Public Increasingly Hearing Mostly Bad Economic News
Perceptions of economic news have turned much more negative in the past month, with news about jobs seen as especially dour.
Widespread Support for Banning Full Islamic Veil in Western Europe
The French public overwhelmingly endorses a ban on full Islamic veils in public places, and majorities in other Western European nations surveyed would also welcome such a ban in their countries. In contrast, most Americans would oppose prohibiting Muslim women from wearing full veils in public.
More Cell Phone Owners Use an App for That
While cell phone ownership has remained stable, today’s users are taking advantage of a much wider range of their phones’ capabilities (pictures, internet, music, etc.) compared with 2009.
Media Interest in Oil Spill Flagging
Coverage of the Gulf oil leak has dropped by about two-thirds in the past several weeks. After a rare spike, Afghanistan news fell dramatically.
The Future of Online Socializing
The social benefits of internet use will far outweigh the negatives over the next decade, according to experts. Email, social networks, and other online tools offer low friction opportunities to create, enhance, and rediscover social ties that make a difference in people’s lives and lower traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time.
Canada Cuts the Long Form
Statistics Canada has announced that the nation’s 2011 Census will include the same eight basic questions that were asked of everyone in the 2006 count, and that the mandatory long form will be replaced with a voluntary survey.
Gender Equality Universally Embraced, but Inequalities Acknowledged
Almost everywhere, solid majorities express support for gender equality and agree that women should be able to work outside the home. Yet many say gender inequalities persist and that life is generally better for men in their countries.
Proud Patriots — and Harsh Critics of Government
Nearly all Americans consider themselves patriotic and voice pride in being American. But many of those who voice strong patriotism and pride in the country also are highly critical of the federal government and its political leaders.
Voting Intentions Even, Turnout Indicators Favor GOP
Voters younger than age 30 favor the Democratic candidate in their district by a wide margin (57% to 32%), yet only half of young voters say they are absolutely certain to vote. Voters ages 50 and older favor the Republican candidate in their district by double digits (11 points) and roughly eight-in-ten (79%) say they are absolutely certain to vote.
McChrystal’s Comments Turn the Social Media to Afghanistan
Blogs and Twitter followed MSM into Afghanistan, led by fired general.
