USA TODAY articles from December 2004

USA TODAY archives from December 2004

Ensuring protection without protectionism.(Homeland Security)
December 1, 2004... The U.S., by and large, is a very open economy, with the free movement of goods across American borders a key pillar of national prosperity. For decades, criminals have used cargo containers, trucks, and train cars to bring narcotics, weapons,...

Cuts of $300 billion could balance budget.(Government)(federal budget, United States)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Federal budget could be cut by $300,000,000,000 and brought into balance by 2009 while keeping Pres. George W. Bush's tax cuts in place, contends Chris Edwards, director of fiscal policy studies at the Cato Institute, Washington, D.C., who...

Will reduced outlays improve environment?(Military Spending)(Oscar Arias Sanchez, former president of Costa Rica)
December 1, 2004... Oscar Arias Sanchez, former president of Costa Rica and 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate, believes that the true security of a state depends less on its military than on the quality of life of its people. He feels that the triple challenges of peace,...

U.S. should allow EU to defend itself.(Americans Abroad)(European Union)
December 1, 2004... Efforts by the European Union to develop common defense and foreign policies for member states--in addition to, and, at times, independent of, NATO--have set the stage for a fundamental restructuring of the security relationship between the...

China increasing its military might.(Worldview)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... China will have the most powerful military in Asia in 10 to 15 years, creating the potential for regional conflict, according to a Pentagon report. While the U.S. is busy with Iraq and AI Qaeda, China quietly is boosting its military...

The shortage of needed vaccine.(Noteworthy)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The shortage of needed vaccine could make last year's flu outbreak seem mild and that likely has employers across the country worried sick about the possible impact on their productivity, according to John Challenger, chief executive officer of...

The U.S. is adopting fewer international treaties.(Noteworthy)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The U.S. is adopting fewer international treaties while opting out of previous commitments. Thus, America often finds itself isolated among the international community on treaties that limit nuclear arms and protect workers. the environment,...

Duncan Campbell, chief of staff for Homeland Security.(Noteworthy)(urges college students to take part in emergency response training program)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Duncan Campbell, chief of staff for Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, is urging colleges and universities to participate in "Ready Campus," a workshop that enlists campus resources and volunteers and trains students to be future emergency...

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition.(Noteworthy)(applauds efforts of high school students to fight gender stereotypes, Hastings, New York)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, Washington, D.C., is offering congratulations to pupils at Hastings (N.Y.) High School for raising awareness of stereotypes. Students came to class dressed in clothes typically associated with the other...

Increased truck traffic.(Noteworthy)(border crossing between Canada and the United States)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Increased truck traffic at the busiest border crossing between the U.S. and Canada is contributing to a clustering of asthma cases among residents who live nearby, according to University at Buffalo (N.Y.) researchers. Residents of...

Abolition 2000.(Noteworthy)(international organizations working to eliminate nuclear weapons)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Abolition 2000, a network of over 2,000 organizations in more than 90 countries working for a global treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons, has launched a campaign called "Abolition Now!"--which is asking mayors worldwide to sign a statement...

Most Americans place a high value on religious freedom and tolerance.(Noteworthy)(findings of survey by Council for America's First Freedom)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Most Americans place a high value on religious freedom and tolerance, although almost one in two have doubts about the need to maintain the strict separation of church and state. The survey findings by the Council for America's First Freedom,...

Moderate and progressive Catholic organizations.(Noteworthy)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Moderate and progressive Catholic organizations are in the process of launching a series of campaigns to elevate the call to Catholic conscience on issues of peace, poverty, and the politics of the common good. "We are very proud to remind...

Eye-opening safety tips.(Gift Giving)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... In the movie, "A Christmas Story," Ralphie sets out world that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift. "You'll shoot your eye out!" was the response he got from his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. It is one of the more memorable quotes...

"What were you thinking? ...".(Business Gifts)
December 1, 2004... It's the thought that counts with gift giving, but some presents prompt the question, you thinking?" The Creative Group, Menlo Park, Calif., a specialized staffing service providing marketing, advertising, creative, and web professionals on a...

Holidays and animals do not always mix.(Pets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The holidays are a time to decorate and share good times with friends and family. However, the same treats and trimmings considered harmless for humans could pose a serious health risk for pets. The ASPCA is offering some helpful hints to keep...

Super-size snowflakes light up New York.(Decorations)(Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, New York)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley (1865-1931)--the first person to photograph a single snowflake and make the discovery that no two are alike--is the inspiration behind a dramatic Christmas display in New York City. To mark the winter season, 50...

Conversational ice breakers.(Parties)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Do you dread holiday parties? Does attending or hosting another open house make you want to stay inside your office and lock the door? The following ice-breaking tips from Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk, can help you turn...

Ease the pressure of frenzied purchases.(Budgeting)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... This year, Credit Counselors, Richmond, Va., is giving its holiday gift a bit early--tips designed to help ease the pressure of holiday spending, so families can enjoy a very merry season. Create a holiday budget. Make lists of gifts,...

Compulsive spending often debilitating.(Holiday Shopping)
December 1, 2004... The holiday shopping season can bring out the worst in people. Crowded stores, empty shelves, pressing deadlines, and endless check-out lines quickly lead to irritation and stress. Yet, for the two-eight percent of the U.S. population estimated...

Ways to make cells last longer.(Batteries)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... No doubt that many of the gifts on holiday wish lists are the latest and greatest in wireless gadgets and cordless electronics products, including laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, cordless power tools, remote controlled toys...

Are Islamist schools a threat to U.S.?(Education)(indoctrination and terrorism)
December 1, 2004... From the mid 1980s to the early 1990s, the U.S. funded and encouraged the creation of militant Islamist schools in Pakistan to help combat Soviet expansionism. Today, these institutions inculcate thousands of students with an ideology of...

Overweight students cost schools plenty.(Nutrition)(lost funding due to poor performance)
December 1, 2004... The excessive rise in poor nutrition, inactivity, and weight problems is affecting academic achievement adversely and possibly costing schools millions of dollars each year, according to a report issued by Action for Healthy Kids, Chicago. ...

Millions affected; billions spent.(STDs)(sexually transmitted diseases)
December 1, 2004... More than 9,000,000 individuals ages 15-24 contract sexually transmitted diseases each year, resulting in over $6,000,000,000 in direct medical costs, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. "These numbers on the...

Hypnosis helps men quit.(Smoking)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Men who try hypnosis to help them quit smoking are more likely to be successful than women who use the same treatment, according to Joe Green, associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University's Lima campus. A review of 18 studies of...

Pet spending at all-time high.(Animal Care)
December 1, 2004... The pet industry has doubled in size in the last 10 years, from $17,000,000,000 in 1994 to a projected $34,300,000,000 in 2004, growing larger than even the candy and toy industries. "More and more people consider and treat pets like children,...

Laws and regulations can be confusing.(Credit Cards)(quiz)
December 1, 2004... For decades, consumer credit laws such as the Truth in Lending, Fair Credit Reporting, and Equal Credit Opportunity acts have been initiated to prevent abuses within the credit card industry nationwide. However, do consumers really know what...

Buster Brown turns 100.(Newsview)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Most grown-ups remember "That's my dog Tige, he lives in a shoe. I'm Buster Brown, look for me in there, too!" and probably have shoe boxes full of other Buster Brown memories. The shoe championed by a mischievous yet well-intention boy and his...

Shiny objects pose infant danger.(Children)(more likely to mouth shiny items)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Babies and toddlers are particularly attracted to glossy, reflective surfaces, according to a study conducted in the University of California-Davis psychology department. The researchers studied youngsters ages six to 17 months at day-care...

Dashboard dining on the decline.(Family Life)(meals at home)
December 1, 2004... Dinnertime means more to Americans than just eating a meal; it represents quality time. According to research conducted by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, High Point, N.C., 75% of families are dining together at home at least...

Get ready to party.(Lifestyles)
December 1, 2004... Charming and friendly guests are the key to a successful party, but it also is important that everything go smoothly. Making a checklist well in advance ensures every detail will be covered. If you are organized and ready to have a good time,...

Timers can make life a breeze.(Homeowning)(electric timers)
December 1, 2004... Electric timers often are linked to home protection and energy conservation. Along with new technology have come creative uses for these handy products--allowing consumers to bring added convenience and automation into their homes. "Many...

Globalization's effect on future dining.(Cuisine)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Globalization will have a powerful effect on the future of dining. Recipes and meals from the world's kitchens will be available anywhere and anytime, food-trend specialist Art Siemering told the World Future Society, Bethesda, Md....

Cosmopedia: tomorrow's world of learning.(The Future)(online encyclopedia)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Internet is evolving into a vast encyclopedia connecting up all human knowledge, trend watcher Parker Rossman told the World Future Society, Bethesda, Md. This colossal "Cosmopedia" will bring together different media and local data from...

Previous head injury doomed Red Baron.(The World Yesterday)(fighter pilot Baron Manfred von Richthofen)
December 1, 2004... Since he was shot down in 1918, much speculation has been made of who actually killed the German World War I flying ace dubbed the Red Baron. A team of researchers, including a University of Missouri-Columbia neuropsychologist, found that Baron...

Checklist ensures road safety.(Driving)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... In order to keep drivers safe on the road, the National Safety Council, Chicago, has created a basic checklist for motorists to go over before starting their automobile. While the tips may seem mundane, a study of motorists has found that more...

Job loss claims are a myth.(Employment)
December 1, 2004... Is the U.S. exporting its best jobs overseas? Many people believe so. Manufacturing positions are fleeing to China, they say, and service-sector employment is being "offshored" to India. However, the doomsayers have it all wrong, argues Brink...

Car care clues for winter driving.(Automobiles)
December 1, 2004... As you shift into gear for winter driving, AutoVantage, Norwalk, Conn., offers car-care tips to keep your engine humming and vehicle performance high as temperatures drop. Use the Three Ps: prepare for a long trip with maintenance checks;...

Modest pace for job gains forecast.(The Economy)
December 1, 2004... A virulent combination of cost-saving productivity gains and escalating health care costs probably will keep new hiring at a modest pace through the end of 2004 and into 2005, according to an employment outlook released by the global...

Provocative images from the Pain of War.(Focus On The World)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... "The Pain of War," an exhibition of some 60 prints, photographs, and videos that examine the theme of suffering associated with armed conflict, provokes viewers to ask: Why are we so captivated by images of pain and suffering? Does their...

Unexpected surge expands hiring.(Retailing)
December 1, 2004... Rising gasoline and energy prices, skyrocketing health care costs, continued job-market weakness, and slipping confidence among consumers and business leaders pose a major threat to retailers hoping for strong holiday sales. This made it...

Jobs will continue to move overseas.(Business & Finance)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to offshore countries has been under way for the past three decades and will continue into the foreseeable future, promises University of California-Davis industry scholar Martin Kenney, co-editor of Locating...

Why small business must hire offshore.(Outsourcing)
December 1, 2004... Will the small business sector--the nation's largest creator of new jobs over the last decade--become the biggest outsourcer to foreign countries? They may be left with little choice, notes John A. Challenger, CEO of the global outplacement...