauguration with her class. “It was amazing. The crowd was huge. Obama’s speech was really good. Basically everyone seems really happy. There was a black woman sitting next to me and she turned to me and said ‘Congratulations, you have a new African-American president.’ I just smiled…It’s history,” said Hoffman.

‘Hope Over Fear’

Obama then delivered his first speech as president—the inaugural address. In his 20-minute speech, he spoke about “a new era of responsibility” and said the country must choose “hope over fear.” He talked about the challenges that face the nation. He asked all citizens to take part in rebuilding. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,” he said. 

Obama’s inauguration took place just one day after the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., who paved the way for the Civil Rights movement. Obama, the son of a white, Kansas-born mother and a black, Kenyan father, took the opportunity to remind the audience, “that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” 

In his speech, Obama used poetic language that was similar to speeches given by King and former U.S. president John F. Kennedy. For example, he used repetition and directly addressed the country’s enemies: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict … know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. … To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit … we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” He aimed to send a message of power and peace. 

Back to the Ranch

As Obama was sworn in as president, Bush became a private citizen for the first time in eight years. After his inauguration, Obama and his wife Michelle escorted ex-President Bush and his wife Laura to a helicopter stationed alongside the U.S. Capitol. Seeing them off is part of a tradition. The Bushes are headed back to their ranch in Crawford, Texas after a homecoming celebration in Midland, Texas.

Obamas Have a Ball … or Ten

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama plan to attend all 10 inaugural balls. The parties don’t end until well after midnight. That’s a lot of dancing and celebrating! The Obamas should sleep well after this long day. The hard part begins tomorrow. 

A Note for Barack  

Also part of a long tradition, Bush left a note for Obama in the top drawer of his desk in the Oval Office. The note waits for Obama as he starts the first day of his new job. What do you think it says?

Photos: Obama family at inauguration (Pool/Getty Images), Obama waves (AFP/Getty Images)

The Little Rovers That Could

Talk about being on a roll! Spirit and Opportunity are alive at five. NASA sent the two roving robots to explore the surface of Mars five years ago this month. Scientists thought the six-wheeled vehicles would only survive for 90 days on the frigid and dusty planet. Instead, they’ve been busy little space buggies. Combined, they’ve traveled more than 13 miles and beamed back more than 250,000 images of the planet’s rocky terrain. Data from the rovers’ instruments has proved that there was once water on Mars.

But all that hard work has taken its toll. Spirit has to drive backward because of a broken wheel; Opportunity has trouble moving its robotic arm because of a broken electrical wire. Thick dust often coats the solar panels that power the vehicles. Still, they keep on rovin’, and when they’ll stop nobody knows. “We realize that a major [part] on either vehicle could fail at any time and end a mission with no advance notice,” said NASA scientist John Callas. “On the other hand, we could accomplish … more missions on each rover in the year ahead.” Maybe Spirit and Opportunity will even get a visit by Mars Science Laboratory, a bigger and better roving vehicle set for launch in 2011.

Photo: AP Images/NASA

Duck! U.S. President Pelted With Shoes

If you really want to insult someone in Iraq, throw a shoe at him. Shoes are unclean (imagine what you step in every day!). It's rude in Arab culture to even show the bottom of your shoes to someone, so throwing a shoe at a person is rude to the extreme, like you're spitting in that person's face or flinging mud at them.

U.S. President George W. Bush (above) got the shoe treatment when he visited Iraq yesterday. It was probably his final visit to Iraq as president, and he talked about the progress of the Iraq war during a news conference. As he was talking, an Iraqi journalist stood up and hurled his shoe at the president, saying: "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!" (Calling someone a dog is an insult in Iraq, too.) Then, before the other journalists could tackle him, the man hurled his other shoe at Bush. Both shoes missed the U.S. president, but the man's point was clear. As he was throwing the shoes, he shouted, "This is from the widows, the orphans, and those who were killed in Iraq!"

Watch the video of the flying shoes and hear Bush's reaction at CNN.

The shoe-thrower, Muntadar al-Zaidi (right), was in Iraqi police custody this morning. A crowd of thousands of Iraqis held a protest in the  capital, Baghdad, demanding that he be released. Several of the Iraqis said al-Zaidi only said publicly what the country's people felt.

Photos: The Associated Press

Mr. Governor, You're Under Arrest!

When Barack Obama resigned from the U.S. Senate to become president, someone had to appoint a new senator to replace him. That someone was Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (above).

Now the governor is in big trouble. Federal agents arrested him this morning and accused him of trying to sell that Senate seat to the highest bidder.

"The governor's own words describing the Senate seat were: 'It's a bleeping valuable thing. You just don't give it away for nothing,' " U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said. "This conduct would make [Illinois's own President Abraham] Lincoln roll over in his grave." 

Federal investigators were suspicious that something was up, so they planted bugs in the governor's phones to listen to his conversations. They didn't like what they heard. Blagojevich wanted "to make money," according to court records. He talked about a trade: He would agree to appoint a specific candidate to the Senate if, in exchange, his own wife was appointed to corporate boards that paid a lot of money, the records state. If no one was willing to pay, then the governor said he might appoint himself senator, according to the records. On the tapes, Blagojevich also said that he wasn't about to pick Obama's choice for senator if Obama didn't give him something in return. In announcing the indictment, Fitzgerald stressed that "the complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect [Obama]." 

Blagojevich was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and soliciting bribes. His attorney told reporters that the governor didn't do anything wrong.

The U.S. attorney didn't agree. "This is a sad day for government," Fitzgerald said. "Mr. Blagojevich has taken us to a truly new low." That's saying something in Illinois government. The last governor, George Ryan, is in prison for corruption!

Photos: The Associated Press