An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Morning Coffee 09/06/08
Man charged with cheating sick teen out of wish
Douglas Riesberg, 53, received $11,000 from the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Chicago chapter in March for a custom go-cart for the sick boy, who is 16 and on dialysis, Arizona officials say.
But the go-cart never was delivered, and the money never returned, said Yavapai County sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn.
Read the whole story. THIS one will seriously get your blood boiling! I do not understand how some people have no conscious whatsoever! Cheating a kid?????
Hampton opens storm shelter at Bethel High
“Although there has been no evacuation ordered, Hampton citizens in low-lying flood areas and those in trailers are able to come to this shelter” at 1067 Big Bethel Road, the city said in a statement.
People should wear comfortable clothing, bring enough beverages and non-perashable food to last at least three days, sleeping materials such as a sleeping bag, blankets, and pillows. They should also bring flash lights with extra batteries; books, games, and cards for entertainment; toiletries; and medications for three days. All items should be labeled.
No weapons, alcohol or drugs are allowed on the premises.
Y’know, when I went to this high school, waaaaay back when it was brand new, I don’t think anyone would have even considered necessary to tell folks such items were not allowed. The last time I was in that area a couple of years ago, it had definitely become, well, a bit run down. I guess times do change, don’t they.
Fannie, Freddie takeover possible
Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. called in top executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac late Friday to hammer out details of a rescue plan for the troubled mortgage giants that could go so far as a full government takeover, according to people familiar with the effort.
Paulson, together with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, was expected to meet through the weekend with Fannie Mae Chief Executive Daniel Mudd, Freddie Mac CEO Richard Syron and federal regulators to unveil a plan by the time Asian financial markets open Monday morning.
NO! And not just no, but HELL NO! No bailouts! Isn’t our deficit big enough without taking on the whole freakin’ countries mortgage payments? This is ridiculous! All the D.C. politicians who have been so closely connected to Mac & Mae should be run out of office, and a PRIVATE institution should take them over. NOT the freakin’ useless feckless gumbint!
Pressure Grows on EU to Abandon Biofuels
With food prices skyrocketing and faith in biofuels plummeting, many are demanding that the European Union back away from its commitment to eco-fuel. Even the EU’s own scientists are skeptical.
Good heavens! Does this mean common sense is making a come back? Anyone who believes that putting food in your gas tank is a good idea should receive a lobotomy! People are starving because of this kind of crap!
First generation biofuels “don’t hold as much potential environmental benefits as people thought when they embarked on these policies,” Stefan Tangermann, Director of the Trade and Agricultural Directorate for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), told SPIEGEL ONLINE. “We must come to the conclusion that maybe it is time to revisit our commitment to biofuels.”
Lousy gas mileage, more emissions. Yeah, I’d say it was a REAL good time to rethink that ‘commitment’. Asshats!
No interest paid on Rangel’s villa
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Charles B. Rangel paid no mortgage interest on a beach resort property for more than 10 years, a lawyer for the powerful Democrat said Friday.
The New York congressman’s lawyer, Lanny Davis, said that Mr. Rangel got his no-interest deal for the villa in the Dominican Republic because he was an original buyer in the resort development, and in the early days after Mr. Rangel’s 1987 purchase the rental income it generated failed to meet expectations.
Don’t you ever wonder where our so called representatives get all this extra money to buy stuff, like villas in the Dominican Republic? Hmmm…???
45-nation group approves landmark US-India nuclear deal
Nations that supply nuclear material and technology overcame fierce obstacles Saturday and approved a landmark US plan to engage in atomic trade with India – a deal that reverses more than three decades of American policy.
(…)
“Today we have reached a landmark decision to allow for civilian nuclear trade with India,” John Rood, acting US undersecretary of state for arms control issues, told reporters.
Austria, one of the holdouts along with Ireland and New Zealand, said it lifted its objections after India pledged on Friday not to touch off a new nuclear arms race or share sensitive nuclear technology with other countries.
I wonder how many such promises have been made in the past, by other countries, and broken? I’d say it all depends on who is in power in India on whether or not this promise is kept.
‘Hundreds’ killed by Haiti storm
Almost 500 bodies have been found in the port city of Gonaives, Haiti, after floodwaters caused by recent storms receded, according to reports.
Police commissioner Ernst Dorfeuille said 495 bodies had been found and the toll could get higher.
A ship carrying 33 tons of UN aid arrived in Haiti on Friday to help an estimated 600,000 people struggling in the wake of tropical storm Hanna.
Prayers with all those affected.
McCain, Obama tied in TV audiences
Three times in two weeks, political speeches were watched by more people than the “American Idol” finale, the Academy Awards and the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics this year.
“It clearly suggests that a great number of Americans think that who will be the next president is important and worthy of their time,” said Tom Rosenstiel, a former political reporter and director of the Project for Excellence in journalism.
Perhaps it means that people are snapping out of their somnambulism? Then again, a large chunk of those viewers have already drunk the kool aid. sigh….
Bhutto widower elected Pakistani president
Pro-Zardari lawmakers, some in tears, shouted “Long live Bhutto!” as the vote tallies came in. The couple’s two jubilant but tearful daughters, one carrying a portrait of their late mother, smiled and hugged friends in the gallery of the National Assembly.
But Saturday also brought a brutal reminder of the threats to the nuclear-armed nation’s stability as a suicide car bomber killed at least 17 people and wounded dozens near the northwestern city of Peshawar.
The blast destroyed a police checkpoint and collapsed several nearby shops. Civilians dug frantically with their hands for possible survivors.
With the increase in violence in Pakistan, is this guy sure he wants to be president? I hope he has some trustworthy body guards and a good bullet proof vest!
Hear, hear! No bailout! Paulson is a Wall Street lackey destroying the balance sheet of the U.S. Treasury to bail out speculators.
@W.C. Varones:
Y’know, I kind of liked Paulson at first. I have quickly changed my mind. sigh…