WANTED: DEAD

If you have seen this carbon based life form, please report it immediately to your nearest hysterical news outlet. DO NOT APPROACH! ARMED AND DANGEROUS!

BBC NEWS | Business | Chrysler bankruptcy deal revealed

Ah, yes, it was such a good thing to give them billions of tax dollars to prevent bankruptcy. How much do you want to bet that those billions will never be paid back? So much for all that taxpayer investment paying off. I'm also expecting an announcement that Obama will own them... maybe even merge them into the new Government Motors company. Instead of a chicken in every pot, it will be a GM car in every garage. Too bad the garage will be owned by the government also. Look at the how the press reports it. You'd think it was the president of Chrysler talking. He already took ownership when he was inaugurated. This is truly fascist. I guess it's what we all want, according to the press. I'm really getting tired of Americans not caring about what is going on here. I believe it's already too late to fix this anytime soon. The next election in 2010 will be too late. If we could kick them all out right now, it would take 5-10 years minimum to reverse half of the damage. BBC NEWS | Business | Chrysler bankruptcy deal revealed: "US carmaker Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection immediately and has formed an alliance with Fiat, President Obama has said."

New jobless claims unexpectedly drop to 631K

It's not really that bad, but it's really that bad. New jobless claims unexpectedly drop to 631K: "WASHINGTON – The number of newly laid-off workers signing up for unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week, but the number of people continuing to draw jobless aid rose to nearly 6.3 million, setting a record high for the 13th straight week."

Reuters AlertNet - WHO raises flu threat level, warns pandemic imminent

Needed to get this on the record. "Bush actually did something right!" UPDATE: I take it back. I heard the rest of the quote where he took credit for this also. He just can't help it, anything that goes well, it's only because of his very existence in the universe! Reuters AlertNet - WHO raises flu threat level, warns pandemic imminent: "Obama also praised his predecessor for stockpiling anti-viral medication in anticipation of such an outbreak. 'I think the Bush administration did a good job of creating the infrastructure so that we can respond,' Obama said. 'For example, we've got 50 million courses of anti-viral drugs in the event that they're needed.'"

BBC NEWS | Americas | WHO raises pandemic alert level

If I wasn't so level headed, I might think that the press/governments are trying disparately to distract us from the pending global depression - that they are causing. Remember, 36,000 people die from the flu or complications every year in the US alone (see post below). That's nearly 100 people a day in one country on average. Why isn't that called a pandemic every year? I'm pretty sure that the flu strain is the same every where in the world for the season. Evidently, the markets like it. Surprisingly, the Dow is up over 2%. Maybe investors are thinking that if we are all running around crazy then we'll spend like crazy trying to avoid getting the Ms. Piggy flu and, snap, the economy is back on track, just like WWII did it. That's not going to work, WWII was real, so far this is not a real pandemic. But I bet there are some in power who are hoping it is just for that reason. BBC NEWS | Americas | WHO raises pandemic alert level: "The UN's World Health Organization has raised the alert over the spread of swine flu to level five - one short of a full-blown pandemic."

First US swine flu death, spread deepens in Europe

More absurd "reporting" from the AP-Obama. According the CDC (link), an estimated 36,000 people die each year in the US from the flu or complications there of. I'm sure Obama mourns each death. Notice that the toddler was Mexican. Now I'm wondering if the toddler or his parents were legally here? That would be an interesting twist. I think this disease is racist, it seems to be killing only Mexicans. First US swine flu death, spread deepens in Europe: "WASHINGTON – Virulent swine flu swept deeper into Europe Wednesday, extending its global reach as President Barack Obama mourned the first U.S. death, a Mexican toddler in Texas, and said wider school closings in the United States may be necessary. Total U.S. cases surged to nearly 100."

Home Prices Sink Again, but Pace Is a Bit Slower - WSJ.com

It's really bad, but not really bad. Home Prices Sink Again, but Pace Is a Bit Slower - WSJ.com: "Home prices fell sharply in February, but for the first time in 16 months the annual pace of deterioration slowed."

Economy shrinks at 6.1 percent pace in 1Q

Good thing we're getting close to begin to decelerate to reach closer to starting to get to the bottom. Economy shrinks at 6.1 percent pace in 1Q: "WASHINGTON – The economy shrank at a worse-than-expected 6.1 percent pace at the start of this year as sharp cutbacks by businesses and the biggest drop in U.S. exports in 40 years overwhelmed a rebound in consumer spending."

Sources: Sen. Specter intends to switch parties

Why bother? He's been acting like one for years. I think it's good news for Republicans. This way, when we gain control again (I'm ever the optimist), we won't have to deal with making him chair of the judiciary committee. Unless of course, he changes back, sigh. Sources: Sen. Specter intends to switch parties: "WASHINGTON – Several officials say veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania intends to switch parties, advancing his own hopes of winning a new term next year while pushing Democrats one step closer to a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority."

Hoover gets $250K for restoration | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen

Thought this was ironic. The man blamed for Great Depression I gets money from the man creating Great Depression II. Hoover gets $250K for restoration | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen: "The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch will receive part of $730,000 in stimulus funding for Iowa projects from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Monday."

Spending the U.S. stimulus: states can't afford it

Spending the U.S. stimulus: states can't afford it: "JOBS REMAIN A MYSTERY" I am so looking forward to my Obama-free day.

Gore, Gingrich face off on climate bill - Climate Change- msnbc.com

Gore, Gingrich face off on climate bill - Climate Change- msnbc.com I simply can't stand to read this anymore. Gore says we must force people to live the way he says we should live (he's exempted of course) and Gingrich says we must force people to live the way he says we should live (he's exempted of course). Am I the only one who hears an echo? These so-called smart meters are what's pivotal in all of this. They should be called screw-you meters. This is how Gore is going to prove himself. He says energy costs will go down and carbon emissions will go down. The government will mandate both. They will take control of the power plants and dictate the cost of electricity and also dictate to us how much we will use. So, smart meters will be their way in. When we use too much, we will experience our own personal black out. But the good news (that's how Gore will put it) is we don't have to pay that much. In fact we will probably pay less per day (not per watt). What will happen, what always happens in a tyranny, is the commoners will live one way, and the elite and powerful will live the way we used to. And that's where it comes down to, as it always is in tyranny: control.

GM to cut 21,000 US factory jobs, shed Pontiac

Wow, aren't we glad the government stepped to save GM? I mean, could things be going in worse for them? GM to cut 21,000 US factory jobs, shed Pontiac: "DETROIT – General Motors Corp. said it will cut 21,000 U.S. factory jobs by next year, phase out its storied Pontiac brand and ask the government to take more than half its stock in exchange for half of GM's government debt as part of a major restructuring that would leave current shareholders holding just 1 percent of the company."

Obama: Swine flu not a reason for 'alarm'

You have got to be kidding? He uses even this as a pitch for spending even more money! Obama: Swine flu not a reason for 'alarm': "'But one thing is clear: Our capacity to deal with a public health challenge of this sort rests heavily on the work of our scientific and medical community,' the president said. 'And this is one more example of why we cannot allow our nation to fall behind.'"

Obama muddles torture message - Josh Gerstein and Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

No reason to even read this. It's the same political see-saw. Obama muddles torture message - Josh Gerstein and Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

BBC NEWS | Americas | US Freddie Mac chief found dead

BBC NEWS | Americas | US Freddie Mac chief found dead: "The 41-year-old had been Freddie Mac's chief financial officer since September, having worked for the company for 16 years. Police did not confirm reports that he had committed suicide."

County recorders getting ready for same-sex applicants | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

Will we be dumbing down other definitions now? Bride is now 'party A', groom is now 'party B'. Do they even have to be human anymore? I don't want to offend anyone. Aren't we discriminating against someone who wishes to marry himself or herself or itself? Can you marry a rock or maybe even the earth? County recorders getting ready for same-sex applicants | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: "Her office is getting the new paperwork ready, including an application that instead of listing bride and groom, lists bride, groom or spouse. It also refers to each couple as 'party A' and 'party B,' instead of 'bride' and 'groom.'"

Obama open to prosecution, probe of interrogations

It's coming. They are going to charge Bush administration officials with war crimes. It will tear this country apart. Obama open to prosecution, probe of interrogations: "WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama left the door open Tuesday to prosecuting Bush administration officials who devised the legal authority for gruesome terror-suspect interrogations, saying the United States lost 'our moral bearings' with use of the tactics."

GM, Chrysler to get $5.5B more in government loans

I wonder if these guys have figured out it would have been better to go bankrupt than give in to the government. I bet the former CEO of GM realizes that now. GM, Chrysler to get $5.5B more in government loans: "DETROIT – General Motors Corp. could get as much as $5 billion more in federal loans, while Chrysler LLC could get $500 million as they race against government-imposed deadlines to restructure, according to a government report filed Tuesday."

Geithner says most banks have sufficient capital

Let me help this guy out, they are worthless. That's why they are called "toxic." Geithner says most banks have sufficient capital: "'Uncertainty about the value of legacy assets is constraining the ability of financial institutions to raise private capital,' Geithner said, adding that he hoped a public-private investment program will improve the ability to put a price on troubled mortgage and other assets."

Detained Somali teen pirate due in New York court

Detained Somali teen pirate due in New York court: "But they are still holding at least 17 other ships as high-seas attacks in 2009 soared to record levels." This is the last line of the article. Why is this jerk smiling anyway? Maybe because he knows the worst we have to offer him in prison is the best he'd get from home.

'Earth Day at East Side' Saturday | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen

Free compost? Is there a limit? Will some one shovel it into the back seat of my car? This is happening in Iowa City. Do people actually bring brown bags to take home compost? I almost want to go just to see this. 'Earth Day at East Side' Saturday | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen: "'Earth Day at East Side' will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the East Side Recycling Center at 2401 Scott Blvd. S.E. Advertisement The event will feature food, information and free workshops and will be put on by Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center, ReStore and local environmental groups. Attendees can learn about the missions of numerous local environmental groups, get free compost, learn about the city's environmental and waste reduction programs and more."

Obama plans credit-card push

Because government solve anything and everything... Obama plans credit-card push: "White House economic adviser Larry Summers told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that President Obama plans to join a push planned by congressional Democrats on “credit card abuses” as part of looking out for the little guy while rebuilding the nation’s financial system." I am going to have to have an Obama-free day. I can't stand this anymore. I think I'm going to have to lock myself in a closet to really achieve that.

CNN to treat Obama's 100th day like election night

.... Sorry, had to wipe the vomit off. CNN to treat Obama's 100th day like election night: "NEW YORK – CNN is marking President Barack Obama's 100th day in office with prime-time coverage that will recall last year's primary and general election nights, right down to John King's magic wall."

Volcker says economy recovery a "long slog"

"going to slow." That implies the rate of decline has not slowed. Volcker says economy recovery a "long slog": "NASHVILLE, Tenn (Reuters) – Paul Volcker, senior economic adviser to President Barack Obama, said on Saturday that the U.S. economic recovery will be a 'long slog' but that the rate of decline 'is going to slow.'"

Obama Seeks $100M Budget Trim From Cabinet - First 100 Days of Presidency - Politics FOXNews.com

In honor of this massive government budget cut, I've decided to match in percentage with my own personal budget cut. I pledge that I will skip buying a soda one time this year. The $1.50 I save can then be used to reduce my debt. That should cut at least a microsecond off the repayment schedule. Obama Seeks $100M Budget Trim From Cabinet - First 100 Days of Presidency - Politics FOXNews.com

Stocks seesaw after Citi, GE earnings

Stocks seesaw after Citi, GE earnings Just what Obama likes, evidently. Up and down... until it snaps.

BBC NEWS | Americas | CIA 'amnesty' dismays campaigners

Don't worry. They'll forgive him. BBC NEWS | Americas | CIA 'amnesty' dismays campaigners: "Human and civil rights groups in the US have expressed dismay at news that CIA agents will not face prosecution over interrogation tactics in the Bush era."

Ground Zero projects to drag on to 2037: report

Ground Zero projects to drag on to 2037: report: "NEW YORK (AFP) – The already long delayed rebuilding of New York's World Trade Center could drag on for years, with full occupancy only in 2037 -- 36 years after the 9/11 attacks, reports said Thursday." Shameful. This is one place Obama or any US president can re-unite Americans. The new WTC needs to be rebuilt now. It's has already taken way too long.

Obama vows to reform "monstrous" tax code

If we go with his tract record, we can expect he will fix the "monstrous" tax system by making it 5 times more monstrous. Obama vows to reform "monstrous" tax code: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama promised Americans his administration would reform the 'monstrous' U.S. tax system"

Jobless claims top 6M; housing starts plummet

Jobless claims top 6M; housing starts plummet: "WASHINGTON – The number of people receiving jobless benefits exceeded 6 million for the first time, the government reported Thursday, and housing construction unexpectedly plunged to its second-lowest level on record — fresh evidence that the recession is far from over." yet later in the same article... "Still, economists found some silver linings. For the second straight week the number of people filing new benefits claims dropped more than expected, and single-family home construction, while depressed, appears to be leveling off." It's really bad...but it's not really that bad....Up and down, up and down. I really think AP is plagiarizing Obama.

Bringing Smart Energy Home

I have a better idea than smart meters. What if the energy that we used was monitored by those who provide it to us? And then they could provide an incentive for us to reduce the amount we use. They would notify us on a regular schedule what we've used, say monthly, and we can adjust based on that. If we use less, then these "Utility" companies would reward us with something else we also desire. I call it Server-Side Monitoring and Control. Most other people might call it getting billed from the Electric or Gas company. Some may even call it Capitalism. Bringing Smart Energy Home: "The utility-focused tools use smart meter information to provide deeper energy analysis and can even control smart appliances, enabling utilities to implement demand-response events. But the drawback of such tools is that you'll need a lot of patience and a little luck. To get hooked up via one, you'll need to be in the footprint of a utility that's rolling out smart meters. At this point fewer than 6% of the U.S. population has a smart meter."

Retail sales show recession far from bottom

Sales are down. Spending is up. Credit is gone. Production is down. Inventories are up. Obama says the fundamentals are bad and then they are good. He says we're in for a very long and deep recession and then he says it's not as bad as we think, then he says it is. I think the president is regressing to his childhood when his favorite thing to do is go up and down on the seesaw. I think I would very much like that technology used for the snipers that were ordered by the Commander-in-Chief Obama to shoot those black teenagers. You know, the stuff that kept the weapons balanced despite the ups and downs of the sea. If we could only apply that to our stock market here... Retail sales show recession far from bottom: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly fell 1.1 percent in March after rising for two straight months, government data showed on Tuesday, dimming hopes the 16-month-old recession was close to hitting bottom. A separate report showed prices received by U.S. producers fell a surprising 1.2 percent last month, underscoring the economy's weakness and lack of pricing power. Despite the weak March sales data, economists said consumer spending likely rebounded in the first quarter, which could mean gross domestic product fell less steeply than the 6.3 percent annual rate recorded in the last three months of 2008."

Obama: 'Instant gratification' fueled bust

Read: "You are not being taxed enough" Obama: 'Instant gratification' fueled bust: "President Barack Obama acknowledged in a major economic speech Tuesday that 'times are still tough' and warned that a culture of 'instant gratification' had produced neglect of major national problems that wound up undermining the economy."

BBC NEWS | Business | GM stock hit by bankruptcy report

BBC NEWS | Business | GM stock hit by bankruptcy report: "US carmaker General Motors has seen its shares fall sharply after a report that the US government wants the firm to start bankruptcy proceedings by 1 June."

Obama girls name their new puppy 'Bo'

Obama girls name their new puppy 'Bo': "The dog is a gift from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who owns several Portuguese water dogs himself." I thought he said they were going to get a rescue dog. I don't have a problem with them getting a bred dog at all, I just get tired of hearing one thing and seeing another thing done. I see this all the time from Liberals. "Save the trees! Save the animals!" while we have a barbecue on a red wood deck.

Federal budget deficit sets March record $192.3B

Money, money, everywhere and not a drop to spend (for regular tax paying citizens). But we'll get to pay for it with the inevitable hyper-inflation coming. I bet the press are getting the Misery Index ready. Federal budget deficit sets March record $192.3B: "WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department said Friday that the budget deficit increased by $192.3 billion in March, and is near $1 trillion just halfway through the budget year, as costs of the financial bailout and recession mount."

Rove: Biden a 'blowhard' and 'liar'

Rove: Biden a 'blowhard' and 'liar'

Biden spokesman Jay Carney told Fox earlier this week, "The vice president stands by his remarks."

BBC NEWS | Americas | Iowa upholds gay marriage rights

BBC NEWS | Americas | Iowa upholds gay marriage rights: "Iowa's Supreme Court has ruled that a ban on same-sex marriages in the US state was unconstitutional."

The Myth of 90 Percent: Only a Small Fraction of Guns in Mexico Come From U.S. - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

Great article from Fox News... The Myth of 90 Percent: Only a Small Fraction of Guns in Mexico Come From U.S. - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com: "EXCLUSIVE: You've heard this shocking 'fact' before -- on TV and radio, in newspapers, on the Internet and from the highest politicians in the land: 90 percent of the weapons used to commit crimes in Mexico come from the United States. -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it to reporters on a flight to Mexico City. -- CBS newsman Bob Schieffer referred to it while interviewing President Obama. -- California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said at a Senate hearing: 'It is unacceptable to have 90 percent of the guns that are picked up in Mexico and used to shoot judges, police officers and mayors ... come from the United States.' -- William Hoover, assistant director for field operations at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, testified in the House of Representatives that 'there is more than enough evidence to indicate that over 90 percent of the firearms that have either been recovered in, or interdicted in transport to Mexico, originated from various sources within the United States.' There's just one problem with the 90 percent 'statistic' and it's a big one: It's just not true." You need to read this rest of this...