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American LifePeople, Places & Issues in the News Across America

15 January 2009 

Today from VOA:

News in 45 Languages
American Life -  People
Michelle Obama (27 Oct 2008 file photo)
Role of First Lady Shaped by Tradition and Individual Interests  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
Each woman who has held position has made it her own
Vice President-elect Joe Biden speaks during a meeting on the economy in Washington, 23 Dec. 2008
Biden, Cheney Approach Vice Presidency Differently  Audio Clip Available
Outgoing and incoming vice presidents are vastly different, personally, politically, and in their approach to nation's second-highest job
Volunteers working on political campaign
Obama to Bring New Style to Government  Video clip available
Volunteers empowered to act, reporters question access
People magazine
Americans Get Advice on How to Lead Healthier Lifestyles in 2009  Audio Clip Available
Eating right is the first step toward better long-term health
The United States ranks second to last among 21 developed nations in children's health
Recruitment Begins For Major US Children's Health Study
Study to examine environmental and biological factors that contribute to disorders in adults by looking at exposures in their childhood
Michael Luther King, Jr.
King Holiday a Time for Tributes  Video clip available
The King holiday celebrates life of country's preeminent civil rights leader and his fight for equal rights during 1950's and 1960's
Patients suffering from influenza have been regularly treated with Tamiflu, the leading drug for flu. But the Centers for Disease Control is warning that the drug is ineffective against most cases of flu this season
Drug-Resistant Flu Sparks Concern  Video clip available
Most flu cases this year resist treatment with Tamiflu
Hill has walked about 6,500 kilometers on his trip and gone through eight pairs of shoes
Cross-Country Walker Collects Messages for the President  Audio Clip Available
Thousands of Americans wrote their thoughts in a book BJ Hill plans to give to Obama
President-elect Barack Obama speaks to reporters in Washington, 12 Jan 2009
Obama to Make History as 44th US President  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
President-elect Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to hold the job
President Bush talks to reporters during White House press conference, 12 Jan 2009
Bush Defends Presidency in Farewell Remarks  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
In a wide-ranging White House news conference, Mr. Bush said he inherited an economic recession when he entered office, and is leaving during a recession
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is now getting ready for its next big event on January 20th when they will entertain thousands of visitors at the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama
US Presidential Inaugurations Transfer Power Peacefully  Video clip available
The inauguration of a new president caps a political process that began more than a year and a half ago when candidates first announced their aspirations for the White House
tv_16feb05_vitamin-e_150.jpg
Study: Elderly at Risk for Dangerous Drug Interactions  Video clip available
Study shows mixing prescription drugs with aspirin and some vitamin supplements can be harmful
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich speaks at a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Illinois, 9 Jan. 2009
Embattled Illinois Governor Vows to Fight Charges Against Him
Lawmakers in Illinois House voted in near-unanimous vote Friday to impeach Rod Blagojevich, who faces federal corruption charges
Thrift store bargins
Thrift Stores Sales Rise as Shoppers Look for Bargains  Video clip available
As most retailers suffer from weak US economy, stores selling used items see increase in sales
Journalist Beth Teitell says she wanted to chronicle what it is like to age in a culture that demands women stay sexy and youthful
Armed With Botox, Women Wage War on Aging  Audio Clip Available
Cosmetic procedures won't keep women young, but there are other ways to stay youthful, new book says
If women take folic acid before conception and during pregnancy, they can reduce the chances their babies will be born with brain and spinal cord defects
Folic Acid Important for Healthy Pregnancies, but Many Women Don't Get Enough  Audio Clip Available
Women of child-bearing age are urged to get 400 milligrams of folic acid every day