Article Spotlight 3.5.10

Politics:
Obama signs Bill to Boost US Tourism Promotion: Breitbart
Looking for an edge in the global war for tourism dollars, US President Barack Obama Thursday signed into law moves to attract more overseas travelers. Obama signed the act "which establishes a corporation for travel promotion to encourage international travel to the United States" the White House said in a statement. The effort is to be funded through a matching program featuring up to 100 million dollars in private sector contributions and a 10-dollar fee on foreign travelers who do not pay for a visa, with no money from US taxpayers.

Feds Weigh Expansion of Internet Monitoring: CNET
Homeland Security and the National Security Agency may be taking a closer look at Internet communications in the future. The Department of Homeland Security's top cybersecurity official told CNET on Wednesday that the department may eventually extend its Einstein technology, which is designed to detect and prevent electronic attacks, to networks operated by the private sector. The technology was created for federal networks.

Spy Chips Hidden in 2.5 Million Dustbins: 60 pc rise in Electronic Bugs as Council Snoopers Plan Pay-As-You-Throw Tax: Daily Mail
The growing threat of a stealth tax on the rubbish we throw away was exposed by startling figures yesterday. More than 2.5million homes now have wheelie bins fitted with microchips to weigh their contents. Under such schemes - which are likely to be hugely unpopular - families who put out more waste will pay higher taxes to their local council.

Economy:
Payrolls fall by 36,000; U.S. jobless rate steady at 9.7%: Wall Street Journal
U.S. nonfarm payrolls declined for the 25th time in the past 26 months, falling by 36,000 in February to a seasonally adjusted 129.5 million, the Labor Department estimated Friday. The nation's jobless rate was steady at 9.7% as the number of people employed rose by 308,000, according to the household survey.

Federal Pay Ahead of Private Industry: USA Today

Federal employees earn higher average salaries than private-sector workers in more than eight out of 10 occupations, a USA TODAY analysis of federal data finds. Accountants, nurses, chemists, surveyors, cooks, clerks and janitors are among the wide range of jobs that get paid more on average in the federal government than in the private sector.

Immigration:
Obama Looking to Give New Life to Immigration Reform: LA Times
Despite steep odds, the White House has discussed prospects for reviving a major overhaul of the nation's immigration laws, a commitment that President Obama has postponed once already. Obama took up the issue privately with his staff Monday in a bid to advance a bill through Congress before lawmakers become too distracted by approaching midterm elections.

Foreign Affairs:
Indonesian Students Protest Barack Obama's Visit: AP
Scores of Islamic students staged protests outside Jakarta's parliament and in at least three other major Indonesian cities on Friday against President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to this predominantly Muslim country. The students carried banners branding Obama as an enemy of Islam and an imperialist in downtown Jakarta as well as in the provincial capitals Padang, Yogyakarta and Surabaya.

Dozens Hurt in Clashes at Revered Jerusalem Mosque: Reuters
Israeli police and Palestinians clashed outside Jerusalem's flashpoint al-Aqsa mosque on Friday and at least 35 people were injured, Israeli police and Palestinian medical workers said. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israeli forces of "provocation" and "crossing red lines" in an effort to derail a resumption of peace negotiations expected shortly under U.S. mediation. In a statement, Abbas appealed to Washington to hold Israel back to prevent a "war of religion" in the Middle East.

Other:
Body Scanners Are Headed to 11 Major Airports: USA Today
Eleven major airports will begin using body scanners to screen passengers as the Transportation Security Administration launches a plan to buy 1,000 of the machines over the next two years. The scanners can look under passengers' clothing in order to detect weapons and explosives.

Parents of Pentagon Shooter Reportedly Warned Authorities About Him: Fox News
The Pentagon shooter had been behaving erratically, and his family feared in January that he had bought a gun, a law enforcement official said Friday. San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill told the AP the parents of John Patrick Bedell filed a missing persons report and were worried about his mental stability.

Controversies Big and Small Dog Oscars Contenders: Yahoo News
Anti-war, anti-imperialist, anti-semitic, anti-social, racist: this year's Oscars best picture contenders have faced a barrage of criticism from groups and commentators eager to exploit the media frenzy surrounding the Academy Awards to draw attention to their causes. While science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" and Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" have been battling criticism on a number of fronts, controversies have also attached themselves to best picture nominees "Precious," "District 9," "An Education," "The Blind Side" and "A Serious Man."

Movie Milestone 'Avatar' Eyes Oscars Gold: Yahoo News
Win or lose at the Oscars this weekend, "Avatar" is already assured of its place in Hollywood history, a 3-D milestone to rank alongside the arrival of sound in the 1920s or color in the 1930s. Director James Cameron's science-fiction blockbuster has already redefined the art of special effects on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, raking in more than two billion dollars worldwide since its release.

Video: WAR Helps...a LOT! by Steve Crowder

Chick Chat: .33% of Americans are in the Military and they do good!

For a while I was just so fed up with the things going on in Washington that I could no longer even follow what was happening. Sorry that I've been gone for a few months now. I just needed a break from being depressed about the state of our union.

I was thinking about what to write about today, while catching up on watching and posting Steve Crowder's videos from You Tube (which we all know that I love) when I came across this particular one called MARINES INVADE HAITI!! Kind of makes me chuckle because for a couple months now I've been dating a man who is in the U.S. Reserves and the video really touched home.

Naturally I've learned a lot more about the military since I started things with my beau. I had never before realized how incredibly multifaceted they are. I always knew in the back of my mind that we did good along with the defense, but as Steve Crowder says, "the only thing the US Military does a bad job of doing is letting everyone know all the good that they are doing." I'm lucky enough to have learned so much more in the last couple of months, specifically since my beau's job in the Army is mostly about doing good.

I didn't know that there were specific area of the military that focus their energies solely on entering areas and creating good will among the people. Departments that focusing on helping others and improving the lives of those touched by disaster or corruption; men and women that enter dangerous areas to earn the trust of villages and elders by enhancing their way of life. Even if in return they are improving the relationship between America and the world, it is a small price to ask for the amount of good that people around the world are receiving from US Military.

I am at least grateful that here in the US people seem to have a better understanding of the good that our men and women do overseas. For some reason the beau was surprised when he recently had to make a trip into New York City in his ACU (I didn't know what those were 2 months ago so for all of us lacking army knowledge those are the camo-patterned uniforms we've all seen) people were so appreciative. Walking around he was asked to take photos with people, given free merchandise and tours, paid special attention too and mostly just thanked for his service to our country.

I thank God everyday that the vast majority of this country appreciates the sacrifice that such a small portion of American are willing to do. Just so we all have a better understanding here: only 1/3 of 1% of our country serves in the military. Such a small percentage defending so many!

When I heard that number, my heart went out even more to all those in the military. Despite where your opinion lies on the wars, we have a responsibility to support the men and women risking their lives for us! I know that I am not brave enough to take the risks and accept the sacrifices that come along with being a part of the military family. Are you?

I’m going to include the Crowder video below of course and if you have a chance to watch it please do. He makes some good points but he also has some touching footage of our military…footage that I am not used to seeing. We don’t get to see those kind of images on CNN, CNBC, FOX etc. Videos of American soldiers doing the good are not as news worthy as the footage of the mistakes.

So I will end this little rant by saying a big THANK YOU to all those men and women that are a lot braver than 99.66% of this country. You risk your lives: mind, soul and body to protect, defend and improve life for the rest of us. As meager as a simple thanks can be for all that you do, it is the least we can give you in return. Thank You and God Bless!

Cartoons of the Week; Global Warming, Nobel Peace Prize, Health Care, the Economy, etc.

Daily Key Article with Brief Excerpts by Category

Politics:
President Obama's Trip to New Orleans Draws Criticism--Before He Even Arrives: ABC
Slightly more than four years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, President Obama is traveling to New Orleans today to fulfill a campaign promise to survey first-hand the city's recovery. Obama will visit the Martin Luther King Charter School in the city's Lower 9th Ward, a neighborhood devastated by the floodwaters of Katrina after the city's levees were breached. The charter school was the first to be rebuilt following Katrina. On the second anniversary of the hurricane, former President George W. Bush visited the school and met with Louisiana education officials.

Obama Absent From Virginia Governor's Race as Democrat Trails: Bloomberg
For Virginia, it’s not easy being purple. The state had shown signs of becoming Democratic territory when Barack Obama became the first presidential candidate of his party to win Virginia since 1964. The governor and both U.S. senators are Democrats, too. That trend may be in trouble.

Majority of Nobel Jury 'Object to Obama Prize': Google News
Three of the five members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee had objections to the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to US President Barack Obama, the Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang (VG) reported Thursday.

Poll: Obama Personal Popularity At New Low: Examiner
A new Gallup poll shows that the number of people who have a favorable impression of Barack Obama has fallen to its lowest point since he became president. Fifty-six percent say they have a favorable impression of Obama, versus 40 percent who say they have an unfavorable impression. (Four percent say they have no opinion.) Historically, a president's personal favorable rating has often been higher than his job approval rating; right now, Gallup has Obama's job approval at 52 percent.


Military:
U.S. Troop Funds Diverted to Pet Projects: Washington Times
Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis. Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.


Health Care:
Obama calls for $250 payment to Seniors: MyWay
President Barack Obama called on Congress Wednesday to approve $250 payments to more than 50 million seniors to make up for no increase in Social Security next year. The Social Security Administration is scheduled to announce Thursday that there will be no cost of living increase next year. By law, increases are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year.

Woman Saya Flu Shot Triggered Rare Disorder: WUSA
Many of you have been lining up to get the seasonal flu shot. But there is one Ashburn woman who wants you to hear her story before you do. Desiree Jennings is trapped in her body. Intellectually she's all there, but her muscles are fighting each other. She's been diagnosed with dystonia, an extremely rare and debilitating neurological disease.

Economy:
Foreclosures: 'Worst Three Months of All Time': CNN Money
Despite concerted government-led and lender-supported efforts to prevent foreclosures, the number of filings hit a record high in the third quarter, according to a report issued Thursday.


Foreign Affairs:
Deal May Return Zelaya: The Age
Honduran negotiators have reached agreement on ending a political crisis triggered by President Manuel Zelaya's ouster in a June coup. ''We have agreed in a document on point No. 6, which relates to the restitution of the powers of state to where they were before June 28, 2009,'' Mr Zelaya's representative said.


Other:
Stockholm's Bunnies Burned to Keep Swedes Warm: The Local
The bodies of thousands of rabbits culled every year from the parks in Stockholm’s Kungsholmen neighbourhood are being used to fuel a heating plant in central Sweden.
The decision to use Stockholm’s rabbit cadavers as bioenergy to warm Swedes living in Värmland doesn't sit well with Stockholm-based animal rights activists.

Fmr Police Association Contractor Charged with Snooping on 'Joe the Plumber': Columbus Dispatch
A former contractor for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police has been charged with rummaging through state computers to retrieve confidential information about "Joe the Plumber."

Obama quietly sends more troops to Afghanistan-- Careful Mr. Prez your Nobel Peace Prize might be Rebuked

In defense of Obama's Nobel Peace Prize Thorbjoern Jagland, Nobel Committee Chairman, says that Obama reached out to the Muslim world.

Wonder if he meant this?

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Obama Quietly Authorizes Up to 15,000 More U.S. Troops for Afghanistan

In an unannounced move, President Obama is dispatching up to 15,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan beyond the 21,000 he announced in March.

The additional troops are primarily support forces -- such as engineers, medical personnel, intelligence experts and military police.

A Washington Post report published Tuesday said Obama dispatched 13,000 additional troops, but an unnamed defense official familiar with the process told Fox News that the number is closer to 15,000.

"Obama authorized the whole thing. The only thing you saw announced in a press release was the 21,000," a defense official, speaking anonymously, told the Washington Post.
But in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, a defense official refuted that the dispatch was "unannounced," saying the decision to send 15,000 additional troops was part of a larger move to reach 68,000 troops in Afghanistan by year's end -- a move that Defense Secretary Robert Gates cleared with Obama in March, the official said.

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Guess he took a small step in the direction that is best for the American people instead of following the liberal, tree-hugging, kum-bay-yah International Community.

Thank God our boys and girls over there are getting a little extra boost! God Bless Them!

Key Articles by Category with Brief Excerpts

Health Care:
White House Tries to Strike Down Insurance Industry Criticism Ahead of Key Vote: Fox News
The White House fired back Monday at the health insurance industry for issuing a study that claims the health care reform bill working its way toward a key vote Tuesday will raise the cost of individual coverage by hundreds of dollars a year.

Read the Health Bill! Not as Easy as you Think: Yahoo News
Read the bill! It was a rallying cry at angry health care town halls this summer and has evolved into something of a political movement. Many Americans are demanding that lawmakers actually read the comprehensive legislation they've written — or at least make it publicly available — before voting on it.

CVS, Walgreen Have Spot Flu-Vaccines Shortages as Demands Surge: Bloomberg
CVS Caremark Corp. and Walgreen Co., the two largest U.S. drugstore chains, are experiencing spot shortages of seasonal-flu vaccines because of increased demand. CVS MinuteClinics in Austin, Texas, and New York ran out of the seasonal-flu vaccine within the past week before restocking, according to calls to 13 stores by Bloomberg News. Calls to eight Walgreen stores in Manhattan on Oct. 5 determined none had it at the time. There are also shortages in the South and Southeast, said James Cohn, a Walgreen spokesman.

CDC Officials Downplay Risks of Swine Flue Vaccine: MyWay
A top U.S. health official says the risks from not getting the swine flu vaccine are greater than any potential risks associated with the vaccine. Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says she's surprised by all the misinformation going around about the new vaccine. She says a good safety record from past vaccines bodes well for the swine flu vaccine now becoming available.

Economy:
Top Economist Says Unemployment Could Peak at 10.5 Percent: Fox News
Unemployment will continue to rise and could peak at 10.5 percent, one of the nation's top economists said Sunday. Mark Zandi, co-founder of Moody's Economy.com, warned on "FOX News Sunday" that the recovery will continue to be "halting" and "fragile," backing up estimates from other economists that show unemployment peaking next summer and hovering above eight percent four years down the road. New figures released last week showed unemployment rose to 9.8 percent in September, the highest since 1983.

Dollar facing 'power-shift' analysts : Breitbart
A report last week in The Independent claiming that China, Russia and Gulf States are among nations prepared to ditch the dollar for oil trades has heightened the uncertainty surrounding the US currency's future. The dollar's position as the world's leading reserve currency faces increased pressure as the financial crisis allows emerging economies greater influence on the world stage, analysts said.

Dollar Reaches Breaking Point as Banks Shift Reserves: Bloomberg
Central banks flush with record reserves are increasingly snubbing dollars in favor of euros and yen, further pressuring the greenback after its biggest two- quarter rout in almost two decades. Policy makers boosted foreign currency holdings by $413 billion last quarter, the most since at least 2003, to $7.3 trillion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Obama Fails to Win Nobel Prize in Economics: WSJ
In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday. While few observers think Obama has done anything for world peace in the nearly nine months he's been in office, the same clearly can't be said for economics.

Recession-Hit Britain to Sell Off State Assets: Prime Minister: Breitbart
The government is to sell off 16 billion pounds (25.4 billion dollars, 17.2 billion euros) of assets, Brown was to say, according to extracts from a keynote speech to be given London setting out his vision for "enduring and sustainable growth." The British government will sell off a raft of state assets, Prime Minister Gordon Brown was to say Monday as he bids to reclaim the initiative on reducing recession-hit Britain's debt.


Politics:
Pelosi Key to GOP 2010 Playbook: Fox News
Republicans are stepping up attacks on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, deciding that a major part of their 2010 electoral strategy will be linking Democratic candidates to her.

Report: Obama's White House Counsel Has 'No Plans' to Resign: Fox News
President Obama's White House counsel Gregory Craig said he has no intention of resigning from his position as the administration's top in-house lawyer -- despite widespread reports that he may step down over his role in the closing of the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, The National Law Journal reported.

Whats with all the @#%! Language?: Politico
President Barack Obama called rap star Kanye West “a jackass.” Vice President Joe Biden told a senator to “Gimme a f—-ing break!” Economic adviser Christina Romer declared that Americans had yet to have their "holy s—-” moment over the economy. Those who pay attention to political rhetoric say an unusual amount of profanity has emanated from this White House – even without counting famously colorful White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.

Chavez Says Obama did "nothing" to Deserve Nobel: Reuters
Venezuela's socialist leader Hugo Chavez said on Sunday that U.S. President Barack Obama had done nothing beyond wishful thinking to earn the Nobel Peace Prize. Chavez, who has mixed praise for Obama personally with criticism of his government's "imperialist" policies, said he thought it was a mistake when he read the U.S. leader had won.

Nobel Committee Defends Obama Choice: Financial Times
Leaders of the Norwegian Nobel Committee have leapt to the defense of their choice of Barack Obama for the 2009 Peace Prize amid criticism that the award is premature and politically biased. Geir Lundestad, secretary of the committee, said the US president fulfilled the criteria set out in Alfred Nobel’s will better than most winners for his commitment to multilateral diplomacy, nuclear arms reduction and tackling climate change.


Foreign Affairs:
UK halts Business with Iran Firms on Nuclear Fears: Yahoo News
Britain froze business ties with an Iranian bank and state-run shipping firm Monday, citing fears that they were involved in helping the Islamic Republic to develop nuclear weapons. Irannuclear bombs, saying any threats or deadlines would have no impact.

US and UK Downplay Pakistan Fears: Financial Times
The US and Britain tried to bolster confidence in Pakistan’s ability to retain control of its nuclear arsenal on Sunday in the wake of an audacious weekend attack by militants on the headquarters of the country’s army – previously described as impregnable. The Taliban in Pakistan on Monday claimed responsibility for the attack.

Clinton Downplays Threat to Pakistan Nuke Arsenal: MyWay
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday the Taliban siege of Pakistan's army headquarters showed extremists are a growing threat in the nuclear-armed American ally, but she contended they don't pose a risk to the country's atomic arsenal.


Afghanistan:
Senators Escalate Call for Obama to Send More Troops to Afghanistan: Fox News
Top Republican senators escalated their call Sunday for President Obama to grant Gen. Stanley McChrystal's request for more troops in Afghanistan, and one prominent Democrat warned that a failure to do so could jeopardize U.S. forces.

Key Senators Says Afghanistan Mission in Jeopardy: Yahoo News
Saying the U.S. mission in Afghanistan is in "serious jeopardy," the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee says more troops are needed to combat an increasingly potent Taliban. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's views on the issue are more closely aligned with those of key Republicans than members of her own party, including Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee. He wants to hold off on new troops pending revision of U.S. strategy for Afghanistan.

Partisan Divie Persists on US Troop Surge for Afghanistan: Breitbart
US Republican Senator John McCain warned Sunday that a failure to dispatch more US troops to Afghanistan would be "an error of historic proportions" but Democrats expressed caution about any surge. "I think the great danger now is not an American pullout," McCain told CNN television. "I think the great danger now is a half-measure... trying to please all ends of the political spectrum."


Social Issues:
Gay Rights Advocates March on D.C., Demand That Obama Keep His Pledge: Fox News
Thousands of gay and lesbian activists marched Sunday from the White House to the Capitol, demanding that President Obama keep his promises to allow gays to serve openly in the military and work to end discrimination against gays.

Rep. Frank: Gays should Lobby Elected Officials: Yahoo News
Rep. Barney Frank, an openly gay member of Congress, says he'd rather see gay rights supporters lobbying their elected officials than marching in Washington this weekend, calling the demonstration "a waste of time at best." Frank said in an interview with The Associated Press that he considers such demonstrations to be "an emotional release" that does little to pressure Congress.

Gays Question Obama 'don't ask, don't tell' Pledge: MyWay
President Barack Obama restated his campaign pledge to allow homosexual men and women to serve openly in the military, but left many in his audience of gay activists wondering when he would make good on the promise. "I will end 'don't ask-don't tell,'" Obama said Saturday night to a standing ovation from the crowd of about 3,000 at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay civil rights advocacy group. He offered no timetable or specifics and he acknowledged some may be growing impatient.


Environment:
What happened to Global Warming?: BBC News
This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998. But it is true. For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures. And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise.

Gore Upbeat On Climate Bill: Wisconsin State Journal
Former Vice President Al Gore shared his optimism about the "shifting momentum" of the climate change debate with about 500 environmental journalists Friday in Madison. "We're very close to that political tipping point," Gore said at the Society of Environmental Journalists annual conference at the Madison Concourse Hotel. "Never before in human history has a single generation been asked to make such difficult and consequential decisions."

Soros aims to Invest $1B in Green Tech: Reuters
Billionaire George Soros said on Saturday that he would invest $1 billion in clean energy technology as part of an effort to combat climate change. The Hungarian-born U.S. investor also announced he would form and fund a new climate policy initiative with $10 million a year for 10 years.

Energy Crisis is Postponed as New Gas Rescues The World: Telegraph
America is not going to bleed its wealth importing fuel. Russia's grip on Europe's gas will weaken. Improvident Britain may avoid paralysing blackouts by mid-decade after all. The World Gas Conference in Buenos Aires last week was one of those events that shatter assumptions. Advances in technology for extracting gas from shale and methane beds have quickened dramatically, altering the global balance of energy faster than almost anybody expected.

Other:
Obama Takes to Basketball Court With Cabinet Members, Lawmakers: Bloomberg
President Barack Obama wanted to hold court with LeBron James. He made do yesterday with Cabinet officials and lawmakers. In perhaps the most exclusive after-work, backyard basketball game ever, the president recruited players from the ranks of the executive branch and Congress to play on the converted tennis court on the White House’s South Lawn.

Director Polanski Feels Depressed in Jail Reports His Lawyer: Yahoo News
Director Roman Polanski is feeling depressed two weeks after his arrest in Switzerland to face U.S. extradition for a 1977 case involving the rape of a 13-year-old girl, his lawyer was quoted as saying on Sunday. "I found him to be tired and depressed," Herve Temime told the Sonntag newspaper, one of two newspapers he talked to after visiting the Oscar-winning director in a Zurich prison.

Cartoons: Sept 7-9

Courtesy of Townhall.com

Some of the Better Cartoons from The End of Last Week

Courtesy of Townhalls.com

Let's Talk about Some Who Really Deserves the Nobel Peace Prize...

I received this email a few days ago and was trying to figure out when and how I would post it...and today with the ridiculous actions of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee I knew it was time. Now, for me this story was so incredible, so honorable that I couldn't believe that I had never heard it...but a quick search on Snopes proved it to be...

Take the time to read this amazing woman's story! Then think about that in comparison with what Obama or Gore has done to promote Peace.

Mind you she was a nominee from 2007, but the point is-- the most deserving person doesn't always win.
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Irena Sendler aka Irene Sendlerowa

On May 12, 2008 a 98-year-old lady named Irena passed away.

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.

She had an 'ulterior motive'...

She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.)

Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids..)

She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.

The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely.

Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family.

Most had been gassed.

Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

In 2007 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She was not selected.


Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

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The Nobel Peace Prize Nominees are not released by the Organization until 50 years after they have been awarded, but every year the organization that nominate can release the names themselves. For the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize there were some amazing activist that were nominated for example:

Hu Jia

• An activist and dissident in the People's Republic of China.
• Focused on the Chinese democracy movement, Chinese environmentalist movement, and HIV/AIDS in the People's Republic of China
• Director of June Fourth Heritage & Culture Association
• Involved with AIDS advocacy as the executive director of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education
• One of the founders of the non-governmental organization Loving Source.
• Also been involved in work to protect the endangered Tibetan antelope.
  
• For his activism, Hu has received awards from several European bodies
• On December 27, 2007, Hu was detained as part of a crackdown on dissents during the Christmas holiday season.
• On April 3 2008, he was sentenced to 3.5 years in jail. Hu pleaded not guilty on charges of "inciting subversion of state power" at his trial in March 2008.

Chick Chat: Chicago Rejected. Are Obama's magical powers & savior streangth super magnetism wear off internationally?

Since most of our society focuses on social events as major and monumental news so will I. The 2016 Olympics has gone to Rio!!! How exciting that for the first time a South American country is being visited by the Olympic flame. I am truly excited for them and was rooting the whole time for thier victory.

NOW. Chicago, tisk tisk, 4th out of 4! What does that really say about the shenanigans of Chicago politics and the American's display. Despite the revered Double O's, Obamas and Oprah, visit to Copenhagen, Chicago was eliminated the very FIRST ROUND!!! That's pitiful, but I am almost happy that this happened. Did I hear a why in between the outcries of racist and terrorist?

Well, here is why. The world has for a long time hated the arrogance of the United States and Obama has made sure to apologize for that (and Bush) every time he has had the opportunity. Obama claimed to be the change that the world wanted. He thought he was going to be this big unifier that was going to save the economy, health care, make peace with Iran, fix immigration, fix whatever it is was wrong with the country and ultimately the world. Funny, how in the few short months of his presidency the world has started to see what a large percentage of Americans have been fighting against for months. A lying piece of a...rrogance that has swindled his way into a position of power!

They, aka the world, are loosing respect for him!! The Middle East is walking all over him with the nuclear plants, France is having to reprimand his actions and now he is not even getting any special treatment with the IOC. His presence wasn't even a drop in the Olympic size swimming pool.

Obama's political capital is dwindling faster than this countries liberties. So while Obama waltzed into Copenhagen expecting it to close the deal, his brief stay, his arrogant confidence was probably a factor in the U.S' lost bid. Even "former IOC member Kai Holm said that the brevity of his appearance may have counted against him. The short stopover was 'too business-like,' Holm said. 'It can be that some IOC members see it as a lack of respect.'" And while Obama once called for 'A New World Order' while in Europe, I hope, for this country and the worlds, that this is a small signal of the response he would get with a statement like that now.

Articles Spotlight 9/30

Olympics:
John Boehner blasts Barack Obama's Olympic Move: Politico
House Minority Leader John Boehner torched President Barack Obama Wednesday for his European trip to pitch the Chicago Olympics bid, criticizing the president for "going to go off to Copenhagen when we've got serious issues here at home that need to be debated."

Some Chicago Residents Hoping Olympic Bid a Bust: Yahoo News
The mayor, the president and Oprah Winfrey may hope to return to Chicago from Copenhagen with the 2016 Olympic Games, but some around town hope the International Olympic Committee deems the Second City the second city.

Rivals unfazed by shadow of Obama in 2016 big: Reuters
Chicago's rivals to stage the 2016 Summer Olympics showed no sign on Tuesday of being fazed by the announcement that President Barack Obama would fly to Copenhagen on Friday to support the U.S. city's bid.

Rio Goes on Offensive Against Chicago in Olympics Bid Race: Yahoo News
The race to win the right to host the 2016 Olympics became increasingly bitter here on Tuesday as Rio de Janeiro went on the attack against bookmakers' favourites Chicago.

Obama's Olympic Pitch Draws GOP Complaint: Yahoo News
President Obama's decision to travel to Copenhagen to boost Chicago's chances of winning the 2016 Olympics has drawn criticism from some Republicans, who call it a boondoggle for Obama's hometown allies and evidence the president has blurred his priorities.

Michelle Obama arrives in Copenhagen for IOC Vote: Yahoo Sports
Michelle Obama says the Olympics have the power to transform the lives of children in Chicago and around the country, inspiring them to be the next David Robinson, Nadia Comaneci.


Health Care:
N.Y. Health Care Workers Revolt Over H1N1 Vaccine: CBS
They're upset over an ultimatum from the health department. Workers are being told to either get the swine flu vaccine or lose their jobs. New York is the first state in the country to mandate flu vaccinations for its health care workers.

Military to Get Mandatory Swine Flue Shots Soon: AP
U.S. military troops will begin getting required swine flu shots in the next week to 10 days, with active duty forces deploying to war zones and other critical areas going to the front of the vaccine line, a top military commander said Tuesday.


Politics:
Ex-Dem fundraiser sentenced in NYC to 24 years: Yahoo News
Former Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu was sentenced Tuesday to more than 24 years in prison by a judge who accused him of funding his fraud by manipulating the political process in a way that "strikes at the very core of our democracy."


Economy:
Greenspan Sees Growth Slowing as Stocks 'Flatten Out': Bloomberg
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said he sees the U.S. economy slowing next year as the surge in stocks comes to an end. “The odds are we flatten out,” Greenspan said today in a Bloomberg television interview, referring to the equity market. “That flattening out will put some sort of dull face on 2010.”

Police department gets Boot in West Texas Town: KENS San Antonio
Marfa's quiet country lifestyle and thriving art scene make this tiny west Texas town a favorite getaway. But the city won't keep its police chief and two officers when the police department shuts down October 1.

White House:
Chicago Death of Teen 'Chilling': Breitbart
The White House says cell phone video showing the fatal beating of a 16-year-old honors student in Chicago is "chilling." It came up at President Barack Obama's morning meeting in the Oval Office.


Foreign Affairs:
43 U.S. Troops Have Died in Afghanistan Since Call for Reinforcements: CNS News.com
Another American died in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the final day of September--and exactly one month after the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan sent a confidential war assessment to the Obama administration, warning that more forces are needed--soon.

Indonesia quake kills 75, Thousands Trapped: Yahoo News
A powerful earthquake rocked western Indonesia Wednesday, trapping thousands under collapsed buildings — including two hospitals — and triggering landslides. At least 75 people were killed on Sumatra island and the death toll was expected to climb sharply.

Iran to Propose third-party Uranium Enrichment: Ahmadinejad: Breitbart
Iran will propose that it is prepared to allow a third party to enrich uranium to the grade it requires for its nuclear reactor rather than carry out the enrichment itself, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday.

Lula faces criticism in Brazil over Honduras role: Reuters
Brazil's government is facing growing criticism at home over its handling of the Honduran crisis as senior lawmakers accuse it of allowing the ousted president to use its embassy as a political platform.


Education:
School district could Backpedal on Policy: Times Union
Seventh-grader Adam Marino is getting a firsthand lesson in civil disobedience. The 12-year-old and his mother, Janette Kaddo Marino, are defying Saratoga Springs school policy by biking to Maple Avenue Middle School on Route 9. The Jackson Street residents pedal more than four miles together each way to the middle school on nice days despite being told not to by school officials and police.


Other:
Empire State Building Goes Red for Communist China's Revolution: Fox News
New York is seeing red over the decision to turn the city's highest beacon — and one of America's symbols for free enterprise — into a shining monument honoring China's communist revolution Wednesday night.

Roman Polanski: Backlash as Whoopi Goldberg says Director didn't commit 'rape-rape': Telegraph
Goldberg, star of The Color Purple and Sister Act, said: "I know it wasn't rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don't believe it was rape-rape. "He pled guilty to having sex with a minor and he went to jail, and when they let him out he said 'You know what, this guy's going to give me 100 years in jail. I'm not staying'. And that's why he left." Polanski was arrested in Zurich, Switzerland on Sunday and faces extradition to the United States. He fled the US in 1978 before being sentenced for the crime and has been pursued around the globe by prosecutors ever since.

Anti-Graffiti Plan Raise Stakes for Homeowners: NBC
Looking to prevent your home from becoming a tagger's canvas? The city of LA has a plan that asks homeowners to pitch in or pay -- whether they want to or not. All new buildings in Los Angeles -- including homes -- must have anti-graffiti coating under an ordinance approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday. Homes in the tag There is an exception if the owners promise to remove any graffiti on their property soon after it appears.

FedEx Flies Terminally Ill Girl Home: Harrison Daily
Because of caring people and a caring company, a terminally ill little Green Forest girl was flown home Friday by air ambulance from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, so she can spend her last days surrounded by the people who love her most.

Dallas Woman Fuming Over Smoking Neighbor At Complex: Dallas News
In an age when smoking has been outlawed in most public places – government buildings, bars and pool halls – a person's home is one of the few places you can puff in peace. Until now. A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit seeking six figures from a former neighbor and landlord for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome.

Old News-- Still Scary: Devout Muslims with Questionable ties Appointed to Homeland Security Dept

Obama and Janet Napolitano Appoint Arif Alikhan, a devout Sunni Muslim as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development Source for announcement: Homeland Security Press Room.

Alikhan is affiliated with MPAC, the "Muslim Public Affairs Council". This group actively opposed Bush's military incursions into Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as his "excesses" in the war on terror. They also:

• claims that Islam is a religion of peace and moderation
• Contends that Muslim extremists are no more numerous or dangerous than fundamentalists in any other faith.
• Hold Israel entirely responsible for the "pattern of violence" in the Middle East
• Asserts that Hezbollah "could be called a liberation movement."
  
• Likens Hezbollah members to American "freedom fighters hundreds of years ago whom the British regarded as terrorists."
  

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The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is proud to announce that the DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano swore-in Kareem Shora, a devout Muslim, who was born in Damascus, Syria as ADC National Executive Director as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council

ADC has some questionable history as well. Some things include:

• Has close ties to anti-Israel professor Rashid Khalidi, whose association with President Obama stirred controversy during last year's presidential campaign.
• They take an openly anti-Israel line.
• ADC also leads the opposition to domestic anti-terrorism measures taken after the 9-11 attacks, such as watch lists, background check delays for visas and an initiative meant to more comprehensively screen visitors from select Mid-east countries or specific individuals labeled as possible national security threats.
• during one Hamas suicide bombings against Israeli civilians, then-ADC President Hamzi Moghrabi said, "I will not call [Hamas] a terrorist organization. I mean, I know many people in Hamas. They are very respectable. … I don't believe Hamas, as an organization, is a violent organization."

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These headlines are not new but they are scary.

Click here for more information on both men's association and more details about these organizations.

Yet Another First for the American Presidency

An article on NBC broke the news that Obama is going to Copenhagen to push for Chicago's bid to the 2016 Olympics Games. Obama is the first American president who is travelling to the International Olympics Committee vote.

How much money does it cost us to travel internationally?
Is this really the most important issue for our President?
Why would he push for the Olympics to be held in the U.S. when most Olympic cities loose money in the long run? Aren't we in enough financial trouble?

This is just another example of Obama's lack of proper focus and his disregard for our financial situation.

Is our President tackling the Afghanistan War? The Health Care Debate? The Economy? No, he is going to to Europe to encourage them to have an event in the United States that will likely leave his "beloved city" in debt. Not to mention the corruption of the Chicago politicians. I can just see the breaking news now. Chicago has some of the most corrupt politicians in the country and the idea of them handling this financial mess is a little frightening.


Apart from Los Angeles in 1984, every Olympics has lost in the end. (Bejing doesn't count since there is no transparency and they don't pay their workers competitive rates.) The 2012 London Olympics have already run up a $15 billion bill with more to come. Since the economy is bad, much of the private donations has become obsolete. The government has been forced to step in and drain the contingency fund more quickly than expected. The Montreal Games were a financial disaster: costs spiraled to four times their original estimate, and Canada only finished paying back the debt three years ago after heavy borrowing.

How about we talk about the cost of having Obama travel to Copenhagen?? Considering that just to run the presidential jet for an hour can cost anywhere from $34,000 to $56,000 this little hop across the pond is pretty pricey. Also consider that there are at least 2 planes that travel with the President. Not to mention the cost of security for the President AND the accommodations, food, other travel costs for all those traveling in the entourage. I mean! C'mon, this is not going to be just a couple thousand dollars!

Our President has talked to the Commander of our War in Afghanistan 1 time but he is taking time out to talk about the Olympics-- CRAZY!

Articles Spotlight 9/28

Health Care/Swine Flu:
41% Support for Health Care Plan, 56% Oppose: Plan Hits New Low: Rasmussen Reports
Just 41% of voters nationwide now favor the health care reform proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s down two points from a week ago and the lowest level of support yet measured

Swine Flue Surge Closes Schools, Tests Hospitals: Washington Post
In Austin, so many parents are rushing their children to the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas with swine flu symptoms that the hospital had to set up tents in the parking lot to cope with the onslaught.

People Can Opt out of Listing STDs, Abortions in Government Mandated Electronic Health Records, Patrick Kennedy Says: CNS NewsRep.
Patrick Kennedy (D.-R.I.) says people will be able to stop doctors from including records of sexually transmitted diseases and abortions in the new national system of Electronic Health Records that was mandated by the stimulus law enacted in February.

Foreign Affairs:
Iran Conducts Third Round of Missile Tests: MyWay
Iran said it successfully completed two days of missile tests that including launching its longest-range missiles on Monday, weapons capable of carrying a warhead and striking Israel, U.S. military bases in the Middle East, and parts of Europe

Iran test-fires long-range missiles: CNN
Days before a key meeting with Western leaders, Iran test-fired two types of long-range missiles Monday in part of what the Islamic republic called routine military exercises, its state-run media reported.

Honduras restricts liberties to prevent rebellion: MyWay
interim government leaders have suspended constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties in pre-emptive strike against widespread rebellion Monday, three months to the day since they ousted President Manuel Zelaya in military-backed coup.

Honduras spurns OAS, vows to close Brazil embassy: Reuters
The de facto government of Honduras denied entry on Sunday to an Organization of American States delegation and threatened to close Brazil's embassy, where ousted President Manuel Zelaya has taken refuge.

China to display upgraded missiles in Oct 1 Parade: Yahoo News
Upgraded missiles will feature prominently in China's Oct 1 military parade which celebrates 60 years of Communist Party rule, the Xinhua news agency said, citing a commander of the service that controls nuclear weapons.

Venezuela exploring uranium deposits with Russia: Yahoo News
Venezuela's science and technology minister said his country is working with Russia to detect deposits of uranium but withdrew an earlier denial that the country was also working with Iran.

Politics:
Bill Clinton: 'Vast right-wing conspiracy' as virulent' as ever: CNN
The "vast right-wing conspiracy" that attacked him during his presidency has been weakened, but continues to operate against President Obama, former President Clinton said Sunday.

After several tries, U.S. officials finally nab Roman Polanski in 1970s rape case: LA Times
Three decades after he fled the United States following his arrest for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, Roman Polanski was taken into custody in Zurich this morning and faces extradition to Los Angeles.

Anger in France and Poland after Polanski arrest: Reuters
France's political elite rallied to the defence of Roman Polanski on Sunday, calling on Switzerland to free the 76-year-old film director rather than extradite him to the United States. Artists and film makers also urged the release of Polanski, who faces charges of having sex with a girl of 13 in 1977, accusing Switzerland of being overzealous in pursuing the case.

Sarkozy wants 'resolution to Polanski arrest: Financial Times
President Nicolas Sarkozy said he hoped for a “speedy resolution” to the arrest in Switzerland of Roman Polanski, the film director who has French nationality.

Economy
Social Security strained by early retirement: MyWay
Big job losses and a spike in early retirement claims from laid-off seniors will force SS to pay out more in benefits than it collects in taxes the next two years, the first time that's happeened since the 1980s.

Education:
More school: Obama would curtail summer vacation: Yahoo News
Students beware: The summer vacation you just enjoyed could be sharply curtailed if President Barack Obama gets his way. Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe.

Military:
U.S. Commander of Afghanistan only talked to Obama once: Washington Times
The military general credited for capturing Saddam Hussein and killing the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq says he has only spoken to President Obama once since taking command of Afghanistan.

Other:
Infant killed in Van Nuys Gang Shooting: LA Times
Police said the shooting that killed a 4-month-old boy and injured two others in Van Nuys early this morning was prompted by an argument between rival gang members.

Silvio Berlusconi calls Barack Obama tanned-again: Telegraph
"I bring you greetings from a person who is called...a person who is sun-tanned...Barack Obama," the smiling 72-year-old politician told a crowd of cheering supporters in Milan on Sunday.

Obama Heading to Copenhagen for Olympic Pitch: NBC
President Obama will travel to Copenhagen to make a pitch for Chicago’s Olympic bid, White House officials have confirmed to NBC News. Obama will leave for Denmark Thursday night, hours after his wife Michelle departs for the vote. The president made the final decision Saturday night after returning from the G20 summit in Pittsburgh.

For Brazil, Olympic Bid is About Global Role: NY Times
On shimmering Copacabana beach, where Rio’s body-conscious residents play volleyball and soccer, giant screens are being readied for a live broadcast of the vote that will determine whether this city will make history by becoming the first South American city ever to host the Olympic Games.

FOX-TV Chicago Ordered Not to Run Anti-Olympics Story: Drudge Report
A local TV station that reported on Chicagoans NOT wanting the Olympics has been told NOT to run the report again, insiders tell the DRUDGE REPORT!