Stuff YOU Should Know
New York’s Attempt to Ban Large Soda Rejected by Court
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is determined to do something about the growing obesity epidemic in this country. His office proposed a law limiting the amount of sugary beverages that could be sold in his state to no more than 16 ounces. While this might make it harder to drink down those empty calories, the law did not include grocery or convenience stores. The law was initially passed in 2012, with the expectation that it would go into effect six months later. But the law was invalidated by the New York State Court of Appeals. The state appeals court ruled against the soda limit in a vote of 4-to-2, saying that the proposal went beyond the city’s regulatory authority.
The debate has become a heated one. On one side is the soft drink industry, at risk of losing billions of dollars. However, they have powerful public relations and government lobbyists who have managed to defeat a series of proposed regulations, including taxes on soda. Siding with the soft drink corporations, but for different reasons, are those who believe such measures are an infringement of our freedom of choice. On the side of Mayor Bloomberg are those who are gravely concerned about the growing obesity epidemic in this country and believe the action would be in line with banning trans fats and lead paint.
What Do You Think? Do you think laws of this sort helps or hinder our citizens. Why?
Amazon.com: Bully or a Savior?
For the past few years now, the publishing industry has been in a state of flux as consumers grow more accustomed to digital life. The online retail giant Amazon.com has taken the lead in figuring out new ways to print, publish and distribute written material. It has also generated a lot of criticism for its practices, which critics say can be anti-competitive in nature. The most recent accusation aimed at Amazon is its relationship with other publishers.
Amazon’s most recent dispute is with the book publisher Hachette. The online giant have refused to accept pre-orders for Hachette’s books, which include titles from J.K. Rowling and James Patterson, and are delaying shipment on current stock. The reason is that Amazon is hoping it can use its tactics to negotiate “better terms.” Industry experts believe that other publishers are likely to follow Hachette’s lead in this situation and will dictate how future deals are made. This latest action comes on the heels of a 2013 anti-trust lawsuit that Amazon won against Apple and the big six publishing companies. This victory was considered a big blow to traditional book publishing.
What Do You Think? One firm said that Amazon is destroying the publishing industry. Others believe that the online retailer is the “underdog in the publishing monopoly.” Find two sources, one that supports each claim.
Credit: Chris Whitehead/Getty Image; American soccer fans cheered on the U.S. Men’s National Team but came away disappointed that the team lost a tense match against Belgium.
Team USA Eliminated in World Cup Round of 16
It’s been an exciting, All-World-Cup All-the-Time news cycle for the past month. Team USA managed to do better than expected, having survived to be among the final 16 teams competing in the world’s biggest soccer tournament. This result is the best the U.S. Men’s team had done in the World Cup since 2002. The match against Belgium was scoreless until overtime, where Belgium won 2-1. U.S. goal keeper Tim Howard was praised for his 16 saves (the most of any goalkeeper in a World Cup match since 1966). At age 35, Howard may retire before the 2018 tournament arrives. But 19-year-old up-and-comer Julian Green, who scored the U.S.’s sole goal, will surely become the athlete to watch when the team returns home.
Although soccer has not traditionally been as popular in the United States as in other parts of the world, Americans stepped up their enthusiasm for the 2014 World Cup matches. New, enthusiastic soccer fans purchased more tickets than any other country (besides host country, Brazil), and the television ratings for telecast games were higher than those of the MLB World Series or NBA finals.
What Do You Think? Did you watch any of the World Cup matches? If so, was it your first time or are you an experienced spectator? If you watched, what were your favorite moments? Do you think this year’s tournament lived up to the hype? Why or why not?
Fighting in Ukraine Intensifies
In a continuation of news that btw has brought you since March, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced that his country would not renew the unilateral cease-fire made with Russia. Although Poroshenko said that his goal was for a peaceful settlement, he stressed that it was the responsibility of all parties involved to maintain stability. The Ukrainians have accused the pro-Russian separatists of violating the agreement. On the other hand, the Russian government has said that it is important to extend the terms of the cease-fire as well as establish a way to reliably monitor it.
Heavy fighting commenced on July 1, with at least 27 reported deaths, including civilians. Ukrainian forces have retaken control of one of the three important border crossings that had once been seized by Russia rebels. Many Ukrainians support the resumption of military action, having been frustrated by the cease-fire, accusing Poroshenko of negotiating with terrorists. Many feared that they would lose the eastern region of Donbass in the same way they had lost the Crimean Peninsula [when?]