Sleeping brains, campaigns and trains

I've always been fascinated by what scientists have learned about sleep: the idea that we process information differently while we sleep is a great argument for getting my requisite eight hours. Today a New York Times article explores recent scientific research that has tried to confirm the theory that sleep is integral to learning. The lengthy article describes the subject in layman's terms but still points out the complexities to the theories, acknowledging early on that it is difficult to determine whether conclusions reached during sleep could also be reached during "moments of quiet contemplation" during the day. Perhaps The Times will take its own advice, sleep on it, and follow up this story with others as the debate continues.

In The Washington Post today, an article focuses on the spouses of the presidential candidates even as it acknowledges the fine line they walk between taking a role in the campaign and keeping out of the spotlight. The article does a good job putting the 2008 election in a historical context by contrasting the role of political spouses today with past First Ladies such as Mamie Eisenhower and Jacqueline Kennedy. The frequent references to Hillary Clinton then--in 1992--and both remind the reading public how far Clinton has come and show how American attitudes may be changing about the role of women in politics. The potential First Ladies have already gotten a great deal of attention for their campaigning on behalf of their husbands and some attention for their personal lives, and I think we can expect to see a lot more over the course of the next year. Despite Elizabeth Edwards's claim that the campaign is not a "two for one" affair, the 2008 election has the potential to become that.

The Patriot Ledger reports on a controversy surrounding the October 31 opening of the new Greenbush commuter rail line with a straightforward, brief news story. The article explains that the Greenbush line is going to be whistle-free at the request of the five towns it will serve. However, reopening a train line that hasn't been used in ages on an evening when children will be out trick or treating poses safety risks, and the article notes comments from town officials who feel it would be acceptable to use the whistles that day as a precaution. Only one quote from a dissenting official appears, but perhaps that is reflective of the overall opinion. However, the story would have benefited from interviewing residents of the neighborhoods through which the train will pass. One would imagine the ban on train whistles came at their request, so it would only make sense to see what they think about the issue.