Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF … and the News too


Today, Birth Control Pills turn 50. It’s Friday and the Month of May but it feels more like winter to me.  It’s cold out here in the 206, though the sun is great when it does come out … that will be later today.  It’s another day to be still stay calm …  slowly breathe in through your nose and slowly breathe out through your mouth and repeat …

Hey! don’t forget your MOM this weekend…

There are a lot of strange things going on with not only the weather and it impacts us all.

Yesterday, and i know it will continue because the crazy seems rampant but listening to politicians and lawmakers We the People actually voted into office proposing things like stripping away citizenship, national id’s, no amnesty, complaining about the small things like how potential terrorists almost got away; 9/11 transformed the US a new world and in case people have forgotten we had both international and homegrown terrorists  …where were these folks during all 8 years of the house of Bush and the crap that went on.   The vast conspiracy comments from people in,out or who were in office in the past; like Michael Brown ex-Fema loser… very disturbing.  How many people want a National ID?  i don’t … i still have no idea what Reasonable Suspicion means and what does an illegal look like anyway …

We need comprehensive immigration reform that includes a beefed up border patrol, a way to make Corporations stop hiring undocumented workers but give those who have been here a path to citizenship… whether people will admit it or not the impact on certain parts of our economy will be enormous and deserves serious efforts to finally be reformed.

The jobs numbers came out this morning and while the unemployment rate jumped to 9.9% there was an increase in job gain in the Private Sector by 290thousand, which is definitely a positive considering where we were 2 years ago.  The massive loss of jobs of over 700thousand was stunning and now things seem to be getting better and the over all outlook of our future is on the right track.

Other News …

**Yesterday 2 Republicans voted with Democrats regarding a consumer protection agency

**Airports in Ireland have been closed…the ash plume has grown;western Irish area airports

**New clashes in Greece in response to the austerity bill passing

**Germany to grant credit to Greece almost 29.

**Taylor Swift has donated $500thousand to help with Nashville recovery

**The Obama administration is preparing to revive a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Moscow that then-President George W. Bush angrily canceled two years ago after Russia invaded Georgia, administration officials said Thursday.

**reports of a money courier is still being sought in the NYC bombing attempt

**Recall on Lettuce in 23 States/19 ill …the recall is for any lettuce from: Freshway Foods of Sydney ,Ohio… lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.



C-SPAN …

5/6

watch Newsmakers: Sen. Durbin

watch Defense Dept. Briefing

watch White House Briefing

watch Panel 1 watch Panel 2 watch Panel 3 read Reuters: U.S. was ill-prepared for crisis FCIC

watch Sec. Napolitano Briefing

watch Spkr. Pelosi Briefing

2010 White House Correspondents’ Dinner

5/7

April Unemployment rises to 9.9%: 290,000 jobs created

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today that the unemployment rate for April edged up to 9.9% but that 290,000 jobs were created. Later today, Pres. Obama will comment on the jobs figures and then the Joint Economic Cmte. will hold a hearing on the employment numbers.

read BLS April: Employment Situation Summary
read BLS April Full Employment Report
watch Jt. Econ. Cmte: c-span.org at 9:30am ET
watch Pres. Obama: C-SPAN at 11am ET
read AP: Economy adds 290,000 jobs

Senate Dems beat back GOP alternative

The Senate continues debate today on amendments to the financial reform bill. No further votes are expected until next week. Yesterday, an amendment by Sen. Shelby (R-AL) was defeated 38 to 61; it would have created a new consumer protection agency within the FDIC. Sen. Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has urged lawmakers to keep debate to a minimum, saying, “I can’t spend 24 hours on one amendment and accommodate people here.”

hung parliament in U.K., Brown to stay as P.M. for now

BBC exit polls show a hung parliament in the U.K. elections race. Today, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated he is willing to meet with the other two candidates to find “common ground” and form a coalition government. He also called for immediate legislation to have a “fairer voting process.” David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, says Brown’s Party has lost its mandate to govern. Mr. Cameron will make a statement at 9:30am (ET).

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tuesday News tips …&C-SPAN


Clearly, we all have woken up to an even more ugly reality this morning… We the People need to be more community oriented; we need to watch out for each other even more than ever.   Today, We have what might be considered a test terrorist attack and all things being said a man was arrested while on board a plane going to Dubai.

The investigation is ongoing … he is a US citizen from Connecticut; has a family in Pakistan and while the Pakistani Taliban did take responsibility a few days ago; most didn’t believe it … it was amateurish  … it’s just my opinion but we must ask ourselves if this attack was actually meant as a test. The idea that it was a lone wolf, a teabagger and or a mcveigh type  …. has suddenly turned into an international connection; who knows if he was on any passenger list but we all should thank the police and any or all intelligence because  this is not over… stay tuned; oh by the way someone needs to get a couple of great dinners over to the Vendors who were first responder Heros not just the NYPD; without their eyes and common sense; the outcome could have been quite different.


Other News …

**The bad weather continues on in the South, Tennessee in particular and 29 deaths have been reported in 3 Southern States

**The Boil water alert has been lifted in Boston

**More Private Sector Companies are posting profits

**An 6.4 earthquake has happened in Chile

**Studies show that Oregon has the lowest rate of Childhood Obesity

**Reuters reports that the US reveals size of nuclear arsenal…transparency and truth

**Julia louis dreyfus is getting her Star today


C-SPAN …

watch White House Press Briefing

watch Press Conference on Times Square

watch Hearing on Teacher Quality

watch Pres. Obama: From Earlier read The Business Council: Background

watch ADL Conference: Afternoon Session watch ADL Conference: Evening Session /anti-defamation league national leadership conf

AG Holder: suspect provided “useful information”

In a press conference, Attorney General Eric Holder stated that suspect Faisal Shahzad admitted involvement in the failed car bombing of Times Square in New York City. Holder and other officials provided an update on the investigation. Earlier, Pres. Obama stated that “justice will be done.” Later, DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano and Mexican Interior Sec. Fernando Gómez-Mont will discuss southwest border security.

watch Atty Gen. Holder: From Earlier watch Pres. Obama: From Earlier watch Sec. Napolitano: c-span.org at 4:30pm ET

‘Too Big to Fail,’ Consumer Agency Proposal on List of Amendments

The U.S. Senate continues consideration of amendments on financial regulation reform, the Wall St. Reform Bill (S. 3217). Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (D-CA) amendment prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to prevent the liquidation of a financial company may be voted on today. Reports indicate that Republicans will also submit amendments regarding the proposed consumer protection agency.

Senate Considers New Bank Fee, Wall Street Oversight Rules

Today, the Senate will hold separate hearings on Wall St., TARP funds and financial fraud. First, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee is investigating ways to criminalize Wall Street fraud, looking into the rules and roles for brokers, dealers and investment advisors. Also, Treasury Sec. Geithner goes over President Obama’s plan to recover funds from TARP recipients. The proposed Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee would be applied to financial institutions with over $50 billion in assets.
visit Senate Committee on Finance
watch Sen. Judiciary: NOW on c-span.org
visit Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs

watch Senate Finance Cmte: From Earlier

visit Senate Committee on Finance
read Treasury Secretary Geithner Written Testimony
watch Sen. Judiciary: Morning Session watch Sen. Judiciary: Afternoon Session

President Obama Emphasizes Role of Businesses in Stimulating Economy

President Obama addresses the role the business community plays in the fight to get the American people back to work in remarks before the Business Council. The President will also go over his efforts to spur job creation and rebuild the economy during the association’s annual meeting, which brings together business leaders representing major industries.

watch Pres. Obama: From Earlier read The Business Council: Background

~ my 2cents ...

Monday mashup …&c-span


The wind and rain was, is  loud and heavy here in the 206 last night but nothing like what is going on in the mid-west and further south of our country.  All thoughts are on the people along the Gulf Coast, hopefully BP will hire and pay so all those who are losing money everyday the WELL is not capped as the coast remains a mess and threats of damage to shrimping, oyster beds, fish, canneries, restaurants,  sight-seeing tours and everything related is likely to suffer as well.  It’s only right to not only pay up but figure out what the potential loss for the gulf coast economy along with the  fishing industry and prepare to compensate a whole lot of people.

The people  on the Gulf Coast should not be treated as if they don’t know what the future looks like; no deal, no amount of money will  be able to undo what has happened to the area in the long term and after hearing an offer of $5,000 dollars if people don’t sue? uh can we all say class action.  While there are many other issues to stress out on most people are wondering and or thinking about … the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square, Wall Street reform, an Immigration and Climate Change Bill.

Other News …

**Conservative Latinos are rethinking their ties to the Republican Party in the wake of the GOP’s reaction to the new anti-immigrant Arizona law. Massey Villarreal, a past national chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, said, “It’s insulting to have Republican leaders across the country applauding this racist law. I’m sure this is going to hurt the Republican Party.” WSJ

**Seattle garbage/waste management workers voted 96% on the 5yr contract with yearly increases

**Obama administration officials told Newsweek that the Department of Homeland Security signaled to Arizona police that “it will most likely detain and deport only violent criminals” arrested because of the state’s new anti-immigration law. All others “will get a written notice requesting that they appear for a future hearing — warnings that some immigration officers call ‘run letters’ because recipients so rarely show up.”TP

**Whirlpool, who took about 19million in stimulus dollars; will now outsource jobs to Mexico

C-SPAN …

watch White House Briefing 5/3

At a national conference on intolerance, leaders from across the country gather to hear from key government leaders, policymakers and ambassadors on ways to confront violence stemming from anti-Semitism, incivility in America, the Iranian nuclear threat, and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The Anti-Defamation League hosts this Shana Amy Glass National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

watch Conference: C-SPAN2 at 12:30pm ET

Governors Share Solutions to Improve Job Growth

A bipartisan panel of governors, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), share the challenges states face in the economic downturn, such as creating jobs and reviving economic growth. He will discuss a recent study on Minnesota’s methods to foster conditions for job growth. Earlier today, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) gave a preview of the annual summit, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation

watch Panel Discussion: From Earlier

Sec. Clinton: U.S. Committed to Vision of Nuclear Free World

As part of the “irreversible, transparent and verifiable steps” to reduce its nuclear arms, Sec. of State Clinton announced that the U.S. will publicize the number of weapons in its nuclear arsenal. This is one of several actions by the Obama Administration to encourage world leaders to follow its nonproliferation agenda. Sec. Clinton also responded to Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad’s remarks, saying that Iran has failed to meet its responsibility and is in noncompliance with U.N. safeguard obligations.

Iranian President Resists Non-Proliferation Pressure

In his first remarks in the United States since Pres. Obama began advancing his non-proliferation agenda, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will address a United Nations Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference this morning. Later today, Sec. of State Hillary Clinton also delivers remarks and will likely discuss stalled efforts to pass new sanctions against Iran, as well as international cooperation on nuclear arms control.

watch U.N. Conference: C-SPAN at 10:30am ET
read Reuters: Iran may not get warm welcome at U.N.
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Follow Friday News …&C-SPAN


While the sun comes up and the light of day starts to show just how bad this oil spill disaster is and  finally uncover what exactly happened. Hopefully, reality will sink in on how just one error that could have been prevented by simply making BP or companies like them put expensive  but high-tech emergency equipment in place to cap the well, avert or absorb spills before they start. The negative outcome and proof that the  rules and deregulation of financial and oil companies by the house of Bush … is evident.  Now, we see what happens when a big corporation tries to save money but does so much damage and in this case a big impact not only the environment but foul, fish industry and the entire economy on the gulf coast for decades.  It is great to have a President that is willing to change direction on issues when the facts and or evidence show that delays and or cancellation of offshore drilling is clear.  What happened should not be blamed on President Obama, this is clearly a human error and in this case BP;  they know it and need to take responsibility for the entire clean-up.

I have to say the first reports of the explosion and then word that everything was okay made me wonder …common sense tells you okay the well is underground; it could bleed out, up or both, which is what happened.  The big question is why didn’t they act before the oil started to leak.  This spill, is for me a warning to either change the way the clean-up process works or scrap any plans for further oil platforms or at least  get an emergency plan in place because it seems this error by BP happened because they had no plan B, C  maybe none at all… I’m no expert but equipment should have been available immediately that absorb oil… bumpers placed along the coast and shores before the leak actually spread … i saw nothing but boats watching , waiting for the leak to show … unacceptable

In other unacceptable news …  the Arizona law that will carry out legal racial profiling or  SB1070 and the fact that in 90days and or after the Arizona legislature finishes it’s business may become law as well as the stupid birther law.  Republicans have managed to alienate a whole lot of people and hopefully I’m not the only one who feels the up coming elections will show that … if not, it’s definitely something to work on.

The bright spot on immigration reform are the comments from Nancy Pelosi about leadership and appetite in response to The President; meaning she is willing and has the appetite to deal with immigration reform in 2010; as well as the move by Senator Harry Reid, who put together an immigration proposal that will include a National ID ?, a pathway to citizenship and beefed up Border Patrol … this is a beginning stayed tuned because some of it needs adjustments if you ask me.

last …

The continued effort by all these mistresses who, i guess truly believe they have not stolen someone’s husband or that they are not home wreckers is just beyond me.  Is it time to get legal on these women? and how nutty  were Miss Hunter’s comments; this O interview just shows in my opinion how delusional the “other woman is” … or what. When will they understand this is not your man; he is legally married to someone no matter how unhappy you think he is or how often he says it and just because you have a baby by the married man does not change a thing…you have no legal rights to him  –the other women, predator or ho and should have said NO because he is married –simple

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Conversation-with-Rielle-Hunter

Other News …

The President has started interviewing Supreme Court candidates, having spoken to Sydney Thomas yesterday


**Leno is hosting the White House Correspondent Dinner Saturday night on MSNBC 9pm ET raising money for potential journalists

**Honda Motor Co. is recalling about 167,000 Acura TSX cars to fix power steering hoses that could deteriorate and cause a fire under the hood.AP

**The U.S. economy grew at 3.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter of this year, marking three straight quarters of growth. “Consumer spending growth has remained solid thanks to more hiring and better financial conditions,” said Aaron Smith, a senior economist at Moody’s Economy.com. TP

**The company Massey& owner of the mine where 29miners died has offered a settlement of 3million each to families; reports are that Massey is only offering money to those without counsel

**Senator Patty Murray& SenatorDorgan have started a move to get the fast track back on track in a meeting that occurred on Thursday money was the main problem but talks have begun …

**Gov Jan Brewer is calling immigrants terrorists and their coming into Arizona a terrorist attack ? omg

**Hawaii has voted to  same sex unions

**Seattle, A ruling on R71 may happen in June 2010

**The $8000 dollar credit for first time Home buyers ends today at midnight/Buyers must close by June 30 2010 –some offices are open until 10pm tonight

**Insurer Anthem has announced that they will withdraw the 39% rate hike

**Reports of another jobs bill coming up for consideration in Congress possibly in 3months

**The State of Washington will start the new 10 unpaid furlough days work during the year and the cigarette tax pack starts as well



C-SPAN …

watch Oil Spill Update

watch Navy Secretary: From Earlier

watch Pres. Obama on Oil Spill and 2010 Q1 GDP

watch Conference Discussion: From Earlier

watch State Dept. Briefing

watch VP Biden Remarks read WH Press Release on Projects

creating middle class Jobs, state of the U.S. Labor Market.  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers join a discussion examining the national long-term trends in employment, earnings and job opportunities. The conference, hosted by The Hamilton Project and the Center for American Progress, also includes morning panels with academics and policymakers who explain how the competitive global economy is linked to the challenge of creating high-paying U.S. jobs.

Navy Secretary Outlines Plan to Allow Women on Submarines.  One day after the ban prohibiting women from serving aboard submarines expired without formal objection from Congress, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is expected to outline the shift in remarks to the National Press Club today. He is also expected to discuss other future obstacles facing the Navy. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the intended submarine policy reversal in a letter to Congressional leaders in February.

watch LIVE from the NPC: c-span.org at 1pm ET
visit Reuters: Women to start serving on submarines

Debate Continues on Financial Regulation Overhaul Measure.  After three days of blocked attempts to debate Sen. Chris Dodd’s (D-CT) financial reform bill, Senate Republicans agreed to allow the bill to move ahead for a formal debate yesterday. Today, members will continue with general speeches and are set to submit their amendments on the bill, which will likely be voted on next week.

~ my 2cents ...

People Places and Things … to avoid?


Apparently, the following States not only are practicing exclusion the very people voted into office to represent WE the People are responsible … is racism starting to rear its ugly head; another question … what are people going to do peacefully about this because the impact from these actions will impact all of We the People

Arizona …

Alabama … 

Colorado 

Georgia … 

Utah