Re: Fact-Checking Sarah Palin « Result #1 Today at 12:20pm »
Corner...I think that the Democratic party replaced the Kremlin and KGB this last January. Take a look at the Obama Czars and their communist beliefs.
What's most amazing is that the media is bending over and wiping Obama's butt at every corner and too many people still don't see it.
Never in my lifetime have I seen such a blatant media bias. When the "mainstream" media attacks Saturday Night live on a skit about Obama that should say it all.
I listened to an interview with Demond Wilson, you might remember him from Sanford & Son as Lomont.
He was asked the question, "what you you have to say about President Obama, especially with him being the first black president". His response was immediate. He said, " he's not black". Then he said, " I'll put it to you this way. Obama is like one of these tv cooking shows. They give you all the ingredients, layout this big meal, there's only one thing missing. You have to be able to taste it. Until he actually does something that I can taste and works for me I can't comment on anything that he's done."
Push to curb credit-card rates fades « Result #2 Today at 12:07pm »
Push to curb credit-card rates fades Democrats resist consumer outcry
By Michael Kranish
WASHINGTON - Efforts in Congress to cap credit-card interest rates are faltering because of opposition from Democrats and a lack of specific support from the White House, despite growing consumer outrage over a rush by banks to impose rates as high as 30 percent.
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama vowed to back a strict limit on credit-card interest rates. But the White House is not yet behind any particular plan this year. While Obama has chastised credit-card companies, his spokeswoman declined to say this week how he planned to follow through on his campaign pledge.
Obama finds the behavior of credit-card lenders “outrageous’’ and “looks forward to reviewing additional legislation that caps interest rates,’’ but he has not taken a specific position, spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
Vice President Joe Biden, whose home state of Delaware is headquarters to many credit-card companies, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Senate soundly defeated legislation in May that was introduced by Senator Bernard Sanders, the Vermont Independent, to cap most credit-card interest rates at 15 percent. Nearly half of the Democratic senators joined Republicans in defeating the measure, 60 to 33.
Consumer groups say the problem of skyrocketing interest rates has only worsened since that vote, as banks scramble to boost rates in advance of a new rule scheduled to take effect in February, requiring banks to give consumers a 45-day advance notice of rate increases.
Sanders said many of the credit cards in the hands of American consumers are issued by four banks that received taxpayer bailout money after last year’s economic meltdown: Citigroup, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.
“People are disgusted. We bailed these [companies] out and they then had the gumption to raise interest rates on the American people,’’ Sanders said in an interview.
Sanders said he plans to reintroduce his proposal to cap rates at 15 percent; he predicted it will have more support this time. (Representing Massachusetts, Senator John F. Kerry supported the cap in May; the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who was fighting brain cancer, did not vote. Senator Paul Kirk, who took Kennedy’s seat, has not declared a position on the issue, his spokesman said.)
But Sanders faces strong opposition from many Democrats, particularly those who have major credit-card business in their states. One prominent opponent, Senator Thomas R. Carper of Delaware, said in an interview that he understands the anger among consumers who have received letters from credit-card issuers informing them of big rate hikes. But Carper said he opposes any effort to cap the rates because it would hurt the ability of banks to charge higher rates to customers who have a greater risk of default.
“The question is, should banks be able to price for risk?’’ Carper said. “In a free market economy, I think they should.’’
Carper said that if consumers don’t like the credit-card rates, they can pay off their balances and shop for a better rate from another company.
Senator Tim Johnson, a Democrat from South Dakota, another home to credit card companies, explained his vote against credit-card legislation in a May press release. The measure, he said, “could hurt South Dakota jobs and consumers.’’
The threat of another vote on Sanders’s proposal is prompting companies to make a renewed push against caps. Bill Himpler, executive vice president of the American Financial Services Association, an industry trade group, said it is easy “from a populist standpoint’’ to embrace a cap on interest rates. But he said many firms could continue to offer credit if the rate was capped at 15 to 18 percent, as some have suggested.
“You lose money at 18 percent because it is a very labor-intensive business line to offer consumer credit,’’ he said. “Where you cap rates you end up having credit tightened and the cost of credit being greater for the consumer.’’
The Consumer Federation of America, which worked to pass the 45-day advance notice requirement on rate hikes that takes effect in February, said it has not taken a position on the Sanders proposal.
“We want to give the law a little time to work,’’ legislative director Travis Plunkett said yesterday. He warned that the federation would closely monitor to see if credit-card companies stop “the most abusive practices.’’
Senate Finance Committee chairman Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, who supported the 15 percent cap, has proposed legislation that would temporarily freeze certain interest rates, but only until February when the notification law takes effect.
For decades, many states had usury laws capping credit-card interest rates as low as 6 percent. But those rules were upended in 1978 by a Supreme Court ruling that a national lending company based in a state without a rate cap could charge any rate to customers who lived in a state with a cap. As a result, many credit card companies moved to states with lenient rules such as Delaware and South Dakota.
Biden, who served as Delaware’s US senator from 1973 until last January, has long been noted for his ties to the credit-card business. Biden’s top contributor has been MBNA Corp., a company based in Delaware that was a major credit-card issuer and was bought by Bank of America in 2005.
Biden received $214,000 during his Senate career from MBNA-related donors, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Just another example of another government program which has totally backfired! Most of the banks are getting the money @ near zero or close to that and now making 18-29% interest on credit card rates. The banks can be told what their excutives can make as a bonus, but their policies can be changed to further hurt consumers.
Government involvement at it's finest! Could have made it real simple. Prime + 12, 13, 14, 15%. Take your pick. There's your max. Consumers with credit scores from 750+ were seeing their interest rates raised. Why, to beat Congress's new bill date.
Those in power wonder why consumer's aren't spending? They're most likely the same people who walk around with their fly unzipped and then wonder where the draft is coming from!
Re: Do You Know Where Your Children Are? « Result #3 Today at 11:02am »
I know where my children are......at home worrying about their kids now.
I watched most of the music awards last night and didn't find anything that shocking.
How quick we forget. I remember when I was a teen how the older generation thought rock n roll was the music of the devil and Elvis himself was the devil, at least from the waist down.
Times change, but attitudes of the older do not. We now are bitching about how shocking music is today as our parents did in the past as I'm sure their parents did also.
I'd be more worried as a parent in what my kids were watching in all the violence in movies today including some cartoons, then entertainers expressing themselves through the music they write or perform.
I've seen, heard, and enjoyed The Mohicans several times years ago and I remember they used to play (I think it was them) in the lounge of a motel on the left side of Main St. as you go from Frankfort into Ilion. Anybody remember the name of that place?
Re: 65? Back of the Line for the Swine Flu Vaccine « Result #9 Today at 9:56am »
Dave, great article. There's a couple of points that people may not see if they don't go to the link and they really should be noted. It's what we're losing in my opinion is this country and yet it's one of our most valuable assets, yet too many times they get forgotten or thrown to the curb. Our seniors. They helped to build this country and see it through tough times. The couple of quotes from the article tell the real story!
And, while the elderly and sick may feel vulnerable, they also often have a sense of self-sacrifice.
A few years ago, preparing for a possible pandemic of fatal bird flu, the C.D.C. held focus groups around the country to set vaccine priorities. Some were composed mostly of seniors.
Janice Zalen, director of special programs at the American Health Care Association, which represents 11,000 nursing homes, recalled the reaction.
While nearly everyone wanted the shots if there were plenty, she said, “The elderly said, ‘Well, if it comes down to it, if there aren’t enough, I don’t need it — give it to my grandson.’ ”
Re: The Coming Deficit Disaster « Result #10 Today at 9:49am »
Dave, there's a common thread here over the past few years. Who's been in control in Congress? Hmmm.. the same people we have there now. I wonder if that's any coincidence?
Lawmakers Propose 'War Surtax' « Result #11 Today at 9:47am »
Updated November 23, 2009 Lawmakers Propose 'War Surtax' to Pay for Troop Increase in Afghanistan
Two top Democrats say they want to impose a new tax on the wealthy to finance any increase in U.S. troops for the Afghanistan war.
The troops will supply the blood if the rich will supply the treasure.
That's the message from two top Democrats who say they want to impose a new tax on the wealthy to finance any increase in U.S. troops for the Afghanistan war.
Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., chairman of the purse string-controlling House Appropriations Committee, is calling the idea a "war surtax." He said that just as the federal government is expected to pay for its proposed intervention in the health care sector with new taxes, any escalated involvement in Afghanistan should come with a payment plan.
"If we have to pay for the health care bill, we should pay for the war as well ... by having a war surtax," Obey told ABC News in an interview that aired Monday. "The problem in this country with this issue is that the only people that has to sacrifice are military families and they've had to go to the well again and again and again and again, and everybody else is blithely unaffected by the war."
Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is making a similar demand.
President Obama plans to hold his ninth meeting Monday evening with his national security team to discuss options for overhauling the strategy in Afghanistan. The president has been considering requests for tens of thousands more U.S. troops from his top commander, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, for nearly three months. He is not expected to announce his new strategy before Thanksgiving.
But any request would likely come with a hefty price tag. One option presented by McChrystal would bring 40,000 more troops into Afghanistan -- a proposal estimated to cost about $40 billion, according to the Office of Management and Budget.
Obey said if an increase like that is approved without any payment mechanism, then other domestic initiatives would be wiped out.
"On the merits I think it's a mistake to deepen our involvement. But if we are going to do that, then at least we ought to pay for it. Because if we don't, if we don't pay for it, then the cost of the Afghan war will wipe out every other initiative that we have to rebuild our economy," he said. "Ain't going to be no money for nothing if we pour it all into Afghanistan."
Obey's proposal would be a "graduated tax" on income. It reportedly would start at 1 percent for low-income earners and rise to 5 percent for high-income earners. He's calling it a surtax because it would essentially be a tax on income that is already subject to federal income tax.
Levin, D-Mich., offered a similar proposal in an interview with Bloomberg Television. He said he wants an additional tax on those making more than $200,000 or $250,000.
"They have done incredibly well, and I think that it's important that we pay for it if we possibly can," Levin said.
But the tax talk comes as Congress is already considering new taxes and fees to pay for health care reform. The proposals put out by the House and Senate versions include taxes on high-value health care plans as well as new taxes on the wealthy.
Asked about the resistance he would likely face in a push for new taxes to finance the Afghanistan war, Obey suggested he would use his position as chairman to push his demand.
"I'm going to be there fighting to get whatever they do paid for," he said. "I don't give up before I start."
So where are we the taxpayers supposed to get the extra 1%, 2%? Oh yea, that's right, it's only 1 or 2%.
It's going to get to the point that we'll have to work additional jobs just to pay for all of their little increases.
Joined: Jan 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 6,368 Location: near Woodstock Karma: 13
The Coming Deficit Disaster « Result #12 Today at 9:39am »
The Wall Street Journal
The Coming Deficit Disaster
The president says he understands the urgency of our fiscal crisis, but his policies are the equivalent of steering the economy toward an iceberg.
By DOUGLAS HOLTZ-EAKIN
President Barack Obama took office promising to lead from the center and solve big problems. He has exerted enormous political energy attempting to reform the nation's health-care system. But the biggest economic problem facing the nation is not health care. It's the deficit. Recently, the White House signaled that it will get serious about reducing the deficit next year—after it locks into place massive new health-care entitlements. This is a recipe for disaster, as it will create a new appetite for increased spending and yet another powerful interest group to oppose deficit-reduction measures.
Our fiscal situation has deteriorated rapidly in just the past few years. The federal government ran a 2009 deficit of $1.4 trillion—the highest since World War II—as spending reached nearly 25% of GDP and total revenues fell below 15% of GDP. Shortfalls like these have not been seen in more than 50 years.
Going forward, there is no relief in sight, as spending far outpaces revenues and the federal budget is projected to be in enormous deficit every year. Our national debt is projected to stand at $17.1 trillion 10 years from now, or over $50,000 per American. By 2019, according to the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) analysis of the president's budget, the budget deficit will still be roughly $1 trillion, even though the economic situation will have improved and revenues will be above historical norms.
The planned deficits will have destructive consequences for both fairness and economic growth. They will force upon our children and grandchildren the bill for our overconsumption. Federal deficits will crowd out domestic investment in physical capital, human capital, and technologies that increase potential GDP and the standard of living. Financing deficits could crowd out exports and harm our international competitiveness, as we can already see happening with the large borrowing we are doing from competitors like China.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 240 Location: New Hartford NY Karma: 5
Re: After Bebop A Lula: Utica Bands 50's 60's « Result #13 Today at 8:38am »
I've seen, heard, and enjoyed The Mohicans several times years ago and I remember they used to play (I think it was them) in the lounge of a motel on the left side of Main St. as you go from Frankfort into Ilion. Anybody remember the name of that place?
Lawrence Luizzi also had a big band that I used to enjoy listening to. They used to be the stage band for several big stars who performed at the Utica Aud. I remember seeing Frankie Fontaine there one time with the Luizzi band behind him.
Sal Alberico still has a big band who plays in this area. I go and listen to them whenever I can. Sal also works in a smaller band who play at some of the ballroom dances I go to, but I don't think ballroom is their 'thing.'
It seems that when you get to be our age, nothing can beat the collective knowledge of our memories. We all have wonderful stories to tell about years ago when we played here or there, or saw this star or that star and sometimes even sat and had coffee with them later, or even just having known people from the various groups in the area. Each of these great stories contributes to a lifetime. And this thread is a great place to share those memories.
Joined: Jan 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 6,368 Location: near Woodstock Karma: 13
Re: Happy Birthday Dave « Result #16 Today at 7:57am »
Hey, Jon! I've been worried about you. Thought you might have gotten seduced by a rich heiress! I'm coming up before the snow. Let's get together. For breakfast, probably, since I'd meet my brother for a late lunch.
And come to think of it, if anyone is free, come and join us.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 240 Location: New Hartford NY Karma: 5
Re: Teenager's huffing « Result #17 Today at 7:53am »
Stoney,
Yes, I heard about WB2GAJ. News was all over the ham radio when it happened. I used to talk with Jim on a few of the 2 meter frequencies. He was the ultimate rebel and got thrown off several repeaters. Some of what he said (in the beginning) made sense but soon the "Gray Goose" took over and he severely needed a nap, which is a nice way of saying that he passed out. One very generous ham, who lives north of Oneida Lake, used to drive down frequently and take Jim here or there, and eventually took him to rehab. After a month Jim was doing great, and many of us noticed it, but soon he fell back into his old ways. The rest is history.
I don't know if he sniffed glue or not, or did the wacky weed, but his trash always 'clinked' if you get my drift. Sorry that he's gone, but most everyone knew that if he kept it up, at his age, it was only a matter of time. Same with the rest of us. As Bobbbiez' sister said, once we hit 60 things become different and we have to be careful. But Bobbbiez hit the nail right on the head... without our sense of humor (and b-breaking now and then) what else can there be? TV? Movies? Knitting? Bwahahaha! Nope... "Let's dance and have fun."
Four American Music Awards were given posthumously to a dead pervert. "Jackson's victories were among the highlights of the evening, which also featured an eye-popping performance by Lady Gaga, a special award for Whitney Houston and that jaw-dropping number from Lambert, who traded in his "American Idol" image for sex, leather and chains Sunday."
"On an elaborate set filled with stairs and platforms, Lambert fondled a female dancer, kissed an androgynous band mate and led two leather-clad men across the stage on leashes as he sang the title track from his new CD, "For Your Entertainment," out this week."
"Lady Gaga, wearing a "Alien"-inspired headdress and vest filled with lights, performed songs from her new album, "The Fame Monster," also due in stores this week. She used her microphone to break into a glass case where a grand piano stood. It caught fire when she sat down to play."
Re: Senators Size Up Next Steps in Health Care Deb « Result #19 Today at 7:24am »
Dave, Letting this group have anything to do with any "new" creation of health care is a mistake.
Medicare and Medicaid need to be fixed first. If you run a company and you have two long time employee's that constantly cost the company more money and constantly make mistakes, do you reward them with more vital work?
The answer is no. If you are going to keep those employees then you get them to straighten out their act, stop doing some things wrong before you trust them to do anything else.
Medicare & Medicaid. The new senate plan proposes to take from Medicare, put more people on Medicaid and create a third huge bureaucracy. That's reform? That's a joke and they know it. They don't even take into account the increases in Medicaid in this bill only to pay for what's new. Guess who's going to have to pay for that? We are!
I've read a lot of the Senate bill. I've never seen more reference to the IRS tax law in my entire life. It's such a bloated pig that it shouldn't move anywhere.
The bill is loaded with new taxes, tax credits, rules and regulations that all point back to the government who will ultimately make the decisions on all. Sorry, I don't want them making decisions for me or my family.
I said this before. Show the American public they can fix the problems that they have with what's currently there before moving onto anything.
The underlying fact and lying is the proper word, is that the Senate has been touting their bill and it's low cost for the next 10 years, when they won't start spending a dime on it for almost 5. That's the biggest con game I've ever seen in my lifetime!
let me know when your ready as far as utica goes you are right until we get rid o politicians who think its a lifetime career nothing wil change ,,, what ive tried ti telllarry in the past is to stop fighting for the sake of fighting pick battles you know you can win and work from there goes to establishing credibility and creating working relationships where somebody else canhelpthe cause
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I know where my children are......at home worrying about their kids now. 
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