Party like it is 1849 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090326/sc_livescience/newgoldrushpartylikeits1849).
Track "hi-cap" magazines in CA (http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11995689?nclick_check=1). Foolish, feel-good legislation. It is already illegal to purchase or import these magazines... Are criminals who are importing illegal magazines going to register them with the state?
Budget initiatives likely to fail (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-poll26-2009mar26,0,3460616.story?track=rss).
Out of towners fined for auto accidents (http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xv0mgfaqsfpvtx).
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
From the Wire:
The Pentagon questions growing Chinese military power (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090325/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_china). The report can be found here (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/China%20Military%20Power%20Report%202009.pdf).
EU President (Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek) says Obama budget "will undermine the liquidity of the global financial market." (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/EU-presidency-US-economic-apf-14737788.html).
Monday, March 23, 2009
From the Wire:
U.S. needs strong navy--we are a maritime nation (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/USA-A-21st-Century-Maritime-Posture-for-an-Uncertain-Future-05342/#more-5342). Also, current surface force in bad shape (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004751.html). The world economy relies on the safe maritime transfer of goods and commodities. The only force strong enough to ensure the safety of these products is the U.S. Navy. The Navy is the force that allows commerce to (largely) flow between nations flow effectively. It is vital that we have an effective, modern, and cost effective force of sailors and ships. Britain forgot its maritime/naval heritage after World War II and the end of its colonial empire and is now trying to rebuild its fleet. We cannot ignore this lesson.
Drone war in Pakistan continues (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/finally-we-took.html#more). Very dangerous... and perhaps needed. I actually applaud Obama's willingness to take a needed risk. But he needs to be very cautious on how he deals with Pakistan. Clearly they tacitly support his actions--hasn't been too many public complaints.
F-22 fighter to Japan (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptors-to-japan-01909/#more-1909)? Why not? The Japanese are one of our closest allies and it will allow the production lines to stay open and cut the cost per plane...
Army: potential soldiers too fat (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7142589). When I went to MEPS (military entry processing station) a large number of the recruits were WAY overweight... Dumber, fatter military in the future?
Very nice little op-ed piece on CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/03/cafferty.excerpt.2/index.html). I agree--kids are terrible these days.
Market up (lead by financials) after .gov launches plan to buy toxic assets (http://www.google.com/finance?hl=en&tab=we). I just hope the DOW hits 10k so I can sell all my stocks. I'll take my losses to get out! I've lost all faith in Wall Street.
Treasury expected to create entity to purchase toxic assets (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bank-plan23-2009mar23,0,5861392.story?track=rss). Bailout continues full steam ahead.
Gold appears stable at around $950 (http://www.kitco.com/market/). I like it when both the market and gold are up.
Lobbyists rely on Capitol dysfunction to push agendas (http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-me-cap23-2009mar23,0,4011494.column?page=1&track=rss). We should be honest with ourselves, California is broken. Sure special interests play a part in the dysfunction--but we need to blame ourselves for voting in bad legislators.
Governor calls for infrastructure improvement (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold23-2009mar23,0,2632857.story?track=rss). I agree, our highways suck... But how will we pay for these improvements?
Local .gov having trouble raising funds (http://www.sacbee.com/walters/story/1720688.html?mi_rss=Dan%20Walters). Prop. 13 does really hamper local .gov fundraising... But it is really the only thing keeping spending in check in California and keeping the Republicans relevant in our jerry-mandered state.
Newsom touts "centrist" position (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newsom23-2009mar23,0,3274439.story?track=rss). Haha. If he wins I am out of here.
Oakland police killing--SWAT didn't expect an AK-47 (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/22/BAV116KEU0.DTL&feed=rss.matierandross). I thought AK-47s and other dangerous assault weapons were illegal in California? This gentleman must not have gotten the message.
Vote on extended unemployment benefits (http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1720681.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories). I feel for those who are unemployed, but again, where is the money going to come from? Tax the rich?
Mexican drug cartels branch into human smuggling (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-human-smuggling23-2009mar23,0,5530360.story?track=rss). Bad men do bad things.
Drone war in Pakistan continues (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/finally-we-took.html#more). Very dangerous... and perhaps needed. I actually applaud Obama's willingness to take a needed risk. But he needs to be very cautious on how he deals with Pakistan. Clearly they tacitly support his actions--hasn't been too many public complaints.
F-22 fighter to Japan (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptors-to-japan-01909/#more-1909)? Why not? The Japanese are one of our closest allies and it will allow the production lines to stay open and cut the cost per plane...
Army: potential soldiers too fat (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7142589). When I went to MEPS (military entry processing station) a large number of the recruits were WAY overweight... Dumber, fatter military in the future?
Very nice little op-ed piece on CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/03/cafferty.excerpt.2/index.html). I agree--kids are terrible these days.
Market up (lead by financials) after .gov launches plan to buy toxic assets (http://www.google.com/finance?hl=en&tab=we). I just hope the DOW hits 10k so I can sell all my stocks. I'll take my losses to get out! I've lost all faith in Wall Street.
Treasury expected to create entity to purchase toxic assets (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bank-plan23-2009mar23,0,5861392.story?track=rss). Bailout continues full steam ahead.
Gold appears stable at around $950 (http://www.kitco.com/market/). I like it when both the market and gold are up.
Lobbyists rely on Capitol dysfunction to push agendas (http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-me-cap23-2009mar23,0,4011494.column?page=1&track=rss). We should be honest with ourselves, California is broken. Sure special interests play a part in the dysfunction--but we need to blame ourselves for voting in bad legislators.
Governor calls for infrastructure improvement (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold23-2009mar23,0,2632857.story?track=rss). I agree, our highways suck... But how will we pay for these improvements?
Local .gov having trouble raising funds (http://www.sacbee.com/walters/story/1720688.html?mi_rss=Dan%20Walters). Prop. 13 does really hamper local .gov fundraising... But it is really the only thing keeping spending in check in California and keeping the Republicans relevant in our jerry-mandered state.
Newsom touts "centrist" position (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newsom23-2009mar23,0,3274439.story?track=rss). Haha. If he wins I am out of here.
Oakland police killing--SWAT didn't expect an AK-47 (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/22/BAV116KEU0.DTL&feed=rss.matierandross). I thought AK-47s and other dangerous assault weapons were illegal in California? This gentleman must not have gotten the message.
Vote on extended unemployment benefits (http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1720681.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories). I feel for those who are unemployed, but again, where is the money going to come from? Tax the rich?
Mexican drug cartels branch into human smuggling (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-human-smuggling23-2009mar23,0,5530360.story?track=rss). Bad men do bad things.
"Pink Pistols" back easing of concealed carry law (http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1720695.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories). I am torn on this--WA has a shall issue regime for concealed carry permits which seems to work well--but CA is full of a lot of undesirables... I believe I should be able to carry; I'm just not sure about the rest of you...
Commentators ask: end of the U.S. (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/03/19/terence-corcoran-is-this-the-end-of-america.aspx)?
Dollar declines most since 1985 (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aNdu22y30zwc&refer=worldwide). Great... Where should I put my money?
AIG warns staff to travel in pairs after death threats (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/mar/21/aig-insurance).
DiFi calls for tougher gun laws in U.S. to help with Mexican drug war (http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=14130). Great solution to the problem in Mexico! Tighten U.S. gun laws! Why not just secure the border and stop the flow of drugs and illegals northward and the guns southward?
Friday, March 20, 2009
From the Wire:
Obama says "blame me" for AIG bonuses (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/19/aig.fallout/index.html). Bad bill drafting is likely the real culprit.
CA state pension fund in trouble (http://calpensions.com/2009/03/20/calpers-lost-decade-from-boom-to-bust/). It is important to remember that public and quasi-public institutional investors are major players in the economic system. The average American has quite a stake in "Wall Street".
CA bond rating falls further (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/03/california-bo-2.html). Meanwhile the state is trying to sell $4 billion in new bonds (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-calbonds20-2009mar20,0,21791.story).
Media cuts and lobbyists (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-et-rainey20-2009mar20,0,7281321.story).
Useless ca.gov jobs: lieutenant governor (http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/1714925.html?mi_rss=State%2520Politics). Make the Lt. Gov. a member of various boards, commissions, etc. with no extra pay...
Barry in CA; Speaks with Schwarzenegger, Leno, etc. (http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/19/governor-and-obama-trade-complements-at-la-town-hall/14711/). No comment.
Chinese antitrust action against Coke fails to live up to international norms (http://www.cnbc.com/id/29784582).
Wealthy hedge fund town feels financial pinch (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=arOzIUvhbr1o&refer=home).
Navy surface fleet in bad shape (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004751.html). Maintenance of existing assets and further innovation in the naval sphere is vital to our ability to implement our national security obligations. But, the Navy seems to have a few big dollar projects that are questionable. Hopefully this issue receives the attention it deserves.
"Blue Dog" dems vital to Barry's agenda (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aK8UQZdsNYwk&refer=home). Too bad CA doesn't elect more "blue dog" state reps.
Private contracting for military in air refueling (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/US-Military-Contracts-for-Private-Aerial-Refueling-Services-04802/#more-4802). (Note: Air Force competition between Boeing and Airbus entries has had some issues. US in dire need of in air refueling assets).
Russian President: Time to Re-arm (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/russias-prez-ti.html#more). Russia sure has been trying to act tough lately.
U.C. Board of Regents backs new nursing school at U.C. Davis (http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1714969.html?mi_rss=Our%2520Region). This type of stimulus is useful. Fast growing inland CA regions need more medical infrastructure.
CA state pension fund in trouble (http://calpensions.com/2009/03/20/calpers-lost-decade-from-boom-to-bust/). It is important to remember that public and quasi-public institutional investors are major players in the economic system. The average American has quite a stake in "Wall Street".
CA bond rating falls further (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/03/california-bo-2.html). Meanwhile the state is trying to sell $4 billion in new bonds (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-calbonds20-2009mar20,0,21791.story).
Media cuts and lobbyists (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-et-rainey20-2009mar20,0,7281321.story).
Useless ca.gov jobs: lieutenant governor (http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/1714925.html?mi_rss=State%2520Politics). Make the Lt. Gov. a member of various boards, commissions, etc. with no extra pay...
Barry in CA; Speaks with Schwarzenegger, Leno, etc. (http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/19/governor-and-obama-trade-complements-at-la-town-hall/14711/). No comment.
Chinese antitrust action against Coke fails to live up to international norms (http://www.cnbc.com/id/29784582).
Wealthy hedge fund town feels financial pinch (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=arOzIUvhbr1o&refer=home).
Navy surface fleet in bad shape (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004751.html). Maintenance of existing assets and further innovation in the naval sphere is vital to our ability to implement our national security obligations. But, the Navy seems to have a few big dollar projects that are questionable. Hopefully this issue receives the attention it deserves.
"Blue Dog" dems vital to Barry's agenda (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aK8UQZdsNYwk&refer=home). Too bad CA doesn't elect more "blue dog" state reps.
Private contracting for military in air refueling (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/US-Military-Contracts-for-Private-Aerial-Refueling-Services-04802/#more-4802). (Note: Air Force competition between Boeing and Airbus entries has had some issues. US in dire need of in air refueling assets).
Russian President: Time to Re-arm (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/russias-prez-ti.html#more). Russia sure has been trying to act tough lately.
U.C. Board of Regents backs new nursing school at U.C. Davis (http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1714969.html?mi_rss=Our%2520Region). This type of stimulus is useful. Fast growing inland CA regions need more medical infrastructure.
Monday, March 16, 2009
From the Wire
Lawyers having trouble in tough economic times (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/16/lawyer.layoff.public/index.html#cnnSTCOther1). This does not bode well for your faithful bloggers...
US military shoots down Iranian drone over Iraq(http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/confirmed-us-do.html).
US could wage financial warfare in these trying economic times (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/finance-threat.html).
US military shoots down Iranian drone over Iraq(http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/confirmed-us-do.html).
US could wage financial warfare in these trying economic times (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/finance-threat.html).
From the Wire:
Obama orders Treasury Secretary to pursue "every single legal avenue" to block AIG executive bonuses (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/us/politics/17obama.html?hp).
From the Wire:
Airline junkyards--anyone looking for a good deal on a used jumbo jet (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fi-boneyard15-2009mar15,0,4518343.story?track=rss)?
Property Class flashback--racist covenants and CA legislation proposed to remove them (http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_11916938?source=rss).
D.C. AIDS/HIV rates higher than West Africa (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509316,00.html).
AIG says $100 billion to US states and banks (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awiPvRbKoabA&refer=home).
FED: recovery in '10 (http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/15/news/economy/bernanke_60minutes/index.htm?postversion=2009031518).
CEO: 45% of world's wealth lost (http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Economy/idUSTRE52966Z20090311).
US manufacturing declines (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601068&sid=aBUDn.77TtOQ&refer=home).
Bad bank asset plan could come this week (http://www.cnbc.com/id/29705616).
Climate change "irreversible" (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/03/12/irreversible.climate/index.html)?
Russia to base long range bombers in Cuba or Venezuela (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004743.html#comments)?
China continues to boost military spending (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7922699.stm).
Taiwan to get more modern U.S. military equipment (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/taiwans-unstalled-force-modernization-04250/)?
Pakistani judges to be reinstated (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a8ki_8jR7crw&refer=home).
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