Print or Online – Most not reading the news – Cites Gallup 6% get news from Print.

Reading Proficiency Scores from National Center for Education - Read them and weep.

From CNBC an article titled “Newspaper bane: Nobody reads the stories”, speaks to the problems facing newspapers today – lack of readership in the most realistic terms. The article cites the Gallup Poll’s confidence in institutions polls, where only 1 in 4 American’s trust newspapers(CNBC) However, one might also point out that few trust broadcast news, which is actually now tied with lack of trust (Gallup).

What the article does speak to, rather than the fact that No one is reading a newspaper, is the fact that few are reading CNBC’s web articles – past the 3rd paragraph – and mention the process of skimming, rather than reading. Perhaps what might be the problem is the lack of reading skills nationwide due to the amazing public schools system – the majority of students in grades 4 to 8 are at below proficient or basic reading skills, with few at advanced according to the National Center for Education Statistics. When one understands that 79% of the 8th graders in Chicago Public School Systems cannot read, (CNS News), the writing is one the wall, so to speak, as to why newspapers, or any printed material, online or otherwise, is getting a pass by most American’s.

As Broadcast and Prints speak to the development of the “low information voter” – it may behoove them to investigate why the public schools systems are so staggeringly lacking in the ability to teach students the basics of reading. Perhaps it is not the internet so much, but the fact that individuals cannot read proficiently. If one is looking to parents to read to their children, perhaps one might want to consider that the young parents are also lacking reading proficiency. The downturn in American Education and student performance began in the 1970’s – the first scores that were found to be underperforming and the decline of American’s education dominance globally.

Also consider, audio books, cliff notes, and all that jazz.

John Walsh – MASS DNC Chair – Leaves to Chair Patrick PAC – No Hint of Bay State Replacement – Ground Troops and Retail Politics – An Opportunity for the RNC and MASS GOP to Lose

The Bay State in 2013 Markey-Gomez Election - not entirely a blue state - image: Daily Kos

A somewhat interesting piece appeared in the Boston Globe – an opinion column by Joan Vennochi, who suggests the sun and moon rises over John Walsh – the title “John Walsh’s rhapsody in blue” speaks to the Walsh victories, Deval Patrick’s campaign for Governor and use by those methods (“yes we can”) by the Obama Campaign in 08, the win of Elizabeth Warren, et al. Since Mr. Walsh is going to head the outgoing Governor, Deval Patrick’s Federal PAC, one can anticipate that Walsh is heading to DC in short order.

Patrick has continued to claim he is not running for President (that mantle will go to either Hillary Clinton, or the Professor (yes, Elizabeth Warren), but they need strong Progressives on the national level to make sure that happens – who will be up for the DNC Chair? – Patrick? It’s a possibility.

What of Massachusetts? There is no clue as to who will replace Walsh, who was brought into the State DNC Specifically to run the State Party, according to Blue Mass Group and there are no replacements in mind. One had better hope, if one is a Democrat, that Walsh’s Replacement is of the same cut of cloth, not necessarily in Venocchi’s description of the Bible According to John Walsh, where Democrats actively campaign for higher taxes, but the retail, door knocking, aggressive, get out the vote style of Massachusetts Democrat Campaigns that have been the staple as long as time remembers.

That has been the downfall of opposition parties, the MASS GOP and the National GOP – who place a focus on fundraising rather than the mechanics of winning a race. The lack of poll-watcher, drivers, and door knockers on the ground in certain states and precincts of import has been like watching fish in a barrel for decades. The campaign of a Republican in Massachusetts, can’t be won without the hard work of disgruntled Democrats (See Scott Brown) – One needs those union members behind them (regardless of whether or not on the face of things – they support the Democrat candidate). That and the use of similar tactics would be the only way to level the playing field in Massachusetts, and elect a Republican to the White House in 2016. Of course, on that note, they may want to insure that the candidate is acceptable to that group of 20 million or so evangelicals who may or may not vote for a Catholic or a Mormon, or a suggestion from a prominent church leader that allowing Barrack Obama to win, and destroy the nation, would somehow gain more converts and destroy the Democrats) and, sit out a race entirely (See 2008 and 2012).

Miracles do happen, and depending upon who is sitting in the Mass DNC Chair, should they have the level of confidence, and the ability to be a 1950’-1960’s retail, ground troop, smart guy with a lot of pull, then nothing will change. If that person is a moonbat and somewhat competent, then there is a huge opening that is the RNC’s to lose. The fact that the national Party ignores the Bay State and gives it up for “lost” before a race begins, is one of the pivotal mistakes the National Party makes. Upending the Bays State would have a ripple effect throughout the country, especially as concerns increased morale, and decreased morale, depending upon which party is winning or losing.

It should prove interesting, however predictable, as the status quo, regardless of competence in the Chair seat, will most likely, the same remain.

Saharan Dust Storm – Natural Consequence – Tampers Down Threat from Tropical Storms in Atlantic

The Saharan Dust Storm - Image from NBC

From Accuweather: A massive Saharan dust storm is making its way across the Atlantic Ocean westward (towards the US). There is a video available on Accuweather.com The event occurs during the summer

Saharan dust blows across the Atlantic a few times most summers, sometimes reaching southern Florida. Dust storms and rising warm air can lift the fine Saharan sand 15,000 feet or so above the African deserts. Winds carry the dust westward. Larger particles fall out as the dust crosses the Atlantic. But the smaller particles can cause problems an ocean away.

(USAToday)

It is expected to discourage tropical storm formation as it makes its way across the Atlantic (Baltimore Sun), and