Cantor Has Up to $15K Bet on Government Default - It's just a teeny tiny conflict of interest, Jonathan Easley argues

Cantor Has Up to $15K Bet on Government Default - It's just a teeny tiny conflict of interest, Jonathan Easley argues: "As Eric Cantor last week negotiated an increase in the federal debt ceiling, he had between $1,000 and $15,000 invested in a fund that aggressively shorts US bonds, according to his latest financial disclosure statement. If Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling and the US defaults, the value of that investment would skyrocket—in fact, it’s already up 3.3% since Cantor walked away from negotiations on Thursday, Jonathan Easley of Salon writes."

Cain: Obama is not a 'strong black man' - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Cain: Obama is not a 'strong black man' - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Gates gets the Medal of Freedom - POLITICO.com Print View

Gates gets the Medal of Freedom - POLITICO.com Print View: "President Barack Obama on Thursday surprised departing Defense Secretary Robert Gates with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising Gates’s “profound sense of duty.”

In a farewell ceremony that was at turns somber, emotional and wry on a grassy parade ground below the brooding facade of the Pentagon, Obama hailed the low-key Gates and his service to eight presidents."

Roger Ailes’ Secret Nixon-Era Blueprint For Fox News Revealed

Roger Ailes’ Secret Nixon-Era Blueprint For Fox News Revealed: "Republican media strategist Roger Ailes launched Fox News Channel in 1996, ostensibly as a 'fair and balanced' counterpoint to what he regarded as the liberal establishment media. But according to a remarkable document buried deep within the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, the intellectual forerunner for Fox News was a nakedly partisan 1970 plot by Ailes and other Nixon aides to circumvent the 'prejudices of network news' and deliver 'pro-administration' stories to heartland television viewers."

Recovery Project for Wounded Warriors Now Complete

Recovery Project for Wounded Warriors Now Complete: "The first of two new facilities being built with Recovery funds for wounded U.S troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has opened. Department of Defense officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8 for the new “Warriors in Transition Barracks” at Fort Bliss, Texas."

Texas Drought Declared Natural Disaster

Texas Drought Declared Natural Disaster: "Drought and wildfires have lead to the decision by the US Department of Agriculture to declare the entire state of Texas a natural disaster.

KCBD in Lubbock reports that in all, 213 counties in Texas have lost at least 30 percent of their crops or pasture."

W.Va. mine faked safety logs before fatal blast - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

THE REASON WE NEED REGULATIONS!!


W.Va. mine faked safety logs before fatal blast - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "Massey Energy pressured workers at a West Virginia coal mine where an explosion killed 29 men to omit safety problems from official reports for the government while the company kept another set of accurate books for itself, government regulators say."

Health exchanges: A new gold mine - POLITICO.com Print View

Health exchanges: A new gold mine - POLITICO.com Print View: "More than $300 million in exchange grants has already flowed into the states since the Affordable Care Act passed. That number will grow exponentially in the coming months, as states move from the initial steps of passing exchange legislation to the more lucrative task of setting them up."

Measure seeks to limit travel to Cuba

Really! Just plain old stupid and backwards. A clear example of how instead of further opening up the island, the House will restrict increased business activity and cooperation. The previous policy didn’t work and was a throwback to Jesse Helms.

Measure seeks to limit travel to Cuba

The U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee passed a bill on Thursday carrying an amendment to annul President Barack Obama’s measures that ease travel and money transfers to Cuba.

The amendment, presented by Florida Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, was made part of the Financial Services Appropriations Bill for 2012 that was discussed in the committee.

“The amendment eliminates Obama’s measures [on travel and money transfers] and goes back to the status quo under [George W.] Bush,” said Diaz-Balart, who is optimistic that the entire House will pass the amendment. “The changes [implemented by Obama] have been the largest source of revenue of the [Castro’s] dictatorship. We have the bipartisan votes to [win] this issue.”

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/23/2282186/measure-seeks-to-limit-travel.html#ixzz1QBmWlOQ7

Energy–the other Stimulus

1. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $150 million loan guarantee to 1366 Technologies, Inc. for the development of a multicrystalline wafer manufacturing project.

2. Google, Citi Each To Invest $102M More In California Wind Farm: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110622-708159.html

3. Landmark Rooftop Solar Project to Create Thousands of Jobs in 28 States: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/landmark-rooftop-solar-project-to-create-thousands-of-jobs-in-28-states-2011-06-22?reflink=MW_news_stmp

4. DOE-sponsored IGCC Project in Texas takes important step forward: http://www.rdmag.com/News/2011/06/Energy-DOE-Sponsored-IGCC-Project-In-Texas-Takes-Important-Step-Forward/

5. Houston Stands Out for Clean Energy Companies Seeking New Home Base: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/22/idUS186162141720110622

Straight Talk From Top Enlisted Marine on ‘Don’t Ask’ Repeal - Washington Wire - WSJ

Straight Talk From Top Enlisted Marine on ‘Don’t Ask’ Repeal - Washington Wire - WSJ: "In that respect, Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, recently selected to be the senior enlisted adviser to Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos, fits the bill. Sgt. Maj. Barrett has a long military resume, including combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he doesn’t need a microphone to get his point across."

Japanese Computer Is Ranked Most Powerful - NYTimes.com

Japanese Computer Is Ranked Most Powerful - NYTimes.com: "In the rankings of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, a Japanese machine has earned the top spot with a performance that essentially laps the competition.

The computer, known as “K Computer,” is three times faster than a Chinese rival that previously held the top position, said Jack Dongarra, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville who keeps the official rankings of computer performance."

GOP magic trick: Making Bush vanish - POLITICO.com Print View

GOP magic trick: Making Bush vanish - POLITICO.com Print View: "Republicans head into 2012 united in their disdain for an unpopular, Big Government-loving, internationalist president.

The name of that president: George W. Bush."

Huntsman's family business and Iran - POLITICO.com Print View

Huntsman's family business and Iran - POLITICO.com Print View: "The bluntly worded missive singled out a Tehran-based subsidiary — purchased when Huntsman worked for the company — for selling polyurethane that could be used in solid fuel for Iranian missiles, among other things."

1366 Technologies Wins $150 Million Loan Guarantee for Solar Project - NYTimes.com

1366 Technologies Wins $150 Million Loan Guarantee for Solar Project - NYTimes.com: "The Energy Department plans to announce on Friday that it will provide a $150 million loan guarantee to a company in Massachusetts that has developed a radical new way to make the silicon wafers for solar cells at a far lower cost.

The company, 1366 Technologies, has invented a way to cast the wafers at the desired dimensions — 200 microns thick, or about eight thousandths of an inch — rather than slicing them from a big block and losing up to half the material as dust."

The Mayors Have Had Enough of These Useless, Costly Wars « SpeakEasy

The Mayors Have Had Enough of These Useless, Costly Wars « SpeakEasy: "The Afghanistan War costs American taxpayers more than $2 billion a week at a time when communities are falling apart, and our mayors are fed up. On Monday, the United States Conference of Mayors is expected to pass a resolution calling for a speedy end of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars so we can use those funds here at home. The mayors are exactly right."

McDonnell promotes clean, renewable energy at ceremonial bill signing - The Washington Post

McDonnell promotes clean, renewable energy at ceremonial bill signing - The Washington Post: "In a ceremonial signing, Gov. Bob McDonnell added his signature Wednesday to eight pieces of legislation to promote clean and renewable energy in Virginia.

The bills include creation of a voluntary solar resource development fund, expansion of the scope of the Virginia Resources Authority to encompass financing of renewable energy projects, and a clean energy manufacturing incentive grant program. The new laws go into effect July 1."

Cuban Coffee Brand May Pour Into Mainstream : NPR

Cuban Coffee Brand May Pour Into Mainstream : NPR: "Chemically speaking, Cuban coffee looks, smells and brews pretty much like Italian espresso. But culturally, Miamians talk about coffee like people talk about Cuban cigars."

Police Officers, Fed Up with Rick Scott, Leave Republican Party En Masse - Broward/Palm Beach News - The Daily Pulp

Police Officers, Fed Up with Rick Scott, Leave Republican Party En Masse - Broward/Palm Beach News - The Daily Pulp: "Next month the Broward County Police Benevolent Association is holding a 'Party to Leave the Party' -- an event coordinated with the Supervisor of Elections where police officers and the general public can switch their voter registrations from Republican to Democratic or Independent.

The reason for the switch? The association, which serves as the bargaining union for the county's law enforcement officers, is unhappy with the leadership of Governor Rick Scott and the results of the past legislative session, including changes to the Florida Retirement System that will require the workers to pay more of their own wages into retirement savings."

Boehner tears up during OSU commencement - CLICK - POLITICO.com

Boehner tears up during OSU commencement - CLICK - POLITICO.com: "John Boehner has shown his weepy side once again. The speaker of the House welled up few times during his commencement address at Ohio State University on Sunday."

Figures Show U.S. Tie to Mexican Guns - WSJ.com

Figures Show U.S. Tie to Mexican Guns - WSJ.com: "The U.S. was the source of at least 70% of 29,284 firearms recovered by authorities in Mexico in 2009 and 2010, according to new U.S. government figures.

The statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are expected to add to controversy over the U.S. role in fueling drug-cartel violence in Mexico, which has killed more than 40,000 people since 2006."

Taxpayers face $1.7 billion bill as nuclear lab pensions soar - The Washington Post

Taxpayers face $1.7 billion bill as nuclear lab pensions soar - The Washington Post: "Lockheed Martin and other contractors that manage U.S. nuclear facilities stand to reap $1.7 billion in savings next year while the Energy Department pays for their ballooning employee pension costs."

Texas’ Rick Perry association with AFA

Two things:

• Watch the crazies
• not another from Texas

 

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Gates Questions NATO's Future - WSJ.com

Gates Questions NATO's Future - WSJ.com: "Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued a blunt critique of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Friday, arguing the Libya operations demonstrated America's allies suffered from serious gaps in military capabilities because of their failure to spend enough on their own defense."

Santorum: Man Responsible for Climate Change is "Patently Absurd" : TreeHugger

Sad

Santorum: Man Responsible for Climate Change is "Patently Absurd" : TreeHugger: "Rick Santorum's campaign for the presidency isn't getting as much attention as some of his competitors, but a comment on Rush Limbaugh's radio show may change all of that. When asked if his views on climate change differ than those of Mitt Romney, who last week said that there is in fact anthropogenic climate change, Santorum didn't hold back."

Mitt: No apologies on climate stance - POLITICO.com Print View

Mitt: No apologies on climate stance - POLITICO.com Print View: "The early GOP presidential front-runner has broken with his party's conservative ranks to declare global warming a real threat to the planet that merits some sort of action to curb heat-trapping emissions."

Scott signs sweeping home insurance bill - Sun Sentinel

Scott signs sweeping home insurance bill - Sun Sentinel: "Sweeping property insurance legislation to allow certain rate hikes and shorten the time policyholders have to file claims was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Rick Scott."

Texas doctors leaving Medicare hits record high | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Texas doctors leaving Medicare hits record high | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "One hundred and seventy-two doctors formally ended involvement with Medicare last year, the most yet in a surge of 'opt-outs' that has claimed more than 450 Texas doctors since 2008. Before 2007, the number averaged a handful a year."

Happy Birthday "The Bush Tax Cuts: Ten Years Later"

The Bush Tax Cuts: Ten Years Later | Mother Jones: "You probably didn't realize it, but June 7, 2011, is a momentous day in US history. It marks the 10-year anniversary of the signing into law of the Bush tax cuts, a day when President George W. Bush helped replace an unprecedented federal budget surplus with a mountain of debt in order to slash taxes for rich people (including dead ones). The anniversary of the cuts comes at a particularly fortuitous moment, with the political classes deep in debate over the increase in the federal deficit. Now is a good time to take a look back to see just how well those tax cuts have worked out for the country. Some highlights, with data from the Economic Policy Institute:"

Gingrich found, between Greece and Turkey - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

Gingrich found, between Greece and Turkey - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com: "Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich vanished from the campaign trail last week for a holiday on a luxury cruise liner among the Greek isles.

His whereabouts since since his last public appearance on May 27th have been a closely guarded secret. It was described by his aides only as a much-needed vacation with his wife, Callista, and unrelated to his campaign's rocky start."

Andrew Breitbart Takes Over Anthony Weiner's Press Conference (VIDEO)

Andrew Breitbart Takes Over Anthony Weiner's Press Conference (VIDEO): ". The other showcased a combative Andrew Breitbart doing his best to hijack the moment.

The conservative media provocateur spoke before, after and during Rep. Weiner's admission of sending sexually charged emails to six different women."

Anthony Weiner Press Conference: Admits Sending Racy Pictures, Refuses To Resign

Anthony Weiner Press Conference: Admits Sending Racy Pictures, Refuses To Resign: "Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) insisted he’s staying in office Monday, even as a string of embarrassing new revelations and photos emerged that apparently reveal a hidden, lascivious online life."

Sarah Palin On Paul Revere Ride: I Didn't Get History Wrong (VIDEO)

Wait, what?

Sarah Palin On Paul Revere Ride: I Didn't Get History Wrong (VIDEO): "'Part of his ride was to warn the British that were already there that 'hey, you're not going to take American arms, you are not going to beat our own well-armed persons individual private militia that we have.''"

12 Massive Companies Paying Little To Nothing In Taxes

12 Massive Companies Paying Little To Nothing In Taxes

Sarah Palin Explains Paul Revere's Midnight Ride - Gawker

Sarah Palin Explains Paul Revere's Midnight Ride - Gawker: "Her bus visited such historical sights as Paul Revere's old shack, where Palin explained the colonist's famous 'midnight ride' before the 1775 battles at Lexington and Concord."

Hiring in U.S. Slowed in May With 54,000 Jobs Added

A lot of good in the Private numbers; hopefully this is a summer blip!

Hiring in U.S. Slowed in May With 54,000 Jobs Added

After several months of strong job growth, hiring in the United States slowed sharply in May, suggesting the economy may be running out of steam once again.

The Labor Department reported on Friday that the nation added 54,000 nonfarm payroll jobs last month, after an increase of about 220,000 jobs in each of the three previous months. The gain in May was about a third of what economists had been forecasting. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, edged up to 9.1 percent from 9.0 percent in April.