Word: formalize
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...same can be said for John McCain, though his trademark medium is anything but the formal rally, where his appearances can still leave empty seats and relatively subdued crowds even in a high school gymnasium. Instead, McCain is most at home in the "town hall meeting," a modern twist on the old New England civic institution, where neighbors would gather to participate in pure democracy. For McCain, the town hall is more than just a chance for him to spread his message of staying the course in Iraq and cutting taxes and spending. It is itself the message he wants...
...night that Obama finally wrapped up the nomination and addressed a frenzied crowd of about 20,000 in St. Paul, McCain delivered a stiff, formal speech from Louisiana in front of what can simply be described as a green wall. If that sounds bad, it looked even worse. He came across as nervous, his eyes tracking the teleprompter, emphasizing the wrong words, and inserting sarcasm into phrases written to be sincere. In these settings, McCain can appear impatient and phony. He will attempt to cover up his discomfort with quick joyless flashes of an unconvincing grin...
...Benefits could extend beyond the economy. China has threatened to invade Taiwan if it declares formal independence and has installed hundreds of missiles along its southern coast near Taiwan. The U.S. military, which could be drawn in to defend Taiwan in the event of a conflict, considers the Taiwan Strait to be one of the most dangerous flashpoints in Asia. Easing tensions will require more than a deal on tourism, Yang says, but he notes that Friday's agreement could help reduce provocative military maneuvers. "Both China and Taiwan conduct training exercises in the Taiwan Strait. To avoid miscalculation...
...stay in a camp at the junction of four M.I.L.F. command zones. A high-ranking police officer who asked not to be named says he believes the M.I.L.F. is helping Abu Sayyaf in hopes that the unrest it stirs will help their cause. M.I.L.F. spokesman Eid Kabulu denies any formal links between his group and Abu Sayyaf, but says terrorists could still call on ties of friendship and family: "There might be some individuals who these people are close to or have a relationship with, and who they're in some way able to exploit...
...While the work of most journalists is complicated by Sandinista secrecy, cartoonists tell a story that reporters can't; and they reach a larger audience in a country with high levels of illiteracy and low levels of formal education. That combination of factors makes cartoonists important opinion makers, representing a strong critical voice in a country where the political opposition is weak...