Category: News & Pop Culture

Local icon dies

From the WDL:

By JOANN LIVINGSTON Daily Light Managing Editor

Waxahachie ISD sports’ biggest fan, Mary Jane Eubank, passed away Friday afternoon and her best friend, Debra Wakeland, is still in shock at Eubank’s sudden death.

“She was such a loving, caring person,” Wakeland said of the 65-year-old, who was found injured and unconscious at her home Wednesday morning. “She considered every student in Waxahachie as her child.”

Wakeland recalled her own son’s graduation ceremony and how she and Eubank – who was unmarried and who had no children – were standing together. She said she noticed Eubank crying even more than herself and asked her why?
“They’re all my children,” Eubank said to Wakeland, who told the Daily Light, “That’s how she felt.”

Read more here and here

Scientists create embryonic stem cells from skin

From NPR:
Two teams of scientists have independently discovered a way to turn ordinary human skins cells into stem cells with the same characteristics as those derived from human embryos, a breakthrough that could open the door for advanced medical therapies.
If the work holds true to its promise, it would largely bypass ethic issues that have dogged research on human embryonic stem cells and allow scientists to tailor the cells to specific individuals, eliminating the possibility of rejection.

In my opinion, if this works like they say, this is HUGE. Imagine having the use/power of stem cells for research without the ethical implications of destroying an embryo. Simply amazing. This could lead to so many things.

Listen to the story.

You think your gas tank is expensive?

We’re paying $2.85 to $2.95 in the Dallas area for a gallon of gas right now. But in Bethel, Alaska, folks are paying from $5 to $7. Ouch! The only saving grace is that the prices are locked in until a new supply can be shipped in next June.

Listen to NPR’s story.

Bill Mercer on Think

Bill Mercer, former play-by-play announcer for World Class Championship Wrestling, the Cowboys, Rangers and others was on KERA’s Think yesterday (as a replay show).

Anyone in the broadcasting business around here knows the name Bill Mercer. And anyone who considers themselves a sports fan has probably heard his voice. In September we spent an hour with Mercer, whose 50+ year career as a broadcaster and broadcasting instructor continues today. His recent memoir is “Play-By- Play: Tales from a Sports Broadcasting Insider” (Taylor Trade, 2007).

I’m going to have to add that book to my Amazon Wishlist for sure.

Listen online

HUCKABEE PASSES ROMNEY!

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows—for the first time ever–Mike Huckabee moving into the top four among those seeking the Republican Presidential Nomination.

And just think, I doubt he’s received half the money that the leading candidates have spent.

Rudy Giuliani remains precariously atop the pack with support from 20% of Likely Republican Primary Voters nationwide. Fred Thompson is close behind at 19% while John McCain enjoys a second straight day in third place with 14% of the vote. Huckabee continues to gain ground and is just two points behind McCain at 12%. This is the first time all year that Huckabee has surpassed Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts Governor slipped another point and he is now at just 11% nationally. No other Republican attracts more than 3% support while 18% are undecided.

What’s so (bleeping) funny?

All Things Considered had a great story yesterday on the (bleeping) television industry.
Quite funny.

From NPR:

TV shows have been bleeping profanity for years when people speak extemporaneously. In recent years, however, scripted shows have been writing profanity in. The actors say the forbidden words and then the words are bleeped out for comedic effect.

Listen online