*At 7,465, the Dow Jones hit its lowest point in six years today... and, no, that doesn't mean it can only go up from here.
*Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas is apparently President Obama's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Former Senator Tom Daschle, the man tapped for leading health care reform, recently withdrew his nomination after it came to light that he had not paid more than a hundred thousand dollars in owed taxes. His removal from consideration is considered a major blow to comprehensive healthcare reform, however Sebelius is widely considered a very able politician. Healthcare reform is high on my "To do" list, so here's hoping she does well.
Showing posts with label Non-Paper Daily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Non-Paper Daily. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 2.18.09
Yeeks! Per a comment on the last post asking, er demanding, the return of the Non-Paper Daily, it is back.
*The stimulus package is official. At just under $800 billion it's big, but in the view of many economists, not big enough for the desired effect. We should start seeing the money flow relatively soon, in fact, the school where I teach was thinking of closing early due to budget restraints, but they may keep the doors open for the entirety of the year due to the influx of these funds.
Interestingly, I'm still very much up in the air about the stimulus package. On the one hand, without it there may be total economic meltdown. On the other, however, is the view that our current economic model of ever-increasing consumption simply cannot go no forever. Eventually it must change and perhaps this was the time for that change. As the saying goes, "Pain Causes Change." A new way of doing things is not going to just happen, it will be a result of dire economic times. We may very well be missing our opportunity for real, substantive, change
*Roland Burris, er "The Magic Man," is back in the news. During testimony before being appointed to Obama's old senate seat he said he had had no contact with Blagojevich or his associates. Apparently that wasn't entirely accurate, which is also known as a lie. Except, in his case, it was under oath, so it is known as a perjury. Ooops. Perjures, like drug traffickers, often go to jail. So the saga continues...
*The American car manufacturers are asking for more money. Looks like this time it will be for another $5-10 billion. I know if they fail it will cause extreme pain around the nation, but how long can we keep propping up failed businesses? If a mom and pop place downtown fails, they won't be receiving any stimulus funds. Since when did capitalistic theory state that once you get big you can no longer be allowed to fail?
*The stimulus package is official. At just under $800 billion it's big, but in the view of many economists, not big enough for the desired effect. We should start seeing the money flow relatively soon, in fact, the school where I teach was thinking of closing early due to budget restraints, but they may keep the doors open for the entirety of the year due to the influx of these funds.
Interestingly, I'm still very much up in the air about the stimulus package. On the one hand, without it there may be total economic meltdown. On the other, however, is the view that our current economic model of ever-increasing consumption simply cannot go no forever. Eventually it must change and perhaps this was the time for that change. As the saying goes, "Pain Causes Change." A new way of doing things is not going to just happen, it will be a result of dire economic times. We may very well be missing our opportunity for real, substantive, change
*Roland Burris, er "The Magic Man," is back in the news. During testimony before being appointed to Obama's old senate seat he said he had had no contact with Blagojevich or his associates. Apparently that wasn't entirely accurate, which is also known as a lie. Except, in his case, it was under oath, so it is known as a perjury. Ooops. Perjures, like drug traffickers, often go to jail. So the saga continues...
*The American car manufacturers are asking for more money. Looks like this time it will be for another $5-10 billion. I know if they fail it will cause extreme pain around the nation, but how long can we keep propping up failed businesses? If a mom and pop place downtown fails, they won't be receiving any stimulus funds. Since when did capitalistic theory state that once you get big you can no longer be allowed to fail?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 2.3.2009
*Tom Daschle, President Obama's nomination for the Health and Human Services cabinet position and leader of the "let's fix our health care system" group, withdrew himself from the nomination due to failing to pay taxes on services he had received from a political donor. The thing I don't understand: If you are that far up in the government, you must know that people (media, other political party, etc) are going to find out about these things, why do we keep seeing this?!?!
*As part of the stimulus package currently meandering through the halls of Congress, there is a piece known as the "Buy American" provision. This would require that stimulus funds be used on American goods (think steel, concrete, etc). This strikes me as misguided on many levels. First, Americans need to be leaders as we work out way out of this world-wide depression. Cutting ourselves off from the outside world will only make things worse. Second, my guess is this is a massive violation of free trade laws. Third, let's all try and think of a better way to put an end to the international good will that has resulted from Obama's election. Short of starting another war, this may top the list.
*As part of the stimulus package currently meandering through the halls of Congress, there is a piece known as the "Buy American" provision. This would require that stimulus funds be used on American goods (think steel, concrete, etc). This strikes me as misguided on many levels. First, Americans need to be leaders as we work out way out of this world-wide depression. Cutting ourselves off from the outside world will only make things worse. Second, my guess is this is a massive violation of free trade laws. Third, let's all try and think of a better way to put an end to the international good will that has resulted from Obama's election. Short of starting another war, this may top the list.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 2.2.2009
*Eric Holder was confirmed as the next Attorney General. There were a lot of messes left by the Bush Administration, but certainly one of the messiest--think dog poop on the shoe then walking around the house before realizing it--is the Justice Department. Hopefully he will be able to quickly reinstate the office's independence, improve morale, and put an end to ideology-based hiring. It's a steep hill.
*With little fanfare this weekend, Iraqis voted yet again. With all our focus on the world's economic problems, this slipped through most news cracks. Apparently it went off with little violence, something we can all be happy about.
*The stimulus package is now moving its way through the Senate where (some) leveler heads reside. Republicans are obstructing like there is no big rush in getting this passes, while with each passing day the situation gets worse. Seriously, guys, either participate or move aside. If Hoover taught us anything, it's that doing nothing is not an option.
*With little fanfare this weekend, Iraqis voted yet again. With all our focus on the world's economic problems, this slipped through most news cracks. Apparently it went off with little violence, something we can all be happy about.
*The stimulus package is now moving its way through the Senate where (some) leveler heads reside. Republicans are obstructing like there is no big rush in getting this passes, while with each passing day the situation gets worse. Seriously, guys, either participate or move aside. If Hoover taught us anything, it's that doing nothing is not an option.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 1.28.2009
*The American Society of Civil Engineers reported: "More than a quarter of the nation's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Leaky pipes lose an estimated seven billion gallons of clean drinking water every day. And aging sewage systems send billions of gallons of untreated wastewater cascading into the nation's waterways each year."
Hat tip to Steve at Washington Monthly.
*The latest stimulus package, now around $850 billion, passed the House today with no Republican votes even after the Democrats made concessions they wanted.
Hat tip to Steve at Washington Monthly.
*The latest stimulus package, now around $850 billion, passed the House today with no Republican votes even after the Democrats made concessions they wanted.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 1.15.2009
*After hitting a flock of birds shortly after takeoff today, a plane crashed in the Hudson River. All passengers and crew made it off safely, in a true testament to training, preparation... and the value of those plastic instructions in the seatback pocket.
*Roland Burris, err The Magic Man, was officially sworn in today as the junior senator from Illinois.
*Hearings on Capitol Hill in regard to Obama's cabinet confirmations continued today. Of the big appointments--Clinton as Secretary of State, Holder as Attorney General, and Geither at Treasury--all are going well, even with the hiccup Geither is experiencing in regard to a former housekeeper he employed who turned out to have exceeded her immigration term. She went on to get a green card and, seemingly, all is well.
*9:00PM eastern time on Friday: That is the hour that Bush's team no longer inhabits the West Wing. Hooray! With the exception of a few key positions, the staffers will turn in their keys and leave for the final time.
*Roland Burris, err The Magic Man, was officially sworn in today as the junior senator from Illinois.
*Hearings on Capitol Hill in regard to Obama's cabinet confirmations continued today. Of the big appointments--Clinton as Secretary of State, Holder as Attorney General, and Geither at Treasury--all are going well, even with the hiccup Geither is experiencing in regard to a former housekeeper he employed who turned out to have exceeded her immigration term. She went on to get a green card and, seemingly, all is well.
*9:00PM eastern time on Friday: That is the hour that Bush's team no longer inhabits the West Wing. Hooray! With the exception of a few key positions, the staffers will turn in their keys and leave for the final time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 1.11.2009
*An earthquake in Costa Rica has thus far claimed 18 lives. This sounds weird to say, but hasn't it been awhile since we've had a natural disaster?
*The death toll, 870 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, is nearing one thousand in Gaza. It continues to be unclear what Israel is trying to achieve. As we've learned in Iraq (and you'd think they would have learned in the last fifty years there), you can't win these types of battles relying on force alone. Apparently Israel is choosing to ignore that lesson.
*Sadly it's "au revoir" to this year's college football season. It's never too early to begin looking at next year, so here is Rival's initial rankings for 2009. Just a note, both Oregon and Oregon State are ranked!
*The death toll, 870 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, is nearing one thousand in Gaza. It continues to be unclear what Israel is trying to achieve. As we've learned in Iraq (and you'd think they would have learned in the last fifty years there), you can't win these types of battles relying on force alone. Apparently Israel is choosing to ignore that lesson.
*Sadly it's "au revoir" to this year's college football season. It's never too early to begin looking at next year, so here is Rival's initial rankings for 2009. Just a note, both Oregon and Oregon State are ranked!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 1.10.2009
*Obama and his team released their economic stimulus plan today. From the limited things I've read it sounds like most liberal pundits/bloggers don't think, at $775 billion, it is large enough. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point, now Congress will start crafting the plan. More commentary as this unfolds.
*Obama, continuing his bi-partisan tradition, is honoring John McCain and Colin Powell at an event before inauguration. Though I disagree with McCain on just about everything, some recognition for his campaign opponent sounds good to me.
*Job numbers from last year came out and the United States lost 2,590,000 jobs, or about %1.7 of our total work force. It's the worst loss since 1982.
*Obama, continuing his bi-partisan tradition, is honoring John McCain and Colin Powell at an event before inauguration. Though I disagree with McCain on just about everything, some recognition for his campaign opponent sounds good to me.
*Job numbers from last year came out and the United States lost 2,590,000 jobs, or about %1.7 of our total work force. It's the worst loss since 1982.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Non-Paper Daily, 1.6.2009
*Roland Burris, the guy embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed to fill Obama's senate seat, was refused admittance into the senate today. On a funny note, he was supposed to attend meeting on Blagojevich's impeachment probe at the same time he is in DC, when asked how he would deal with that he said, "I'm the magic man." Give that man a seat!
*My head hurts.
*For about an hour today it snowed harder in La Grande than I can ever recall... just sayin'.
*A list of the Top 10 bills to be dropped (introduced) in the Senate and their summaries. It doesn't mean they will be passed in their current form, or that they will be passed at all, but for policy wonks it's a way to get an idea of what to expect in the first few months of Obama's presidency. Here's a quick review of what is there and what is missing.
*My head hurts.
*For about an hour today it snowed harder in La Grande than I can ever recall... just sayin'.
*A list of the Top 10 bills to be dropped (introduced) in the Senate and their summaries. It doesn't mean they will be passed in their current form, or that they will be passed at all, but for policy wonks it's a way to get an idea of what to expect in the first few months of Obama's presidency. Here's a quick review of what is there and what is missing.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.19.2008
*Obama completed his cabinet today:
-Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation.
-Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor.
-Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk for for US Trade Representative.
-Karen Mills, a former venture capitalist, to lead the Small Business Administration
Not many thoughts except that Ray LaHood is a Republican, one of two or three if I'm not mistaken, that Obama has added to his cabinet.
*President Bush released just over $13 billion in bailout funds for the the American automakers. Considering the economic hurt we are in, this is probably a good idea. One of the last things we need is another couple million people out of work. If those companies are going to fail, it needs to happen when there is enough capital available for replacement companies to start up.
*And in the biggest news, today was my last day before Christmas break. Hooray!
-Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation.
-Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor.
-Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk for for US Trade Representative.
-Karen Mills, a former venture capitalist, to lead the Small Business Administration
Not many thoughts except that Ray LaHood is a Republican, one of two or three if I'm not mistaken, that Obama has added to his cabinet.
*President Bush released just over $13 billion in bailout funds for the the American automakers. Considering the economic hurt we are in, this is probably a good idea. One of the last things we need is another couple million people out of work. If those companies are going to fail, it needs to happen when there is enough capital available for replacement companies to start up.
*And in the biggest news, today was my last day before Christmas break. Hooray!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.17.2008
*In yet another sign of the times, people are getting on welfare in significant numbers. Bailouts cost money, but so, too, does having massive unemployment.
*Things keep turning this way and that in the Minnesota senate recount. Both campaigns are challenging ballots and now they are bringing back previously-dropped challenges. A couple days ago it looked like we may have a winner as early as tomorrow, but now it looks like there may be a long road ahead. The winner is someone who will be serving for six years and, with incumbent reelection rates what they are, probably longer. I say take your time and get it right.
*Today Time named Barack Obama its "Person of the Year." No surprise there considering most president-elects win the award in the year they win and, whether you agree with the guy or not, Obama truly revolutionized campaign fundraising and use of the internet in campaigning all while energizing the nation like no political figure has done since Bobby Kennedy.
*Things keep turning this way and that in the Minnesota senate recount. Both campaigns are challenging ballots and now they are bringing back previously-dropped challenges. A couple days ago it looked like we may have a winner as early as tomorrow, but now it looks like there may be a long road ahead. The winner is someone who will be serving for six years and, with incumbent reelection rates what they are, probably longer. I say take your time and get it right.
*Today Time named Barack Obama its "Person of the Year." No surprise there considering most president-elects win the award in the year they win and, whether you agree with the guy or not, Obama truly revolutionized campaign fundraising and use of the internet in campaigning all while energizing the nation like no political figure has done since Bobby Kennedy.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.16.2008
*The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate to nearly zero in hopes of urging our economy away from depression. The Fed has been cutting interest rates regularly for months now and they essentially can go no further. It is a bit disconcerting when the tools in their toolbelt can no longer be deployed.
*Obama named Chicago school's chief Arne Duncan as the next Secretary of Education. Fairly bland pick. The guy is an old friend and basketball buddy who Obama has known for years. He could have done better. I see the problems with our education system every day and I'm in a good school setting. Here was an area Obama could have picked someone with big ideas and he chose to play it safe. Unfortunate.
*New York politicians are looking into an %18 tax increase on soda. Their rationale: It's a way to generate revenue that will be used to treat obesity that is caused, in part, by soda. I haven't read the details, but philosophically I'm a fan. Gas taxes pay for road repairs. Cigarette taxes pay for anti-youth smoking campaigns. Etc. They taught us in the education program that the punishment should always fit the crime. Often the same principle can be applied to taxes: the tax should fit the expenditure.
*Obama named Chicago school's chief Arne Duncan as the next Secretary of Education. Fairly bland pick. The guy is an old friend and basketball buddy who Obama has known for years. He could have done better. I see the problems with our education system every day and I'm in a good school setting. Here was an area Obama could have picked someone with big ideas and he chose to play it safe. Unfortunate.
*New York politicians are looking into an %18 tax increase on soda. Their rationale: It's a way to generate revenue that will be used to treat obesity that is caused, in part, by soda. I haven't read the details, but philosophically I'm a fan. Gas taxes pay for road repairs. Cigarette taxes pay for anti-youth smoking campaigns. Etc. They taught us in the education program that the punishment should always fit the crime. Often the same principle can be applied to taxes: the tax should fit the expenditure.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.15.2008
*If you had not already heard, President Bush went on an unannounced trip to Iraq for a signing of the most recent agreement for the pullout of American troops within about two years. While at the ceremony an Arab journalist threw both his shoes (one at a time) at Bush, who demonstrated some nimble dodging. Apparently in Arab cultures, throwing one's shoes at someone is the ultimate gesture of disdain. Who knew? As to be expected, the journalist has become something of a celebrity for standing up to the President of the United States. The video:
*The scuttle is that Caroline Kennedy is actively pursuing Hillary Clinton's senate seat. It is the same seat that the late Senator Bobby Kennedy once held. Political dynasties are not good for our system. Plus, as Kevin pointed out, the rich and famous already have political access a leg up in elections. Count me out on this one.
*Barack Obama has tapped Steven Chu to be the next Secretary of Energy. Not only is he smart (he's a Nobel Laureate) but he's also one of the favorites from the environmental community. Additionally, Obama named Nancy Sutley to head the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As Steve pointed out, in terms of diversity, that adds a second Asian American to Obama's cabinet and the first openly gay member of any cabinet, all serving under the first non-white President of the United States. Positive steps indeed.
*The scuttle is that Caroline Kennedy is actively pursuing Hillary Clinton's senate seat. It is the same seat that the late Senator Bobby Kennedy once held. Political dynasties are not good for our system. Plus, as Kevin pointed out, the rich and famous already have political access a leg up in elections. Count me out on this one.
*Barack Obama has tapped Steven Chu to be the next Secretary of Energy. Not only is he smart (he's a Nobel Laureate) but he's also one of the favorites from the environmental community. Additionally, Obama named Nancy Sutley to head the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As Steve pointed out, in terms of diversity, that adds a second Asian American to Obama's cabinet and the first openly gay member of any cabinet, all serving under the first non-white President of the United States. Positive steps indeed.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.13.2008
*There are dozens and dozens of reasons why Africa struggles to move out of poverty. Even with billions of dollars in aid and expertise, little progress is achieved and, in many cases, they are still moving in reverse. Just one of those reasons is a distrust of the West.
*For all my fellow college football lovers, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma won the Heisman Trophy today.
*It's been a slow day.
*For all my fellow college football lovers, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma won the Heisman Trophy today.
*It's been a slow day.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.12.2008
*The Minnesota State Canvassing Board (they deal with elections) directed county election officials to count approximately 1,600 wrongly disqualified absentee ballots. Franken, who is currently losing by a couple hundred votes, outperformed Norm Coleman in absentee ballots, so this is a huge boost to his chances at winning.
*The precipitous drop in oil prices is severely hurting the economies of countries that rely on its export as their primary source of income (Iran, Russia, et al., I'm looking your way.)
*Looks like the auto company bailout is a no-go due to Republican senators protests. The Bush administration, however, is poised to act, so it looks like the Big Three car manufacturers won't be going bankrupt... yet.
*Miley Cyrus received a Porsche for her birthday, but was disappointed it wasn't the car she wanted. Can't she just buy the car she wants?
*The precipitous drop in oil prices is severely hurting the economies of countries that rely on its export as their primary source of income (Iran, Russia, et al., I'm looking your way.)
*Looks like the auto company bailout is a no-go due to Republican senators protests. The Bush administration, however, is poised to act, so it looks like the Big Three car manufacturers won't be going bankrupt... yet.
*Miley Cyrus received a Porsche for her birthday, but was disappointed it wasn't the car she wanted. Can't she just buy the car she wants?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.11.2008
*In numbers higher than predicted, unemployment insurance applications surged to a 26-year high.
*Regardless of how you feel about it, the auto company bailout plan was on track, then knocked off track, but again sees a glimmer of light. Apparently Ford can survive for awhile with out it, but GM and Chrysler are staring bankruptcy straight in the eye.
*Anti-globalization protests are spreading across Europe in response to the ever-worsening economic situation. Maybe just a little something, but maybe something much bigger.
*Without direct knowledge it's hard to tell, but Pakistan seems to be taking steps against those that perpetrated the bombings in Mumbai. If accurate, this is certainly a positive development. Pakistan has two groups in charge--the military versus citizen government--that often do not see eye to eye. There are all kinds of question marks that will continue to surround Pakistan until there is progress stabilizing the governing structure.
*Regardless of how you feel about it, the auto company bailout plan was on track, then knocked off track, but again sees a glimmer of light. Apparently Ford can survive for awhile with out it, but GM and Chrysler are staring bankruptcy straight in the eye.
*Anti-globalization protests are spreading across Europe in response to the ever-worsening economic situation. Maybe just a little something, but maybe something much bigger.
*Without direct knowledge it's hard to tell, but Pakistan seems to be taking steps against those that perpetrated the bombings in Mumbai. If accurate, this is certainly a positive development. Pakistan has two groups in charge--the military versus citizen government--that often do not see eye to eye. There are all kinds of question marks that will continue to surround Pakistan until there is progress stabilizing the governing structure.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Non-Paper Daily
I've had a variety of people tell me that this blog is one of their primary sources of news. Considering this, here is the first edition of a daily news feed that covers a few of the day's most important news events. (Yes, I know, I've tried a variety of reoccurring posts and failed miserably, but this strikes me as more likely to succeed considering I read the news every day. Fingers. Crossed)
*Illinois' Governor Blagojevich was arrested this morning on charges relating to bribery and abuse of power. Blagojevich is the guy responsible for appointing President-elect Obama's senate replacement. Among his many transgressions, his latest is trying to sell that appointment to the highest bidder. He posted bail this afternoon and should be in trial fairly soon. Stay tuned.
*Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, is getting so bad that cruise companies are canceling ships and governments are placing armed soldiers on cargo ships.
*A possible breakthrough in the battle against malaria, a disease that kills 1 million and sickens 2 million more annually. In field trials a vaccine has cut malarial infections in half.
*Illinois' Governor Blagojevich was arrested this morning on charges relating to bribery and abuse of power. Blagojevich is the guy responsible for appointing President-elect Obama's senate replacement. Among his many transgressions, his latest is trying to sell that appointment to the highest bidder. He posted bail this afternoon and should be in trial fairly soon. Stay tuned.
*Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, is getting so bad that cruise companies are canceling ships and governments are placing armed soldiers on cargo ships.
*A possible breakthrough in the battle against malaria, a disease that kills 1 million and sickens 2 million more annually. In field trials a vaccine has cut malarial infections in half.
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