Four indicted on voter fraud Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "FALFURRIAS, Texas — Four Duval County residents were charged Thursday with illegally handling ballot applications and mail-in ballots that belonged to other voters during the 2006 primary election.
The four San Diego residents indicted Thursday by a Brooks County grand jury were: Lydia Molina, 70; Maria 'Kena' Soriano, 71; Elva Lazo, 62; and Maria Trigo, 55.
According to a news release from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's office, the four were taken into custody Thursday in Duval County. A shift supervisor for the Duval County jail refused to give The Associated Press any information Thursday on whether they were still in custody, insisting that a request be filed in writing. A Freedom of Information request faxed to the jail on Thursday night was not immediately answered.
The defendants are accused of delivering mail-in ballot applications to Duval County residents who were ineligible to vote by mail, according to the news release. Only those who are disabled, 65 or older, or expect to be out of the county during an election are eligible to vote by mail.
The news release says that once the ballots were sent to the residents and completed, the defendants allegedly retrieved them and mailed them to the registrar to be counted without identifying themselves on the carrier envelope.
Texas law requires that those who provide assistance identify themselves on carrier envelopes used to transmit mail-in ballots."
Friday, February 01, 2008
Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York
Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York: "An appeals court has ruled that a gay couple’s marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.
The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court today reversed a judge’s ruling in 2006 that Monroe Community College did not have to extend health benefits to an employee’s lesbian partner."
The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court today reversed a judge’s ruling in 2006 that Monroe Community College did not have to extend health benefits to an employee’s lesbian partner."
IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Clinton's Filthy Lucre
IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Clinton's Filthy Lucre: "a New York Times report details a 2005 incident of Clinton and a minor Canadian mining financier jetting into Kazakhstan, where the two met with the local strongman. Shortly afterward, Clinton's pal won a huge uranium-mining contract that left competing mining companies astounded.
Anything untoward? Clinton says of course not. After all, doesn't every ex-president jet in to Central Asia from time to time to check up on his charity projects and sample the gourmet cuisine? Nothing to see here, move along.
But the story doesn't end there. Clinton's friend, Frank Giustra, eventually ended up a billionaire from that 'lucky' trip. He then donated $31.3 million to Clinton's $208 million foundation as its largest donor in 2006. Any connection? Nada, Clinton's defenders say.
Who doesn't think something fishy is going on?"
Anything untoward? Clinton says of course not. After all, doesn't every ex-president jet in to Central Asia from time to time to check up on his charity projects and sample the gourmet cuisine? Nothing to see here, move along.
But the story doesn't end there. Clinton's friend, Frank Giustra, eventually ended up a billionaire from that 'lucky' trip. He then donated $31.3 million to Clinton's $208 million foundation as its largest donor in 2006. Any connection? Nada, Clinton's defenders say.
Who doesn't think something fishy is going on?"
Mentally Disabled Women Used in Bombings
Mentally Disabled Women Used in Bombings: "Two mentally disabled women strapped with remote-control explosives - and possibly used as unwitting suicide bombers - brought carnage Friday to two pet bazaars, killing at least 91 people in the deadliest day since Washington flooded the capital with extra troops last spring."
ESPN - Senator wants to know why NFL destroyed Patriots spy tapes - NFL
ESPN - Senator wants to know why NFL destroyed Patriots spy tapes - NFL: "With the Super Bowl fast approaching, a senior Republican senator says he wants the NFL to explain why it destroyed evidence of the New England Patriots cheating scandal.
'I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,' said Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., in a Thursday letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell."
'I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,' said Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., in a Thursday letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell."
Empowerment Center closes; Pathfinders struggles with less - mlive.com
Empowerment Center closes; Pathfinders struggles with less - mlive.com: "The Barney Maffett Empowerment Center, 2300 Maffett, closed its doors last month. The community center, which opened in June 2006, was meant to be a safe gathering place for the community to eat, access the Internet and take computer classes. It was funded with a $225,000 Weed & Seed grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.
The center was housed in the former Barney-Maffett Coffee House, which had been closed for two years. Weed & Seed is a nationwide initiative to fight drugs, violence and family deterioration at their roots by 'weeding' out criminal elements and 'seeding' communities with positive social programs to help prevent violence and crime."
The center was housed in the former Barney-Maffett Coffee House, which had been closed for two years. Weed & Seed is a nationwide initiative to fight drugs, violence and family deterioration at their roots by 'weeding' out criminal elements and 'seeding' communities with positive social programs to help prevent violence and crime."
PC Free Zone
PC Free Zone: "Retired Army Green Beret Smokey Taylor got his court martial this weekend and came away feeling good about it."
Thursday, January 31, 2008
McCAIN VS. REAGAN | Newsradio 620 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Talk, Sports, Weather | Charlie Sykes#commentform
McCAIN VS. REAGAN Newsradio 620 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Talk, Sports, Weather Charlie Sykes#commentform: "I do think that McCain (unncessarily) did himself some lasting harm with conservatives not only because of his cheap shot about Romney's position on the surge, but even more by his snarky jabs at 'greed' and 'profits.' McCain's attitude was decidedly non-Reaganesque, as Michelle Malkin points out. (Read the whole post.)
Mark Steyn had a similar reaction.
I'm getting a bit tired of Senator McCain's anti-business shtick. The line about serving 'for patriotism, not for profit' is pathetic. America spends more on its military than the next 35-40 biggest military spenders on the planet combined: Where does he think the money for that comes from?
As for his line about 'some greedy people on Wall Street who need to be punished', aside from being almost entirely irrelevant to the subject under discussion (the subprime 'crisis'), it reveals, I think, one of the most unpleasant aspects of McCain. For a so-called 'maverick', he's very comfortable with the application of Big Government power, and the assumption of Big Government virtue. Undoubtedly there are 'greedy people on Wall Street'. Why should he and his chums be the ones who decide whether they need to be 'punished'? If greed is to be punishable, why doesn't he start with a pilot program applied to, say, the United States Senate and report back to us in five years how that's going?"
Mark Steyn had a similar reaction.
I'm getting a bit tired of Senator McCain's anti-business shtick. The line about serving 'for patriotism, not for profit' is pathetic. America spends more on its military than the next 35-40 biggest military spenders on the planet combined: Where does he think the money for that comes from?
As for his line about 'some greedy people on Wall Street who need to be punished', aside from being almost entirely irrelevant to the subject under discussion (the subprime 'crisis'), it reveals, I think, one of the most unpleasant aspects of McCain. For a so-called 'maverick', he's very comfortable with the application of Big Government power, and the assumption of Big Government virtue. Undoubtedly there are 'greedy people on Wall Street'. Why should he and his chums be the ones who decide whether they need to be 'punished'? If greed is to be punishable, why doesn't he start with a pilot program applied to, say, the United States Senate and report back to us in five years how that's going?"
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008): "Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was the most liberal senator in 2007, according to National Journal's 27th annual vote ratings. The insurgent presidential candidate shifted further to the left last year in the run-up to the primaries, after ranking as the 16th- and 10th-most-liberal during his first two years in the Senate."
Robert D. Novak - Is McCain a Conservative? - washingtonpost.com
Robert D. Novak - Is McCain a Conservative? - washingtonpost.com: "'Wouldn't it be great if you get a chance to name somebody like Roberts and Alito?' one lawyer commented. McCain replied, 'Well, certainly Roberts.' Jaws were described as dropping. My sources cannot remember exactly what McCain said next, but their recollection is that he described Alito as too conservative."
TCS Daily - Blowin' in the Wind
TCS Daily - Blowin' in the Wind: "Even in Europe's windiest country, the winds are just 'too variable', with most turbines consistently under-performing. Having analysed figures submitted to the UK electricity watchdog Ofgem on every farm's load factor, Engineering Consultant Jim Oswald explained to the BBC, 'It's the power swings that worry us. Over a 20-hour period you can go from almost 100 percent wind output to 20 percent.'"
After Mining Deal, Financier Donated to Clinton - New York Times
After Mining Deal, Financier Donated to Clinton - New York Times: "Within two days, corporate records show that Mr. Giustra also came up a winner when his company signed preliminary agreements giving it the right to buy into three uranium projects controlled by Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium agency, Kazatomprom.
The monster deal stunned the mining industry, turning an unknown shell company into one of the world’s largest uranium producers in a transaction ultimately worth tens of millions of dollars to Mr. Giustra, analysts said.
Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clinton’s charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra that had remained a secret until he acknowledged it last month. The gift, combined with Mr. Giustra’s more recent and public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million, secured Mr. Giustra a place in Mr. Clinton’s inner circle, an exclusive club of wealthy entrepreneurs in which friendship with the former president has its privileges."
The monster deal stunned the mining industry, turning an unknown shell company into one of the world’s largest uranium producers in a transaction ultimately worth tens of millions of dollars to Mr. Giustra, analysts said.
Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clinton’s charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra that had remained a secret until he acknowledged it last month. The gift, combined with Mr. Giustra’s more recent and public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million, secured Mr. Giustra a place in Mr. Clinton’s inner circle, an exclusive club of wealthy entrepreneurs in which friendship with the former president has its privileges."
Lucianne.com News Forum
Lucianne.com News Forum: "They may have done nothing illegal, but tha
t does not mean they are not still WRONG. The Airport stated they:
'could not confirm that weapons [on the plane] would be secured and safeguarded in accordance with Department of Defense regulations and that the Marines and soldiers would leave their weapons on board.'
Put a 12 dollar an hour security guard at the planes door, no weapons out no problem for marines to use the can. Frankly why would any american worry about an armed marine anyway? That being said I have travelled on Commercial flights with deploying soldiers and each of those guys (Regular army usually) carried their weapons with them although they were shipped as checked luggage.
SHAME on the airport management for not finding a way to deal with this situation in a manner of respect these young men and women deserved."
t does not mean they are not still WRONG. The Airport stated they:
'could not confirm that weapons [on the plane] would be secured and safeguarded in accordance with Department of Defense regulations and that the Marines and soldiers would leave their weapons on board.'
Put a 12 dollar an hour security guard at the planes door, no weapons out no problem for marines to use the can. Frankly why would any american worry about an armed marine anyway? That being said I have travelled on Commercial flights with deploying soldiers and each of those guys (Regular army usually) carried their weapons with them although they were shipped as checked luggage.
SHAME on the airport management for not finding a way to deal with this situation in a manner of respect these young men and women deserved."
My Way News - McCain Changes Story on Tax Cut Stance
My Way News - McCain Changes Story on Tax Cut Stance: "Republican John McCain says he opposed President Bush's tax cuts because they didn't come with spending cuts. That is not what he said at the time.
In a presidential debate on Wednesday, McCain said he voted against the Bush tax cuts because he wanted to rein in spending.
'I disagreed when we had tax cuts without spending restraint,' the Arizona senator said.
The explanation fits with his history of railing against wasteful federal spending. But it does not fit with McCain's comments when he opposed the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003.
In 2001, McCain said the tax cuts favored the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. In 2003, he said there should be no tax cuts until the Iraq war costs were known.
His aversion to the Bush tax cuts is just another reason McCain gives heartburn to many in the conservative GOP base. Besides taxes, there is also his more forgiving attitude toward illegal immigration, his effort to limit money in politics and his long-running feuds with leaders of the Christian right.
The debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., came on the heels of Tuesday's Florida primary, when McCain defeated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, gaining an advantage going into next week's Super Tuesday primary."
In a presidential debate on Wednesday, McCain said he voted against the Bush tax cuts because he wanted to rein in spending.
'I disagreed when we had tax cuts without spending restraint,' the Arizona senator said.
The explanation fits with his history of railing against wasteful federal spending. But it does not fit with McCain's comments when he opposed the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003.
In 2001, McCain said the tax cuts favored the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. In 2003, he said there should be no tax cuts until the Iraq war costs were known.
His aversion to the Bush tax cuts is just another reason McCain gives heartburn to many in the conservative GOP base. Besides taxes, there is also his more forgiving attitude toward illegal immigration, his effort to limit money in politics and his long-running feuds with leaders of the Christian right.
The debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., came on the heels of Tuesday's Florida primary, when McCain defeated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, gaining an advantage going into next week's Super Tuesday primary."
Teacher could face firing over giving test answers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Teacher could face firing over giving test answers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com: "'The guy should resign, retire and leave,' said Bill Bloemendaal, a retired teacher and a 12-year member of the West Ottawa board.
Bloemendaal, however, voted against trying to fire Nadolsky, noting tenure battles are lengthy and that the teacher would be paid during the fight. The board member feels Nadolsky could supervise a study hall or perform another school function."
Bloemendaal, however, voted against trying to fire Nadolsky, noting tenure battles are lengthy and that the teacher would be paid during the fight. The board member feels Nadolsky could supervise a study hall or perform another school function."
Brits at their Best
Brits at their Best: "Sun's low magnetic activity may portend an ice age
The Canadian Space Agency’s radio telescope has been reporting Flux Density Values so low they will mean a mini ice age if they continue."
The Canadian Space Agency’s radio telescope has been reporting Flux Density Values so low they will mean a mini ice age if they continue."
EU threatens to ban patio heaters - Times Online
EU threatens to ban patio heaters - Times Online: "A vote in Brussels today is expected to call on the European Commission to abolish the heaters to help to tackle climate change. Such a move could cost the pub and catering trade dear"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "MBIA Inc. and Ambac Financial Group Inc., the two largest bond insurers, may each lose $11.6 billion on guarantees of mortgage-linked debt and other securities, according to hedge fund manager William Ackman.
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "MBIA Inc. and Ambac Financial Group Inc., the two largest bond insurers, may each lose $11.6 billion on guarantees of mortgage-linked debt and other securities, according to hedge fund manager William Ackman.
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
My Way News - Planet Mercury Is Shrinking, Volcanic
My Way News - Planet Mercury Is Shrinking, Volcanic: "The first pictures from the unseen side of Mercury reveal the wrinkles of a shrinking, aging planet with scars from volcanic eruptions and a birthmark shaped like a spider."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)