BY KERRY BURKE AND DORIAN BLOCK DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Saturday, December 27th 2008, 4:00 AM
For thousands of New Yorkers, the end of Christmas Thursday marked the beginning of the seven-day festival of Kwanzaa.
The African-American and Pan-African holiday is observed by more than 40 million people around the world from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It is based on ancient harvest celebrations in Africa, called "first fruits celebrations," which were mostly held when the year ended and began.
Friday night, dozens met at the St. James Recreation Center on Jerome Ave. in the Bronx for a party of singing, dancing, poetry and food honoring the holiday.
"I grew up with Christmas, but when I heard about Kwanzaa, I felt it was something I wanted to share with my children," said Katherine Beltran, 34, a stay-at-home mother of four. "It brings back the idea of community."
That's the idea, according to the African American Cultural Center in California, whose director, Dr. Maulana Karenga, founded the holiday in 1966.
"It was created to reinforce African culture and restore it and reaffirm its importance and the importance of the bonds of its people," said Tulivu Jadi, assistant director of the center. "It also was created to introduce a body of values as the social glue that hold African-Americans together."
Kwanzaa is often marked by lighting a candleholder called a kinara, gathering with friends and family, gift giving, eating and decorating a home with African cloth and art. The seven principles the holiday celebrates are each represented by one candle in the kinara and include: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Several Kwanzaa events are scheduled across the city tomorrow. They include:
A Kwanzaa celebration at 2 p.m. at the Harlem branch of the New York Public Library, at 9 W. 124th St.
The 21st annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center at 208 W. 13th St. begins at noon and continues into the night. The event includes an African market, feast and drumming circle.
"Kwanzaa Fest 2008" will be held at the American Museum of Natural History from noon to 5 p.m. The festival features an international market, and singing, drumming, dance and spoken word performances.
On Tuesday, the National Park Service will lead an all-day celebration of art, writing and historical workshops and performances at the African Burial Ground National Monument at 290 Broadway in lower Manhattan, beginning at 11 a.m.
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Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Community centers on edge of ax, leaving leaders worried about kids
BY CLARE TRAPASSO
Monday, December 22nd 2008, 3:55 PM
Smith for News
Joanne Smitherman, of Highbridge Gardens Association speaks at a Community Center Association meeting in Manhattan to figure out how to respond to city Housing Authority's plan to close 19 centers.
Smith for News
Reginald Bowman, president of NYCHA's Citywide Council of Presidents, adds his thoughts.
Smith for News
Smitherman, holds a list of centers slated to be closed.
Happy New Year. Now get out.
Nineteen community centers in public housing developments across the five boroughs are the latest items on the city Housing Authority's chopping block, according to community leaders.
The anticipated closures would eliminate after-school and teen programs for hundreds of the city's poorest children, advocates said.
Without the centers, local leaders fear they'll see a rise in neighborhood crime.
"Where will the kids go?" asked Joanne Smitherman, president of the Highbridge Gardens Residents Association in the Bronx.
"They'll be on the street. That's where you have all the problems."
Smitherman said the Housing Authority told her last month that her center was scheduled to close in early January.
"That meal that we serve in the community center is the only meal [some children] will get that day," she said. "It's going to be devastating."
Earlier this month, the Housing Authority said in a City Council budget hearing that it planned to phase out 18 community centers because of a $150 million budget shortfall.
An additional center is also expected to be closed, according to Reginald Bowman, president of the Citywide Council of Presidents of the New York City Housing Authority, which represents public housing development tenant associations.
The group is working on organizing a protest against the anticipated closures.
The proposed cuts are in addition to the 14 centers the agency shuttered earlier this year.
But NYCHA spokesman Howard Marder said nothing has been finalized.
The agency is looking for other city agencies or community organizations to step in and take over the centers, Marder said.
"If our sister agencies can come in and run a program, this would be an excellent way to keep these facilities open," Marder said. "But this is a plan that's just at the beginning."
Six centers in Manhattan, four each in the Bronx and Brooklyn, three in Queens and two on Staten Island are expected to close in January, according to Bowman.
This could mean pink slips for 236 workers, labor leaders said.
Monday, December 22nd 2008, 3:55 PM
Smith for News
Joanne Smitherman, of Highbridge Gardens Association speaks at a Community Center Association meeting in Manhattan to figure out how to respond to city Housing Authority's plan to close 19 centers.
Smith for News
Reginald Bowman, president of NYCHA's Citywide Council of Presidents, adds his thoughts.
Smith for News
Smitherman, holds a list of centers slated to be closed.
Happy New Year. Now get out.
Nineteen community centers in public housing developments across the five boroughs are the latest items on the city Housing Authority's chopping block, according to community leaders.
The anticipated closures would eliminate after-school and teen programs for hundreds of the city's poorest children, advocates said.
Without the centers, local leaders fear they'll see a rise in neighborhood crime.
"Where will the kids go?" asked Joanne Smitherman, president of the Highbridge Gardens Residents Association in the Bronx.
"They'll be on the street. That's where you have all the problems."
Smitherman said the Housing Authority told her last month that her center was scheduled to close in early January.
"That meal that we serve in the community center is the only meal [some children] will get that day," she said. "It's going to be devastating."
Earlier this month, the Housing Authority said in a City Council budget hearing that it planned to phase out 18 community centers because of a $150 million budget shortfall.
An additional center is also expected to be closed, according to Reginald Bowman, president of the Citywide Council of Presidents of the New York City Housing Authority, which represents public housing development tenant associations.
The group is working on organizing a protest against the anticipated closures.
The proposed cuts are in addition to the 14 centers the agency shuttered earlier this year.
But NYCHA spokesman Howard Marder said nothing has been finalized.
The agency is looking for other city agencies or community organizations to step in and take over the centers, Marder said.
"If our sister agencies can come in and run a program, this would be an excellent way to keep these facilities open," Marder said. "But this is a plan that's just at the beginning."
Six centers in Manhattan, four each in the Bronx and Brooklyn, three in Queens and two on Staten Island are expected to close in January, according to Bowman.
This could mean pink slips for 236 workers, labor leaders said.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Where'd the bailout money go? Shhhh, it's a secret
By MATT APUZZO, Associated Press Writer Matt Apuzzo, Associated Press Writer – Mon Dec 22, 9:52 am ET
WASHINGTON – It's something any bank would demand to know before handing out a loan: Where's the money going?
But after receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they can't track exactly how they're spending the money or they simply refuse to discuss it.
"We've lent some of it. We've not lent some of it. We've not given any accounting of, 'Here's how we're doing it,'" said Thomas Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which received $25 billion in emergency bailout money. "We have not disclosed that to the public. We're declining to."
The Associated Press contacted 21 banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings, and what's the plan for the rest?
None of the banks provided specific answers.
"We're not providing dollar-in, dollar-out tracking," said Barry Koling, a spokesman for Atlanta, Ga.-based SunTrust Banks Inc., which got $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars.
Some banks said they simply didn't know where the money was going.
"We manage our capital in its aggregate," said Regions Financial Corp. spokesman Tim Deighton, who said the Birmingham, Ala.-based company is not tracking how it is spending the $3.5 billion it received as part of the financial bailout.
The answers highlight the secrecy surrounding the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which earmarked $700 billion — about the size of the Netherlands' economy — to help rescue the financial industry. The Treasury Department has been using the money to buy stock in U.S. banks, hoping that the sudden inflow of cash will get banks to start lending money.
There has been no accounting of how banks spend that money. Lawmakers summoned bank executives to Capitol Hill last month and implored them to lend the money — not to hoard it or spend it on corporate bonuses, junkets or to buy other banks. But there is no process in place to make sure that's happening and there are no consequences for banks who don't comply.
"It is entirely appropriate for the American people to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent in private industry," said Elizabeth Warren, the top congressional watchdog overseeing the financial bailout.
But, at least for now, there's no way for taxpayers to find that out.
Pressured by the Bush administration to approve the money quickly, Congress attached nearly no strings on the $700 billion bailout in October. And the Treasury Department, which doles out the money, never asked banks how it would be spent.
"Those are legitimate questions that should have been asked on Day One," said Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., a House Financial Services Committee member who opposed the bailout as it was rushed through Congress. "Where is the money going to go to? How is it going to be spent? When are we going to get a record on it?"
Nearly every bank AP questioned — including Citibank and Bank of America, two of the largest recipients of bailout money — responded with generic public relations statements explaining that the money was being used to strengthen balance sheets and continue making loans to ease the credit crisis.
A few banks described company-specific programs, such as JPMorgan Chase's plan to lend $5 billion to nonprofit and health care companies next year. Richard Becker, senior vice president of Wisconsin-based Marshall & Ilsley Corp., said the $1.75 billion in bailout money allowed the bank to temporarily stop foreclosing on homes.
But no bank provided even the most basic accounting for the federal money.
"We're choosing not to disclose that," said Kevin Heine, spokesman for Bank of New York Mellon, which received about $3 billion.
Others said the money couldn't be tracked. Bob Denham, a spokesman for North Carolina-based BB&T Corp., said the bailout money "doesn't have its own bucket." But he said taxpayer money wasn't used in the bank's recent purchase of a Florida insurance company. Asked how he could be sure, since the money wasn't being tracked, Denham said the bank would have made that deal regardless.
Others, such as Morgan Stanley spokeswoman Carissa Ramirez, offered to discuss the matter with reporters on condition of anonymity. When AP refused, Ramirez sent an e-mail saying: "We are going to decline to comment on your story."
Most banks wouldn't say why they were keeping the details secret.
"We're not sharing any other details. We're just not at this time," said Wendy Walker, a spokeswoman for Dallas-based Comerica Inc., which received $2.25 billion from the government.
Heine, the New York Mellon Corp. spokesman who said he wouldn't share spending specifics, added: "I just would prefer if you wouldn't say that we're not going to discuss those details."
The banks which came closest to answering the questions were those, such as U.S. Bancorp and Huntington Bancshares Inc., that only recently received the money and have yet to spend it. But neither provided anything more than a generic summary of how the money would be spent.
Lawmakers say they want to tighten restrictions on the remaining, yet-to-be-released $350 billion block of bailout money before more cash is handed out. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the department is trying to step up its monitoring of bank spending.
"What we've been doing here is moving, I think, with lightning speed to put necessary programs in place, to develop them, implement them, and then we need to monitor them while we're doing this," Paulson said at a recent forum in New York. "So we're building this organization as we're going."
Warren, the congressional watchdog appointed by Democrats, said her oversight panel will try to force the banks to say where they've spent the money.
"It would take a lot of nerve not to give answers," she said.
But Warren said she's surprised she even has to ask.
"If the appropriate restrictions were put on the money to begin with, if the appropriate transparency was in place, then we wouldn't be in a position where you're trying to call every recipient and get the basic information that should already be in public documents," she said.
Garrett, the New Jersey congressman, said the nation might never get a clear answer on where hundreds of billions of dollars went.
"A year or two ago, when we talked about spending $100 million for a bridge to nowhere, that was considered a scandal," he said.
WASHINGTON – It's something any bank would demand to know before handing out a loan: Where's the money going?
But after receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they can't track exactly how they're spending the money or they simply refuse to discuss it.
"We've lent some of it. We've not lent some of it. We've not given any accounting of, 'Here's how we're doing it,'" said Thomas Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which received $25 billion in emergency bailout money. "We have not disclosed that to the public. We're declining to."
The Associated Press contacted 21 banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings, and what's the plan for the rest?
None of the banks provided specific answers.
"We're not providing dollar-in, dollar-out tracking," said Barry Koling, a spokesman for Atlanta, Ga.-based SunTrust Banks Inc., which got $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars.
Some banks said they simply didn't know where the money was going.
"We manage our capital in its aggregate," said Regions Financial Corp. spokesman Tim Deighton, who said the Birmingham, Ala.-based company is not tracking how it is spending the $3.5 billion it received as part of the financial bailout.
The answers highlight the secrecy surrounding the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which earmarked $700 billion — about the size of the Netherlands' economy — to help rescue the financial industry. The Treasury Department has been using the money to buy stock in U.S. banks, hoping that the sudden inflow of cash will get banks to start lending money.
There has been no accounting of how banks spend that money. Lawmakers summoned bank executives to Capitol Hill last month and implored them to lend the money — not to hoard it or spend it on corporate bonuses, junkets or to buy other banks. But there is no process in place to make sure that's happening and there are no consequences for banks who don't comply.
"It is entirely appropriate for the American people to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent in private industry," said Elizabeth Warren, the top congressional watchdog overseeing the financial bailout.
But, at least for now, there's no way for taxpayers to find that out.
Pressured by the Bush administration to approve the money quickly, Congress attached nearly no strings on the $700 billion bailout in October. And the Treasury Department, which doles out the money, never asked banks how it would be spent.
"Those are legitimate questions that should have been asked on Day One," said Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., a House Financial Services Committee member who opposed the bailout as it was rushed through Congress. "Where is the money going to go to? How is it going to be spent? When are we going to get a record on it?"
Nearly every bank AP questioned — including Citibank and Bank of America, two of the largest recipients of bailout money — responded with generic public relations statements explaining that the money was being used to strengthen balance sheets and continue making loans to ease the credit crisis.
A few banks described company-specific programs, such as JPMorgan Chase's plan to lend $5 billion to nonprofit and health care companies next year. Richard Becker, senior vice president of Wisconsin-based Marshall & Ilsley Corp., said the $1.75 billion in bailout money allowed the bank to temporarily stop foreclosing on homes.
But no bank provided even the most basic accounting for the federal money.
"We're choosing not to disclose that," said Kevin Heine, spokesman for Bank of New York Mellon, which received about $3 billion.
Others said the money couldn't be tracked. Bob Denham, a spokesman for North Carolina-based BB&T Corp., said the bailout money "doesn't have its own bucket." But he said taxpayer money wasn't used in the bank's recent purchase of a Florida insurance company. Asked how he could be sure, since the money wasn't being tracked, Denham said the bank would have made that deal regardless.
Others, such as Morgan Stanley spokeswoman Carissa Ramirez, offered to discuss the matter with reporters on condition of anonymity. When AP refused, Ramirez sent an e-mail saying: "We are going to decline to comment on your story."
Most banks wouldn't say why they were keeping the details secret.
"We're not sharing any other details. We're just not at this time," said Wendy Walker, a spokeswoman for Dallas-based Comerica Inc., which received $2.25 billion from the government.
Heine, the New York Mellon Corp. spokesman who said he wouldn't share spending specifics, added: "I just would prefer if you wouldn't say that we're not going to discuss those details."
The banks which came closest to answering the questions were those, such as U.S. Bancorp and Huntington Bancshares Inc., that only recently received the money and have yet to spend it. But neither provided anything more than a generic summary of how the money would be spent.
Lawmakers say they want to tighten restrictions on the remaining, yet-to-be-released $350 billion block of bailout money before more cash is handed out. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the department is trying to step up its monitoring of bank spending.
"What we've been doing here is moving, I think, with lightning speed to put necessary programs in place, to develop them, implement them, and then we need to monitor them while we're doing this," Paulson said at a recent forum in New York. "So we're building this organization as we're going."
Warren, the congressional watchdog appointed by Democrats, said her oversight panel will try to force the banks to say where they've spent the money.
"It would take a lot of nerve not to give answers," she said.
But Warren said she's surprised she even has to ask.
"If the appropriate restrictions were put on the money to begin with, if the appropriate transparency was in place, then we wouldn't be in a position where you're trying to call every recipient and get the basic information that should already be in public documents," she said.
Garrett, the New Jersey congressman, said the nation might never get a clear answer on where hundreds of billions of dollars went.
"A year or two ago, when we talked about spending $100 million for a bridge to nowhere, that was considered a scandal," he said.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Microsoft releasing emergency patch for perilous IE flaw
by Glenn Chapman – Tue Dec 16, 5:49 pm ET
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Microsoft will release an emergency patch on Wednesday to fix a perilous software flaw allowing hackers to hijack Internet Explorer browsers and take over computers.
The US software giant said on Tuesday that in response to "the threat to customers" it immediately mobilized security engineering teams worldwide to deliver a software cure "in the unprecedented time of eight days."
According to researchers at software security firm Trend Micro, attacks based on the vulnerability in the world's most popular Web browser are spreading "like wildfire" with millions of computers already compromised.
Microsoft typically releases patches for its software on the second Tuesday of each month and rushing this fix to computer users out-of-cycle is testimony to the severe danger of the threat, according to Trend Micro.
"When the patch is released people should run, not walk, to get it installed," said Trend Micro advanced threat researcher Paul Ferguson.
"This vulnerability is being actively exploited by cyber-criminals and getting worse every day."
Trend Micro has identified about 10,000 websites that have been infected with malicious software that can be surreptitiously slipped into visitors' unprotected IE browsers to take advantage of the flaw.
A major Internet portal in Taiwan is among the legitimate websites unknowingly tainted with malicious software aimed at IE's weak spot, according to Ferguson.
Hackers can take control of infected computers, steal data, redirect browsers to dubious websites, and use machines for devious activities such as attacks on other networks, according to security specialists.
"What makes this so insidious is it takes advantage of a big gaping hole of IE, which has the largest install base of any browser on the market," Ferguson said.
IE is used on nearly three-quarters of the world's computers, according to industry statistics from November.
"At this time, we are aware only of attacks that attempt to use this vulnerability against Windows Internet Explorer 7," said Microsoft security response communications head Christopher Budd.
"Microsoft encourages customers to test and deploy this update as soon as possible. Microsoft's teams worked around the clock."
Ferguson said the flaw is being taken advantage of in "multiple versions" of IE not just the most current.
Trend Micro urges IE users to heed precautionary advice from Microsoft, or avoid using the browsers, until the patches are applied.
"There is a working flaw circulating in the criminal underground," Ferguson said. "It opens the window of opportunity that much wider to take advantage and there has not been real protection against it."
The "exploit" is similar to one used recently to steal user names, passwords and other information from people playing online games in China, according to Trend Micro.
A Chinese computer security firm that had discovered attacks taking advantage of the IE flaw released details last week after evidently thinking Microsoft had fixed the problem with routinely released software patches.
"It spread like wildfire from there," Ferguson said. "I guess they were trying to be responsible and share what they knew about what was going on, but they were mistaken about it being patched."
Up to 25 Iraqis accused in Saddam party plot
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Microsoft will release an emergency patch on Wednesday to fix a perilous software flaw allowing hackers to hijack Internet Explorer browsers and take over computers.
The US software giant said on Tuesday that in response to "the threat to customers" it immediately mobilized security engineering teams worldwide to deliver a software cure "in the unprecedented time of eight days."
According to researchers at software security firm Trend Micro, attacks based on the vulnerability in the world's most popular Web browser are spreading "like wildfire" with millions of computers already compromised.
Microsoft typically releases patches for its software on the second Tuesday of each month and rushing this fix to computer users out-of-cycle is testimony to the severe danger of the threat, according to Trend Micro.
"When the patch is released people should run, not walk, to get it installed," said Trend Micro advanced threat researcher Paul Ferguson.
"This vulnerability is being actively exploited by cyber-criminals and getting worse every day."
Trend Micro has identified about 10,000 websites that have been infected with malicious software that can be surreptitiously slipped into visitors' unprotected IE browsers to take advantage of the flaw.
A major Internet portal in Taiwan is among the legitimate websites unknowingly tainted with malicious software aimed at IE's weak spot, according to Ferguson.
Hackers can take control of infected computers, steal data, redirect browsers to dubious websites, and use machines for devious activities such as attacks on other networks, according to security specialists.
"What makes this so insidious is it takes advantage of a big gaping hole of IE, which has the largest install base of any browser on the market," Ferguson said.
IE is used on nearly three-quarters of the world's computers, according to industry statistics from November.
"At this time, we are aware only of attacks that attempt to use this vulnerability against Windows Internet Explorer 7," said Microsoft security response communications head Christopher Budd.
"Microsoft encourages customers to test and deploy this update as soon as possible. Microsoft's teams worked around the clock."
Ferguson said the flaw is being taken advantage of in "multiple versions" of IE not just the most current.
Trend Micro urges IE users to heed precautionary advice from Microsoft, or avoid using the browsers, until the patches are applied.
"There is a working flaw circulating in the criminal underground," Ferguson said. "It opens the window of opportunity that much wider to take advantage and there has not been real protection against it."
The "exploit" is similar to one used recently to steal user names, passwords and other information from people playing online games in China, according to Trend Micro.
A Chinese computer security firm that had discovered attacks taking advantage of the IE flaw released details last week after evidently thinking Microsoft had fixed the problem with routinely released software patches.
"It spread like wildfire from there," Ferguson said. "I guess they were trying to be responsible and share what they knew about what was going on, but they were mistaken about it being patched."
Up to 25 Iraqis accused in Saddam party plot
Monday, December 15, 2008
Advocates of blind fault TV skit about NY Governor
ALBANY, N.Y. – A "Saturday Night Live" skit portraying New York's blind governor as a bumbling leader didn't get a laugh from Gov. David Paterson.
Paterson's office said the skit ridiculed people with physical disabilities and implied that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities.
"The governor is sure that 'Saturday Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive," Paterson spokesman Errol Cockfield said in a statement Sunday. "Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself."
The skit that aired Saturday featured SNL cast member Fred Armisen as Paterson, who must appoint someone to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. Armisen said he has three criteria for filling the job: economic experience, upstate influence and someone who is disabled and unprepared for the job — like himself. He held up a chart illustrating the state's job losses upside down.
National Federation of the Blind spokesman Chris Danielsen said the portrayal suggesting Paterson as befuddled and disoriented because of his blindness is "absolutely wrong."
No one from NBC, which produces SNL, could be reached for comment early Monday morning.
From Yahoo News --12-15-08
Paterson's office said the skit ridiculed people with physical disabilities and implied that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities.
"The governor is sure that 'Saturday Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive," Paterson spokesman Errol Cockfield said in a statement Sunday. "Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself."
The skit that aired Saturday featured SNL cast member Fred Armisen as Paterson, who must appoint someone to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. Armisen said he has three criteria for filling the job: economic experience, upstate influence and someone who is disabled and unprepared for the job — like himself. He held up a chart illustrating the state's job losses upside down.
National Federation of the Blind spokesman Chris Danielsen said the portrayal suggesting Paterson as befuddled and disoriented because of his blindness is "absolutely wrong."
No one from NBC, which produces SNL, could be reached for comment early Monday morning.
From Yahoo News --12-15-08
Thursday, December 11, 2008
RAW DATA: Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Responds to Arrest of Gov. Blagojevich
STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. ON THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested yesterday by federal law enforcement officials.
The details of the corruption charges were staggering and stunning. If these allegations are proved true, I'm appalled by the pay-to-play schemes hatched at the highest levels of Illinois state government.
I think that I can speak for all Illinois residents when I express outrage at the thought that Illinois' now-vacant senate seat may have been put up for sale, offered to the highest bidder.
Sadly, yesterday's criminal complaint casts another dark cloud over a state already beleaguered by corruption and scandal. Clearly, the people of Illinois deserve better. They deserve to have their trust and confidence in government restored.
In light of yesterday's criminal indictment, I believe that the Governor -- in the best interest of our state -- should resign and forfeit his authority to make the senate appointment. The fact is: anyone appointed by the Governor at this point would be too severely tainted to serve the state effectively and without suspicion in the U.S. Senate.
Meanwhile, the Governor's fate is in the hands of the justice system. We must allow the process to run its course.
As it does, I want to address the rumors and reports about me and my involvement in this process.
I want to make this fact plain: I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing.
I did not initiate nor authorize anyone -- at any time -- to promise anything -- to Governor Blagojevich on my behalf. I never sent a message or an emissary to the Governor to make an offer or to propose a deal about the U.S. Senate seat (period).
I thought -- mistakenly -- that the process was fair, above board and on the merits. I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was evaluating me and the other senate hopefuls based on our credentials and qualifications. I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was going to make a decision in the best interest of the state as well as the nation.
I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was considering me based on my 13 years of working on behalf of the hard working people of the state as well as the nation. I thought -- mistakenly -- I had a chance and was being considered because I earned it.
Clearly, I was badly mistaken.
I did not know that the process had been corrupted. I did not know that credentials, qualifications and record of service meant nothing to the Governor. I did not know that the Governor and his cronies were attempting to use the process to extort money and favors in a brazen pay-to-play scheme.
I wanted to be considered for the appointment because I believe in public service. I believe that Illinois deserves another senator -- serving alongside Senator Dick Durbin -- who shares their values and will work to fix our economy; make our nation energy independent; provide health care to all; and provide our children with a world-class education.
That's what I shared with Governor Blagojevich on Monday, when I had the opportunity to meet with him for the first time in about four years. I presented my record, my qualifications and my vision. Despite what he may have been looking for, that's all I had to offer. And, that's what we discussed.
To the people of Illinois: I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I want to thank the thousands and thousands of people who supported me for the senate, writing letters, making phone calls, sending e-mails and circulating petitions.
I want to thank the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Defender, the SouthtownStar, N'Digo magazine, Kankakee City News for their editorial endorsements. I want to thank the business, labor, clergy, civic and community leaders and the thousands of honest, hardworking citizens of Illinois who supported me.
We did it right. We pressed to make this process public and to make your voice heard.
Know this: I spoke to the U.S. Attorney's office on Tuesday. They shared with me that I am NOT a target of the investigation and that I am NOT accused of any misconduct. In the days ahead, federal law enforcement officials want to meet and discuss what I know about the process.
I look forward to sitting down with them and cooperating fully and completely with this federal investigation.
I've retained the advice of legal counsel, Mr. James Montgomery, Sr., who held his own press conference earlier this afternoon. On his advice and due to the ongoing investigation, I will not be taking any questions.
See--Related Story-
http://davidsradiotv2000.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested yesterday by federal law enforcement officials.
The details of the corruption charges were staggering and stunning. If these allegations are proved true, I'm appalled by the pay-to-play schemes hatched at the highest levels of Illinois state government.
I think that I can speak for all Illinois residents when I express outrage at the thought that Illinois' now-vacant senate seat may have been put up for sale, offered to the highest bidder.
Sadly, yesterday's criminal complaint casts another dark cloud over a state already beleaguered by corruption and scandal. Clearly, the people of Illinois deserve better. They deserve to have their trust and confidence in government restored.
In light of yesterday's criminal indictment, I believe that the Governor -- in the best interest of our state -- should resign and forfeit his authority to make the senate appointment. The fact is: anyone appointed by the Governor at this point would be too severely tainted to serve the state effectively and without suspicion in the U.S. Senate.
Meanwhile, the Governor's fate is in the hands of the justice system. We must allow the process to run its course.
As it does, I want to address the rumors and reports about me and my involvement in this process.
I want to make this fact plain: I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing.
I did not initiate nor authorize anyone -- at any time -- to promise anything -- to Governor Blagojevich on my behalf. I never sent a message or an emissary to the Governor to make an offer or to propose a deal about the U.S. Senate seat (period).
I thought -- mistakenly -- that the process was fair, above board and on the merits. I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was evaluating me and the other senate hopefuls based on our credentials and qualifications. I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was going to make a decision in the best interest of the state as well as the nation.
I thought -- mistakenly -- that the Governor was considering me based on my 13 years of working on behalf of the hard working people of the state as well as the nation. I thought -- mistakenly -- I had a chance and was being considered because I earned it.
Clearly, I was badly mistaken.
I did not know that the process had been corrupted. I did not know that credentials, qualifications and record of service meant nothing to the Governor. I did not know that the Governor and his cronies were attempting to use the process to extort money and favors in a brazen pay-to-play scheme.
I wanted to be considered for the appointment because I believe in public service. I believe that Illinois deserves another senator -- serving alongside Senator Dick Durbin -- who shares their values and will work to fix our economy; make our nation energy independent; provide health care to all; and provide our children with a world-class education.
That's what I shared with Governor Blagojevich on Monday, when I had the opportunity to meet with him for the first time in about four years. I presented my record, my qualifications and my vision. Despite what he may have been looking for, that's all I had to offer. And, that's what we discussed.
To the people of Illinois: I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I want to thank the thousands and thousands of people who supported me for the senate, writing letters, making phone calls, sending e-mails and circulating petitions.
I want to thank the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Defender, the SouthtownStar, N'Digo magazine, Kankakee City News for their editorial endorsements. I want to thank the business, labor, clergy, civic and community leaders and the thousands of honest, hardworking citizens of Illinois who supported me.
We did it right. We pressed to make this process public and to make your voice heard.
Know this: I spoke to the U.S. Attorney's office on Tuesday. They shared with me that I am NOT a target of the investigation and that I am NOT accused of any misconduct. In the days ahead, federal law enforcement officials want to meet and discuss what I know about the process.
I look forward to sitting down with them and cooperating fully and completely with this federal investigation.
I've retained the advice of legal counsel, Mr. James Montgomery, Sr., who held his own press conference earlier this afternoon. On his advice and due to the ongoing investigation, I will not be taking any questions.
See--Related Story-
http://davidsradiotv2000.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Who Needs a TV? I’m Watching on a Laptop
December 4, 2008
Basics
Who Needs a TV? I’m Watching on a Laptop
By LAURA M. HOLSON
I HAVE been compared to many things in my life; never, though, to Sasquatch.
But that is what Alan Wurtzel, president of research at NBC Universal, suggested when I told him I had gotten rid of my television set last year and started watching “30 Rock” and “CSI” on my laptop instead. “I hear about people like you,” he said, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “But the notion that people have forsaken watching cable and network television is an urban myth.”
Then he hissed what sounded vaguely like an insult.
“You probably read.”
Yes, I do enjoy The New Yorker or a John Irving novel from time to time. But just because I don’t have a television set doesn’t mean I don’t crave “Gossip Girl” and obsess over whether Serena will (finally!) get back together with Dan. It’s just that I don’t have a large television in my living room and a monthly payment to make to my cable company. I don’t need one: the major networks and many other broadcasters have made it easy to find their shows free online.
Most Americans still watch shows primarily on their televisions. I’ll concede that point to Mr. Wurtzel. But there is much to suggest that watching shows online is more than just a passing fancy. The Internet has proved to be an excellent promotional vehicle. NBC says 7 out of 10 viewers were spurred to watch some shows on television only after sampling them first online. At ABC, 8 percent of viewers they track — or about one out of every 12 people — watch network shows solely online.
Consider the following. My friend Louise uses a projector hooked up to her laptop to watch “Lost” on a white wall in her living room. My 24-year-old niece never owned a television set until I gave her mine. Now she uses it for DVDs and watches “America’s Next Top Model” online. And it’s not just for the cosmotini set. A 40-something executive I know watched the last presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama on his home computer.
Of course, my house wasn’t always television free. When I lived in Los Angeles, I had cable but was rarely home to catch my favorite shows. I paid extra for HBO but only to watch “Entourage.” Unlike other friends, I never subscribed to TiVo, knowing I would feel guilty if I let shows stack up.
The funny thing is, despite not having a television, I actually watch more network programming than I did when I had cable. The difference is that I am more selective. No more flipping channels just to see what’s on, the television equivalent of a one-night stand. Instead I am in a committed relationship.
For network television shows the best places to start are their home Web sites, including ABC.com, NBC.com, CBS.com and Fox.com, where shows are posted usually within 24 hours of being shown on television. ABC.com, in my experience, is one of the simplest to use. It was a pioneer in putting shows online, although stingy in the early days because it didn’t want to share its toys with other sites.
ABC.com also demands viewers be engaged, requiring them to click a button to continue watching the program after an ad ends. It is a deceptively smart strategy: I was forced to sit through a 30-second commercial — and click — to find out whether Mike Delfino actually died from smoke inhalation on “Desperate Housewives.” It’s only 30 seconds I figured (and I can watch the countdown) which kept me in my seat.
To save time, I usually stay away from sites like Veoh.com, Joost.com, Bebo.com or AOL. Quite simply, there is little there to entice me. Each has a similar syndicate of already-released movies and television shows, and can be confusing if you are not sure what to look for. The exception is Sling.com, which offers much of the same content, but with a more user-friendly setup.
Of course there is a plethora of sites with pirated content, but I don’t go to those because I don’t want to get busted.
Recently I was talking with Quincy Smith, the president of CBS Interactive, who wanted me to visit the CBS channel on YouTube. But it was so cumbersome to find that Mr. Smith had to guide me on the phone as I sat in front of my laptop. MGM plans to offer movies there, too, but the list is not comprehensive.
The one standout is Hulu.com, a joint venture of NBC and Fox. It is well organized and simple to use. (Even Mr. Smith called it “the gold standard.”) It not only has current shows like “The Office,” “The Simpsons,” “24,” and “Heroes,” but a trove of classics like the original “Battlestar Galactica,” “Married With Children” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
The site, too, like others, has cable shows including the quirky “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.” Quite honestly, I never watched “The Daily Show” when I owned a television; I discovered it on Hulu. I can almost say the same for “Saturday Night Live,” which I gave up watching in the 1990s. During election season, though, I eagerly checked Hulu for both shows to see what I might have missed.
Of course, it wouldn’t be television without a blooper or two. So many online “Gossip Girl” fans showed up to watch last season’s shows, they threatened to crash cwtv.com. As a result the CW banned the show online, hoping viewers instead would watch it on their televisions. Fans protested, though, and the show reappeared online, much to my delight and that of my 14-year-old neighbor who agrees that Jenny Humphrey’s new model friend, Agnes, is a bad influence.
Then there’s iTunes. Apple’s media store has been selling TV shows for three years now, and buying is easy to do. The problem I have with iTunes is that you have to pay for the shows in order to watch them. With so many legal ways to get shows free, there’s little incentive for me to pay unless it’s something I can’t stream, like “Mad Men” or “Entourage.” And yes, while a series like “Lost” may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate them, do I really need to own episodes of “Two and a Half Men”?
Movies, too, pose a problem for entertainment companies who might want to put them on their sites. On Hulu and others, there are a number free — “Ordinary People” and “Men in Black” among them — but none are current.
“That’s a whole different business for us,” said Albert Cheng, a digital media executive at ABC. “We are still trying to figure out if there is a movie audience.” I am a dinosaur in this regard, so buying a $10 DVD at the Virgin Megastore and playing it on my computer works fine until downloading or streaming movies becomes easier.
While watching shows online works for me, I know it is not for everyone. Shows don’t appear until the next day, a deal killer for the truly obsessed. And it is hard to find live sports events (or delayed for that matter) online, particularly if it is a big game.
Besides, movies and sports events have more appeal when viewed on a large screen — that’s what big-screen TV is made for. No one is going to mistake their 13-inch laptop screen for a 50-inch high-definition plasma. I recently watched David Lean’s eye candy “Lawrence of Arabia” on Hulu and ached to experience it on my brother-in-law’s home theater in his den.
Speaking of him, I asked him recently if he would ever watch his beloved San Francisco 49ers football team, or any show for that matter, on a magazine-size laptop. He looked at me, incredulous. “Are you serious?” he asked. “Does anybody really do that?”
Mr. Wurtzel is probably smiling.
Basics
Who Needs a TV? I’m Watching on a Laptop
By LAURA M. HOLSON
I HAVE been compared to many things in my life; never, though, to Sasquatch.
But that is what Alan Wurtzel, president of research at NBC Universal, suggested when I told him I had gotten rid of my television set last year and started watching “30 Rock” and “CSI” on my laptop instead. “I hear about people like you,” he said, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “But the notion that people have forsaken watching cable and network television is an urban myth.”
Then he hissed what sounded vaguely like an insult.
“You probably read.”
Yes, I do enjoy The New Yorker or a John Irving novel from time to time. But just because I don’t have a television set doesn’t mean I don’t crave “Gossip Girl” and obsess over whether Serena will (finally!) get back together with Dan. It’s just that I don’t have a large television in my living room and a monthly payment to make to my cable company. I don’t need one: the major networks and many other broadcasters have made it easy to find their shows free online.
Most Americans still watch shows primarily on their televisions. I’ll concede that point to Mr. Wurtzel. But there is much to suggest that watching shows online is more than just a passing fancy. The Internet has proved to be an excellent promotional vehicle. NBC says 7 out of 10 viewers were spurred to watch some shows on television only after sampling them first online. At ABC, 8 percent of viewers they track — or about one out of every 12 people — watch network shows solely online.
Consider the following. My friend Louise uses a projector hooked up to her laptop to watch “Lost” on a white wall in her living room. My 24-year-old niece never owned a television set until I gave her mine. Now she uses it for DVDs and watches “America’s Next Top Model” online. And it’s not just for the cosmotini set. A 40-something executive I know watched the last presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama on his home computer.
Of course, my house wasn’t always television free. When I lived in Los Angeles, I had cable but was rarely home to catch my favorite shows. I paid extra for HBO but only to watch “Entourage.” Unlike other friends, I never subscribed to TiVo, knowing I would feel guilty if I let shows stack up.
The funny thing is, despite not having a television, I actually watch more network programming than I did when I had cable. The difference is that I am more selective. No more flipping channels just to see what’s on, the television equivalent of a one-night stand. Instead I am in a committed relationship.
For network television shows the best places to start are their home Web sites, including ABC.com, NBC.com, CBS.com and Fox.com, where shows are posted usually within 24 hours of being shown on television. ABC.com, in my experience, is one of the simplest to use. It was a pioneer in putting shows online, although stingy in the early days because it didn’t want to share its toys with other sites.
ABC.com also demands viewers be engaged, requiring them to click a button to continue watching the program after an ad ends. It is a deceptively smart strategy: I was forced to sit through a 30-second commercial — and click — to find out whether Mike Delfino actually died from smoke inhalation on “Desperate Housewives.” It’s only 30 seconds I figured (and I can watch the countdown) which kept me in my seat.
To save time, I usually stay away from sites like Veoh.com, Joost.com, Bebo.com or AOL. Quite simply, there is little there to entice me. Each has a similar syndicate of already-released movies and television shows, and can be confusing if you are not sure what to look for. The exception is Sling.com, which offers much of the same content, but with a more user-friendly setup.
Of course there is a plethora of sites with pirated content, but I don’t go to those because I don’t want to get busted.
Recently I was talking with Quincy Smith, the president of CBS Interactive, who wanted me to visit the CBS channel on YouTube. But it was so cumbersome to find that Mr. Smith had to guide me on the phone as I sat in front of my laptop. MGM plans to offer movies there, too, but the list is not comprehensive.
The one standout is Hulu.com, a joint venture of NBC and Fox. It is well organized and simple to use. (Even Mr. Smith called it “the gold standard.”) It not only has current shows like “The Office,” “The Simpsons,” “24,” and “Heroes,” but a trove of classics like the original “Battlestar Galactica,” “Married With Children” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
The site, too, like others, has cable shows including the quirky “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.” Quite honestly, I never watched “The Daily Show” when I owned a television; I discovered it on Hulu. I can almost say the same for “Saturday Night Live,” which I gave up watching in the 1990s. During election season, though, I eagerly checked Hulu for both shows to see what I might have missed.
Of course, it wouldn’t be television without a blooper or two. So many online “Gossip Girl” fans showed up to watch last season’s shows, they threatened to crash cwtv.com. As a result the CW banned the show online, hoping viewers instead would watch it on their televisions. Fans protested, though, and the show reappeared online, much to my delight and that of my 14-year-old neighbor who agrees that Jenny Humphrey’s new model friend, Agnes, is a bad influence.
Then there’s iTunes. Apple’s media store has been selling TV shows for three years now, and buying is easy to do. The problem I have with iTunes is that you have to pay for the shows in order to watch them. With so many legal ways to get shows free, there’s little incentive for me to pay unless it’s something I can’t stream, like “Mad Men” or “Entourage.” And yes, while a series like “Lost” may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate them, do I really need to own episodes of “Two and a Half Men”?
Movies, too, pose a problem for entertainment companies who might want to put them on their sites. On Hulu and others, there are a number free — “Ordinary People” and “Men in Black” among them — but none are current.
“That’s a whole different business for us,” said Albert Cheng, a digital media executive at ABC. “We are still trying to figure out if there is a movie audience.” I am a dinosaur in this regard, so buying a $10 DVD at the Virgin Megastore and playing it on my computer works fine until downloading or streaming movies becomes easier.
While watching shows online works for me, I know it is not for everyone. Shows don’t appear until the next day, a deal killer for the truly obsessed. And it is hard to find live sports events (or delayed for that matter) online, particularly if it is a big game.
Besides, movies and sports events have more appeal when viewed on a large screen — that’s what big-screen TV is made for. No one is going to mistake their 13-inch laptop screen for a 50-inch high-definition plasma. I recently watched David Lean’s eye candy “Lawrence of Arabia” on Hulu and ached to experience it on my brother-in-law’s home theater in his den.
Speaking of him, I asked him recently if he would ever watch his beloved San Francisco 49ers football team, or any show for that matter, on a magazine-size laptop. He looked at me, incredulous. “Are you serious?” he asked. “Does anybody really do that?”
Mr. Wurtzel is probably smiling.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Rogue Dems win many concessions
BY KENNETH LOVETT DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF
Thursday, December 4th 2008, 9:42 PM
ALBANY - The month-long battle for leadership of the state Senate is seemingly over.
Three dissident Democrats who flirted with supporting a Republican to lead the Senate over their party's favorite, Malcolm Smith, are back in the fold.
"It is done," said holdout Sen. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx), who will be tabbed to head the Senate Committee on Aging.
That gives Smith the needed 32 votes to be elected the chamber's first Democratic leader in 43 years over Republican Majority Leader DeaSkelos, who was trying to hang on.
In exchange, the dissidents, Diaz, Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn and Sen.-elect Pedro Espada (D-Bronx), were promised a host of reforms - and leadership posts.
The agreement was reached after a final meeting brokered by upstate billionaire Thomas Golisano and Rep. Gregory Meeks.
Gov. Paterson and Brooklyn Democratic Chairman Vito Lopez an assemblyman, were also in the meeting for a time, sources said.
Smith spokesman Hank Sheinkopf said the meeting "resolved rules changes proposed by Sen. Smith, which will result in Senate reform and the election of Malcolm Smith as leader."
Among the changes, sources said, the position of Senate president pro tempore and majority leader will be decoupled.
Smith will lead the Senate and the Democrats as president pro tempore, while Espada will be named the less-powerful majority leader, making him the highest-ranking Latino leader in state government.
Skelos, like his predecessor, former Sen. Joe Bruno held both titles.
Kruger is expected to head the powerful Finance Committee, which will likely be given a $5 million budget. Committee chairmen get stipends of up to $15,000.
In addition, sources said, lawmakers will be seated alphabetically instead of by party, and the minority party will have more staff and financial resources and an easier time bringing bills to the floor for a vote.
"It's historic," Kruger said. "Everyone will be treated equally, fairly and equitably. The Gang of Three has made a permanent and indelible imprint."
One key issue for Diaz was legalizing gay marriage, which Diaz opposes. He said he's been assured the issue won't come to the floor.
Two long-time senators believe the deal can still fall apart. A vote on the new rules would be needed in January.
"I think there's going to be a lot of pushback" from veteran Democrats senators not wanting to cede power to the three dissidents, said one.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Who are the Deccan Mujahideen? Attacks bear al Qaeda hallmarks, but so far no link
so far no link
BY WILLIAM SHERMAN DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Updated Thursday, November 27th 2008, 1:46 PM
Maharahstra Times/AP
Suspected terrorists are seen in Mumbai.
Related News
Photo Gallery
Scenes of panic, despair from Mumbai
Coordinated terror attacks rock Mumbai
Western intelligence agencies are trying to identify just who is behind the Mumbai terror attacks and the specific motivation for the bloody assaults.
For now, all intelligence agencies have is a the name of a group - Deccan Mujahideen - that is claiming credit for the attacks.
The word Deccan means South in Hindi and refers to the Deccan Plateau. which encompasses three states in the South of India.
Mujahideen means "strugglers" in Arabic, but is also the word used by militant groups referring to fighters, members, and terrorists. The Deccan group sent emails to Indian media outlets claiming responsibility.
Beyond that, it appears the terrorists, men nearly all in their early 20s, speak both Hindi and Urdu, respectively the national languages of India and Pakistan.
Indian and British officials are not ruling out a link between the Mumbai attackers and Al Qaeda, but the assault is not typical of the group, which generally favors suicide bombings.
In this case, the Mumbai attackers, armed with grenades, assault rifles, and other weaponry, attacked in highly organized combat groups with no apparent suicides.
A highly unusual feature of the Mumbai assault is that the terrorists came in the from the sea, apparently using a freighter to get close to the Mumbai shore. Then the terrorists used small, high-speed boats for their landing.
The freighter apparently came to the Indian coast from Karachi Pakistan, according to an Indian Navy spokesman and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh blamed "external forces" for the attack.
The freighter was identified as by MV Alpha.
India is predominantly Hindu while the vast majority of Pakistanis are Muslim and the enmity between the two countries dates back fifty years with their founding and independence granted by England
Pakistan's Port and Shipping Minister Nabil Gabol said Indian authorities had not asked him for information about MV Alpha's port of origin.
He said that Indian references to Karachi as the ship's base was a "false allegation."
Pakistani Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar condemned the attack.
"We should not be blamed like in the past," he warned.
"This will destroy all the goodwill we created together after years of bitterness," he told The Associated Press
"I will say in very categoric terms that Pakistan is not involved in these gory incidents."
BY WILLIAM SHERMAN DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Updated Thursday, November 27th 2008, 1:46 PM
Maharahstra Times/AP
Suspected terrorists are seen in Mumbai.
Related News
Photo Gallery
Scenes of panic, despair from Mumbai
Coordinated terror attacks rock Mumbai
Western intelligence agencies are trying to identify just who is behind the Mumbai terror attacks and the specific motivation for the bloody assaults.
For now, all intelligence agencies have is a the name of a group - Deccan Mujahideen - that is claiming credit for the attacks.
The word Deccan means South in Hindi and refers to the Deccan Plateau. which encompasses three states in the South of India.
Mujahideen means "strugglers" in Arabic, but is also the word used by militant groups referring to fighters, members, and terrorists. The Deccan group sent emails to Indian media outlets claiming responsibility.
Beyond that, it appears the terrorists, men nearly all in their early 20s, speak both Hindi and Urdu, respectively the national languages of India and Pakistan.
Indian and British officials are not ruling out a link between the Mumbai attackers and Al Qaeda, but the assault is not typical of the group, which generally favors suicide bombings.
In this case, the Mumbai attackers, armed with grenades, assault rifles, and other weaponry, attacked in highly organized combat groups with no apparent suicides.
A highly unusual feature of the Mumbai assault is that the terrorists came in the from the sea, apparently using a freighter to get close to the Mumbai shore. Then the terrorists used small, high-speed boats for their landing.
The freighter apparently came to the Indian coast from Karachi Pakistan, according to an Indian Navy spokesman and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh blamed "external forces" for the attack.
The freighter was identified as by MV Alpha.
India is predominantly Hindu while the vast majority of Pakistanis are Muslim and the enmity between the two countries dates back fifty years with their founding and independence granted by England
Pakistan's Port and Shipping Minister Nabil Gabol said Indian authorities had not asked him for information about MV Alpha's port of origin.
He said that Indian references to Karachi as the ship's base was a "false allegation."
Pakistani Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar condemned the attack.
"We should not be blamed like in the past," he warned.
"This will destroy all the goodwill we created together after years of bitterness," he told The Associated Press
"I will say in very categoric terms that Pakistan is not involved in these gory incidents."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Barack Obama introduces economic team
President elect Barack Obama introduces his new economic team: (From l.) Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Council of Economic Advisers chair Christina Romer, and NEC director Larry Summers.
CHICAGO - With the economy in crisis, President-elect Barack Obama pledged Monday to honor the commitments the outgoing Bush administration has made to rescue financial markets and urged the new, incoming Congress to pass a major stimulus package "right away" to restore growth and create jobs.
"Most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year," Obama said at a somber news conference 57 days before he takes the oath of office.
He declined to say how big a spending package he wants to revive the economy, but he said, "It's going to be costly." Some Democratic lawmakers are speculating about a two-year measure as large as $700 billion.
The president-elect introduced the top economic advisers for his new administration, beginning with New York Federal Reserve President Tim Geithner to be his treasury secretary. Geithner, 47, is a veteran of financial crises at home and overseas and has worked closely with the Bush administration in recent months.
Obama chose Lawrence Summers as director of his National Economic Council. Summers was treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton
Obama said his newly minted economic team offered "sound judgment and fresh thinking" at a time of economic peril.
"The economy is likely to get worse before it gets better," he said in a downbeat forecast, delivered as Americans head into the year-end holiday season.
At the same time, he expressed confidence the nation would weather the crisis "because we've done it before."
The president-elect was mildly critical of the Big Three automakers, saying he was surprised they did not have a better-thought-out plan for their future before asking Congress to approve $25 billion in emergency loans.
He said once he sees a plan, he expects "we're going to be able to shape a rescue."
Obama also announced two other members of his economic team in the making. He named Christina Romer as chair of his Council of Economic Advisers, and Melody Barnes as director of his White House Domestic Policy Council.
CHICAGO - With the economy in crisis, President-elect Barack Obama pledged Monday to honor the commitments the outgoing Bush administration has made to rescue financial markets and urged the new, incoming Congress to pass a major stimulus package "right away" to restore growth and create jobs.
"Most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year," Obama said at a somber news conference 57 days before he takes the oath of office.
He declined to say how big a spending package he wants to revive the economy, but he said, "It's going to be costly." Some Democratic lawmakers are speculating about a two-year measure as large as $700 billion.
The president-elect introduced the top economic advisers for his new administration, beginning with New York Federal Reserve President Tim Geithner to be his treasury secretary. Geithner, 47, is a veteran of financial crises at home and overseas and has worked closely with the Bush administration in recent months.
Obama chose Lawrence Summers as director of his National Economic Council. Summers was treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton
Obama said his newly minted economic team offered "sound judgment and fresh thinking" at a time of economic peril.
"The economy is likely to get worse before it gets better," he said in a downbeat forecast, delivered as Americans head into the year-end holiday season.
At the same time, he expressed confidence the nation would weather the crisis "because we've done it before."
The president-elect was mildly critical of the Big Three automakers, saying he was surprised they did not have a better-thought-out plan for their future before asking Congress to approve $25 billion in emergency loans.
He said once he sees a plan, he expects "we're going to be able to shape a rescue."
Obama also announced two other members of his economic team in the making. He named Christina Romer as chair of his Council of Economic Advisers, and Melody Barnes as director of his White House Domestic Policy Council.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Al Sharpton got $500G in illegal cash during White House run, audit says
Al Sharpton got $500G in illegal cash during White House run, audit says
By Celeste Katz and William Hammond DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Friday, November 14th 2008, 8:20 PM
Giancarli for News
The Rev. Al Sharpton was found to have received $500,000 in illegal campaign contributions by a Federal Election Commission audit.
The Rev. Al Sharpton raked in $500,000 in illegal campaign contributions during his 2004 White House run, a Federal Election Commission audit found.
The audit focused on Sharpton's use of his American Express card to pay for campaign activity and the apparent use of money from his nonprofit National Action Network to underwrite political expenses.
The FEC audit found Sharpton owes the U.S. Treasury nearly $487,000 in "prohibited" contributions and collected $10,500 in donations above legal limits.
The commission also said the campaign "materially misstated" its financial activity, including not figuring in $100,000 Sharpton received in federal campaign matching funds. Officials said he didn't qualify for matching funds because he didn't abide by campaign rules.
Sharpton, who plans to appeal the FEC ruling, said Friday he was entitled to continue his work as a preacher and National Action Network president while campaigning.
PREVIOUSLY: SHARPTON - NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST TAKE ON SEAN BELL CASE
"If I was a senator or a congressman, and I operated between Washington and my home district and went on foreign trips, they would say, 'You're doing your job.' But ... if I travel for the National Action Network ... they're charging that to the campaign," Sharpton said. "Why is it a different rule for me?"
He called the charges against him nebulous.
"There's no smoking gun. It doesn't make sense," he said.
By Celeste Katz and William Hammond DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Friday, November 14th 2008, 8:20 PM
Giancarli for News
The Rev. Al Sharpton was found to have received $500,000 in illegal campaign contributions by a Federal Election Commission audit.
The Rev. Al Sharpton raked in $500,000 in illegal campaign contributions during his 2004 White House run, a Federal Election Commission audit found.
The audit focused on Sharpton's use of his American Express card to pay for campaign activity and the apparent use of money from his nonprofit National Action Network to underwrite political expenses.
The FEC audit found Sharpton owes the U.S. Treasury nearly $487,000 in "prohibited" contributions and collected $10,500 in donations above legal limits.
The commission also said the campaign "materially misstated" its financial activity, including not figuring in $100,000 Sharpton received in federal campaign matching funds. Officials said he didn't qualify for matching funds because he didn't abide by campaign rules.
Sharpton, who plans to appeal the FEC ruling, said Friday he was entitled to continue his work as a preacher and National Action Network president while campaigning.
PREVIOUSLY: SHARPTON - NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST TAKE ON SEAN BELL CASE
"If I was a senator or a congressman, and I operated between Washington and my home district and went on foreign trips, they would say, 'You're doing your job.' But ... if I travel for the National Action Network ... they're charging that to the campaign," Sharpton said. "Why is it a different rule for me?"
He called the charges against him nebulous.
"There's no smoking gun. It doesn't make sense," he said.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Miriam Makeba, South African singer known Mama Africa, dies
Miriam Makeba, South African singer known Mama Africa, dies
By DAVID HINCKLEY DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Monday, November 10th 2008, 5:11 PM
Hermann/Getty
International music star Miriam Makeba during her last performance in Castelvolturno, near Naples on November 9, 2008.
Getty
By the time this picture taken on May 13, 1964, Makeba was exiled by the South African government for her anti-apartheid comments.
Miriam Makeba, the exiled South African singer who said her greatest triumph was to finally sing her way back home, died Sunday after collapsing on stage at a concert in Italy. She was 76.
Her friend Nelson Mandela led tributes to her Monday.
"She was South Africa's first lady of song," said Mandela, "and so richly deserved the title of 'Mama Africa.' She was a mother to our struggle and to the young nation of ours."
Makeba sang for more than 50 years, mixing sultry love ballads with sharp-edged songs of freedom. Her biggest mainstream hits were upbeat African-rooted songs that included, "Pata Pata" and "The Click Song."
She became a symbol of the South African liberation movement while spending more than three decades in enforced exile from the country where she was born in 1932.
South Africa refused to let her return in 1960, after she had left the country for a singing tour and spoken out against apartheid. After she repeated that criticism at the United Nations in 1963, the South African government also banned her music.
Makeba lived in New York for 10 years and recalled in a 2000 interview that, "I always enjoy coming back.… I have many friends there."
Among those friends were Harry Belafonte, with whom she often recorded and performed. They won a Grammy in 1965 for a live album of songs protesting apartheid.
But Makeba fell out of favor with some of her sympathizers when she married Black Panther leader Kwame Toure (Stokeley Carmichael) in 1968 and the couple moved to Guinea. She also spent time in Europe before finally returning to South Africa in the 1990s when Mandela was released from prison and apartheid began to collapse.
Makeba's final album, "Homeland," recorded in South Africa and released in 2000, celebrated her return to her home country.
"It's a record that says I am happy to be home," Makeba said then. "I always knew one day we would win, although I did not know if it would come in my lifetime. I'm so glad that it did."
Makeba noted that she was 60 when she cast her first vote in a free election, and said her passion in these later years was to advance peace and prosperity across the African continent.
"When I grew up, there was [apartheid] South Africa and Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo" she said. "Now we are more free, but there is so much poverty and suffering. We need medical supplies for people who are dying. We need food for people who are hungry.
"We also need to stop the wars. I personally would like to see no more wars in Africa. My people need to stop fighting each other. But to stop the wars, we also need to look at who is supplying the arms for those who fight. Those are the ones we need to stop."
Email-davidradiotv2000@yahoo.com
By DAVID HINCKLEY DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Monday, November 10th 2008, 5:11 PM
Hermann/Getty
International music star Miriam Makeba during her last performance in Castelvolturno, near Naples on November 9, 2008.
Getty
By the time this picture taken on May 13, 1964, Makeba was exiled by the South African government for her anti-apartheid comments.
Miriam Makeba, the exiled South African singer who said her greatest triumph was to finally sing her way back home, died Sunday after collapsing on stage at a concert in Italy. She was 76.
Her friend Nelson Mandela led tributes to her Monday.
"She was South Africa's first lady of song," said Mandela, "and so richly deserved the title of 'Mama Africa.' She was a mother to our struggle and to the young nation of ours."
Makeba sang for more than 50 years, mixing sultry love ballads with sharp-edged songs of freedom. Her biggest mainstream hits were upbeat African-rooted songs that included, "Pata Pata" and "The Click Song."
She became a symbol of the South African liberation movement while spending more than three decades in enforced exile from the country where she was born in 1932.
South Africa refused to let her return in 1960, after she had left the country for a singing tour and spoken out against apartheid. After she repeated that criticism at the United Nations in 1963, the South African government also banned her music.
Makeba lived in New York for 10 years and recalled in a 2000 interview that, "I always enjoy coming back.… I have many friends there."
Among those friends were Harry Belafonte, with whom she often recorded and performed. They won a Grammy in 1965 for a live album of songs protesting apartheid.
But Makeba fell out of favor with some of her sympathizers when she married Black Panther leader Kwame Toure (Stokeley Carmichael) in 1968 and the couple moved to Guinea. She also spent time in Europe before finally returning to South Africa in the 1990s when Mandela was released from prison and apartheid began to collapse.
Makeba's final album, "Homeland," recorded in South Africa and released in 2000, celebrated her return to her home country.
"It's a record that says I am happy to be home," Makeba said then. "I always knew one day we would win, although I did not know if it would come in my lifetime. I'm so glad that it did."
Makeba noted that she was 60 when she cast her first vote in a free election, and said her passion in these later years was to advance peace and prosperity across the African continent.
"When I grew up, there was [apartheid] South Africa and Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo" she said. "Now we are more free, but there is so much poverty and suffering. We need medical supplies for people who are dying. We need food for people who are hungry.
"We also need to stop the wars. I personally would like to see no more wars in Africa. My people need to stop fighting each other. But to stop the wars, we also need to look at who is supplying the arms for those who fight. Those are the ones we need to stop."
Email-davidradiotv2000@yahoo.com
Monday, November 03, 2008
Japan's Obama town set to party for U.S. namesake
Japan's Obama town set to party for U.S. namesake
1 hr 10 mins ago
Reuters – A statue of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama is unveiled at Obama, 400km (250 …
Play Video Video: ShowBiz Minute: Hudson; HSM 3; Phoenix AP
OBAMA, Japan (Reuters) – Dancing, singing and playing the guitar, residents in the sleepy Japanese fishing port of Obama are readying to party for Barack Obama before Tuesday's U.S. presidential election.
Around 50 men, women and children wearing "I Love Obama" T-shirts practiced hula dancing over the weekend for the Honolulu-born Democratic candidate, hoping he will win the vote and one day visit the town as U.S. President.
"I'm 85 percent confident that Obama will win," said hotel owner Seiji Fujiwara, who heads a group backing Obama in hopes that the town, with a population of 32,000, can share his fame and attract more visitors. "I think he'll be alright."
Shops in the town have been selling everything from T-shirts, fish burgers and steamed cakes to chopsticks bearing Obama's name.
"We've been dancing for Mr. Obama for more than six months," said Yuko Shirayama of the local "Obama Girls" hula dancing group, created to cheer on Obama. "So I hope he wins."
Her group traveled to Hawaii to celebrate Obama's victory over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic nomination for U.S. president earlier this year and the dancers hope to go to Obama's inauguration ceremony if he wins.
"If Mr. Obama becomes president and gets a chance to visit Japan, we would like him to visit our city," Mayor Kouji Matsuzaki told Reuters.
Obama has drawn popularity not only in the town sharing his name, but also across the rest of Japan.
In a survey of 3,500 readers by the Asahi Shimbun daily, 73 percent said they would choose Obama if they could vote, while only 7 percent said they would pick Republican rival John McCain.
The town's residents will hold their breath as they watch the election results together on television, but they plan to dance and party regardless of the outcome.
(Reporting by Toshi Maeda; Editing by Alex Richardson)
1 hr 10 mins ago
Reuters – A statue of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama is unveiled at Obama, 400km (250 …
Play Video Video: ShowBiz Minute: Hudson; HSM 3; Phoenix AP
OBAMA, Japan (Reuters) – Dancing, singing and playing the guitar, residents in the sleepy Japanese fishing port of Obama are readying to party for Barack Obama before Tuesday's U.S. presidential election.
Around 50 men, women and children wearing "I Love Obama" T-shirts practiced hula dancing over the weekend for the Honolulu-born Democratic candidate, hoping he will win the vote and one day visit the town as U.S. President.
"I'm 85 percent confident that Obama will win," said hotel owner Seiji Fujiwara, who heads a group backing Obama in hopes that the town, with a population of 32,000, can share his fame and attract more visitors. "I think he'll be alright."
Shops in the town have been selling everything from T-shirts, fish burgers and steamed cakes to chopsticks bearing Obama's name.
"We've been dancing for Mr. Obama for more than six months," said Yuko Shirayama of the local "Obama Girls" hula dancing group, created to cheer on Obama. "So I hope he wins."
Her group traveled to Hawaii to celebrate Obama's victory over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic nomination for U.S. president earlier this year and the dancers hope to go to Obama's inauguration ceremony if he wins.
"If Mr. Obama becomes president and gets a chance to visit Japan, we would like him to visit our city," Mayor Kouji Matsuzaki told Reuters.
Obama has drawn popularity not only in the town sharing his name, but also across the rest of Japan.
In a survey of 3,500 readers by the Asahi Shimbun daily, 73 percent said they would choose Obama if they could vote, while only 7 percent said they would pick Republican rival John McCain.
The town's residents will hold their breath as they watch the election results together on television, but they plan to dance and party regardless of the outcome.
(Reporting by Toshi Maeda; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
ATF: Skinhead assassination plot targeting Barack Obama disrupted
ATF: Skinhead assassination plot targeting Barack Obama disrupted
By Kenneth R. Bazinet and James Gordon Meek DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Updated Monday, October 27th 2008, 9:59 PM
Brandon/AP
Barack Obama
WASHINGTON - Two alleged skinheads were charged Monday in a far-fetched plot to launch a "killing spree" aimed at beheading black students and then shooting Barack Obama.
The racist teens demonstrated little supremacy in their nutty plan to "dress in white tuxedos and wear top hats during the assassination attempt," the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.
A federal official told the Daily News: "It was only aspirational."
RELATED: EARLY VOTING SKYROCKETS
Daniel Cowart, 20, of Bells, Tenn., and Paul Schlesselman, 18, of West Helena, Ark., wanted to steal weapons from a gun store and shoot at the black Democratic presidential nominee from their car while driving toward Obama at high speed. They were to bankroll the plot by robbing a house, but got scared off by a dog, court papers said.
The pair was arrested and charged by the ATF with illegal possession of a sawed-off shotgun and making threats against Obama.
The Secret Service's Tennessee field office did not notify Obama's protective team of the plot, ABC News reported, indicating it had not posed a serious threat.
Had Obama's life been in danger, the Secret Service would have filed the charges, officials noted.
Cowart and Schlesselman, who had recently met on the Internet, were noticed by local cops after decorating their getaway car with swastikas and racial epithets. The ATF said they discussed shooting 88 people and beheading 14 African-Americans.
By Kenneth R. Bazinet and James Gordon Meek DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Updated Monday, October 27th 2008, 9:59 PM
Brandon/AP
Barack Obama
WASHINGTON - Two alleged skinheads were charged Monday in a far-fetched plot to launch a "killing spree" aimed at beheading black students and then shooting Barack Obama.
The racist teens demonstrated little supremacy in their nutty plan to "dress in white tuxedos and wear top hats during the assassination attempt," the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.
A federal official told the Daily News: "It was only aspirational."
RELATED: EARLY VOTING SKYROCKETS
Daniel Cowart, 20, of Bells, Tenn., and Paul Schlesselman, 18, of West Helena, Ark., wanted to steal weapons from a gun store and shoot at the black Democratic presidential nominee from their car while driving toward Obama at high speed. They were to bankroll the plot by robbing a house, but got scared off by a dog, court papers said.
The pair was arrested and charged by the ATF with illegal possession of a sawed-off shotgun and making threats against Obama.
The Secret Service's Tennessee field office did not notify Obama's protective team of the plot, ABC News reported, indicating it had not posed a serious threat.
Had Obama's life been in danger, the Secret Service would have filed the charges, officials noted.
Cowart and Schlesselman, who had recently met on the Internet, were noticed by local cops after decorating their getaway car with swastikas and racial epithets. The ATF said they discussed shooting 88 people and beheading 14 African-Americans.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Body found in SUV, unknown if it's Hudson's nephew
By RUPA SHENOY, Associated Press Writer Rupa Shenoy, Associated Press Writer – 6 mins ago
CHICAGO – Police searching for Jennifer Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew found the body of a young black boy in an SUV Monday. There was no confirmation on the identity of the body.
Hudson's nephew, Julian King, hasn't been seen since Friday, when Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home. Police issued an Amber Alert for Julian, who lived in the home, and were looking for a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office and Chicago Police Department sent officials to the scene of a white SUV, which reportedly has a license plate matching the number listed on an Amber Alert issued for Jennifer Hudson's missing nephew, on the city's West Side Monday. Police refused to comment.
Television footage showed police vehicles escorting a flatbed tow truck as it took the SUV away from the scene with the body still inside.
Hudson, the Oscar-winning actress offered a $100,000 reward for her nephew's safe return. He is the son of her sister, Julia Hudson.
The Amber Alert listed William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, as a suspect in a "double homicide investigation." Balfour, 27, has not been charged in the slayings. He is not the boy's father.
Police said they did not have a motive for the killings but called the case "domestic related."
Balfour was taken into custody Friday by Chicago police for questioning in the killings. On Sunday, he was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections "based on his active parole violation unrelated to this investigation."
Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.
Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said Balfour would probably remain in state custody until the Illinois Prisoner Review Board looked at his case. She would not say where Balfour was being held.
It was unclear whether Balfour had an attorney Sunday, but his mother, Michele Balfour, has denied he was involved the killings or in Julian's disappearance.
On Sunday evening, in a statement from publicist Lisa Kasteler, the singer appealed to the public for help, offering the reward and asking any information be given to Chicago police.
"Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope with this tragedy and continue the search for Julian," the statement said.
Hudson, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls," was in Chicago with her family during the weekend, her sister said. The medical examiner's office confirmed Hudson identified the bodies of her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson. The deaths were ruled homicides.
___
Associated Press writers Caryn Rousseau and Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.
CHICAGO – Police searching for Jennifer Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew found the body of a young black boy in an SUV Monday. There was no confirmation on the identity of the body.
Hudson's nephew, Julian King, hasn't been seen since Friday, when Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home. Police issued an Amber Alert for Julian, who lived in the home, and were looking for a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office and Chicago Police Department sent officials to the scene of a white SUV, which reportedly has a license plate matching the number listed on an Amber Alert issued for Jennifer Hudson's missing nephew, on the city's West Side Monday. Police refused to comment.
Television footage showed police vehicles escorting a flatbed tow truck as it took the SUV away from the scene with the body still inside.
Hudson, the Oscar-winning actress offered a $100,000 reward for her nephew's safe return. He is the son of her sister, Julia Hudson.
The Amber Alert listed William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, as a suspect in a "double homicide investigation." Balfour, 27, has not been charged in the slayings. He is not the boy's father.
Police said they did not have a motive for the killings but called the case "domestic related."
Balfour was taken into custody Friday by Chicago police for questioning in the killings. On Sunday, he was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections "based on his active parole violation unrelated to this investigation."
Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.
Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said Balfour would probably remain in state custody until the Illinois Prisoner Review Board looked at his case. She would not say where Balfour was being held.
It was unclear whether Balfour had an attorney Sunday, but his mother, Michele Balfour, has denied he was involved the killings or in Julian's disappearance.
On Sunday evening, in a statement from publicist Lisa Kasteler, the singer appealed to the public for help, offering the reward and asking any information be given to Chicago police.
"Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope with this tragedy and continue the search for Julian," the statement said.
Hudson, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls," was in Chicago with her family during the weekend, her sister said. The medical examiner's office confirmed Hudson identified the bodies of her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson. The deaths were ruled homicides.
___
Associated Press writers Caryn Rousseau and Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mike Bloomberg should run for City Council
Mike Bloomberg should run for City Council
Thursday, October 2nd 2008, 2:40 AM
Why doesn't he just run for City Council?
Really. No joke.
The Council has the final say on the budget, and he would be a shoo-in for speaker. Any invaluable and irreplaceable fiscal guidance Mayor Bloomberg might offer in this financial crisis could just as easily come from Speaker Bloomberg.
Guidance from Speaker Bloomberg would not be muddied by him going against term limits set by the electorate, limits he ardently supported until he neared one.
RELATED: BLOOMBERG, QUINN KEEP TERM MEETING HUSH-HUSH
If he finds the prospect of becoming a councilman too humbling, he can tell himself he is only following the example set long ago on the federal level by John Quincy Adams.
Our sixth President, Adams went from the White House to the House of Representatives, where he served for 17 years, becoming the leading foe of slavery.
RELATED: WHO MAYOR MAY NOT SURVIVE
"No person can be degraded by serving the people as representative in Congress," Adams once declared.
Before an assassin struck, John F. Kennedy said that upon reaching the two-term limit set for Presidents, he would follow Adams' example and be a congressman from Massachusetts.
Kennedy ascribed to Adams' view that any respected former chief executive who became a duly elected member of a legislative body "instead of degrading the individual would elevate the representative character." Bloomberg's stature would elevate the office of speaker, and the entire Council. A new mayor would be hard-pressed to ignore fiscal advice from Speaker Bloomberg.
RELATED: BETTER GET READY FOR ROUGH RIDE & LAWSUITS, SAY EXTENSION FOES
Adams should be a particular inspiration for Bloomberg, who has long decried partisan politics. Adams considered political parties a curse, believing government should follow the best interests of the governed.
As mayor, Bloomberg has worked against political self-interest in favor of the larger good, notably the smoking ban, which will save tens of thousands of lives.
The city is much better off as a result of Bloomberg's tenure as mayor. He is far superior to any of his would-be successors, who are more reminiscent of that other Addams family, the one created by a dark-humored cartoonist.
Bloomberg was particularly astute and steadying when the fiscal crisis struck, having shown foresight - a rare facility among present-day politicians.
Anyone who needed a reminder yesterday of how vital he remains only had to take a stroll from City Hall down through the Financial District.
The Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank, the AIG building - the very pavement seemed shaken. Tourists were taking snapshots of the big bull that now seems less a symbol than a relic at a time we need the financial wisdom and foresight of Bloomberg more than ever.
Beyond the end of Broadway was the harbor, and there stood a figure that remains a symbol of what makes us great no matter what the markets do, a symbol that humbles even the mightiest among us. As in all times of adversity, the Statue of Liberty seemed to stand even straighter, her torch shining even brighter.
At the core of the freedom and democracy she symbolizes is respect for the will of the people as expressed by voting.
The people of our city have voted twice on term limits, first in favor of establishing them, later against scrapping them.
If the people want them done away with, the way to do it is by popular ballot, not through a Council vote by members who will also be extending their jobs.
Such a hustle would demean the Council, just as Bloomberg would elevate it by joining its ranks.
Mike for City Council! From ---nydailynews 10-23-08
Thursday, October 2nd 2008, 2:40 AM
Why doesn't he just run for City Council?
Really. No joke.
The Council has the final say on the budget, and he would be a shoo-in for speaker. Any invaluable and irreplaceable fiscal guidance Mayor Bloomberg might offer in this financial crisis could just as easily come from Speaker Bloomberg.
Guidance from Speaker Bloomberg would not be muddied by him going against term limits set by the electorate, limits he ardently supported until he neared one.
RELATED: BLOOMBERG, QUINN KEEP TERM MEETING HUSH-HUSH
If he finds the prospect of becoming a councilman too humbling, he can tell himself he is only following the example set long ago on the federal level by John Quincy Adams.
Our sixth President, Adams went from the White House to the House of Representatives, where he served for 17 years, becoming the leading foe of slavery.
RELATED: WHO MAYOR MAY NOT SURVIVE
"No person can be degraded by serving the people as representative in Congress," Adams once declared.
Before an assassin struck, John F. Kennedy said that upon reaching the two-term limit set for Presidents, he would follow Adams' example and be a congressman from Massachusetts.
Kennedy ascribed to Adams' view that any respected former chief executive who became a duly elected member of a legislative body "instead of degrading the individual would elevate the representative character." Bloomberg's stature would elevate the office of speaker, and the entire Council. A new mayor would be hard-pressed to ignore fiscal advice from Speaker Bloomberg.
RELATED: BETTER GET READY FOR ROUGH RIDE & LAWSUITS, SAY EXTENSION FOES
Adams should be a particular inspiration for Bloomberg, who has long decried partisan politics. Adams considered political parties a curse, believing government should follow the best interests of the governed.
As mayor, Bloomberg has worked against political self-interest in favor of the larger good, notably the smoking ban, which will save tens of thousands of lives.
The city is much better off as a result of Bloomberg's tenure as mayor. He is far superior to any of his would-be successors, who are more reminiscent of that other Addams family, the one created by a dark-humored cartoonist.
Bloomberg was particularly astute and steadying when the fiscal crisis struck, having shown foresight - a rare facility among present-day politicians.
Anyone who needed a reminder yesterday of how vital he remains only had to take a stroll from City Hall down through the Financial District.
The Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank, the AIG building - the very pavement seemed shaken. Tourists were taking snapshots of the big bull that now seems less a symbol than a relic at a time we need the financial wisdom and foresight of Bloomberg more than ever.
Beyond the end of Broadway was the harbor, and there stood a figure that remains a symbol of what makes us great no matter what the markets do, a symbol that humbles even the mightiest among us. As in all times of adversity, the Statue of Liberty seemed to stand even straighter, her torch shining even brighter.
At the core of the freedom and democracy she symbolizes is respect for the will of the people as expressed by voting.
The people of our city have voted twice on term limits, first in favor of establishing them, later against scrapping them.
If the people want them done away with, the way to do it is by popular ballot, not through a Council vote by members who will also be extending their jobs.
Such a hustle would demean the Council, just as Bloomberg would elevate it by joining its ranks.
Mike for City Council! From ---nydailynews 10-23-08
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Drinking and e-mailing don't mix: Google service aims to keep you from typing things you'll regret
Drinking and e-mailing don't mix: Google service aims to keep you from typing things you'll regret
By Tracy Connor Daily News Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 8th 2008, 4:00 AM
Getty
Why did I press 'Send'?! A new service from Google aims to help eliminate those drinking-and-typing moments you regret the next morning.
Manhattan resident Matt Brand remembers the night he came home drunk and sent his ex-girlfriend an e-card suggesting, in crude terms, that he still carried a torch for her.
"It was a Saturday night and I was loaded," said Brand, 33, who works in advertising. "I haven't heard back from her since."
So when Brand heard about a new feature of Google's Gmail service called Mail Goggles - designed to prevent people from e-mailing while intoxicated - he signed up.
"I do that kind of stuff all the time," he said. "You're incredibly impulsive at three in the morning."
The safeguard works like this: Gmail users can set it to turn on during their danger times - say, midnight to 5 a.m. on weekend nights.
To send a message during that period, they first have to answer a series of math questions - a cinch if they're sober, all but impossible after eight Heinekens.
Get one problem wrong and you won't be allowed to fire off that e-mail telling your boss what you really think of her or that topless photo to the guy in the next cubicle.
Bad at math? Not to worry. Google's version of a Breathalyzer lets the user set the difficulty level of the questions.
Gmail engineer Jon Perlow said personal experience spurred him to create the feature, which debuted Monday.
"Sometimes I send messages I shouldn't send," he wrote on Google's official blog.
"Like the time I told that girl I had a crush on her over text message. Or the time I sent that late night e-mail to my ex-girlfriend that we should get back together....
"Hopefully, Mail Goggles will prevent many of you out there from sending messages you wish you hadn't."
Of course, it can't stop you from posting that photo on Facebook
tconnor@nydailynews.com
By Tracy Connor Daily News Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 8th 2008, 4:00 AM
Getty
Why did I press 'Send'?! A new service from Google aims to help eliminate those drinking-and-typing moments you regret the next morning.
Manhattan resident Matt Brand remembers the night he came home drunk and sent his ex-girlfriend an e-card suggesting, in crude terms, that he still carried a torch for her.
"It was a Saturday night and I was loaded," said Brand, 33, who works in advertising. "I haven't heard back from her since."
So when Brand heard about a new feature of Google's Gmail service called Mail Goggles - designed to prevent people from e-mailing while intoxicated - he signed up.
"I do that kind of stuff all the time," he said. "You're incredibly impulsive at three in the morning."
The safeguard works like this: Gmail users can set it to turn on during their danger times - say, midnight to 5 a.m. on weekend nights.
To send a message during that period, they first have to answer a series of math questions - a cinch if they're sober, all but impossible after eight Heinekens.
Get one problem wrong and you won't be allowed to fire off that e-mail telling your boss what you really think of her or that topless photo to the guy in the next cubicle.
Bad at math? Not to worry. Google's version of a Breathalyzer lets the user set the difficulty level of the questions.
Gmail engineer Jon Perlow said personal experience spurred him to create the feature, which debuted Monday.
"Sometimes I send messages I shouldn't send," he wrote on Google's official blog.
"Like the time I told that girl I had a crush on her over text message. Or the time I sent that late night e-mail to my ex-girlfriend that we should get back together....
"Hopefully, Mail Goggles will prevent many of you out there from sending messages you wish you hadn't."
Of course, it can't stop you from posting that photo on Facebook
tconnor@nydailynews.com
Monday, October 06, 2008
Health Department ads in subways stress curbing calorie count
Health Department ads in subways stress curbing calorie count
BY KATHLEEN LUCADAMO DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU
Monday, October 6th 2008, 12:32 AM
Two of the nutrition-emphasizing ads (above and below) that debuted Monday.
Now there's no escape from warnings to get back on that diet and eat less - even underground.
Starting Monday, New Yorkers squeezed into crammed subway cars will find brightly colored ads cautioning them to limit food intake to 2,000 calories a day
See Link---to Harlem Community Organizers.
BY KATHLEEN LUCADAMO DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU
Monday, October 6th 2008, 12:32 AM
Two of the nutrition-emphasizing ads (above and below) that debuted Monday.
Now there's no escape from warnings to get back on that diet and eat less - even underground.
Starting Monday, New Yorkers squeezed into crammed subway cars will find brightly colored ads cautioning them to limit food intake to 2,000 calories a day
See Link---to Harlem Community Organizers.
European, Asian markets plunge on crisis fears
European, Asian markets plunge on crisis fears
By EMILY FLYNN VENCAT, AP Business Writer 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
LONDON - Asian and European stock markets plunged Monday as government bank bailouts in the U.S. and Europe failed to alleviate fears that the global financial crisis would depress world economic growth.
Investors took scant comfort from Washington's passage of a US$700 billion plan to buy bad assets from banks and other institutions to shore up the financial industry on Friday because of the uncertainty still hanging over the details of the deal and the degree to which it will help.
Britain's benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100, lost 220.11 to 4,760.14 — a 4.42 percent fall. The declines were led by the banking industry, with the mining and oil industries also suffering drops. HBOS PLC's share price dropped 15.7 percent, while the Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC fell 13.6 percent.
Germany's DAX index fell 4.22 percent to 5,552.27. France's CAC-40 index dropped 4.85 percent to 3,882.81. In Russia, the RTS stock index tumbled more than 7 percent in first 20 minutes of trading.
Over the weekend, many European governments moved to save troubled banks, and made more promises to protect depositors from the credit crisis.
Germany on Sunday agreed a 50 billion euros (US$68 billion) package to bail out Hypo Real Estate, the country's second-biggest commercial property lender, after a rescue plan by private lenders fell apart.
France's BNP Paribas SA committed to taking a 75-percent stake in troubled European bank Fortis N, and Sweden and Denmark followed Ireland and Britain in raising the amount of savers' deposits guaranteed by the government.
Britain's treasury chief Alistair Darling said he was "ready to do whatever it takes" to get the country through the credit crunch, and was looking at a "range of proposals."
But analysts said that, like the U.S. plan, the lack of detail in many of Europe's moves failed to restore investors' confidence, resulting in the stock market tumbles. "What the markets need are some more details about exactly when and how these plans are going to come in," said Richard Hunter, head of British equities at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers, "And they need some proof that some of these measures are taking hold."
Across Asia, all markets were also in the red. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index fell to its lowest level in 4 1/2 years, sinking 4.25 percent to 10,473.09.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slid 5 percent to 16,803.76. Markets in mainland China, Australia, South Korea, India, Singapore and Thailand also fell sharply. Indonesia's key index plummeted 10 percent, it's biggest one-day drop ever.
See Yahoo Finance----10-6-08
By EMILY FLYNN VENCAT, AP Business Writer 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
LONDON - Asian and European stock markets plunged Monday as government bank bailouts in the U.S. and Europe failed to alleviate fears that the global financial crisis would depress world economic growth.
Investors took scant comfort from Washington's passage of a US$700 billion plan to buy bad assets from banks and other institutions to shore up the financial industry on Friday because of the uncertainty still hanging over the details of the deal and the degree to which it will help.
Britain's benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100, lost 220.11 to 4,760.14 — a 4.42 percent fall. The declines were led by the banking industry, with the mining and oil industries also suffering drops. HBOS PLC's share price dropped 15.7 percent, while the Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC fell 13.6 percent.
Germany's DAX index fell 4.22 percent to 5,552.27. France's CAC-40 index dropped 4.85 percent to 3,882.81. In Russia, the RTS stock index tumbled more than 7 percent in first 20 minutes of trading.
Over the weekend, many European governments moved to save troubled banks, and made more promises to protect depositors from the credit crisis.
Germany on Sunday agreed a 50 billion euros (US$68 billion) package to bail out Hypo Real Estate, the country's second-biggest commercial property lender, after a rescue plan by private lenders fell apart.
France's BNP Paribas SA committed to taking a 75-percent stake in troubled European bank Fortis N, and Sweden and Denmark followed Ireland and Britain in raising the amount of savers' deposits guaranteed by the government.
Britain's treasury chief Alistair Darling said he was "ready to do whatever it takes" to get the country through the credit crunch, and was looking at a "range of proposals."
But analysts said that, like the U.S. plan, the lack of detail in many of Europe's moves failed to restore investors' confidence, resulting in the stock market tumbles. "What the markets need are some more details about exactly when and how these plans are going to come in," said Richard Hunter, head of British equities at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers, "And they need some proof that some of these measures are taking hold."
Across Asia, all markets were also in the red. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index fell to its lowest level in 4 1/2 years, sinking 4.25 percent to 10,473.09.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slid 5 percent to 16,803.76. Markets in mainland China, Australia, South Korea, India, Singapore and Thailand also fell sharply. Indonesia's key index plummeted 10 percent, it's biggest one-day drop ever.
See Yahoo Finance----10-6-08
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Money for a Wall Street bailout, but not for the poor
Money for a Wall Street bailout, but not for the poor
Friday, September 26th 2008, 8:20 PM
The mad rush in Washington to approve a $700 billion bailout of the Wall Street firms largely responsible for the nation's economic crisis in the first place may sound like a very bad joke.
Of course it isn't, and by now we all know that it is no laughing matter. And as City Hall has already made clear, New Yorkers will have to pay a very high price.
"We're going to have some tough times," Mayor Bloomberg said on Tuesday. He was referring to the $516 million budget reduction he ordered for this fiscal year to be followed by a $1 billion reduction for the next one. The Wall Street crisis made these cuts unavoidable, the mayor explained.
Bloomberg is a billionaire and should have no problem personally sailing through the troubled financial waters ahead. For his constituents, however, that voyage is bound to be anything but smooth.
Most are working men and women (and increasingly the unemployed) who struggle daily to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Not surprisingly, the most vulnerable New Yorkers - low-income families, senior citizens, the poor - will bear the brunt of the cuts. The homeless - including 7,822 families with children - will be among the hardest hit.
Advocates and homeless activists are not taking this well, and are asking some tough questions.
"When poor and homeless people ask the government for help, they're told that low-income housing and living wage jobs are not a government priority because this country is built on 'personal responsibility' and people need to 'make better decisions,'" said a written statement by Picture the Homeless, a nonprofit organization founded and led by homeless people in New York.
"[But] when giant banking corporations are on the brink of total collapse because they have made a systematic series of bad business decisions the government gives them a trillion dollars," the statement continued. "Where is the 'personal responsibility' for the rich?"
That is a question that begs for an honest answer, especially after the Wall Street debacle.
It should be noted that Mayor Bloomberg has not closed his eyes to the plight of the thousands of New Yorkers who do not have a place to live. City Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), who chairs the Council's General Welfare committee, gives him credit for being "gutsy" in setting the goal of reducing the homeless population 66% by 2009, as part of his five-year plan to combat homelessness announced in 2004.
"It was a bold move," he said.
But the plan has not been a success, and last Tuesday De Blasio held a General Welfare committee hearing to review its progress. Robert Hess, the city Commissioner of Homeless Services, was one of those who testified.
"I found a fair amount of denial from Commissioner Hess," De Blasio said after the hearing. "I would've appreciated if he had been more forthcoming. But there was a lot of 'happy talk' even though there is almost no change in the number of homeless people."
At the hearing, De Blasio presented an innovative five-step plan (in which homelessness prevention plays a big part) to help achieve the mayor's goals. Yet, for all its merits, the future of de Blasio's plan is in doubt due to the crisis.
"I am worried about the budget cuts," he said. "Once you have a fiscal crisis, pro-active solutions tend to fall by the wayside."
Which brings us back to another one of those pesky questions the members of Picture the Homeless are asking.
They would like to know how it is that there is no money for health care, education, housing and real jobs for poor people, but there are trillions for state-sponsored corporate bailouts and tax breaks for the rich.
How indeed?
aruiz@nydailynews.com
Friday, September 26th 2008, 8:20 PM
The mad rush in Washington to approve a $700 billion bailout of the Wall Street firms largely responsible for the nation's economic crisis in the first place may sound like a very bad joke.
Of course it isn't, and by now we all know that it is no laughing matter. And as City Hall has already made clear, New Yorkers will have to pay a very high price.
"We're going to have some tough times," Mayor Bloomberg said on Tuesday. He was referring to the $516 million budget reduction he ordered for this fiscal year to be followed by a $1 billion reduction for the next one. The Wall Street crisis made these cuts unavoidable, the mayor explained.
Bloomberg is a billionaire and should have no problem personally sailing through the troubled financial waters ahead. For his constituents, however, that voyage is bound to be anything but smooth.
Most are working men and women (and increasingly the unemployed) who struggle daily to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Not surprisingly, the most vulnerable New Yorkers - low-income families, senior citizens, the poor - will bear the brunt of the cuts. The homeless - including 7,822 families with children - will be among the hardest hit.
Advocates and homeless activists are not taking this well, and are asking some tough questions.
"When poor and homeless people ask the government for help, they're told that low-income housing and living wage jobs are not a government priority because this country is built on 'personal responsibility' and people need to 'make better decisions,'" said a written statement by Picture the Homeless, a nonprofit organization founded and led by homeless people in New York.
"[But] when giant banking corporations are on the brink of total collapse because they have made a systematic series of bad business decisions the government gives them a trillion dollars," the statement continued. "Where is the 'personal responsibility' for the rich?"
That is a question that begs for an honest answer, especially after the Wall Street debacle.
It should be noted that Mayor Bloomberg has not closed his eyes to the plight of the thousands of New Yorkers who do not have a place to live. City Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), who chairs the Council's General Welfare committee, gives him credit for being "gutsy" in setting the goal of reducing the homeless population 66% by 2009, as part of his five-year plan to combat homelessness announced in 2004.
"It was a bold move," he said.
But the plan has not been a success, and last Tuesday De Blasio held a General Welfare committee hearing to review its progress. Robert Hess, the city Commissioner of Homeless Services, was one of those who testified.
"I found a fair amount of denial from Commissioner Hess," De Blasio said after the hearing. "I would've appreciated if he had been more forthcoming. But there was a lot of 'happy talk' even though there is almost no change in the number of homeless people."
At the hearing, De Blasio presented an innovative five-step plan (in which homelessness prevention plays a big part) to help achieve the mayor's goals. Yet, for all its merits, the future of de Blasio's plan is in doubt due to the crisis.
"I am worried about the budget cuts," he said. "Once you have a fiscal crisis, pro-active solutions tend to fall by the wayside."
Which brings us back to another one of those pesky questions the members of Picture the Homeless are asking.
They would like to know how it is that there is no money for health care, education, housing and real jobs for poor people, but there are trillions for state-sponsored corporate bailouts and tax breaks for the rich.
How indeed?
aruiz@nydailynews.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
Scientists warn US Congress of cancer risk for cell phone use
Scientists warn US Congress of cancer risk for cell phone use
by Virginie Montet Thu Sep 25, 9:15 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The potential link between mobile telephones and brain cancer could be similar to the link between lung cancer and smoking -- something tobacco companies took 50 years to recognize,
Scientists are currently split on the level of danger the biological effects of the magnetic field emitted by cellular telephones poses to humans.
However, society "must not repeat the situation we had with the relationship between smoking and lung cancer where we ... waited until every 'i' was dotted and 't' was crossed before warnings were issued," said David Carpenter, director of the Institute of Health and Environment at the University of Albany, in testimony before a subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform.
"Precaution is warranted even in the absence of absolutely final evidence concerning the magnitude of the risk" -- especially for children, said Carpenter.
Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute -- one of the top US cancer research centers -- said that most studies "claiming that there is no link between cell phones and brain tumors are outdated, had methodological concerns and did not include sufficient numbers of long-term cell phone users."
Many studies denying a link defined regular cell phone use as "once a week," he said.
"Recalling the 70 years that it took to remove lead from paint and gasoline and the 50 years that it took to convincingly establish the link between smoking and lung cancer, I argue that we must learn from our past to do a better job of interpreting evidence of potential risk," said Herberman.
A brain tumor can take dozens of years to develop, the scientists said.
Carpenter and Herberman both told the committee the brain cancer risk from cell phone use is far greater for children than for adults.
From Yahoo News 9-26-08
by Virginie Montet Thu Sep 25, 9:15 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The potential link between mobile telephones and brain cancer could be similar to the link between lung cancer and smoking -- something tobacco companies took 50 years to recognize,
Scientists are currently split on the level of danger the biological effects of the magnetic field emitted by cellular telephones poses to humans.
However, society "must not repeat the situation we had with the relationship between smoking and lung cancer where we ... waited until every 'i' was dotted and 't' was crossed before warnings were issued," said David Carpenter, director of the Institute of Health and Environment at the University of Albany, in testimony before a subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform.
"Precaution is warranted even in the absence of absolutely final evidence concerning the magnitude of the risk" -- especially for children, said Carpenter.
Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute -- one of the top US cancer research centers -- said that most studies "claiming that there is no link between cell phones and brain tumors are outdated, had methodological concerns and did not include sufficient numbers of long-term cell phone users."
Many studies denying a link defined regular cell phone use as "once a week," he said.
"Recalling the 70 years that it took to remove lead from paint and gasoline and the 50 years that it took to convincingly establish the link between smoking and lung cancer, I argue that we must learn from our past to do a better job of interpreting evidence of potential risk," said Herberman.
A brain tumor can take dozens of years to develop, the scientists said.
Carpenter and Herberman both told the committee the brain cancer risk from cell phone use is far greater for children than for adults.
From Yahoo News 9-26-08
Monday, September 22, 2008
Your vote will count this time!!!
David -- Think of all the people you know -- your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. What if every one of them voted on Election Day? That's a lot of votes. But odds are, many of them aren't registered -- or aren't sure if they are. Now there's an easy way to learn your status and get registered. Our new one-stop voter registration site, VoteForChange.com, lets you do it all: check your registration status, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your early voting site or polling location. Take a minute today to check out VoteForChange.com, and encourage your friends and family to do the same:
Friday night's debate
Obama presses on --"-Americans need to hear from the person who will be the next president. It is part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once." I don't want to infuse Capital Hill with presidential politics". -- Barack Obama
http://voteforchange.com
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