murphy's law7

Most recent confirmation problem, for the Obama administration, nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, former Senator Tom Daschle. It appears that after he left the Senate, he was given the use of a car and driver by a rich close friend, and he used the services for personal service, 80% of the time, yet he failed to pay taxes on the value of the car and driver. He eventually paid the taxes due along with interest. There will be a meeting to discuss the issue on Monday by the Senate committee deciding the nomination. Senator Reid stated that there would be not a problem confirming Senator Daschle, the former Majority Leader of the Senate. How would any of them justify confirming Tim Geithner for Treasury Secretary and not confirm Mr. Daschle?
It's just a small problem, right? Role models, role models?

The Governor of California, it has been reported, is now requiring that state employees, take two days a week off, without pay in order to try, to close the budget gap being suffered by the state. No one has said what the tiume frame will be of this action.

President Obama signed into law, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which extends the time for the statute of limitations to expire, when a determination has been made regarding discrimination for employee pay. Seventy year old Mrs. Ledbetter discovered that she was being paid less than
the lowest paid male on her job, but she was too late in filing a lawsuit to rectify the wrong, the Supreme Court threw
the lawsuit out because the statue of limitations had expired. This law expanded the time allowed to file.

Vice-President Biden is now in charge of a Task Force, which has been given the challenge to determine how the middle and lower classes can best be helped in this economic turndown. reportedly sixty-percent of the growth in income, in the country has gone to the highest ten percent of the wealthest people, in the country under the former President.

The mother of the newborn octupulets, who are doing okay at the moment, is reported to have six other children at home, lives with her parents and is single, the father is in the picture. They all share a two bedroom home. It's not for any of us to judge, but ladies, would you want a fertility drug anywhere near your lips, if there were already six children at home? Just wondering? Best of good luck to all the children, and their parents.

Businesses are reportedly moving their customer service centers back to the United States, bad news, we will see an increase in cost somewhere down the line.

Well another history making event, the RNC, of all organizations voted on the 6th ballot and elected Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and of all things a black man, to be Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Smart move, but what will Big rush do now, face off with Mr. Steele on oee side and Presient Obama on the other? Drama, stay tuned. Best of luck to Mr. Steele.

President Obama is considering, perhaps choosing Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire for Commerce Secretary nominee. Sets up a loss of a Senate seat for the Republicans, as the Governor of New Hampshire is a Democrat and a Democrat would probably be selected to replace Mr. Gregg, if he accepts, and if he is offered the position. The Republicans are leaning on Senator Gregg to refuse the offer. Adding to the quandary is the fact that Senator Gregg's district is trending Democratic, he may lose his next election to the Senate. Decisions, decisions.

The United States according to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is contributing twenty million dollars, to the emergency relief fund for Gaza.

The President will be hosting a Super Bowl party at the White House with invited Democrats and Republicans on Sunday, Matt Lauer of NBC, will have a five minute interview, during intermission with the President. The President is cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but wishes the Cardinals well in the game.

The Iraqis are voting on Saturday in their Provincial election, it is being seen as a continual sign of progress, in the country.

U. S. Airlines gave each of the survivors o the airbus crash in the Hudsaon River, five thousand dollars for their luggage and a one year status as a "Top Customer" of the airline for a year. The survivors did not think much of the one year they were given, calling it "for the birds".

Senator Claire McCaskill took to the floor of the Senate, calling the Wall Street bankers idiots, for giving themselves eighteen billion dollars in bonuses, for 2008, while accepting taxpayer money for bailouts. She wants the salaries, bonuses, etc, capped at four hundred thousand dollars, the same as the President's salary. The President had said that the bankers actions were shameful. There will be further informtion in the coming weeks regarding the situation.

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Sheer will, may ultimately be enough.

The impeachment trial of Illinois Governor Blagojevich, ended today with the Governor making an impassioned speech before the State Senate, stating over and over that he had done nothing wrong. He said he only wanted to present witnesses
to testify on his behalf that he was innocent. The Governor had previously stated that he was not allowed to present witnesses, which some Illinois lawmakers said that was not true. The Governor did not attend his trial neither did he have a lawyer represent him at the trial. The two seats which were available for the Governor and his lawyer, were left empty throughout the three day trial. The Governor spoke for forty-five minutes. After he was finished, about four hours later the full Senate voted, 59 to 0 to impeach the Governor and end his term in office after almost six years. The Governor had already packed up his things and was ready to leave the Governor's office. Governor Blagojevich had made the circuit on many talk shows pleading his case to anyone who would listen, tomorrow, he will probably show up again to talk about the aftermath of the impeachment. The Lieutenant Governor
took over and was sworn in immediately after the vote ended.

President Obama said the fact that Wall Streeters gave themselves $18.4 billion dollars in bonuses for 2008,
was shameful and irresponsible, and that they needed to discipline themselves, especially when the taxpayers money was being used to bail them out. The President was still confident
that there would be an economic turnaround. Reportedly 64% of the stimulus money will be disbursed in the first 18 months, once the plan has passed. Recent reported that the N. Y. Attorney General will demand some action regarding the bonuses on Wall Street.

There was an Economic Summit held in Davos, Switzerland, with the attendees gathered to discuss ways to improve and turn around the global slowdown. The consesus was more Government financial intervention.

AT & T customers are departing amid the the recessionary slowdown.

Eastman Kodak will announce further restructuring, job
cuts as demand for cameras declines.

The N. Y. Times tops analysts estimates, plan to sell the Red Sox.

The Peanut Corporation of America, is responsible for the outbeak of somanella, which has sickened over 500 people and killed eight. The plant was found to have roaches, mold and a leaky ceiling by inspectors. Hundreds of products have been recalled, check the FDA website for the names of the products.
Congress is introducing regulations to overhaul the FDA, so that it will be more responsible to the people for their health and safety.

A former C.I.A. Agent, found guilty of spying and sentenced to jail, was monitored after an informer give details of his actions to authorities. Harold Nicholson, serving a twenty-three year term, was using his son, to take classified information to Russia for payment.

Renowned author John Updike has died.

The Mars Rover suffered a glitch after 108 days of being monitored.

The U. S. unemployment figure stands at 4,780,000 people out of work.

Caifornia's Governor is seeking authority, to demand that state employees take days off without pay, in order to cover a state budget shortfall. The state is already, supposedly going to send out I. O. U's to those who are expecting state refunds, as the state does not have the cash to cover the refunds.

There was a rumor that there would not be enough buffalo wings to go around at the Super Bowl, but the rumor has been dispelled, that's the good news, bad news, the wings will cost more. One billion wings are expected to be consummed the day
of the game.

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Bliss lasts but for a short time, contentment much longer.

The U. S. House of Representatives held the vote this evening, on the stimulus package, it passed with a vote of 244-188. All Republicans decided as per their leadership directive to not cast a single vote for the bill. Why not just go home for the holidays or something and cuddle up with Big Rush, the defining voice for the whip lashed Republicans. Their message of the day was "We Can do Better", well if that is so, why are we in the mess we are in after six years of the party giving the former President everything he wanted, and basically bankrupting the country with his high income tax cuts, and his ill-begotten war? Please go away, and to our new President, stop trying to pull these bad actors along, all they will do is try to take credit for any kind of improvement in the economy once the stimulus kicks in. Please leave them on the sidelines, and let Rush lead them to the promised land of oblivion, where they all belong. Enough already!

The Obama administration is close to a deal to purchase the bad assets being held by many banks, reportedly the plan will be announced next week.

The President may decide to run a "Bad Bank", one which would handle the toxic mortgages and bad loans, in the system, no decision as yet.

U. S. Treasury Secretary Geithner is supposedly reviewing a range of options, aimed at keeping banks private.

President Obama's first trip will be to Canada, scheduled for February 14.

The Federal Reserve met and decided to keep the benchmark interest rate low, and will continue to keep them low, even down to zero, to help people obtain low cost loans.

The Governor of Illinois' impeachment trial is moving along, he can not call any witnesses, so he says, the tapes are being played with him saying incriminating things, but with no proof so far that he did anything illegal. The chairs for the Governor and his attorney remain empty at the trial. My question, since they have decided to kick him out of office, why not just send him a letter, saying "you are hereby removed from office, the locks have been changed, thank you for your service". Thereby saving the taxpayers of Illinois the cost of the so-called trial? Governor Blagojevich is working the jury pool, appearing on every television show that will have him. If he avoids jail, and gets the book deal that he is seeking, he may be richer than ever. This my friends is a real maverick, as crazy as he may appear to be.

The U. S. Post Office is appealing to Congress to allow it to stop mail delivery on Saturday, due to possible deficits in the near future.

Former President Bill Clinton reportedly made a total of $4.7 million dollars in fees for speeches, golden tongue wouldn't you say?

Eric Holder was voted out of the Judiciary committee, with a
final vote of 17-2, to be Attorney General of the United States. He should be confirmed by the entire Senate soon.

Boeing announced additional job cuts of ten thousand, after a reported substantial quarterly loss.

Starbucks will cut 6,700 jobs and close 300 more stores, as the slump in the economy continues. No more decaffinated
coffee after twelve o'clock as well.

People were snickering about the hat Aretha Franklin wore at the President's Inauguaration. Well it seems, the gentleman who made it is laughing too, all the way to the bank, CNN reported that he has 3,000 orders for the hat so far.

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Self-respect is number one priority.

President Barack Obama became the first U. S. President in history, to grant an indepth interview on an Arab T. V. network. The President went on Al-Arablya television, and outlined what his intentions would be toward the Muslins countries and their people. He would like to let the Muslim people know that America is not their enemy and let Americans know that the Muslim people want what is best for their people as the same as Americans. If we can have mutual repect for each other and work out our mutual interests, then we will be well on our way to signicant progress, according to the President. All people he said, have common hopes and dreams. Mr. Obama mentioned the word respect many, many times troughout his remarks, which is a marked change from the rhetoric of the past. One commentator said that the President is trying to present himself a bridge between the United States and the Middle East to try to forge a better understanding among the various parties involved. President Obama is supposed to make a important speech, in the near future in a capital of a Muslim country. An amazing beginning to a difficult undertaking, but a neccessary one. Saudia Arabria's leaders are speaking out to say that it's relations with the United States are in jeopardy, due to Israel's actions in Gaza, with the U. S. not objecting. They were encouraged by the Presidents words.

The President will meet today with the Republicans to discuss the proposed stimulus package, which the Republicans are gearing up to oppose, as not meeting their expectations. interesting that during the last seven years, all the Republicans did was allow the former President to have his way, and help to pull the country into the worst mess since
gosh knows when, now they have great ideas that are the opposite of where the President and the Democrats want to
go to try to improve the economic situation. We would agree with the President, "he won", let's try a different approach. Reminds one of the time when former President Bill Clinton proposed a plan where not one Republican voted for it, and it passed with only democratic votes, which lead to the largest growth in jobs and one of the best economies in some time, which the Repubicans tried to take credit for. S.O.S. all over again.

The President came out of the meeting with Republicans, saying that the statistics underscore everyday that we need to
get this stimulus package passed to put people back to work, fix infrastructure, health care, and not waste money as we implement the plan. American people want the Congress and Senate to move forward according to the President.

President Biden swore Tim Geithner into office as U. S.
Treasury Secretary as of yesterday.

The former C.E.O. of Merrill Lynch who spent over a million dollars on renovations to his office including over thirty thousand dollars on a commode, is being forced to repay the money after being fired.

On Monday, seven major companies announced over seventy thousand job cuts. The companies included Caterpillar, GM, Sprite-Nextel, Intel, Home Depot, Microsoft and U.S. Airlines.

The Washington Post is reporting, that the files for the 264 detainees at Guantanomo Bay are scattered throughout the Executive Branch,in disarray. The courts had ordered that the files be put in order and currently that they are not, there is the possibility of contempt of court charges.

A woman in southern California gave birth, after using fertility drugs, to eight babies. The six boys and two girls were nine weeks premature. They are relatively fine but will
be in neo-natal care for some time, reportedly. They were the second set of octuplets in U. S. history.

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Old is as old does.

President Obama's appointed Peace Envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, will be traveling to the Middle East as early as this coming week.

President Obama is said to be clearing the way for tougher auto emmission rules.

Geithiner reportedly to push for mortgage, bank relief as rescue plan proceeds.

President Obama will reportedly overhaul the TARP program going forward, he wants more transparency and accountability.

Housing prices fell in over 70% of U. S. states, last year, as the economy deteriorated.

Plizer and Wyeth have agreed to a merger, the offer of $68 billion dollars by Plizer is being weighed by the Wyeth board.

Serena Williams, tennis champ, is supposedly feeling the effects of the economic slowdown, seen carrying a twelve dollar handbag, she no longer goes on expensive shopping sprees, watches television at home in the evening. Now please,
if anyone had about twenty-five million or more in the bank, could they coast for a while or what?

Europe is pressuring Egypt to try to stop Hamas from smuggling weapons.

U. K. house prices drop 9.4% on an annual basis, as banks cut loans.

Israel has named a team to defend its soldiers against any war crimes charges, related to Gaza,

A cyclone is building off Northern Australia, which may threaten the oil and gas production region.

Chrysler asks its dealerships for concessions, in order to meet the U. S. agreement demands.

Cotton planting falls to 25 year low as farmers prefer corn
instead.

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When marching to the beat of another drum, be sure you have a volume control.

U. S. missile strikes, on Al Queda strongholes took place in Pakistan, killing at least 15 people, including 4 militants.

Americans supported Israel over the Palestinians in the war in Gaza, according to a CNN poll.

Vice-President Cheney was not too happy with President Obama's closing of Gitmo, and outlawing torture. He reportedly said that Mr. Obama should look at what they did, review it and look at the information that was derived from their tactics, and then make a decision as to what to do to change those tactics, in essence. Senator Rockafeller of the Senate Armed Services Committee, thought that, basically the Vice-President should enjoy himself whereever he is, and not worry about President Obama, as Obama has been reading the information for a long time, and his decisions are well thought out. Mr. Rockafeller said that the President is going to establish a special committee to review all of the prisoners records and the policies being employed and make recommendations based on that review.

President Obama is reportedly going to insist on new restrictions on federal aid to the banks, he also blasted those who spent over a million dollars on office renovations, at Merrill Lynch.

First Lady Michelle Obama, wants the doll makers to stop using her children for their product images.

Wal-Mart has purchased a 58% stake in the largest grocery
chain in Chili, according to reports.

Tight credit is reportedly the biggest problem for U. S. auto dealers, acccording to GM Sales Chief.

Microsoft will be cutting five thousand jobs, due to slow down in sales.

Freddie Mac seeks thirty-five million more from the Treasury, Fannie Mae to follow.

California will be sending out I.O.U.'s instead of checks to residents who have refunds coming from State tax returns. The budget shortfall is causing the state to run out of cash.

Third bank closure in U. S., this year occurred in California.

Toyota reporting that its domestic output, will fall in February and March, due to slowdown.

The British banking system almost collapsed, in October according a British Minister who spoke to the Times.

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Being a nice person does not mean allowing yourself to be manipulated.

Guantanamo Bay is to be closed in 12 months, as directed by President Obama, when he signed an Executive Order to that effect. The act is a symbolic one, as the prison will probably take longer than 12 months to completely close, but the intent is very important. There will be a special commission set up by the President to review the entire situation to decide what to do with the policies that are in place and where to place the people who are in the prison. Europe has shown an interest in helping with the disposiiton of some of the prisoners. The President wants to apply the rules set out in the Army Field Manual regarding the treatment of prisoners. He does not want any waterboarding performed against the prisoners. He wants the standards lifted from where they are today. An Executive Order eliminating torture was also signed by the President.
The President has also ordered the CIA to close all the "black holes" which are located in various countries, where prisoners are sent to be alledged tortured outside the United States.

Another Executive Order restoring funding to overseas family planning groups who are involved with abortions, is expected to be signed by the President.

The new Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was welcomed by about one thousand employees in the State Department's lobby, a tradition for new secretaries by the department. She gave a great speech requesting they share with her and debate those issues that they felt were important, this she said will make the organization and work of the department more effective. She said there were three legs in the situation of governing the country, they were Defense, Diplomacy and Development, the State Department was responible for two of those, Diplomacy and Development and they wanted to do the best job possible.

Today Governor David Paterson selected Representive Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Senator Hillary Clinton. There will be a
special election in November 2010, for the seat.

Secretary of the Treasury nominee Tim Geithner was approved by the Senate committee,to be confirmed, his name will now be submitted to the full Senate for a vote, which reportedly could come today. Eric Holder, nominee for Attorney General will be voted on for confirmation by the committee, sometime in the next few weeks. The Republicans requested more time for review and questioning of Mr. Holder.

The Democratic leaders announced that they may be able to pass the $825 billion dollar stimulus package next week, and should meet the February 16th deadline. Republicans are pushing for more tax cuts and less spending in the package.

The Democrats are trying to seat Senator elect Al Franken, while the court case Norm Coleman is waging winds down. Interesting, fight the law in one case, to keep one Senator out, try to override the law in another, to bring one Senator in. Hmmmm.

Microsoft will be cutting five thousand jobs in the near future, due to lack of demand for their products.

Toyota has replaced GM as the leading auto maker.

It has been reported that the Ukraine will be seeking a change in the natural gas contract they signed with Russia, because it hurts the economy, in some ways.

A bio-tech company will start a study using embryonic stem cells, this summer.

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Moralistic indignation is not without jeopardy.

At approximately 12:05 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the 44th President of the United States was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the honorable John Roberts. Vice-President Joseph Biden had been sworn in a bit earlier by Justice Stevens. There were an estimated two million people in attendance for the inauguration of the first African-American
man to become the President of the United States. They came from all over the country, and from many places outside of the country. The D. C. police said there were no arrests at all during the day. Former President George Bush amd Mrs. Bush, left by helicopter to go to Andrews Air Force base, to then travel to Texas for a bar-b-que.

At a luncheon after the swearing in service, Senator Ted kennedy had a seizure and have to be taken to the hospital. The report was later, that he was talking, and was in good spirits. Senator Robert Byrd became a little physically uncomfortable after seeing Senator Kennedy being taken out of the luncheon.

The theme throughout the day echoed by President Obama, was we have to rebuild American, reclaim our great heritage, he said to those who open their clenched fist, we will extend a hand, if not and you oppose our country, we will defeat you. To the Muslim world he said "we seek a new way forward". He will meet with the Joint Chief's ofStaff to discuss military matters. First order of business, reported to be the closing of Guantanamo Bay, and ordering the American troops in Iraq be brought home in sixteen months, or when it is deemed feasibly possible.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited ten inauguration balls, and danced to "At Last" their favorite song.

The news reported tonight, was that the trials related to war crimes, are being suspended until the President of the United States gives the prosecutors guidance.

SEC's Christopher Cox resigned leaving the agency to the new SEC Commissioner Mary Schapiro, to try to restore its clout.

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Without knowing why, human beings are born fighting for the right to live.

Poor Vice-President Cheney, he pulled a muscle, in his back. Now the poor man will have to be riding around in a wheelchair at the inauguration tomorrow. Let everyone say a collective ooohhhhh.

On a more serious note, Israel has stated that it will remove its tanks and troops out of Gaza by the end of the day tomorrow, after President-elect Obama is sworn in, at the inauguration. Is this as obivous to anyone else, that the assult was connected to the ending of the Bush term, that someone knew that a new era of discretion was dawning. that allowances by the Bush adminstration, for bombing and such by Israel would not be as acceptable to the Obama administration and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Or is it just that enough building and rocket launching areas have been destroyed and leaders of Hamas killed, that Israel is satisfied. Or possibly both? Reportedly, over 1,200 people have been killed, destruction of immense degree, many countries have come forth to give funds for the reconstruction of the decimation of the Gaza Strip. Israel will allow massive aid to come into the strip. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and the French President, will be working through the cease fire agreement, to try to work toward a permanent peace agreement with a two state agreement. Let us be hopeful.

President Bush pardoned two border patrol officers, of whom Mr. Bush said, he thought their sentences were too severe.

Today was a day devoted to volunteer service, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr, who is honored with a Federal Holiday.
President-elect Obama and Vice-President elect Biden, went to help with renovating places in the Washington area. Mr. Obama then went to visit with the wounded troops, at Walter Reed Hospital. Ten thousand volunteer projects were in effect around the country today, Mr Obama wants to make it a year round activity, not just a one day affair.

Tonight Mr. Obama will honor, in a spirit of bi-partisanship, Senator John McCain, General Colin Powell and Vice-President elect Joe Biden, at three dinners, as we understand it.

Michelle Obama will be hosting a free concert for the children of military families tonight.

Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, who saved over 155 lives last week, when he put the U. S. Airways Airbus, down safely on the Hudson River, and his family have been invited to attend the 44th President's inauguration tomorrow. They my also come aboard Air Force One for a flight, whenever they chose to fly with the new President, in the future.

Reportedly, one of Mr. Obama's first Executive Orders will be to close Guantanamo Bay, it will take some time, but the order will go out. The other order of business will be to meet with the Joint Chief's of Staff, and order that the troops begin moving out of Iraq in sixteen months, as Mr. Obama promised during his campaign.

The Secret Service is requesting that only essential employees go to work in the buildings on Pennsylania Avenue. They also want those people working, to close the blinds and curtains in those buildings, and not to stand watching through the windows. The reason, because there will be sharp shooters enmass on duty tomorrow, if the sharp shooters see someone at any window, it could pose a problem for the person at the window, and they will have to be investigated by the Secret Service. At least they won't shoot first and ask questions later.

There will be parking for forty thousand buses tomorrow in the surrounding area of the inauguration service. The Coast Guard will shut down the normal traffic on the waterways. Seven bridges will only be open to buses, no cars tomorrow.
One hundred and fifty blocks will be closed to traffic, around the Capitol. Unprecedented security will be in place. Sme estimates for the people attending are anywhere from two to four thousand. Some will be staking out the place tonight, before anything begins. Hope they have very full thermos, with something inside to warm them up.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will not attend the inauguration service, as he is the Designated Successor, the one who would be in charge if there was an attack on the leaders of some kind.

On February 1, the Super Bowl will be played between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals.

Check out an all day history making event tomorrow, multiple
theatres and also Starbucks coffee houses will be broadcasting the event.

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Strength of courage takes more than muscle.

Israel agreed to a cease fire, Hamas agreed to a one week cease-fire. Hamas wants Israel to pull out of Gaza, before it will agree to a complete cease-fire. Authority figures on both sides will be trying to reach a more permanent agreement. The President of France and the Prime Minister of England are meeting with others in Israel today to see what can be accomplished regarding the situation.

The Bushes will be at the White House for the final days, this weekend. When the leave on Tuesday to go to the Inauguration
of President-elect Obama, they will only have their suitcases to take with them to Texas, when they leave, as all their belongings have been taken out of the White House, except for their very personal belongings. A moving van will be arriving at the White House at the same time, according to reports, which will contain the Obama's furniture and belongings.

Little tidbit regarding the incoming 44th President. When Mr. Obama graduated from Columbia University, he became involved with community organizing. He and a group of students collected
signatures on petitions, protesting the cuts for student loans in 1984. They took them to Washington, D. C., while there Mr. Obama went over to the White House and looked at it through the surrounding fence. On Tuesday of next week, he and his family will be walking through the front door, of this famous place.

An interview with the White House Counselor Ed Gillespie,
by CNN's John King, on "State of the Union", revealed that there might be one last pardon put forth by President Bush before Tuesday. When asked the question, Mr. Gillespie would not say yes or no, as to a last minute pardon. Who could it be? Scooter Libby perhaps?

The FDA is warning consumers not to eat snack crackers that have peanut butter or peanut butter paste on them. The peanut butter is said to be linked to the deadly salmonella outbreak, that has sickened hundreds and killed at least six people. The peanut butter was traced to a plant in Georgia. Little Debbie snack crackers have been linked as well. Peanut butter in jars is thought to be safe by the FDA. Eat something other than peanut butter for a while.

Florida Fund Manager Nadel, investigated by SEC and FBI, $350 million dollars may be missing.

HSBC warns of capital shortfall.

NASA reports finding methane gas on Mars.

China's economy grew at slowest pace in seven years, in 2008, according to reports, as exports slumped.

Russia plans to sign contract with Ukraine, ending dispute over natural gas supply to Europe.

The UK plans, according to reports, to underwrite mortgages and corporate debt, in order to stimulate and revive lending.

Reportedly 21,000 jobs were erased worldwide, in a day, due to global recession choked demand.

Emerging-markets selloff imminent, as reserves shrink, accoring to reports.

North Korea may have enough Plutonium for six nuclear bombs according to report.

Brazil Bank President Meirelles denies possible resignation.

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Failure can be a building block to much success.

President-elect Obama and Vice-President elect Biden, will take a train to Washington, D. C., much like former President Abraham Lincoln did in 1861, from Springfield, Illinois. The train will start from 30th Street Station in Philadlephia, Pennsylvania, with a live event and speech hosted by President-elect Barack Obama, his family will be there along with Senator Bob Casey of Pittsburgh. Two Hundred and fifty, by invitation only volunteers who helped the Obama campaign, are traveling on the train with the Obama family. The train will move slowly on a 135 mile journey to Washington. They will stop in Wilmington, Delaware to pick up the Biden family, then travel on to Baltimore, Maryland, where another live event with speeches will be held, in the evening. Finally the train will move on the Washington, D. C. for its final stop.

On Sunday there will be a special event at the Lincoln Memorial, with the Obamas. Monday is being promoted as a Community Service Day, it is the Holiday honoring Martin Luther King junior's birthday. Some 10,000 volunteers have signed up all over the country to participate in the day for service. The organizers hope to make it a year round event, not just a one day affair. The Corporation for National and Community Service is a big part of the organizing.

On Monday, President-elect Obama will be hosting a special dinner in honor of Senator John McCain, along with General Colin Powell and Vice-President elect Joe Biden.

The Obama family is now living at Blair House until they move into the White House next week.

The Secret Service will be in charge of the security for the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20. There are reportedly over forty thousand
security people involved, with fifty-four field offices of the FBI being put on high alert for the event. Sixty law enforcement agencies will be involved. The Security Command center will open on Saturday. Ten thousand National Guard members will be on duty. There may be 2-4 million people at the service on Tuesday. Those far away will be able to watch giant televisions, showing the event, from where they are.

The White House will be open to the public, all day on Wednesday January 21, by the new President, the same as former President Bill Clinton did when he was elected.

Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, who recently announced that he would be taking a leave of absence to take care of health issues, is
reportedly considering a liver transplant. It had been thought that his recent weight loss was due to a hormonal imbalance, but it might be much more than that, Mr. Jobs is a cancer survivor.

Actor Patrick Swayze has been released from the hospital, according to reports, after being treated for pneumonia.

American artist Andrew Wyeth has died at 81 years of age.

The airplane that safely crash landed in the Hudson River will be lifted out by giant cranes and put on a huge barge. The black boxes will be retrieved and examined along with the investigation into the crash. Reportedly the two engines are missing from the plane. Captain Sullenberger is being hailed as a true hero after putting the plane down in the Hudson and not losing one of the over 155 people on board the plane, the plane was decending at a speed of 140 mph. He is a former Air Force pilot, who also teaches air plane safety and is a consultant to NASA. His wife and two daughters were extremely proud of him and very glad that everyone was safe after the landing. Before Mr. Sullenberger left the aircraft he reportedly went through the plane twice to make sure that everyone was off of the plane. The Mayor of new York will give the Captain and the crew members, the keys to New York City as a token of great appreciation for a job very well done.

The captain of one of the rescue boats said that he decided to put the bow of his boat, up on the wing of the airplane to steady it, when the waves were rocking too much to allow the people to board his boat from the plane, it worked.

The Israeli Cabinet will meet today to vote on an Egyptian
cease-fire agreement. Hamas has agreed reportedly, if Israel agrees. If reports are correct, the ageement will be a temporary one, in order to work out a more permanment agreement between the two warring factions.

President George Bush and the First Lady Laura Bush left for the final time to go to Camp David for the weekend, they will travel back to Washington, and then leave for Texas, reportedly Tuesday afternoon. Good-bye Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, enjoy your new home in Texas, be well.

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Perpetual motion without direction, remains just that.

A U. S. Airways Airbus made a safe crash landing after taking off from New York's La Guardia Airport for Charlotte, N. C. The plane was reportedly hit by a flock of geese, and two engines blew out. Captain Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger, had a few seconds to decide what to do. The Hudson River was in the middle with residential areas on both sides. According to one survivor, the plane made a slow left bank, and the Captain slowed the plane down as safely as he could, and landed in the water. One passenger said that the water started to immediately rush in through the back of the plane and the seams at the windows. Flight #1549 had 155 passengers and 6 crew members, one infant was among the passengers on board. They all survived, one lady reportedly broke both her legs, other had scrapes and cuts, two were taken to the hospital. The pilot, who saved everyone's life has been flying for 40 years, reportedly since he was in high school. Unbelievable amazing landing of the plane, by the pilot.

An anchorman at WNCN TV, in North Carolina, was reporting on the incident, when his sister called to tell him that his father was on the U. S. Airways plane. His father was safe and sound.

Democrat Roland Burris was sworn in today by Vice-President Cheney as the junior Senator from Illinois, he also visited
his new office. At last, at last.

Governor Blagojevich swore in the members of the governing body for the state of Illinois, who will be voting whether to remove him from office by impeachment. What would have happened if he refused to swear them in? I guess we'll never know.

Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Joseph Biden said their farewells to the Senate today. Senator Clinton received a positive vote for her confirmation hearing to be the next U. S. Secretary of State. The full Senate will vote next, where it is presumed she will receive a majority vote.

President-elect Obama had dinner at the home of Republican columnist George Will, along with other Conservative journalists, Bill Crystal, David Brooks, Peggy Noonan, and a few others were at the dinner. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer? Mr. Obama also met with progressive journalists as well, no food was served according to E. J. Dionne, who attended the get together.

The evening before the inauguration ceremony, the President-elect will host a dinner in honor of Senator John McCain, General Colin Powell, and Vice-President elect Joe Biden.

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Resistance to change does not promote growth.

It has been reported that Israel requested bunker busting bombs, from the United States, so that they could blast the nuclear underground facilites in Iran. President Bush denied the request, Israel also wanted radar equipment. Thus Israel was unable to carry out the bombing of the Iranian facilities.

Regarding the U. N. Resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, Secretary Rice reportedly was told to abstain from a vote on the resolution, by the Prime Minister of Israel through President Bush. Israel wanted to have more time to carry out its mission of dismanteling the rocket launching sites of Hamas. At this point Hamas says they will not honor a cease-fire agreement, unless Israel stops the invasion and violence in Gaza. Over 900 Palestinians and 10 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Necessary humanitarian aid is still lacking in Gaza, some trucks are allowed in, but the distribution is slow.

Reportedly Credit Suisse advised its clients to sell out of Bernard Madoff's investments, to avoid any losses.

Senator Hillary Clinton was grilled today by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, regarding her Secretary of State nomination. Most of the questions were soft balls, until the questions started regarding her husband's Global Foundation, which receives million dollar contributions from many overseas entities. The agreement of understanding worked out between Senator Clinton, Bill Clinton and the Obama staff, was that the Clinton's would disclose any donation of fifty thousand dollars or more, on an annual basis. Senator Richard Lugar, minority member of the committee, wanted the disclosures to be made at the time of the donation, not on an annual basis, No concession was made on Senator Clinton's part, she said they would be sensitive to their concerns. Other nominees were questioned without any apparent roadblocks in their way, the Secretary of Energy was among others questioned before the committees.

The "America I Am, The Imprint of Blacks on America" exhibit will be on display in Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, starting on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Thursday January 15 through May 3, 2009. The exhibit contains the Emancipation Proclamation, the door from the cell where Martin Luther King, Jr., was jailed in Montgomery, Alabama, along with President-elect Obama's "Race Speech" in Philadelphia, and many other culturally relative items related to Black history.

The salmonella outbreak which sickened 400 people, in 42 states has been linked to peanut butter.

Russia, reportedly restarted the natural gas flow to Europe, but little or no gas is being received.

Barclay's will eliminate 2,100 jobs in investment banking and wealth units, reports claim.

Macy's will cut inventories at the risk of losing sales, according its CEO.

President-elect Obama was lobbying Congress, for the balance of three hundred and fifty billion dollars in TARP funds, for use with the stimulus package.

The Treasury Secretary nominee, Tim Geithner, is under fire because he reportedly owes thirty-four thousand dollars, in back taxes, for household employees. Doesn't he work for the Federal Reserve???

The pilot who crashed his plane in an attempt to disappear and be thought of as dead, has been found alive with cuts on his wrists, in Florida. He has been taken to Tallahasee Memorial Hospital. His assets had been frozen and some civil charges had been filed against him. There is a conflicting report as to whether it is actually the missing pilot, Marcus Schrenker.

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Check your ego at the door sometimes, it will be good for you.

Roland Burris returned to Illinois, and came back to Washington, D. C. with a certification from the Secretary of State, giving the U. S. leaders the paperwork they said he needed, even though the Supreme Court in Illinois said the signature of the Secretary was not needed. It is reported that Mr. Burris will be sworn in this week. What a bunch, playing a stupid game. The whole selection was legal from jump street.

The war in Gaza is still being carried out between Israel and Hamas, more people are being killed, humanitarian aid is not being distributed as is neccessary for those in need. The U. N. Resolution for an immediate cease-fire is being ignored by both sides. Tony Blair along with Secretary Rice still working to end the violence.

Another Hamas leader was killed, he was reportedly a rocket team leader.

Bernard Madoff is being allowed to remain under house arrest, in his million dollar penthouse, as dictated by a judge today.

President-elect Obama is said to be closing by executive order the prison at Guantanomo Bay, next week. What to do with the prisoners is another story.

President George Bush gave his final news conference today, thanking the Press Corps for their work. He answers many questions, justifying whatever he had done, and being very defiant, especially about the fact that Obama said that he was going to restore the moral authority to the United States which had been lost during the past eight years. PresidentBush said he did not agree that the moral authority had been lost during his adminstration's reign. Well, if I remember, when Mr Bush took over after Mr. Clinton left office he said aloud that he was going to scrub the Oval Office clean. Would that scrubbing a carpet now could erase the state of affairs we find ourselves in at this point in time. Denial is not just a river.

Toyota will sell a tiny, battery powered, urban commuter car by 2012.

North Carolina has elected their first female Governor.

Boeing will cut 4,500 employees.

The energy guzzling plasma television set, may reportedly be banned.

Robert Rubin ends his career with Citi-Group by resigning
after a loss of twenty billion dollars.

Vice-President elect Biden made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and Baghdad.

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At the age of forty, it has been said that you are responsible
for the way your face looks, so smile a little more.

Israel warns residents of a coming escalation in Gaza by dropping leaflets over the towns, of airstrikes, by the Israeli airforce. Two drivers bringing aid into the affected areas in Gaza, were killed, causing the humanitarian aid to be stopped until Israel could guarantee the safety of the drivers.
Israel will not honor the U. N. Resolution calling for a complete cease fire in Gaza. Egypt is trying to negotitate a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel. Seven hundred people have been killed since the violence began.

The Illinois State House voted 114 to 1, to send a recomendation to the Illinois Senate for the impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich. The Governor held a press conference, stating that he is completely innocent of any wrong doing, he had a few families who he had helped during his time as Governor.

The Secretary of State of Illinois, reportedly signed the certification for Roland Burris to become the junior Senator from Illinois. The United States Senate now has to decide if they are going to seat Mr. Burris or keep playing games, They appear to be waiting for impeachment of the Illinois' Governor, then the next governor could send another person to the Senate, but it also seems that Mr. Burris will fight all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court and well he should.

The decision for Bernard Madoff to remain under house arrest or to be jailed, because he violated the terms of his bail, by sending a million dollars worth of jewelry to relatives, will be made by a judge on Monday of next week.

The state of California is on the verge of bankruptcy within a short time, and is running out of money to pay its bills. The Governor and the lawmakers cannot come to any agreement over
how to fix the state's financial problems.

The unemployment rate for the U. S., has risen to 7.2%. James Kramer of CNBC says that the unemployment rate is going to probably rise to 10%, also the the country needs three million jobs, in the next three years. Analysts believe that to improve the economy, there needs to be inflation of cash, money needs to move from person to person to give value to the movement of cash.

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If you have stiffness in your hands, run a sink full of very warm water, soak your hands and wrists in the water while exercising your fingers in the warm water. Do this day and night, your fingers will be more flexible.

President-elect Obama gave a speech at George Mason University today, telling the Governors and Mayors who attended the speech, that the Congress must quickly put the stimulus package together, and get it to his desk before the end of next month. If this does not occur, Mr. Obama said we may never recover, and the consequences are very dire, if that happens. More job losses, more people losing their savings, and their homes. During the month of December there were 653 thousand jobs lost in the United States. Just elected again, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is with Mr. Obama, she stated they will get the package to the President-elect. The package has tax cuts, spending on infrastructure, tax credits, improving medical reporting systems, alternative energy source improvement, job creation and money to help the states. There will be a huge deficit increase, but this is neccessary according to most economists. The international community is looking to the United States to improve its
economy so that other countries will improve.

At this point the stimulus package, is set to cost around $775 billion dollars, some say it will rise to 1.3 trillion dollars. Yet most economists agree that there has to be massive spending in order to jolt the economy onto a better track. It still will take some time to turn the economy around. Some are predicting that during the second half of 2009, there should be signs of a turn around.

The Vice-President announced today the results of the vote from the Electoral College for the President of the United States. Senator Barack Obama received 365, and Senator John
McCain received 173. Thus Barack Obama is now elected as President of the United States.

The United Nations Security Council has drafted a resolution
calling for a immediate cease fire in Gaza. A man driving a truck with humanitarian aid was killed, trying to bring the goods into Gaza. The aid will not be brought into the region now unless Israel can guarantee the safety of the workers, according to reports.

Bernard Madoff is awaiting a judge's decision as to whether or not he will go to jail for violating his parole, by sending over a million dollars in jewelry to relatives, when he was not allowed to touch his assets pending trial.

The Illinois congressional committee, investigating the possible impeachment of Governor Blagojevich voted to send the matter to the full house for a decision and then it would go to the Senate, for a final decision to remove the Governor.

Roland Burris appeared before the group and was grilled regarding whether or not he was involved in a "pay for play" scheme that the Governor was alleged to be a part of, when tapes were revealed that he was interested in campaign funds, or a job for himself or his wife in exchange for the vacant seat of President-elect Obama. There was a descrepency between a affidavit and Mr. Burris' testimony today regarding whether or not he spoke to anyone associated with Governor Blagojevich about the seat.

Two Al Queda leaders were killed in the northern part of Pakistan. The two were on the FBI's most wanted list.

A man donated one of his kidneys to his wife, seven years ago. She cheated on him, and now they are divorcing, he would like as part of the divorce settlement, his kidney back, or l.5 million dollars.

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Two minds are good to think a problem through, but one mind has to make the finally decision.

The President of Egypt reportedly is discussing a possible short term cease fire agreement between Hamas and israel, but Israel wants Hamas to totally discontinue the firing of rockets into Israel. The number of rockets being fired has decreased, but they are still being launched by Hamas, Scretary Rice is monitoring the situation as well, the talks with Egyptian officials, Hamas and Israel, which continue in the midst of the violence on both sides. One cameraman has been allowed into the area by Israel. One hundred trucks with humanitarian aid have been allowed into Gaza during a limited three hour cease fire period. The United States reportedly says
five hundred trucks are needed to adequately assist with the needs of the people wounded and others, who are without food and water.

Tom Daschle will be the first one to have his confirmation hearing, which is today, instead of Senator Hillary Clinton, who will, as reported here, have her confirmation hearing on Tuesday of next week, she will be second not first as previously reported.

Joe the Plumber is reportedly going to travel to Gaza as a reporter for a conservative website.

Chris Matthews, host of "Hardball", has decided not to run against Senator Arlen Spector, of Pennslyvania in 2010.

Republican Jack kemp is reportedly suffering with cancer, best of wishes for a full recovery go out to him.

During the month of December, the U. S. lost 693 thousand private sector jobs.

Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine, is lobbying for a government bailout of five billion dollars, to help the porn industry.

The three former Presidents, Carter, Clinton and G. H.
W. Bush along with the current President George W. Bush, and the President-elect, Barack Obama, met for discussion and lunch at the White House today. Great photo-op. Polls of each one were shown, Mr. Obama at 82%, Mr. George W. at 27%, Mr. George H. W. at 60%, Mr. Clinton at 64% and Mr Carter at 62%.
As history shows, the longer you are out of the White House the higher your approval goes, interesting.

President-elect Obama selected Nancy Killifer as Chief Performance Officer, to oversee budgetary efficiency measures.
He also reportedly would like to have Doctor Sanjay Gutha, of CNN fame, to be the next United States Surgeon General. Dr Gutha is reportedly interested in the position, if he and his family can afford to take it, he and his wife are expecting a new baby and are building a new home. Most people think that he would be perfect for the job.

There are reports that, the bank of England may lower its interest rate to the lowest rate yet.

Roland Burris got a telphine call from former President Jimmy Carter, who told him to tell anyone who was interested, that he thought Mr. Burris would make a fine Senator. The Black Caucus is demanding that he be seated in the Senate. There are rumors that Mr. Burris' firm received some two hundred thousand dollars, in government contracts in Illinois, and he held a fund raiser for the Governor, who may be indicated. As long as the judgments are fair, Mr. Burris should be seated soon, after all, there are those in Congress, who reportedly used to have envelopes delivered to them on the floor, while Congress was in session, and they were not empty.

Jett Travolta, the 16 year old son of John, was cremated, a memorial service will be held for Jett tomorrow. His parents are said to be devastated by the loss.

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Having trouble going to sleep, try counting backwards from 500.

After contemplating for a while over the holidays, former Governor Jeb Bush has decided not to run for Senator from the state of Florida. The decision was announced today. There was speculation that he would run for the seat of Senator Mel Martinez, who is retiring in 2010, but Mr. Bush decided he did not want to run for the Senate. he was a well respected Governor during his tenure, and was thought to be almost a shoo-in by the Republican party, who need a few superstars at the moment. Perhaps Mr. Bush will reconsider as time goes on.

Democrat Roland Burris went to Washington, D. C. to try to be seated as the Junior Senator from Illinois, and was rebuffed by the Secretary of the Senate for not having the signature of the Secretary of State of Illinois, which legal experts are saying is bogus, the Governor is the Executive of the state and his signature was on the form and that is what counted.
There will be a meeting reportedly between Senator Harry Reid and Mr. Burris to see where they go from here. the law is seemingly on Mr. Burris' side, but the Dems can stall, hoping to have Governor Blagojevich impeached this week and thereby allowing the next Governor to name a different person, to the seat. Mr. Burris should take it to the U. S. Supreme Court and be seated as a Senator, to which he has been legally appointed, by a sitting governor.

Al Franken will not be seated until Norm Coleman completes his legal challenges or decides not to challenge the election of Mr. Franken. Senator Reid asked former Senator Coleman not to challenge the election. Think he will listen?

Senator Joe Biden was sworn in today by Vice-President Cheney, as a part of the 111th Congress, as a Senator, it would seem that he will resign just before he is sworn in as Vice-President of the United States. Why?

Senator Diane Feinstein of California has reportedly stated that Roland Burris shoud be seated as the Junior Senator from Illinois. She also received an apology from the Obama administration from Vice-President-elect Joe Biden, after she stated that she had not been consulted about the choice of Leon Panetta, to head the CIA. Well!

More violence and bloodshed goes on in the Gaza Strip, with people around the world calling for an end to it all. The President of France is requesting that Syria talk to Iran
and Hamas. to effect a cease fire in the matter.

The Indian Prime Minister has stated that Pakistani leaders must have assisted in the bombing of Mumbai.

Bernard Madoff may be jailed, as the prosecutors say he mailed a million dollars in jewelry to relatives, which violated his bail restrictions.

Confirmation hearings for the Obama nominees will begin on January 13th. Reportedly Senator Hillary Clinton will be the first one, to have a hearing.

GM sales fell 31%, Ford sales plunged 32% and Chrysler sales dropped 52% in December.

Terry McAuliffe will be running for Governor of Virginia, he will be making the announcement very soon.

There will be a meeting and lunch of all the past living Presidents along with President-elect Obama at the White House. Should be fun.

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Reassess your priorities, every now and then.

Isareli troops have invaded at least five towns in the Gaza Strip. Nearly 500 Palestanians have been killed, including at least two major leaders of Hamas. Over 1,500 people have been wounded. Many children have been killed, reportedly 30% of the casualities are children, as it has been reported that Gaza has a very young population. The Israeli leaders are trying to shut down the areas from which the rockets are launched into Israel, by Hamas, as well as the storage areas for the weapons. Hamas has said that the Strip will be a graveyord for the Isaeli soldiers. Hamas had buried bombs and boobie traps for the soldiers, in anticipation of the invasion. Thirty Israeli soldiers have been wounded. The U. N. Security Council held an emergency meeting, but could not come to an agreement of what a statement would proclaim. The United States has not made any statement regarding the invasion of the Gaza Strip. The U. S. did block any proclamation by the U. N., regarding the situtation. There are protests around the world, including in New York City where on one side of the street there are Israeli backers, and on the other side, Palestanian supporters.
The Arab nations are calling on the United Nations to call for the immediate end to the invasion.

The United States has stated that it is working toward a sustained cease fire agreement, which will not re-establish the status quo. President Bush called the rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas "acts of terror".

Mayor Michael Bloomberg traveled to Israel to show his support, he is holding meetings with the Mayors of two towns.

The 16 year old son of John Travolta, fell and hit his head in a bathtub in the Bahamas, and never recovered. He was said to have been suffering with Kawasaki Snydrome, which affects the heart, and causes the coronary arteries in the heart to swell.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, withdrew his name from consideration for Secretary of Commerce for the Obama administration, due to an investigtion into the Governor's actions. There is a Grand Jury investigation regarding a company out of California, which did business for the state of New Mexico, and which supposedidly made contributions to the Governor's Polictical Action Committee. Governor Richardson said he has done nothing wrong, but he did not want to have a cloud hanging over the Obama administration. He submitted his resignation, and Mr. Obama accepted it with deep regret.

Governor Tom Kaine, of Virginia has been chosen as the new leader of the Democratic National Committee, replacing former Governor Howard Dean. The new chairman will serve part time until his term expires as Governor of Virgina in 2010.

Al Franken reportedly will be confirmed as the winner of the Minnesota Senate race tomorrow, by a special board. He beat Norm Coleman by just 225 votes, Mr. Coleman's term has expired, he has said he will challenge Mr. Franken's win. But as of now Mr. Franken will be joining the Senate.

The Governor of Colorado has named the Denver School
Superintendent, Michael Bennett, to replace Senator Salazar, who will become the Interior Secretary in the Obama administration, if he is confiirmed.

Mr. Obama is said to be pushing for a $300 billion dollar tax cut, as part of his economic stimulus package. Total package is reported to be around $800 billion dollars, with one million dollars for the states. The Republican's are said to be hesitant about the package. republicans, word to the wise, move out of the way or be run over. We had a trillion dollars surplus eight years ago, no body wants to hear from you now that we have a budget deficit to beat the band. Your conservatism is somewhat of a joke.

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Two good deeds a day may bring back at least one to you every other day, but do it for the sake of doing it.

Israeli troops gathered on the border of Gaza, are said to be readying for a ground invasion, within the next 48 hours. Reports are that the troops are only waiting for their orders to invade. Analysts are saying that there may not be a way for Israel to have a clear victory, if they invade and try to further dismantle Hamas, as Hams is not only a military group practicing terrorism, but a political faction, which has helped communities with humanitarian aid and sympathy may be on their side. A first line leader of Hamas was killed when a bomb struck his home. Over two thousand have been wounded and some four hundred Palestanians have been killed.

There is word out that Governor Paterson of New York may appoint a person to just hold the seat of Senator Hillary Clinton, until 2010, and then let the election take care of the choice. Former President Bill Clinton's name has been
in the mix as a possibility. Mr. Clinton has said that he was not interested in the seat.

Mr. Obama reportedly may block China's space venture possibilities with connections to the Pentagon and NASA.

Four and a half million people in the United States are collecting unemployment, two million jobs were lost in 2008.

Raul Castro has vowed to continue Fidel Castro's revolution, in spite of the strained relations with the United States.

Baghdad's Green Zone and the Basra Airport have been turned back over to Iraqi Security control.

Time Warner buys four additional weeks to restructure its debt.

Roland Burris seeks court action to force ratification, of his appointment to fill the Senate seat, vacated by President-elect Obama.

Merrill-Lynch's 95 year reign comes to an end with Bank of America takeover.

China's manufacturing drops for fifth month as demand for exports decline.

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Positive movement is not always forward, sometimes it can be sideways.

The bombings of the Gaza strip where Hamas is located continues. Israel has rejected a cease fire requested by Hamas.
Israeli reserve troops have been called up for duty, and are waiting for an order for a ground invasion on the Gaza border.
Over 350 Palestanians have been killed, along with 4 Israelis and over 1,400 have been wounded. No end is in sight for an cessation of the violence. Weather, in the form of hard rain, is a possible deterrent to Israeli tanks moving into the Gaza strip, at the present time. Protestors on both sides are gathering around the world, and in the United States, they have been in the cities of Minneapolis, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington. D. C.

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, Secretary of State nominee, will be assisting Mayor Bloomberg of New York, to lower the New Year's Eve crystal ball at Times Square.

President-elect Obama, is in agreement with the Democrats in the Senate, who have stated that they will not seat the person chosen by Governor Blagojevich to fill the vacant seat left by President-elect Obama. The Governor chose former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill the seat as junior Senator from Illinois. Check me on this, was this legal, didn't the Governor legally have the right to chose a Senator after the chicken little Democrates failed to hold a special election to let the people chose? Is the man qualified? There is precedent, in the past where Adam Clayton Powell went through a similiar fate, he took it to court, and there was a unaimous vote to seat him. So let's waste time and money going to court and come back to the same place with the senator taking the seat he was chosen for. Besides that, is the full Senate going to refuse to seat the only black Senator who would be in the body? One other little tidbit, weren't the Dems trying to get 60 seats? This certainly helps that cause, anybody listening? Should be interesting in the long run.

President-elect Obama's family will be moving to Washington, this weekend, staying in a hotel, then moving to Blair House on the fifteenth of January.

The Republican's are drafting a resolution, against the Bush administration for bailing out the banks and auto industry. They are afraid that these moves are taking the country into nationalism and quite possibly socialism.

The state of California is suing the Bush administration for loosening the rules on endangered species.

The U. S. Treasury is said to be ready to provide funds, to any industry, deemed crucial to the auto indistry.

The lobbyist who was linked romantically with Senator John McCain in the N. Y. Times, has sued the Times for twenty-seven
million dollars, she says she has suffered mentally and physically. The two denied the relationship, the Times reportedly stands behind the story.

Bernard Madoff had to turn over documentation verifying his assets and liabilities, he did submit the documentation. It is
possible that his assets will be used to pay some of those he allegedly swindled, according to reports.

Municipal Bond sales drying up, just as states face $42 billion dollar shortfall.

Montana investors lost more than fifteen million dollars, with Madoff, regulators say.

Austria said to be ready to takeover Bank Medici, after Madoff loss.

Bangkok bar fire, possibly set off by fireworks kills 55 people, injures many, many other people.

Viacom has threatened to pull some 17 channels away from Time Warner Cable, because Time Warner does not want to pay certain new fees being enacted by Viacom. MTV, and Comedy Central are a part of the package of channels. Viacom rejected Time Warner's request for an extention of time for discussion.

The DOW faced steepest decline since the Great Depression, it plunged 34% in 2008.

Darvon painkiller on the market since 1957, is under review by the U. S. Government, as being linked to patient deaths.

Super Bowl ads selling for three million per thirty seconds, 90% sold, reportedly.

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Always stay for less time than it takes, for people to get bored with you.

Happy New Year to all, be safe. Always keep enough money for a cab ride home.