THE REAL WINNERS OF THE 2002 ELECTION -- While the winning GOP candidates got all the media attention, the big winners in Tuesday's election were the insurance, defense, drug, and finance industries, says Joe Schwartz, chair of Temple's political science department.
"We can expect further tax cuts for the wealthy, increased defense spending, renewed efforts to privatize Social Security, and prescription benefits in Medicare that are giveaways to the insurance companies. The military and strategic doctrines of the Bush administration will get even less scrutiny and the rush to war will continue," says Schwartz. However, Schwartz says the election results have as much to do with the lack of a defined Democratic party message as a nationwide shift to the right. "The national Democratic party leadership totally failed to attack Bush's tax cuts for the rich and the resulting massive budget deficit aimed at crippling any progressive social policy initiatives. In addition, they made almost no mention of corporate irresponsibility, perhaps because they are afraid of cutting themselves off from the corporate PAC contributions that have fueled the mainstream Democratic drift to the center."
TEMPLE CHEFS TALK TURKEY WITH THANKSGIVING TIPS -- As the holiday season approaches, Executive Chef of Dining Services Brian Austin and the culinary staff at Temple prepare to feed thousands of hungry students a traditional Thanksgiving meal. It makes your dinner for ten look slightly less daunting. Temple's culinary wizards offer these helpful hints when dinner turns to despair. "To reduce the stress of cooking for big groups, plan the entire meal one week ahead of time," says Austin. "Write yourself a complete menu and shopping list of everything you'll serve, from hors d'oeuvres and cocktails to dessert and coffee." Austin also suggests setting the table the night before, to avoid added work while adding a nice presentation to the evening. As far as the meal itself, thaw out frozen turkeys for three days on a tray in your refrigerator. Cook the bird at 325 degrees, basting often, until the thigh reaches 165 degrees. And don't bother with stuffing the bird. Make a traditional or cornbread stuffing on the side, with turkey stock, vegetables and seasoning. "It's also best to prepare as much of the menu as you can the day before," adds Austin. "Salads, potatoes, desserts and other cold items do not need to clutter up your Thanksgiving Day. Plan your meal so that you can spend time with your guests, not your kitchen."
EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS JOY, STRESS, WONDER OF HOLIDAYS -- How will retailers fare this holiday season? Can ads contribute to your holiday season stress level? What can you do to really make a difference during the "season of giving?" What does it take to combat the holiday blues? Why don't we want new and different foods at our holiday feasts? And how do you care for that freshly cut Christmas tree? With just three weeks until Black Friday, Temple faculty members are poised to offer their thoughts on a host of holiday-related subjects. For more Temple holiday expertise, visit the NMR web site at http://www.temple.edu/news_media/nmr452.html.
RSS