Khnuma 'Dulce' Simmonds

Sex, Religion, Hempstead

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:26:00 -0500

JRNL80

Mo KrochmalDecember 18, 2007

By Khnuma Simmonds

Interview Transcripts

Laura GianuzziCampus Minister/Long Island Teen Freedom Representative (Hempstead)/Catholic Perspective

Hi. My name is Laura Gianuzzi and I am a campus minister here at Hofstra in the Catholic office. Just addressing how sex is dealt, the issue of sex is dealt with from the church’s perspective. The church’s teaching for all time has been no sex outside of marriage and certainly in more recent times the whole idea of marriage and what sex is all about has kind of just changed, the society has definitely changed, but the church has never changed its teachings. But the church decided to respond to these challenges that are kind of present in a culture like ours today. The way the church is currently responding-for a long time they didn’t really say a lot. It was kind of expected that you knew you weren’t supposed to have sex before you got married - this and that. But over the last thirty, forty years after the sexual revolution the lack of information, the lack of talking about it was actually becoming more detrimental to Catholics and many Christians, than even just talking about it. Now it’s kind of been trying to find the language that you could talk about these issues with other Christians. And the way the church has really responded has been by helping to support the abstinence programs-supporting the programs that talk about no sex before marriage and being faithful once you’re in marriage. And in the Catholic circles the theology of the body has been a really um-has been a really important teaching. John Paul II, Pope John Paul II, who passed away couple years ago, he wrote intensely about the meaning of what it means to be male and female. What is marriage? Why do we believe certain things? He just really-It was kind of the churches response to the Catholic-I’m sorry- to the sexual revolution. Actually I just started a theology of the body study group here at Hofstra to try to get a better understanding of what it really means to be male and female because we can’t really wrap our brains around premarital sex and what we should be doing with our bodies if we don’t understand what it means to be male and female. So, is it still applicable today that waiting for marriage like in today’s society? Sure. We’ve definitely seen the breakdown of society- particularly the family unit-diseases. I when my parents were growing up there were only two diseases. Now there are more than 25. That’s like not an accident. So we’re definitely reaping some of the consequences of this breakdown of marriage and the breakdown of the idea that you wait to have sexual relations until to you are married. So, I don’t think it’s unrealistic at all but it’s been more challenging than ever to almost sell that idea to a society that says that sex sells. And deep down I feel that people really do kind of want to understand what their body is all about. They want companionship. They need some better tools to figure out how to have relationships and better than just like if it feels good, do it. And if you care about the person make sure you don’t get an STD from them or give them an STD. That kinds of attitude of “just do what you feel like” and just be careful um- I feel like has really gotten us into a lot of trouble. And as a 25-year-old I can speak to the fact that I am a product of safe sex education in public school and um and then I went to Catholic School so I didn’t have that anymore and um, I can totally see how it was rather damaging to my friends who are 25 and basically not married. None of them are married and have been managing their sex lives for ten years now. Some of them have STD’s-Others have gone through abortion experiences. It’s rather- rather been kind of dramatic for a lot of them so um-was the sexual revolution all promised to be? I don’t think so. But I think it’s we can really respond as a church to this issue-this issue. And it’s really important that we are speaking about it and we’re not silent about it because it affects all of us. All of us here are products of somebody having sex with somebody else. So just by nature of our existence sex is rather important. So the church has to stand up and figure out how to respond.

Rabbi Meir Mitelman/Campus Minister/Jewish Perspective

Hi. My name is Rabbi Meir Mitelman. I am the Executive Director of Hofstra Hillel, the Jewish student organization on campus and I’m also the Jewish University Chaplain. The traditional viewpoint on sex is uh- sex needs to be a context of a committed relationship-A commitment that is acknowledged both by civil law as well as by Jewish law. The concern is that um-is that because sex is such a powerful force is that it has to be in the context of a commitment-a sacred commitment with responsibility. Otherwise, people can get very easily hurt in terms of casual sex ruining the relationship or long term and then someone just walking out. So that’s the traditional approach. There are more liberal Jewish approaches in the more liberal (mumble) of Judaism which would probably be more liberal. But in traditional Judaism the basic attitude is that sexual relationships would have to wait until marriage. I think there is sex education in schools and in synagogues. I’m not first-hand familiar with it because I’ve been working on campus all these years but I’m sure those issues are addressed. With regards to how feasible it is to save sex for marriage in today’s world. I would say certainly in the society we live in-it’s certainly the whole culture of the society we live in makes that challenging and makes that difficult. However, I think it’s possible and there’s lots and lots of people, certainly in the Jewish world and I’m sure in the non-Jewish world who are willing to make that commitment in terms of honoring the value system.

Quotes

Heather Simonson/Planned ParenthoodDirector, Training and Education

Question: Would sex education be more successful with the church’s involvement?

Answer: “Yes because a lot of people base their sexual decisions on values and if the church sends positive and comprehensive messages to their listeners then it will help them to make safe decisions.

”Question: Are the ancient principles of “waiting for marriage” realistic in today’s society?

Answer: “Definitely Not. It is not realistic. If people are looking for guidance and support from the church and they are going to make them feel shameful for the decisions that they have made then that will only lead to a lack of honesty. Besides, waiting for marriage is no longer common.

A Religious Approach to Sex Education:

Realistic for Hempstead?

By Khnuma Simmonds

Story Video: http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=3904FBB2AB6711DC8C32000423CEF5F6

“Teen Sex? It’s okay to say no way!” is a slogan used by Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/sexual-health/teens-health/teensex-its-okay-to-say-no.htm) to urge teens to make smarter choices about sex. “There are many reasons to wait to have sex: What’s Yours?” is the slogan for the “No Sex, No Problems” campaign by the Washington State Department of Health-an initiative to decrease the pregnancy and STD rates of teens in the state. ( www.nosexnoproblems.com/campaign)

Why are these campaigns relative to the Village of Hempstead? Teen pregnancies in Nassau County, according to the Nassau County 1996 Health Assessment (http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/chac/docs/nassau.pdf) had a rate of 46.4 per 1000- Hempstead being one of the top four communities in the county with the highest pregnancy rates.

Are existing sex education campaigns that support sex after marriage going to alleviate these statistics in the Hempstead community or will teenagers ignore them and continue to follow the teachings of a “sex sells” community? It is a question for which an answer is not easily determined but some religious leaders in the Hempstead community are convinced that “saving it” is the only way.

According to Laura Giannuzzi, a Catholic representative for the Long Island Teen Freedom group in Hempstead, the Catholic Church began responding to the sexual revolution by supporting abstinence campaigns, teaching theology of the body, and maintaining the faith in the traditional beliefs of sex after marriage. Giannuzzi also believes that this approach to sex is very realistic and very beneficial.

Jewish Campus Minister, Rabbi Meir Mitelman stated that Judaism, likewise Catholicism, practices sex after marriage but acknowledges that there are liberal forms of Judaism that have approached sex differently overtime. (See Video for Details) When asked about the effectiveness of this belief today, Rabbi Mitelman said that he could not respond to that question but acknowledged that society makes such traditional practices quite a challenge.

Despite the increased response that some religious leaders have had in regards to sex education today, some churches including Church of St.Ladislaus and Jackson Memorial Ame Zion Church (both located in Hempstead) declined the invitation to provide perspective on this story. On the other hand, however, Heather Simonson, Planned Parenthood Director of Training and Education, didn’t hesitate.

Simonson, whose office in Hempstead caters to over 1,100 women, men, and teens each month, agrees that the church is a vital resource center for teens. She doesn’t agree, however, that its teachings of sex after marriage are realistic. (See Interview Transcript for Details)

Simonson is not the only one who feels this way. According to the article “Abstinence-Only ‘Sex Education’ Prevalent, Failing New York State, NYCLU Report Finds,” Executive Director Donna Lieberman said “It’s time to stop wasting taxpayer money on ideologically driven programs that don’t work.” See Full Article

As of October 2007, New York State (Spitzer Administration) has cancelled all programs that fund abstinence-only-until-marriage programs - which will make the traditional approach to sex taught by Hempstead religious leaders all the more challenging.

Can Somebody Help Me?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:07:00 -0500

I’ve attended Hofstra University for the last three years and have run into the common phrase “I want to get drunk” from all student levels ranging from freshman to senior. I don’t know if I should be ashamed to say this, but I don’t get it. Please tell me what is so cute about going out, making an ass of yourself, not being fully aware of your surroundings, doing things today that you’ll regret tomorrow, and inevitably having a hang over that will make you sick into next week, only to do it all over again? Can somebody help me?

Miss. Realist (Me) Advice on Relationships

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:51:33 -0500

Broken by Choice:

Hi everyone, I’m new here. I have a really bad situation on my hands and need non judgemental advice. A very brief history: I was married very young in life, had a child, and divorced soon after. I then remarried another man several years later only to find that I cannot be happy in this marriage either. Lack of attention, affection, anything. We are roommates sharing bills and have been for some time. My child is now in their teens and needs a stable family life which I have provided her at the expense of my own happiness. Over the last several months I have been friends with another man. During the course of the last 4-5 months our friendship has grown into something more. I wasn’t looking for anything in him. Even though I have been in a loveless marriage for over 10 years, I was determined to stay with this man until my child graduated high school. Now, I’m not entirely sure I can. The man I have become close to is more than just some nasty affair. I have been miserable in my last two failed marriages because of poor choices onm my end and not thinking things through far enough. Marriage is always the next step in a relationship…so I have been told. At any rate, the failures have been my fault and I have paid the price. Now that I have found someone who I am completely compatible with, I’m not sure if I stay with my current relationship (marriage) and provide the stabilty for my child (loveless marriage) or possibly ruin their life by getting the divorce early and being with the man I love. Please, I know what society thinks of me. I just need advice.

Miss. Realist:

It’s rather interesting reading this post (http://boards.live.com/Lifestyleboards/thread.aspx?threadid=486515&boardsparam=Page%3D4) because I can almost determine the background of the people responding to this based on their answers and tone in itself. Hopefully, you can do the same and use advice from people who are more realistic than practical.

As for the situation that you’re in-Nobody can tell you what is right for you because everyone’s emotions and ability to handle similar situations are different based on the individual. However, there is one person that you need to keep in mind when making your decision: You.

Some have said in their advice that you should think about your husband (who is probably thinking about himself while you stress about not hurting him) and others say your child (who is definitely a priority but should not be involved in making your relationship choices).

The bottom line is if you’re not happy-leave. Who doesn’t like it will have to build a bridge and get over it. Furthermore, don’t feel bad about loving someone outside of your marriage because when you’re true to yourself, you love without boundaries. You don’t choose who you love so it’s understandable. What you shouldn’t do, however, is sacrifice one for the other because then you’re basically sacrificing your needs.

You need to weigh your pros and your cons and decide what is best for you. Your child, regardless of your decision, will be an adult someday and will have their own issues to deal with. And when they do, they may ask your advice but they’re final decision will be what they want to do becuause it is their life-so you should do the same.

Set goals for yourself and stay focused about accomplishing them. Once you do that, everything else will fall into place. DO NOT, however, live a life based on what society says because the truth is-most of society isn’t happy with their situation either.

Lastly, you should know, that marriage does not always have to be the ultimate level of a relationship. We live in a different time where it is ok to think outside the box. Best Wishes.

Miss. Realist (Me) Advice on Relationships

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:45:56 -0500

Puglife Said:

My boyfriend and I have started seriously discussing getting married. I feel confident that we will have a long and fulfilling relationship after living together for almost 3 years now and dating seriously before that. I am just unsure of how to prepare myself and this relationship for the change that we are discussing. We have had lots of discussions about what we want from life, but I want to be sure we are ready for this step before we get married. Any suggestions?

Miss. Realist Responded:

This is how I see it:

Marriage is like having a baby. You’re never completely ready for it because it is a lifetime committment and a major sacrifice. Therefore, its ok to feel the way that you feel.
If you’ve been living together for three years now but something about getting married just doesn’t click yet but you’re happy in your situation-then live together for another 3 years if you have to until you feel you can get married without reservation.
What’s the rush? I don’t know what your reasons are for getting married but the way I see it is if you both love each other that much-you’re still going to love each other that much whether you get married now, tomorrow, or never.
Keep in mind that marriage is a very traditional institution with alot of religious implications which is why it has been around for so long. That doesn’t mean that you should feel obligated to do it or make that the greatest thing that happens in your relationship. Each day that you spend with the one you love is the greatest thing that can happen. So, if you’re not sure now, just treasure the moments you do have until the time is right-and trust, when the time comes (meaning the time that you either decide to follow through or not) you’ll know.

"My only obligation in life is to be true to myself because at the end of the day, everyone else will..."

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:47:57 -0500

““My only obligation in life is to be true to myself because at the end of the day, everyone else will do the same.”-me”

Hofstra University News Hub Ceremony

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:46:47 -0500

Professors ran back and forth, students gathered quotes, and spectators filled the ceremony space in Hofstra University’s Dempster Hall for the formal revelation of the School of Communications Convergence News Room on Monday, December 3rd, 2007. From the inside looking out, it was pure motion from faculty behind the scenes, satisfied expressions from guest speakers such as Carol Jenkins, and picture-taking from journalists on the rise. It was a sound proof room but the energy from the ceremony attendees creeped its way into the convergence room. Inside were students from various journalism and Audio/Video/Film courses working on newly installed Macs and editing their pieces on the Avid editing software. Others worked diligently on the live stream for the Nassau News website and although it was not the immediate success most hoped it would be, it was one of the many efforts that would begin to take place in the new convergence room. Students say that overall the Hub will provide the opportunity for them to not only gain the skills of a journalists through the school’s advanced technology but also develop a feel for the environment in the real world of communications.

JRNL80 Links

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:34:34 -0500

http://hofstrajournalism80a2007.blogspot

Mo.Krochmal@gmail.com

www.decimaltime.org

www.deathclock.com

www.nassaunews.org/news

www.blogger.com/home

www.blogger.com/post

http://krochmal.tumblr.com

www.newsroom101.com

Khnuma.Simmonds@gmail.com

www.kartoo.com

www.pipl.com

www.police.co.nassau.ny.us

www.socialmedia.biz

www.tinyurl.com

http://www.flickr.com/groups/freedomfromreligion/

www.cwire.org

www.goodkeywords.com; Digital Epnography

www.journalismjobs.com

www.craigslist.com

www.getmiro.com

www.google.com/images

www.washingtonpost.com

Blip.tv

www.poynter.org

www.dwi.com (or org)

www.Jumpcut.com- Edit Videos by adding music etc.

"Who Sent You?"

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:40:05 -0500

““Who Sent You?””

- Me

Why I Don't Believe In Marriage

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:08:00 -0500

Every time I hear one of my peers, particularly female, say that they can’t wait to get married-I squirm and wonder, what the hell? Are we really in some sort of time warp where women aspire to be married and truly believe that there is “the one” out there for them? I don’t get it and here is why:

I don’t believe that there is “the one” person out there that is made for you. And even if there was, why would anyone want to limit themselves to one person in life when there are so many people in the world to learn from and grow with? I’m not even speaking about the sexual aspect (which even if I were, I still don’t see why its necessary to have “one ” person once you’re protecting yourself and can live with yourself at the end of the day). Sure there will be people, or a specific person at some point and time in your life, where you really hit it off but it is specific to that time in life that represents your perception and the kind of people you attract at that point at time.You see, the Universe is set up so there aren’t any coincidences (and that can be a discussion all on its own). You meet people to learn things from them-it’s like putting pieces of a puzzle together. Once you’ve put one portion of the puzzle together, you continue with the rest. If you stick on one piece, however, you’ll live life never knowing what the complete puzzle looks like or learning other lessons of life.
It’s not natural to be with one person for the rest of your life. Hold up! I’m not saying that its not possible to be with one person-but for the rest of your life? Get with the program people. Boredom, curiousity, and all that good stuff is natural. Therefore, you’re bound to get bored in a marriage and once that kicks in (and even if it doesn’t) curiousity will kick in and being that you have one life to live, you should satisfy your needs. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think you should jump on everything that has two legs (and whatever your preference of genitalia is between them) just because “its natural” but I certainly encourage mankind to experience the beauty of satisfying your mental and physical cravings more than a marriage would ever allow you to do (at least if you have a conscience).
Women do not belong in the house anymore! Hellooooooooo!!! It is a different world out there. Women are taking on positions in the job market like never before. We are entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers-In other words, we are independent and don’t need a man to survive economically. It’s good having them around-kind of like, ice cream with cake. It’s an addition to complement the taste but it is not necessary to enjoy. I’m not saying that it is impossible to be productive and industrial in a marriage (Lord knows my mother was) but unless you have a problem with reproduction, childbearing is inevitable and along with it, is weight gain, attention to children not the husband syndrome, low self-esteem, less sex more stress-you get the point. This is the time and the century for the woman to focus on the most important person in life-herself.
Life is not meant to be lived in a box. Most people that get married (according to other people’s mistakes and my ability to prevent them) are afraid of being alone, are caught up in the time, are dependent, and/or do so because of religion, tradition, culture. I find that people who get married end up alone moreso than if they were single or had a significant other (my definition: no legal or religious binding) because they adjust to a routine (work 9-5, pick up kids/wash/clean etc thereafter) rather than a routine of spontaneity which is often found in relationships that don’t require an “image” or a “definition.” This lifestyle omits friendships, excitement, and pretty much the equivalent of death if you ask me. Furthermore, married couples, I must admit are cute in the beginning. They’re always kissing, hugging, and telling each other how much they love each other. However, that s&*% lasts only for a time because when real life kicks back in, it comes at full speed. Others get married because they are dependent and really, have no other choice. Not everyone was raised in a home where independence is priority but rather using other people as a means to an ends, which in this case, the ends is a security blanket. Lastly, and my favorite, is marriage as a result of religion, tradition, or culture. I must say that the last people I spoke to about my ideas on marriage looked at me as if I were talking about the world coming to an end in .59 seconds. One young lady (23 and married) was a preacher’s daughter and the other (18 and engaged) a Hispanic woman. Now, nothing is wrong with either of the above. However, their reactions were expected because of their background. When you are raised in a church, you’re usually taught to wait for sex until marriage (how convenient for the men who preach it). Therefore,the idea of no marriage at all would seem barbaric. Too, this upbringing creates a box where anyone who lives outside of it is made to feel shame and guilt (not me though-life is too short). So, if you’re raised as such, speaking against marriage would be a “sin” essentially. I am not one to convince others of what is right and wrong because I feel that is defined differently for every individual-when it comes to morals at least. However, I think it is sad that when people become so involved with an institution such as the church that they become dependent on an “image” and ideals of an institution rather than on their true inner beliefs. Likewise, my Hispanic friend had the same reaction because in that culture marriage and family is primary-which the concept is nice but in actuality it benefits the men but not so much the women. I could have a discussion all in itself about why I don’t believe in religion too but the tips of my fingers would not permit (*I believe in God and would not tell anyone otherwise but I am not a fan of religion because it excludes people and creates a lens for impaired vision.)
“Who Sent You?” This is my favorite phrase and you’ll see why. When you get married in today’s society and you end up unhappy and/or cheated on, my only question to you is “Who Sent You?” Only oblivion and denial could tell me that the possibilites never ran through your mind before you got married. And only oblivion and denial should tell me that none of the above would eventually happen. Therefore, when it occurs, don’t make yourself out to be a victim. You put yourself in that position and now you ought to live with it. Also, it is not the fault of anyone outside the marriage-just those who chose to be in it.
I am selfish. So what? At least I can admit that I put myself first and intend to do so for the rest of my life. (Not that life won’t kick in and change that but not as long as I can help it.) Marriage also means compromise and sacrifice-something that I am not willing to do. As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, I have one life to live so why should I settle for the shorter end of the stick?
I know what marriage means-which is why I don’t agree with it. Marriage is eternal, infinito, forever and ever amen. Do you understand? I don’t think so. (To deep and draining to get into-separate discussion).
Tell me to do and I won’t. Tell me not to do it and I will. It is out of pure human instinct to do what you’re not supposed to do, particularly out of rebellion. Therefore, this statement is vary applicable to marriage. I can treasure having a significant other more because I know that the person is there because they want to as opposed to being there because they paid several thousands of dollars a couple years ago to say that they want to be with me forever in front the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and everyone else who will talk should I get divorced. There is something more profound about a couple who are not married but choose to be together because the image is real and the actions are sincere. I would feel good knowing that I could leave someone or someone could leave me whenever they wanted to and for whatever they wanted to but I choose not to because I don’t want to. There is something profound knowing that I could have anyone in world (or vice versa) but I chose to be with my significant other. Marriage is not the same. Someone may have wanted to be with another person the day they got married, but if they changed their mind, they just have to pretend and portray an image that says that they still do. I prefer that I don’t have to tell you what to do because you just do it.

Now that I’ve gotten your attention up to this point and have played the devil’s advocate (and had fun doing it too) let me summarize this:

I really don’t believe that marriage is beneficial to young women in today’s society.
I would not discourage anyone from getting married. It is for some people but it certainly isn’t for others.
Marriage should be for older couples who have lived life and can afford to make sacrifices that younger people should not have to make.
Marriage (I do realize) is an insurance policy so why not get one? It is smart, I must admit (especially if you plan on having children or if you’re married to Tiger Woods). However, be focused and remember that that’s all it is because when the going gets tough, at least you have nothing to lose.
Marriage “Forever” is timewarped and should be trademarked by Disney. What it isn’t is realistic.
Marriage couples are some of the best hypocrites and that is something that I cannot stand.
Marriage couples are some of the best actors because they know how to pretend and deceive. I don’t like doing any of the above.

Last but not least:

I do realize that there are some people who may actually be happy in their marriages and have done so faithfully and made all the sacrifices necessary and fought all the trials essential to do so. To the few, you are a rare gem and I compliment you. For the rest of us, who know deep inside that you agree with even two out of the eight main points stated above, this text is dedicated to you.

Many people think that my perception of marriage is negative-of course I don’t think so. It is just realistic.

In life you will have to make some sacrifices and risk some things. Some do that through marriage. I, on the other hand, prefer the risks of being single rather than the complication of offering my all to someone, only to have them abuse it,or find out my love was in vain years after the fact.

Also, because I like to think of myself as a “free spirited” individual, I would like to say that I would try marriage at least once. And I probably will…when I’m 60 :)

In ’60s, Romney, Searching and Earnest, Set His Path

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:32:48 -0500

In ’60s, Romney, Searching and Earnest, Set His Path:

A six-year immersion in the Mormon Church, including a mission in France, set the conservative course Mitt Romney would follow as a businessman and politician.

A Mentor of Street Ball Dies, and a Missing Knick Appears

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:29:32 -0500

A Mentor of Street Ball Dies, and a Missing Knick Appears:

The death of a legendary street-ball mentor became for a brief time intertwined with the drama of the Knicks and their star point guard.

Digital Actors in ‘Beowulf’ Are Just Uncanny

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:46:14 -0500

Digital Actors in ‘Beowulf’ Are Just Uncanny:

The computer-animated movie

The Blackwater Gunner’s Account

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:33:07 -0500

The Blackwater Gunner’s Account:

A leaked account details how Paul, the turret gunner whose last name was withheld, saw the incident in a Baghdad square where 17 Iraqi civilians were killed.

Hedge Fund Seeks Delta-United Deal

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:31:44 -0500

Hedge Fund Seeks Delta-United Deal:

Pardus Capital Management has sent a letter to management of Delta Air Lines asking it to seek a stock-for-stock merger with UAL.

Ruling Expected on Simpson Trial

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:07:27 -0500

Ruling Expected on Simpson Trial:

A judge is expected to rule today whether O. J. Simpson will once again face a criminal trial, this time on a dozen charges including armed robbery and kidnapping.

O.J. Simpson to Go on Trial in Las Vegas

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:03:17 -0500

O.J. Simpson to Go on Trial in Las Vegas:

O.J. Simpson will once again face a trial, this time on a dozen charges stemming from a Sept. 13 hotel-room confrontation here that could send him to prison for life.

Stagehands and Producers Plan Talks

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:01:32 -0500

Stagehands and Producers Plan Talks:

The Broadway producers’ league and the stagehands’ union announced that they would meet for negotiations this weekend.

Fed to Reveal More About Its Forecasts

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:57:04 -0500

Fed to Reveal More About Its Forecasts:

The Federal Reserve announced plans today to take some of the mystery out of its policy-making.

In Africa, Accusation of Witchcraft Leads to Abuse

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:25:40 -0500

In Africa, Accusation of Witchcraft Leads to Abuse:

A surprising number of children in some countries are identified as witches and beaten, abused or abandoned.

Stem Cells Taken From Cloned Monkey Embryos

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:18:44 -0500

Stem Cells Taken From Cloned Monkey Embryos:

A method of extracting stem cells from monkey embryos should also work in humans, according to researchers.