Good morning NewsFeeders, and Happy Presidents’ Day! If you’re lucky enough to have today off, toast your coffee mug to George Washington and enjoy the day of freedom.
And if you’re unlocking the office for just another day, we bet you’re wondering what you missed this weekend. While you were sleeping off the stresses of last week, NewsFeed was tuned in to all the news that’s fit to type, and we’re here to catch you up on what you missed.
Libya Looks To Continue Trend of Revolt: Clashes continued over the weekend between supporters of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and pro-democracy protesters. Security and military forces remaining loyal to Gaddafi have killed more than 100 people over the past week, opening fire during vigils for other fallen victims of violence. The vicious cycle comes as Libyans revolt against Gaddafi’s 41-year autocratic rule. They’ve taken to the streets in Benghazi, the country’s second largest city, while Tripoli remains largely pro-Gaddafi.
Information flow is sparse out of Libya as journalists are unable to practice freely. But in a televised speech Sunday evening, Gaddafi’s son Saif promised “rivers of blood” if the uprisings continued. (via TIME)
Wisconsin Teachers Fight for their Unionized Futures: Sunday marked the sixth consecutive day for protests in Madison, as teachers and other public employees fight for collective bargaining rights, which newly elected Republican Governor Scott Walker wants to take away. This would prevent unions from negotiating over pensions and benefits, keeping government costs down. Walker also wants to hike insurance rates – steps he sees as necessary to fill a $3.6 billion budget hole. Passionate protesters show no signs of backing down as the Republican-led legislature looks to vote. (via New York Times)
Pirates Plunder American Ship Off African Coast: A yacht that broke off course in a rally was raided by Somali pirates, and the two Americans on board are reported to be in grave danger. The imperiled Americans are churchgoing Seattle residents who were distributing bibles around the world when their ship was commanded. As of Sunday evening, an American warship is following the hijacked yacht in an attempt to talk the pirates down. (via CBS News)
In Case You Missed It On NewsFeed: In perhaps the best, most adorable use of research funds ever, scientists are looking for ways to get pandas to mate. Pandas have a shockingly low rate of reproduction, putting them on the road to extinction, and researchers are just beginning to figure out why. Their previous efforts to increase pandas’ sexual activity – which, if you can believe it, included panda porn and Viagra – were unsuccessful. Bu now, they’ve determined the secret to panda sex is stronger legs and better hearing. Looks like they’ve got their next challenge cut out for them. (via NewsFeed)
Monday Must-Read: You think of Malibu and you picture beachfront estates, Spanish villas, and sprawling mansions. Toss that all aside – Malibu’s hottest neighborhood is a trailer park? But these are some souped-up double-wides, without a doubt. They feature all the amenities of the villas you’d hope to see cruising down the PCH. And they have the price tags to boot. But the question remains: why are some residents opting for the trailer park lifestyle? (via Vanity Fair)
Viral Video: If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s free from the office today, may we suggest you head outside (sorry to all you Minneapolis folks) and attempt, albeit feebly, to have as much fun as Twinky the Corgi is while swinging.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXEFMYfZQnc&w=450]