Daily Links, Jan. 26: Workers, numbers, and phone chargers

In labor news today, the Indiana House of Representatives passed its "right to work" bill [1]that would bar unions from charging nonmembers for representation. And, Apple has recently come forward about some rotten labor practices [2] at their factories in Asia.

The Public Religion Research Institute has some numbers [3] up in light of Tuesday night's State of the Union address [4]. 48% of Americans say that the American Dream once held true, but does not hold true anymore. In a touching moment before the speech began, the president embraced Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.). Says Debra Dean Murphy [5] at the Christian Century: Let's not politicize this woman.

Bishop Joseph McFadden of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has turned some heads [6] by saying that the PA school system models the ideals of Hitler. Scott Alessi says [7] that  that this might not have been the wisest choice of words.

From the land of good ideas: A way to get unemployed people experiencing homelessness some work [8], a clean way to power cell phones [9] in Africa, and including empowerment as a rebuilding tool after the Haiti earthquakes [10].

Alaska Airlines will no longer distribute prayer cards [11] on its flights.

And, have no fear, the new Minnesota Vikings stadium [12] will not be going right next to the Basilica of St. Mary!

Need a little vacation from your work day? Take a virtual trip to Yosemite National Park and watch this awesome time-lapse video [13].

Happy Thursday!