Critics hit Romney job-creation record - The Washington Times

		Monday, February 27, 2012 Today's Top Stories
Critics hit Romney job-creation record Mitt Romney is fighting for votes in economically struggling Michigan by pointing to his job-creation record in Massachusetts for proof he can jump-start bad economies — but the drop in unemployment during his time as governor may be a result more of willing workers fleeing the state than from his own ability to spawn jobs. White House vows to stay involved in Afghanistan Even as another day of anti-U.S. violence saw seven NATO troops hurt in Afghanistan, the Obama administration on Sunday vowed to remain heavily involved in the country and defended the president's handling of a crisis sparked by the inadvertent burning by American troops of Muslim holy books. Doctors call for HPV shots for boys Despite lackluster acceptance among girls for a vaccine to prevent cancer-causing sexually transmitted viruses, the American Academy of Pediatrics is fully recommending that boys get the shots as well. China's appetite for commodities a boon for businesses While much of the world is still struggling to recover from the great slump of the past few years, nations and states that cater to China's enormous appetite for energy, food, metals and other commodities have been doing swimmingly. Romney camp, super PAC share high-level aides Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and the super PAC accepting million-dollar contributions to support him are barred by law from coordinating, yet they share many of the same top-level workers, a fact both groups have helped mask by paying high-level aides through companies that appear to exist largely as conduits to avoid disclosure. 'Act of Valor' accomplishes mission of educating public The Hollywood movie "Act of Valor" - the nation's No. 1 box-office attraction, starring real Navy SEALs - has put the spotlight on the U.S. military's post-Sept. 11, 2001, love affair with the media. 'The Artist' earns best-picture, lead-actor Oscars Academy Awards voters have spoken up for "The Artist," the first silent film to triumph at Hollywood's highest honors since the original Oscar ceremony 83 years ago. White House photographers honor Times' Harnik, Geraci Washington Times photographer Andrew Harnik has won four first-place awards in the White House News Photographers Association's annual "Eyes of History" competition and finished second overall, losing the Photographer of the Year award only on a tiebreaker. Inside the Beltway While the spell of the Oscars lingers, so do reactions to President Obama's recent apology to Afghanistan for the accidental burning of 70 Korans by servicemen on refuse detail. Earmark ban facing a fight over definition The Senate this week could face a showdown over exactly what is an earmark, after one senator vowed to challenge money set aside in the pending transportation bill by the chamber's top lawmaker, Sen. Harry Reid. Thousands form human chain in anti-Putin protest Thousands of protesters held hands to form a 10-mile human chain encircling central Moscow on Sunday to keep up the pressure on Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as he prepares to extend his rule for six more years. Sources: Gulf oil-spill trial delayed A federal trial over the nation's worst offshore oil disaster has been delayed for a week to allow more time for settlement talks, according to two people close to the case. CURL: Can you really afford four more years? In January 2009, when President Obama was sworn in, a gallon of regular gasoline cost $1.68. Today, it's more than double that, reaching $5 in parts of California and $6 just outside Disney World in Florida. Arizona's Gov. Brewer endorses Romney Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination on Sunday, saying he is the most electable candidate in the field. Colombian rebels freeing all 'prisoners of war' Colombia's main rebel group said Sunday it is freeing the last of the government captives it has held for years and will abandon the practice of kidnapping. New Murdoch tabloid launches in defiant mood Rupert Murdoch's newest newspaper launched Sunday with a familiar mix of celebrity news, scantily clad women and defiant language. Commentary KNIGHT: Lying because it works This year's presidential election will be a contest between truth and lies. Don't think it's that stark? Let's compare how the media handled two incidents. On Feb. 16, philanthropist Foster Friess, a major backer and adviser to Rick Santorum, cracked a joke that became a media sensation. EDITORIAL: Disabling employment The Labor Department is about to make it harder for the disabled to find a job. The new policy is a painful reminder why it is important to get away fast when the government says it is trying to help you. DECKER: GOP race: The Michigan factor The usually inconsequential Michigan primary is a bellwether in this year's contest for the Republican presidential nomination. On Presidents Day, News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch said of Rick Santorum's recent surge, "Win Michigan, game over." Turning the heat up on Mitt Romney, who had dropped to second place despite being a native son of the Great Lakes State, Newt Gingrich said, "I think it's extraordinarily important to carry your own state. DECKER: Five questions with Gov. Rick Scott Rick Scott is the Republican governor of Florida. A successful businessman before entering politics, Mr. Scott and his wife Ann started out owning two Kansas City doughnut shops, which his mother ran. He later founded Columbia Hospital Corporation, which in 10 years grew to become the seventh-largest employer in America with over 285,000 workers at more than 1,000 hospitals, surgery centers and home-health outlets. ALLOTT: Democrats' anti-immigrant zealotry Birtherism is alive and well. I'm not referring to doubts about President Obama's birthplace. I'm talking, instead, about mounting attacks on prominent Republicans whose parents were born abroad. Other Recent Articles Romney takes campaign detour to Daytona Report: Women have rare egg-producing stem cells Penguins Crosby skates with teammates again AP Top Technology News At 3:36 a.m. EST Rangers star Josh Hamilton: 'My loyalty is here' Scientists see red on NASA cuts of Mars missions Federer says confidence loss cost him major titles AP Top Entertainment News At 6:09 a.m. EST Stars swamp loud, colorful Oscar parties Feud over iPad highlights faded tech firm's woes Actress Lucy Lawless arrested in oil-ship protest AP Top Sports News At 4:43 a.m. EST Durant says winning All-Star MVP a childhood dream St. John's beats No. 20 Notre Dame 61-58 New fashion stars include Mara, Stone and Chastain		Most Read Stories Romney makes no apologies for his cars Navy aviator's career soars; pilot he downed suffers KNIGHT: Lying because it works Karen Santorum: Husband's surge 'is God's will' Judge awards iPhone user $850 in throttling case Latest from WT Communities Independent Social Contributors Pakistan: The Untold Story of Trauma, Transition, and Opportunity Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy accepts Oscar for Saving Face "Saving Face" Pakistan's first Academy Award nomination Urban Game Changer Can California be a contender in the Presidential race or are we dreaming? Video: Kira Davis offers her apology to President Karzai, standing for America Egypt: Pyramids and Revolution NGO's Crisis: A difficult test for U.S.-Egypt Relations Sports violence triggers Egypt's latest crisis Media Migraine Communities Live Chat of The 84th Annual Academy Awards Oscars 2012: Schedule of Academy Awards TV, online coverage For Advertising Opportunities Click Here