Biden and Palin Argue Fundamental Differences

KALAMAZOO, Mich. --  Vice presidential nominee's Joe Biden and Sarah Palin squared off last night in St. Louis, where Palin exceeded expectations but lost in the end to Biden's experience and professionalism. 

While change and the middle class were the focus of both candidate's attentions, Biden spoke of tangible change, while Palin refused to concede any ground and linked herself and her running mate further with the Bush administration.  When asked if there were any promises McCain had made during his campaign that he could not keep today, Palin replied with a resounding no. Biden willingly admitted to needed work, indicating to the public a level of flexibility and readiness to work with the changing times that the McCain campaign lacks.  

Both candidates touched on a variety of different topics towards which they have fundamentally different viewpoints, including the financial and energy crises, the war in Iraq, and gay marriage. Palin, for example, emphasized drilling in Alaska as McCain's solution to the nation's dependance on foreign oil, citing the public's chant of "drill baby drill" as proof of the need to do so. Biden looked beyond our own borders and what our country alone has to offer, pressing instead the need for alternative energy investment.    

The war also carried weight within the debate, giving Biden more opportunity to link the McCain/Palin campaign to the Bush administration and refute the Republican Party's claim of bringing change to Washington.  Palin stated the "we don't need early withdrawal" while Biden criticized McCain's "no end in sight" plan. 

Palin's attempts to appear colloquial and appeal to the middle class came through in her repeated references to "soccer moms," her small business in Alaska, and her use of informal, conversational language.  Her positions were argued better than was expected, but Biden's passion and informed nature won the county over.     

Pyramid Exercise: Radar Guns Raise Safety Questions

KALAMAZOO, Mich -- A ban was issued yesterday by the Connecticut State Police in Meriden, Conn. on hand-held radar guns after claims filed by three police officers stating they developed cancer from the guns surfaced.

"The whole situation is under review," said Adam Berluti, a state police spokesman.  "The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue."  While the ban was ordered as a precaution, the concern that troopers could develop cancer was enough to prompt the move, the first in its kind by a state police agency.

Long-term exposure to the radiation waves emitted by the guns could be the cause. The ban effects 70 guns, which are being withdrawn from service. Troopers will still use radar units with transmitters mounted on their cruisers. 

Researchers are currently studying the link between cancer and the devices.  Until more is known, the Connecticut State Police will chose to be more safe than sorry.

Ginganetti

By Rachel Dallman

They are called “ginganetti” pendants, an Italian word meaning “little stuff” or “junk.”  Gloria Hayes of Lawton Michigan is the artist who “collects” the pieces and assembles them into necklaces.  She and her products can be found at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, located at 1200 Bank Street, a half an hours walk from campus.  Bundles of trinkets, everything from coins, clock parts, and watch pieces to paper words glued on pieces of cardboard and vials filled with oils or sea salt hang from cords that can be adjusted to any length.  The one I purchased on Saturday morning is different from any other.  My vial is filled with patchouli and ylang-ylang, and hangs next to a French coin from years and years ago.  An empty watch face is filled with three pearls that rattle around inside it.  The inner workings of a clock are welded to a copper piece covered with embellishments.  The entire piece tinkles as I walk and has a fragrance that wafts over me every moment from the vial of oils.  It is a piece that can be passed down as an heirloom, something children in future generations will recognize as belonging to their family.        

2008 Presidential Debates

Candidates focus on country's financial crisis and vie over best "fundamental" way to pull economy out of debt