WASHINGTON (May 26) — President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as "an inspiring woman" with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely.
Obama said Sotomayor has more experience as a judge than any current member of the high court had when nominated, adding she has earned the "respect of colleagues on the bench, the admiration of many lawyers who argue cases in her court and the adoration of her clerks, who look to her as a mentor."
FOR FULL REPORT: http://news.aol.com/article/obama-supreme-court/497457
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
PITALUA ARRIVED IN AUSTIN AND IS READY TO WIN WBC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON SATURDAY...
WBC #2 Lightweight contender Antonio Pitalua Ospino arrived last night in Austin, Texas with his team confident of victory. He appeared today at the public work out very optimistic and ready for his upcoming challenge for the WBC Lightweight vacant title against former WBA World Champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela this Saturday, April 4th at the Frank Erwin Center of the Texas capital. Valero was a no show.
"I know this is my last shot at a World Title and I will not let this opportunity go by, we have been waiting for a another chance almost 9 years and will take full advantage of itâ€, Pitalua said. "Valero is a good fighter but he has not faced somebody with my heart, punching power and experience and these will be my keys to victory," he continued.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.braggingrightscorner.com/valeropitaluadir032209.html
"I know this is my last shot at a World Title and I will not let this opportunity go by, we have been waiting for a another chance almost 9 years and will take full advantage of itâ€, Pitalua said. "Valero is a good fighter but he has not faced somebody with my heart, punching power and experience and these will be my keys to victory," he continued.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.braggingrightscorner.com/valeropitaluadir032209.html
US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev to meet
U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitri Medvedev, have agreed to renew talks on limiting long-range nuclear weapons.
The two presidents, meeting face-to-face for the first time, said they hope to reach agreement on extending the strategic-arms reduction treaty, known as START, that expires in December, and to lower weapons stockpiles below the levels set in a 2002 pact signed in Moscow. They directed negotiators to report progress by July.
The two men met in London Wednesday in advance of the summit of leaders of the Group of 20 major economies.
In a wide-ranging statement, Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev said their two countries no longer view each other as enemies, and they pledged to work together to strengthen international security and meet global economic and other challenges. Mr. Obama will visit Russia in July to continue their contacts.
The presidents acknowledged their continuing disagreement over U.S. plans for deploying a missile defense system in Europe, but vowed to discuss mutual international cooperation on missile defense.
The presidents urged Iran to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear agency and to prove its nuclear program is peaceful in nature. They said Iran has the right to a civilian nuclear program, but added that the Tehran government needs to restore confidence in the "exclusively peaceful nature" of its initiative.
The U.S.-Russian statement expressed concern over the possible launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea, saying that would damage peace and stability. They urged Pyongyang to show restraint and honor the U.N. Security Council's directives about its nuclear activities.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev also said they will work together in efforts to deal with terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan and with drug trafficking in the area.
The two presidents, meeting face-to-face for the first time, said they hope to reach agreement on extending the strategic-arms reduction treaty, known as START, that expires in December, and to lower weapons stockpiles below the levels set in a 2002 pact signed in Moscow. They directed negotiators to report progress by July.
The two men met in London Wednesday in advance of the summit of leaders of the Group of 20 major economies.
In a wide-ranging statement, Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev said their two countries no longer view each other as enemies, and they pledged to work together to strengthen international security and meet global economic and other challenges. Mr. Obama will visit Russia in July to continue their contacts.
The presidents acknowledged their continuing disagreement over U.S. plans for deploying a missile defense system in Europe, but vowed to discuss mutual international cooperation on missile defense.
The presidents urged Iran to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear agency and to prove its nuclear program is peaceful in nature. They said Iran has the right to a civilian nuclear program, but added that the Tehran government needs to restore confidence in the "exclusively peaceful nature" of its initiative.
The U.S.-Russian statement expressed concern over the possible launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea, saying that would damage peace and stability. They urged Pyongyang to show restraint and honor the U.N. Security Council's directives about its nuclear activities.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev also said they will work together in efforts to deal with terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan and with drug trafficking in the area.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Cigarette Prices Will Top $9 per Pack in New York City Tomorrow
Starting March 31, 2009, New York City smokers will have to pay $9 or more for a pack of cigarettes. The 62-cent federal excise tax increase that takes effect on April 1st will push the cost of cigarettes to more than $250 a month for people smoking a pack a day. As many as 20,000 adult New Yorkers are expected to quit smoking as a result of the measure – a response that would prevent more than 6,000 premature deaths. To help New Yorkers who want to quit, the City will offer free nicotine patches at Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) locations and other community sites across the five boroughs. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit one of the locations below to take advantage of this one-day giveaway.
“Now is the time to quit,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Smoking is hurting your health and your wallet. For the many New Yorkers looking to save money during these tough times, this is a great way to do it. You will feel better, your families will be safer, and you will save thousands of dollars.”
“Smokers who quit at any age reduce their risk of tobacco-related disease and prolong their lives,” said Alan D. Aviles, president of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. “Over the past three years, we have helped more than 25,000 patients to quit smoking successfully. Research suggests that at least one-third of these patients, or about 8,000 former smokers, will avoid smoking-related disease and premature death as a result.”
QuitSmoking Clinics at the city public hospitals provide comprehensive treatment for tobacco use. HHC offers individuals a variety of ways to stop smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and case management to help patients remain engaged in treatment. New Yorkers can call 311 for more information.
Tax increases are the single most effective way to help smokers quit. When New York State’s cigarette tax rose by $1.25 per pack last year (from $1.50 to $2.75), the jolt prompted more than 2,700 calls to 311 for help to quit over the course of one week – three times the number of calls during the same period in the prior year. New York City has 300,000 fewer adult smokers today than in 2002 – thanks in part to price increases – and smoking has dropped 52 percent among public high school students since 2001.
Making cigarettes more expensive is especially effective in preventing young people from starting smoking because few can afford such an expensive habit. “The increase will prevent many children from ever starting smoking,” added Dr. Frieden. “This is a powerful way to improve the health of future generations.”
New York City cigarettes became the most expensive in the nation last June, and will remain the priciest tomorrow, when the federal tax jumps from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack, pushing the total tax to $5.26 per pack.
Tips on Quitting
Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.
Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan.
Make a list of reasons why you want to quit.
Make a list of family and friends who will support you.
Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and other smokers.
Exercise to relieve stress, and improve your mood. Try a brisk 30-minute walk at least four days a week.
Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as patches, lozenges or gum, which can double your chances of quitting.
“Now is the time to quit,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Smoking is hurting your health and your wallet. For the many New Yorkers looking to save money during these tough times, this is a great way to do it. You will feel better, your families will be safer, and you will save thousands of dollars.”
“Smokers who quit at any age reduce their risk of tobacco-related disease and prolong their lives,” said Alan D. Aviles, president of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. “Over the past three years, we have helped more than 25,000 patients to quit smoking successfully. Research suggests that at least one-third of these patients, or about 8,000 former smokers, will avoid smoking-related disease and premature death as a result.”
QuitSmoking Clinics at the city public hospitals provide comprehensive treatment for tobacco use. HHC offers individuals a variety of ways to stop smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and case management to help patients remain engaged in treatment. New Yorkers can call 311 for more information.
Tax increases are the single most effective way to help smokers quit. When New York State’s cigarette tax rose by $1.25 per pack last year (from $1.50 to $2.75), the jolt prompted more than 2,700 calls to 311 for help to quit over the course of one week – three times the number of calls during the same period in the prior year. New York City has 300,000 fewer adult smokers today than in 2002 – thanks in part to price increases – and smoking has dropped 52 percent among public high school students since 2001.
Making cigarettes more expensive is especially effective in preventing young people from starting smoking because few can afford such an expensive habit. “The increase will prevent many children from ever starting smoking,” added Dr. Frieden. “This is a powerful way to improve the health of future generations.”
New York City cigarettes became the most expensive in the nation last June, and will remain the priciest tomorrow, when the federal tax jumps from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack, pushing the total tax to $5.26 per pack.
Tips on Quitting
Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.
Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan.
Make a list of reasons why you want to quit.
Make a list of family and friends who will support you.
Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and other smokers.
Exercise to relieve stress, and improve your mood. Try a brisk 30-minute walk at least four days a week.
Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as patches, lozenges or gum, which can double your chances of quitting.
New Sex Scandal Rocks Oprah's School
(March 31) -- For the second time in just as many years, a sex scandal has erupted at Oprah Winfrey's South African school for girls, though the details still remain a bit elusive.
According to The Times of South Africa, seven young female students have been expelled from the talk-show host's institution for sexual misconduct. Rapport newspaper, another South African publication, details the incident further, saying that the girls tried to force fellow students (it's an all-girls school) into sexual relationships with each other and also tried to touch them "intimately."
Speaking to the mother and grandmother of two expelled girls, The Times reports that they had received a letter from the school claiming their kids "have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus ... bullying other girls and ... not telling investigators the whole truth."
Lisa Halliday, Winfrey's South Africa spokeswoman, responded to the situation on Monday, saying: "We consider this to be a confidential school matter."
This is the second major incident at Winfrey's school. In 2007, Tiny Makopo -- the school's matron -- was charged with indecent assault and one charge based on an allegation she fondled a 13-year-old girl. She has since plead not guilty, and the case is still in the works.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened in January of 2007. Winfrey said she opened the school because she "wanted to give this opportunity to girls who had a light so bright that not even poverty could dim that light."
According to The Times of South Africa, seven young female students have been expelled from the talk-show host's institution for sexual misconduct. Rapport newspaper, another South African publication, details the incident further, saying that the girls tried to force fellow students (it's an all-girls school) into sexual relationships with each other and also tried to touch them "intimately."
Speaking to the mother and grandmother of two expelled girls, The Times reports that they had received a letter from the school claiming their kids "have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus ... bullying other girls and ... not telling investigators the whole truth."
Lisa Halliday, Winfrey's South Africa spokeswoman, responded to the situation on Monday, saying: "We consider this to be a confidential school matter."
This is the second major incident at Winfrey's school. In 2007, Tiny Makopo -- the school's matron -- was charged with indecent assault and one charge based on an allegation she fondled a 13-year-old girl. She has since plead not guilty, and the case is still in the works.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened in January of 2007. Winfrey said she opened the school because she "wanted to give this opportunity to girls who had a light so bright that not even poverty could dim that light."
ROMANTIC GETAWAY: GRAND BAHAMA/FREEPORT, BAHAMAS
The fourth largest and second most populated island in the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island has recently enjoyed a spurt of commercial growth. While the island was originally developed in the 1950s, the cruise ship traffic tended to bypass it in favor of nearby Nassau. However, lately ships such as the Discovery have begun to make Freeport their main port of call, revitalizing the tourist trade on this sleepy island.
Although 41,000 people live on Grand Bahama, they are spread out over such a wide area as to make the island seem nearly uninhabited in parts. Wide stretches of road and miles of white sandy beach are empty for days at a time. You can walk for hours without seeing anyone. On the other hand, if you travel a few miles to bustling Port Lucaya or the International Bazaar, it becomes obvious that while the island is not a tourism capital, it's on its way to becoming one. An interesting piece of trivia is that locals call Freeport “The City” and Nassau “The Town.” One would think it would be the opposite, after all, Nassau is several times larger. However, downtown Nassau is a pell-mell collection of shops, services and businesses, squeezed together wall-to-wall with no real logic. Freeport, on the other hand, is composed of a few separate districts, distinctly separated by land and highways, and each possessed of its own specific qualities.
Port Lucaya
As far as tourists are concerned, Port Lucaya is the center of Grand Bahamas. The cruise ships dock here, the activity boats depart from here, and the night life is concentrated here for the most part, in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Several large hotels are also located in Port Lucaya. They are scattered around the Marketplace, with the most famous of them, the Lucayan, being directly across from it. As far as lodging goes, many people feel that Port Lucaya is the best bet, because guests of a Port Lucaya hotel have instant access to the beach, restaurants, activities and shopping. The Marketplace is perhaps the best shopping center on the island, with about 85 specialty stores and restaurants, not to mention a hopping Straw Market. The Straw Market is the place to haggle for local goods and cheap souvenirs.
The port itself is very busy during the daytime, all the way up to the sunset hours. During the morning hours, dozens of activity brokers, barkers and ship captains try to draw in customers for activities ranging from sport fishing to snorkeling to parasailing. Buses full of tourists from major hotels arrive at the port and line up for the Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruise, the Glass-Bottom Party Boat, and other favorite daytime adventures. At sunset, the ever-popular Bahama Mama Booze Cruise departs from the dock, full of rowdy vacationers ready to get drunk. An hour after sunset the same ship returns, full of drastically changed people. Half of them stumble out of the ship looking for the nearest bed. The other half charge happily out, looking for the nearest bar—which, in this district, is easy to find.
Nighttime options in Port Lucaya vary a tiny bit. There's live music in Count Basie Square, a half-dozen little bars (frequented by locals and tourists alike) and a few hotel lounges. Fortunate guests of the Lucayan can splash around in the gigantic rock-formation hot tub. For people who want to make a mellow night of it, several open-air restaurants and casual sweet shops are open till around 10p. Enjoy dinner, a snack, or coffee with friends. Ice cream at Marie's Kookies is a great way to beat the heat. Pisces Restaurant, located at the front of the Marketplace, is a popular pizzeria and hangout spot, serving fruity cocktails and doses of boisterous cheer.
International Bazaar
It's a toss-up whether this district or Port Lucaya is the hottest spot in Freeport. Since they're several miles away from each other, it doesn't make much sense to go to both districts in one day—especially if you're taking a cab (since there is almost no public transportation in Freeport, cabs are usually the best option). While the Bazaar doesn't have a busy harbor to draw people, it has something that is for some even more tempting, a Las Vegas-style casino. Located at the Resort at Bahamia, this casino is 20,000 square feet in size, and has every kind of table game as well as over 400 slot machines. A production show is presented nightly in the Casino Showroom. The rest of this area's nightlife is scattered; the Resort at Bahamia boasts a few bars, while the club of the moment, Ruby Swiss Restaurant, is behind the Resort at Bahamia.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Grand+Bahama/Freeport--Bahamas:167-overview
Although 41,000 people live on Grand Bahama, they are spread out over such a wide area as to make the island seem nearly uninhabited in parts. Wide stretches of road and miles of white sandy beach are empty for days at a time. You can walk for hours without seeing anyone. On the other hand, if you travel a few miles to bustling Port Lucaya or the International Bazaar, it becomes obvious that while the island is not a tourism capital, it's on its way to becoming one. An interesting piece of trivia is that locals call Freeport “The City” and Nassau “The Town.” One would think it would be the opposite, after all, Nassau is several times larger. However, downtown Nassau is a pell-mell collection of shops, services and businesses, squeezed together wall-to-wall with no real logic. Freeport, on the other hand, is composed of a few separate districts, distinctly separated by land and highways, and each possessed of its own specific qualities.
Port Lucaya
As far as tourists are concerned, Port Lucaya is the center of Grand Bahamas. The cruise ships dock here, the activity boats depart from here, and the night life is concentrated here for the most part, in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Several large hotels are also located in Port Lucaya. They are scattered around the Marketplace, with the most famous of them, the Lucayan, being directly across from it. As far as lodging goes, many people feel that Port Lucaya is the best bet, because guests of a Port Lucaya hotel have instant access to the beach, restaurants, activities and shopping. The Marketplace is perhaps the best shopping center on the island, with about 85 specialty stores and restaurants, not to mention a hopping Straw Market. The Straw Market is the place to haggle for local goods and cheap souvenirs.
The port itself is very busy during the daytime, all the way up to the sunset hours. During the morning hours, dozens of activity brokers, barkers and ship captains try to draw in customers for activities ranging from sport fishing to snorkeling to parasailing. Buses full of tourists from major hotels arrive at the port and line up for the Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruise, the Glass-Bottom Party Boat, and other favorite daytime adventures. At sunset, the ever-popular Bahama Mama Booze Cruise departs from the dock, full of rowdy vacationers ready to get drunk. An hour after sunset the same ship returns, full of drastically changed people. Half of them stumble out of the ship looking for the nearest bed. The other half charge happily out, looking for the nearest bar—which, in this district, is easy to find.
Nighttime options in Port Lucaya vary a tiny bit. There's live music in Count Basie Square, a half-dozen little bars (frequented by locals and tourists alike) and a few hotel lounges. Fortunate guests of the Lucayan can splash around in the gigantic rock-formation hot tub. For people who want to make a mellow night of it, several open-air restaurants and casual sweet shops are open till around 10p. Enjoy dinner, a snack, or coffee with friends. Ice cream at Marie's Kookies is a great way to beat the heat. Pisces Restaurant, located at the front of the Marketplace, is a popular pizzeria and hangout spot, serving fruity cocktails and doses of boisterous cheer.
International Bazaar
It's a toss-up whether this district or Port Lucaya is the hottest spot in Freeport. Since they're several miles away from each other, it doesn't make much sense to go to both districts in one day—especially if you're taking a cab (since there is almost no public transportation in Freeport, cabs are usually the best option). While the Bazaar doesn't have a busy harbor to draw people, it has something that is for some even more tempting, a Las Vegas-style casino. Located at the Resort at Bahamia, this casino is 20,000 square feet in size, and has every kind of table game as well as over 400 slot machines. A production show is presented nightly in the Casino Showroom. The rest of this area's nightlife is scattered; the Resort at Bahamia boasts a few bars, while the club of the moment, Ruby Swiss Restaurant, is behind the Resort at Bahamia.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Grand+Bahama/Freeport--Bahamas:167-overview
Friday, March 27, 2009
Apple stores now selling iPhone 3G without a contract
Apple retail stores as of Thursday are selling unrestricted quantities of the iPhone 3G at the full, non-subsidized price of $599 for the 8GB version and $699 for the 16GB models.
The move follows AT&T's plans to sell one phone per customer at the full price for existing customers of its service. In Apple's case however, there is no limit on the number of phones a buyer can purchase, and no need to have an existing AT&T contract.
Activation can completed by the customer at home through iTunes.
While the phones are still technically locked to AT&T service, it is possible (but not supported) to unlock the phones for use with other mobile service providers. In the US, that is largely limited to T-Moble, although that GSM provider does not support the same 3G network the iPhone 3G needs to connect at faster than EDGE speeds.
Apple's change in sales policy comes as the company is working to sell off remaining inventory to prepare for the upcoming launch of the new 2009 iPhone, expected to be released around the middle of June, possibly at the company's similarly-timed Worldwide Developer Conference.
The move follows AT&T's plans to sell one phone per customer at the full price for existing customers of its service. In Apple's case however, there is no limit on the number of phones a buyer can purchase, and no need to have an existing AT&T contract.
Activation can completed by the customer at home through iTunes.
While the phones are still technically locked to AT&T service, it is possible (but not supported) to unlock the phones for use with other mobile service providers. In the US, that is largely limited to T-Moble, although that GSM provider does not support the same 3G network the iPhone 3G needs to connect at faster than EDGE speeds.
Apple's change in sales policy comes as the company is working to sell off remaining inventory to prepare for the upcoming launch of the new 2009 iPhone, expected to be released around the middle of June, possibly at the company's similarly-timed Worldwide Developer Conference.
Monday, March 23, 2009
TRAVEL: Discover the island of Aruba
Tired of work, stress, and/or concerned about the economy. Well, we've decided to bring some relief by highlighting travel destinations we know you will like. And we start our regular series with the beautiful island of Aruba, the tiny island in the Lesser Antilles, off the coast of Venezuela whose diminutive size doesn't translate into a lack of fun in the sun, both on-beach and off.Global warming may be all the talk, but in Aruba, there's no such thing as climate change. Thanks to consistent trade winds, the island enjoys one of the most stable climates on the planet at an almost-constant 82 degrees F year-round.
And there are only a few of those pesky afternoon thunderstorms to deal with, as rainfall is limited to just 16 inches annually.
The vacation buzz kill -- Atlantic hurricane season -- runs from June 1 to November 1, but Aruba rarely gets more than a passing wind or surfer-friendly surf from the big storms.
Thanks to the island's position in the Lesser Antilles, Aruba is pretty much out of harm's way -- and officially out of the hurricane track -- during prime hurricane season.Aruba's desert environment and the island's continuous exposure to the blazing Southern Caribbean sunshine combine for the perfect atmosphere in which to grow aloe vera.
The first succulent aloe plants were planted in Aruba in the mid 1800s; by the turn of the century aloe production was under full swing as the plant's healing properties gained a world-wide reputation.
Where did Caribbean stud poker start? In Aruba -- not surprising, since the island is known as the tropical version of Vegas.
Most large resorts on the island -- including the Hyatt Regency, the Renaissance Seaport and Renaissance Crystal -- offer luxurious gaming spaces. A few casinos are open 24 hours, but most open at 11 a.m. with table games well into the night.
Aruba is the envy of other Caribbean islands for its repeat visitor rate; boasting the most returning visitors than any other island in the region.
Return visitors account for over 40 percent of Aruba's tourists, who report returning for not only the weather, but for the nightlife and the friendliness of the Aruban people. Seventy-five percent of Aruba's visitors come from the U.S.Surprisingly, there's not a single river in all of Aruba, an unusual geographic feature in the region.
The relatively flat, dry island boasts almost 70 miles of coastline and very little vegetation, save for a few succulents including the aloe plant and cacti; the highest point on the island is about 616 feet.
Much of Aruba's off-beach charm exudes from its pastel-colored villages -- a reminder of its cultural heritage as a Dutch colony.
Today, the island has its own special status as an entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the local language -- Papamiento -- is a lyrical mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Arawak and African.
The island experienced its own 1800s gold rush. Legend has it that Aruba was a treasure island -- and aptly named Oro Ruba, or red gold.
Prospectors once mined ore from the small hills on the northern coast, and in 1824 it gold was finally discovered. Two mills -- which produced more than three million pounds of gold -- are open for tours filled with tales of the adventurous prospectors.
Aruba's just a two and a half hour flight from Miami, and 14 major airports offer direct flights to the island's Queen Beatrix International.
Plus, year-round charters are available out of Boston and Chicago. The best part is that it's the only place with a U.S. Customs and Immigration pre-clearance check-in, meaning travelers are cleared through customs before ever hitting U.S. soil.
Aruba has the highest standard of living in the West Indies; the median annual income is over $21,000.
The island's educational system gets much of the credit for the literacy rates of this highly educated population, while the booming tourism industry brings with it the potential for workers to make an excellent living.
AIG to return bonuses
NEW YORK (March 23) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Monday that 15 employees who received some of the largest bonuses from American International Group Inc. have agreed to return the money in full.The commitments amount to more than $30 million of the $165 million in bonuses awarded earlier this month by the troubled insurer.
Cuomo said he still hopes that more AIG employees will return their bonuses. He expects his office will be able to recoup about $80 million of the money the insurer paid out — roughly the amount of bonuses paid to American employees.
AIG Chief Executive Edward Liddy told Congress last week that some of the employees were willing to give the money back. AIG has come under heavy criticism because the bonuses were given to employees after the company received $170 billion in government bailout money. Cuomo had sought the names of the employees who received bonuses from Liddy through a subpoena.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/fifteen-aig-execs-will-return-bonuses/392389
Jade Goody, reality TV star, dies.
Reality TV star Jade Goody, 27, died of cervical cancer on Sunday. Goody's battle with cancer garnered much media attention after she was diagnosed while filming 'Celebrity Big Brother'. She underwent cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, in the public eye and on film.Other obituaries in the news include George Weber, a longtime radio reporter, and three Oakland police officers. Weber, 47, was found stabbed to death in his New York City apartment on Sunday. In California, Lovelle Mixon, 26, shot four Oakland police officers during a routine traffic stop on Saturday. Authorities believe Mixon, a parolee, began the the bloodiest shoot out in California's history because he was afraid of returning to jail.
Sports fans got quite a show over the weekend. NASCAR fans saw Kyle Busch win at Bristol and Denny Hamlin took second place. With March Madness underway, basketball is on everyone's mind.
Tata Nano: The 4-Wheel Dreams for Millions of Drivers in India
By HEATHER TIMMONSNEW DELHI — "Six years after the idea was hatched, India’s much-hyped $2,500 Tata Nano was unveiled on Monday. The supercheap compact car, aimed at the developing world’s millions of motorcycle owners with four-wheel dreams, arrived trailing dark clouds, as Tata Motors struggles with production problems and a huge debt load.
"But as the global economy withers and automakers bleed cash and cut employees, global warming continues and oil prices creep back up, even rivals say that tiny, wallet-friendly, fuel-efficient cars like the Nano might be where demand grows around the world.
" “We’re quite confident there is going to be huge market for that segment,” said Ashish Sinharoy, a vice president at Renault India. Renault and Nissan have partnered with Bajaj Auto, an Indian scooter maker, to introduce a small, cheap car of their own, due out in 2011.
"Automakers and car enthusiasts will be following the Nano closely, looking for flaws and gauging consumer reaction. Projects like the Renault-Bajaj alliance, and other cheap small cars plans from manufacturers including Honda and Hyundai might be scrapped if the Nano fails. J. D. Power & Associates predicts that Tata will sell 35,000 Nanos this year, because of production constraints. The car is expected to go on sale next month.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/business/worldbusiness/24auto.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print
Saturday, March 21, 2009
iTunes Store HD Movies Don’t Play on My Monitor: Solutions
Yesterday, Apple announced that the iTunes Store was now selling $20 high-definition movies for viewing on a computer, as well as renting computer-ready versions for $4-$5 in the same way that it has been through the Apple TV. In an impressive, though space-consuming feat, Apple provides users with both a high-definition video for computer and Apple TV use, as well as one that’s lower-resolution and capable of being played on your iPod or iPhone. The test video we downloaded, Punisher: War Zone, came in a 3.09GB, 1280x532 file, as well as a DVD-quality 1.15GB, 853x354 version. Unfortunately, the HD version refused to play back from a current-model MacBook through a high-definition external monitor—even an Apple Cinema Display.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/itunes-store-hd-movies-dont-play-on-my-monitor-solutions/
Big Deficit Projection Tests Obama Agenda
WASHINGTON -- Congressional budget forecasters said President Barack Obama's spending blueprint would produce significantly deeper long-run deficits than the White House has projected, complicating the task of enacting his ambitious domestic agenda.
"This will make it more challenging for Congress as we craft a budget resolution," said North Dakota Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad. The Senate Budget Committee chairman will be one of the key players steering the White House spending blueprint through Capitol Hill starting next week. "The reality is, we are going to have to make adjustments to the president's budget if we want to keep the deficit on a downward trajectory," Mr. Conrad added.
Last week, Mr. Conrad warned that he is "very concerned" about the budget's long-run implications, saying the level of debt it envisioned "threatens the economic security of this country -- I believe it in my bones."
The Congressional Budget Office on Friday said that, if the Obama budget unveiled last month were approved, the federal government would run deficits averaging nearly $1 trillion a year over the next decade. The cumulative deficit from 2010-19 would be $9.3 trillion, according to the report -- $2.3 trillion more than the administration forecast last month.
One main reason for the difference in budget estimates is a difference in economic forecasts, with congressional views of long-term growth less optimistic than those of the White House -- in part because of the long-term effects of so much government borrowing. The White House said its projection is more in line with those of private-sector economists. Congressional forecasters also use different accounting rules that tend to be more conservative.
FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123755932558295685.html#mod=rss_economy
TECHNOLOGY: The Asus Eee PC 1008HA priced for the UK
The Asus Eee PC 1008HA that wowed crowds at CeBIT earlier this month has just been priced for the UK. Read on to find out how much you’ll pay for this skinny netbook when it washes up on shore.
In case you’re confusing the Asus Eee PC 1008HA with one of the many, many 10 inch Eee netbooks out there, the Asus Eee PC 1008HA, or Eee Shell as it’s been dubbed, is a redesigned, superskinny Eee akin to a smaller MacBook Air, and it’s now had a pricetag slapped on it.
The Asus Eee PC 1008HA will set you back £359 including tax in the UK when it arrives sometime next month, according to Netbook Choice. That’s £30 more than the Eee PC 1000HE with its phenomenal battery life, but at just one inch thick at the fattest part, the Asus Eee PC 1008HA is even more portable. If a Dell Adamo netbook turns up though, that might be so impressive though.
We’ll be sure to bring you any more details on the Asus Eee PC 1008HA as and when, but in the meantime, you can check out the gallery of official pics below.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
MORE FALLOUT FROM THESE AIG BONUSES
Yesterday, President Obama and tax cheat Tim Geithner outlined their plan for small businesses. But before doing that, Obama wanted to make sure he had his say about these AIG bonuses. And not surprisingly, he believes that they are outrageous. Not only that, but he wants tax cheat Tim Geithner to "pursue every single legal avenue" to block the payments.
Obama, of course, just had to use this occasion to play into the wealth envy. He used one of my favorite words ... "greed." He said, "This is a corporation that finds itself in financial distress due to recklessness and greed ... This isn't just a matter of dollars and cents. It's about our fundamental values ... All across the country, there are people who work hard and meet their responsibilities every day, without the benefit of government bailouts or multi-million dollar bonuses. And all they ask is that everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street to Washington, play by the same rules." What rules would that be, PrezBO? Abiding by your contractual obligations? That rule?
Here we have Obama wants to worry about fundamental values. Where were those values when he nominated a tax cheat to be the Secretary of the Treasury and the head of the IRS? Willfully cheating on your taxes is OK. Getting a bonus for the work you've done pursuant to a contract is not.
The White House says that the Treasury Department will use a planned $30 billion infusion into AIG as leverage in order to compel the company to repay the bonuses of financial-products group employees. The infusion won't be final until the company and the Treasury figure out some sort of repayment options. OK .. here's an idea. The bonuses, as I've said, amounted to 1/10th of the amount of the bailout funds. So take this new $30 billion and reduce it by 1/10th of one percent. That would be $27 million Then everything will be square.
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