$1.6 billion went to bailed-out bank execs, study says | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

$1.6 billion went to bailed-out bank execs, study says News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News: "Banks that are getting taxpayer bailouts awarded their top executives nearly $1.6 billion in salaries, bonuses, and other benefits last year, an Associated Press analysis reveals."

Santa Claus Coming To Town Through Traffic Tickets

cbs11tv.com - Santa Claus Coming To Town Through Traffic Tickets: "Sansom Park Firefighters went out on dozens of calls Sunday. They didn't put out fires, but handed out presents instead. The gifts came courtesy of their friends in the police department."

$27-Million UAW-Owned Country Club Includes Golf Course, Condos, Swimming Pools

CNSNews.com - $27-Million UAW-Owned Country Club Includes Golf Course, Condos, Swimming Pools: "The United Autoworkers Union, which had a total net worth of $1.2 billion in 2007, owns a $27 million resort and conference center that features a $6 million upscale golf course, according to financial statements on file with the U.S. Department of Labor."

Where'd the Bailout Money Go? Shhhh, It's a Secret - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

FOXNews.com - Where'd the Bailout Money Go? Shhhh, It's a Secret - Local News News Articles National News US News: "It's something any bank would demand to know before handing out a loan: Where's the money going?
But after receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they either can't track exactly how they're spending the money or they simply refuse to discuss it."

Wall Street Firms Still Flying Corporate Jets, Report Says - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

FOXNews.com - Wall Street Firms Still Flying Corporate Jets, Report Says - Local News News Articles National News US News: "Crisscrossing the country in corporate jets may no longer fly in Detroit after car executives got a dressing down from Congress. But on Wall Street, the coveted executive perk has hardly been grounded."

The Real Great Depression - ChronicleReview.com

The Real Great Depression - ChronicleReview.com: "As a historian who works on the 19th century, I have been reading my newspaper with a considerable sense of dread. While many commentators on the recent mortgage and banking crisis have drawn parallels to the Great Depression of 1929, that comparison is not particularly apt. Two years ago, I began research on the Panic of 1873, an event of some interest to my colleagues in American business and labor history but probably unknown to everyone else. But as I turn the crank on the microfilm reader, I have been hearing weird echoes of recent events."

Body Spray Smells Like Burger King

CNSNews.com - Body Spray Smells Like Burger King: "Burger King has launched a new men's body spray called 'Flame,' which it describes as 'the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat.'"


*** EEEEEEWWWWWWW!

Report: Emanuel Spoke Directly With Blagojevich About Senate Seat - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker

Report: Emanuel Spoke Directly With Blagojevich About Senate Seat - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker: "Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Obama's chief of staff, had direct discussions with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich about Obama's vacant Senate seat, the Chicago Sun-Times reported."

City Council Approves 7% Property Tax Increase - NYTimes.com

City Council Approves 7% Property Tax Increase - NYTimes.com: "Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s $1.2 billion property tax increase won approval from the City Council on Thursday, raising homeowners’ bills by 7 percent as the city grapples with a worsening economy and disappearing revenue."


*** When will it end?

Richardson proposes controversial HOV changes | Latest News | WFAA.com

Richardson proposes controversial HOV changes Latest News WFAA.com: "News 8 has uncovered information that TxDOT knew it had a potentially dangerous design for the HOV carpool lanes on the Central Expressway but built them anyway."

*** Good One!

Democrat Says Fairness Doctrine Should Extend to Cable, Satellite TV

CNSNews.com - Democrat Says Fairness Doctrine Should Extend to Cable, Satellite TV: "House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio) says he’s troubled by a California Democrat’s plan to push for the return – and expansion – of the Fairness Doctrine."

*** If the American people allow this to happen then we truly deserve what we get.

Of 36 States Facing Deficits This Year, 22 Are Increasing Spending

CNSNews.com - Of 36 States Facing Deficits This Year, 22 Are Increasing Spending: "Thirty-six of the 50 states – or 72 percent – are now facing budget deficits in fiscal 2009, according to a mid-year report released Monday by the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers."

*** Will they ever learn? Scratch that, will we ever learn?

OPEC Set to Make Largest-Ever Oil Production Cut - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

FOXNews.com - OPEC Set to Make Largest-Ever Oil Production Cut - International News News of the World Middle East News Europe News: "AFP

An oil production facility is seen in Saudi Arabia.ORAN, Algeria — Saudi Arabia, OPEC's de-facto leader, said Wednesday the oil group will slash production by 2 million barrels a day at the beginning of next year — its largest single reduction ever."

*** Just what we need!

Texas Congressman Proposes Ban on BCS Games

MyFox Dallas Texas Congressman Proposes Ban on BCS Games: "A Texas congressman is taking the fight for a college football playoff system to Capitol Hill. Congressman Joe Barton of lington has proposed a bill that would ban all college football championship games that aren't the result of playoffs"


*** I'm so glad to know that that congress has solved every problem in our nation so now it can focus on the problems with the BCS. Just stop it!

Survey: Many would take Internet over sex - CNN.com

Survey: Many would take Internet over sex - CNN.com: "Nearly half of the women questioned by Harris Interactive said they'd be willing to forgo sex for two weeks, rather than give up their Internet access, according to a study released Monday by Intel, which commissioned the survey."

U.S. auto industry broken down by state - CNN.com

U.S. auto industry broken down by state - CNN.com: "U.S. auto industry broken down by state"


*** This is a pretty good reference.

UAW Was 'Solely' to Blame for Collapse of Auto Industry Bailout Negotiations, Says Sen. Coburn

CNSNews.com - UAW Was 'Solely' to Blame for Collapse of Auto Industry Bailout Negotiations, Says Sen. Coburn: "The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is “solely” to blame for the collapse of negotiations on a $14-billion auto bailout deal that stalled in the Senate Thursday, Sen. Tom Colburn (R-Okla.) told CNSNews.com on Friday."

Report: Poor children continue to underperform in Tarrant, Texas | News | Star-Telegram.com

Report: Poor children continue to underperform in Tarrant, Texas News Star-Telegram.com: "Tarrant County students from poor families continue to perform worse in school than their classmates, according to research released Thursday by the Center for Public Policy Priorities."

***How many times do we have to say this. The number one factor in a child's education has nothing to do with spending per student or what happens in the classroom; It's all about the home!!!!!!!!!!

MyFox Dallas | Fort Worth Unveils New Slogan

MyFox Dallas Fort Worth Unveils New Slogan: "For as long as most people can remember, Fort Worth has been known by the nickname 'Cowtown.' Now there's a campaign to update the city's image, with a new slogan that's popping up all over town. FOX 4's Lari Barager has more on the message and its meaning.

***O.K.?

MyFox Dallas | Arlington Wants Unmanned Drones from Government

MyFox Dallas Arlington Wants Unmanned Drones from Government: "Twelve North Texas cites have submitted lists of public infrastructure projects they want Congress to fund through a 'Main Street Economic Recovery' program."

***Wow!

Rep. Joe Barton, a Texas Aggie, proposes bill to kill BCS | News | Star-Telegram.com

Rep. Joe Barton, a Texas Aggie, proposes bill to kill BCS News Star-Telegram.com: "President-elect Barack Obama isn't the only one who wants to change the way champions in college football are determined."

***I'm so glad that the government is there to solve every problem in the world!

Report: Bailed-out firms bankrolled conventions

Report: Bailed-out firms bankrolled conventions: "What were major corporations such as AIG, Ford, Citigroup and Freddie Mac doing in the weeks before they asked Washington for taxpayer-funded financial bailouts?"

***I'm shocked, truly shocked!

Scientists abandon global warming 'lie'

Scientists abandon global warming 'lie': "A United Nations climate change conference in Poland is about to get a surprise from 650 leading scientists who scoff at doomsday reports of man-made global warming – labeling them variously a lie, a hoax and part of a new religion."

***The real debate is just getting started!

Simpson codefendants avoid prison - CNN.com

Simpson codefendants avoid prison - CNN.com: "Four of O.J. Simpson's accomplices in the 2007 robbery at a Las Vegas hotel were given suspended sentences Tuesday by Nevada District Judge Jackie Glass."

***Something isn't right here!

Costco Makes ‘Naughty’ List for Avoiding the Word ‘Christmas’

CNSNews.com - Costco Makes ‘Naughty’ List for Avoiding the Word ‘Christmas’: "The American Family Association (AFA) has issued its annual “naughty and nice” list of retailers that ban, avoid -- or in some cases, use -- the word Christmas to describe merchandise in stores and in advertising."

***How dare they not commercialize Christmas? I demand that they celebrate the true meaning of Christmas: Selling presents!

Fort Worth lawmaker wants to rescind new driver's license rules | Legislature | Star-Telegram.com

Fort Worth lawmaker wants to rescind new driver's license rules Legislature Star-Telegram.com: "State Rep. Lon Burnam introduced legislation Monday to expand protections against possible racial profiling as a coalition of lawmakers and civil-liberties advocates protested new state driver’s license rules that they say discriminate against legal immigrants."

"On Thursday, the Boston Public Health Commission will vote on a tough smoking ban that could put this cigar bar, and others like it, out of business.
“I think it’s kind of unconstitutional, telling people not to smoke in a controlled environment,” said Linda Riccio, one of the owners of the dark-paneled saloon.
“Where will it end?” she asked. “Are they going to tell people they can’t smoke on the streets?”"

*** What slippery slope?

Dallas council leans toward smoking ban expansion | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

Dallas council leans toward smoking ban expansion News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News: "Smoking in Dallas bars and billiard halls likely will become illegal next year, as seven City Council members – one short of a majority – confirmed they will vote for an expanded municipal smoking ordinance when it comes before them Wednesday."

*** "So this is how freedom dies...with thunderous applause!”

President-elect would seek changes in Supreme Court

President-elect would seek changes in Supreme Court: "President-elect Barack Obama believes the U.S. Constitution needs to be interpreted through the lens of current events and the U.S. Supreme Court needs to include empathy for the plight of minorities in its opinions, a new report has found."

New rule allows people to carry concealed, loaded guns in national parks | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

New rule allows people to carry concealed, loaded guns in national parks News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News: "People will soon be able to carry concealed, loaded guns in most national parks and wildlife refuges."

Foreclosure looms for owners of Duncanville's Cherry Pit swingers club | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

Foreclosure looms for owners of Duncanville's Cherry Pit swingers club News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News: "The owners of Duncanville’s Cherry Pit swingers club face foreclosure on the home where they have hosted sex parties for hundreds of Dallas-area swingers."

Scientists find greenhouse gas hysteria to be myth

Scientists find greenhouse gas hysteria to be myth: "As dignitaries from around the world gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, attendees are unlikely to champion a recent study that demonstrates oceanic heat levels – and not man-made greenhouse gases – are to blame for increases in temperature on land."

*** Is the debate really over?

Iraq and U.S. Agree That U.S. Troops Will Leave Iraq by December 31, 2011

CNSNews.com - Iraq and U.S. Agree That U.S. Troops Will Leave Iraq by December 31, 2011: "The Bush administration and the Iraqi government have agreed on a timeline to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq by December 31, 2011. Iraqi voters must approve the agreement in a referendum, however, and President-elect Obama has promised a quicker U.S. withdrawal."

Iraq and U.S. Agree That U.S. Troops Will Leave Iraq by December 31, 2011

CNSNews.com - Iraq and U.S. Agree That U.S. Troops Will Leave Iraq by December 31, 2011: "The Bush administration and the Iraqi government have agreed on a timeline to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq by December 31, 2011. Iraqi voters must approve the agreement in a referendum, however, and President-elect Obama has promised a quicker U.S. withdrawal."

Democrats Impatient With Obama to Weigh In on Economy - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker

Democrats Impatient With Obama to Weigh In on Economy - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker: "Democrats are growing impatient with President-elect Barack Obama's refusal to inject himself in the major economic crises confronting the country."

*** Call me crazy but he's not the President yet. If anything, he has injected himself too much!

Florida Man Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend With Cheeseburger - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

FOXNews.com - Florida Man Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend With Cheeseburger - Local News News Articles National News US News: "An Indian River County Sheriff's Office arrest report says 22-year-old Vincent Gonzalez and his girlfriend got into an argument as they sat in a car in front of their home. The report says Gonzalez would not let her out of the vehicle so the woman threw his drink out of the car. In response, Gonzalez allegedly grabbed her arm and smashed the cheeseburger into her face. The pair got out of the car, and authorities say Gonzalez again took the McDonald's sandwich and put it on her face."

Can the Big Three survive a bailout?

CNN Commentary: Can the Big Three survive a bailout?: "The Big Three automakers yesterday presented impressive plans to Congress that justified their need for bridge loans to help them regain their competitiveness in light of a vehicle market that has crashed into a wall.

Such loans won't simply help support a vital portion of American industry, they will help prevent a much greater potential economic disaster. The commercial and strategic importance of the auto sector simply cannot be overestimated."

The Financial Crisis and the CRA by Howard Husock, City Journal 30 October 2008

The Financial Crisis and the CRA by Howard Husock, City Journal 30 October 2008: "While opinions vary on how long the current crisis in our housing and financial markets will last, its principal causes are clear. Exceptionally low interest rates, high levels of available capital, and the advent of mortgage securitization combined to spur overinvestment in housing—and underinvestment in the sort of due diligence that once typified lending."

Commission Recommends U.S. Use ‘Direct Force’ on Nuclear Iran, N. Korea, if Needed

CNSNews.com - Commission Recommends U.S. Use ‘Direct Force’ on Nuclear Iran, N. Korea, if Needed: "Washington (CNSNews.com) – A bipartisan commission appointed by Congress is warning the incoming Obama administration that it must not rule out the use of “direct force” – military action – against Iran and North Korea, if diplomatic negotiations fail to stop their nuclear weapons programs."

Congressman: Obama's Senate Replacement Must Be Black - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker

Congressman: Obama's Senate Replacement Must Be Black - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker: "The race to replace Barack Obama as Illinois' junior senator heated up Tuesday as Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to name a black man or woman to the seat."

*** Will we ever be able to judge someone by the content of their character instead of by the color of their skin?

Customers injured in crush suing Wal-Mart - CNN.com#cnnSTCVideo

Customers injured in crush suing Wal-Mart - CNN.com#cnnSTCVideo: "Two customers are suing Wal-Mart for negligence after being injured in a mad rush for post-Thanksgiving bargains that left one store employee dead, the men's attorney said Tuesday."

*** That's right, this is Wal-Marts fault; not the fault of the idiots who were looking to save a buck. I hope they fight this one and win big.

Problem With Clinton as Secretary of State? - Brit Hume | Special Report

FOXNews.com - Problem With Clinton as Secretary of State? - Brit Hume Special Report: "Questions are being raised about Hillary Clinton’s eligibility to serve as secretary of state. That is because of something known as the Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution. Emoluments are salaries.

Visitors extol $621M Capitol welcome site - USATODAY.com

Visitors extol $621M Capitol welcome site - USATODAY.com: "WASHINGTON — The reviews of the new Capitol Visitor Center, which opened Tuesday, have not been kind. Groups such as Citizens Against Government Waste call the facility, which will host tourists visiting the seat of Congress, a waste of taxpayer dollars."


*** Hmmmm, sounds a bit like flying a corporate jet to a meeting with congress? What a joke!

Faith-Based Hospitals Could Close If Obama Signs Freedom of Choice Act

CNSNews.com - Faith-Based Hospitals Could Close If Obama Signs Freedom of Choice Act: "Now that Barack Obama has been elected president, pro-life and pro-abortion groups are waiting to see if he will keep his campaign promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) into law and if faith-based hospitals and health care facilities will be forced to perform abortions or risk losing federal funding – a loss that could result in some health care providers closing their doors."

*** One to watch?

Nuclear or Bioterror Attack on U.S. Likely by 2013, Panel Warns - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

Nuclear or Bioterror Attack on U.S. Likely by 2013, Panel Warns - Local News News Articles National News US News: "The United States can expect a terrorist attack using nuclear or more likely biological weapons before 2013, reports a bipartisan commission in a study being briefed Tuesday to Vice President-elect Joe Biden."


*** I'm confused! If we can know enough to expect it by 2013, how come we don't know enough to stop it before 2013?

Lots of TV and Web harms kids' health - Yahoo! News

Lots of TV and Web harms kids' health - Yahoo! News: "Spending a lot of time watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Web makes children more prone to a range of health problems including obesity and smoking, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday."


***I'm shocked, truly shocked! How many millions of our tax dollars were spent on figuring this one out?

Campaign asks Texans to support open-carry law for handguns | Legislature | Star-Telegram.com

Campaign asks Texans to support open-carry law for handguns Legislature Star-Telegram.com: "More than a month before the legislative session starts Jan. 13, gun-rights supporters are asking state lawmakers to pass an 'open carry' law to let Texans stop covering up the guns they carry and wear them openly."

Arms ship's owners strike deal with pirates - CNN.com

Arms ship's owners strike deal with pirates - CNN.com: "Pirates have reached a deal with the owners of a Ukrainian ship loaded with arms that was seized more than two months ago, an official with the Kenya Seafarers Association said Sunday."

Survey: Teens Lie, Steal, Cheat at Alarming Rate

MyFox Dallas Survey: Teens Lie, Steal, Cheat at Alarming Rate: "NEW YORK -- In the past year, 30 percent of U.S. high school students have stolen from a store and 64 percent have cheated on a test, according to a new, large-scale survey suggesting that Americans are too apathetic about ethical standards."

Faith-Based Hospitals Could Close If Obama Signs Freedom of Choice Act

CNSNews.com - Faith-Based Hospitals Could Close If Obama Signs Freedom of Choice Act: "(CNSNews.com) – Now that Barack Obama has been elected president, pro-life and pro-abortion groups are waiting to see if he will keep his campaign promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) into law and if faith-based hospitals and health care facilities will be forced to perform abortions or risk losing federal funding – a loss that could result in some health care providers closing their doors."