'The District' Ep. 1 'The Challenges We Face' - Newsweek.com

Newsweek takes New Media by storm, teaming up (smartly) with MTV to produce this new television and webisode called "The District" and is a kind of way of taking the latest news events, hiring an actor to play President Obama, and melding the entire assembly into one 3-plus-minute piece of entertainment.

According to the Huffington Post:

Newsweek set out to probe the deep question, "what if MTV made a reality show about Obama's first 100 days?" And they ended up with this...

Take a look and share your view.

More people call Kellogg's about Phelps than Salmonella

Kellogg's hotline (800-962-1413) says: "If you would like to share comments regarding our relationship with Michael Phelps, please press 1...If you are calling about the recent peanut butter recall, please press 2." Kellogg's made a bad call about American's maturity on marijuana policy. Now, with a boycott, they know it. Will they retract?

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Lesbian Sues Hospital Over Denied Access To Dying Partner

As her partner of 17 years slipped into a coma, Janice Langbehn pleaded with staff to let her into the woman's hospital room. Despite legal proof of guardianship and "power of attorney," Langbehn and the couple's three adopted children were not recognized as family and denied access until eight hours later -- just as the last rites were performed.

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Jeffrey Claude Bartleson: John McCain's manager arrested for child molestation

Under investigation is Jeffrey Claude Bartleson, 52, who was arrested Jan. 29 and then re-arrested Wednesday after a campaign worker in the McCain office told police she believed Bartleson molested one of her sons.

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Never underestimate the power of a woman.

The U.S. economy continues to reverberate from the policies (or perhaps lack of policies) that the Bush-Cheney administration championed since taking office 8 years ago, and by most accounts we've now lost over 3.5 million jobs during the recession that they bestowed upon the tax-payers and future tax-payers. 600,000 Americans have been laid off in January alone. The mortgage foreclosures continue unabated, the unemployment rate is soaring, yet now that Bush is out of office certain members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives continue to support the trickle-down theories that brought us to this economic precipice. But it's not their fault.

The bloc that blocked

I don't mean the state of the economy - that's the fault of everybody who ever championed, or simply ignored, deregulation of the banking and financial industries. No, it's not their fault that they're engaged in partisan posturing at a time when the country has delivered a broad mandate for new approaches, because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tricked them. The Speaker got the minority to circle their wagons, to vote as a block against the first version of the new Stimulus bill even though they had been supportive of Bush's hurried spending bills to bail out banks as the previous administration was winding down, and now the Republican Senators are largely following suit.

Pelosi ran a bill through quickly for a vote, and now they're posturing desperately while the tax payers and voters watch more closely than the politicos are accustomed to - they're being downright obstructionist, and that leaves the Democrats in a stronger position.

Some strategists might suggest that at such a juncture the wise thing would be to give the newly elected President what he asks for, hoping that by the time the mid-term election rolls around they'd have something to point their fingers at if it fails while saying, "we did what he asked." But the voters are seeing the Republicans suggest we try "cutting taxes" again. Cutting taxes sounds pretty good to the people we've bailed out on Wall Street, I suppose, but when you're worried about losing your job and keeping food on the table your concern is not for the Capital Gains tax which is already considerably lower than the Income Tax, your concern is over staunching the flow of jobs before unemployment spirals to the levels of the Great Depression. President Obama's right to insist on timely action, the same sort of need the prior administration finally woke up to in the waning lame-duck days of their power.

Theatrics are alive and well in the U.S. Senate

What are the Republicans opposed to? Not so much, it turns out: something under 1% of the spending, yet rather than come with proposals for the voters to contemplate their doing what worked in the past, made-for-Fox drama and histrionics, name calling. While the President is visibly reaching out to find common ground, some of the most influential Republicans in the capitol are playing for sound-bites of their outrage and opposition, "...you have to start from scratch" - they failed to realize that Nancy Pelosi invited them back into their old, discredited "we-they" postures for the national audience, and failed to understand the urgency and pain of their constituents as the layoffs and foreclosures continue.

The reality is the situation is urgent; we can't allow the economy of the nation to falter and stall, we can't afford it. The decisions have to be made and plans launched by people who can't remotely follow the calculus that economists such as Paul Krugman or Mark Anson employ. Americans want to get back to work - and we want our elected leaders to do their work swiftly so we can stop laying off teachers and assembly line workers and losing their productive participation in our economy.

Maybe if we enforced layoffs, or even pay cuts, in Congress in proportion to the rest of the country, or the budget, they'd get off their rhetoric and get the bill passed.

Economic Recovery Compromise Makes Rich, Richer: The Alternative Minimum Tax

The President's Economic Recovery Act plan, called the Economic Stimulus and much needed, is headed toward passage but only because of a compromise that essentially makes the rich, richer. It's also a good reason why I believe we need to have a program that gives at least $3,500 to each American under $100,000, rather than just tax credits.

Reportedly, $100 billion was shaved off the plan, but according to the blogger LithiumCola at The DailyKos, the big reason why the plan was cut, and why the Senate plan was about $80 billion more expensive than the House plan, was the installation of a provision adjustment in what's called The Alternative Minimum Tax, such that the AMT increases incomes for those making more money, whereas it has little if any impact on those making less, specifically:

Haley points to a study at the Tax Policy Institute which shows that slashing the AMT increases the incomes of Americans in the top quintile by 1.3%, Americans in the next-highest quintile by .7%, the middle quintile by .1%, and does nothing at all for Americans in the bottom 40% of incomes.

To put that another way, Americans in the middle 20% of incomes will get on average a whopping $52 because of Senator Grassley's demand, those in the second-highest 1/5th will get $502, while Americans in the top 1/5th of incomes will get an average $2,593 -- and that last one includes those in the top 5%, who will get an average of $4,511. This is what the WSJ calls "shielding millions of middle-income Americans from the so-called alternative minimum tax."

It's for this reason I continue to push for a targeted stimulus of $3,500 for every American under $100,000 in income, or an planned allocation capped at 100 million people. The total cost would be $350 billion, and worth every penny.




According to the Federal Reserve Board 2004 survey of consumer finances, the average balance for those carrying credit card balances was $2,200, but many American families do not carry a credit card balance, so the fear that this $3,500 would be used only to retire credit card debt is unfounded. Indeed, there's more evidence to support the observation that the money would be used -- especially by those in the lower income categories -- just to keep a roof over their heads.

US Sherriff's don't want people evicted as record home foreclosure rates are expected. This proposal, combined with relaxed mortgage rates and anticipated refinancing plans, could help to keep Americans in their homes for at least an additional two years. That buys enough time for the other job-producing aspects of the Economic Stimulus plan to take effect.

In closing, given the trillions of dollars sent directly to corporations, $350 billion to the Americans who need it the most is not too much to ask for.


news

President Obama addresses Economic Recovery House Meetings

I got this from David Plouffe of Obama for America:

"President Barack Obama talks directly to the American people about the immediate need for action on the economy. Join your friends and neighbors at an Economic Recovery House Meeting in your community: http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryplan

Actor Christian Bale Apologizes for F-Bomb Tirade

Christian Bale called in to the Kevin and Bean show on KROQ-FM (106.7) in Los Angeles to say he was sorry for the tantrum on the set of "Terminator Salvation" that was recorded and has been pinging across the Internet for days.

Michael Phelps Smokes Bong: American Hypocrisy

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Phelps last fall at the Bank of The West Classic tennis event. I said then that he was "a cool guy" or words to that effect. The matter of his "bong" event is a study in American Hypocrisy.

Michael Phelps Smokes Bong: American Hypocrisy

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Phelps last fall at the Bank of The West Classic tennis event. I said then that he was "a cool guy" or words to that effect. The matter of his "bong" event is a study in American Hypocrisy.

Senators reach deal to cut economic stimulus bill to $780B

Senators reach deal to cut stimulus bill to $780B: “With job losses soaring nationwide, Senate Democrats reached agreement with key Republicans Friday night on an economic stimulus measure at the heart of President Barack Obama's plan for combatting the worst recession in decades. "The American people want us to work together. They don't want to see us dividing along partisan lines on the most serious crisis confronting our country," said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one of two GOP senators who signaled support for the bill.

Officials put the cost of the measure at $780 billion in tax cuts and new spending combined. No details were immediately available, and there appeared to be some confusion even among senators about the price tag as floor debate continued late into the night.”

BART Shooting: Johannes Mehserle Released On $3M Bail

More at SF Gate: “(02-06) 16:48 PST DUBLIN -- Johannes Mehserle, the former BART police officer accused of murder in the Jan. 1 shooting death of an unarmed man on the Fruitvale Station platform in Oakland, was released this afternoon on $3 million bail, authorities said.

Mehserle, 27, posted bail at 3:45 p.m. and was released from Santa Rita Jail without incident, the Alameda County Sheriff's Department said.”

Madoff Client List, Fox Theater, Blog News: Zennie62

This is my experimental multi-show where I broadcast on USTReam, YouTube, and BlogTalk Radio all at the same time. The show is about the just released Madoff Client list and the six Oakland and 43 San Francisco persons who were listed as victims of Madoff.

I also talk about the newly opened Fox Theater which had its Gala event last night -- a success. Funny that the Oakland Tribune website doesn't have a post about it. They swapped their Fox post for something about an animation movie. Who cares?

There's more. I'm going to make the YouTube video another way because I do not like the quality of the quick-capture system. I may wind up using two computers for this. Here's the USTream video...

Video chat rooms at Ustream

And here's the BlogTalkRadio Link: Radio

Star Trek Movie Trailer Reveals Hit Star Trek Movie

The second Star Trek trailer reveals a movie that will be a sure-fire hit. J.J. Abrams, who directed the movie and co-produced it, and his staff aimed for a mix of realism and Star Trek and hit it right on the money.

I do hope we can see William Shatner in it, but I understand why he made this difficult -- he'll be sorry. But I hope he's in it with Leonard Nimoy.

President Obama on Economic Recovery

From BarackObamaDotcom on YouTube: President Obama recorded a series of interviews about his economic recovery plan. Help is on the way, and you can help spread the word. Join thousands of people across the country who are organizing Economic Recovery House Meetings: http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryplan

Leonard Nimoy's Ballad of Bilbo Baggins

What the hell was Leonard Nimoy doing singing this stupid song? Well, according to Wikipedia,..

"The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" is a song composed by Charles Randolph Grean and performed by Leonard Nimoy, telling the story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures in J. R. R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit. The recording originally appeared on The Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy (Dot Records Cat. DLP 25835, 1968), the second of Nimoy's albums on Dot Records. It was also released as a single (Dot Records Cat. #45-17028), backed with a "modern thought-image" folk song called "Cotton Candy".

Well I guess that explains it, but I'd still like to talk to Mr. Nimoy about that one! LOL

US Supreme Court Justice has Pancreatic Cancer

From YouTuber SwimmingPolarBear: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer, apparently at an early stage. The court said the 75-year-old Ginsburg had the surgery Thursday at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. She will remain in the hospital for seven to 10 days, said her surgeon. Dr. Murray Brennan. This was according to a release issued by the court.

Sen. John McCain Shows Economic Stupidity, Again!

More from “The Washington Monthly”: “THE 'OLD' MCCAIN ISN'T COMING BACK.... As much as I'd like to ignore John McCain's "analysis" of the economic stimulus plan, he's not making it easy. For the last couple of weeks, he's been on all the networks, undermining the administration's plan, questioning the president's integrity, and making strange policy arguments. With no obvious Republican leader on the national stage, the media is still turning to the GOP's defeated presidential nominee.”

-- I agree with this must-read post. Senator John McCain's back to showing why he didn't win the election in the first place: a total lack of understanding of the economy and a lack of willingness to explain that he's misinformed. Yet, he's out there making stupid statement after dumb comment. Saying he fears a deficit, yet supporting billions in tax cuts, just to name one example.

Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson On Fame, Black Actors and Hollywood

I had the pleasure of meeting Ernie Hudson at the 2007 WonderCon earlier this year. In this interview, Hudson, who's website is at http://www.Ernie-Hudson.com, talks about fame, the Black Actor, and Hollywood.

Beijing 2008 Fake Fireworks Olympics Ceremony: "Wag The Olympics"

The Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing Olympics Stadium last tear was without a doubt the greatest event of its kind in the history of the Olympic Games. It was China's "coming out" party, and the organizers $300 million was well-spent.

The results showed in China Olympian Li Ning's levitating speed-skater style "walk" around Olympic Stadium and his lighting of a giant torch, which in turn caused what had to be the largest fireworks display in the history of the Olympic Games, if not the World.

A spectacle that looked tremendous, and even animated, and that's because it was.

The organizers of the event admitted that computer graphics were used to "replace" the actual fireworks images because the fear was that the "haze" -- read: smog -- was so bad that a great camera shot of the pyrotechnics would have not been possible.

Still, it was controversial because it took away from the overall historic effort and also took the wind out of the sails of the China Olympics, and sadly.

I write that because regardless of that country's problems, we're all fans of the Olympics and want to see it go well. Period.

But what was done reminded me of the movie "Wag The Dog". That flick, which starred Robert De Nero and Dustin Hoffman, was about a war that was staged on a television set and never happened at all.

With China's actions, we're a massive step closer to that possible occurence. China not only faked the fireworks, but the singer employed in the Opening Ceremony.

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?se...

Seven-year-old Yang Peiyi, "who was deemed not attractive enough to go on stage" according to the article, was replaced by nine-year-old Lin Miaoke. One thing's for sure, that will scar Yang Peiyi for life, the fact that her own China told her she was not attractive enough to be seen singing on the biggest stage in the World, even though they love her voice!

Toward Laws Preventing This In The Future

I think we need to craft a series of International Laws to prevent or at least discourage (which is the best we can do) the occurence of the use of digital technology in this way. It's far too dangerous a possibility to ignore, especially in the wake of the fake fireworks scandal.

Online Reputation Management | Online Marketing | SBSON

http://www.sbson.com -- How do you look in a search? Do you like what you see? Are you even visible? Is there a search result you don't like? Or do you have a great website that no one can find on Google or Yahoo? We can change all of that for you.

SBS-ON is based on Sports Business Simulation's six years of experience in building our own visibility on the web and with a shoestring budget. We've consistently hit keyword targets we established for our needs, literally taken over entire search engine listings, created email campaigns, established and run over 100 online communities and used multiple platforms to achieve our overall marketing and "buzz-building" objectives. We call it "Online Reputation Management."

Now we can bring affordable Online Reputation Management and Online Marketing consulting services to you.

Zennie Meets Renetto's Business Friend - Small Vlogger World

This is right out of the small world file. I happened to be sitting next to a friend of Renetto, one of the first "big" vloggers, or vloggers who got big. But we were talking about how small the world is, so I put it on video!

Christian Bale Goes ApeSh#t on Terminator 4 set

Christian Bale goes on another profanity-fueled rant where he exhibits the alleged anger management problem that lifted it's head during the week of the premier of The Dark Knight. So I guess we can say The Dark Knight really is a Dark Knight. But why? What's up with this great acting talent?

President Obama Signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

From The White House:

On January 29, 2009, with the new law's namesake Lilly Ledbetter there to witness, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- legislation to fight pay discrimination and ensure fundamental fairness to American workers.

(This video is public domain per White House copyright policy)

This is a historic moment as a fact that was never adressed by the Federal Government, has been. This is why we backed Obama.

Attorney General Eric Holder's message to the Department of Justice

From The White House:

After being sworn in on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009, Eric Holder became the first African American Attorney General in the history of the United States. In a brief video address to the employees of the Department of Justice, he promises the beginning of a new era.

I wish him well and am confident he will do a fantastic job. The question is what's first on his agenda? Stay tuned here.

Daschle Withdraws Nomination for HHS Secretary

AP Video: Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination for secretary of health and human services amid a tax problem. (Feb. 3)

Iraq's Shocking Human Toll: About 1M Killed, 5M Orphans

Now that Bush is gone, perhaps we can honestly face the damage we have wrought and the responsibilities we must accept from it. We are now able to estimate the number of Iraqis who have died in the war instigated by the Bush administration. Looking at the empirical evidence of Bush's war legacy will put his claims of victory in perspective.

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Marijuana charges against Obama's half-brother dropped

All charges against George Obama, half-brother to U.S. President Barack Obama, have been dropped after his arrest in a drug raid, according to police in Kenya.

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Man killed by 'exploding mobile phone'

A man has died after his cellphone exploded, severing a major artery in his neck, according to reports.

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US Army Suicide Rate Reaches Record High

The U.S. Army said the number of soldiers who committed suicide last year has increased for a fourth straight year. This is the first time since the Vietnam War that the rate of suicide in the Army, about 20 deaths per 100,000 soldiers, has surpassed the civilian suicide rate. As the suicide rates increase what's being done to address the problem?

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Iran says it sent own satellite into orbit - Yahoo! News

Iran has successfully sent its first domestically made satellite into orbit, the country's president announced Tuesday, claiming a significant step in an ambitious space program that has worried many international observers. News, Headlines and Latest Stories on Yahoo! News

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Michael Phelps Should Not Apologize for Smoking Pot

Plastered all over the internet right now is a photo of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana out of a bong. Phelps struck another blow to the myth that marijuana smokers are lazy couch potatoes. Here is the guy who has won more gold medals than anyone in history, and obviously his health and accomplishments are not hindered by smoking some pot.

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Daschle withdraws as nominee for HHS secretary

Due to tax problems, Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination to be Health and Human Services secretary. The question is who will replace him?

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HHS Nominee Daschle Faces Tax Questions

ABC News has learned that the nomination of former Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., to be President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services has hit a traffic snarl on its way through the Senate Finance Committee. The controversy deals with a car and driver lent to Daschle by a wealthy Democratic friend...

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Zennie Abraham Posts 500th YouTube Video Today: Obama Video is #500

Wow, I never thought it possible, but I posted 500 YouTube Videos at Zennie62 on YouTube, the latest one being today, or really it was after midnight, which makes it early in the morning.  It was my video on what the Obama Inauguration meant to me.  This one:



Now, the chase is to get to 600 videos!  Then 1,000!  But seriously, I'm going to embark on a strategy of segmenting the channels into "Playlist shows" with different titles so the whole of the offerings is accessible.  Keep watching!  

Obama Inauguration: What The Inauguration Meant To Me

In this video I share what the day of the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of The United States means to me, set to music - a piece called "ritual".

Eric Holder Officially Confirmed As Attorney General, 75 to 21

According to Wolf Blitzer on the CNN Situation Room, Eric Holder was just officially confirmed as U.S. Attorney General by the Senate, 75 for to 21 against.  Holder becomes the first African American AG.

BART Shooting: Nancy Nadel On Police and People of Color

I talked with Oakland District 3 Councilmember Nancy Nadel at the BART Shooting Community meeting held January 8th 2009. Here, Nadel expresses her concern about the use of police "deadly force" on people of color.

Zennie Abraham's No-Do-Over-Day: Jerry Brown The Super Bowl and The Email

The iReport team  at CNN wants to know what my do-over-day would be. Well, the one I was thinking of, when I -- as Chairman -- wrote an email to the board of the Oakland Super Bowl Bidding Committee.   It's a day that really I don't want a do-over because it helped me in a lot of ways.

MICHAEL PHELPS SMOKES POT FROM A BONG!

Ok, so he smoked pot from a bong. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he didn't do it. But let's see how this plays out.

"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" Superbowl Spot

I have to admit I don't remember G.I. Joe doing all of this stuff, but whatever. It was a cool trailer -- not the best one but cool.

Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23: President Obama's Prediction Comes True

This ESPN summary says it all .  It was the most exciting Super Bowl I've ever seen and it seems America agrees with me.  Congratulations to the Champion Pittsburgh Steelers for winning their sixth Super Bowl ring.  It also keeps President Obama's prediction of who will win safe, because he picked the Steelers, who helped him campaign in Pennsylvania and win that state.  

And while the MVP went to Santonio Holmes, part of it should be share with Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arens, who created the plays that isolated Holmes and put him in position to make the plays he made.  Here's ESPN's take:  

TAMPA, Fla. -- Do you believe in miracles?

The longest play in Super Bowl history -- a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison -- was overshadowed by a breathtaking, helter-skelter second half of what may have been the most exciting Super Bowl ever.

Just when it looked like the Arizona Cardinals had authored the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history -- scoring 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter -- the Steelers answered with a monstrous, improbable drive. Ben Roethlisberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left gave Pittsburgh a soaring 27-23 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday night at Raymond James Stadium.

When Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley knocked the ball loose from Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner and Brett Keisel recovered with seven seconds left, it was over.

From end to end, this one was even better than last year's crazy Giants victory over the undefeated New England Patriots. 

Sarah Palin attends Alfalfa Club Dinner - Video

Even though the Alfalfa Club Dinner was reportedly closed to the media, someone forgot to tell this New Media maven, who posted this video at a YouTube channel called nxrisetaker2003 but which is really about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, shown walking into the event in this video. It's reported that Palin attended the Alfalfa Club Dinner specifically because President Barack Obama was there.

I don't yet know if Palin managed to talk with Obama. directly, but stay tuned.

As for Palin's new political action committee, it has a new website called Sarahpac.com, and has this message:

Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.

SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.
SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.

SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!

But other than that message and a page to donate, there's a bio about Palin, and that's it. If one's going to give money to a PAC, the website has to be more substantial than this. Take MoveOn.org as an example. That site has pages explaining its current campaigns. You know where your money is going. With SarahPac, the only person that seems to collect money is...Sarah Palin.

Maybe that's the idea.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced Bob Hayes, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith , Derrick Thomas, Ralph Wilson, Rod Woodson

01/31/2009

For Immediate Release  NFL Media.com                                                        January 31, 2009 NFL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009 ANNOUNCED CANTON, OHIO – Wide receiver Bob Hayes, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive end Bruce Smith, linebacker Derrick Thomas, owner Ralph Wilson, and defensive back Rod Woodson make up the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.  The six-man class was elected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee who met today in Tampa, Florida.  The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.  Hayes, a gold medalist track star in the 1964 Summer Olympics, combined his world class speed with great hands. “Bullet Bob,” a three-time All-Pro pick, caught 371 career passes for 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns.  McDaniel was named All-Pro nine straight seasons and voted to a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls during his 14-season career with the Minnesota Vikings (1988-1999) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000-01).  Smith, the first overall pick in the 1985 draft by the Buffalo Bills, is the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 200 career sacks. A member of both the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s, Smith was named first-team All-Pro nine times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls.  Thomas amassed more sacks during the 1990s than any other player.  He was selected to nine Pro Bowls, named All-NFL three times, and was All-AFC seven times in an eight-year stretch.  Wilson founded the Buffalo Bills in 1959 and has watched his team win back-to-back AFL titles in the mid-1960s and become the only team ever to advance to four consecutive Super Bowls. He was an integral part of the AFL’s success and has also served on a number of important NFL committees over the years.  Woodson, a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team in 1994 and selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, intercepted 71 passes which he returned for an NFL record 1,483 yards and a record 12 touchdowns. He was named All-Pro six times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls.                         The 2009 class will increase to 253 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  The Enshrinement of the Class of 2009 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. ET.  The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network.  The annual NFL Hall of Fame Game will be played on Sunday, August 9, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. and broadcast live by NBC.  Teams have not yet been announced.   The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival is a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class.  Held in Canton each year, the festival includes 15 special public events and culminates with the Enshrinement Ceremony and NFL Hall of Fame Game.  Two other major events are the Enshrinees Dinner (Friday, August 7), and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable (Sunday, August 9).  It is at the Enshrinees Dinner where each member of the Class of 2009 will be presented his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame Jacket.  At the GameDay Roundtable, the members of the Class of 2009 will be featured center stage to share memories of the game and their personal feelings about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.   Individual enshrinement tickets and Festival Fan Packages are on sale now. Ticket information can be found on the Hall of Fame’s website at Profootballhof.com. PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009 Bob Hayes Wide Receiver. . .5-11, 185. . .Florida A&M. . .1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers. . .11  seasons, 132 games. . .Selected as a future pick by Cowboys, seventh round, 1964 NFL Draft (88th player overall) and future choice by Denver, 14th round (105th player overall) 1964 AFL Draft. . .Won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games earning him the title “World’s Fastest Human”. . .As a rookie, his 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers. . .His world class speed was major factor in Cowboys offensive successes. . . “Bullet Bob” terrorized defensive backs and demanded deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL at that time . . .Often said that bump and run defense was developed to slow him down. . .Used his speed “in a football sense,” rather than just trying to run fast. . .Four times was named first- or second-team All-NFL. . .. Three times led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-66 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns. . .For 11-year career, Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns . . .His 71 career touchdown receptions remain a Cowboys’ club record. . .Born December 20, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida. . .Died September 18, 2002, at age of 59. Randall McDaniel Guard. . .6-3, 276. . .Arizona State. . .1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. . .14 seasons, 222 games. . .Selected by the Vikings in first round (19th player overall) of 1988 NFL Draft. . .Played in all 16 games as rookie, starting 15. . .Earned All-Rookie honors. . .Started in 13 consecutive playoff games  with the Vikings. . .Started in 202 consecutive games before retiring. . .Possessed uncanny ability to either finesse block or overpower opponents. . .Led Vikings offensive line that held opponents to a sack every 22.7 attempts (1994), and every 21.3 attempts in 1998. . .Blocked for six 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during career . . .With McDaniel leading the offensive line, team captured NFC Central Division titles in 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998. . .Anchored offensive line of explosive Vikings team that led league with then-record 556 points  in 1998. . . Named All-Pro nine consecutive times (1990-98). . .Selected to play in a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls (1990-2001). . .Born December 19, 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona. Bruce Smith Defensive End. . .6-4, 280. . .Virginia Tech. . .1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins. . .19 playing seasons, 279 games. . .Bills’ first-round draft pick (1st player overall), 1985 NFL Draft. . .All-America choice at Virginia Tech. . .Considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. . .Known as fierce pass rusher who possessed tremendous strength. . .His 200 career sacks is NFL all-time record. . .Recorded 10 or more sacks in an NFL record 13 seasons. . .Most consider 1990 as his finest single season during which he recorded 19 sacks, including four against Colts QB Jeff George in the first 20 minutes of a Week 14 game and sacked Giants QB Jeff Hostetler for a safety in Super Bowl XXV. . .Was a dominant part of Bills championship teams that between 1988-1995 won six AFC Eastern Division crowns (1988-1991, 1993, 1995) and four AFC championships (1990-93) . . .Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990 and 1996. . .Named to the NFL’s All Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s . .. Named first- or second-team All-Pro 11 times and selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls (1988-1991, 1993-99). . .Born June 18, 1963 in Norfolk, Virginia. Derrick Thomas Linebacker. . .6-3, 243. . .Alabama. . .1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs. . .11 seasons, 169 games. . .Selected in the first round (4th player overall) in 1989 NFL Draft. . .Consensus All-America. . .Amassed 10 sacks and 75 tackles to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. . .In 1990 recorded league-leading and team record 20 sacks; including NFL record seven sacks in game vs. Seahawks. . .Also recorded six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 63 tackles, five pass deflections, 35 quarterback pressures. . .Named to nine Pro Bowls. . .No player amassed more sacks during 1990s than 116.5 by Thomas. . .e He HFinished career with 126.5 sacks; fourth highest total by linebacker in NFL history at the time. . .Had 10 or more sacks in a season seven times; recorded multi-sack games 27 times . . .Forced 45 fumbles, had 19 fumble recoveries, scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties during career. . .Lone interception came in final season. . .Member of NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s . . .All-NFL three times. . .Named first-team All-AFC seven times during eight-year stretch (1989-1996). . .In 11 years Thomas anchored defense, Chiefs finished first or second in AFC West ten times, made seven playoff appearances, won three division titles. . .Born January 1, 1967 in Miami, Florida. . .Died February 8, 2000, at age of 33. Ralph Wilson, Jr. Founder/Owner. . .Virginia, Michigan. . .1960-present Buffalo Bills. . .One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. . .During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII. . .Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s. . . Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival. . . Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger. . .Considered “voice of reason,” Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee. . .Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association. . .Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee. . .Born October 17, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio. Rod Woodson Cornerback/Safety. . .6-0, 200. . .Purdue. . .1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders. . .17 playing seasons, 238 games with 229 starts. . .Steelers first-round draft pick (10th player overall), 1987 NFL Draft. . .First-team All-America at Purdue. . .First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return. . . From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs. . .In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months. . . Returned to action in just four months and played in Super Bowl XXX. . .Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. . . NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993. . . Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all-time list. . . Is NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483). . .Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12). . .Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001). . .Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety. . .Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls – seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders. . .Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ashton Kutcher's Cell Phone Video Rant Good For Property Values

Ashton Kutcher's Cell Phone Video Rant was Good For Property Values -- for the perso next door to him!

Ashton Kutcher's Cell Phone Video Rant Good For Property Values

Ashton Kutcher's Cell Phone Video Rant was Good For Property Values -- for the perso next door to him!

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On Thursday, Mayor Ron Dellums appointed five new staffers. Of them I don't think Dan Lindheim, the new Chief Administrative Officer or Walter Cohen, the new Community and Economic Development Director are the best choices for Oakland

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Michael Steele Is The New RNC Chairman - First Black Person To Have the Role.

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