Typical editorial headline by the AP. Contary to several media talking heads this does NOT constitute a recession.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The bruised economy limped through the first quarter of this year at only 0.6 percent as housing and credit problems forced people and businesses alike to hunker down.
The country's economic growth during January through March was the same as in the final three months of last year, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. The statistic did not meet what economists consider the classic definition of a recession, which is a retraction of the economy. This means that although economy is stuck in a rut, it is still managing to keep growing -- however modestly.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Respite
Sorry for the no blogging but putting our 12 year old Golden Retriever down today and pretty bummed.
Our beloved Cashew is gone. Thank's for giving this family more joy than you could ever know.
Our beloved Cashew is gone. Thank's for giving this family more joy than you could ever know.
Supreme Court upholds photo ID law for voters in Indiana
Great and significant ruling. This has ramifications for several state laws presently pending.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their constitutional rights. The decision validates Republican-inspired voter ID laws.
The court vote 6-3 to uphold Indiana's strict photo ID requirement. Democrats and civil rights groups say the law would deter poor, older and minority voters from casting ballots.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their constitutional rights. The decision validates Republican-inspired voter ID laws.
The court vote 6-3 to uphold Indiana's strict photo ID requirement. Democrats and civil rights groups say the law would deter poor, older and minority voters from casting ballots.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday Morning Libfest
FOX NEWS SUNDAY (Fox Network): Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.
MEET THE PRESS (NBC): Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.
FACE THE NATION (CBS): David Axelrod, campaign adviser for Barack Obama; Howard Wolfson, campaign adviser for Hillary Rodham Clinton; Roger Mudd, author of a book on CBS news.
THIS WEEK (ABC): Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.; former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; Reps. Artur Davis, D-Ala., and Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas.
LATE EDITION (CNN) : Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y; Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich.; Steve Coll, author of a book on the bin Laden family; James Rubin, a Clinton campaign adviser; Susan Rice, an Obama campaign adviser.
The 5 major Sunday political roundtables, a total of 17 guests. Breakdown: 14 Democrats and 1 Republican, 2 NA. WTF?
MEET THE PRESS (NBC): Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.
FACE THE NATION (CBS): David Axelrod, campaign adviser for Barack Obama; Howard Wolfson, campaign adviser for Hillary Rodham Clinton; Roger Mudd, author of a book on CBS news.
THIS WEEK (ABC): Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.; former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; Reps. Artur Davis, D-Ala., and Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas.
LATE EDITION (CNN) : Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y; Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich.; Steve Coll, author of a book on the bin Laden family; James Rubin, a Clinton campaign adviser; Susan Rice, an Obama campaign adviser.
The 5 major Sunday political roundtables, a total of 17 guests. Breakdown: 14 Democrats and 1 Republican, 2 NA. WTF?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Rev. Al Sharpton vows to 'close the city down' after cops' acquittal in Bell trial
They waited for hours, singing spirituals, praying and chanting for justice, but in a flash, the crowd gathered outside a Queens courthouse Friday erupted in anger and grief.
Men cursed and shouted. Women wailed and covered their faces. "Oh, no! No!" they yelled, as word spread that three police officers had been cleared of all charges in the 50-bullet shooting that took Sean Bell's life on his wedding day in 2006.
To some, the acquittal seemed like more proof that blacks can't get a fair shake in the criminal justice system.
Appears that the two black cops who were accused and exonerated got a fair shake; Or don't they count?
Men cursed and shouted. Women wailed and covered their faces. "Oh, no! No!" they yelled, as word spread that three police officers had been cleared of all charges in the 50-bullet shooting that took Sean Bell's life on his wedding day in 2006.
To some, the acquittal seemed like more proof that blacks can't get a fair shake in the criminal justice system.
Appears that the two black cops who were accused and exonerated got a fair shake; Or don't they count?
Friday, April 25, 2008
BUSH BASHER SMASHES DISABLED TEEN: COPS
" FIGHT FOR PEACE", even if it means beating up a little disabled girl.A man heckling First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna outside the 92nd Street Y was arrested after he punched a wheelchair-bound girl whose parents had told him to shut up, authorities said yesterday. German Talis, 22, was shouting obscenities at the Bushes, who were leaving the building Tuesday, when he crossed paths with Wendy and John Lovetro and their daughter Maureen, 18, who has cerebral palsy.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Gore Ducks, as a Backlash Builds Against Biofuels
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction...
The campaign against climate change could be set back by the global food crisis, as foreign populations turn against measures to use foodstuffs as substitutes for fossil fuels. With prices for rice, wheat, and corn soaring, food-related unrest has broken out in places such as Haiti, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. Several countries have blocked the export of grain Mr. Gore was not available for an interview yesterday on the food crisis, according to his spokeswoman. A spokesman for Mr. Gore’s public campaign to address climate change, the Alliance for Climate Protection, declined to comment for this article.
The campaign against climate change could be set back by the global food crisis, as foreign populations turn against measures to use foodstuffs as substitutes for fossil fuels. With prices for rice, wheat, and corn soaring, food-related unrest has broken out in places such as Haiti, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. Several countries have blocked the export of grain Mr. Gore was not available for an interview yesterday on the food crisis, according to his spokeswoman. A spokesman for Mr. Gore’s public campaign to address climate change, the Alliance for Climate Protection, declined to comment for this article.
The Gingrich-Pelosi Climate Change Ad: Why I Took Part by Newt Gingrich
This is an excerpt from an e-mail we received from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich on why he participated in an ad for WE.
Many of you have written to me to ask why I recently taped an advertisement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for The Alliance for Climate Protection, a group founded by former Vice President Al Gore. I completely understand why many of you would have questions about this, so I want to take this opportunity to explain my reasons. First of all, I want to be clear: I don't think that we have conclusive proof of global warming. And I don't think we have conclusive proof that humans are at the center of it. But here's what we do know. There is an important debate going on right now over the right energy policy, the right environmental policy, and making sure we do the right things for our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Conservatives are missing from this debate, and I think that's a mistake. When it comes to preserving our environment for future generations, we can't have a slogan of "Just yell no!"
Complete and utter BS. Conservatives want nothing more than to be part of the debate but the left has declared the debate OVER and brands any and all who don’t completely agree with their position to be unworthy of consideration. Capitulation and compliance are NOT debate.
Many of you have written to me to ask why I recently taped an advertisement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for The Alliance for Climate Protection, a group founded by former Vice President Al Gore. I completely understand why many of you would have questions about this, so I want to take this opportunity to explain my reasons. First of all, I want to be clear: I don't think that we have conclusive proof of global warming. And I don't think we have conclusive proof that humans are at the center of it. But here's what we do know. There is an important debate going on right now over the right energy policy, the right environmental policy, and making sure we do the right things for our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Conservatives are missing from this debate, and I think that's a mistake. When it comes to preserving our environment for future generations, we can't have a slogan of "Just yell no!"
Complete and utter BS. Conservatives want nothing more than to be part of the debate but the left has declared the debate OVER and brands any and all who don’t completely agree with their position to be unworthy of consideration. Capitulation and compliance are NOT debate.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Scientist: Forget Global Warming, Prepare For New Ice Age
Warming? Cooling? Neither? Pick an expert.
Sunspot activity has not resumed up after hitting an 11-year low in March last year, raising fears that — far from warming — the globe is about to return to an Ice Age, says an Australian-American scientist.
Physicist Phil Chapman, the first native-born Australian to become an astronaut with NASA [he became an American citizen to join up, though he never went into space], said pictures from the U.S. Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) showed no spots on the sun.
He said the world cooled quickly between January last year and January this year, by about 0.7 degrees Centigrade.
"This is the fastest temperature change in the instrumental record, and it puts us back to where we were in 1930," Chapman wrote in The Australian Wednesday. "If the temperature does not soon recover, we will have to conclude that global warming is over."
Sunspot activity has not resumed up after hitting an 11-year low in March last year, raising fears that — far from warming — the globe is about to return to an Ice Age, says an Australian-American scientist.
Physicist Phil Chapman, the first native-born Australian to become an astronaut with NASA [he became an American citizen to join up, though he never went into space], said pictures from the U.S. Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) showed no spots on the sun.
He said the world cooled quickly between January last year and January this year, by about 0.7 degrees Centigrade.
"This is the fastest temperature change in the instrumental record, and it puts us back to where we were in 1930," Chapman wrote in The Australian Wednesday. "If the temperature does not soon recover, we will have to conclude that global warming is over."
Gen Petraeus picked to lead Iraq and Afghan wars
Obvious and great choice!
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates named his top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, on Wednesday to lead U.S. Central Command, responsible for all Middle East operations, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said Petraeus, who has overseen a military strategy widely credited with a dramatic reduction in violence in Iraq, was the most qualified U.S. officer to manage counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I recommended him to the president because I am absolutely confident he is the best man for the job," Gates said.
Gates said many security challenges in the Central Command area of responsibility are characterized by the type of nontraditional threat Petraeus is skilled at tackling.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates named his top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, on Wednesday to lead U.S. Central Command, responsible for all Middle East operations, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said Petraeus, who has overseen a military strategy widely credited with a dramatic reduction in violence in Iraq, was the most qualified U.S. officer to manage counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I recommended him to the president because I am absolutely confident he is the best man for the job," Gates said.
Gates said many security challenges in the Central Command area of responsibility are characterized by the type of nontraditional threat Petraeus is skilled at tackling.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Pennsylvania Democrat Primary
Prediction: Hillary by 7. It won't be enough to help her much in delegates but it will be enough to keep her in the race and it will perpetuate for the moment the knock down drag out against Obama Hussein.
Update: Clinton officially wins Pennsylvania
The only question remaining is how big.
Update II: Clinton 55% Obama 45%. That's big enough, the dynamic has changed.
Update: Clinton officially wins Pennsylvania
The only question remaining is how big.
Update II: Clinton 55% Obama 45%. That's big enough, the dynamic has changed.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Carter Says Obama Strongly Supported Around The World
Yes, Obama is strongly supported in the wordly circles that Jimmy Carter resides ie. Hamas, Chavez' Venezuela, Syria, Zimbabwe etc etc.
Former President Jimmy Carter continued to express his thinly veiled support for Barack Obama over the weekend during a trip to the Middle East. The Nobel laureate discussed what he called strong support for the Democratic hopeful that he discovered in his travels to Africa and Asia.
Carter has not formally endorsed either candidate, although he has suggested that he strongly leans towards supporting the Illinois Senator over rival Hillary Clinton. The man who occupied the White House from 1978 to 1982 said that Obama is the clear favorite in Ghana, Nigeria, and Nepal, and added that “world opinion is strongly supportive of Obama, that's all we hear.”
Former President Jimmy Carter continued to express his thinly veiled support for Barack Obama over the weekend during a trip to the Middle East. The Nobel laureate discussed what he called strong support for the Democratic hopeful that he discovered in his travels to Africa and Asia.
Carter has not formally endorsed either candidate, although he has suggested that he strongly leans towards supporting the Illinois Senator over rival Hillary Clinton. The man who occupied the White House from 1978 to 1982 said that Obama is the clear favorite in Ghana, Nigeria, and Nepal, and added that “world opinion is strongly supportive of Obama, that's all we hear.”
Sunday, April 20, 2008
'Expelled' film draws applause at ISU
All too often many segments of the student body have more common sense then the professors who endeavor to teach (indoctrinate) them.A line for the 7:10 p.m. premiere showing of "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" at the Varsity II theater on Lincoln Way stretched back five storefronts to the Bali Satay House Friday.
The documentary film, narrated by actor and former Nixon speechwriter Ben Stein, explores the relationship between science and religion in academia, juxtaposing images of the Berlin Wall with footage shot for the film to suggest scientific freedom is being stifled by hostile views toward religion.
It features interviews with Guillermo Gonzalez, assistant professor in astronomy at Iowa State University, who claims he was denied tenure for his outspoken views on intelligent design, and Hector Avalos, professor of religious studies at ISU, who has been critical of the teaching of intelligent design in science classrooms.
Those who made it into the theater before it filled up generally responded positively to the film. They greeted the ending credits with applause and, after Gonzalez wrapped up a brief discussion following the film, treated him with a standing ovation.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Gallup : Clinton 46%, Obama 45%
Maybe not so "Teflon" as we've been led to believe.
PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup Poll Daily tracking shows that Hillary Clinton now receives 46% of the support of Democrats nationally, compared to 45% for Barack Obama, marking the first time Obama has not led in Gallup's daily tracking since March 18-20.
These results are based on interviewing conducted April 16-18, including two days of interviewing after the contentious Wednesday night debate in Philadelphia and the media focus that followed. Support for Hillary Clinton has been significantly higher in both of these post-debate nights of interviewing than in recent weeks.
PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup Poll Daily tracking shows that Hillary Clinton now receives 46% of the support of Democrats nationally, compared to 45% for Barack Obama, marking the first time Obama has not led in Gallup's daily tracking since March 18-20.
These results are based on interviewing conducted April 16-18, including two days of interviewing after the contentious Wednesday night debate in Philadelphia and the media focus that followed. Support for Hillary Clinton has been significantly higher in both of these post-debate nights of interviewing than in recent weeks.
Mortgage plan could cost taxpayers $6bn
Again the left proposes to subsidize irresponsibility and you pay.
A Democratic proposal to use public funds to guarantee up to $300bn in mortgages could cost the US taxpayer up to $6bn, according to a preliminary assessment by the Congressional Budget office.
Barney Frank, the powerful chairman of the financial services committee, on Thursday unveiled details of legislation to stem the wave of US home foreclosures through an expansion of the Federal Housing Administration.
A similar bill is being considered by the Senate. While the government could make money depending on the performance of the new loans, it could also incur losses of between 1 and 2 per cent of the total amount, the CBO told lawmakers.
A Democratic proposal to use public funds to guarantee up to $300bn in mortgages could cost the US taxpayer up to $6bn, according to a preliminary assessment by the Congressional Budget office.
Barney Frank, the powerful chairman of the financial services committee, on Thursday unveiled details of legislation to stem the wave of US home foreclosures through an expansion of the Federal Housing Administration.
A similar bill is being considered by the Senate. While the government could make money depending on the performance of the new loans, it could also incur losses of between 1 and 2 per cent of the total amount, the CBO told lawmakers.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Idealistic Imbecile
One of the more telling exchanges of Wednesday's Dem debate:
GIBSON: All right. You have, however, said you would favor an increase in the capital gains tax. As a matter of fact, you said on CNBC, and I quote, "I certainly would not go above what existed under Bill Clinton," which was 28 percent. It's now 15 percent. That's almost a doubling, if you went to 28 percent.
But actually, Bill Clinton, in 1997, signed legislation that dropped the capital gains tax to 20 percent.
OBAMA: Right.
GIBSON: And George Bush has taken it down to 15 percent.
OBAMA: Right.
GIBSON: And in each instance, when the rate dropped, revenues from the tax increased; the government took in more money. And in the 1980s, when the tax was increased to 28 percent, the revenues went down.
So why raise it at all, especially given the fact that 100 million people in this country own stock and would be affected?
OBAMA: Well, Charlie, what I've said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness....
Wow, just WOW.
Thanks McGruff at FR.
GIBSON: All right. You have, however, said you would favor an increase in the capital gains tax. As a matter of fact, you said on CNBC, and I quote, "I certainly would not go above what existed under Bill Clinton," which was 28 percent. It's now 15 percent. That's almost a doubling, if you went to 28 percent.
But actually, Bill Clinton, in 1997, signed legislation that dropped the capital gains tax to 20 percent.
OBAMA: Right.
GIBSON: And George Bush has taken it down to 15 percent.
OBAMA: Right.
GIBSON: And in each instance, when the rate dropped, revenues from the tax increased; the government took in more money. And in the 1980s, when the tax was increased to 28 percent, the revenues went down.
So why raise it at all, especially given the fact that 100 million people in this country own stock and would be affected?
OBAMA: Well, Charlie, what I've said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness....
Wow, just WOW.
Thanks McGruff at FR.
QUAKE
Lotta shakin and rattlin goin on! We are located approx 20 mi from the epicenter. The wife thought it was the wind but having spent a bit of time in California I knew better.Update 10:18AM: Feeling aftershocks all morning; One just hit rattling the cabinets and windows. Just reported it was a 4.5 AS
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A Hamas problem for Obama?
Likeminds....
While Sen. Barack Obama sought to improve his relationship with the Jewish community today by meeting with leaders Philadelphia, comments by a Hamas political adviser this weekend could potentially hurt the Democratic presidential candidate.
During an interview on WABC radio Sunday, top Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef said the terrorist group supports Obama’s foreign policy vision.
“We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance,” Yousef said in response to a question about the group’s willingness to meet with either of the Democratic presidential candidates.
While Sen. Barack Obama sought to improve his relationship with the Jewish community today by meeting with leaders Philadelphia, comments by a Hamas political adviser this weekend could potentially hurt the Democratic presidential candidate.
During an interview on WABC radio Sunday, top Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef said the terrorist group supports Obama’s foreign policy vision.
“We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance,” Yousef said in response to a question about the group’s willingness to meet with either of the Democratic presidential candidates.
The Great Debate
Ed Morrissey at Hot Air has the closest analysis to my own....
The last Democratic debate has finally concluded, and perhaps the last chances of ending the primaries early. Thanks to a surprisingly tenacious set of questions for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton from ABC moderaters Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous, Barack Obama got exposed over and over again as an empty suit, while Hillary cleaned his clock. However, the big winner didn’t even take the stage tonight.
The first 45 minutes of the scheduled 90-minute debate (which went 15 minutes over) wound up focusing on the series of gaffes and stumbles from both candidates. Hillary more or less defused the Tuzla Dash by admitting she essentially lied about it, trying at one point to use the “sleep deprivation” defense. Obama, however, never did figure out the First Rule of Holes. Once again, he described religion as a refuge people use when government doesn’t work — a fatal misreading of religious faith in America. He not only came up with bad answers, he looked lost and tentative throughout the entire period.
The last Democratic debate has finally concluded, and perhaps the last chances of ending the primaries early. Thanks to a surprisingly tenacious set of questions for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton from ABC moderaters Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous, Barack Obama got exposed over and over again as an empty suit, while Hillary cleaned his clock. However, the big winner didn’t even take the stage tonight.
The first 45 minutes of the scheduled 90-minute debate (which went 15 minutes over) wound up focusing on the series of gaffes and stumbles from both candidates. Hillary more or less defused the Tuzla Dash by admitting she essentially lied about it, trying at one point to use the “sleep deprivation” defense. Obama, however, never did figure out the First Rule of Holes. Once again, he described religion as a refuge people use when government doesn’t work — a fatal misreading of religious faith in America. He not only came up with bad answers, he looked lost and tentative throughout the entire period.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Supreme Court upholds use of lethal injections
As expected...
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court upheld the most common method of lethal injections executions Wednesday, clearing the way for states to resume executions that have been on hold for nearly 7 months.
The justices, by a 7-2 vote, turned back a constitutional challenge to the procedures in place in Kentucky, which uses three drugs to sedate, paralyze and kill inmates. Similar methods are used by roughly three dozen states.
The governor of Virginia lifted his state's moratorium on executions two hours after the high court issued its ruling.
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court upheld the most common method of lethal injections executions Wednesday, clearing the way for states to resume executions that have been on hold for nearly 7 months.
The justices, by a 7-2 vote, turned back a constitutional challenge to the procedures in place in Kentucky, which uses three drugs to sedate, paralyze and kill inmates. Similar methods are used by roughly three dozen states.
The governor of Virginia lifted his state's moratorium on executions two hours after the high court issued its ruling.
Study: Divorce, illegitimate kids costing taxpayers $112 billion
One reason I suppose it was frowned upon in the good old days.
NEW YORK - Divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing costs U.S. taxpayers more than $112 billion a year, according to a study commissioned by groups advocating government action to bolster marriage.
There have been previous attempts to calculate the cost of divorce in America. But the sponsors of the new study, being released today, said theirs is the first to gauge the broader cost of “family fragmentation” - both divorce and unwed childbearing.
NEW YORK - Divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing costs U.S. taxpayers more than $112 billion a year, according to a study commissioned by groups advocating government action to bolster marriage.
There have been previous attempts to calculate the cost of divorce in America. But the sponsors of the new study, being released today, said theirs is the first to gauge the broader cost of “family fragmentation” - both divorce and unwed childbearing.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Misplaced Allegiance
Jimmy Carter lays a wreath at late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s grave in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.
Silvio Berlusconi wins Italy election
Europe veering right.
Silvio Berlusconi has won a crushing victory in the Italian general election to become prime minister for the third time.
The 71-year-old media magnate defeated Walter Veltroni, the 52-year-old leader of the Democratic Party, by a considerable margin and has a large enough majority to rule Italy for a full five-year term.
Mr Veltroni, who was a popular mayor of Rome before entering national politics, conceded defeat five hours after the polls closed, saying that the result was clear.
Silvio Berlusconi has won a crushing victory in the Italian general election to become prime minister for the third time.
The 71-year-old media magnate defeated Walter Veltroni, the 52-year-old leader of the Democratic Party, by a considerable margin and has a large enough majority to rule Italy for a full five-year term.
Mr Veltroni, who was a popular mayor of Rome before entering national politics, conceded defeat five hours after the polls closed, saying that the result was clear.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Clinton Takes 20 Point Lead (Pennsylvania)
Hillary hasn't sung yet!
Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 48% to 44% among men (45% of likely Democratic primary voters). Among women, Clinton leads 64% to 31%.
Clinton leads 64% to 29% among white voters (82% of likely Democratic primary voters). Obama leads 79% to 18% among African American voters (14% of likely Democratic primary voters).
Clinton leads 52% to 43% among voters age 18 to 49 (50% of likely Democratic primary voters) and Clinton leads 62% to 31% among voters age 50 and older.
Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 48% to 44% among men (45% of likely Democratic primary voters). Among women, Clinton leads 64% to 31%.
Clinton leads 64% to 29% among white voters (82% of likely Democratic primary voters). Obama leads 79% to 18% among African American voters (14% of likely Democratic primary voters).
Clinton leads 52% to 43% among voters age 18 to 49 (50% of likely Democratic primary voters) and Clinton leads 62% to 31% among voters age 50 and older.
Darwin Award Winner of the Week
Man Accidentally Shoots Himself in the Groin
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A 20-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the groin early Sunday morning. It happened on the 700 block of North 24th avenue.
Police say the man was trying to conceal a double barrel shotgun in the front of his pants and accidentally fired it two times.
The gun was found at the home where the shooting took place. They also found a second stolen firearm.
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A 20-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the groin early Sunday morning. It happened on the 700 block of North 24th avenue.
Police say the man was trying to conceal a double barrel shotgun in the front of his pants and accidentally fired it two times.
The gun was found at the home where the shooting took place. They also found a second stolen firearm.
Retail Sales Edged Higher in March
Better than expected...
WASHINGTON -- U.S. retail sales took a surprising turn upward during March, a promising sign for the economy given the punishment consumers have absorbed.
Retail sales increased by 0.2%, the Commerce Department said Monday. Sales went down a revised 0.4% in February. Sales that month were originally seen 0.6% lower.
WASHINGTON -- U.S. retail sales took a surprising turn upward during March, a promising sign for the economy given the punishment consumers have absorbed.
Retail sales increased by 0.2%, the Commerce Department said Monday. Sales went down a revised 0.4% in February. Sales that month were originally seen 0.6% lower.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Carter Shrugs Off Calls From U.S. Officials, Lawmakers to Drop Meeting With Hamas
Constantly striving to make up for a failed Presidency, Carter continues to prove to all why it was.WASHINGTON — Former President Jimmy Carter said he feels "quite at ease" about meeting Hamas militants over the objections of Washington because the Palestinian group is essential to a future peace with Israel.
Carter, interviewed Saturday for ABC News' "This Week," airing Sunday, also said he would oppose a U.S. Olympic boycott and hopes all countries will join in the Beijing games.
He spoke from Katmandu, Nepal, where his team of observers from the Carter Center monitored an election that appeared likely to transform rule by royal dynasty into a democracy with former Maoist rebels in a strong position, judging by incomplete returns.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Obama's remarks slammed by rivals
And deservedly so. His statements are dripping with such a degree of condescention and elitism it almost takes ones breath away.
Statement:"You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Sens. John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday criticized Sen. Barack Obama as a condescending, out-of-touch elitist over remarks made Sunday and again last night in which the Illinois senator said small-town Americans are "bitter" and cling to guns and religion as symptoms of frustration.
"Pennsylvania doesn't need a president who looks down on them," Mrs. Clinton said at a Philadelphia rally yesterday. "They need a president who stands up for them, who fights for them, who works hard for your futures, your jobs, your families."
Statement:"You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Sens. John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday criticized Sen. Barack Obama as a condescending, out-of-touch elitist over remarks made Sunday and again last night in which the Illinois senator said small-town Americans are "bitter" and cling to guns and religion as symptoms of frustration.
"Pennsylvania doesn't need a president who looks down on them," Mrs. Clinton said at a Philadelphia rally yesterday. "They need a president who stands up for them, who fights for them, who works hard for your futures, your jobs, your families."
Spy photos reveal 'secret launch site' for Iran's long-range missiles
This calls for more dialogue!
The secret site where Iran is suspected of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets in Europe has been uncovered by new satellite photographs.
The imagery has pinpointed the facility from where the Iranians launched their Kavoshgar 1 “research rocket” on February 4, claiming that it was in connection with their space programme.
Analysis of the photographs taken by the Digital Globe QuickBird satellite four days after the launch has revealed a number of intriguing features that indicate to experts that it is the same site where Iran is focusing its efforts on developing a ballistic missile with a range of about 6,000km (4,000 miles).
The secret site where Iran is suspected of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets in Europe has been uncovered by new satellite photographs.
The imagery has pinpointed the facility from where the Iranians launched their Kavoshgar 1 “research rocket” on February 4, claiming that it was in connection with their space programme.
Analysis of the photographs taken by the Digital Globe QuickBird satellite four days after the launch has revealed a number of intriguing features that indicate to experts that it is the same site where Iran is focusing its efforts on developing a ballistic missile with a range of about 6,000km (4,000 miles).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Jobless Claims Fell Sharply Last Week
Recession my shiny butt.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, after having hit the highest level in more than two years in the week before.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless benefits totaled 357,000 last week, down by 53,000 from the previous week.
Even with last week's improvement, the four-week average for claims rose by 2,500 to 378,250, the highest level since early October 2005
Yep, an earth shattering 5% unemployment rate.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, after having hit the highest level in more than two years in the week before.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless benefits totaled 357,000 last week, down by 53,000 from the previous week.
Even with last week's improvement, the four-week average for claims rose by 2,500 to 378,250, the highest level since early October 2005
Yep, an earth shattering 5% unemployment rate.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
FNC Breaking: Al Qaeda Leader Abu Ubaida al Masri Confirmed Dead
YEA BABY!
Al Qaeda operative and bomb expert Abu Ubaida al-Masri, one of the terror group's top 10 leaders, is dead, a U.S. official confirmed to FOX News Wednesday.
Al-Masri was responsible for the organization’s external operations, meaning he plotted attacks outside the tribal areas of Pakistan.
A recent Los Angeles Times report described al-Masri as a "stocky Egyptian explosives expert with two missing fingers" who, as chief of external operations for Al Qaeda, has one of the most dangerous jobs in international terrorism.
Al Qaeda operative and bomb expert Abu Ubaida al-Masri, one of the terror group's top 10 leaders, is dead, a U.S. official confirmed to FOX News Wednesday.
Al-Masri was responsible for the organization’s external operations, meaning he plotted attacks outside the tribal areas of Pakistan.
A recent Los Angeles Times report described al-Masri as a "stocky Egyptian explosives expert with two missing fingers" who, as chief of external operations for Al Qaeda, has one of the most dangerous jobs in international terrorism.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Bill would allow locals to ban handguns
This is a preview of coming attractions for many municipalities throughout the country making the SCOTUS/DC ruling monumental in it's importance.
An East Bay lawmaker's bill to clear the way for local handgun bans has a committee hearing Tuesday (April 8), delving into issues now pending before the state's and nation's highest courts.
Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, authored AB 2566 in reaction to a state Court of Appeal ruling in January which upheld the voiding of San Francisco's Measure H of 2005, approved by voters to bar city residents from owning handguns or from making or selling firearms or ammunition in the city.
The California Supreme Court is mulling whether to review this ruling, which found state law leaves no room for cities and counties to ban handgun ownership; Hancock's bill, to be heard Tuesday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, seeks to create that room by removing the state pre-emption entirely.
An East Bay lawmaker's bill to clear the way for local handgun bans has a committee hearing Tuesday (April 8), delving into issues now pending before the state's and nation's highest courts.
Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, authored AB 2566 in reaction to a state Court of Appeal ruling in January which upheld the voiding of San Francisco's Measure H of 2005, approved by voters to bar city residents from owning handguns or from making or selling firearms or ammunition in the city.
The California Supreme Court is mulling whether to review this ruling, which found state law leaves no room for cities and counties to ban handgun ownership; Hancock's bill, to be heard Tuesday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, seeks to create that room by removing the state pre-emption entirely.
Is Muqtada Al-Sadr Doomed?
Even CBS is finding it difficult to deny the obvious.
On the political front, Sadr now finds himself completely isolated. Key leaders of his own movement are now urging him to accept the Maliki government's demands to disband the militia entirely.
Saturday, Iraq's president and two vice-presidents, along with every other major political group in Iraq (except the Sadrists) joined in the condemnation of Sadr's militia, and endorsed Prime Minister Maliki's demand that the militia disarm. Sadr's militia is now virtually the only militia left in Iraq that still maintains an outlaw posture, the only one that still challenges the authority of the Iraqi Security Forces or the Coalition. (Other major militias have disbanded, transforming into political organizations and joining — or becoming — legitimate security forces, which explains why you never hear about any other militia in the news.)
On the political front, Sadr now finds himself completely isolated. Key leaders of his own movement are now urging him to accept the Maliki government's demands to disband the militia entirely.
Saturday, Iraq's president and two vice-presidents, along with every other major political group in Iraq (except the Sadrists) joined in the condemnation of Sadr's militia, and endorsed Prime Minister Maliki's demand that the militia disarm. Sadr's militia is now virtually the only militia left in Iraq that still maintains an outlaw posture, the only one that still challenges the authority of the Iraqi Security Forces or the Coalition. (Other major militias have disbanded, transforming into political organizations and joining — or becoming — legitimate security forces, which explains why you never hear about any other militia in the news.)
Monday, April 07, 2008
Conservative: Romney 'unacceptable' as VP
Pardon my blunt but Paul Weyrick's an a$$. I saw Mitt Romney a few nights back and he was absolutely flawless. McCain's about as exciting as a piece of cold pizza, Romney would add a spark to the ticket that is sorely missing.
WASHINGTON, April 6 (UPI) -- A group of conservatives has taken out an ad urging presumptive Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain not to tap Mitt Romney as his running mate.
Paul Weyrich, co-founder of the Moral Majority, who once endorsed Romney, is among those calling on McCain to look beyond Romney, his former rival and past governor of Massachusetts, the Los Angeles Times reported.
WASHINGTON, April 6 (UPI) -- A group of conservatives has taken out an ad urging presumptive Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain not to tap Mitt Romney as his running mate.
Paul Weyrich, co-founder of the Moral Majority, who once endorsed Romney, is among those calling on McCain to look beyond Romney, his former rival and past governor of Massachusetts, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Sen. Stabenow's Husband Nailed in Prostitution Bust
Liberals and prostitutes...birds of a feather.
Bad day for Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Her husband,Thomas Athans, cofounder of a liberal talk radio network, is cooperating with police in an Internet-based prostitution bust at hotels in Troy, Mich., according to the Detroit Free Press.
According to the paper, Athans told police he "paid a prostitute $150 for sex at a Troy hotel in late February." The story notes that Athans, 46, was not arrested or charged.
Stabenow, 57, released a short statement today saying, "This is very disturbing and serious. Obviously it's a deeply difficult and personal matter."
Bad day for Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Her husband,Thomas Athans, cofounder of a liberal talk radio network, is cooperating with police in an Internet-based prostitution bust at hotels in Troy, Mich., according to the Detroit Free Press.
According to the paper, Athans told police he "paid a prostitute $150 for sex at a Troy hotel in late February." The story notes that Athans, 46, was not arrested or charged.
Stabenow, 57, released a short statement today saying, "This is very disturbing and serious. Obviously it's a deeply difficult and personal matter."
Sunday, April 06, 2008
DU on Charlton Heston Passing
Real class....
TomInTib Donating Member (1000+ posts) Apr-06-08 12:20 AM
Response to Reply #12
15. On the money, Buddy.
Rest in the Hottest Parts of Hell, motherf****r.
You and Saint Ronnie can just toast your asses on the f***ing brimstone while s**king each other off.
My ****ing regards, ***k,
Tom
What truly resides in the hearts of the left.
TomInTib Donating Member (1000+ posts) Apr-06-08 12:20 AM
Response to Reply #12
15. On the money, Buddy.
Rest in the Hottest Parts of Hell, motherf****r.
You and Saint Ronnie can just toast your asses on the f***ing brimstone while s**king each other off.
My ****ing regards, ***k,
Tom
What truly resides in the hearts of the left.
THOMPSON VISITING MCCAIN THIS WEEKEND
Sounds social but who knows.
NBC and National Journal have learned that former presidential candidate Fred Thompson is visiting GOP nominee John McCain at McCain's Arizona cabin in Sedona this weekend.
No word of what's been discussed, although a source with knowledge of the visit says that the purpose may be more of a relaxing weekend getaway than a business meeting. (The two men have been longtime personal friends, even during their overlapping presidential bids.)
Thompson endorsed McCain after ending his own run for the GOP nomination.
NBC and National Journal have learned that former presidential candidate Fred Thompson is visiting GOP nominee John McCain at McCain's Arizona cabin in Sedona this weekend.
No word of what's been discussed, although a source with knowledge of the visit says that the purpose may be more of a relaxing weekend getaway than a business meeting. (The two men have been longtime personal friends, even during their overlapping presidential bids.)
Thompson endorsed McCain after ending his own run for the GOP nomination.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Sonny Bono 'assassinated by hitmen'
This is the third time I've seen this reported so what the hey....
SONNY Bono, former husband and singing partner of superstar Cher, was clubbed to death by hitmen on the orders of drug and weapons dealers, an ex-FBI agent claims.
Ted Gunderson, now a private investigator, has told the US Globe tabloid that Bono, who served as mayor of Palm Springs for four years, did not die after hitting a tree on a Nevada ski slope in January 1998 as everyone believed.
"It's nonsense for anyone to now try to suggest that Bono died after crashing into a tree. There's zero evidence in this autopsy report... to show such an accident happened. Instead, there's powerful proof he was assassinated.
"This was an evil plot that was carried out to almost perfection by ruthless assassins," Mr Gunderson told the paper.
SONNY Bono, former husband and singing partner of superstar Cher, was clubbed to death by hitmen on the orders of drug and weapons dealers, an ex-FBI agent claims.
Ted Gunderson, now a private investigator, has told the US Globe tabloid that Bono, who served as mayor of Palm Springs for four years, did not die after hitting a tree on a Nevada ski slope in January 1998 as everyone believed.
"It's nonsense for anyone to now try to suggest that Bono died after crashing into a tree. There's zero evidence in this autopsy report... to show such an accident happened. Instead, there's powerful proof he was assassinated.
"This was an evil plot that was carried out to almost perfection by ruthless assassins," Mr Gunderson told the paper.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Global warming 'dips this year'
Global temperatures will drop slightly this year as a result of the cooling effect of the La Nina current in the Pacific, UN meteorologists have said.
The World Meteorological Organization's secretary-general, Michel Jarraud, told the BBC it was likely that La Nina would continue into the summer.
This would mean global temperatures have not risen since 1998, prompting some to question climate change theory.
Yes, the ones with an open mind and half a brain.
The World Meteorological Organization's secretary-general, Michel Jarraud, told the BBC it was likely that La Nina would continue into the summer.
This would mean global temperatures have not risen since 1998, prompting some to question climate change theory.
Yes, the ones with an open mind and half a brain.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
AA Host Suspended " Hillary's a Whore"
Takes one to know one...
Randi Rhodes, an afternoon host for the progressive Air America radio network, was suspended Thursday after repeatedly insulting Hillary Rodham Clinton at an event last month. Ms. Rhodes used vulgar language that likened Ms. Clinton to a prostitute at an event sponsored by KKGN, the Air America affiliate in the San Francisco area, on March 22. A video of Ms. Rhodes’ remarks was published to the video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday, prompting condemnations by some bloggers.
Randi Rhodes, an afternoon host for the progressive Air America radio network, was suspended Thursday after repeatedly insulting Hillary Rodham Clinton at an event last month. Ms. Rhodes used vulgar language that likened Ms. Clinton to a prostitute at an event sponsored by KKGN, the Air America affiliate in the San Francisco area, on March 22. A video of Ms. Rhodes’ remarks was published to the video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday, prompting condemnations by some bloggers.
Woman Asks to Have Wrinkles Removed, Wakes Up With Bigger Breasts
A German woman who wanted to smooth some wrinkles on her chest was aghast when she woke up with bigger breasts instead, the New York Post reports.
Ingrid Bruelling, 33, wanted doctors to give her breasts firmer skin after she lost 200 pounds on a crash diet.
Husband was pleased.
Ingrid Bruelling, 33, wanted doctors to give her breasts firmer skin after she lost 200 pounds on a crash diet.
Husband was pleased.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Another Obama Deception: "I don’t take money from oil companies."
Semantics...
In a new ad, Obama says, "I don’t take money from oil companies."
Technically, that's true, since a law that has been on the books for more than a century prohibits corporations from giving money directly to any federal candidate. ... We find the statement misleading:
Obama has accepted more than $213,000 from individuals who work for companies in the oil and gas industry and their spouses.
Two of Obama's bundlers are top executives at oil companies and are listed on his Web site as raising between $50,000 and $100,000 for the presidential hopeful.
In a new ad, Obama says, "I don’t take money from oil companies."
Technically, that's true, since a law that has been on the books for more than a century prohibits corporations from giving money directly to any federal candidate. ... We find the statement misleading:
Obama has accepted more than $213,000 from individuals who work for companies in the oil and gas industry and their spouses.
Two of Obama's bundlers are top executives at oil companies and are listed on his Web site as raising between $50,000 and $100,000 for the presidential hopeful.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Dems Don’t Want Clinton to Be Obama’s No. 2, Poll Shows
Hmmmmm...
Democrats generally like the idea of Barack Obama joining Hillary Clinton’s ticket if she wins the nomination, but apparently cringe at the thought of Clinton tagging along with Obama should he be the nominee, according to a new Gallup poll out Tuesday.
The poll underscores the deep divide in the Democratic race, as the candidates continue to slug it out in the run-up to the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
The Gallup poll, taken from March 24-27 of 502 Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents, found 58 percent of those surveyed would want Obama to be the vice presidential candidate if Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. Forty-one percent would want the New York senator to pick someone else.
Democrats generally like the idea of Barack Obama joining Hillary Clinton’s ticket if she wins the nomination, but apparently cringe at the thought of Clinton tagging along with Obama should he be the nominee, according to a new Gallup poll out Tuesday.
The poll underscores the deep divide in the Democratic race, as the candidates continue to slug it out in the run-up to the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
The Gallup poll, taken from March 24-27 of 502 Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents, found 58 percent of those surveyed would want Obama to be the vice presidential candidate if Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. Forty-one percent would want the New York senator to pick someone else.
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