Topic: Old Dominion University

6 factors that will determine concessions from Iran

Can war with Iran can be avoided? In recent talks with the West in Baghdad, Iran showed some greater flexibility about its nuclear program. But Iran has a history of trickery in the nuclear arena. Whether Tehran will cooperates with Western demands depends on the following six factors.

Why is Michele Bachmann endorsing Mitt Romney now? (+video)

An endorsement by Tea Party favorite Michele Bachmann in Virginia, a battleground state, can help Mitt Romney. Meanwhile, the Romney camp can help Bachmann with her campaign debt.

Smoke the shad, press the flesh: a Virginia political ritual past its prime?

Republicans dominate one of Virginia's oldest political events, the annual 'Shad Planking' in Wakefield. This is no longer Democrat-friendly turf, but attendees still see reason for Democratic candidates to come.

'Shad Planking' offers window on US Senate race in Virginia

Oily, bony fish? Check. Baked beans? Check. Politics? You betcha! GOP US Senate hopeful George Allen gave the keynote speech at 'Shad Planking 2012' in Virginia. Why was Democratic rival Tim Kaine a no-show?

NCAA Tournament 2012 means distracted workers. What's an employer to do?

The first two days of NCAA Tournament 2012 mean productivity losses worth $175 million, by one estimate. Some employers grin and bear it, while others warn workers against watching on the sly.

Six reasons to keep America as No. 1 superpower

Many around the world say American decline would preserve global stability through a better balance of power. They’re wrong, says Steve Yetiv, a political science professor at Old Dominion University. It’s not that other countries or international institutions can’t play vital roles. They do. But they can't yet do what Washington does around the world, Yetiv says. Here he gives six examples.

8 reasons America is not in decline

As many as 70 percent of Americans believe that the United States is in decline. And who can blame them? High unemployment. Crushing debt. Political gridlock. For all the unrelenting gloom, Old Dominion University political science professor Steve Yetiv explains that America remains strong in key areas, unlikely to be superseded by another country anytime soon. He urges readers to consider these 8 facts:

Strategic foreclosure: Why people are ditching their mortgages

 More and more, indebted homeowners are deciding to walk away from their mortgages, instead of facing forced foreclosure. Who will pay the discarded debt?

Is America over? Not by a long shot.

American decline is the conventional wisdom, as the United States suffers from high unemployment, crushing debt, and political gridlock. Here's the bigger picture: a competitive and innovative economy, reliable allies, a superior military, and foreign autocrats on the run.

Disgusting sea creature threatened with extinction

Conservationists say that the hagfish, a loathsome undersea scavenger whose appearance and behavior are too revolting for most people even to contemplate, is on the decline.

Surging BRIC middle classes are eclipsing global poverty

By 2022, those living in poverty will be a minority for the first time, as the global middle class – particularly from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations – surges. Does new affluence signal shifting global power?

Who's to blame for rising oil prices? Speculators

Many blame Middle East turmoil or a weak dollar for rising oil prices, but they provide only a partial explanation. The chief culprit is speculation in oil markets. Fortunately, it can be stemmed with several regulatory steps.

Why is Glenn Beck leaving his Fox News show?

Glenn Beck, a Fox News fixture since January 2009, announces that his daily talk show will end this year. Analysts suggest viewers and advertisers tired of his conspiracy theories and antics.

VCU vs. Butler in NCAA Final Four: Time to retire Cinderella’s glass slippers

Butler is back in the Final Four again this year. And Virginia Commonwealth University has demonstrated more clearly than any statistical measure can reveal that they deserve all the respect major conference teams get.

Political strategy in Libya: US and others must recognize a rebel government

The US, Western, and Arab allies must recognize and support Libya's newly formed provisional, rebel government: the National Council. Doing so is key to a plan that will help avoid the most-feared scenarios, remove Qaddafi, and enable a more stable transition to democracy in Libya.

NCAA tournament Sweet 16: Who's complaining about VCU now?

NCAA tournament Sweet 16 features Virginia Commonwealth taking on Florida State Friday night. Now that the Rams have won three straight tourney games and reached the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, VCU should have to answer to no one.

NCAA Tournament: Thursday's Sweet 16 matchups

A short breakdown of the NCAA tournament 'Sweet 16' games scheduled for Thursday night.

NCAA Tournament 2011: Top buzzer-beaters and wild finishes (VIDEO)

With 64 of the 68 teams in the field eliminated, the NCAA Tournament lived up to its reputation in the first two weekends of play, complete with shocking upsets, heart-pounding finishes, controversies, and a school from Richmond called Virginia Commonwealth. Here’s our top list of wild and crazy finishes from the second third rounds, the Sweet 16, and the Elite Eight.

Should you panic about oil prices?

Not yet. Middle East turmoil may increase the danger of rising oil prices triggering a double-dip recession. But while a short-lived oil price spike is quite possible, a sustained spike causing serious economic damage isn't likely. Still, the US should consider two approaches for insurance.

With Jim Webb retiring, 2012 Senate prospects get harder for Democrats

Sen. Jim Webb (D) of Virginia won't seek reelection next year. But Virginia's Democratic bench isn't very deep.

Crowdsourcing: The art of a crowd

Crowdsourced art, also known as wiki-art, erases the line between artist and audience.

The US role in the rise of China

How the US and China can avoid conflict

If China and America are to maintain cooperation, both need to manage China’s rise effectively. The oil arena is an important place to start.

World's largest inflatable vehicle -- Bullet 580 airship -- inflated and ready for action

Wow! The Bullet 580 airship is as long as a 23-floor skyscraper and can reach top speeds of 80mph.