As Dymond headed toward the breaker, a blue van drove up and three men jumped out rushing toward her. One of them grabbed her saying, "You're a prostitute. You're coming with me."
read more | digg story
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sac. Mayor Kevin Johnson announces goals to cut traffic congestion - Latest News - sacbee.com
Kevin Johnson Johnson - Latest News - sacbee.com: “Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson on Friday announced his intention to make transportation a top focus in the coming months -- including working with other agencies to find a way to cut congestion on the Capital City Freeway and eventually get 10,000 more people living along the region's light-rail line.
Johnson said it starts with a lobbying tour he and others from Sacramento will make next month to Washington, D.C., to win funds from an expected federal economic stimulus package for infrastructure projects.
"Next month, I plan a full-court press to make sure Sacramento gets its fair share for transportation projects," he said. "It's about jobs, its about improvement. It's about quality of life. It's about moving quickly."”
My friend from Cal days is making his mark and quickly. He's rightly going after the dollars needed to put Sacramento to work.
Johnson said it starts with a lobbying tour he and others from Sacramento will make next month to Washington, D.C., to win funds from an expected federal economic stimulus package for infrastructure projects.
"Next month, I plan a full-court press to make sure Sacramento gets its fair share for transportation projects," he said. "It's about jobs, its about improvement. It's about quality of life. It's about moving quickly."”
My friend from Cal days is making his mark and quickly. He's rightly going after the dollars needed to put Sacramento to work.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
AFL Suspends 2009 Season
AFL Suspends 2009 Season
By Dr Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner-Football Reporters Online
Sad but True: the AFL will not play in 2009. It seems that the economic downturn has hit even sports (except for baseball which is still paying grossly inflated salaries to marginal players-Maybe they will suspend operations for a year when people stop showing up to watch a poor product!). I have received several e-mails from AFL fans asking "What's the deal here? One went so far as to insinuate that someone must have embezzled some cash somewhere for this to happen. I can assure you to the best of my knowledge, no one has stolen any cash from The AFL. They simply need to "restructure" for the benefit of the players and the game to continue.
The question now is "Does the AFL return in 2010?" My Guess is Yes, but many of the players that made up the 2008 AFL will be gone. Most veteran players will find work playing in Canada, a few might get into the NFL next fall, some may head to AF2, which as of this moment is still in operation, still some more will turn to coaching at the High School and college level, or return to college as students.
F.R.O. Will do everything it can to bring you whatever we learn over the next few weeks...
By Dr Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner-Football Reporters Online
Sad but True: the AFL will not play in 2009. It seems that the economic downturn has hit even sports (except for baseball which is still paying grossly inflated salaries to marginal players-Maybe they will suspend operations for a year when people stop showing up to watch a poor product!). I have received several e-mails from AFL fans asking "What's the deal here? One went so far as to insinuate that someone must have embezzled some cash somewhere for this to happen. I can assure you to the best of my knowledge, no one has stolen any cash from The AFL. They simply need to "restructure" for the benefit of the players and the game to continue.
The question now is "Does the AFL return in 2010?" My Guess is Yes, but many of the players that made up the 2008 AFL will be gone. Most veteran players will find work playing in Canada, a few might get into the NFL next fall, some may head to AF2, which as of this moment is still in operation, still some more will turn to coaching at the High School and college level, or return to college as students.
F.R.O. Will do everything it can to bring you whatever we learn over the next few weeks...
Indianapolis Colts' Marvin Harrison has MRI, will sit Thursday game - ESPN
Marvin Harrison out for game: “NDIANAPOLIS -- Colts receiver Marvin Harrison did not travel to Jacksonville on Wednesday and will miss Thursday night's game against the Jaguars.”
ESPN - Minnesota Vikings go for division title with Tarvaris Jackson at QB
Tarvaris Jackson at QB: “EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will make his second consecutive start Sunday against Atlanta in a move that might portend a permanent return to that role.”
Tom Engelhardt of The Nation Morns The Passing of Studs Terkel
Hard Times Without Studs: A heartfelt blog post. Tom Englehardt rightly points to radio host Laura Flanders mention of the Chicago Labor protest by over 200 workers and how President-Elect Barack Obama supported their efforts. It's a new day; a shock to a generation raised on the idea of union-busting without even knowing what unions are, let alone why they exist.
Matthew Devlin formerly with Lehman , others charged with insider trading | Reuters
Insider trading story | Reuters: “Former Lehman salesman Matthew Devlin was charged with participating in an insider trading scheme, a criminal complaint filed in District Court in Manhattan showed.
The complaint said Devlin should have known not to divulge confidential information his wife shared with him.
His wife is a partner in public relations firm Brunswick Group LLC. Brunswick said in a statement: "The husband of a Brunswick employee has been arrested by U.S. authorities for using information obtained illegally from her and without her knowledge, which has then passed to third parties."”
The complaint said Devlin should have known not to divulge confidential information his wife shared with him.
His wife is a partner in public relations firm Brunswick Group LLC. Brunswick said in a statement: "The husband of a Brunswick employee has been arrested by U.S. authorities for using information obtained illegally from her and without her knowledge, which has then passed to third parties."”
Chuck Todd Named White House Correspondent -- Political Wire
Chuck Todd To The White House -- Does this mean no more cool political board work? Todd's on camera numbers drawing on delegate counts was the hit on MSNBC.
Mary L. Schapiro, Gary Gensler and Daniel K. Tarullo, Obama Economic Appointees
Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Tough Road Ahead for New Economic Appointees: “Mr. Obama named Mary L. Schapiro, 53, to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has come under sharp criticism for its failure to detect signs that major Wall Street banks were in trouble before the financial crisis, as well as lax oversight of the New York financier Bernard Madoff, who the authorities say has confessed to running a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.
[...] Mr. Obama also announced the selection of two former Clinton administration economic officials, Gary Gensler and Daniel K. Tarullo, to leading economic posts.
Mr. Gensler, who will head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was a Treasury official in the Clinton administration. He also worked as a senior adviser to former Sen. Paul Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat, who wrote legislation to increase oversight of the accounting industry and reform corporate governance.
Mr. Tarullo, a law professor at Georgetown University who was also an economic advisor to President Clinton, will fill an open seat on the Federal Reserve board in Washington. He is currently leading Mr. Obama’s transition team at the Treasury Department, and is considered an expert in international economic regulation.”
-- President-Elect Barack Obama is rounding out his economic team with the choice of Mary L. Schapiro, Gary Gensler and Daniel K. Tarullo. I have to note that it seems there are more women appointed to this cabinet than at any time in American History. I think the reason for this is these choices -- and women in general -- may have better "vetting" track records than their male counterparts. It's just a guess -- I have nothing other than experience to base this on.
[...] Mr. Obama also announced the selection of two former Clinton administration economic officials, Gary Gensler and Daniel K. Tarullo, to leading economic posts.
Mr. Gensler, who will head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was a Treasury official in the Clinton administration. He also worked as a senior adviser to former Sen. Paul Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat, who wrote legislation to increase oversight of the accounting industry and reform corporate governance.
Mr. Tarullo, a law professor at Georgetown University who was also an economic advisor to President Clinton, will fill an open seat on the Federal Reserve board in Washington. He is currently leading Mr. Obama’s transition team at the Treasury Department, and is considered an expert in international economic regulation.”
-- President-Elect Barack Obama is rounding out his economic team with the choice of Mary L. Schapiro, Gary Gensler and Daniel K. Tarullo. I have to note that it seems there are more women appointed to this cabinet than at any time in American History. I think the reason for this is these choices -- and women in general -- may have better "vetting" track records than their male counterparts. It's just a guess -- I have nothing other than experience to base this on.
Paul Weyrich Leader of Conservative Movement Passes On - The Swamp
The Swamp: “Paul Weyrich, one of the best-known leaders of the conservative movement, died this morning at age 66 from an undisclosed cause.
He was a co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, one of the most influential think tanks in the nation's capital.”
-- Oh, no. I'm not a conservative, but I am a political junkie.
He was a co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, one of the most influential think tanks in the nation's capital.”
-- Oh, no. I'm not a conservative, but I am a political junkie.
Socialtext offering laid-off networks for free - Susan Mernit's Blog
Socialtext News - Susan Mernit's Blog: “As we all know, alumni networks frm opast companies ate great ways to get jobs, Ross Mayfield's Socialtext is going to be right there helping those folks out.
Ross writes: "Today, Socialtext is meeting this latent need with a free Corporate Social Network offer for the 2009 Recession. Any former employee and HR director of a company that reduced its workforce by 5% or more in the last year can create a private Corporate Social Network for free by applying here. Please note that this offer does not include free ”
-- Nice find Susan!!! I just wonder, considering the digital divide, how many companies will actually make the leap.
Ross writes: "Today, Socialtext is meeting this latent need with a free Corporate Social Network offer for the 2009 Recession. Any former employee and HR director of a company that reduced its workforce by 5% or more in the last year can create a private Corporate Social Network for free by applying here. Please note that this offer does not include free ”
-- Nice find Susan!!! I just wonder, considering the digital divide, how many companies will actually make the leap.
Renetto v. YouTube - Renetto's In YouTube's House
YouTube star Renetto's been at odds with the YouTube execs of late, so I thought I'd chime in with my take on his problem. Basically, he wants to be able to say what he wants when he wants. I'm explaining that YouTube and digital media is too monetized with corporate sponsors who are sensitive to their image, so much so they are fearful of comments left that could lead to embarrassment. Renetto can play their game, what would it harm?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
1100 Broadway Downtown Oakland Mural Finished: Rocky Rische-Baird
After several months of work, the mural at 1100 Broadway in downtown Oakland is finished.
The work of Oakland artist Rocky Rische-Baird, it is a step back in time as much as it is a celebration of downtown Oakland and a landmark for 1100 Broadway itself. I talked to Rocky Rische-Baird about his new classic work.
Republicans in Congress have a lower approval rating than President Bush
Republicans tanking ratings - Real Clear Politics: “Republicans in Congress have a lower approval rating than President Bush, according to the latest Gallup survey (Dec. 12-14, 1008 A).
Just 25% of U.S. adults approve of the job Republicans are doing in Congress, 4 points lower than Bush's 29%. It is the lowest mark for either party since Gallup began polling the approval ratings of Congressional parties in 1999.
Congressional Democrats received a 37% approval rating -- still low, but a 7-point increase from their all-time low at the end of last year.”
Just 25% of U.S. adults approve of the job Republicans are doing in Congress, 4 points lower than Bush's 29%. It is the lowest mark for either party since Gallup began polling the approval ratings of Congressional parties in 1999.
Congressional Democrats received a 37% approval rating -- still low, but a 7-point increase from their all-time low at the end of last year.”
"Liza The Wine Chic" Liza Zimmerman On SF "View From The Bay" 1/9/2009
Liza Zimmerman, my friend who's based in San Francisco and locally
known as "Liza The WIne Chic" just sent this email:
Dear All,
Please join me for my Bay Area TV debut! I was on Captain Kangaroo many years ago, but this will be more fun. The show tapes live on Friday January 9th from 3pm to 4pm, so members of the audience will need to be there by between 2:15 and 2:30pm. Tickets are free and it's going to be fun! Here are the RSVP directions:
Please direct people to our website www.viewfromthebay.com and click on "be in our audience" and fill out a ticket request form. In the request form they would request the date that you will be on the show and under comments they can comment that they are a friend or family member of "Liza who will be on the show that day" or something along those lines. Or they can also call me at 415-954-7733 to request tickets. After requesting tickets, information and tickets will be emailed to your guest.
Thanks and I hope to see you there,--
Code Pink activists march in Berkeley to support Iraq shoe-throwing - Inside Bay Area
Iraq shoe-throwing supporters unite Worldwide - Inside Bay Area: “Anti-war activists from the group Code Pink marched at a Marine recruiting station in Berkeley this morning to show solidarity with an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush on Sunday.
Members of the group and others marched around the recruiting station holding shoes in the air to show support for Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, who hurled two shoes at Bush during a news conference in Baghdad.
In many Arab countries, showing the sole of one's shoes, much less throwing shoes at another person, is considered a sign of extreme disrespect.”
-- I wonder if this will become a new cultural movement beyond Iraq?
Members of the group and others marched around the recruiting station holding shoes in the air to show support for Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, who hurled two shoes at Bush during a news conference in Baghdad.
In many Arab countries, showing the sole of one's shoes, much less throwing shoes at another person, is considered a sign of extreme disrespect.”
-- I wonder if this will become a new cultural movement beyond Iraq?
Larry Lessig's Not Shifting On Net Neutrality, But Jaunt To Harvard Is Bothersome
Back when I had more time on my hands I was a daily consumer of the blog of law professor Larry Lessig. Lessig's known for his path-breaking takes, ideas, and legal research and expert testimony on something called "net neutrality" and the development of the Creative Commons. But since he was at Stanford, I always saw him as a part of the San Francisco Bay Area's unique culture.
See, unlike other parts of America, "town" and "gown" in the Bay Area mix well. There are so many smart, almost smart, and people who think they're smart, and some mix of the three (those who venture into areas not of their expertise), that it keeps the mind active and constantly challenged. There's no other place in America like this region. It's for that reason I can't imagine why Larry would take off for Harvard.
Now, in his blog he mentions a scholarly shift from "culture" to what I would simply call "power" or what elected officials and institutions do that's "subverted" by money. At a time when our very way of life is still being rocked by technological change and specifically the Internet, I can't at all see the value of such a shift. Especially by someone in Lessig who's helped shape how we protect creatives in a time when the law seems to want to stifle us.
I've always associated Harvard with money, not intellect. Berkeley, and to a bit of a lesser degree, Stanford, I associate with intellect. When I read Larry's blog, my first thought was "Harvard bought him off." So it's interesting that Professor Lessig would leave for the moneyed institution to study about, well, how money's corrupting areas of public trust.
In any case, I wish him well, but I also wish he'd reconsider his decision.
OPEC cuts record 2.2. million barrels a day | ajc.com
OPEC move will raise oil prices From AP and AJC: “ORAN, Algeria — OPEC on Wednesday agreed to slash a record 2.2 million barrels from its daily production as of Jan. 1, while the bloc's outsiders Russia and Azerbaijan announced their own cutbacks of hundreds of thousands of barrels from the market.
Oil prices tumbled close to four-year lows after the announcement, however, a clear indication of the growing belief that the world is heading for a long and painful recession in which energy use will continue to erode.”
--- Just what we need now in this bad economy, more high gas and energy prices. Americans should cut back on car use ASAP. But this also signals a need to have fuel-efficient cars and keeps Detroit on the hook.
Oil prices tumbled close to four-year lows after the announcement, however, a clear indication of the growing belief that the world is heading for a long and painful recession in which energy use will continue to erode.”
--- Just what we need now in this bad economy, more high gas and energy prices. Americans should cut back on car use ASAP. But this also signals a need to have fuel-efficient cars and keeps Detroit on the hook.
More San Francisco fallout from Madoff collapse - SFGate.com
More local fallout from Madoff collapse From SFGate: “With reference to the unfolding $50 billion alleged Ponzi scheme perpetrated by Bernard Madoff, the following e-mail was sent to a number of Bay Area institutions Monday:
Dear Colleagues:
I regretfully write to inform you that due to a sudden financial crisis and the resulting loss of funding, the JEHT Foundation has stopped all grant-making effective immediately and will be closing its doors in early 2009. Unfortunately the funds of the donors to the JEHT Foundation were managed by Bernard L. Madoff, a financial adviser who was arrested last week for defrauding investors out of billions of dollars. ”
-- The ripple impact of this is huge. It goes to show what happens when wealth is concentrated in a few hands that are then fooled by one person. Stories like this are all over the World. And the credit crunch assures these nonprofits will be in dire straights for a while.
Dear Colleagues:
I regretfully write to inform you that due to a sudden financial crisis and the resulting loss of funding, the JEHT Foundation has stopped all grant-making effective immediately and will be closing its doors in early 2009. Unfortunately the funds of the donors to the JEHT Foundation were managed by Bernard L. Madoff, a financial adviser who was arrested last week for defrauding investors out of billions of dollars. ”
-- The ripple impact of this is huge. It goes to show what happens when wealth is concentrated in a few hands that are then fooled by one person. Stories like this are all over the World. And the credit crunch assures these nonprofits will be in dire straights for a while.
Nation's first face transplant done in Cleveland | ajc.com
Nation's first face transplant done in Cleveland | ajc.com From AP and AJC : “CLEVELAND — A woman so horribly disfigured she was willing to risk her life to do something about it has undergone the nation's first near-total face transplant, the Cleveland Clinic announced Tuesday. Reconstructive surgeon Dr. Maria Siemionow and a team of other specialists replaced 80 percent of the woman's face with that of a female cadaver a couple of weeks ago in a bold and controversial operation certain to stoke the debate over the ethics of such surgery.
The patient's name and age were not released, and the hospital said her family wanted the reason for her transplant to remain confidential. The hospital plans a news conference Wednesday and would not give details until then.”
--- I have to admit I have an issue with this, because I'm wondering about the character of the woman who had her face. It seems like she's taking a new life - someone else's life. But on the other hand, it's better to have a face where people want to approach you than not. The doctors just made sure she would be able to earn a living.
The patient's name and age were not released, and the hospital said her family wanted the reason for her transplant to remain confidential. The hospital plans a news conference Wednesday and would not give details until then.”
--- I have to admit I have an issue with this, because I'm wondering about the character of the woman who had her face. It seems like she's taking a new life - someone else's life. But on the other hand, it's better to have a face where people want to approach you than not. The doctors just made sure she would be able to earn a living.
Time names Obama 'Person of the Year'
Why did Time choose Barack Obama? For the some of the same reasons that Seihan Mori, the senior monk at Kyoto's Kiyomizu, temple chose Obama's now-iconic "change" as Japan's character of the year. In an age full of cynicism and tribulation, Obama has inspired many around the world to rekindle their fundamental belief in our potential - to work in hope rather than languish in despair.
VP Dick Cheney's Senior Staff Salaries Hidden From Public
I got an email that was supposedly from Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr's Chief of Staff Kenneth A. Edmonds. In checking online to learn more about Edmonds, I discovered his salary, and that VP Dick Cheney's senior staff salaries are hidden from the public.
Report: Small online news sites more proven than large ones » VentureBeat
Report: Small online news sites more proven than large ones » VentureBeat: “The report uses long tail economics to show how small sites can do well by achieving greater distribution among a niche readership. Because operating costs are so low, these sites can still manage to be successful despite lower rates of advertising revenue. The report describes the revenue model for independent blogs and news sites and it offers, as an example, a news site with 1 million unique visitors a month which generates $1.5 million in annual revenues assuming a $2 CPM (cost per thousand user impressions) rate.”
No Steve Jobs in 2009: Apple Announces Its Last Year at Macworld
Apple Announces Its Last Year at MacworldFrom Apple's website: “CUPERTINO, California—December 16, 2008—Apple® today announced that this year is the last year the company will exhibit at Macworld Expo. Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, will deliver the opening keynote for this year’s Macworld Conference & Expo, and it will be Apple’s last keynote at the show. The keynote address will be held at Moscone West on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Macworld will be held at San Francisco’s Moscone Center January 5-9, 2009.”
-- This is definitely the end of an era. I can't imagine anyone getting up at 4 AM to hear Phillip Schiller speak in the morning. I can't help but wonder what the real story here is.
-- This is definitely the end of an era. I can't imagine anyone getting up at 4 AM to hear Phillip Schiller speak in the morning. I can't help but wonder what the real story here is.
National Journal Online -- Lost in Transition -- E-Government Ball Already Rolling At Commerce
National Journal Online -- Lost in Transition -- E-Government Ball Already Rolling At Commerce: “If Barack Obama wants to prioritize e-government, he might look to the Commerce Department, which has quietly gained a reputation for being one of the most Web-savvy departments in the federal government.
Commerce has long been viewed as a sprawling, almost ungovernable bureaucracy, but over the last few years it has seen significant advances in areas both small (online video) and large (the 2010 census).
"I think the Commerce Department has been aggressive and progressive," said Arnold Jackson, associate director for the 2010 census.”
Commerce has long been viewed as a sprawling, almost ungovernable bureaucracy, but over the last few years it has seen significant advances in areas both small (online video) and large (the 2010 census).
"I think the Commerce Department has been aggressive and progressive," said Arnold Jackson, associate director for the 2010 census.”
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Statement by Chief of Staff for Congressman Jackson - Kenneth Edmonds
I just received this direct email from Kenneth Edmonds, the spokesperson for Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.:
That's confirmed. Kenneth Edmonds is Chief of Staff for Congressman Jackson. But he sent the email via richmondgrouponline.com.
But I can't find a direct connection between the two. In other words, was this actually Kenneth Edmonds who sent the email? No. The bottom of the email lists Kenneth Johnson as having sent it, not Edmonds. It's harmless to be sure, but it would have been better to send out something that looks more official than this.
"As a responsible citizen and elected official, Congressman Jackson has in the past provided information to federal authorities regarding his personal knowledge of perceived corruption and governmental misconduct.This was completely unrelated to the current federal investigation regarding the U.S. Senate appointment. And it is absolutely inaccurate to describe the Congressman as an informant."
Kenneth Edmonds, spokesman for Congressman Jackson.
That's confirmed. Kenneth Edmonds is Chief of Staff for Congressman Jackson. But he sent the email via richmondgrouponline.com.
But I can't find a direct connection between the two. In other words, was this actually Kenneth Edmonds who sent the email? No. The bottom of the email lists Kenneth Johnson as having sent it, not Edmonds. It's harmless to be sure, but it would have been better to send out something that looks more official than this.
Dan Wetzel's Great Column On Tony Dungy and The Colts
Latest playoff push a rough ride for Dungy, Colts - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: “Through all the high-scoring victories, bids for a perfect season, wild comebacks, crazed finishes, playoff disappointments and, eventually, a Super Bowl triumph, the enduring image of Tony Dungy is one of calm.”
-- The column captures Tony's persona, but should -- does not -- mention his belief in Christ.
-- The column captures Tony's persona, but should -- does not -- mention his belief in Christ.
Mike Silver Says Zorn throws himself under the bus - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Zorn throws himself under the bus - NFL - Yahoo! SportsMike Sliver: “Jim Zorn, I’m rooting for you. I really am. I resolved back in February to give you a chance as an out-of-the-box hire, and I hope you survive to coach a second year with the Redskins.
But could you kindly stop bleeding all over the place?”
Knowing Sil, I can actually hear him saying that!
But could you kindly stop bleeding all over the place?”
Knowing Sil, I can actually hear him saying that!
NY GIANTS ADD A WIDEOUT - ProFootballTalk.com
ProFootballTalk.com - GIANTS ADD A WIDEOUT: “The New York Giants will sign receiver Derek Hagan, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Hagan was cut earlier this year by the Dolphins. Though he’s had several tryouts, he had not been re-signed.
Plagued by a problem holding onto the ball, the Fins finally gave up on the former first-day draft pick in November.
The Giants need help at the position given the absence of Plaxico Burress. The problem is that Burress can be properly replaced only by a receiver who draws double coverage (or more) everywhere he goes.”
Hagan was cut earlier this year by the Dolphins. Though he’s had several tryouts, he had not been re-signed.
Plagued by a problem holding onto the ball, the Fins finally gave up on the former first-day draft pick in November.
The Giants need help at the position given the absence of Plaxico Burress. The problem is that Burress can be properly replaced only by a receiver who draws double coverage (or more) everywhere he goes.”
Atlanta MARTA Transit warns of big fare hikes, major cuts | ajc.com
MARTA warns of big fare hikes, major cuts | ajc.com: “MARTA’s top administrator on Monday warned of steep fare hikes and drastic cuts in passenger services if the transit agency cannot find more revenue sources to make up for a projected $60 million revenue shortfall.
“We are talking about a Draconian — unbelievably Draconian — reduction in service,” said MARTA general manager Beverly Scott. “There is not enough stuff that one can touch where you can, in fact, wind up making up those kinds of sharp decreases.”
Scott’s remarks followed a MARTA board meeting during which the panel approved a series of proposals to alleviate the crisis.
The agency began its fiscal year in July expecting a $30 million shortfall. In September, the Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center projected that MARTA was facing an additional $30 million revenue shortfall by the end of the current fiscal year in July 2009, and a $634 million shortfall over the next decade.”
“We are talking about a Draconian — unbelievably Draconian — reduction in service,” said MARTA general manager Beverly Scott. “There is not enough stuff that one can touch where you can, in fact, wind up making up those kinds of sharp decreases.”
Scott’s remarks followed a MARTA board meeting during which the panel approved a series of proposals to alleviate the crisis.
The agency began its fiscal year in July expecting a $30 million shortfall. In September, the Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center projected that MARTA was facing an additional $30 million revenue shortfall by the end of the current fiscal year in July 2009, and a $634 million shortfall over the next decade.”
Diane Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel - SF Gate
Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel: “California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has been tapped as the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday, a post that would give her immense clout over U.S. intelligence agencies and the power to shape policies on wiretapping and the treatment of detainees.
Feinstein's promotion was welcome news for other state Democrats, as well as Republicans who plan to run for governor in 2010. The 75-year-old senator has flirted with the idea of running for governor but has told friends and allies she would be unlikely to make a bid if she got the top post on the intelligence panel.
She would be the first woman to lead the committee in its 32-year history.”
--- That paves the way for a gubenatorial battle between SF Mayor Gavin Newsom and Cal AG Jerry Brown.
Feinstein's promotion was welcome news for other state Democrats, as well as Republicans who plan to run for governor in 2010. The 75-year-old senator has flirted with the idea of running for governor but has told friends and allies she would be unlikely to make a bid if she got the top post on the intelligence panel.
She would be the first woman to lead the committee in its 32-year history.”
--- That paves the way for a gubenatorial battle between SF Mayor Gavin Newsom and Cal AG Jerry Brown.
GOV PROPOSES NEW BUDGET FOR NEW YORK - New York Post
GOV PROPOSES NEW BUDGET FOR NEW YORK - New York Post: “Gov. Paterson's proposed $121.1 billion budget includes wacky taxes on items ranging from luxury goods to downloaded music, movies and games from the Internet.
The plan also calls a massive 14 percent hike to public college tuition, slashing school aid by 3.3 percent, layoffs, higher fees for motor vehicles and fishing and allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores.”
-- NO! How is the Internet tax to be enforced? What if one blocks their IP address?
The plan also calls a massive 14 percent hike to public college tuition, slashing school aid by 3.3 percent, layoffs, higher fees for motor vehicles and fishing and allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores.”
-- NO! How is the Internet tax to be enforced? What if one blocks their IP address?
TIME Lists Cons of Caroline Kennedy's Senatorial Interest - TIME
Swampland - TIME.com » Blog Archive Caroline Kennedy, Nine Enemies and One Ingrate «: “Then we can look at all the reasons that Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg now, apparently, optional) may not be ideal. For starters, she is much less well known in New York Democratic circles than either her late brother, John Jr., or her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Judith Hope, the former state Democratic chair told me last week, "Recognizing her obvious qualities, I think Caroline is just an unknown quantity to many of us, and to the general public." Her other hazards: She has scant professional experience outside of book writing and fundraising, has yet to demonstrate the workaholic grit of the seat's current occupant, Hillary Clinton, and has shown herself at several occasions to be an underwhelming speaker. Finally, as Joe points out, we are entering an age of relative meritocracy and anti-dynasty, a trend that is only highlighted by the Blagojevich scandal.”
-- TIME makes good points, but the one matter -- fundraising -- sticks out as an advantage she brings to the table. Plus she has a wealth of contacts in and out of government. It's good to survey the field, however.
-- TIME makes good points, but the one matter -- fundraising -- sticks out as an advantage she brings to the table. Plus she has a wealth of contacts in and out of government. It's good to survey the field, however.
Pat Quinn: The Man Who Would Replace Blagojevich - TIME
Pat Quinn: The Man Who Would Replace Blagojevich - TIME: “In a state so plagued by cronyism and shady self-dealing that the head of the FBI here didn't hesitate to call Illinois one of the — if not the — most corrupt states in the nation, Lieut. Governor Pat Quinn is considered something of a Goody Two-Shoes. Responsible for slashing the size of the state legislature, he has been booed by legislators on the capitol floor. He keeps a minimal staff and is said to charge $75 a ticket for fundraisers — at a time when entry to most is well into the hundreds if not thousands of dollar”
-- Lets hope Quinn lives up to his billing.
-- Lets hope Quinn lives up to his billing.
Arne Duncan: Obama's Education Secretary - Huff Post
Arne Duncan: Obama's Education Secretary - Huff Post: “CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama announced Arne Duncan, the head of the Chicago school system, as education secretary Tuesday and declared that failing to improve classroom instruction is "morally unacceptable for our children."
"When it comes to school reform, Arne is the most hands-on of hands-on practitioners," Obama said, making the announcement at a school that he said has made remarkable progress under Duncan's leadership.
"He's not beholden to any one ideology, and he's worked tirelessly to improve teacher quality," Obama said.”
"When it comes to school reform, Arne is the most hands-on of hands-on practitioners," Obama said, making the announcement at a school that he said has made remarkable progress under Duncan's leadership.
"He's not beholden to any one ideology, and he's worked tirelessly to improve teacher quality," Obama said.”
President-elect Obama Announces Stephen Chu, Carol Browner, and Lisa Jackson
President-Elect Barack Obama continues to introduce members of his cabinet, today officially bring in Dr. Stephen Chu, Lisa Jackson, and Carol Browner. Dr. Chu is a legend in the halls of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and known for his leadership and knoweldge. Ms. Jackson is a policy-driven public official who reportedly improved the formerly politicized New Jersey EPA Department. And Carol Browner is a well-known environmental public official having served as the head of the EPA under both Clinton Administrations, the longest serving head of the EPA in history. Nancy Sutley, Los Angeles's deputy mayor for energy and environment, will chair Obama's White House's Council on Environmental Quality.
If you're keeping score, Obama has introduced three women and one man today. I also have to add that I think Obama's appointing more Asians and women to top posts that ever before, but they're also trail-blazers in their fields.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Laure Manaudou - Internet Star Swimmer Beats Her Own World Record At French Short Course Nationals
Remember Laure Manaudou, who famously quit this year's Summer Olympics because of the stress of making a comeback after the tripple story of the breakup with Luca Martin, her boyfriend who may have posted nude photos of her on the Internet, then the appearance of Martin at the Olympics with Italian swimming star Frederica Pellegrini, and the added need to break the World records she set in 2006, has broke her record in the women's 50 backstroke at the French Short Course Nationals, posting a time of 27:30, which just shaved her previous time of 27:46, a meet record set in 2006.
This is a sort of comeback for Manaudou, as her Olympic trip was a total disaster. Here's my video explaining what happened:
This is a sort of comeback for Manaudou, as her Olympic trip was a total disaster. Here's my video explaining what happened:
Charles Barkley says Auburn's Choice of Gene Chizik Over Turner Gill Was Racism - ESPN
ESPN - Charles Barkley outraged by Auburn Tigers' hiring of Gene Chizik: “Former Auburn and NBA star Charles Barkley ripped his alma mater on Monday, saying the only reason the Tigers did not hire Buffalo's Turner Gill as the school's new football coach is because Gill is black.
Auburn on Saturday hired Iowa State's Gene Chizik, who had a 5-19 record in two seasons with the Cyclones. Chizik was the defensive coordinator at Auburn in 2004, when the Tigers finished 13-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country.
Chizik replaces former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, who won 85 games in 10 seasons but was forced to resign earlier this month.
"I think race was the No. 1 factor," said Barkley, who played basketball for three seasons at Auburn during the early 1980s. "You can say it's not about race, but you can't compare the two resumes and say [Chizik] deserved the job. Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst resume."”
--- Charles is correct. Auburn hired a person who's record shows he's not competent over Turner Gill, who's performance shows he is competent. That could only happen in a racist environment. Just because President-Elect Barack Obama is America's first Black President does not mean racism suddenly ended, it just stopped as we knew it. Now, it's marginalized to specific areas of America. But it's also now seen as a mental illness.
Auburn on Saturday hired Iowa State's Gene Chizik, who had a 5-19 record in two seasons with the Cyclones. Chizik was the defensive coordinator at Auburn in 2004, when the Tigers finished 13-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country.
Chizik replaces former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, who won 85 games in 10 seasons but was forced to resign earlier this month.
"I think race was the No. 1 factor," said Barkley, who played basketball for three seasons at Auburn during the early 1980s. "You can say it's not about race, but you can't compare the two resumes and say [Chizik] deserved the job. Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst resume."”
--- Charles is correct. Auburn hired a person who's record shows he's not competent over Turner Gill, who's performance shows he is competent. That could only happen in a racist environment. Just because President-Elect Barack Obama is America's first Black President does not mean racism suddenly ended, it just stopped as we knew it. Now, it's marginalized to specific areas of America. But it's also now seen as a mental illness.
Meg Whitman, homophobe - valleywag.com
Politics: Meg Whitman, homophobe valleywag.com: “With her unofficial bid to be California's governor, Meg Whitman, the billionaire former CEO of eBay, is leaning hard to the right. Her support of a gay marriage ban could doom her campaign.
Whitman, as we've noted, is an oddity among Silicon Valley Republicans, who tend to worry more about lower taxes than hot-button social issues like abortion and gay marriage. In the Republican presidential primaries, she supported Mitt Romney, a Mormon with conservative social views. But it wasn't until recently that Whitman started talking about her own support for Proposition 8, California's recently passed ban on same-sex marriages.”
Whitman, as we've noted, is an oddity among Silicon Valley Republicans, who tend to worry more about lower taxes than hot-button social issues like abortion and gay marriage. In the Republican presidential primaries, she supported Mitt Romney, a Mormon with conservative social views. But it wasn't until recently that Whitman started talking about her own support for Proposition 8, California's recently passed ban on same-sex marriages.”
President Bush Dodges Shoes Thrown by Iraqi Journalist
Wow. What I now think is shoes should be removed and stored during a press conference. I'm rather serious here.
Greta Van Susteren Goes Off On CNN Layoffs - Gretawire
Blood Bath at CNN ? No “heroes” in management there! « GretaWire: “They did it again! CNN fires people just in time for Christmas! Make you sick?
People often ask why I left CNN…..I didn’t like management. I liked my colleagues in the news gathering but the corporate culture that seized management when AOL came in (Steve Case and Gerry Levin) was disgusting. Everything changed. Don’t get me wrong - I like corporate organization and a corporation should make money - what I don’t like is a mean spirited selfish management that, despite not doing its job of efficiently running the company, lines it pockets. And then the topper? because the management didn’t run the company well, CNN fires loyal people to meet some bottom line the management failed to meet. Blame the little guy not the way the company is run? Go figure! Well….CNN management did not disappoint me yesterday…meaning, it met my low expectations.”
--- This is a crass move by CNN management. It's the timing. Why the holidays?
People often ask why I left CNN…..I didn’t like management. I liked my colleagues in the news gathering but the corporate culture that seized management when AOL came in (Steve Case and Gerry Levin) was disgusting. Everything changed. Don’t get me wrong - I like corporate organization and a corporation should make money - what I don’t like is a mean spirited selfish management that, despite not doing its job of efficiently running the company, lines it pockets. And then the topper? because the management didn’t run the company well, CNN fires loyal people to meet some bottom line the management failed to meet. Blame the little guy not the way the company is run? Go figure! Well….CNN management did not disappoint me yesterday…meaning, it met my low expectations.”
--- This is a crass move by CNN management. It's the timing. Why the holidays?
Franken Camp: Coleman Is Desperate, Knows He's Going To Lose TPM Election Central | Talking Points Memo |
TPM Election Central | Talking Points Memo | Franken Camp: Coleman Is Desperate, Knows He's Going To Lose: “In a press briefing just now, a very exuberant Franken campaign put forward a clear message about today's big news that the wrongly-rejected absentee ballots can be counted, which the Coleman campaign is trying to halt by going to court: Norm Coleman is desperate, because he knows he's going to lose.
The shift in tone from the Franken camp, compared to their more defensive posture in previous calls, reflects just how suddenly the dynamics of the race have shifted in his favor today.”
The shift in tone from the Franken camp, compared to their more defensive posture in previous calls, reflects just how suddenly the dynamics of the race have shifted in his favor today.”
Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush, calls him dog TPM: News Pages | Talking Points Memo |
TPM: News Pages | Talking Points Memo | Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush, calls him dog: “BAGHDAD, Dec 14 (Reuters) - An Iraqi reporter called visiting U.S. President George W. Bush a "dog" in Arabic on Sunday and threw his shoes at him during a news conference in Baghdad.
Iraqi security officers and U.S. secret service agents leapt at the man and dragged him struggling and screaming out of the room where Bush was giving a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
The shoes missed their target about 15 feet (4.5 metres) away. One sailed over Bush's head as he stood next to Maliki and smacked into the wall behind him. Bush smiled uncomfortably and Maliki looked strained.
"It doesn't bother me," Bush said, urging everyone to calm down as a ruckus broke out in the conference room.
When asked about the incident shortly after, Bush made light of it. "I didn't feel the least threatened by it," he said.”
Iraqi security officers and U.S. secret service agents leapt at the man and dragged him struggling and screaming out of the room where Bush was giving a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
The shoes missed their target about 15 feet (4.5 metres) away. One sailed over Bush's head as he stood next to Maliki and smacked into the wall behind him. Bush smiled uncomfortably and Maliki looked strained.
"It doesn't bother me," Bush said, urging everyone to calm down as a ruckus broke out in the conference room.
When asked about the incident shortly after, Bush made light of it. "I didn't feel the least threatened by it," he said.”
Tina Brown And "The Daily Beast": Any Black Folks Around There?
The Daily Beast is a new website along the lines of The Huffington Post from a content standpoint and started by long-time magazine editor Tina Brown and with an investment by Barry Diller. The rumor has been that $18 million was invested in the site and that the company was burning through $1 million or so in a month. Here in the video, Brown dispells those rumors.
In all, The Daily Beast is certainly an interesting "go" in that Brown is not going to have a set of unpaid bloggers, as The Huff Post does, but all paid writers, In other words a news and content staff.
I think that's a terrible idea because it places a high cost template in the business model and causes a higher level of revenue to be reached. Translation: a constant burn rate. But what's even more alarming to me is this staff photo we see: where the hell's the staff diversity?
Has Tina ever heard of Black folks at all? Indeed, she wasn't a fan of President-Elect Barack Obama, but one of those who knee-jerk pointed to the "media bias against Hillary Clinton " while walking ignorantly past the dark racism that Obama faced during the campaign.
Regardless, assembling an almost-all-white (one Indian) news staff in an era that prizes diversity is massively irresponsible.
Partly as a result of this "one-think", The Daily Beast is woefully devoid of any original content at present. It's a cross between the online version of The New York Daily News, and The Huffington Post. If "news is advertising" as Brown says in the video, The Beast has terrible ad content.
For some reason I can see this lasting two or three years -- tops. That's not because of the staffing, but the total package. There's nothing original here.
Interview: New NYT.com GM Denise Warren: | paidContent.org
Interview: New NYT.com GM Denise Warren: Tip-toeing Into Aggregation With Guarded Optimism | paidContent.org: “As if heading advertising for the New York Times (NYSE: NYT) Media Group wasn’t tough enough in this climate, Denise Warren is taking on the role of GM of NYTimes.com as the site fends off increased challenges from competitors and the economy. Warren has been chief advertising officer of the NYT Media Group for three years and has been with The New York Times Company for 20 years.”
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Oakland Raiders Stink - New England Up 42 to 20 In Rain-Soaked Game
I've been an Oakland Raiders fan since I was little, and went to a lot of games. I've seen bad years, but this one's too much to take. For the second straight year, the Oakland Raiders are guaranteed of a high -- second pick in 2009 -- NFL Draft pick. It's not that the Raiders need the players; the Raiders need a coach and a system.
Right now, they're losing 42 to 20 to the New England Patriots at the Raiders home, a windy, cold Oakland Coliseum. The main problem is the defense; good in places, the Pats no-huddle strategy got them off guard. What's the best answer? Blitz and from different angles. Make them think about what they're doing. But the Raiders didn't do that.
Still, this 3 and 10 team could come back. It's 3:30 in the third quarter, and the Raiders just need to score three more touchdowns and a field goal to win.
Oh, and hold the Pats to zero additional points.
Let's see what happens.
Right now, they're losing 42 to 20 to the New England Patriots at the Raiders home, a windy, cold Oakland Coliseum. The main problem is the defense; good in places, the Pats no-huddle strategy got them off guard. What's the best answer? Blitz and from different angles. Make them think about what they're doing. But the Raiders didn't do that.
Still, this 3 and 10 team could come back. It's 3:30 in the third quarter, and the Raiders just need to score three more touchdowns and a field goal to win.
Oh, and hold the Pats to zero additional points.
Let's see what happens.
David Gregory on Meet The Press - White males rule Sunday news shows - SfGate.com
White males rule Sunday news shows: “This is David Gregory's first Sunday as the host of NBC's long-running "Meet the Press," beginning what one of his rivals calls a new, post-Tim Russert era for the network Sunday public affairs shows. But some wonder if anything will really change.
Not only does Gregory's promotion in the aftermath of Russert's death ensure that all the shows will continue to be hosted by white men, roughly 80 percent of the newsmakers and pundits who have appeared on the shows over the past eight years also have been white men, according to an ongoing study by the liberal think tank Media Matters for America. (The organization's latest figures for "Fox News Sunday" are from 2005-06. In that period, 80 percent of the show's guests were male and 82 percent were white.)”
Not only does Gregory's promotion in the aftermath of Russert's death ensure that all the shows will continue to be hosted by white men, roughly 80 percent of the newsmakers and pundits who have appeared on the shows over the past eight years also have been white men, according to an ongoing study by the liberal think tank Media Matters for America. (The organization's latest figures for "Fox News Sunday" are from 2005-06. In that period, 80 percent of the show's guests were male and 82 percent were white.)”
Bailout’s critics? Republicans from states with foreign automakers | Muckety.com - See the news
Bailout’s toughest critics were Republicans from states with foreign automakers | Muckety.com - See the news: “Richard Shelby of Alabama, the senior Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, for instance, took a particularly harsh tone with auto executives, suggesting their restructuring bids “are not a serious set of plans.”
Since the 1990s, Alabama has won three assembly plants, from Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, and an engine plant by Toyota.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who slammed the bailout plan Thursday, has a Toyota plant in Georgetown.
And Bob Corker of Tennessee, who played a starring role in efforts to broker a last-minute Senate compromise Thursday, has the American headquarters of Japan’s Nissan, several Nissan plants and a planned factory by Volkswagon in his state.
But Corker’s compromise effort collapsed after the United Auto Workers refused to accept Corker’s insistence of wage and benefit concessions in 2009 to create parity with workers at U.S. factories owned by Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and other foreign companies.
“We offered any date in the year 2009 - any date - any date, just when will we actually get there,” Corker said on the Senate floor after his proposed deal collapsed.”
Since the 1990s, Alabama has won three assembly plants, from Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, and an engine plant by Toyota.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who slammed the bailout plan Thursday, has a Toyota plant in Georgetown.
And Bob Corker of Tennessee, who played a starring role in efforts to broker a last-minute Senate compromise Thursday, has the American headquarters of Japan’s Nissan, several Nissan plants and a planned factory by Volkswagon in his state.
But Corker’s compromise effort collapsed after the United Auto Workers refused to accept Corker’s insistence of wage and benefit concessions in 2009 to create parity with workers at U.S. factories owned by Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and other foreign companies.
“We offered any date in the year 2009 - any date - any date, just when will we actually get there,” Corker said on the Senate floor after his proposed deal collapsed.”
Barack Obama Outed Rod Blagojevich - Gov Punished By Obama
llinois Governor Rod Blagojevich paid the price for defying President-Elect Barack Obama. In setting-up a pay-to-play scheme for Obama's vacated Senate seat, he rejected Obama's choice Valerie Jarrett and in doing so, caused Obama to pull the strings to have Rod Blagojevich arrested.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
"Change" declared the word of the year -- in JAPAN!
Using a brush to write the single character on a wooden platform as tourists looked on at Kiyomizu temple in the ancient capital of Kyoto, chief monk Seihan Mori declared “change” to be Japan’s character of the year.The selection of the kanji character, pictured at the right, is “...an expression of the Japanese people’s wishes to see political, economic and societal changes..." as they anticipate Obama's term according to Mori.
The Kiyomizu temple dates back to 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. It takes its name from the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water drop into a pond within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills.
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