The Race Card Project: Six-Word Essays

Living In Two Worlds, But With Just One Language()  

Elysha O'Brien and her husband, Michael, with sons (left to right) Gabriel, Joseph and Michael. Elysha never learned Spanish but is determined that her children will.

Elysha O'Brien calls herself a "Mexican white girl." Not just because of her ethnically ambiguous appearance, she says, but also because she can't speak Spanish. Fearing their children would experience discrimination if they spoke Spanish, her parents chose not to teach them their native tongue.

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It's All Politics

Obama Group's Climate Push Puts President Under Scrutiny()  

President Obama speaks at Ellicott Dredges in Baltimore on May 17. The trip followed a visit by the company's president to Capitol Hill to testify in support of the Keystone XL pipeline. The White House says Obama's speech had nothing to do with Keystone, but environmental groups have been frustrated with his stance on the issue.

Organizing for Action — a group that formed out of President Obama's re-election campaign — has focused its ire on Republicans it calls "climate change deniers." But some environmentalists are frustrated with the president himself on issues like the Keystone pipeline.

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Shots - Health News

Scientific Tooth Fairies Investigate Neanderthal Breast-Feeding()  

This model of a molar shows color-coded barium banding patterns that reveal weaning age.

Our closest relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas, breast-feed their offspring for several years. Some baby orangutans nurse until they are 7 years old. Researchers found a way to test ancient teeth for clues about when humans cut nursing short.

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Law

Sick Inmates Dying Behind Bars Despite Release Program()  

Nearly 30 years ago, Congress gave terminally ill inmates and prisoners with extraordinary family circumstances an early way out, known as compassionate release.

Federal prisoners can request compassionate release if they are terminally ill, but a recent investigation found that many die while their requests drift through the system. Now, prison leaders say they will simplify the approval process and start tracking requests electronically.

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Code Switch

Director Justin Lin Shifts The Identity Of 'Fast & Furious' ()  

Justin Lin's first movie was Shopping For Fangs, which starred John Cho and became a cult classic among Asian American indie film fans.

Fast and Furious director Justin Lin is fighting stereotypes of Asians in Hollywood. But he doesn't want that fight to define him.

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