Daily News Feed 10.14.2009/Vocab: pukka

Nobel Judges Defend Obama Decision
Four judges have spoken out to defend the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to US president Barack Obama.
In a rare public defence of a process normally shrouded in secrecy, the judges said Mr Obama’s selection was deserved and unanimous. One judge noted with surprise that Mr Obama “didn’t look particularly happy” at being named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Another marvelled at how critics could be so patronising. To those who said a Nobel was too much too soon in Mr Obama’s young presidency, “we simply disagree. He got the prize for what he has done,” committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland said from Strasbourg, France, where he was attending meetings of the Council of Europe. Mr Jagland singled out Mr Obama’s efforts to heal the divide between the West and the Muslim world and to scale down a Bush-era proposal for an anti-missile shield in Europe. “All these things have contributed to – I wouldn’t say a safer world – but a world with less tension,” he said. (Continue Reading…)

Swastika and ‘Obama’ Carved into Golf Course
The Secret Service and local police are investigating after a swastika was found carved into the green on a Massachusetts golf course, next to President Barack Obama’s name. Authorities said the vandalism was discovered early Monday on the 18th hole of the Lakeville Country Club. Lou Mincone, the assistant manager of the club, said the person or persons responsible may have used a cleated shoe or some type of tool to carve out the letters and symbol sometime Sunday night. The carving is about 10 feet by 10 feet. The Secret Service has joined local police in the investigation of the incident. (Continue Reading…)

Michelle Obama Sounds Warning Over Childhood Obesity>
First Lady Michelle Obama put a spotlight on the importance of good nutrition and children’s health today during a speech at the Department of Health and Human Services, continuing her campaign for healthy eating habits to fight rising obesity rates. “Nearly a third of all children in this country are overweight or obese… and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes,” Obama said. “It is a major public health threat right now, so just imagine what we’re going to be facing in 20 or 30 years if we don’t get on this issue.” (Continue Reading…)