No allegations against Obama in Illinois: official | Politics | Reuters: “CHICAGO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama was in no way implicated in the federal corruption charges against the governor of his home state of Illinois, a fellow Democrat, the U.S. prosecutor in the case said on Tuesday.
"I should make clear the complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever," said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.”
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Jay Leno's Leaving The "Tonight's Show WIth Jay Leno" For 10 PM NBC Slot In 2009
It seems NBC's moving more toward primetime formats that take advantage of the public's hunger for humor, and particularly political humor of the kind introduced by "Saturday Night Live", "The Colbert Report", and "The Daily Show."
The name of the new show has not been decided upon as of this writing.
Illinois Governor Blagojevich arrested on federal charges - Chicago Breaking News
Blagojevich arrested on federal charges - Chicago Breaking News: “Updated at 9:17 a.m.: Blagojevich also was alleged to be using a favors list, made up largely of individuals and firms that have state contracts or received taxpayer benefits, from which to conduct a $2.5 million fundraising drive before year's end.
Even Blagojevich's recently announced $1.8 billion plan for new interchanges and "green lanes" on the Illinois Tollway was subject to corruption, prosecutors alleged.
The complaint repeatedly makes reference to conversations secretly recorded by federal authorities.
The criminal complaint alleges Blagojevich expected an unnamed highway concrete contractor to raise a half-million dollars for his campaign fund in exchange for state money for the tollway project. "If they don't perform, (expletive) 'em," Blagojevich said, according to the complaint.
Updated at 9:08 a.m.: Blagojevich and Harris were arrested simultaneously at their homes at about 6:15 a.m., according to the FBI. They were transported to FBI headquarters in Chicago, where they remained at 9 a.m.
Updated at 9 a.m.: Blagojevich is slated to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan today at a time that has not yet been scheduled, according to Randall Samborn of the U.S. attorney's office.
Updated at 8:57 a.m.: On the issue of the U.S. Senate selection, federal prosecutors alleged Blagojevich sought appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the new Obama administration, or a lucrative job with a union in exchange for appointing a union-preferred candidate. An Obama spokesman had no immediate comment.
Blagojevich and Harris conspired to demand the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members responsible for editorials critical of Blagojevich in exchange for state help with the sale of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs baseball stadium owned by Tribune Co.
Blagojevich and Harris, along with others, obtained and sought to gain financial benefits for the governor, members of his family and his campaign fund in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state jobs and state contracts.
"The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering," U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement. "They allege that Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism."
Updated at 8:48 a.m.: Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges.”
--- This has nothing to do with President-Elect Obama as by law, the Governor and not Obama selects the next Senator.
Even Blagojevich's recently announced $1.8 billion plan for new interchanges and "green lanes" on the Illinois Tollway was subject to corruption, prosecutors alleged.
The complaint repeatedly makes reference to conversations secretly recorded by federal authorities.
The criminal complaint alleges Blagojevich expected an unnamed highway concrete contractor to raise a half-million dollars for his campaign fund in exchange for state money for the tollway project. "If they don't perform, (expletive) 'em," Blagojevich said, according to the complaint.
Updated at 9:08 a.m.: Blagojevich and Harris were arrested simultaneously at their homes at about 6:15 a.m., according to the FBI. They were transported to FBI headquarters in Chicago, where they remained at 9 a.m.
Updated at 9 a.m.: Blagojevich is slated to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan today at a time that has not yet been scheduled, according to Randall Samborn of the U.S. attorney's office.
Updated at 8:57 a.m.: On the issue of the U.S. Senate selection, federal prosecutors alleged Blagojevich sought appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the new Obama administration, or a lucrative job with a union in exchange for appointing a union-preferred candidate. An Obama spokesman had no immediate comment.
Blagojevich and Harris conspired to demand the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members responsible for editorials critical of Blagojevich in exchange for state help with the sale of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs baseball stadium owned by Tribune Co.
Blagojevich and Harris, along with others, obtained and sought to gain financial benefits for the governor, members of his family and his campaign fund in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state jobs and state contracts.
"The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering," U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement. "They allege that Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism."
Updated at 8:48 a.m.: Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges.”
--- This has nothing to do with President-Elect Obama as by law, the Governor and not Obama selects the next Senator.
Mark Cuban - Public Works, The Inauguration and the next BailOut Scandal « blog maverick
Public Works, The Inauguration and the next BailOut Scandal « blog maverickMark Cuban endorses Obama's plan to spend money on public works projects: “In the big picture this is not a major suggestion. Think of it as something that can be done with no downside and long term benefit.
I personally don’t think a stimulus package of checks or rebates to the consumer will work. I believe consumers are so beaten up and fearful of the future that they will put it in the bank. Of course 20 years ago that would have been a good thing, These days banks don’t appear to be lending those deposits. So there is no primary or secondary stimulus impact.”
I personally don’t think a stimulus package of checks or rebates to the consumer will work. I believe consumers are so beaten up and fearful of the future that they will put it in the bank. Of course 20 years ago that would have been a good thing, These days banks don’t appear to be lending those deposits. So there is no primary or secondary stimulus impact.”
Military jet crash in San Diego kills 3 on ground
Military jet crash in San Diego kills 3 on ground: “(12-08) 21:19 PST SAN DIEGO, (AP) --
A fighter jet returning to a Marine base after a training exercise crashed in flames in a San Diego neighborhood Monday, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes.
Congress, White House close to Big Three deal 12.09.08
Blackwater shootings case moved to DC 12.09.08
Confessions throw Gitmo 9/11 trials into confusion 12.09.08
The pilot of the F/A-18D Hornet jet ejected safely just before the crash around noon at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Explosions rocked a neighborhood of half-million-dollar homes, sending flames and plumes of smoke skyward.
"The house shook; the ground shook. It was like I was frozen in my place," said Steve Krasner, who lives a few blocks from the crash. "It was bigger than any earthquake I ever felt."”
A fighter jet returning to a Marine base after a training exercise crashed in flames in a San Diego neighborhood Monday, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes.
Congress, White House close to Big Three deal 12.09.08
Blackwater shootings case moved to DC 12.09.08
Confessions throw Gitmo 9/11 trials into confusion 12.09.08
The pilot of the F/A-18D Hornet jet ejected safely just before the crash around noon at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Explosions rocked a neighborhood of half-million-dollar homes, sending flames and plumes of smoke skyward.
"The house shook; the ground shook. It was like I was frozen in my place," said Steve Krasner, who lives a few blocks from the crash. "It was bigger than any earthquake I ever felt."”
New York Times Finally Moves To Save Itself (NYT)
New York Times Finally Moves To Save Itself (NYT): “No sooner had we written our latest update about the New York Times' cash crunch than we saw that the company is finally dealing with it:
NYT: The New York Times Company plans to borrow up to $225 million against its mid-Manhattan headquarters building, to ease a potential cash flow squeeze as the company grapples with tighter credit and shrinking profits.
The company has retained Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm, to act as its agent to secure financing, either in the form of a mortgage or a sale-leaseback arrangement, said James M. Follo, the Times Company’s chief financial officer.”
NYT: The New York Times Company plans to borrow up to $225 million against its mid-Manhattan headquarters building, to ease a potential cash flow squeeze as the company grapples with tighter credit and shrinking profits.
The company has retained Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm, to act as its agent to secure financing, either in the form of a mortgage or a sale-leaseback arrangement, said James M. Follo, the Times Company’s chief financial officer.”
Flopping Aces » Blog Archive » Liberals voice concerns about Obama
Flopping Aces » Blog Archive » Liberals voice concerns about Obama
-- Relax. Barack Obama understands that circumstances call for a liberal response, so he can afford to put on a centrist dress.
-- Relax. Barack Obama understands that circumstances call for a liberal response, so he can afford to put on a centrist dress.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Wall Street extends big rally to 2nd session - Huff Post
Wall Street extends big rally to 2nd session: “NEW YORK — A stock market gaining in confidence shot higher for a second straight session Monday as investors bet that President-elect Barack Obama's plans to increase infrastructure spending will help lift the economy back to health. The major market indexes jumped more than 3 percent, and the Dow Jones industrials' nearly 300 point advance gave the blue chips their highest close in a month.”
John J. Mack - Merrill Lynch Chief Fighting For Bigger 2008 Bonus
Merrill Lynch Chief Fighting For Bigger 2008 BonusAnd I say yhat John J. Mack should not get one and in the middle of the economic collapse? Wow.
Media Matters - Hannity and Bennett excoriated Obama over views shared by prominent Republicans
Media Matters - Hannity and Bennett excoriated Obama over views shared by prominent Republicans: “Summary: Sean Hannity falsely asserted that President-elect Barack Obama "talked about in the campaign cutting tens of millions of dollars in defense spending" when, in fact, Obama said he would cut "tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending." Hannity also asserted that Obama said "[h]e's not gonna weaponize space, slow development of Future Combat Systems" and that he would "set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons" without noting that former Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain and other prominent GOP figures have advocated similar positions.”
-- I'm not a Sean Hannity fan at all.
-- I'm not a Sean Hannity fan at all.
Tribune Company Files For Bankruptcy - CNNMoney.com
The CNN Wire: Latest updates on top stories - Blogs from CNN.com: “By David Goldman
CNNMoney.com
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Media conglomerate Tribune Co., publisher of the Chicago Tribune, announced Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Chicago-based company said the restructuring focuses on the company’s debt, not on its operations. The company said its businesses will remain in operation throughout the restructuring of its debt obligations.”
CNNMoney.com
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Media conglomerate Tribune Co., publisher of the Chicago Tribune, announced Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Chicago-based company said the restructuring focuses on the company’s debt, not on its operations. The company said its businesses will remain in operation throughout the restructuring of its debt obligations.”
Al Jazeera English - CENTRAL/S. ASIA - Pakistan 'arrests Mumbai suspects'
Al Jazeera English - CENTRAL/S. ASIA - Pakistan 'arrests Mumbai suspects': “A number of people have been arrested after Pakistani forces raided a camp said to be used by a group India blames for the co-ordinated attacks on Mumbai, according to intelligence officials.
Witnesses said the raid was carried out on Sunday, close to the town of Muzaffarabad in the Pakistani-controlled territory of the divided Kashmir region.
It would be the first in response to the attacks, which Indian officials say were carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba, an outlawed Pakistani group.”
--- Really? How do they know they got the right people? Hopefully their intelligence is reliable.
Witnesses said the raid was carried out on Sunday, close to the town of Muzaffarabad in the Pakistani-controlled territory of the divided Kashmir region.
It would be the first in response to the attacks, which Indian officials say were carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba, an outlawed Pakistani group.”
--- Really? How do they know they got the right people? Hopefully their intelligence is reliable.
Al Jazeera English - Europe - Renewed violence erupts in Greece
Al Jazeera English - Europe - Renewed violence erupts in Greece: “Protesters have set fire to a major department store in central Athens and torched the city's giant Christmas tree outside parliament as anti-government demonstrations continued over the shooting of a 15-year-old boy.”
The U.S. Supreme Court won't review Obama's eligibility to serve - Yahoo! News
Court won't review Obama's eligibility to serve - Yahoo! News: “WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has turned down an emergency appeal from a New Jersey man who says President-elect Barack Obama is ineligible to be president because he was a British subject at birth.
The court did not comment on its order Monday rejecting the call by Leo Donofrio of East Brunswick, N.J., to intervene in the presidential election. Donofrio says that since Obama had dual nationality at birth — his mother was American and his Kenyan father at the time was a British subject — he cannot possibly be a "natural born citizen," one of the requirements the Constitution lists for eligibility to be president.”
--- The last right-wing-nut Obama attack rejected! Now we can get on with the matter of improving this economy.
The court did not comment on its order Monday rejecting the call by Leo Donofrio of East Brunswick, N.J., to intervene in the presidential election. Donofrio says that since Obama had dual nationality at birth — his mother was American and his Kenyan father at the time was a British subject — he cannot possibly be a "natural born citizen," one of the requirements the Constitution lists for eligibility to be president.”
--- The last right-wing-nut Obama attack rejected! Now we can get on with the matter of improving this economy.
Lynne Johnson - Palo Alto Police Chief Resigns Amid Accusations of Racial Profiling : Indybay
Palo Alto Police Chief Resigns Amid Accusations of Racial Profiling : Indybay: “On November 20, the City of Palo Alto announced that its controversial police chief will retire on December 19. Chief Lynne Johnson sparked protests and a November 9 march on the city when she stated that she had instructed officers on her force to make "consensual contact" with African American men to counter a crime spike in Palo Alto.
Her remarks were quoted in news reports worldwide and the topic of racial profiling became a much discussed issue at subsequent city council meetings. Some city officials took the opportunity to acknowledge that racial profiling exists and must be combatted, while others took the stance that the police chief "merely misspoke".
Although the police chief made several attempts at apologizing, many residents of the city and surrounding communities were left wondering why she directed her officers to look for African Americans with do-rags when victims of a 5-month city-wide crime spree had variously described suspects as being of African American, Pacific Islander, Latino or white descent. ”
Although the police chief made several attempts at apologizing, many residents of the city and surrounding communities were left wondering why she directed her officers to look for African Americans with do-rags when victims of a 5-month city-wide crime spree had variously described suspects as being of African American, Pacific Islander, Latino or white descent. ”
Yusuf Bey IV - New piece of Chauncey Bailey slaying puzzle surfaces
New piece of Bailey slaying puzzle surfaces: “The leader of Your Black Muslim Bakery expressed satisfaction on the morning Chauncey Bailey was killed, saying the journalist got what he deserved for taking on the troubled organization in his reporting, a bakery member told Oakland police in a recently discovered account given the day after the slaying.
Bakery leader Yusuf Bey IV summoned the woman to watch a TV news story about three hours after Bailey, 57, was gunned down on his way to work on Aug. 2, 2007, she told homicide investigators. As they watched the report on the Oakland Post editor's slaying, Bey told her, "That will teach 'em to f- with me," she said.
The woman worked at the bakery headquarters on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland and stayed in Bey's room there the night before Bailey was killed, she said. The Chronicle obtained a tape of her account and police notes of her interview, but is not naming her at the request of authorities who say her safety could be threatened.”
... More good work by the Chauncey Bailey Project.
Bakery leader Yusuf Bey IV summoned the woman to watch a TV news story about three hours after Bailey, 57, was gunned down on his way to work on Aug. 2, 2007, she told homicide investigators. As they watched the report on the Oakland Post editor's slaying, Bey told her, "That will teach 'em to f- with me," she said.
The woman worked at the bakery headquarters on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland and stayed in Bey's room there the night before Bailey was killed, she said. The Chronicle obtained a tape of her account and police notes of her interview, but is not naming her at the request of authorities who say her safety could be threatened.”
... More good work by the Chauncey Bailey Project.
Outside Pressure Grows for GM to Oust Wagoner - WSJ.com
Outside Pressure Grows for GM to Oust Wagoner - WSJ.com: “DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner is coming under increasing pressure from outside the company to resign as part of any broad bailout of the auto maker by the federal government.
On Sunday, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D., Conn.), a supporter of emergency loans for Detroit, suggested Mr. Wagoner should go if the government follows through and provides billions of dollars to help the auto giant restructure and return to profitability.”
On Sunday, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D., Conn.), a supporter of emergency loans for Detroit, suggested Mr. Wagoner should go if the government follows through and provides billions of dollars to help the auto giant restructure and return to profitability.”
Obama Preserves Political Capital for Stimulus Plan - WSJ.com
Obama Preserves Political Capital for Stimulus Plan - WSJ.com: “WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama's transition team is resisting Bush administration overtures to coordinate more on the financial-sector rescue, convinced that neither the lame-duck President George W. Bush nor the president-elect has the clout to win a smooth congressional release of more bailout funds.
With the first $350 billion of the bailout money nearly allocated, transition aides are pressing Treasury officials to convene a bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill this week. Obama aides say the Treasury needs to sound out congressional leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers on what information they need to release the second, $350 billion tranche from the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.”
With the first $350 billion of the bailout money nearly allocated, transition aides are pressing Treasury officials to convene a bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill this week. Obama aides say the Treasury needs to sound out congressional leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers on what information they need to release the second, $350 billion tranche from the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.”
Barack Obama On Meet The Press - The Activist President-Elect
President-Elect Barack Obama appeared on the last "Meet The Press" hosted by Tom Brokaw who filed-in masterfully to take the place of Tim Russert after Russert's untimely death earlier this year. On the telecast, Obama presented a plan which can be summed-up as the "Activist President." The convergence of economic problems and President Bush's horrible performance has paved the way for an economically aggressive agenda by Obama that's the child of necessity. Even the most conservative economists agree that a large degree of spending must be done to lift the American Economy.
Thus, Obama talked to Brokaw about the need for such a program and then gave a statement that while he has been a critic of the American Car Industry, it's basically too large to allow to fail, so some kind of managed assistance program will be created for it.
Then, in discussing what plans he and First Lady Michelle Obama have for the White House, Obama said that it was "The People's House" and they planned to celebrate American arts and culture in all of its diversity, even mentioning poetry readings. I personally took Obama to mean that poetry slams, or at least one, would be part of this program. That's huge news if it's true and I don't see why it would not be. Poetry slams are an American-borne art form and the new expression of American urban culture. Since it was reportedly created in Chicago around the time Obama lived there, it's logical to believe the Obamas would introduce the White House to the sub-culture, and vice-versa.
What's so exciting is we finally have a President who reflects the diversity of America and not a part of it. Americans have come to think of the Presidency as the harvest for the rich, White staid upper-crust society and have done so without critical thinking. Obama has forced America to rethink how it's presented itself; now we see a country truly by all the people and for all the people emerging.
Barack Obama is committed to restoring the healthy American Middle Class of the 60s, but to do that will require not only a massive economic package but a return to a kind of economic nationalism not seen in two generations. It's time has come, because our G8 and G20 partners have formed economic programs around a nationalist perspective and it's wrecked America's economy.
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens - 2008 14
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens - 2008 14: “BALTIMORE -- If the Washington Redskins are fortunate, it might be another four years before they have to face the Baltimore Ravens again.
Reed set up a touchdown with an interception and scored on a 22-yard fumble return, part of a stifling effort by the Baltimore defense in a 24-10 victory Sunday night.”
Reed set up a touchdown with an interception and scored on a 22-yard fumble return, part of a stifling effort by the Baltimore defense in a 24-10 victory Sunday night.”
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts - 2008 14
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts - 2008 14: “INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden had a perfect read on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Peyton Manning apparently was doing his homework, too.
Manning threw for three scores Sunday and Hayden returned an interception for a touchdown, leading the Colts to their most lopsided win of the season, 35-3.”
Peyton Manning apparently was doing his homework, too.
Manning threw for three scores Sunday and Hayden returned an interception for a touchdown, leading the Colts to their most lopsided win of the season, 35-3.”
NFL Game Center: Post Game - St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals - 2008 Week 14
NFL Game Center: Post Game - St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals - 2008 Week 14 Cardinals clinch the NFC West division with win over the rival Rams.
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - 2008 14
NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - 2008 14 Eagles win game, 20 to 14, but Giants get division title anyway.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
DailyFill: MySpace launches another doomed gossip site
DailyFill: MySpace launches another doomed gossip site: “The celebrity-industrial complex will expand, must expand, can't help but expand until every site on the Web features gossipy famous-people headlines. The latest entrant: DailyFill, MySpace's slapdash copycat celebrity-news site.”
DailyFill: MySpace launches another doomed gossip site
DailyFill: MySpace launches another doomed gossip site: “The celebrity-industrial complex will expand, must expand, can't help but expand until every site on the Web features gossipy famous-people headlines. The latest entrant: DailyFill, MySpace's slapdash copycat celebrity-news site.”
Jojo's French Eatery In Oakland Closes Jan 1st - Hard times hit Bay Area restaurants
Hard times hit Bay Area restaurants: “Jojo, a neighborhood French restaurant in Oakland” is closing. It's at 3859 Piedmont AveOakland, CA 94611 (510) 985-3003
AFP: More online journalists than print journalists behind bars: CPJ
AFP: More online journalists than print journalists behind bars: CPJ: “For the 10th consecutive year, China was the leading jailer of journalists, the CPJ said, followed by Cuba, Myanmar, Eritrea and Uzbekistan.”
Michael Mele & Laura Garza: 'BLOODY SUV' IN CLUB-GAL HUNT - New York Post
'BLOODY SUV' IN CLUB-GAL HUNT - New York Post: “Cops hunting for an aspiring fashionista who disappeared from a Manhattan nightclub towed a bloodstained SUV from their prime suspect's upstate family home yesterday - hours after the sexual deviant called a pal begging him not to speak to police, sources said.”
Wonkette : We Went To A Robert Gibbs Party, And Then A Reason Party!
Wonkette : We Went To A Robert Gibbs Party, And Then A Reason Party! And Wonkette reported some rather silly exchanges. Here's some of their takes from the blog:
1) "The party for Robert Gibbs, famous for being the Obama campaign’s communications director and spokesman, was an unusual occurrence. Not because it was prominent political journalists partying with their future chief White House source — that awful conflict of interest is what makes Washington so “great,” after all! It was strange because we were under the assumption that all reporters HATED ROBERT GIBBS’ FILTHY LYING GUTS. Anyway, it was open bar and we chugged a lot of gin in Solo cups, probably on the dime of “Obama for America.” Hmm!"
2) "Among the attendees was a “who’s who” of Conventional Wisdom: George Stephanopoulos, Karen Tumulty, Chris Cillizza, Marc Ambinder (maybe?). Some other people who were not recognizable from Internet stalking."
3) "We talked with America’s favorite Bob Saget doppelganger, Jake Tapper of ABC News, whose blog was a frequent source for mean-spirited and useless Wonkette posts during the campaign. We said to Tapper something stupid like, “We write about your stuff a lot, on Wonkette,” and he responded in a STAGGERINGLY evil manner, “Oh, I KNOW.” (You must understand that every conversation Wonkette has at an event includes a moment when we try to explain away the various times we’ve called that person a “cocksmoker” or a “dickfuck” or something terrible.) Tapper was a delightful fellow anyhow; we told him that we’ve called him lovely things in the past (it’s true!) and blamed the mean stuff on you filthy commenters; we discussed the short-lived early ’90s sitcom The Powers That Be; and then Jake Tapper was gone, forever."
Well it goes on. I wonder if the Wonkette folks will be able to crash more parties in the future?
1) "The party for Robert Gibbs, famous for being the Obama campaign’s communications director and spokesman, was an unusual occurrence. Not because it was prominent political journalists partying with their future chief White House source — that awful conflict of interest is what makes Washington so “great,” after all! It was strange because we were under the assumption that all reporters HATED ROBERT GIBBS’ FILTHY LYING GUTS. Anyway, it was open bar and we chugged a lot of gin in Solo cups, probably on the dime of “Obama for America.” Hmm!"
2) "Among the attendees was a “who’s who” of Conventional Wisdom: George Stephanopoulos, Karen Tumulty, Chris Cillizza, Marc Ambinder (maybe?). Some other people who were not recognizable from Internet stalking."
3) "We talked with America’s favorite Bob Saget doppelganger, Jake Tapper of ABC News, whose blog was a frequent source for mean-spirited and useless Wonkette posts during the campaign. We said to Tapper something stupid like, “We write about your stuff a lot, on Wonkette,” and he responded in a STAGGERINGLY evil manner, “Oh, I KNOW.” (You must understand that every conversation Wonkette has at an event includes a moment when we try to explain away the various times we’ve called that person a “cocksmoker” or a “dickfuck” or something terrible.) Tapper was a delightful fellow anyhow; we told him that we’ve called him lovely things in the past (it’s true!) and blamed the mean stuff on you filthy commenters; we discussed the short-lived early ’90s sitcom The Powers That Be; and then Jake Tapper was gone, forever."
Well it goes on. I wonder if the Wonkette folks will be able to crash more parties in the future?
NBC's David Gregory to moderate 'Meet the Press' - Meet the Press, online at MSNBC- msnbc.com
NBC's David Gregory to moderate 'Meet the Press' - Meet the Press, online at MSNBC- msnbc.com: “David Gregory has been named moderator of NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” effective immediately. In addition, Betsy Fischer, the program's longtime executive producer has extended her tenure with the top-rated broadcast. The announcements were made today by Steve Capus, President of NBC News.
“For 61 years, this program has played a vital role in our nation’s political discourse and millions of Americans’ Sunday mornings,” said Capus. “We lost a legend this summer, and today we hand the program over to someone who has a true appreciation and respect for the ‘Meet the Press’ legacy, and a keen sense of what it needs to be in the future. David and Betsy are first-rate and I’m thrilled to have them in their roles at a key time in the program’s, and the country’s, history. I'd also like to thank Tom Brokaw, whose tremendous dedication has helped to lead ‘Meet the Press’ through this critical transition and extraordinary election season. He did so out of honor and respect for our friend Tim Russert, and we'll always be grateful.”
Blogger Oliver Willis called Gregory,"pro-war". More on this...
“For 61 years, this program has played a vital role in our nation’s political discourse and millions of Americans’ Sunday mornings,” said Capus. “We lost a legend this summer, and today we hand the program over to someone who has a true appreciation and respect for the ‘Meet the Press’ legacy, and a keen sense of what it needs to be in the future. David and Betsy are first-rate and I’m thrilled to have them in their roles at a key time in the program’s, and the country’s, history. I'd also like to thank Tom Brokaw, whose tremendous dedication has helped to lead ‘Meet the Press’ through this critical transition and extraordinary election season. He did so out of honor and respect for our friend Tim Russert, and we'll always be grateful.”
Blogger Oliver Willis called Gregory,"pro-war". More on this...
Prediction: Franken Will Win by 27 Votes - The Nation
Prediction: Franken Will Win by 27 Votes: From The Nation: “Nate Silver, whose website FiveThirtyEight.com had the most accurate predictions for the Nov. 4 vote for president and senators, has a new prediction: Al Franken will win the Minnesota Senate recount -- by 27 votes.
Franken came in 215 votes behind incumbent Republican Norm Coleman on election day, in an election where 2.9 million votes were cast. Under Minnesota election law, a hand recount was mandatory and began last Wednesday.”
Franken came in 215 votes behind incumbent Republican Norm Coleman on election day, in an election where 2.9 million votes were cast. Under Minnesota election law, a hand recount was mandatory and began last Wednesday.”
Think Progress » Bush at portrait unveiling: ‘Welcome to my hanging.’
Think Progress » Bush at portrait unveiling: ‘Welcome to my hanging.’: “Today, President Bush presided over the unveiling of his presidential portrait, at the Union League. “Welcome to my hanging,” Bush joked to the crowd. The portrait “shows Bush staring straight ahead, looking comfortable but not quite smiling, against the backdrop of the White House’s Treaty Room.” Bush said the painter, Mark Carder, “did a really fine job with a challenging subject.””
U.S. Loses 533,000 Jobs in Biggest Drop Since 1974 - NYTimes.com
U.S. Loses 533,000 Jobs in Biggest Drop Since 1974 - NYTimes.com: “The nation’s employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Not since December 1974, toward the end of a severe recession, have so many jobs disappeared in a single month — and the current recession, far from ending, appears to be just gathering steam.”
Not since December 1974, toward the end of a severe recession, have so many jobs disappeared in a single month — and the current recession, far from ending, appears to be just gathering steam.”
Police Shooting Sparks Riots in Greece - NYTimes.com
Police Shooting Sparks Riots in Greece - NYTimes.com: “ATHENS — Mobs of militant youth angered by the fatal shooting of a teenager took to a weekend of rampage, battling police in central Athens and destroying scores of shops, cars and businesses across the country.
The riots, triggered late Saturday when a small group of youths attacked a police car in central Athens, sparked a spree of violence that ripped through the country, leaving many cities shattered like war zones.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said a senior police official who requested anonymity because of his involvement in the investigation. “The tension is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife.”
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remained unclear.
Still, a police statement issued in the early hours of Sunday said the shooting took place while two officers were targeted by some 30 youths — many of them hurling stones — while patrolling the central district of Exarchia, an unruly haven of leftist extremists.”
The riots, triggered late Saturday when a small group of youths attacked a police car in central Athens, sparked a spree of violence that ripped through the country, leaving many cities shattered like war zones.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said a senior police official who requested anonymity because of his involvement in the investigation. “The tension is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife.”
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remained unclear.
Still, a police statement issued in the early hours of Sunday said the shooting took place while two officers were targeted by some 30 youths — many of them hurling stones — while patrolling the central district of Exarchia, an unruly haven of leftist extremists.”
Obama on Meet The Press: Economy to get worse before it improves
From the Associated Press: Obama: Economy to get worse before it improves President-elect Barack Obama said the economy seems destined to get worse before it gets better and he pledged a recovery plan "that is equal to the task ahead."
Obama also said in an interview broadcast Sunday that the survival of the domestic car-making capacity is important, yet any bailout must be "conditioned on an auto industry emerging at the end of the process that actually works."
Less than six weeks before he takes office, Obama said that help for homeowners facing foreclosure is an option as part of his plan. He sidestepped a question about when he plans to raise taxes on wealthy Americans.
Obama's interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" was his most extensive since winning the White House more than a month ago.
In the intervening weeks, the economy has showed clear signs of worsening. Employers said they eliminated more than 500,000 jobs in November alone and retailers reported disappointing holiday-season sales.
"The economy is going to get worse before it gets better," he said twice in the early moments of the interview, taped Saturday in Chicago.
The president-elect announced on Saturday he would call for the most massive spending on public works since the creation of the interstate highway system a half-century ago. In a word of caution to powerful lawmakers, he said the first priority would be "shovel-ready" projects _ those that could create jobs rights away.
Obama also said in an interview broadcast Sunday that the survival of the domestic car-making capacity is important, yet any bailout must be "conditioned on an auto industry emerging at the end of the process that actually works."
Less than six weeks before he takes office, Obama said that help for homeowners facing foreclosure is an option as part of his plan. He sidestepped a question about when he plans to raise taxes on wealthy Americans.
Obama's interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" was his most extensive since winning the White House more than a month ago.
In the intervening weeks, the economy has showed clear signs of worsening. Employers said they eliminated more than 500,000 jobs in November alone and retailers reported disappointing holiday-season sales.
"The economy is going to get worse before it gets better," he said twice in the early moments of the interview, taped Saturday in Chicago.
The president-elect announced on Saturday he would call for the most massive spending on public works since the creation of the interstate highway system a half-century ago. In a word of caution to powerful lawmakers, he said the first priority would be "shovel-ready" projects _ those that could create jobs rights away.
Interview with Alicia Silverstone On Volunteering For Barack Obama
This is a cool interview in that we see the real Alicia Silverstone talking about how she has volunteered for the Obama For America campaign.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Rachel Maddow For Meet The Press Moderator
Rachel Maddow's the best choice to replace Tom Brokaw and the late Tim Russert before him. She would carry on Russert's tradition of fairness. As I stated earlier, she's a better choice for the role than NBC News Correspondent David Gregory.
Barack Obama Tabs Eric Shinseki to Lead Veterans Affairs - washingtonpost.com
Obama Picks Shinseki to Lead Veterans Affairs - washingtonpost.com: “President-elect Barack Obama today will introduce retired Army Gen. Eric K. Shinseki as his nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, bringing to his Cabinet a career military officer best known for running afoul of the Bush administration by questioning the Pentagon's Iraq war strategy.”
Report: South a big exporter of guns used in crime
Report: South a big exporter of guns used in crime Summary: West Virginia, the center of the "Bittergate" controversy during the campaign, is the largest exporter of guns.
Barbara Boxer's $620 Million Air Freshener for Harry Reid
Chuck DeVore's runnning against Barbara Boxer for Senate. OK, good luck. This video is amusing, but if this is the best he can do, he should prepare for a Boxer landside victory. I remind DeVore that Republicans voted for this too.
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