The investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations into Goldman Sachs' practices leading into the recession are just another politcal ploy by politicians to gain momentum during an election year.
Led by Chairman Carl Levin, democratic senator from Michigan, the subcommittee has failed to make any gain over 10-plus hours of hearings. Senator Levin has even resorted to profanity and other unprofessional statements such as, "you shouldn't be selling crap."
Sen. Levin has continuously interrupted the Goldman Sachs representatives. He has rambled on about one thing and finished the statement with a question regarding something completely different. Often leaving Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein with a baffled look.
Chairman Levin refers to one example of Goldman receiving money owed to them by AIG. Blankfein explains the situation as AIG was prepared to default on a loan from Goldman. He continues to note that the loan was insured and Goldman would have received the money whether AIG defaulted or not. The United States government did not want AIG to default and therefore gave them a tax-payer funded handout to repay Goldman.
Techinally, Goldman Sachs received tax-payer money by-way of AIG. Goldman never requested that money because they would have been paid either way. Sen. Levin attempts to place blame on Goldman Sachs, even though he and his fellow elected officials were the ones that gave AIG the money.
If you believe the Senate hearings are a means of getting a finance reform bill passed in Congress, then you are right.
A subcommittee full of senators lacking expertise into the field they are investigating does no one any good. Unless you are a senator on that subcommittee and you need someone to place the blame on.
Remember the words tax-payer, bailouts and scape-goats. The government loves saying the first two and loves applying the third to Wall Street.
AddThis
4/27/2010
Bobcats season over; needs for next year;
After a first round sweep at the hands of the Orlando Magic, the Charlotte Bobcats season has come to an end. This series exposed many flaws in the Bobcats game. Here are the blemishes I believe they should apply cream to:
- Outside Shooting
- The Bobcats shot 27.9 percent from three-point range throughout the series. Only four players shot over 30 percent. If this doesn't define pathetic, then I never learned the true definition. Adding a long-range shooter should be one of the top priorities for the 'Cats this offseason or they'll have more ugly playoff exits in the future.
- Point guard play
- Raymond Felton averaged 11.8 points and 5.0 assists in 32.5 minutes against Orlando. D.J. Augustin scored 4.3 ppg and 1.0 apg in 18.3 minutes. Jameer Nelson averaged 23.8 and 4.5. With three centers keeping Dwight Howard from dominating offensively, the Bobcats' point guards failed to show up against Orlando, on offense and defense. Felton is an unrestricted free agent. Either re-sign Felton and hope for better or sign someone else and let Augustin play more minutes.
- The four spot
- Boris Diaw had a disgustingly awful performance against the Magic. Diaw is one of the teams many players with previous playoff experience. He was expected to be the third scorer after Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson. Diaw's poor performance, along with the poor point guard play and terrible outside shooting, were the keys to Charlotte's early playoff exit. Tyrus Thomas is free agent and should be re-signed by the Bobcats. I would find a way to move Diaw to another team and open up minutes for rookie Derrick Brown.
UPDATED: Panthers deal veteran defender
Update: The Carolina Panthers have made the deal official. Chris Harris is now a Chicago Bear and Jamar Williams to the Panthers. Williams will add much needed depth to the Panthers linebacking corp. Harris was expendable with the young safeties currently on their roster.
Veteran safety Chris Harris of the Carolina Panthers posted to his Twitter account today that he will be traded to his former team, the Chicago Bears.
ESPN's NFC South blogger, Pat Yasinskas, says that the deal has not been finalized. He adds that the player coming back in return for Harris would be linebacker Jamar Williams.
You can follow Chris Harris here: @ChrisHarrisNFL and Pat Yasinskas: @ESPN_NFCSouth
Veteran safety Chris Harris of the Carolina Panthers posted to his Twitter account today that he will be traded to his former team, the Chicago Bears.
ESPN's NFC South blogger, Pat Yasinskas, says that the deal has not been finalized. He adds that the player coming back in return for Harris would be linebacker Jamar Williams.
You can follow Chris Harris here: @ChrisHarrisNFL and Pat Yasinskas: @ESPN_NFCSouth
4/21/2010
NFL announces decision on Roethlisberger
NFl spokesman Greg Aiello announced today that the NFL would suspend Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the first six games of the season. Roethlisberger will have to attend comprehensive behavioral evaluation as well.
Roethlisberger will be suspended without pay.
The Steelers must have been prepared for a lengthy suspension. they signed Byron Leftwich this past week.;
ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Steelers are now shopping Roethlisberger for a top-10 pick in this years draft.
Excerpts from Goodell's letter
Roethlisberger will be suspended without pay.
The Steelers must have been prepared for a lengthy suspension. they signed Byron Leftwich this past week.;
ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Steelers are now shopping Roethlisberger for a top-10 pick in this years draft.
Excerpts from Goodell's letter
Bobcats at Magic Game 2
Charlotte travels to Orlando for game two of the best of seven playoff series. Game two will be tonight at 7p.m. on TNT.
The Bobcats tightened up their top-ranked defense in the second half of game one against the Magic but were unable to comeback for the win. Hopefully they guard the three point shot better in game two or they'll be flying home to Charlotte down two games to none.
Stephen Jackson is expected to play. There are no other players suffereing from injuries worth noting.
The Bobcats tightened up their top-ranked defense in the second half of game one against the Magic but were unable to comeback for the win. Hopefully they guard the three point shot better in game two or they'll be flying home to Charlotte down two games to none.
Stephen Jackson is expected to play. There are no other players suffereing from injuries worth noting.
4/20/2010
Bobcats Wallace finishes third in DPOY
Bobcats all-star forward Gerald Wallace finished third in the 2009-2010 Defensive Player of the Year voting. Orlando Magic center, and first round playoff opponent, Dwight Howard finished first. Atlanta's Josh Smith finished second.
Howard lead the NBA in shots blocked and rebounds.
The three top vote getters all hail from the Southeast Division.
Howard lead the NBA in shots blocked and rebounds.
The three top vote getters all hail from the Southeast Division.
Gov. Perdue releases budget proposal
Governor Bev Perdue's proposed $19 billion budget proposal. Includes $1 billion in cuts and the loss of 600 jobs.
http://www.osbm.state.nc.us/files/pdf_files/2010_budget.pdf
http://www.osbm.state.nc.us/files/pdf_files/2010_budget.pdf
NFL will schedule only division games Week 17
In an attempt to fix the problem of teams resting players to end the season, the NFL has decided to schedule only divisional matchups in week 17.
Their were rumors of possible draft pick compensation for teams that clinched their division or playoff seeding.
"We actually have 28 divisional games in those last three weeks, as opposed to 15 for the 2009 season, and all 16 of the final Week 17 games will be divisional games," Goodell said on "Mike & Mike in the Morning."The NFL will release the full schedule Tuesday night.
Their were rumors of possible draft pick compensation for teams that clinched their division or playoff seeding.
4/19/2010
Singlers Back
Kyle Singler will return for his senior season at Duke University. Many draft experts believed Singler would skip his final season of eligibility at Duke and enter the NBA draft.
Singler earned the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player award for his performance during Duke's National Championship run.
Duke will be reloading next year rather than rebuilding. They return Singler and guard Nolan Smith, along with the additions of top guard recruit Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry, brother of the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry.
Singler earned the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player award for his performance during Duke's National Championship run.
Duke will be reloading next year rather than rebuilding. They return Singler and guard Nolan Smith, along with the additions of top guard recruit Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry, brother of the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry.
Capel to be named App. St. HC
According to a Charlotte Observer source, Appalachian State is prepared to promote assistant coach Jason Capel to Head Coach.
Last week, Buzz Peterson left Appalachian St. for the same position at UNC-Wilmington. Peterson hired Caple prior to this past season.
Capel is known by most for his playing days at UNC-Chapel Hill, including an appearance in the 2000 Final Four.
His stint as assistant under Peterson is his only coaching experience. This hire appears to be more so for the recruiting attention the Capel name brings rather than credentials.
Last week, Buzz Peterson left Appalachian St. for the same position at UNC-Wilmington. Peterson hired Caple prior to this past season.
Capel is known by most for his playing days at UNC-Chapel Hill, including an appearance in the 2000 Final Four.
His stint as assistant under Peterson is his only coaching experience. This hire appears to be more so for the recruiting attention the Capel name brings rather than credentials.
Panthers Claim Kick Returner/Cornerback Off Waivers
The Carolina Panthers claimed kick returner/cornerback Brian Witherspoon off waivers Friday. Witherspoon played for the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars this past season.
Witherspoon was an undrafted free agent in 2008 and attended Stillman College.
Captain Munnerlyn struggled as a returner last year for the Panthers.
Witherspoon was an undrafted free agent in 2008 and attended Stillman College.
Captain Munnerlyn struggled as a returner last year for the Panthers.
MRI Clears Jackson of Serious Injury
Charlotte Bobcats guard Stephen Jackson underwent an MRI on Tuesday to check for any serious injury to his left knee. The MRI only showed a bone bruise and Jackson is expected to play in game two Wednesday.
Jackson scored 18 points with nine rebounds and five turnovers in 33 minutes. He sat for most of the fourth quarter.
Game two will be played at Orlando's Amway Arena and can be seen on TNT at 7p.m. The Bobcats will host their franchises first ever playoff game Saturday, April 24, 2010.
Jackson scored 18 points with nine rebounds and five turnovers in 33 minutes. He sat for most of the fourth quarter.
Game two will be played at Orlando's Amway Arena and can be seen on TNT at 7p.m. The Bobcats will host their franchises first ever playoff game Saturday, April 24, 2010.
Red Sox host Rays in Patriot Day game.
Today the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays in the Patriot Day game. This game coincides with the start of the annual Boston Marathon.
John Lackey starts for Boston in one of the earliest starting times ever. Jeff Niemann gets the start for Tampa Bay.
John Lackey starts for Boston in one of the earliest starting times ever. Jeff Niemann gets the start for Tampa Bay.
3-Way NFL Trade
Philadelphia Eagles get LB Ernie Sims from Detroit.
Denver Broncos receives 5th round pick from Philadelphia.
Detroit Lions gets TE Tony Scheffler and 7th round pick from Denver.
Denver Broncos receives 5th round pick from Philadelphia.
Detroit Lions gets TE Tony Scheffler and 7th round pick from Denver.
4/16/2010
NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Schedule
Saturday Games:
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers - 3p.m. | ABC
Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks - 5:30p.m. | ESPN
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics - 8p.m. | ESPN
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets - 10:30p.m. | ESPN
Sunday Games:
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers - 3p.m. | ABC
Charlotte Bobcats at Orlando Magic - 5:30p.m. | TNT
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks - 8p.m. | TNT
Portland Trailblazers at Phoenix Suns - 10:30p.m. | TNT
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers - 3p.m. | ABC
Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks - 5:30p.m. | ESPN
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics - 8p.m. | ESPN
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets - 10:30p.m. | ESPN
Sunday Games:
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers - 3p.m. | ABC
Charlotte Bobcats at Orlando Magic - 5:30p.m. | TNT
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks - 8p.m. | TNT
Portland Trailblazers at Phoenix Suns - 10:30p.m. | TNT
Message to Big Ben: Stay Inside
With the release of the documents associated with the investigation into whether or not Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted a college student, another woman has come out. This woman claims that Roethlisberger showed himself while hosting a party at his home. She also alleges that he forced his hand up her skirt at the same party.
Those of us that drink know we have certain habits that pick up only when alcohol enters our systems. Over the years we come to notice these habits and, if negative, attempt to fix them. Alledgedly Big Ben likes to pull his private parts out and assault women. Maybe he should work on this habit.
My message to Roethlisberger would be to stay in for a while and focus on football and rebuilding your reputation in the community. Both Pittsburgh and Milledgeville;
With successful athletes gaining celebrity status, I imagine it being difficult to find a woman who isn't interested in the size of your wallet, and instead the size of your private parts. It's hard enough to find someone you can trust without the famous name.
This is the secondary reason I believe he should stay in. The primary being his career and personal life. Inviting random women with unknown intentions to your home or personal VIP area would not be the best idea at this point in time.
Those of us that drink know we have certain habits that pick up only when alcohol enters our systems. Over the years we come to notice these habits and, if negative, attempt to fix them. Alledgedly Big Ben likes to pull his private parts out and assault women. Maybe he should work on this habit.
My message to Roethlisberger would be to stay in for a while and focus on football and rebuilding your reputation in the community. Both Pittsburgh and Milledgeville;
With successful athletes gaining celebrity status, I imagine it being difficult to find a woman who isn't interested in the size of your wallet, and instead the size of your private parts. It's hard enough to find someone you can trust without the famous name.
This is the secondary reason I believe he should stay in. The primary being his career and personal life. Inviting random women with unknown intentions to your home or personal VIP area would not be the best idea at this point in time.
Proposed Budgets for Major US Departments
Know what your government is spending your money on.
Department of Defense: 2011 http://bit.ly/buMllM | 2010 http://bit.ly/aa7qbF
Department of the Interior: 2011 http://bit.ly/9bYjrr | 2010 http://bit.ly/bJgSBL
Department of Agriculture: 2011 http://bit.ly/9mq4Wk | 2010 http://bit.ly/bsa0RV
Department of Homeland Security: 2011 http://bit.ly/badHG8 | 2010 http://bit.ly/b6Tsnm
Department of Energy: 2011 http://bit.ly/bVp6C3 | 2010 http://bit.ly/a4Q9tH
Department of Justice: 2011 http://bit.ly/aiV0NC | 2010 http://bit.ly/bnCz05
If you want to see more, here is the link to the Government Printing Office: http://www.gpo.gov/
Department of Defense: 2011 http://bit.ly/buMllM | 2010 http://bit.ly/aa7qbF
Department of the Interior: 2011 http://bit.ly/9bYjrr | 2010 http://bit.ly/bJgSBL
Department of Agriculture: 2011 http://bit.ly/9mq4Wk | 2010 http://bit.ly/bsa0RV
Department of Homeland Security: 2011 http://bit.ly/badHG8 | 2010 http://bit.ly/b6Tsnm
Department of Energy: 2011 http://bit.ly/bVp6C3 | 2010 http://bit.ly/a4Q9tH
Department of Justice: 2011 http://bit.ly/aiV0NC | 2010 http://bit.ly/bnCz05
If you want to see more, here is the link to the Government Printing Office: http://www.gpo.gov/
4/15/2010
AFC EAST: Who's number one?
While on Facebook the other day I noticed a friend-of-a-friend had updated his status to say this: "I hate to say it, but the Dolphins are quickly becoming the Yankees of the NFL. But if we can buy a Super Bowl the way the Yankees buy World Series, I can learn to like it..." Yes, this was posted the day the Miami Dolphins traded for WR Brandon Marshall.
This brought to my attention that the Dolphins were now a favorite to make the playoffs and compete for the division title. My friend obviously believes that Marshall will catapault the Dolphins to Super Bowl status, at least division titles. I weighed this in my head for about a minute then remembered the New York Jets and New England Patriots had not been realigned to another division.
The Jets had a spectacular season this past year, but came up short of a Super Bowl appearance and conference championship. With the trade for CB Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers and Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, the return of everyone else on the NFL's number one rated defense and the draft, New York will be prepared for a Super Bowl run.
The draft is a week away and one that scouts say is the deepest in recent years. New York will have ample opportunity to bolster their defensive line or add a pass rusher. The thought of them improving on defense and offense after last season is very terrifying for other coaching staffs.
New England is returning 9 starters on offense. They add TE Alge Crumpler and WR Julian Edelman steps into the other starting receiver spot while Wes Welker recovers from injury.
Bill Belichick's baby, the defense, returns 10 starters. DE Jarvis Green signed via free agency with the Denver Broncos. New England also holds five picks in the first four rounds. Three in the second alone. Many quality defensive players will be available.
The Miami Dolphins, with three picks in the first four rounds, recently obtained Brandon Marshall. They also signed FA Linebacker Karlos Dansby. Both players significantly upgrade both sides of the ball.
Even with the addition of Dansby, an inside linebacker, Miami still needs to add a pass rusher and nose tackle. Ferguson, 35, is facing an eight-game suspension to start the season and his back-up hasn't been consistent.
Miami allowed pass rusher Joey Porter, 33, to leave via free agency. Porter was a huge contributor in his role and will need to be replaced. The team drafted two cornerbacks last year that started the majority of the season. With the addition of a pass-rusher and nosetackle, Miami's defense could be up there with the Jets'.
With all of this said, I still believe that New York and New England should be favorites to win the AFC East. I would predict the Jets taking the crown. Miami is only behind these two teams because they have less experience in key positions than the Jets and Patriots. At the same time, I would not be surprised if the Dolphins went all the way.
This brought to my attention that the Dolphins were now a favorite to make the playoffs and compete for the division title. My friend obviously believes that Marshall will catapault the Dolphins to Super Bowl status, at least division titles. I weighed this in my head for about a minute then remembered the New York Jets and New England Patriots had not been realigned to another division.
The Jets had a spectacular season this past year, but came up short of a Super Bowl appearance and conference championship. With the trade for CB Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers and Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, the return of everyone else on the NFL's number one rated defense and the draft, New York will be prepared for a Super Bowl run.
The draft is a week away and one that scouts say is the deepest in recent years. New York will have ample opportunity to bolster their defensive line or add a pass rusher. The thought of them improving on defense and offense after last season is very terrifying for other coaching staffs.
New England is returning 9 starters on offense. They add TE Alge Crumpler and WR Julian Edelman steps into the other starting receiver spot while Wes Welker recovers from injury.
Bill Belichick's baby, the defense, returns 10 starters. DE Jarvis Green signed via free agency with the Denver Broncos. New England also holds five picks in the first four rounds. Three in the second alone. Many quality defensive players will be available.
The Miami Dolphins, with three picks in the first four rounds, recently obtained Brandon Marshall. They also signed FA Linebacker Karlos Dansby. Both players significantly upgrade both sides of the ball.
Even with the addition of Dansby, an inside linebacker, Miami still needs to add a pass rusher and nose tackle. Ferguson, 35, is facing an eight-game suspension to start the season and his back-up hasn't been consistent.
Miami allowed pass rusher Joey Porter, 33, to leave via free agency. Porter was a huge contributor in his role and will need to be replaced. The team drafted two cornerbacks last year that started the majority of the season. With the addition of a pass-rusher and nosetackle, Miami's defense could be up there with the Jets'.
With all of this said, I still believe that New York and New England should be favorites to win the AFC East. I would predict the Jets taking the crown. Miami is only behind these two teams because they have less experience in key positions than the Jets and Patriots. At the same time, I would not be surprised if the Dolphins went all the way.
President and First Lady Income for 09 Reported
The President and first lady reported an income of $5,500,000 in 2009. A stark contrast from former President Bush and first lady Laura Bush's reported income of $719,274 in 2007.
The President and first lady paid an estimated $1.8 million in federal income tax. I guess that qualifies somewhere within the top 2% in America. They also reported donating $329,100 to a total of 40 charities. The $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize donation was not included in his filed tax return.
Link to Obama's Tax Return
The President and first lady paid an estimated $1.8 million in federal income tax. I guess that qualifies somewhere within the top 2% in America. They also reported donating $329,100 to a total of 40 charities. The $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize donation was not included in his filed tax return.
Link to Obama's Tax Return
4/14/2010
Government Proposal for Elected Officials
After listening to Glenn Beck speak on his show today, I have come to the belief that all elected Federal officials should work for free. This means Senators and Presidents.The only exception should be the House of Representatives.
The reason I believe this is due to the large amount of benefits they recieve to perform a "service" for their/our country. Senators are commonly referred to as members of the "Millionaires Club." We, the public, have the belief that they are un-productive and live in the pockets of special interest groups. The basis of the Tea Party movement.
Eliminating the Senate salaries would give future politicians a legit reason to run for office: BECAUSE YOU CARE! Yes, the future of the Senate would still compromise of wealthy citizens. At least in this scenario these wealthy citizens wouldn't have an enormous financial incentive to run for office. They would be elected to perform a service for our country and would do so under the pretense that they actually care to represent our interests.
As we all know, each state elects two Senators for representation. A total of 100 US citizens to represent 50 states. How hard would it be to find two wealthy or financially backed candidates for office with no taxpayer financed incentive to run? I don't see it as being that difficult.
I would apply this same strategy with the POTUS. The presidential position is no longer what it was when FDR and his predecessors ran for office. Back then the president was expected to finance personal dinners and food for the White House. No longer is that the case.
The reason I believe the district representatives of Congress should be allowed to keep their salaries is that there are far too many of them. These people tend to be locals that can be held to a higher standard than Senators. When a small group of people can decide your future, you tend to listen to those people.
Members of the House of Representatives are elected to represent the interest of their particular districts. Not an entire state or country. As a representative you can be voted out much easier than a Senator. This year's midterm elections could end up being the most perfect example of this.
So what do you think? Eliminate millions of dollars in tax-payer funded salaries in hopes of better representation. What about decreasing the Federal deficit by repealing their salaries?
The reason I believe this is due to the large amount of benefits they recieve to perform a "service" for their/our country. Senators are commonly referred to as members of the "Millionaires Club." We, the public, have the belief that they are un-productive and live in the pockets of special interest groups. The basis of the Tea Party movement.
Eliminating the Senate salaries would give future politicians a legit reason to run for office: BECAUSE YOU CARE! Yes, the future of the Senate would still compromise of wealthy citizens. At least in this scenario these wealthy citizens wouldn't have an enormous financial incentive to run for office. They would be elected to perform a service for our country and would do so under the pretense that they actually care to represent our interests.
As we all know, each state elects two Senators for representation. A total of 100 US citizens to represent 50 states. How hard would it be to find two wealthy or financially backed candidates for office with no taxpayer financed incentive to run? I don't see it as being that difficult.
I would apply this same strategy with the POTUS. The presidential position is no longer what it was when FDR and his predecessors ran for office. Back then the president was expected to finance personal dinners and food for the White House. No longer is that the case.
The reason I believe the district representatives of Congress should be allowed to keep their salaries is that there are far too many of them. These people tend to be locals that can be held to a higher standard than Senators. When a small group of people can decide your future, you tend to listen to those people.
Members of the House of Representatives are elected to represent the interest of their particular districts. Not an entire state or country. As a representative you can be voted out much easier than a Senator. This year's midterm elections could end up being the most perfect example of this.
So what do you think? Eliminate millions of dollars in tax-payer funded salaries in hopes of better representation. What about decreasing the Federal deficit by repealing their salaries?
Its All In The Numbers
Glenn Beck states that the average private sector citizen receives an average of $9,000 in benefits and $50,000 salary. Government officials receive $40,000 in benefits and $174,000 in salary. Beck also states that that $174,000 is just under the threshold included in the recently passed Health Care Reform Bill.
I don't think bailouts are the only issue we need to be discussing.
I don't think bailouts are the only issue we need to be discussing.
Predicting the President Through Polls
"A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of likely voters finds Obama with 42% support and [Ron] Paul with 41% of the vote. Eleven percent (11%) prefer some other candidate, and six percent (6%) are undecided"
Points of Interest:
Points of Interest:
- What purpose do polls serve almost two years before an election?
- Does Ron Paul stand a chance at even winning the GOP primary?
World's Largest Library to Acquire All Tweets
The Library of Congress will be acquring the archive of Twitter. This will compromise of all public tweets since the year 2006.
Will update as more details are released.
Will update as more details are released.
4/13/2010
Supreme Court Vacancy
President Obama will soon be appointing his second Supreme Court Justice in less than a year. This comes after the expected retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. Justice Stevens was more of a liberal and is credited with being persuasive enough to swing independent justice Anthony Kennedy towards voting his way.
Naturally, with the current political environment, a battle can be expected between Congressional Democrats and Republicans over the vacant seat. According to left-wing congressmen, the Dems are preparing to use the Citizens United decision as an argument against the GOP's push for a more conservative candidate.
The Citizens United vs FEC decision was a punch-to-the-stomach of the McCain-Feingold Act. Citizens United allowed corporations the same rights as citizens in regards to political campaign donations. McCain-Feingold accomplished the opposite.
The angle Dems plan to take on this is an attack on the conservative justices that voted in favor of this decision. Those justices are Chief Justice John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia.
Republicans haven't made any newsworthy comments regarding this upcoming decision. Nothing was mentioned at the SRLC.
It seems like the Dems are in attack mode. Who wouldn't be after the long, ruthless health-care fight and the potential loss of seats in Congress?
Information from Politico.com was used.
Newly Passed "Fetal Pain" Bill in Nebraska is a Big Deal
The Nebraska Legislature has passed a law barring abortions after 20 weeks because of the possibility that the fetus could feel pain. The law, approved by the state legislature earlier today and expected to be signed by Gov. Dave Heineman, is a landmark in that it directly challenges one of the key tenets of Roe v. Wade: the viability standard....Continued on Newsweek website
Newly Passed "Fetal Pain" Bill in Nebraska is a Big Deal
Newly Passed "Fetal Pain" Bill in Nebraska is a Big Deal
Kasey Kahne Headed to Hendrick Motorsports in 2012
According to an AP report, NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne is finalizing a deal to succeed Mark Martin in his No. 5 car for the 2012 season. Hendrick Motorsports is currently at the four-car limit enforced by NASCAR.
The current drivers are 4-time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmy Johnson, 3-time Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the aforementioned Martin.
No one is sure of where Kahne will race in 2011. It is believed that he will leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the current season.
The current drivers are 4-time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmy Johnson, 3-time Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the aforementioned Martin.
No one is sure of where Kahne will race in 2011. It is believed that he will leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the current season.
Cato Institute Announces Liberty Contest
Cato on Campus will be giving away two tickets to the Friedman Prize biennial dinner and award presentation. The tickets will be awarded to two student winners of the contest. Each ticket is worth $500.
The event will be held May 13, 2010 at the Hilton Washington Hotel in our nations capital.
http://www.catooncampus.org/article/show/44.html
The event will be held May 13, 2010 at the Hilton Washington Hotel in our nations capital.
http://www.catooncampus.org/article/show/44.html
Kerney Retires
Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney has retired from the NFL. Announcement was made by the Seattle Seahawks organization.
Kerney was a long-time starter for the Atlanta Falcons.
Kerney was a long-time starter for the Atlanta Falcons.
HOF Receiver Rice to Try Professional Golf
Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice will make his professional golf debut this Thursday in a Nationwide Tour event. I watched him play in a celebrity tournament last year, and he was one of the better golfers. Professional golf is a different game but, with his competiveness and dedication, I believe Rice can at least become a decent pro.
Clemson Announces Hiring of New Mens Basketball Coach
According to an Andy Katz of ESPN, Clemson will be announcing the hiring of a new mens basketball coach at 4p.m. The man filling that role will be Wright State's Brad Brownell. He will be replacing former Head Coach Oliver Purnell who left recently for the same position at Depaul.
Browning was 84-45 at Wright State over four seasons. Wright State lost to national runner-up Butler in the Horizon League Championship Game.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5080574
Browning was 84-45 at Wright State over four seasons. Wright State lost to national runner-up Butler in the Horizon League Championship Game.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5080574
4/12/2010
Sports Headline of the Day
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/21418/its-official-roethlisberger-not-charged
On the same day the Pittsburgh Steelers traded away Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes, their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, found out he would not be charged with sexual assault. The Steelers owner, Art Rooney, has publicly expressed disappointment in Holmes while patiently waiting to see the results of Roethlisberger's case without any public admonishment.
Holmes was accused of throwing a glass at a female inside of a club. Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a 20 year old female while in a bar/club. In the case against Holmes, a man has come out and claimed responsibility for throwing the glass. Roethlisberger's case has a lot more details that I won't go over right now. It involves him being buddy-buddy with the local police and the girl's credibility.
Holmes is being suspended for four games to start the season for violating the league's substance abuse rule. Pittsburgh was planning to cut him, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but the Jets swooped in and stole him for a 5th-round draft pick. Holmes does have other trangressions in his past. It doesn't help that he is a receiver instead of a quarterback.
Last year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a female employee while staying at a resort. Less than a year later, he was accused of the same crime. The first female never filed criminal charges, but did file civil charges in what appears to be an attempt at receiving a financial settlement. The league office has yet to announce a decision on Roethlisberger.
These are two seperate cases, with the only obvious similarities being the players are(at the time of the incident) teammates and involve young women. Both players made some form of a bad decision. Guilty or not, both men could have avoided their particular situations.
On the same day the Pittsburgh Steelers traded away Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes, their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, found out he would not be charged with sexual assault. The Steelers owner, Art Rooney, has publicly expressed disappointment in Holmes while patiently waiting to see the results of Roethlisberger's case without any public admonishment.
Holmes was accused of throwing a glass at a female inside of a club. Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a 20 year old female while in a bar/club. In the case against Holmes, a man has come out and claimed responsibility for throwing the glass. Roethlisberger's case has a lot more details that I won't go over right now. It involves him being buddy-buddy with the local police and the girl's credibility.
Holmes is being suspended for four games to start the season for violating the league's substance abuse rule. Pittsburgh was planning to cut him, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but the Jets swooped in and stole him for a 5th-round draft pick. Holmes does have other trangressions in his past. It doesn't help that he is a receiver instead of a quarterback.
Last year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a female employee while staying at a resort. Less than a year later, he was accused of the same crime. The first female never filed criminal charges, but did file civil charges in what appears to be an attempt at receiving a financial settlement. The league office has yet to announce a decision on Roethlisberger.
These are two seperate cases, with the only obvious similarities being the players are(at the time of the incident) teammates and involve young women. Both players made some form of a bad decision. Guilty or not, both men could have avoided their particular situations.
Political Talking Points
Today President Obama hosted 47 international leaders for the two-day Nuclear Security Summit. The most high profile attendee is Chinese President Hu Jintao. China is a communist country and there have been rifts between the Chinese and American governments over many issues, including nuclear capabilities.
China recently hosted the head of the United States Treasury, Timothy Geitner. The main issue believed to be discussed was China's currency rates. Another long standing issue between the two mentioned governments.
No one person can know whether this summit will achieve the same results as the meeting between President Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. They recently signed the START treaty in Prague to decline the creation of future nuclear weapons.
No matter the result of this summit, the arrival of Jintao in our nation's capital is a step-forward in the right direction. I can't say that our government would be capable of this sort of international progress in past administrations.
Information from Newsweek was used. http://bit.ly/awnDhX
China recently hosted the head of the United States Treasury, Timothy Geitner. The main issue believed to be discussed was China's currency rates. Another long standing issue between the two mentioned governments.
No one person can know whether this summit will achieve the same results as the meeting between President Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. They recently signed the START treaty in Prague to decline the creation of future nuclear weapons.
No matter the result of this summit, the arrival of Jintao in our nation's capital is a step-forward in the right direction. I can't say that our government would be capable of this sort of international progress in past administrations.
Information from Newsweek was used. http://bit.ly/awnDhX
Video of the Day
Ben Roethlisberger was not charged by the Milledgeville, Ga District Attorney. Link above is to a video posted on ESPN.com.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/21418/its-official-roethlisberger-not-charged
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/21418/its-official-roethlisberger-not-charged
4/10/2010
Revised Mock Draft - 2010 1st Round
- ST. LOUIS - OU QB SAM BRADFORD
- DETROIT - NEBRASKA DT NDAMUKONG SUH
- TAMPA BAY - OU DT GERALD MCCOY
- WASHINGTON - OKLAHOMA ST. OL RUSSELL OKUNG
- KANSAS CITY - TENNESSEE DB ERIC BERRY
- SEATTLE - OU OL TRENT WILLIAMS
- CLEVELAND - CLEMSON RB C.J. SPILLER
- OAKLAND - USF DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL
- BUFFALO - IOWA OL BRYAN BULAGA
- JACKSONVILLE - GT WR DEMARYIUS THOMAS
- DENVER - TEXAS DB EARL THOMAS
- MIAMI - TENNESSEE DL DAN WILLIAMS
- SAN FRANCISCO - FLORIDA DB JOE HADEN
- SEATTLE - GT DL DERRICK MORGAN
- NY (NFC) - ALABAMA LB ROLANDO MCCLAIN
- TENNESSEE - SC DL EVERSON GRIFFEN
- SAN FRANCISCO - GT RB JONATHON DWYER
- PITTSBURGH - MARYLAND OL BRUCE CAMPBELL
- ATLANTA - CLEMSON DL RICKY SAPP
- HOUSTON - BOISE ST. DB KYLE WILSON
- CINCINNATI - FLORIDA DL CARLOS DUNLAP
- NEW ENGLAND - RUTGERS DB DEVIN MCCOURTY
- GREEN BAY - RUTGERS OL ANTHONY DAVIS
- PHILADELPHIA - IDAHO OL MIKE IUPATI
- BALTIMORE - OKLAHOMA ST. WR DEZ BRYANT
- ARIZONA - OU TE JERMAINE GRESHAM
- DALLAS - SC OL CHARLES BROWN
- SAN DIEGO - ALABAMA DL TERRENCE CODY
- NY (AFC) - TEXAS DL/LB SERGIO KINDLE
- MINNESOTA - NOTRE DAME QB JIMMY CLAUSEN
- INDIANAPOLIS - FLORIDA OL MAURKICE POUNCEY
- NEW ORLEANS - USF DB NATHANIEL ALLEN
INFORMATION FROM NFL.COM WAS USED.
4/09/2010
2010 Mock NFL Draft - 1st Round
- St. Louis Rams - Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford
- Detroit Lions - Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh
- Washington Redskins - Oklahoma St. OT Russell Okung
- Kansas City Chiefs - Tennessee S Eric Berry
- Seattle Seahawks - Oklahoma OT Trent Williams
- Cleveland Browns - Clemson RB C.J. Spiller
- Oakland Raiders - Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen
- Buffalo Bills - Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga
- Jacksonville Jaguars - Oklahoma St. WR Dez Bryant
- Denver Broncos - Florida DL Carlos Dunlap
- Miami Dolphins - Alabama NT Terrence Cody
- San Francisco 49ers - Florida CB Joe Haden
- Seattle Seahawks - Tennessee DT Dan Williams
- NY Giants - Alabama LB Rolando McClain
- Tennessee Titans - USF DE Jason Pierre-Paul
- San Francisco - Texas S Earl Thomas
- Pittsburgh Steelers - Rutgers OT Anthony Davis
- Atlanta Falcons - Maryland OT Bruce Campbell
- Houston Texans - Boise St. CB Kyle Wilson
- Cincinnati Bengals - Florida C/OG Maurkice Pouncey
- New England Patriots - Rutgers CB Devin McCourty
- Green Bay Packers - Southern Cal OT - Charles Brown
- Philadelphia Eagles - TCU LB Daryl Washington
- Baltimore Ravens - Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham
- Arizona Cardinals - Georgia Tech DE/OLB Derrick Morgan
- Dallas Cowboys - Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas
- San Diego Chargers - Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer
- NY Jets - Penn St. DL Jared Odrick
- Minnesota Vikings - Fresno St. RB Ryan Matthews
- Indianapolis Colts - Alabama CB Kareem Jackson
- New Orleans Saints - Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon
This is who I think the teams should draft based on needs.
Information from NFL.com was used in this article.
Information from NFL.com was used in this article.
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