Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Newsweek: Obama's Experience Trumps McCain's? | NewsBusters.org
Newsweek: Obama's Experience Trumps McCain's? | NewsBusters.org: "Newsweek is at it again (see here, here, and here for starters). Virtually any positive angle its writers can come up with for Barack Obama, it'll take. The latest comes from 'special guest columnist' Alan Ehrenhalt who argues -- and then doesn't argue (you'll see what I mean) -- that Barack Obama's experience as a state legislator makes him more qualified (to be president) than John McCain's twenty-two years as a U.S. Senator (and his four years as a U.S. Representative before that).
But here's something I bet you didn't know: If Obama becomes president, he will have spent more time serving as a state legislator (eight years) than anyone who has occupied the White House since Abraham Lincoln.
You're thinking that's kind of irrelevant. John McCain has been a member of the U.S. Senate since 1986; do I really mean to suggest that Obama's eight years in the Illinois Senate (not the most august deliberative body, as anyone who has seen it will attest) provide the same preparation for the presidency? Well, not exactly. But looking back on quite a few years covering Congress, and an almost equal number of years following legislatures, I'm drawn to some slightly curmudgeonly comments about what it is that U.S. senators do, and what it is that state legislators do."
But here's something I bet you didn't know: If Obama becomes president, he will have spent more time serving as a state legislator (eight years) than anyone who has occupied the White House since Abraham Lincoln.
You're thinking that's kind of irrelevant. John McCain has been a member of the U.S. Senate since 1986; do I really mean to suggest that Obama's eight years in the Illinois Senate (not the most august deliberative body, as anyone who has seen it will attest) provide the same preparation for the presidency? Well, not exactly. But looking back on quite a few years covering Congress, and an almost equal number of years following legislatures, I'm drawn to some slightly curmudgeonly comments about what it is that U.S. senators do, and what it is that state legislators do."
Labels: National Politics, News, Time Waster;, WTF
Monday, June 23, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist - Paul Krugman - Home Not-So-Sweet Home, and the ownership obsession - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Interesting article... read the whole thing...
Paul Krugman
Blog: The Conscience of a Liberal
Op-Ed Columnist - Paul Krugman - Home Not-So-Sweet Home, and the ownership obsession - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com: "“Owning a home lies at the heart of the American dream.” So declared President Bush in 2002, introducing his “Homeownership Challenge” — a set of policy initiatives that were supposed to sharply increase homeownership, especially for minority groups.
Oops. While homeownership rose as the housing bubble inflated, temporarily giving Mr. Bush something to boast about, it plunged — especially for African-Americans — when the bubble popped. Today, the percentage of American families owning their own homes is no higher than it was six years ago, and it’s a good bet that by the time Mr. Bush leaves the White House homeownership will be lower than it was when he moved in."
Paul Krugman
Blog: The Conscience of a Liberal
Op-Ed Columnist - Paul Krugman - Home Not-So-Sweet Home, and the ownership obsession - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com: "“Owning a home lies at the heart of the American dream.” So declared President Bush in 2002, introducing his “Homeownership Challenge” — a set of policy initiatives that were supposed to sharply increase homeownership, especially for minority groups.
Oops. While homeownership rose as the housing bubble inflated, temporarily giving Mr. Bush something to boast about, it plunged — especially for African-Americans — when the bubble popped. Today, the percentage of American families owning their own homes is no higher than it was six years ago, and it’s a good bet that by the time Mr. Bush leaves the White House homeownership will be lower than it was when he moved in."
Labels: National Politics, News
Monday, June 16, 2008
From NEWS BUSTERS
Ohio Judge With Posters of Che and Obama, Where's MSM Outrage?
By Warner Todd Huston | June 16, 2008 - 18:27 ET
The AP had a short newsbreak story on Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge who ruled that the state must stop the method of executions in the state, saying that the "lethal injection procedure doesn't provide the quick and painless death required by Ohio law." Accompanying the short story is the picture we post here showing the judge in his office where he proudly displays two posters, one with murderer, insurrectionist and communist Che Guevara upon it and the other is the famous "Hope" poster put out by the Barack Obama campaign.
Labels: Election, National Politics, News, Obama
Friday, August 31, 2007
Climate change posers by Al Gore on News Groper - Fake Democratic Political Blogs, 2008 Election Humor, Funny Environmental Satire
Climate change posers by Al Gore on News Groper: "Climate change posers Al GoreBy Al Gore 8/30/07 4:18 PM EST | New York gore2.jpg Associated Press It’s always nice to see people acting on my message of climate change, which is why I was so heartened to find out that the United Nations held a climate conference in Vienna this week. But something seemed to be missing from the event. Were too few nations represented? No. More than 100 nations participated. Did the United States skip out? No. The Bush administration actually sent a big delegation this time. So who or what was missing? Hmmm, let me think. Oh, I know. IT WAS ME! AL GORE! OSCAR-WINNING-FORMER-VICE- PRESIDENT-INVENTOR-OF-THE-INTERNET- SAVIOR-OF-HUMANITY AL GORE!"
MORE
Labels: Environment, Humor, National Politics
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Makers of cigars fear bill's burn -- chicagotribune.com
Makers of cigars fear bill's burn -- chicagotribune.com: "Makers of cigars fear bill's burn Nicaragua, other exporters say U.S. proposal to raise excise taxes will devastate economies
By Oscar Avila | Tribune foreign correspondent August 28, 2007 ESTELI, Nicaragua -
This town's residents have gotten a taste of prosperity. And a whiff. The savory odor of tobacco from Esteli's cigar factories is a reminder of how this region helped Nicaragua become the third-largest foreign cigar supplier to the U.S. At the Grupo Plasencia factory, William Espinoza and other workers earn comfortable salaries by drying, cutting, sorting and rolling squares of tobacco leaf. But instead of satisfaction, the workplace is full of unease and dark humor these days, such as when a co-worker points out the duffel bag near Espinoza's work station."
More
By Oscar Avila | Tribune foreign correspondent August 28, 2007 ESTELI, Nicaragua -
This town's residents have gotten a taste of prosperity. And a whiff. The savory odor of tobacco from Esteli's cigar factories is a reminder of how this region helped Nicaragua become the third-largest foreign cigar supplier to the U.S. At the Grupo Plasencia factory, William Espinoza and other workers earn comfortable salaries by drying, cutting, sorting and rolling squares of tobacco leaf. But instead of satisfaction, the workplace is full of unease and dark humor these days, such as when a co-worker points out the duffel bag near Espinoza's work station."
More
Labels: cigars, National Politics, News
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Rocky Patel Speaks Out On The Cigar Tax
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cigar Aficionados Want Tax Plan To Go Up In Smoke
cbs4.com - Cigar Aficionados Want Tax Plan To Go Up In Smoke: "Men, and women, who love a good cigar may go into stogie sticker shock if Congress has its way.
A measure making its way through the halls of Congress would not only raise the tax on cigarettes and cigars, it would raise the tax on some cigars through the roof.
Cigarettes, which account 95 percent of tobacco tax collections, are the main focus of the bill. Federal taxes on a pack would jump from 39-cents to $1.
As for cigars, currently the federal government levies a flat tax of 5-cents per cigar. If the proposed legislation passes, it would increase the tax up to $10 per cigar, depending on the price of the cigar. In some cases that would be an increase of up to 20 thousand percent.
Under measure being considered, a cigar would be taxed at 53-percent of its wholesale price. For example, if a cigar costs $5 now, under the new tax plan the price would increase by more than half - to just over $7.50. A cigar that costs $20 would be taxed $10 under the new plan.
The impact of cigar dealers, large and small, would be enormous.
'I have a thousand open boxes of cigars,' said Jorge Valdes of Sabor Havana Cigars in Doral. 'Put 20-thousand percent on top of each cigar and you tell me what that number is.'"
A measure making its way through the halls of Congress would not only raise the tax on cigarettes and cigars, it would raise the tax on some cigars through the roof.
Cigarettes, which account 95 percent of tobacco tax collections, are the main focus of the bill. Federal taxes on a pack would jump from 39-cents to $1.
As for cigars, currently the federal government levies a flat tax of 5-cents per cigar. If the proposed legislation passes, it would increase the tax up to $10 per cigar, depending on the price of the cigar. In some cases that would be an increase of up to 20 thousand percent.
Under measure being considered, a cigar would be taxed at 53-percent of its wholesale price. For example, if a cigar costs $5 now, under the new tax plan the price would increase by more than half - to just over $7.50. A cigar that costs $20 would be taxed $10 under the new plan.
The impact of cigar dealers, large and small, would be enormous.
'I have a thousand open boxes of cigars,' said Jorge Valdes of Sabor Havana Cigars in Doral. 'Put 20-thousand percent on top of each cigar and you tell me what that number is.'"
Labels: cigars, National Politics, News, tabacco
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
WTF- Cigarmakers in a panic
This is a MAJOR WTF: the government is really getting out of hand. I am wondering what is next. tax this tax that.
Business: Cigarmakers in a panic: "Eric Newman punches the numbers on his calculator and gapes at the results one more time.
It's no mathematical error: The federal government has proposed raising taxes on premium cigars, the kind Newman's family has been rolling for decades in Ybor City, by as much as 20,000 percent.
As part of an increase in tobacco taxes designed to pay for children's health insurance, the nickel-per-cigar tax that has ruled the industry could rise to as much as $10 per cigar.
'I'm not sure in the history of man, since our forefathers founded the country in 1776, that there's ever been a tax increase of 20,000 percent,' said Newman, who runs the Tampa business founded by grandfather Julius Caesar Newman. 'They had the Boston Tea Party for less than this.'"
More info at Cigar Afcionado
Business: Cigarmakers in a panic: "Eric Newman punches the numbers on his calculator and gapes at the results one more time.
It's no mathematical error: The federal government has proposed raising taxes on premium cigars, the kind Newman's family has been rolling for decades in Ybor City, by as much as 20,000 percent.
As part of an increase in tobacco taxes designed to pay for children's health insurance, the nickel-per-cigar tax that has ruled the industry could rise to as much as $10 per cigar.
'I'm not sure in the history of man, since our forefathers founded the country in 1776, that there's ever been a tax increase of 20,000 percent,' said Newman, who runs the Tampa business founded by grandfather Julius Caesar Newman. 'They had the Boston Tea Party for less than this.'"
More info at Cigar Afcionado
Labels: cigars, National Politics, News, tabacco, WTF
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Rivals’ talk fuels furious debate - U.S. Politics - BostonHerald.com
Well isn't this interesting... Edwards trying to cull the herd. If he really wants to get rid of competition he needs to get rid of Hillary and Obama because he doesn't stand a chance against those two. Actually the Democrats are offering nobody I would want to vote for except MAYBE Joe Biden.
Rivals’ talk fuels furious debate - U.S. Politics - BostonHerald.com: "NEW YORK - A whisper in Hillary Clinton’s ear had John Edwards on the receiving end of loud blasts from his presidential rivals as he took heat for suggesting to the former first lady that they unite to cull the herd of candidates allowed at debates.
Democratic candidate Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio congressman often viewed as a second- to third-tier contender by pundits, ripped Edwards for “a consistent lack of integrity” by suggesting fewer candidates should participate in presidential forums.
“This is a serious matter and I’m calling him on it,” Kucinich said. “Whispering, trying to rig an election, then denying what’s going on and making excuses. It all reflects a consistent lack of integrity.”"
Labels: National Politics, News
Appeals court rejects Webcast royalty delay | Entertainment | Music | Reuters
Well, this bites the big one... and will be the death of many an Internet radio station. Although to be honest it really doesn't affect me it still is wrong because the Internet stations are paying different fees that regular radio stations. This is WRONG!!!!!
Appeals court rejects Webcast royalty delay | Entertainment | Music | Reuters: "WASHINGTON (Hollywood Reporter) - The federal appeals court here on Thursday rejected Webcasters' request to postpone implementation of a new royalty rate for music they air over the Web.
The decision hands a court victory to the music industry and performers who have been warring with Webcasters over the rate. By denying the Webcasters' stay, the court let stand the July 15 'true up' date when they are required to give copyright holders a new, higher royalty payment for digitally delivered music.
'This is a major victory for recording artists and record labels whose hard work and creativity provides the music around which the Internet radio business is built,' SoundExchange executive director John Simson said. 'Notwithstanding this victory, we continue to reach out to the webcasting community to reach business solutions.'"
Appeals court rejects Webcast royalty delay | Entertainment | Music | Reuters: "WASHINGTON (Hollywood Reporter) - The federal appeals court here on Thursday rejected Webcasters' request to postpone implementation of a new royalty rate for music they air over the Web.
The decision hands a court victory to the music industry and performers who have been warring with Webcasters over the rate. By denying the Webcasters' stay, the court let stand the July 15 'true up' date when they are required to give copyright holders a new, higher royalty payment for digitally delivered music.
'This is a major victory for recording artists and record labels whose hard work and creativity provides the music around which the Internet radio business is built,' SoundExchange executive director John Simson said. 'Notwithstanding this victory, we continue to reach out to the webcasting community to reach business solutions.'"
Labels: Music, National Politics, News, Technology
Monday, July 02, 2007
END OF THE DISCOUNTER?
CigarCyclopedia.com - Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedias of Cigars: "END OF THE DISCOUNTER?
Supreme Court reverses precedent on retail price fixing!
Los Angeles, July 2 – If you think the Supreme Court isn’t important, guess again.
In a decision which did not get as much play as those on school integration and campaign funding, Justice Anthony Kennedy’s decision in Leegin Creative Leather Products vs. PSKS, Inc. dba Kay’s Kloset now makes it potentially legal for manufacturers – including cigar manufacturers – to set minimum retail prices for their products.
Announced on Thursday, June 28, the decision – by a 5-4 vote – overturned a 1911 decision in Dr. Miles Medical Co. vs. John D. Park & Sons Co., (220 U.S. 373) in which the Court held that it is illegal “for a manufacturer to agree with its distributor to set the minimum price the distributor can charge for the manufacturer’s goods.”
Instead of this immutable rule, Justice Kennedy prefers the “rule of reason” and wrote that:
• “Minimum resale price maintenance can stimulate interbrand competition – the competition between manufacturers selling different brands of the same type of product – by reducing intrabrand competition – the competition among retailers selling the same brand.”
• "A single manufacturer’s use of vertical price restraints tends to eliminate intrabrand price competition; this in turn encourages retailers to invest in tangible or intangible services or promotional efforts that aid the manufacturer’s position as against rival manufacturers. Resale price maintenance also has the potential to give consumers more options so that they can choose among low-price, low-service brands; high-price, high-service brands; and brands that fall inbetween.”
• “Absent vertical price restraints, the retail services that enhance interbrand competition might be underprovided. This is because discounting retailers can free ride on retailers who furnish services and then capture some of the increased demand those services generate.”
• “With price competition decreased, the manufacturer’s retailers compete among themselves over services.”
Supreme Court reverses precedent on retail price fixing!
Los Angeles, July 2 – If you think the Supreme Court isn’t important, guess again.
In a decision which did not get as much play as those on school integration and campaign funding, Justice Anthony Kennedy’s decision in Leegin Creative Leather Products vs. PSKS, Inc. dba Kay’s Kloset now makes it potentially legal for manufacturers – including cigar manufacturers – to set minimum retail prices for their products.
Announced on Thursday, June 28, the decision – by a 5-4 vote – overturned a 1911 decision in Dr. Miles Medical Co. vs. John D. Park & Sons Co., (220 U.S. 373) in which the Court held that it is illegal “for a manufacturer to agree with its distributor to set the minimum price the distributor can charge for the manufacturer’s goods.”
Instead of this immutable rule, Justice Kennedy prefers the “rule of reason” and wrote that:
• “Minimum resale price maintenance can stimulate interbrand competition – the competition between manufacturers selling different brands of the same type of product – by reducing intrabrand competition – the competition among retailers selling the same brand.”
• "A single manufacturer’s use of vertical price restraints tends to eliminate intrabrand price competition; this in turn encourages retailers to invest in tangible or intangible services or promotional efforts that aid the manufacturer’s position as against rival manufacturers. Resale price maintenance also has the potential to give consumers more options so that they can choose among low-price, low-service brands; high-price, high-service brands; and brands that fall inbetween.”
• “Absent vertical price restraints, the retail services that enhance interbrand competition might be underprovided. This is because discounting retailers can free ride on retailers who furnish services and then capture some of the increased demand those services generate.”
• “With price competition decreased, the manufacturer’s retailers compete among themselves over services.”
Labels: cigars, National Politics, News, tabacco
Friday, June 15, 2007
U.S. Supreme Court Supports New York City’s Effort to Collect Taxes on Some U.N. Missions - New York Times
U.S. Supreme Court Supports New York City’s Effort to Collect Taxes on Some U.N. Missions - New York Times: "WASHINGTON, June 14 — New York City can go forward with its effort to collect unpaid property taxes from foreign governments that use part of their United Nations missions for housing, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.
The court rejected an argument by India and Mongolia that the principle of sovereign immunity shielded them from a lawsuit the city filed in 2003 to establish its right to collect what it says is now about $25 million in unpaid taxes and interest.
“Property ownership is not an inherently sovereign function,” Justice Clarence Thomas said for the 7-to-2 majority.
The dissenters were Justices John Paul Stevens and Stephen G. Breyer.
The decision upheld a ruling issued last year by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in Manhattan."
The court rejected an argument by India and Mongolia that the principle of sovereign immunity shielded them from a lawsuit the city filed in 2003 to establish its right to collect what it says is now about $25 million in unpaid taxes and interest.
“Property ownership is not an inherently sovereign function,” Justice Clarence Thomas said for the 7-to-2 majority.
The dissenters were Justices John Paul Stevens and Stephen G. Breyer.
The decision upheld a ruling issued last year by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in Manhattan."
Labels: National Politics, News
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Moore lobbies Sacramento for healing / Filmmaker, health care activists promote 'Sicko' while demanding reforms in industry
Moore lobbies Sacramento for healing / Filmmaker, health care activists promote 'Sicko' while demanding reforms in industry: "As Michael Moore stood on the west steps of the Capitol on Tuesday and led 1,000 activists in chanting 'It's time for them to go' -- health insurance companies, that is -- he looked less like a Hollywood director promoting his new takedown of the health care industry and more like the frontman of a national political campaign.
That's because he is both.
In the days before Moore's film 'Sicko' opens June 29 in 3,000 theaters nationwide, the director will be the centerpiece of a campaign that melds activism, policy, politics and Hollywood into a media force like no other widely released film. The campaign premiered Tuesday in Sacramento -- complete with nurses wearing red surgical scrubs and chanting 'Hey-hey! Ho-ho! Private health care is sick-o!'"
That's because he is both.
In the days before Moore's film 'Sicko' opens June 29 in 3,000 theaters nationwide, the director will be the centerpiece of a campaign that melds activism, policy, politics and Hollywood into a media force like no other widely released film. The campaign premiered Tuesday in Sacramento -- complete with nurses wearing red surgical scrubs and chanting 'Hey-hey! Ho-ho! Private health care is sick-o!'"
Labels: Michael Moore Is Scum, National Politics, WTF
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
White House considered firing all prosecutors
The thing that bothers me the most about this is Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y is leading the charge...
AP Wire 03/13/2007 White House considered firing all prosecutors: "WASHINGTON - The chief White House lawyer floated the idea of firing all 93 U.S. attorneys at the start of President Bush's second term, but the Justice Department objected and eventually recommended the eight dismissals that have generated a political firestorm two years later.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Monday that then-White House Counsel Harriet Miers raised with an aide to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales the prospect of asking all chief federal district prosecutors to resign in 2004 as a logical way to start a new term with a new slate of U.S. attorneys.
Perino also acknowledged Monday that complaints about the job performance of prosecutors occasionally came to the White House and were passed on to the Justice Department, perhaps including some informally from President Bush to Gonzales.
The U.S. attorneys, the chief federal law enforcement officials in their various districts, typically are appointed to four-year terms by the president on the recommendation of state political leaders, but serve the pleasure of the president and can be dismissed at any time - like the attorney general and other Cabinet officers."
AP Wire 03/13/2007 White House considered firing all prosecutors: "WASHINGTON - The chief White House lawyer floated the idea of firing all 93 U.S. attorneys at the start of President Bush's second term, but the Justice Department objected and eventually recommended the eight dismissals that have generated a political firestorm two years later.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Monday that then-White House Counsel Harriet Miers raised with an aide to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales the prospect of asking all chief federal district prosecutors to resign in 2004 as a logical way to start a new term with a new slate of U.S. attorneys.
Perino also acknowledged Monday that complaints about the job performance of prosecutors occasionally came to the White House and were passed on to the Justice Department, perhaps including some informally from President Bush to Gonzales.
The U.S. attorneys, the chief federal law enforcement officials in their various districts, typically are appointed to four-year terms by the president on the recommendation of state political leaders, but serve the pleasure of the president and can be dismissed at any time - like the attorney general and other Cabinet officers."
Labels: National Politics, News
Monday, March 12, 2007
You Know We Didn't Do Too Bad With The Last Actor Who Became President
'Law & Order' star considers real Oval Office role - CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- Not enough 'star' power for Fred Thompson in a GOP presidential field that includes some of his friends? Whatever the case, the actor and former Tennessee senator is considering getting into the 2008 race.
Thompson, who plays district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's drama 'Law & Order,' said Sunday, 'I'm giving some thought to it, going to leave the door open' and decide in the coming months. 'It's not really a reflection on the current field at all,' he said.
'I'm just going to wait and see what happens,' Thompson added. 'I wanted to see how my colleagues who are on the campaign trail do now, what they say, what they emphasize, what they're addressing, and how successful they are in doing that, and whether or not they can carry the ball in next November.'
Thompson, 64, said he was pondering a run after former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker and other Tennessee Republicans began drumming up support for his possible GOP candidacy, citing his conservative credentials. (Watch how Thompson might be right for new role )
'I think people are somewhat disillusioned. I think a lot of people are cynical out there. I think they're looking for something different. ... and I think that they're going to be open to different things,' he said.
'It will be interesting to me as I listen to people and learn and watch what's going on and what's the reaction, and the poll numbers and so forth, as to whether or not my instinct on that is right.'"
Thompson, who plays district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's drama 'Law & Order,' said Sunday, 'I'm giving some thought to it, going to leave the door open' and decide in the coming months. 'It's not really a reflection on the current field at all,' he said.
'I'm just going to wait and see what happens,' Thompson added. 'I wanted to see how my colleagues who are on the campaign trail do now, what they say, what they emphasize, what they're addressing, and how successful they are in doing that, and whether or not they can carry the ball in next November.'
Thompson, 64, said he was pondering a run after former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker and other Tennessee Republicans began drumming up support for his possible GOP candidacy, citing his conservative credentials. (Watch how Thompson might be right for new role )
'I think people are somewhat disillusioned. I think a lot of people are cynical out there. I think they're looking for something different. ... and I think that they're going to be open to different things,' he said.
'It will be interesting to me as I listen to people and learn and watch what's going on and what's the reaction, and the poll numbers and so forth, as to whether or not my instinct on that is right.'"
Labels: National Politics, News
Boehner's Favorite Smoke-Filled Room - The Sleuth
Boehner's Favorite Smoke-Filled Room - The Sleuth: "His own party's club won't let him light up, so House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) has been sneaking over to the National Democratic Club to smoke. Ironic, and a tad scandalous -- considering Boehner sits on the board of the Capitol Hill Club, where Republican members of Congress do their boozing and schmoozing.
But the Capitol Hill Club, unlike the Democratic Club, never got an exemption to get around the District's new smoking ban. And Boehner and other members are no longer allowed to smoke in the House Speaker's Lobby, thanks to Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) new rules. So what else is a Republican to do when he's jonesing for a smoke?"
But the Capitol Hill Club, unlike the Democratic Club, never got an exemption to get around the District's new smoking ban. And Boehner and other members are no longer allowed to smoke in the House Speaker's Lobby, thanks to Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) new rules. So what else is a Republican to do when he's jonesing for a smoke?"
Labels: cigars, National Politics, tabacco
Thursday, March 08, 2007
New Net radio rules draw fire on Capitol Hill | CNET News.com
New Net radio rules draw fire on Capitol Hill | CNET News.com: "A key Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday slammed new federal rules that would require many Internet radio services to pay higher fees to record companies.
Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) had harsh words for a ruling released Tuesday by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board. It proposes raising the amount that commercial Internet radio services pay to record companies by 30 percent retroactively to 2006 and in each of the next three years through 2009. Each station would have to hand over a minimum $500 royalty payment.
'This represents a body blow to many nascent Internet radio broadcasters and further exacerbates the marketplace imbalance between what different industries pay,' Markey said at a hearing here titled 'The Future of Radio'. The hearing was convened by the House panel on telecommunications and the Internet, of which Markey is chairman. 'It makes little sense to me for the smallest players to pay proportionately the largest royalty fee.'"
Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) had harsh words for a ruling released Tuesday by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board. It proposes raising the amount that commercial Internet radio services pay to record companies by 30 percent retroactively to 2006 and in each of the next three years through 2009. Each station would have to hand over a minimum $500 royalty payment.
'This represents a body blow to many nascent Internet radio broadcasters and further exacerbates the marketplace imbalance between what different industries pay,' Markey said at a hearing here titled 'The Future of Radio'. The hearing was convened by the House panel on telecommunications and the Internet, of which Markey is chairman. 'It makes little sense to me for the smallest players to pay proportionately the largest royalty fee.'"
Labels: Music, National Politics
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
100 cigars for Rep. Tom Tancredo
TheHill.com - 100 cigars for Rep. Tom Tancredo: "100 cigars for Rep. Tom Tancredo
Lawmaker refers to Rep. Ellison as a ‘lifestyle Nazi’
The recent standoff between Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) and his Longworth House Office Building neighbor, freshman Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), has prompted Tancredo sympathizers — including Ellison constituents — to send Tancredo cigars.
In the last two weeks, Tancredo has received 100 in total, three of which came from people in Ellison’s Minneapolis-area district. “We have cigars all over the joint!” Tancredo boasted last week.
Ellison’s press aide, Rick Jauert, recently called the Capitol Police on his boss’s behalf after he alleged smelling smoke and seeing it come through the walls from Tancredo’s office.
To be safe, Tancredo checked with the House ethics committee to find out whether he could keep the cigars. He said he contemplated giving them away. “If I have to donate them, who am I going to donate them to?” he asked. He has since been assured that he can keep them.
Tancredo, who has three air purifiers in his office, said he thought about sending Ellison “an air cleaner, but I think I’m going to send an exorcist,” he said, expressing doubt that smoke really traveled through Ellison’s walls. "
Lawmaker refers to Rep. Ellison as a ‘lifestyle Nazi’
The recent standoff between Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) and his Longworth House Office Building neighbor, freshman Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), has prompted Tancredo sympathizers — including Ellison constituents — to send Tancredo cigars.
In the last two weeks, Tancredo has received 100 in total, three of which came from people in Ellison’s Minneapolis-area district. “We have cigars all over the joint!” Tancredo boasted last week.
Ellison’s press aide, Rick Jauert, recently called the Capitol Police on his boss’s behalf after he alleged smelling smoke and seeing it come through the walls from Tancredo’s office.
To be safe, Tancredo checked with the House ethics committee to find out whether he could keep the cigars. He said he contemplated giving them away. “If I have to donate them, who am I going to donate them to?” he asked. He has since been assured that he can keep them.
Tancredo, who has three air purifiers in his office, said he thought about sending Ellison “an air cleaner, but I think I’m going to send an exorcist,” he said, expressing doubt that smoke really traveled through Ellison’s walls. "
Labels: cigars, National Politics
Monday, March 05, 2007
Soldier waits for return home
Soldier waits for return home: "Sgt. Michael Figat is ready to go home, knowing he'll never serve on active duty again.
In nearly nine months of treatment for a stroke at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Figat, of Evesham, has regained the ability to walk, read, talk and even run.
But Army doctors decided in August that his 'cognitive functioning' was inconsistent with military service.
He's ready to return to his family in South Jersey. He was told in December that he would be cleared to leave the hospital before Jan. 1.
Yet, like hundreds of other military personnel, he remains in limbo as a patient at Walter Reed.
He's caught up up in a bureaucratic maze first reported in The Washington Post on Feb. 19. That paper's four-month investigation revealed hundreds of outpatient soldiers at the hospital who could be released have lingered in hotel rooms and apartment buildings for months, sometimes years, because of an inefficient and convoluted bureaucracy."
In nearly nine months of treatment for a stroke at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Figat, of Evesham, has regained the ability to walk, read, talk and even run.
But Army doctors decided in August that his 'cognitive functioning' was inconsistent with military service.
He's ready to return to his family in South Jersey. He was told in December that he would be cleared to leave the hospital before Jan. 1.
Yet, like hundreds of other military personnel, he remains in limbo as a patient at Walter Reed.
He's caught up up in a bureaucratic maze first reported in The Washington Post on Feb. 19. That paper's four-month investigation revealed hundreds of outpatient soldiers at the hospital who could be released have lingered in hotel rooms and apartment buildings for months, sometimes years, because of an inefficient and convoluted bureaucracy."
Labels: National Politics
Thursday, March 01, 2007
McCain Says U.S. Lives 'Wasted' in Iraq
McCain Says U.S. Lives 'Wasted' in Iraq: "Republican presidential contender John McCain, a staunch backer of the Iraq war but critic of how President Bush has waged it, said U.S. lives had been 'wasted' in the four-year-old conflict. Democrats demand the Arizona senator apologize for the comment as Sen. Barack Obama did when the Democratic White House hopeful recently made the same observation.
'Americans are very frustrated, and they have every right to be,' McCain said Wednesday on CBS''Late Show With David Letterman.''We've wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American lives.'
McCain, who repeated his assertion that U.S. troops must remain in Iraq rather than withdrawing early, made the 'wasted' remark after confirming to Letterman what has been clear for at least a year or more — that he's in the running for the 2008 Republican nomination.
'I am announcing that I will be a candidate for president of the United States,' he said — and added that he would officially enter the race by giving a formal announcement speech to that effect in April after a visit to Iraq."
'Americans are very frustrated, and they have every right to be,' McCain said Wednesday on CBS''Late Show With David Letterman.''We've wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American lives.'
McCain, who repeated his assertion that U.S. troops must remain in Iraq rather than withdrawing early, made the 'wasted' remark after confirming to Letterman what has been clear for at least a year or more — that he's in the running for the 2008 Republican nomination.
'I am announcing that I will be a candidate for president of the United States,' he said — and added that he would officially enter the race by giving a formal announcement speech to that effect in April after a visit to Iraq."
Labels: National Politics
Monday, February 26, 2007
2-cent hike for stamps recommended
2-cent hike for stamps recommended: "WASHINGTON -- A postal regulatory commission recommended a 2-cent increase in the cost of mailing a letter today and urged the Post Office to introduce a 'forever' stamp valid for first-class postage even when rates rise.
The recommendation to increase postage to 41 cents was a penny less than the postal service had requested.
The commission recommended a 26-cent rate for post cards, also a penny less than the Post Office had sought."
The recommendation to increase postage to 41 cents was a penny less than the postal service had requested.
The commission recommended a 26-cent rate for post cards, also a penny less than the Post Office had sought."
Labels: National Politics
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Fidel Castro and Cigar Culture: A Brief History @ Blogcritics.org
Fidel Castro and Cigar Culture: A Brief History @ Blogcritics.org: "Many cigar lovers who have their roots in the United States view Fidel Castro as an enemy. He is, after all, partly to blame for Cuban cigars being banned from the US quicker than a classic novel. But his influence is not limited to Cuban cigars, it transcends cigar types: many Cuban citizens came to America to flee Castro’s reign. In one way or another, he took some cigars away from the US and gave some back. In the end, it is hard to think about cigars without visions of Castro dancing in our heads.
Many of us may know of Fidel Castro, regarding him the same way we regard a Stalin or a Mussolini, but most of us know little about him, other than his name is an “F” word. This article discusses some of the history behind Fidel Castro, his name, his reputation, and his legacy."
Labels: cigars, National Politics
Friday, February 23, 2007
Now even Ben Ladin can get a credit card
Bank of America Corp. is defending its decision to offer credit cards to people who don't have U.S. Social Security numbers, amid criticism that the program effectively endorses illegal immigration.
The bank's pilot program, revealed last week, focuses on Hispanics in the Los Angeles area.
It has spurred opposition in Congress and from grass-roots groups who say many illegal immigrants could benefit, and that the program might foster identity theft, money laundering and terrorism.
Bank of America Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis defended the program on Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. This came after some groups called for a boycott of the No. 2 U.S. bank by assets. They say their efforts are bearing fruit.
The bank's pilot program, revealed last week, focuses on Hispanics in the Los Angeles area.
It has spurred opposition in Congress and from grass-roots groups who say many illegal immigrants could benefit, and that the program might foster identity theft, money laundering and terrorism.
Bank of America Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis defended the program on Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. This came after some groups called for a boycott of the No. 2 U.S. bank by assets. They say their efforts are bearing fruit.
Labels: National Politics, WTF
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Clinton-Obama Feud Goes Public
The campaigns of Democratic presidential candidates U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton clashed at a Nevada political forum.
The Washington Post reported that what had been a quiet feud became public after remarks by producer David Geffen, a backer of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and a major Democratic fundraiser, appeared in a Maureen Dowd column in The New York Times. Geffen criticized Clinton, D-N.Y., for failing to apologize for her 2002 vote to use force in Iraq. "It's not a very big thing to say 'I made a mistake' on the war and typical of Hillary Clinton that she can't," Geffen said.
Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson issued a statement calling on Obama, D-Ill, to return a portion of the $1.3 million Geffen raised Tuesday at a California fundraiser, the Times reported.
The Washington Post reported that what had been a quiet feud became public after remarks by producer David Geffen, a backer of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and a major Democratic fundraiser, appeared in a Maureen Dowd column in The New York Times. Geffen criticized Clinton, D-N.Y., for failing to apologize for her 2002 vote to use force in Iraq. "It's not a very big thing to say 'I made a mistake' on the war and typical of Hillary Clinton that she can't," Geffen said.
Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson issued a statement calling on Obama, D-Ill, to return a portion of the $1.3 million Geffen raised Tuesday at a California fundraiser, the Times reported.
Labels: National Politics
Monday, February 12, 2007
POLITICS:Protesters disrupt Obama rally | Chicago Tribune
Protesters disrupt Obama rally Chicago Tribune: "A homecoming for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) turned into an anti-war rally Sunday evening, as he returned to his home city following the weekend launch of his candidacy for president to find a crowd of 7,300 troubled over the Iraq war.
Obama already had spent much of the day talking tough about Iraq, critiquing the war positions of other Democratic candidates for president and serving up a sharp retort to a foreign leader who had publicly mocked Obama's own plan for withdrawing troops."
Obama already had spent much of the day talking tough about Iraq, critiquing the war positions of other Democratic candidates for president and serving up a sharp retort to a foreign leader who had publicly mocked Obama's own plan for withdrawing troops."
Labels: National Politics
