Friday, August 30, 2013
Saudi Prince Bandar behind chemical attack in Syria: Report
Saudi Prince Bandar behind chemical attack in Syria: Report
Syrians in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta say Saudi Arabia provided chemical weapons for an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group which they blame for the August 21 chemical attack in the region, a report says.
The article co-authored by a veteran AP reporter, said interviews with doctors, residents, anti-government forces and their families in Ghouta suggest the terrorists in question received chemical weapons via Saudi spymaster Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud.
Syrians in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta say Saudi Arabia provided chemical weapons for an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group which they blame for the August 21 chemical attack in the region, a report says.
The article co-authored by a veteran AP reporter, said interviews with doctors, residents, anti-government forces and their families in Ghouta suggest the terrorists in question received chemical weapons via Saudi spymaster Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud.
JOHN KERRY’S WAR: SYRIAN STRIKE MEANS BIG MONEY FOR LAWMAKERS
JOHN KERRY’S WAR: SYRIAN STRIKE MEANS BIG MONEY FOR LAWMAKERS
A report by the Department of Defense states that the unit cost of a Tomahawk tactical missile costs $1.5 million.
Barak Obama, the Nobel Peace prize winning president just added the Syrian people to his kill list this summer and it is a defense contractor’s dream come true. Wall Street has rewarded their lobbying efforts with a positive uptick.
For example, according to Reuters, Raytheon generates more of its revenues overseas than any other large U.S. weapons maker. It has forecast a 20-percent increase in foreign bookings in 2013.
Congress loves the defense industry too because of their lobbying efforts and campaign contributions.
A report by the Department of Defense states that the unit cost of a Tomahawk tactical missile costs $1.5 million.
Barak Obama, the Nobel Peace prize winning president just added the Syrian people to his kill list this summer and it is a defense contractor’s dream come true. Wall Street has rewarded their lobbying efforts with a positive uptick.
For example, according to Reuters, Raytheon generates more of its revenues overseas than any other large U.S. weapons maker. It has forecast a 20-percent increase in foreign bookings in 2013.
Congress loves the defense industry too because of their lobbying efforts and campaign contributions.
Move Over, Obamacare. Here Comes Obamaschool
Move Over, Obamacare. Here Comes Obamaschool
The president gave a speech on August 22 in Buffalo outlining his proposal to “reform” the student loan program. He acknowledged that the program has some problems, but assured the audience they are easily fixed. Just take the principles behind Obamacare and apply them to education. The president personally “guaranteed” that his proposals would make college more affordable.
Here’s the plan. The government will rate colleges based on fees (the lower the better) and graduation rates (the higher the better) and student success in finding a job. Then student loan funds will be allocated to schools according to the rating. Students will also be guided to the best-rated schools via government web sites. And schools will get more funding if they set up demonstration projects to reduce costs. This will all encourage more “competition” among schools. Yes, you heard that right: more government control of colleges will increase market “competition.”
The president gave a speech on August 22 in Buffalo outlining his proposal to “reform” the student loan program. He acknowledged that the program has some problems, but assured the audience they are easily fixed. Just take the principles behind Obamacare and apply them to education. The president personally “guaranteed” that his proposals would make college more affordable.
Here’s the plan. The government will rate colleges based on fees (the lower the better) and graduation rates (the higher the better) and student success in finding a job. Then student loan funds will be allocated to schools according to the rating. Students will also be guided to the best-rated schools via government web sites. And schools will get more funding if they set up demonstration projects to reduce costs. This will all encourage more “competition” among schools. Yes, you heard that right: more government control of colleges will increase market “competition.”
White House Considers Awarding Obamacare Subsidies, Intended For The Uninsured, To Labor Unions
White House Considers Awarding Obamacare Subsidies, Intended For The Uninsured, To Labor Unions
Workers with employer-sponsored coverage don’t qualify for subsidized coverage on Obamacare’s insurance exchanges. Those subsidies are designed for low-income people who aren’t offered coverage from their employers, and have to shop for insurance on their own. But the labor union leaders want those subsidies to also apply to their members with employer-sponsored coverage, even though they already get those benefits tax-free due to the employer tax exclusion for health insurance.
Now, according to Rachana Dixit of InsideHealthPolicy, the administration is “working on regulations to address the issue” that people covered under Taft-Hartley plans aren’t eligible for subsidies. But it’s not an “issue” in the sense of being a glitch or a mistake; union leaders are seeking special treatment, and additional taxpayer subsidies, that other participants in employer-sponsored coverage don’t get.
Workers with employer-sponsored coverage don’t qualify for subsidized coverage on Obamacare’s insurance exchanges. Those subsidies are designed for low-income people who aren’t offered coverage from their employers, and have to shop for insurance on their own. But the labor union leaders want those subsidies to also apply to their members with employer-sponsored coverage, even though they already get those benefits tax-free due to the employer tax exclusion for health insurance.
Now, according to Rachana Dixit of InsideHealthPolicy, the administration is “working on regulations to address the issue” that people covered under Taft-Hartley plans aren’t eligible for subsidies. But it’s not an “issue” in the sense of being a glitch or a mistake; union leaders are seeking special treatment, and additional taxpayer subsidies, that other participants in employer-sponsored coverage don’t get.
Rebels Admit Responsibility for Chemical Weapons Attack
Rebels Admit Responsibility for Chemical Weapons Attack
Syrian rebels in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta have admitted to Associated Press journalist Dale Gavlak that they were responsible for last week’s chemical weapons incident which western powers have blamed on Bashar Al-Assad’s forces, revealing that the casualties were the result of an accident caused by rebels mishandling chemical weapons provided to them by Saudi Arabia.
“From numerous interviews with doctors, Ghouta residents, rebel fighters and their families….many believe that certain rebels received chemical weapons via the Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, and were responsible for carrying out the (deadly) gas attack,” writes Gavlak.
Syrian rebels in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta have admitted to Associated Press journalist Dale Gavlak that they were responsible for last week’s chemical weapons incident which western powers have blamed on Bashar Al-Assad’s forces, revealing that the casualties were the result of an accident caused by rebels mishandling chemical weapons provided to them by Saudi Arabia.
“From numerous interviews with doctors, Ghouta residents, rebel fighters and their families….many believe that certain rebels received chemical weapons via the Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, and were responsible for carrying out the (deadly) gas attack,” writes Gavlak.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
MegaCon 2001 - Autographs
MegaCon 2001 - Autographs
Video from the autograph area from Megacon 2001. You can see Bill Mummy (Lost In Space, Babylon 5), William Hootkins (Star Wars), and Richard Le Parmentier (Star Wars).
Video from the autograph area from Megacon 2001. You can see Bill Mummy (Lost In Space, Babylon 5), William Hootkins (Star Wars), and Richard Le Parmentier (Star Wars).
Banjo-Kazooie promo
Banjo-Kazooie promo
Watch this 10 minute 1998 promotional video for Banjo-Kazooie, detailing everything you need to know about the Nintendo 64 game. Yeah, that’s Jon Lovitz narrating.
Watch this 10 minute 1998 promotional video for Banjo-Kazooie, detailing everything you need to know about the Nintendo 64 game. Yeah, that’s Jon Lovitz narrating.
Joe Biden Wanted Bush Impeached For the Very Thing Obama is About to Do
Joe Biden Wanted Bush Impeached For the Very Thing Obama is About to Do
In 2007, Senator Joe Biden repeatedly threatened to impeach President George W. Bush should he attack Iran without congressional authorization. Senator Obama agreed that Bush did not have the power to order a strike on Iran. This was not mindless, partisan saber rattling: Vice President Dick Cheney and the neoconservative establishment were actively pushing Bush to take military action against Iran.
Now, in 2013, Biden is the vice president and Obama, as president, is undoubtedly going to strike Syria in response to a brutal chemical weapons massacre outside of Damascus. However, the administration has not lifted a finger to approach Congress for authorization, illustrating Obama’s and Biden’s blatant hypocrisy in regards to the imperial presidency.
In 2007, Senator Joe Biden repeatedly threatened to impeach President George W. Bush should he attack Iran without congressional authorization. Senator Obama agreed that Bush did not have the power to order a strike on Iran. This was not mindless, partisan saber rattling: Vice President Dick Cheney and the neoconservative establishment were actively pushing Bush to take military action against Iran.
Now, in 2013, Biden is the vice president and Obama, as president, is undoubtedly going to strike Syria in response to a brutal chemical weapons massacre outside of Damascus. However, the administration has not lifted a finger to approach Congress for authorization, illustrating Obama’s and Biden’s blatant hypocrisy in regards to the imperial presidency.
Gun Bill in Missouri Would Test Limits in Nullifying U.S. Law
Gun Bill in Missouri Would Test Limits in Nullifying U.S. Law
Unless a handful of wavering Democrats change their minds, the Republican-controlled Missouri legislature is expected to enact a statute next month nullifying all federal gun laws in the state and making it a crime for federal agents to enforce them here. A Missourian arrested under federal firearm statutes would even be able to sue the arresting officer.
The law amounts to the most far-reaching states’ rights endeavor in the country, the far edge of a growing movement known as “nullification” in which a state defies federal power.
Unless a handful of wavering Democrats change their minds, the Republican-controlled Missouri legislature is expected to enact a statute next month nullifying all federal gun laws in the state and making it a crime for federal agents to enforce them here. A Missourian arrested under federal firearm statutes would even be able to sue the arresting officer.
The law amounts to the most far-reaching states’ rights endeavor in the country, the far edge of a growing movement known as “nullification” in which a state defies federal power.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Rand Paul won’t back Lindsey Graham in Republican primary
Rand Paul won’t back Lindsey Graham in Republican primary
The disagreements between Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are no secret. The two have clashed on various political issues, most notably on foreign policy, highlighting the gap between the new faces in the Republican Party and the Old Guard establishment that almost always chooses politics over principle.
For example, after Paul’s filibuster in March, during which he raised awareness to President Obama’s drones policy, Graham and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) slammed the emerging non-interventionism in the Republican Party. More recently, the South Carolina Senator has downplayed conservative efforts to challenge the Obama Administration on domestic policy.
The disagreements between Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are no secret. The two have clashed on various political issues, most notably on foreign policy, highlighting the gap between the new faces in the Republican Party and the Old Guard establishment that almost always chooses politics over principle.
For example, after Paul’s filibuster in March, during which he raised awareness to President Obama’s drones policy, Graham and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) slammed the emerging non-interventionism in the Republican Party. More recently, the South Carolina Senator has downplayed conservative efforts to challenge the Obama Administration on domestic policy.
Congress Should Veto Obama's War
Congress Should Veto Obama's War
“Congress doesn’t have a whole lot of core responsibilities,” said Barack Obama last week in an astonishing remark.
For in the Constitution, Congress appears as the first branch of government. And among its enumerated powers are the power to tax, coin money, create courts, provide for the common defense, raise and support an army, maintain a navy and declare war.
But, then, perhaps Obama’s contempt is justified.
For consider Congress’ broad assent to news that Obama has decided to attack Syria, a nation that has not attacked us and against which Congress has never authorized a war.
...
“Congress doesn’t have a whole lot of core responsibilities,” said Barack Obama last week in an astonishing remark.
For in the Constitution, Congress appears as the first branch of government. And among its enumerated powers are the power to tax, coin money, create courts, provide for the common defense, raise and support an army, maintain a navy and declare war.
But, then, perhaps Obama’s contempt is justified.
For consider Congress’ broad assent to news that Obama has decided to attack Syria, a nation that has not attacked us and against which Congress has never authorized a war.
...
Does Obama know he’s fighting on al-Qa’ida’s side?
Does Obama know he’s fighting on al-Qa’ida’s side?
If Barack Obama decides to attack the Syrian regime, he has ensured – for the very first time in history – that the United States will be on the same side as al-Qa’ida.
Quite an alliance! Was it not the Three Musketeers who shouted “All for one and one for all” each time they sought combat? This really should be the new battle cry if – or when – the statesmen of the Western world go to war against Bashar al-Assad.
The men who destroyed so many thousands on 9/11 will then be fighting alongside the very nation whose innocents they so cruelly murdered almost exactly 12 years ago. Quite an achievement for Obama, Cameron, Hollande and the rest of the miniature warlords.
This, of course, will not be trumpeted by the Pentagon or the White House – nor, I suppose, by al-Qa’ida – though they are both trying to destroy Bashar. So are the Nusra front, one of al-Qa’ida’s affiliates.
If Barack Obama decides to attack the Syrian regime, he has ensured – for the very first time in history – that the United States will be on the same side as al-Qa’ida.
Quite an alliance! Was it not the Three Musketeers who shouted “All for one and one for all” each time they sought combat? This really should be the new battle cry if – or when – the statesmen of the Western world go to war against Bashar al-Assad.
The men who destroyed so many thousands on 9/11 will then be fighting alongside the very nation whose innocents they so cruelly murdered almost exactly 12 years ago. Quite an achievement for Obama, Cameron, Hollande and the rest of the miniature warlords.
This, of course, will not be trumpeted by the Pentagon or the White House – nor, I suppose, by al-Qa’ida – though they are both trying to destroy Bashar. So are the Nusra front, one of al-Qa’ida’s affiliates.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
MAN BRUTALLY SHOT AFTER POLICE MISTAKE HIM FOR A CAR THIEF
MAN BRUTALLY SHOT AFTER POLICE MISTAKE HIM FOR A CAR THIEF
A 60-year-old man was shot by police in his own driveway -- the officers involved mistakenly thought the man was a car thief.
Roy Middleton lives in Pensacola, Florida. He was in his driveway at 2:30am on July 27 getting a cigarette from his mother's Lincoln Town Car. Middleton lives with his mother and wife, and his name is listed on the car's insurance.
But one of Middleton's neighbors saw him in the driveway, became suspicious of a car break in, and then called police.
Officers Jeremiah Meeks, Sgt. Matthew White and Charles Wright promptly arrived at Middleton's house a few minutes later. As soon as they spotted Middleton, they ordered the man to put his hands in the air. According to the officers, Middleton then hesitated to take their order.
It was then that they shot the man. 15 bullets were fired, two of which hit Middleton in the legs.
A 60-year-old man was shot by police in his own driveway -- the officers involved mistakenly thought the man was a car thief.
Roy Middleton lives in Pensacola, Florida. He was in his driveway at 2:30am on July 27 getting a cigarette from his mother's Lincoln Town Car. Middleton lives with his mother and wife, and his name is listed on the car's insurance.
But one of Middleton's neighbors saw him in the driveway, became suspicious of a car break in, and then called police.
Officers Jeremiah Meeks, Sgt. Matthew White and Charles Wright promptly arrived at Middleton's house a few minutes later. As soon as they spotted Middleton, they ordered the man to put his hands in the air. According to the officers, Middleton then hesitated to take their order.
It was then that they shot the man. 15 bullets were fired, two of which hit Middleton in the legs.
Obama State University
Obama State University
President Obama recently concluded a five-year campus speaking tour in which he explained to students how his financing programs were making college more affordable. Then on Thursday he kicked off a new campus speaking tour to tell students that college is unaffordable, and that the financing program he has championed faces increasing defaults.
President Obama recently concluded a five-year campus speaking tour in which he explained to students how his financing programs were making college more affordable. Then on Thursday he kicked off a new campus speaking tour to tell students that college is unaffordable, and that the financing program he has championed faces increasing defaults.
The Obamacare Lobbying Bonanza
The Obamacare Lobbying Bonanza
Back in 2006, when President Obama was still a Senator, he spoke at a summit on lobbying reform. His remarks were quite critical of Republicans, noting that “we’ve seen the number of registered lobbyists in Washinton double since George Bush came into office.” He condemned the practice of letting lobbyists write legislation, and slammed Republicans for their ties to the lobbying world. “For years now, [the GOP has] openly bragged about stocking K Street lobbying firms with former leadership staffers to increase their power in Washington.”
These days, Obama and his fellow Democrats aren’t exactly bragging about ties between his party and the lobbying industry. But his administration, along with Democrats in Conrgess, have helped facilitate it all the same.
The 2010 health care overhaul, in particular, has meant big business for well-connected lobbying firms—and numerous trips through the revolving door for the former administration and congressional staffers who can help make those firms even better connected still.
Back in 2006, when President Obama was still a Senator, he spoke at a summit on lobbying reform. His remarks were quite critical of Republicans, noting that “we’ve seen the number of registered lobbyists in Washinton double since George Bush came into office.” He condemned the practice of letting lobbyists write legislation, and slammed Republicans for their ties to the lobbying world. “For years now, [the GOP has] openly bragged about stocking K Street lobbying firms with former leadership staffers to increase their power in Washington.”
These days, Obama and his fellow Democrats aren’t exactly bragging about ties between his party and the lobbying industry. But his administration, along with Democrats in Conrgess, have helped facilitate it all the same.
The 2010 health care overhaul, in particular, has meant big business for well-connected lobbying firms—and numerous trips through the revolving door for the former administration and congressional staffers who can help make those firms even better connected still.
Monday, August 26, 2013
MegaCon 2001 - Autographs
MegaCon 2001 - Autographs
Video from the autograph area from Megacon 2001. You can see Bill Mummy (Lost In Space, Babylon 5), William Hootkins (Star Wars), and Richard Le Parmentier (Star Wars).
Video from the autograph area from Megacon 2001. You can see Bill Mummy (Lost In Space, Babylon 5), William Hootkins (Star Wars), and Richard Le Parmentier (Star Wars).
U.S. CRUISE MISSILES PREPARING TO STRIKE SYRIA
U.S. CRUISE MISSILES PREPARING TO STRIKE SYRIA
The U.S. military is now moving cruise missiles into position for a possible strike against Syrian government forces, reports CBS News Saturday.
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says that this will give the President the position to move quickly if he decides to use a cruise missile strike against Syrian government forces. Sec. Hagel goes on to say that this is not an attempt to topple the Syrian government but to send a message to President Bashar al Assad that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated. Hagel went on to tell reporters that U.S. commanders have prepared a range of “options” for President Obama if he chooses to proceed with military strikes against Damascus.
That statement comes on the heels of the United Nations now investigating claims that chemical weapons were used in several battles between al Assad forces and rebel forces in Syria. Among the chemicals reportedly used, sarin gas. Reuters has reported that the nerve gas attack killed hundreds this week. The Assad regime has placed the blame on al Qaeda fighters who call themselves rebels. At this point, it is unclear who was behind the use of chemical weapons. It is important to note that the “who” and “what” behind these chemical weapons has not been established.
The U.S. military is now moving cruise missiles into position for a possible strike against Syrian government forces, reports CBS News Saturday.
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says that this will give the President the position to move quickly if he decides to use a cruise missile strike against Syrian government forces. Sec. Hagel goes on to say that this is not an attempt to topple the Syrian government but to send a message to President Bashar al Assad that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated. Hagel went on to tell reporters that U.S. commanders have prepared a range of “options” for President Obama if he chooses to proceed with military strikes against Damascus.
That statement comes on the heels of the United Nations now investigating claims that chemical weapons were used in several battles between al Assad forces and rebel forces in Syria. Among the chemicals reportedly used, sarin gas. Reuters has reported that the nerve gas attack killed hundreds this week. The Assad regime has placed the blame on al Qaeda fighters who call themselves rebels. At this point, it is unclear who was behind the use of chemical weapons. It is important to note that the “who” and “what” behind these chemical weapons has not been established.
The Economic Philosopher's Outcast: Mises
The Economic Philosopher's Outcast: Mises
With cities like Detroit ($18.5 billion in debt), Philadelphia ($8 billion in debt), and Sacramento ($1.9 billion in debt) why are Mises disciple’s voices silenced at major economic councils in Washington and throughout the country? Robert Reich, former Clinton Administration Secretary of Labor, singles out the huge economic and political discrepancies between the Tea Party and the Occupier movements sparked by the Wall St. government bailouts. In a recent series of articles in the Huffington Post, Reich cites the high correlation “between inequality and political divisiveness.” He correctly points out that America was never so divided regarding income, wealth and power since the 1920s. What Reich fails to address are the conditions that fed the growth of extremist movements, such as the Nazis and Communists, which later imploded as a result of the economic policies of debt and printing money.
Mises, the modern day creator of the Classical Liberal movement (today also called libertarianism) destroyed the intellectual arguments of socialism by proving that it was impossible to allocate scarce resources effectively without private property and free-market prices. He showed that the more the state limited economic incentives to individuals, the greater the harm to low-income people and the general population. Centralized planning, something that was characteristic of all three types of socialism: the Nazis, the Fascists and the Communists, led to the ruin of an economy, and resulted in more and more tyranny and the rise of the totalitarian state. What economists failed to understand was that massive government spending and a authoritative centralized government would bring economic ruin to Germany, Russia, and many other countries.
Sooner or later government debt has to be repaid out of tax receipts. Our current revenue base is not strong enough to sustain a viable repayment program to service the debt. Today we create money — billions a month — to meet the debt repayments. As new money floods the market its value declines. The country experiences inflation destroying the savings, and pensions of its citizens. Similar conditions led to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. The rampant inflation of the 1920s in Germany was a contributing factor to the rise of Hitler, Himmler and the centralized planning of the ultimate socialist organization the National Socialist Workers Party (Nazis).
With cities like Detroit ($18.5 billion in debt), Philadelphia ($8 billion in debt), and Sacramento ($1.9 billion in debt) why are Mises disciple’s voices silenced at major economic councils in Washington and throughout the country? Robert Reich, former Clinton Administration Secretary of Labor, singles out the huge economic and political discrepancies between the Tea Party and the Occupier movements sparked by the Wall St. government bailouts. In a recent series of articles in the Huffington Post, Reich cites the high correlation “between inequality and political divisiveness.” He correctly points out that America was never so divided regarding income, wealth and power since the 1920s. What Reich fails to address are the conditions that fed the growth of extremist movements, such as the Nazis and Communists, which later imploded as a result of the economic policies of debt and printing money.
Mises, the modern day creator of the Classical Liberal movement (today also called libertarianism) destroyed the intellectual arguments of socialism by proving that it was impossible to allocate scarce resources effectively without private property and free-market prices. He showed that the more the state limited economic incentives to individuals, the greater the harm to low-income people and the general population. Centralized planning, something that was characteristic of all three types of socialism: the Nazis, the Fascists and the Communists, led to the ruin of an economy, and resulted in more and more tyranny and the rise of the totalitarian state. What economists failed to understand was that massive government spending and a authoritative centralized government would bring economic ruin to Germany, Russia, and many other countries.
Sooner or later government debt has to be repaid out of tax receipts. Our current revenue base is not strong enough to sustain a viable repayment program to service the debt. Today we create money — billions a month — to meet the debt repayments. As new money floods the market its value declines. The country experiences inflation destroying the savings, and pensions of its citizens. Similar conditions led to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. The rampant inflation of the 1920s in Germany was a contributing factor to the rise of Hitler, Himmler and the centralized planning of the ultimate socialist organization the National Socialist Workers Party (Nazis).
DELTA: OBAMACARE WILL COST $100 MILLION
DELTA: OBAMACARE WILL COST $100 MILLION
Delta Air Lines says Obamacare and rising medical costs will explode its healthcare expenses by $100 million.
Delta executives delivered the startling statistic to Obama Administration officials in a private memorandum obtained by RedState.com. Fox News confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
“The cost of providing health care to our employees will increase by nearly $100,000,000 next year,” the Delta memo said.
On Friday, Delta issued a statement reconfirming the rise in costs.
“Like many large companies, Delta faces significantly increased healthcare costs in 2014 and beyond.
Delta Air Lines says Obamacare and rising medical costs will explode its healthcare expenses by $100 million.
Delta executives delivered the startling statistic to Obama Administration officials in a private memorandum obtained by RedState.com. Fox News confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
“The cost of providing health care to our employees will increase by nearly $100,000,000 next year,” the Delta memo said.
On Friday, Delta issued a statement reconfirming the rise in costs.
“Like many large companies, Delta faces significantly increased healthcare costs in 2014 and beyond.
Obama admits many Americans can’t pay college loans in his economy
Obama admits many Americans can’t pay college loans in his economy
How bad is the economy?
So bad that “our economy can’t afford the $1 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, much of which may not get repaid because students don’t have the capacity to repay it,” President Barack Obama told college students at the University at Buffalo, N.Y.
So bad that “if you drop out of high school today, you’re basically condemned to poverty and social failure,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan told reporters prior to the president’s speech.
“There are no good jobs out there. If you have a high school diploma, there’s almost nothing for you,” Duncan admitted.
How bad is the economy?
So bad that “our economy can’t afford the $1 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, much of which may not get repaid because students don’t have the capacity to repay it,” President Barack Obama told college students at the University at Buffalo, N.Y.
So bad that “if you drop out of high school today, you’re basically condemned to poverty and social failure,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan told reporters prior to the president’s speech.
“There are no good jobs out there. If you have a high school diploma, there’s almost nothing for you,” Duncan admitted.
ObamaCare's architects reap windfall as Washington lobbyists
ObamaCare's architects reap windfall as Washington lobbyists
ObamaCare has become big business for an elite network of Washington lobbyists and consultants who helped shape the law from the inside.
More than 30 former administration officials, lawmakers and congressional staffers who worked on the healthcare law have set up shop on K Street since 2010.
Major lobbying firms such as Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock, The Glover Park Group, Alston & Bird, BGR Group and Akin Gump can all boast an ObamaCare insider on their lobbying roster — putting them in a prime position to land coveted clients.
“When [Vice President] Biden leaned over [during healthcare signing] and said to [President] Obama, ‘This is a big f’n deal,’” said Ivan Adler, a headhunter at the McCormick Group, “he was right.”
ObamaCare has become big business for an elite network of Washington lobbyists and consultants who helped shape the law from the inside.
More than 30 former administration officials, lawmakers and congressional staffers who worked on the healthcare law have set up shop on K Street since 2010.
Major lobbying firms such as Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock, The Glover Park Group, Alston & Bird, BGR Group and Akin Gump can all boast an ObamaCare insider on their lobbying roster — putting them in a prime position to land coveted clients.
“When [Vice President] Biden leaned over [during healthcare signing] and said to [President] Obama, ‘This is a big f’n deal,’” said Ivan Adler, a headhunter at the McCormick Group, “he was right.”
Friday, August 23, 2013
Mindscape Advertisement (Amiga)
Mindscape advertisement for Deja Vu, Uncharted and Shadowgate for the Amiga from the February 1988 issue of Amiga World.
Last Battle (Sega Genesis)
Last Battle (Sega Genesis)
Last Battle is the international version of Fist of the North Star on the Genesis / Mega Drive since the game didn’t keep the manga license when it was released outside of Japan. It’s a very simple action game with amazingly basic attack animations. It’s a shame that it didn’t retain the Hokuto no Ken licenses, and it would have added a little more to the game.
Last Battle is the international version of Fist of the North Star on the Genesis / Mega Drive since the game didn’t keep the manga license when it was released outside of Japan. It’s a very simple action game with amazingly basic attack animations. It’s a shame that it didn’t retain the Hokuto no Ken licenses, and it would have added a little more to the game.
200 Year Old Caterpillar Automaton Still Crawls
200 Year Old Caterpillar Automaton Still Crawls ...
A lifelike, moving, golden caterpillar, created as a diamond and pearl-encrusted plaything, shows off the passion and precision that went into high-tech design as far back as 1820, the year the automaton was made
A lifelike, moving, golden caterpillar, created as a diamond and pearl-encrusted plaything, shows off the passion and precision that went into high-tech design as far back as 1820, the year the automaton was made
The Truth Is Out There: The Real Cover-Up At Area 51
The Truth Is Out There: The Real Cover-Up At Area 51
Area 51, as the newly declassified material makes clear, was a test site for Cold War technology, including the U-2 spy plane. But it was also, according to people who worked there, a hazardous waste site, at which classified equipment and materials were disposed of in an illegal and extremely dangerous manner.
When workers at Area 51 first came to me in the 1990s, they described how the government had placed discarded equipment and hazardous waste in open trenches the length of football fields, then doused them with jet fuel and set them on fire. The highly toxic smoke blowing through the desert base was known as “London fog” by workers. Many came down with classic skin and respiratory illnesses associated with exposure to burning hazardous waste. A chief aim of the lawsuits was to discover exactly what the workers had been exposed to so they could get appropriate medical care.
Area 51, as the newly declassified material makes clear, was a test site for Cold War technology, including the U-2 spy plane. But it was also, according to people who worked there, a hazardous waste site, at which classified equipment and materials were disposed of in an illegal and extremely dangerous manner.
When workers at Area 51 first came to me in the 1990s, they described how the government had placed discarded equipment and hazardous waste in open trenches the length of football fields, then doused them with jet fuel and set them on fire. The highly toxic smoke blowing through the desert base was known as “London fog” by workers. Many came down with classic skin and respiratory illnesses associated with exposure to burning hazardous waste. A chief aim of the lawsuits was to discover exactly what the workers had been exposed to so they could get appropriate medical care.
Greek community creates an off-the-grid Internet
Greek community creates an off-the-grid Internet
According to Mother Jones, this off-the-grid community has become so popular in Athens and on nearby islands that it has developed its own Craigslist-esque classifieds service as well as blogs and an internal search engine.
“It’s like a whole other web,” AWMN user Joseph Bonicioli told the magazine. “It’s our network, but it’s also a playground.”
The AWMN began in 2002 in response to the poor Internet service provided by traditional telecommunications companies in Athens. However, the past few years have illustrated another use for these citizen-run meshes: preserving the democratic values of the Internet.
As the Internet has become a ubiquitous presence in day-to-day life, governments around the world have sought to control it. In 2011 for example, when former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak found out that protesters were organizing on Facebook, he commanded the country’s Internet service providers to shut down access, denying 17 million Egyptians access to the Web for days.
Later that year in the U.S., the city of San Francisco temporarily shut down cellphone service in its transit system to stop a protest.
According to Mother Jones, this off-the-grid community has become so popular in Athens and on nearby islands that it has developed its own Craigslist-esque classifieds service as well as blogs and an internal search engine.
“It’s like a whole other web,” AWMN user Joseph Bonicioli told the magazine. “It’s our network, but it’s also a playground.”
The AWMN began in 2002 in response to the poor Internet service provided by traditional telecommunications companies in Athens. However, the past few years have illustrated another use for these citizen-run meshes: preserving the democratic values of the Internet.
As the Internet has become a ubiquitous presence in day-to-day life, governments around the world have sought to control it. In 2011 for example, when former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak found out that protesters were organizing on Facebook, he commanded the country’s Internet service providers to shut down access, denying 17 million Egyptians access to the Web for days.
Later that year in the U.S., the city of San Francisco temporarily shut down cellphone service in its transit system to stop a protest.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 5) (2001-03-03)
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 5) (2001-03-03)
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 4)
While David Prowse was supposed to be here, I believe he was sick or something at the time and didn't make it.
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 4)
While David Prowse was supposed to be here, I believe he was sick or something at the time and didn't make it.
NASA Spacecraft Reactivated to Hunt for Asteroids
NASA Spacecraft Reactivated to Hunt for Asteroids
A NASA spacecraft that discovered and characterized tens of thousands of asteroids throughout the solar system before being placed in hibernation will return to service for three more years starting in September, assisting the agency in its effort to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects, as well as those suitable for asteroid exploration missions.
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) will be revived next month with the goal of discovering and characterizing near-Earth objects (NEOs), space rocks that can be found orbiting within 28 million miles (45 million kilometers) from Earth’s path around the sun. NASA anticipates WISE will use its 16-inch (40-centimeter) telescope and infrared cameras to discover about 150 previously unknown NEOs and characterize the size, albedo and thermal properties of about 2,000 others — including some which could be candidates for the agency’s recently announced asteroid initiative.
A NASA spacecraft that discovered and characterized tens of thousands of asteroids throughout the solar system before being placed in hibernation will return to service for three more years starting in September, assisting the agency in its effort to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects, as well as those suitable for asteroid exploration missions.
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) will be revived next month with the goal of discovering and characterizing near-Earth objects (NEOs), space rocks that can be found orbiting within 28 million miles (45 million kilometers) from Earth’s path around the sun. NASA anticipates WISE will use its 16-inch (40-centimeter) telescope and infrared cameras to discover about 150 previously unknown NEOs and characterize the size, albedo and thermal properties of about 2,000 others — including some which could be candidates for the agency’s recently announced asteroid initiative.
Dempsey's Syria letter raises questions about entire Mideast policy
Dempsey's Syria letter raises questions about entire Mideast policy
Dempsey’s assessment of intervention in Syria highlights lessons the U.S. should have learned by now.
First, the conflict is not between two sides, one pro-democracy and one dictatorial. It is a many-sided conflict, involving longstanding ethnic and tribal differences, according to Dempsey. No side is pro-U.S.
This is much like Afghanistan, where the U.S. attempted to combine military action with bribes, coalition building and humanitarian efforts to “win hearts and minds.”
In the end, the government it backed has waffled on supporting U.S. interests. The security forces U.S. military personnel are training have taken to killing their trainers from time to time, restrained only by Afghan officers who discourage the practice because of the weapons the U.S. is providing them.
Last month, the Taliban opened an office in Dohar, Qatar to begin negotiating with the U.S. and others to end the war. What that means for stability, democracy or U.S. interests in Afghanistan remains to be seen. The original reason for invading Afghanistan was to remove the Taliban.
This after the U.S. left Iraq a nation in chaos, its infrastructure razed, two million refugees displaced, an ancient Christian community destroyed, and a government with strong ties to Iran.
Dempsey’s assessment of intervention in Syria highlights lessons the U.S. should have learned by now.
First, the conflict is not between two sides, one pro-democracy and one dictatorial. It is a many-sided conflict, involving longstanding ethnic and tribal differences, according to Dempsey. No side is pro-U.S.
This is much like Afghanistan, where the U.S. attempted to combine military action with bribes, coalition building and humanitarian efforts to “win hearts and minds.”
In the end, the government it backed has waffled on supporting U.S. interests. The security forces U.S. military personnel are training have taken to killing their trainers from time to time, restrained only by Afghan officers who discourage the practice because of the weapons the U.S. is providing them.
Last month, the Taliban opened an office in Dohar, Qatar to begin negotiating with the U.S. and others to end the war. What that means for stability, democracy or U.S. interests in Afghanistan remains to be seen. The original reason for invading Afghanistan was to remove the Taliban.
This after the U.S. left Iraq a nation in chaos, its infrastructure razed, two million refugees displaced, an ancient Christian community destroyed, and a government with strong ties to Iran.
The FISA Court Didn’t Even Know NSA Was Collecting Some Domestic Communications
The FISA Court Didn’t Even Know NSA Was Collecting Some Domestic Communications
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) provided another redacted information data dump today, which ends the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s legal battle with them over a Freedom of Information Act request.
At the heart of the matter was a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court decision from 2011 that determined that the National Security Agency and the FBI were somehow violating the Fourth Amendment with its surveillance methods. The details were unknown because the report was classified. EFF sued and won, and today the 85-page document was released.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) provided another redacted information data dump today, which ends the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s legal battle with them over a Freedom of Information Act request.
At the heart of the matter was a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court decision from 2011 that determined that the National Security Agency and the FBI were somehow violating the Fourth Amendment with its surveillance methods. The details were unknown because the report was classified. EFF sued and won, and today the 85-page document was released.
Fukushima leak is 'much worse than we were led to believe'
Fukushima leak is 'much worse than we were led to believe'
The Japanese nuclear energy watchdog raised the incident level from one to three on the international scale that measures the severity of atomic accidents.
This was an acknowledgement that the power station was in its greatest crisis since the reactors melted down after the tsunami in 2011.
But some nuclear experts are concerned that the problem is a good deal worse than either Tepco or the Japanese government are willing to admit.
They are worried about the enormous quantities of water, used to cool the reactor cores, which are now being stored on site.
Some 1,000 tanks have been built to hold the water. But these are believed to be at around 85% of their capacity and every day an extra 400 tonnes of water are being added.
“The quantities of water they are dealing with are absolutely gigantic,” said Mycle Schneider, who has consulted widely for a variety of organisations and countries on nuclear issues.
“What is the worse is the water leakage everywhere else - not just from the tanks. It is leaking out from the basements, it is leaking out from the cracks all over the place. Nobody can measure that.
The Japanese nuclear energy watchdog raised the incident level from one to three on the international scale that measures the severity of atomic accidents.
This was an acknowledgement that the power station was in its greatest crisis since the reactors melted down after the tsunami in 2011.
But some nuclear experts are concerned that the problem is a good deal worse than either Tepco or the Japanese government are willing to admit.
They are worried about the enormous quantities of water, used to cool the reactor cores, which are now being stored on site.
Some 1,000 tanks have been built to hold the water. But these are believed to be at around 85% of their capacity and every day an extra 400 tonnes of water are being added.
“The quantities of water they are dealing with are absolutely gigantic,” said Mycle Schneider, who has consulted widely for a variety of organisations and countries on nuclear issues.
“What is the worse is the water leakage everywhere else - not just from the tanks. It is leaking out from the basements, it is leaking out from the cracks all over the place. Nobody can measure that.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 4) (2001-03-03)
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 4) (2001-03-03)
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 4)
While David Prowse was supposed to be here, I believe he was sick or something at the time and didn't make it.
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 4)
While David Prowse was supposed to be here, I believe he was sick or something at the time and didn't make it.
NSA has access to 75 percent of US Internet traffic, says WSJ
NSA has access to 75 percent of US Internet traffic, says WSJ
The National Security Agency’s surveillance network has the capacity to reach around 75 percent of all U.S. Internet communications in the hunt for foreign intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
Citing current and former NSA officials, the newspaper said the 75 percent coverage is more of Americans’ Internet communications than officials have publicly disclosed.
The Journal said the agency keeps the content of some emails sent between U.S. citizens and also filters domestic phone calls made over the Internet.
The National Security Agency’s surveillance network has the capacity to reach around 75 percent of all U.S. Internet communications in the hunt for foreign intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
Citing current and former NSA officials, the newspaper said the 75 percent coverage is more of Americans’ Internet communications than officials have publicly disclosed.
The Journal said the agency keeps the content of some emails sent between U.S. citizens and also filters domestic phone calls made over the Internet.
Obama administration asks Supreme Court to allow warrantless cellphone searches
Obama administration asks Supreme Court to allow warrantless cellphone searches
If the police arrest you, do they need a warrant to rifle through your cellphone? Courts have been split on the question. Last week the Obama administration asked the Supreme Court to resolve the issue and rule that the Fourth Amendment allows warrantless cellphone searches.
If the police arrest you, do they need a warrant to rifle through your cellphone? Courts have been split on the question. Last week the Obama administration asked the Supreme Court to resolve the issue and rule that the Fourth Amendment allows warrantless cellphone searches.
UPS to drop 15,000 spouses from insurance, cites Obamacare
UPS to drop 15,000 spouses from insurance, cites Obamacare
United Parcel Service Inc. plans to remove thousands of spouses from its medical plan because they are eligible for coverage elsewhere. The Atlanta-based logistics company points to the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as a big reason for the decision, reports Kaiser Health News.
The decision comes as many analysts are downplaying the Affordable Care Act’s effect on companies such as UPS, noting that the move reflects a long-term trend of shrinking corporate medical benefits, Kaiser Health News reports. But UPS repeatedly cites Obamacare to explain the decision, adding fuel to the debate over whether it erodes traditional employer coverage, Kaiser says.
United Parcel Service Inc. plans to remove thousands of spouses from its medical plan because they are eligible for coverage elsewhere. The Atlanta-based logistics company points to the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as a big reason for the decision, reports Kaiser Health News.
The decision comes as many analysts are downplaying the Affordable Care Act’s effect on companies such as UPS, noting that the move reflects a long-term trend of shrinking corporate medical benefits, Kaiser Health News reports. But UPS repeatedly cites Obamacare to explain the decision, adding fuel to the debate over whether it erodes traditional employer coverage, Kaiser says.
Kepler: Nasa retires prolific telescope from planet-hunting duties
Kepler: Nasa retires prolific telescope from planet-hunting duties
The prolific Kepler space telescope has had to give up its prime planet-hunting mission after engineers failed to find a fix for its hobbled pointing system.
The observatory lost the second of its four reaction wheels in May, meaning it can no longer hold completely steady as it looks towards the stars.
Nasa engineers have worked through a number of possible solutions but have failed to find one that will work.
Kepler has so far confirmed 135 planets beyond our Solar System.
But it still has more than 3,500 “candidates” in its database that have yet to be fully investigated, and the vast majority of these are expected to be confirmed as planets in due course.
The prolific Kepler space telescope has had to give up its prime planet-hunting mission after engineers failed to find a fix for its hobbled pointing system.
The observatory lost the second of its four reaction wheels in May, meaning it can no longer hold completely steady as it looks towards the stars.
Nasa engineers have worked through a number of possible solutions but have failed to find one that will work.
Kepler has so far confirmed 135 planets beyond our Solar System.
But it still has more than 3,500 “candidates” in its database that have yet to be fully investigated, and the vast majority of these are expected to be confirmed as planets in due course.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Game Informer, September 1996
Game Informer, Volume 7, Issue 9, Number 41, September 1996
[image removed at the request of Game Informer editorial staff]
STUDY: NY WELFARE RECIPIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR MORE IN BENEFITS THAN TEACHERS EARN
STUDY: NY WELFARE RECIPIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR MORE IN BENEFITS THAN TEACHERS EARN
A new study finds that a New York mother of two is eligible for $38,004 in welfare benefits–a sum more than the annual salary of a New York entry-level school teacher.
The study, conducted by the CATO Institute, says in many states welfare pays better than work. Topping the list of wage-equivalent benefits for a mother and two children was Hawaii at $60,590. Idaho came in last with $11,150.
The study found that 33 states and the District of Columbia offer welfare benefits that pay recipients more than an $8-an-hour job would. Twelve states and the District of Columbia offer welfare packages that pay better than a $15-an-hour job does.
“There is no evidence that people on welfare are lazy,” writes CATO senior fellow Michael Tanner. “But they’re also not stupid. If you pay them more not to work than they can earn by working, many will choose not to work.”
A new study finds that a New York mother of two is eligible for $38,004 in welfare benefits–a sum more than the annual salary of a New York entry-level school teacher.
The study, conducted by the CATO Institute, says in many states welfare pays better than work. Topping the list of wage-equivalent benefits for a mother and two children was Hawaii at $60,590. Idaho came in last with $11,150.
The study found that 33 states and the District of Columbia offer welfare benefits that pay recipients more than an $8-an-hour job would. Twelve states and the District of Columbia offer welfare packages that pay better than a $15-an-hour job does.
“There is no evidence that people on welfare are lazy,” writes CATO senior fellow Michael Tanner. “But they’re also not stupid. If you pay them more not to work than they can earn by working, many will choose not to work.”
Feds Threaten To Arrest Lavabit Founder For Shutting Down His Service
Feds Threaten To Arrest Lavabit Founder For Shutting Down His Service
That same article suggests that the decision to shut down Lavabit was over something much bigger than just looking at one individual’s information — since it appears that Lavabit has cooperated in the past on such cases. Instead, the suggestion now is that the government was seeking a tap on all accounts.
That same article suggests that the decision to shut down Lavabit was over something much bigger than just looking at one individual’s information — since it appears that Lavabit has cooperated in the past on such cases. Instead, the suggestion now is that the government was seeking a tap on all accounts.
FL SHERIFF ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH FELONY & SUSPENDED FOR PROTECTING CITIZENS’ 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
FL SHERIFF ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH FELONY & SUSPENDED FOR PROTECTING CITIZENS’ 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
In a developing story, Sheriff Nick Finch was arrested, charged with a felony and suspended without pay for supporting a citizen’s 2nd Amendment rights. It’s not a story you hear every day. It’s certainly not a story you’d expect out of a county named Liberty.
...
Rick Scott, Florida governor, stepped in and had Finch arrested. Governor Scott then appointed a new sheriff.
In a developing story, Sheriff Nick Finch was arrested, charged with a felony and suspended without pay for supporting a citizen’s 2nd Amendment rights. It’s not a story you hear every day. It’s certainly not a story you’d expect out of a county named Liberty.
...
Rick Scott, Florida governor, stepped in and had Finch arrested. Governor Scott then appointed a new sheriff.
British Snoops to The Guardian: Nice Little Newspaper You Got. It'd Be a Shame if Something Happened to It
British Snoops to The Guardian: Nice Little Newspaper You Got. It'd Be a Shame if Something Happened to It
This morning, with regard to the detention of David Miranda, NSA-busting journalist Glenn Greenwald’s partner, by British authorities at London’s Heathrow airport, and the theft of his property by the same goons, I suggested that the whole infuriating incident was a crude effort to deter journalists from further scrutinizing the surveillance state. The unusual questioning of Miranda about Greenwald’s journalistic endeavors for the full nine hours allowed under a British law targeted at potential terrorists was a strong indicator that intimidation was the ultimate goal, but not proof positive. Now, though, we have more evidence that British authorities are leaning heavily on The Guardian as well as Greenwald in an effort to shut off the flow of revelations that are almost as embarrassing to the U.K.’s GCHQ as to America’s NSA. In fact, British spooks have actually been over to that newspaper’s office to smash things. I kid you not.
This morning, with regard to the detention of David Miranda, NSA-busting journalist Glenn Greenwald’s partner, by British authorities at London’s Heathrow airport, and the theft of his property by the same goons, I suggested that the whole infuriating incident was a crude effort to deter journalists from further scrutinizing the surveillance state. The unusual questioning of Miranda about Greenwald’s journalistic endeavors for the full nine hours allowed under a British law targeted at potential terrorists was a strong indicator that intimidation was the ultimate goal, but not proof positive. Now, though, we have more evidence that British authorities are leaning heavily on The Guardian as well as Greenwald in an effort to shut off the flow of revelations that are almost as embarrassing to the U.K.’s GCHQ as to America’s NSA. In fact, British spooks have actually been over to that newspaper’s office to smash things. I kid you not.
How President Obama is flouting Obamacare
How President Obama is flouting Obamacare
Every time the White House undercuts one provision of Obamacare, there is a massive ripple effect on other provisions. It’s generally a zero-sum game: When someone gains, someone else loses. Example: When employers are relieved of their mandate to provide insurance, taxpayers risk having to subsidize more of those companies’ employees.
The administration asserts that it can make these changes under the president’s broad executive authority. Yet critics make a compelling argument that the president is stretching the limits. Former federal appellate Judge Michael McConnell, director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School, writes in The Wall Street Journal about a different sort of mandate: the mandate in Article II of the Constitution that the president “’shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.’ This is a duty, not a discretionary power. … As the Supreme Court wrote long ago (Kendall v. United States, 1838), allowing the president to refuse to enforce statutes ‘would be clothing the president with a power to control the legislation of Congress, and paralyze the administration of justice.’”
Every time the White House undercuts one provision of Obamacare, there is a massive ripple effect on other provisions. It’s generally a zero-sum game: When someone gains, someone else loses. Example: When employers are relieved of their mandate to provide insurance, taxpayers risk having to subsidize more of those companies’ employees.
The administration asserts that it can make these changes under the president’s broad executive authority. Yet critics make a compelling argument that the president is stretching the limits. Former federal appellate Judge Michael McConnell, director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School, writes in The Wall Street Journal about a different sort of mandate: the mandate in Article II of the Constitution that the president “’shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.’ This is a duty, not a discretionary power. … As the Supreme Court wrote long ago (Kendall v. United States, 1838), allowing the president to refuse to enforce statutes ‘would be clothing the president with a power to control the legislation of Congress, and paralyze the administration of justice.’”
Monday, August 19, 2013
Why The 2,776 NSA Violations Are No Big Deal
Why The 2,776 NSA Violations Are No Big Deal
The Post article quotes an NSA official explaining that the thousands of unauthorized communications intercepts yearly are relatively insignificant. “You can look at it as a percentage of our total activity that occurs each day. You look at a number in absolute terms that looks big, and when you look at it in relative terms, it looks a little different.”
So although the numbers of Americans who have had their information intercepted in violation of NSA’s own rules seems large, it is actually miniscule compared to the huge volume of our communications they intercept in total!
Though it made for a sensational headline last week, the fact is these 2,776 “violations” over the course of one year are completely irrelevant. The millions and millions of “authorized” intercepts of our communications are all illegal — except for the very few carried out in pursuit of a validly-issued search warrant in accordance with the Fourth Amendment. That is the real story. Drawing our attention to the violations unfortunately sends the message that the “authorized” spying on us is nothing to be concerned about.
The Post article quotes an NSA official explaining that the thousands of unauthorized communications intercepts yearly are relatively insignificant. “You can look at it as a percentage of our total activity that occurs each day. You look at a number in absolute terms that looks big, and when you look at it in relative terms, it looks a little different.”
So although the numbers of Americans who have had their information intercepted in violation of NSA’s own rules seems large, it is actually miniscule compared to the huge volume of our communications they intercept in total!
Though it made for a sensational headline last week, the fact is these 2,776 “violations” over the course of one year are completely irrelevant. The millions and millions of “authorized” intercepts of our communications are all illegal — except for the very few carried out in pursuit of a validly-issued search warrant in accordance with the Fourth Amendment. That is the real story. Drawing our attention to the violations unfortunately sends the message that the “authorized” spying on us is nothing to be concerned about.
DO YOU LIVE IN A “FOURTH AMENDMENT FREE ZONE?”
DO YOU LIVE IN A “FOURTH AMENDMENT FREE ZONE?”
Americans continue to lose their Constitutional rights in the name of “security” at a rapid pace. The Second Amendment has been the most obvious, but the First, Fifth and Tenth Amendment are being usurped by the U.S. government in a disturbing trend.
The Fourth Amendment is the most recent in this series. Increasing surveillance – such as New York’s proposal to monitor the streets by camera and save the data, Bloomberg’s “stop and frisk,” the NSA’s snooping programs, and PRISM revelations – has drawn this accusation, and now the Department of Homeland Security has become involved.
In the name of “border security,” a recent report defended the idea of so-called “Fourth Amendment Free Zones” within 100 miles of every border and the ocean.
In these areas, DHS agents can search and examine electronic devices, search through peoples’ belongings, and shake them down, all without probable cause. This effectively suspends the rights of 197 million Americans based on residence alone.
Americans continue to lose their Constitutional rights in the name of “security” at a rapid pace. The Second Amendment has been the most obvious, but the First, Fifth and Tenth Amendment are being usurped by the U.S. government in a disturbing trend.
The Fourth Amendment is the most recent in this series. Increasing surveillance – such as New York’s proposal to monitor the streets by camera and save the data, Bloomberg’s “stop and frisk,” the NSA’s snooping programs, and PRISM revelations – has drawn this accusation, and now the Department of Homeland Security has become involved.
In the name of “border security,” a recent report defended the idea of so-called “Fourth Amendment Free Zones” within 100 miles of every border and the ocean.
In these areas, DHS agents can search and examine electronic devices, search through peoples’ belongings, and shake them down, all without probable cause. This effectively suspends the rights of 197 million Americans based on residence alone.
Report: Obamacare provision will allow 'forced' home inspections by gov't agents
Report: Obamacare provision will allow 'forced' home inspections by gov't agents
According to HHS, the visits fall under what is called the “Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program” allegedly designed to “help parents and children,” and could impact millions of Americans.
Constitutional attorney and author Kent Masterson Brown said that despite what HHS says, the program is not “voluntary.”
“The eligible entity receiving the grant for performing the home visits is to identify the individuals to be visited and intervene so as to meet the improvement benchmarks,” he said. “A homeschooling family, for instance, may be subject to ‘intervention’ in ’school readiness’ and ’social-emotional developmental indicators.’ A farm family may be subject to ‘intervention’ in order to ‘prevent child injuries.’ The sky is the limit.”
Joshua Cook said that while the administration would claim the program only applies to those on Medicaid, the new law, by its own definition, has no such limitation.
“Intervention,” he added, quoting Brown, “may be with any family for any reason. It may also result in the child or children being required to go to certain schools or taking certain medications and vaccines and even having more limited – or no – interaction with parents. The federal government will now set the standards for raising children and will enforce them by home visits.”
According to HHS, the visits fall under what is called the “Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program” allegedly designed to “help parents and children,” and could impact millions of Americans.
Constitutional attorney and author Kent Masterson Brown said that despite what HHS says, the program is not “voluntary.”
“The eligible entity receiving the grant for performing the home visits is to identify the individuals to be visited and intervene so as to meet the improvement benchmarks,” he said. “A homeschooling family, for instance, may be subject to ‘intervention’ in ’school readiness’ and ’social-emotional developmental indicators.’ A farm family may be subject to ‘intervention’ in order to ‘prevent child injuries.’ The sky is the limit.”
Joshua Cook said that while the administration would claim the program only applies to those on Medicaid, the new law, by its own definition, has no such limitation.
“Intervention,” he added, quoting Brown, “may be with any family for any reason. It may also result in the child or children being required to go to certain schools or taking certain medications and vaccines and even having more limited – or no – interaction with parents. The federal government will now set the standards for raising children and will enforce them by home visits.”
The NSA's Data Haul Is Bigger Than You Can Possibly Imagine
The NSA's Data Haul Is Bigger Than You Can Possibly Imagine
The NSA, as intelligence historian Matthew Aid shows, collects so much information online that even its mistakes are enormous. Every day, it actively analyzes the rough equivalent of what’s inside the Library of Congress and “touches,” to use the agency’s term, another 2,990 Libraries’ worth of data. With such a huge haul, even the most infrequent of error rates — one in a hundred thousand, say — still produces terabytes and terabytes of improperly-harvested data. It still means thousands and thousands of people are wrongly caught in the surveillance driftnet.
The NSA’s defenders will point to the many times the agency’s intelligence analysts followed the rules, and got things right. But that misses the point; no one expects these analysts, or the systems they use, to be flawless. The problem is that the surveillance net is so very large that even the most miniscule of imperfections can have outsized impact. And that calls into question whether the NSA’s intelligence-collection efforts have grown too big for their own good.
The NSA, as intelligence historian Matthew Aid shows, collects so much information online that even its mistakes are enormous. Every day, it actively analyzes the rough equivalent of what’s inside the Library of Congress and “touches,” to use the agency’s term, another 2,990 Libraries’ worth of data. With such a huge haul, even the most infrequent of error rates — one in a hundred thousand, say — still produces terabytes and terabytes of improperly-harvested data. It still means thousands and thousands of people are wrongly caught in the surveillance driftnet.
The NSA’s defenders will point to the many times the agency’s intelligence analysts followed the rules, and got things right. But that misses the point; no one expects these analysts, or the systems they use, to be flawless. The problem is that the surveillance net is so very large that even the most miniscule of imperfections can have outsized impact. And that calls into question whether the NSA’s intelligence-collection efforts have grown too big for their own good.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 2) (2001-03-03)
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 2) (2001-03-03)
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 2)
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history. (part 2)
Mitch Needelman arrested on bribery, tampering charges
Mitch Needelman arrested on bribery, tampering charges
Former Clerk of Courts and Florida Rep. Mitch Needelman was arrested this morning on charges of bribery, bid tampering and official misconduct.
The charges come at the end of a yearlong investigation by the state attorney’s office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement into allegations that Needleman got campaign kickbacks from a company that was awarded an $8.53 million contract to scan court documents.
Former Clerk of Courts and Florida Rep. Mitch Needelman was arrested this morning on charges of bribery, bid tampering and official misconduct.
The charges come at the end of a yearlong investigation by the state attorney’s office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement into allegations that Needleman got campaign kickbacks from a company that was awarded an $8.53 million contract to scan court documents.
Rand Slams Congress for Funding Egypt's Generals: 'How Does Your Conscience Feel Now?'
Rand Slams Congress for Funding Egypt's Generals: 'How Does Your Conscience Feel Now?'
Sen. Rand Paul is hammering his fellow senators for keeping billions in financial aid flowing to Egypt’s military — even as Cairo’s security forces massacre anti-government activists.
“This is something that those who voted in Congress are going to have to live with,” Paul told The Cable on Thursday. “The question is: How does their conscience feel now as they see photographs of tanks rolling over Egyptian civilians?”
Sen. Rand Paul is hammering his fellow senators for keeping billions in financial aid flowing to Egypt’s military — even as Cairo’s security forces massacre anti-government activists.
“This is something that those who voted in Congress are going to have to live with,” Paul told The Cable on Thursday. “The question is: How does their conscience feel now as they see photographs of tanks rolling over Egyptian civilians?”
NBC Reports Businesses Afraid To Admit Obamacare Forces Cuts In Worker Hours
NBC Reports Businesses Afraid To Admit Obamacare Forces Cuts In Worker Hours
In this report from NBC, 20 businesses were contacted, and all 20 said they were planning on cutting employee hours because of the onerous burden of Obamacare.
“To tell somebody that you’ve got to decrease their hours because of a law passed in Washington is very frustrating to me,” said Loren Goodridge, who owns 21 Subway franchises, including a restaurant in Kennebunk. “I know the impact I’m having on some of my employees.”
Goodridge said he’s cutting the hours of 50 workers to no more than 29 a week so he won’t trigger the provision in the new health care law that requires employers to offer coverage to employees who work 30 hours or more per week. The provision takes effect in 16 months.
This adds to the already crippling failure Obama has been in creating jobs, as 7 out of 8 new jobs in his term have all been part-time.
In this report from NBC, 20 businesses were contacted, and all 20 said they were planning on cutting employee hours because of the onerous burden of Obamacare.
“To tell somebody that you’ve got to decrease their hours because of a law passed in Washington is very frustrating to me,” said Loren Goodridge, who owns 21 Subway franchises, including a restaurant in Kennebunk. “I know the impact I’m having on some of my employees.”
Goodridge said he’s cutting the hours of 50 workers to no more than 29 a week so he won’t trigger the provision in the new health care law that requires employers to offer coverage to employees who work 30 hours or more per week. The provision takes effect in 16 months.
This adds to the already crippling failure Obama has been in creating jobs, as 7 out of 8 new jobs in his term have all been part-time.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 1) (2001-03-03)
Megacon 2001 - Star Wars Q&A (part 1) (2001-03-03)
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history.
Join David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) in a question and answer session about what has become a film legend: Star Wars! Ask the stars of the first trilogy anything you ever wanted to know about what has become part of film history.
Ladar Levison, Lavabit Founder: 'Government Has Power To Take All Your Money And Freedom'
Ladar Levison, Lavabit Founder: 'Government Has Power To Take All Your Money And Freedom'
Though Levison noted he is not at liberty to reveal details about his case or acknowledge the role of the U.S. government in the shutdown of his company, Levison did tell host Mike Sacks, “Our federal government has the power to take all of your money and your freedom, and they’ve shown no shame in using those powers to get what they want and to punish people who speak out against them.”
He continued, “I kind of think the only reason I’m not in jail right now is because of all the media attention.”
Though Levison noted he is not at liberty to reveal details about his case or acknowledge the role of the U.S. government in the shutdown of his company, Levison did tell host Mike Sacks, “Our federal government has the power to take all of your money and your freedom, and they’ve shown no shame in using those powers to get what they want and to punish people who speak out against them.”
He continued, “I kind of think the only reason I’m not in jail right now is because of all the media attention.”
US SENATOR FEINSTEIN SEEKS TO FURTHER LIMIT FREEDOM OF PRESS
US SENATOR FEINSTEIN SEEKS TO FURTHER LIMIT FREEDOM OF PRESS
DC will now try and pass a law that will put parameters on media, journalism, journalists, etc. We are told that this will strengthen protection for journalists. In reality, it could open the door for government persecution due to purposefully placed ambiguous language. This is certainly by design, as it is repeated in almost every law passed by Congress and signed by the President.
S. 987 (Free Flow of Information Act) defines what a media provider is and who a journalist is, and is not. However, Senator Feinstein is not satisfied with the language and wants it further restricted. According to a report, Feinstein says, “I’m concerned this would provide special privilege to those who are not reporters at all.” She is referring to bloggers and the likes of Edward Snowden, NSA whistle-blower. Feinstein went on to suggest that the term journalist only apply to those who report for mainstream media sources, and do so as a primary source of income. H. 1962, the House version of the bill, already includes such stipulation
DC will now try and pass a law that will put parameters on media, journalism, journalists, etc. We are told that this will strengthen protection for journalists. In reality, it could open the door for government persecution due to purposefully placed ambiguous language. This is certainly by design, as it is repeated in almost every law passed by Congress and signed by the President.
S. 987 (Free Flow of Information Act) defines what a media provider is and who a journalist is, and is not. However, Senator Feinstein is not satisfied with the language and wants it further restricted. According to a report, Feinstein says, “I’m concerned this would provide special privilege to those who are not reporters at all.” She is referring to bloggers and the likes of Edward Snowden, NSA whistle-blower. Feinstein went on to suggest that the term journalist only apply to those who report for mainstream media sources, and do so as a primary source of income. H. 1962, the House version of the bill, already includes such stipulation
Snowden Says NSA Targets Journalists Critical of Government
Snowden Says NSA Targets Journalists Critical of Government
During the interview, Snowden said that Laura is one of “the few who reported fearlessly on controversial topics throughout this period, even in the face of withering personal criticism.”
“After 9/11, many of the most important news outlets in America abdicated their role as a check to power — the journalistic responsibility to challenge the excesses of government — for fear of being seen as unpatriotic and punished in the market during a period of heightened nationalism,” he said. “From a business perspective, this was the obvious strategy,” he continued. “But what benefitted the institutions ended up costing the public dearly. The major outlets are still only beginning to recover from this cold period. Laura and Glenn are among the few who reported fearlessly on controversial topics.”
Snowden contends that in doing so, Poitras became “targeted by the very programs involved in the recent disclosures.”
According to Snowden, the agency tracked her e-mails and placed her on countless travel watch lists, causing her to have to repeatedly undergo airport interrogations.
During the interview, Snowden said that Laura is one of “the few who reported fearlessly on controversial topics throughout this period, even in the face of withering personal criticism.”
“After 9/11, many of the most important news outlets in America abdicated their role as a check to power — the journalistic responsibility to challenge the excesses of government — for fear of being seen as unpatriotic and punished in the market during a period of heightened nationalism,” he said. “From a business perspective, this was the obvious strategy,” he continued. “But what benefitted the institutions ended up costing the public dearly. The major outlets are still only beginning to recover from this cold period. Laura and Glenn are among the few who reported fearlessly on controversial topics.”
Snowden contends that in doing so, Poitras became “targeted by the very programs involved in the recent disclosures.”
According to Snowden, the agency tracked her e-mails and placed her on countless travel watch lists, causing her to have to repeatedly undergo airport interrogations.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Megacon 2001 - Richard Biggs & Jason Carter (2001-03-03)
Megacon 2001 - Richard Biggs & Jason Carter (2001-03-03)
Richard Biggs (Dr. Stephen Franklin) and Jason Carter (Marcus Cole) from Babylon 5 sign autographs at Megacon in Orlando, Florida in 2001.
Richard Biggs (Dr. Stephen Franklin) and Jason Carter (Marcus Cole) from Babylon 5 sign autographs at Megacon in Orlando, Florida in 2001.
NSA Uses Loophole to Justify Collecting Domestic E-mail, Phone Calls
NSA Uses Loophole to Justify Collecting Domestic E-mail, Phone Calls
In a statement to the Guardian, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) reportedly said that this rule change makes it possible for the NSA to conduct “warrantless searches for the phone calls or e-mails of law-abiding Americans.”
The regulatory restatement relied on by the NSA to justify their unconstitutional surveillance was “approved in 2011” by the Obama administration, in direct contradiction to the president’s commitment to protect the constitutionally protected privacy of the American public “from the NSA’s dragnet surveillance programs.”
In a statement to the Guardian, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) reportedly said that this rule change makes it possible for the NSA to conduct “warrantless searches for the phone calls or e-mails of law-abiding Americans.”
The regulatory restatement relied on by the NSA to justify their unconstitutional surveillance was “approved in 2011” by the Obama administration, in direct contradiction to the president’s commitment to protect the constitutionally protected privacy of the American public “from the NSA’s dragnet surveillance programs.”
Ron Paul blasts establishment in Ron Paul Channel debut
Ron Paul blasts establishment in Ron Paul Channel debut
Yesterday, Ron Paul launched his new internet media outlet, the Ron Paul Channel. The fireworks began during the opening tease, with Paul claiming that President Obama “perpetuates terror while he claims to prevent it” through his use of drone strikes to combat terrorism.
Never shy of controversy, the former Congressman and Republican presidential candidate also blasted the war on drugs and the Federal Reserve.
That was all in the first minute.
The highlight of the show was even more controversial: Paul’s exclusive interview with Glenn Greenwald. Greenwald has published the series of stories on Edward Snowden’s disclosures about the domestic surveillance activities of the NSA.
Yesterday, Ron Paul launched his new internet media outlet, the Ron Paul Channel. The fireworks began during the opening tease, with Paul claiming that President Obama “perpetuates terror while he claims to prevent it” through his use of drone strikes to combat terrorism.
Never shy of controversy, the former Congressman and Republican presidential candidate also blasted the war on drugs and the Federal Reserve.
That was all in the first minute.
The highlight of the show was even more controversial: Paul’s exclusive interview with Glenn Greenwald. Greenwald has published the series of stories on Edward Snowden’s disclosures about the domestic surveillance activities of the NSA.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
University of California Study: National Debt Is Really $70 Trillion
University of California Study: National Debt Is Really $70 Trillion
James Hamilton, an economics professor at the University of California, San Diego, just published his best estimate of the federal government’s “off-balance-sheet” liabilities, in which he concludes that the real national debt, popularly estimated to be $16.9 trillion, is in fact more than four times larger: $70.086 trillion. This is because of decisions to leave out certain unfunded liabilities when the national debt is counted. He explains:
This paper examines the growth of federal liabilities that are not included in the officially reported numbers. These take the form of implicit or explicit government guarantees and commitments … housing, other loan guarantees, deposit insurance, actions taken by the Federal Reserve, and government trust funds….
The biggest items in this category come from Social Security and Medicare which, if current policy is maintained, will require enormous sacrifices from future taxpayers.
James Hamilton, an economics professor at the University of California, San Diego, just published his best estimate of the federal government’s “off-balance-sheet” liabilities, in which he concludes that the real national debt, popularly estimated to be $16.9 trillion, is in fact more than four times larger: $70.086 trillion. This is because of decisions to leave out certain unfunded liabilities when the national debt is counted. He explains:
This paper examines the growth of federal liabilities that are not included in the officially reported numbers. These take the form of implicit or explicit government guarantees and commitments … housing, other loan guarantees, deposit insurance, actions taken by the Federal Reserve, and government trust funds….
The biggest items in this category come from Social Security and Medicare which, if current policy is maintained, will require enormous sacrifices from future taxpayers.
Intelligence committee withheld key file before critical NSA vote, Amash claims
Intelligence committee withheld key file before critical NSA vote, Amash claims
A leader of the US congressional insurrection against the National Security Agency’s bulk surveillance programs has accused his colleagues of withholding a key document from the House of Representatives before a critical surveillance vote.
Justin Amash, the Michigan Republican whose effort to defund the NSA’s mass phone-records collection exposed deep congressional discomfort with domestic spying, said the House intelligence committee never allowed legislators outside the panel to see a 2011 document that described the surveillance in vague terms.
A leader of the US congressional insurrection against the National Security Agency’s bulk surveillance programs has accused his colleagues of withholding a key document from the House of Representatives before a critical surveillance vote.
Justin Amash, the Michigan Republican whose effort to defund the NSA’s mass phone-records collection exposed deep congressional discomfort with domestic spying, said the House intelligence committee never allowed legislators outside the panel to see a 2011 document that described the surveillance in vague terms.
Agencies buying hotel rooms for surge of Mexican illegal immigrants, others released
Agencies buying hotel rooms for surge of Mexican illegal immigrants, others released
The surge has raised suspicions about what is driving the influx, amid claims that illegal immigrants have learned they can attempt to get asylum by using a few key words — namely, by claiming they have a “credible fear” of drug cartels.
“This clearly has to have been orchestrated by somebody,” said former U.S. Attorney for Southern California Peter Nunez. “It’s beyond belief that dozens or hundreds or thousands of people would simultaneously decide that they should go to the U.S. and make this claim.”
Sources say one day last week, 200 border-crossers came through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry claiming asylum while and as many as 550 overflowed inside the processing center there and in nearby San Ysidro.
The surge has raised suspicions about what is driving the influx, amid claims that illegal immigrants have learned they can attempt to get asylum by using a few key words — namely, by claiming they have a “credible fear” of drug cartels.
“This clearly has to have been orchestrated by somebody,” said former U.S. Attorney for Southern California Peter Nunez. “It’s beyond belief that dozens or hundreds or thousands of people would simultaneously decide that they should go to the U.S. and make this claim.”
Sources say one day last week, 200 border-crossers came through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry claiming asylum while and as many as 550 overflowed inside the processing center there and in nearby San Ysidro.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Edward Snowden is a patriot
Edward Snowden is a patriot
Does President Barack Obama think we’re stupid?
That’s the only conclusion possible after watching Friday’s bravura performance in which the president announced a set of proposals meant to bring more transparency to the National Security Agency — and claimed he would have done it anyway, even if Edward Snowden had never decided to leak thousands of highly sensitive documents to The Guardian’s Glenn Greenwald.
But even as he grudgingly admitted that the timing, at least, of his suggestions was a consequence of Snowden’s actions, the president declared, “I don’t think Mr. Snowden was a patriot.” When you look at what has changed over the past two months, though, it’s hard not to wonder, “What could be more patriotic than what Snowden did?”
First, the results: More than a dozen bills have already been introduced to put a stop to the NSA’s mass phone record collection program and to overhaul the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which has reinterpreted the Fourth Amendment in secret, creating a body of privacy law that the public has never read. A half-dozen new privacy lawsuits have been filed against the NSA. The Pentagon is undergoing an unprecedented secrecy audit. U.S. officials have been caught deceiving or lying to Congress. The list goes on.
Does President Barack Obama think we’re stupid?
That’s the only conclusion possible after watching Friday’s bravura performance in which the president announced a set of proposals meant to bring more transparency to the National Security Agency — and claimed he would have done it anyway, even if Edward Snowden had never decided to leak thousands of highly sensitive documents to The Guardian’s Glenn Greenwald.
But even as he grudgingly admitted that the timing, at least, of his suggestions was a consequence of Snowden’s actions, the president declared, “I don’t think Mr. Snowden was a patriot.” When you look at what has changed over the past two months, though, it’s hard not to wonder, “What could be more patriotic than what Snowden did?”
First, the results: More than a dozen bills have already been introduced to put a stop to the NSA’s mass phone record collection program and to overhaul the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which has reinterpreted the Fourth Amendment in secret, creating a body of privacy law that the public has never read. A half-dozen new privacy lawsuits have been filed against the NSA. The Pentagon is undergoing an unprecedented secrecy audit. U.S. officials have been caught deceiving or lying to Congress. The list goes on.
Cops kill dog, handcuff kids in wrong-house raid
Cops kill dog, handcuff kids in wrong-house raid
A federal court case has been launched after a SWAT team in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area busted into the wrong house, shot the family’s dog, handcuffed the children and forced them to “sit next to the carcass of their dead and bloody pet for more than an hour.”
A federal court case has been launched after a SWAT team in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area busted into the wrong house, shot the family’s dog, handcuffed the children and forced them to “sit next to the carcass of their dead and bloody pet for more than an hour.”
Friday, August 9, 2013
CHRISTIE SPENDS $4.7M IN SANDY RELIEF FUNDS ON PSEUDO CAMPAIGN ADS FEATURING HIMSELF
CHRISTIE SPENDS $4.7M IN SANDY RELIEF FUNDS ON PSEUDO CAMPAIGN ADS FEATURING HIMSELF
According to a report in the Asbury Park Press, a new ad campaign dubbed “Stronger Than The Storm” stars Christie and his family. The ad campaign is costing taxpayers almost $5 million. The price tag comes in $2 million higher than a bid denied by the Governor’s administration from a competing firm. The ads are part of a $25 million dollar state tourism fund given to New Jersey in the Sandy relief bill.
“The contract documents shine new light on the role Christie administration officials had in the new TV commercials, which are controversial because they give Christie more exposure during a gubernatorial election year, and also because they introduce him to voters in other states in advance of a possible 2016 presidential campaign.
According to a report in the Asbury Park Press, a new ad campaign dubbed “Stronger Than The Storm” stars Christie and his family. The ad campaign is costing taxpayers almost $5 million. The price tag comes in $2 million higher than a bid denied by the Governor’s administration from a competing firm. The ads are part of a $25 million dollar state tourism fund given to New Jersey in the Sandy relief bill.
“The contract documents shine new light on the role Christie administration officials had in the new TV commercials, which are controversial because they give Christie more exposure during a gubernatorial election year, and also because they introduce him to voters in other states in advance of a possible 2016 presidential campaign.
Edward Snowden's Email Provider Shut Down Rather Than Comply With Feds
Edward Snowden's Email Provider Shut Down Rather Than Comply With Feds
Users of the extra secure and private email provider Lavabit are out of luck after the owner shut down the service on Thursday offering only a cryptic message as an explanation. Lavabit is the preferred email service provider of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, and yes, this matters.
In a note posted on lavabit.com, Ladar Levison goes into very little detail about what compelled him to shut down his service so abruptly, but it seems likely that he opted to pull the plug rather than comply with government requests about the Snowden connection.
Users of the extra secure and private email provider Lavabit are out of luck after the owner shut down the service on Thursday offering only a cryptic message as an explanation. Lavabit is the preferred email service provider of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, and yes, this matters.
In a note posted on lavabit.com, Ladar Levison goes into very little detail about what compelled him to shut down his service so abruptly, but it seems likely that he opted to pull the plug rather than comply with government requests about the Snowden connection.
MAJOR HEALTH INSURERS ABANDON OBAMACARE EXCHANGES
MAJOR HEALTH INSURERS ABANDON OBAMACARE EXCHANGES
Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, United Health Group, and Humana have all decided against participating in various states’ ObamaCare health insurance exchanges. The exchanges, which are scheduled to begin operation on October 1st, will be the only place Americans can purchase health insurance using federal subsidies granted by President Obama’s signature healthcare reform law.
Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, United Health Group, and Humana have all decided against participating in various states’ ObamaCare health insurance exchanges. The exchanges, which are scheduled to begin operation on October 1st, will be the only place Americans can purchase health insurance using federal subsidies granted by President Obama’s signature healthcare reform law.
Obamacare installs new scrutiny, fines for charitable hospitals that treat uninsured people
Obamacare installs new scrutiny, fines for charitable hospitals that treat uninsured people
Charitable hospitals that treat uninsured Americans will be subjected to new levels of scrutiny of their nonprofit status and could face sizable new fines under Obamacare.
A new provision in Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code, which takes effect under Obamacare, sets new standards of review and installs new financial penalties for tax-exempt charitable hospitals, which devote a minimum amount of their expenses to treat uninsured poor people. Approximately 60 percent of American hospitals are currently nonprofit.
Charity for the uninsured is one of the factors that could discourage enrollment in Obamacare, which requires all Americans to purchase heath insurance or else face new taxes themselves from the IRS.
Charitable hospitals that treat uninsured Americans will be subjected to new levels of scrutiny of their nonprofit status and could face sizable new fines under Obamacare.
A new provision in Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code, which takes effect under Obamacare, sets new standards of review and installs new financial penalties for tax-exempt charitable hospitals, which devote a minimum amount of their expenses to treat uninsured poor people. Approximately 60 percent of American hospitals are currently nonprofit.
Charity for the uninsured is one of the factors that could discourage enrollment in Obamacare, which requires all Americans to purchase heath insurance or else face new taxes themselves from the IRS.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Old magazines, a window into the past
Old magazines, a window into the past
Reading an old magazine is a bit like looking through a window in time that propels you back to days long gone. Whether it’s magazines about gaming (like Zzap!64, Commodore Format, …) or the ones focused on the more serious use of computers (like 64’er, Byte, …), they all share that same quality: they recount a moment in history and preserve it for future generations.
One such magazine I acquired recently conveys such a very important moment in computing and Commodore’s history; Byte Magazine of October ’77.
For instance, the magazine holds some of the first ads for what’s to become the “trinity” of home computers: The Commodore PET, the Apple II and the TRS-80.
The most striking piece of history that is immortalized in the magazine however, is the account of the Dallas National Computer Conference (NCC), held on June 13th 1977. Normally the event showcased the big computer companies like IBM, GE, National Semiconductor, … but in 1977 the organizers decided to try out something new and created an extra exhibition hall for the microcomputer companies, which they called the Personal Computing Fair.
Reading an old magazine is a bit like looking through a window in time that propels you back to days long gone. Whether it’s magazines about gaming (like Zzap!64, Commodore Format, …) or the ones focused on the more serious use of computers (like 64’er, Byte, …), they all share that same quality: they recount a moment in history and preserve it for future generations.
One such magazine I acquired recently conveys such a very important moment in computing and Commodore’s history; Byte Magazine of October ’77.
For instance, the magazine holds some of the first ads for what’s to become the “trinity” of home computers: The Commodore PET, the Apple II and the TRS-80.
The most striking piece of history that is immortalized in the magazine however, is the account of the Dallas National Computer Conference (NCC), held on June 13th 1977. Normally the event showcased the big computer companies like IBM, GE, National Semiconductor, … but in 1977 the organizers decided to try out something new and created an extra exhibition hall for the microcomputer companies, which they called the Personal Computing Fair.
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