A Decade Without Glass-Steagall Topples the Global Financial System

A Decade Without Glass-Steagall Topples the Global Financial System

This month marks a decade since the repeal of Glass-Steagall Act, the Depression-era safeguard that prohibited the commingling of commercial and investment banks. The deregulation gave rise to all-in-one financial behemoths like Citi, AIG ushered in the too-big-to-fail era, and nearly toppled the global financial system Bill Clinton, Glass-Steagall and the Current Financial and Mortgage Crisis* The Biggest Cause of the Financial Crisis * The Subprime Mess and Phil Gramm: An Experiment in Deregulation

Congress Panics
Attacks Old Boys Network as Fall Guy
With the public turning against the bailout, very upset about the recession and unemployment congress is looking to escape blame by finding a fall guy. Blame game on Hill Geithner in crossfire. Congress knows that if the public begins to fully understand that the banking crisis began when their legislative body deregulated the banking industry. How many incumbents would lose in 2010? Incumbents are afraid that the millions in campaign contributions from the banks and financial institutions that benefited from the regulations would be used in the 2010 campaigns against them.

Last year congress allowed the old boys Wall Street network to continue when it confirmed both Geithner and Summers for the Obama administration. When Glass Steagall act of 1933 was removed by congress to deregulate the banking and financial industry both those men were working in the White House. Then Treasury secretary, now Obama economics czar Larry Summers, who boldly declared that the deregulation would “benefit American consumers, business, and the national economy for many years to come.” This year there is a good chance that both Summers and Geithner will be fired as fall guys, so congress can tell the public they are taking action to get rid of those that destroyed the economy * Geithner Hopes to End Bailout Fund * The Big Squander By not extracting concessions from bankers during the rescue of A.I.G., policy makers undermined their own credibility — and put the broader economy at risk (Krugman NYT) * What Geithner Got RightTimothy F. Geithner, like others on the White House economic team, is pragmatic and responds flexibly to situations, and that approach has paid off during the economic crisis Special Inspector General: NY Fed Screwed Up AIG Bailout , Dissecting Tim Geithner's 658-Page Schedule TPM * Geithner Takes Heat For AIG Bonuses Blamed For Failure To Reign In Company's Massive Payments * Geithner defends job, blames woes on Bush

Memo to NYT: Albany Has Already Been Convicted Brian M. McLaughlin Ex-Labor Leader Is Sentenced to 10 Years for Racketeering (NYT) * Anthony S. Seminerio Queens Assemblyman Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case Today's NYT could be considered by some in Albany who constantly escape the law to be double jeopardy How Albany Works Is Also on Trial * Bruno pal up for questions on pay

Council Spends Like There No Recession With 6000 less offices since 2001 a terror trial that will drain manpower for the next 5 to 10 years. Problems on the subways Sex Offenses on the Subways Are Widespread, City Officials Are Told and children with guns shooting children should the city be spending a billion and a half on a new police academy City Council approves College Point police academy

Looks like the NYT Does Not Read For years papers have been waring about illegal apartment death traps. Today's NYT says the fire reveals the fire traps Fire Reveals Illegal Homes Hide in Plain Sight Death trap warnings over the years THE BATTLE OF tRICHMOND HILL llegal subdivisions are transforming suburban homes in Queens into modern-day tenements and fire-traps (City Limits 1998) * High demand for illegal Chinatown apartments (May 2007) * Bill Would Increase Penalties For Dividing Houses Illegaly (NYT 1997) * Queens Leads City in Complaints About Illegally Overcrowded Houses (2005)

True News Was First
To Identify the Battle Ground of the New Newspaper War
Today's Bloomberg Murdoch Targets Sulzberger as Fight Shifts to Readers The New York Times and Wall Street Journal are pursuing readers from regional U.S. newspapers in their fight to survive the worst advertising declines in the industry’s history (November 20, 2009)

The City's latest Newspaper War November 9, 2009
Not About New York
The NYT launched a personal attack at the NYP that is part of a nation wide newspaper war between the NYT and Murdoch WSJ that is being fought on the streets of New York. With a redesigned Wall Street Journal, mogul Rupert Murdoch is launching an old-fashioned newspaper war against The New York Times. Not since William Randolph Hearst took on Joseph Pulitzer have we seen such a fight.

Out of Towners This newspaper war is different than Hearst vs. Pulitzer in the 1800 or the Post against the Daily News and Newsday in the 1970's and 80's. This Newspaper war is not only about capturing New York's newspaper readers. As papers like the NYP and Daily News continue on their decades long loss of circulation in the city, the Journal and the Times are engaged in a pitched but unusually quiet battle for readers outside the New York metro area who might be persuaded to abandon their local dailies. The Times recently announced a deal that will extend newsstand sales and home delivery of the newspaper to Nashville, Tenn. That becomes the 26th North American city where the Times is printed, link to a mapped of NYT distribution deals. New York Times expanding circulation battlefield with Bay Area For more The City's latest Newspaper War, Not About New York or Democracy

Newspaper's Saturday Morgue Saturday night is the time American pay almost no attention to the news. That why the senate pick that day and time to vote on the health bill Senate may take first health care vote Saturday night Run Paterson Run If I am David I thing how badly the Marist poll blew the mayor's race Marist Pollster: Cuomo Has 'Clear Path' to Governor, Paterson Ads Not Working , 10/22: Bloomberg Leads Thompson By 16 Among Likely Voters


Gov of La Mancha Albany Assembly Passes A Stronger Law Than It Wanted Leandras new drunk driving law (NYC Civic) *** Pols hit the road - & leave Dave in lurch *** "We have them on call," David Paterson said following an afternoon leaders meeting. "There is no deal. I don't want to waste any taxpayers' money having them sit around." *** DWI? Check. But what else? (Times Union) *** E.J. McMahon is not so impressed by the authorities reform bill *** Who will pay to make sure water supplies near shale drilling are safe? *** With the help of five professional fundraisers, AG Andrew Cuomo has reportedly raised $16 million for a campaign against Paterson *** There's no DRP deal, but talk of using stimulus cash to reduce proposed education cuts is on the table *** Also under consideration: A cut in state payments for Medicaid care provided by nursing homes *** The Legislature has left the building — although work on the deficit package continues. (TU) *** A stunning revelation from the trial: Member items are partially allocated according to political needs. (TU) *** Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson was forced to cancel a scheduled 4 p.m. session after realizing several key members, including Finance Chairman Carl Kruger, had left town*** Lawmakers Leave for the Weekend Without Solving Budget Crisis WXXI*** Paterson: ‘I would compromise, but … ‘ (Times Union) *** Professors Union Launches Newspaper Blitz *** Paterson's Doomsday Scenario (Updated) *** State Lawmakers Leave Albany, Budget Deficit Behind (NY1) *** Paterson: Moody's has sent a warning *** Furloughs, Worker Firings Looming in New York, Paterson Says Bloomberg *** 4:00 PM Guv warns of 'furloughs, layoffs,' if $3.2B budget gap not closed *** Paterson Campaign Attacks Cuomo for 'Shadow' Operation

Campaign 2010 Is Rudy Picking on a Weakling? | The New York Observer *** Suburban districts see red (Politico) *** Don't Rule Out Paterson - Forbes.com Republican Pollster Zogby *** Giuliani Said to Decide Against Run for Governor (NYT) *** Hoffman Claims Voter Fraud *** Giuliani already has money and influence, so why run for Senate? *** The Prognosticator Back and Forth: Lee Miringoff (City Hall) *** "I definitely believe he is seriously rethinking the Senate," one source familiar with the situation told The Buffalo News. "I'm 98 percent sure he will run for the Senate." *** But Giuliani is jetting off to Florida for a four-day weekend. "If he were running," joked one pal, "that plane would be headed to Buffalo." *** Another Weprin For Assembly ***Bloomberg Can Embrace His Wealth Again (NY Magazine) *** In Monserrate-Peralta Race, a Democratic Club Takes Its Time

Play to Pay Bruno Joe Bruno used a state grant to start up a technology research center anchored by a company tied to him *** "They get paid annually for working a certain number of hours," Bruno told reporters about public employees doing private work. "They have a perfect right to do other things as long as it doesn't interfere with their public work." *** A former Senate attorney testified he warned ex-Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno not to consult for a software company that wanted to land state contracts*** Pork politics key to Bruno reign Witness in fraud case details how funds were spread around *** Meeting Mr. Trump, and Paying the Price *** 4PM Bruno got job because of his contacts: witness *** Joe Bruno pal at trial says he hired pol to use his 'rolodex' *** Bruno won’t testify; jury to hear summations Monday (Times Union) ***Nobody Thought It Was Abnormal That Joe Bruno Ran a Multi-Million-Dollar Consulting Business Out of His Government Office

Inside City Hall Repudiating his own "progress, not politics" campaign theme, Mayor Bloomberg insisted Bill Thompson is not motivated by politics *** Angling for Finance Chair: Fidler, Recchia and Felder

New York's Economic Crisis Jobless Rate Got No Help From Hiring for Holidays *** Cab sharing with strangers - for cheaper fare - on tap *** New York's unemployment rate hits 9% *** Goldman's extreme makeover: If bank has heart, it should forgo state, city payments (DNEd) *** Worst month of job losses since last December (Crains) *** Cash-poor NY pushes state workers to take severance Reuters *** Quiet Shift in Budget Rules May Prompt City Job Cuts

Developers Old Boys Network NYC groups sue to block deal for Nets arena *** Private Flushing development to get federal stimulus money From the Times Ledger *** City Building Agency May Farm Out Tests *** Foes file new suit against Atlantic Yards


More City News Gonzalez: 911 fails 3 times in the past week *** Five companies to clean up Newtown Creek *** dling midtown buses drive retailers mad ***Teachers at failing schools got bonuses *** Your MetroCard May Be Sending You a Secret Message *** NY1 Gets Exclusive Look At New Underground Power Line

Law and Order Complaints of sexual abuse on subway worst in Manhattan *** Jayson Williams close to taking plea deal *** Baby-faced teen facing attempted murder charges in shooting of Bronx girl *** Complaints of sexual abuse on subway worst in Manhattan *** Radical Lawyer Convicted of Aiding Terrorist Is Jailed *** Five Youths Arraigned in Shooting of Two on Bronx Street *** 911 snafu part two


Mob Wars Gotti jury: We're deadlocked


New York Terror Trial Obama vows 9/11 fiend will get death - then backs off (NYP) *** 9/11 kin put heat on Holder *** Lawmakers Call Ft. Hood Shootings ‘Terrorism’ *** Pay up, Mr. President: The feds should eat security cost of foolhardy KSM terror trial *** Krauthammer: N.Y. giving terrorist the greatest platform *** New York is ready for trial of evil 9/11 mastermind, city big says *** Advantages of Civilian Trial Seem to Outweigh Risks - Stuart Taylor, NJ *** Obama May Come to Regret KSM Trial Decision - Con Coughlin, Telegraph *** Downtown locals cry: Objection! *** Eight Fort Hood Wounded to Deploy *** The absurdity of trying 9/11 terrorists in New York City(The Hill)

White House Clinton Emerges as Key Link to Afghan Leader *** Obama Has a Job for Dana Perino. Really *** Watchdog Urges Caution on Claims of 640,000 Stimulus Jobs *** U.S. Talks Tougher on Iran (WSJ) *** Gates: Afghan Surge Could Happen Swiftly *** Inside Obama's Plan to Close Guantanamo - Massimo Calabresi, Time *** Obama's Dysfunctional Decision Making - Michael Gerson, Washington Post *** Obama's Asian Tour May Produce Future Benefits - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette *** No Troop Decision Until After Holiday *** Obama approval rating dips below 50 percent in Gallup *** Obama fundraising group using out-of-office Palin to drum up support


Congress Reid, as Legislative Tactician, Takes Ownership of Health Care Overhaul *** Senate Health Care Bill Faces Crucial First Vote *** Panel Votes to Broaden Oversight of the Fed *** A Gift to Credit Card Companies A Senate bill to move up the effective date of the law protecting consumers from predatory actions by the credit card industry should have become law already (NYT Ed) *** Health bill could get 34-hour reading in Senate (Wash Times) *** Cutting Medicare a Big Political Risk for Dems - Jay Cost, RealClearPolitics *** Why the Greg Craig Debacle Matters - Elizabeth Drew, Politico *** Rep. Maurice Hinchey introduced a bill that would require the dismantling of banks deemed too big to fail *** Poll Shows McCain in Jeopardy *** Congress vs. Obama *** Ron Paul Pushes for More Fed Oversight *** Ethics committee: No punishment for Burris *** The Louisiana Purchase: $100 Million Payoff to Buy Sen. Landrieu's Vote... *** John McCain assails fellow Republicans’ climate-change efforts. (Politico)

Health Care Feds nix mammo slammo *** Guidelines Push Back Age for Cervical Cancer Tests *** The Controversy Over Mammograms The recent recommendation on mammographies is guidance for women and doctors, and should not be injected into the partisan debate over health care(NYT Ed) *** Bad medicine: Callous bureaucrats' mammogram report is dumb and dangerous (DN Ed) *** A Leap Forward to Better Care - Peter Orszag, Washington Post *** Cave In on Mammograms a Set Back for HC - Steven Pearlstein, Wash Post *** Rational Advice or Rationed Care? - Sarah Palin, Facebook *** Experts: Pap Smears Should Start At 21 *** Plastic Surgeons Protest Tax

Politics and Political Parties The AP's Palin panic AP didn't send 11 reporters to fact-check President Obama's two books (it didn't bother to fact-check them at all). Nor did it hold Vice President Joe Biden's books under a microscope (NYP Ed)*** Christian Leaders Unite on Political Issues *** Hard Math for Democrats, Middle Class - David Rogers, Politico *** A Tilt Away From Social Issues for GOP - Adam Nagourney, New York Times *** Senate Democrats Unveil Health Care Bill - John Fritze, USA Today *** GOP Celebrates Gov Wins, Dems Mock 'Comeback' *** Republicans Think Obama Stole Election


Wall Street and the Economy With F.H.A. Help, Easy Loans in Expensive Areas *** U.S. Mortgage Delinquencies Reach a Record High *** Blackstone unit buying Birds Eye Foods *** Goldman Holders Miffed at Bonuses (WSJ) *** Even More Falling Behind: Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosures Hit A New High *** The "Cave In" to Goldman Sachs a Big Problem - Jeff Madrick, Daily Beast *** Why No One Expects a Strong Recovery - Reps. Hensarling & Ryan, WSJ *** Four Lessons We've Learned from the Recession - Ben Stein, Fortune *** Interest on U.S. Debt: $4,800,000,000,000 - Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney *** Wall Street Plays Hardball w/ Local Gov'ts - Theo Francis, BusinessWeek *** Entire Housing Recovery Is Built on Sand - Randall Forsyth, Barron's *** Ohio files suit against rating agencies *** 'Zombie Buildings': Are They The Next Economic Calamity? (VIDEO)

Today's Wall Street Spin Winner Though Dell’s Profit Slips, Its Outlook Turns Brighter *** Dell Trails Peers in Recovery (WSJ)

International Bad Blair day Falters in wild EU prez race *** Attention Shifts to China for Private Equity Industry *** Deadly Labor Wars Hinder India's Rise *** Karzai Has Many Promises for the West *** Japan's Government Confirms Deflation *** Iran's Iron Fist - Chicago Tribune *** Calling Karzai to Account - Times of London *** EU Elects Two Minor But Competent Leaders - The Economist *** Election of Van Rompuy as New EU President Draws Mixed Reaction *** New Sanctions Considered as Iran Stalls on Nuclear Deal *** U.S. Fears Iraq Development Projects May Go to Waste


National A Crown Jewel of Education Struggles With Cuts Students and faculty worry that deep budget cuts are pushing the University of California into decline*** Rage as Tuitions Skyrocket 32 Percent *** Protesters take over UC Berkeley building *** Unemployment rises in 29 states

Media and New Tech AOL wants to slash 2,500 jobs *** Making friends (and money) on Facebook *** NBCU price must be right: Vivendi CFO *** Windows 7 lift for Microsoft
***Harbinger shrinking at Times Hedge fund Harbinger Capital Partners cut its stake again in The New York Times Co., almost two years after it bought a big stake in a bid to shake up the newspaper publisher *** DirecTV's open to a big tie-up *** Oprah Bets on Her Future With Cable *** AOL to Cut One-Third of Its Staff *** Google Offers Peek at Operating System, a Potential Challenge to Windows *** Google to Add Captions, Improving YouTube Videos
*** End of an era: Oprah Winfrey will pull plug on show in 2011 *** Top 10 Internet moments of the decade*** Google's Chrome OS to be ready for 2010 holidays *** WATCH: Former Fox News Anchor Now At Onion News Network *** Oprah's Exit: Milepost on the Road to the End of Broadcast TV *** A Tearful Winfrey Explains Her Departure *** PHOTOS: Classic "Oprah" Show Moments Through The Years *** Bill-O's Gonna Be Mad: Hannity Gets HUGE Ratings, Tops O'Reilly With Palin Interview *** Free Press Urges New York City Council to Support Open Internet *** Dobbs Mulling White House, Senate Run *** Larry King’s 76th-Birthday Party Had an Old Western Theme *** Business Week Lays Off 130 *** 5:00 PM NY1 Anchor Guilty Of Attempted Assault On Wife

Controlling the News: What Happen to the Council Slush Fund Investigation?

Breaking News: Giuliani Is Said to Have Decided Not to Run for Governor (NYT) *** Giuliani Denies Report That He Will Not Run For Governor (NY1) *** Giuliani to run for U.S. Senate, NOT NY gov.: source

Controlling the News
What Happen to the Council Slush Fund Investigation?

The Daily News reported on June 24, 2008 that U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia asked the NYS Supreme Court to delay for 90 days a special inquiry into the city council pork spending and slush fund, for fear it would derail their case. The inquiry requested by civil rights lawyer Norman Siegel under an arcane law, would require a parade of public officials to publicly testify under a grant of immunity. It not about Siegel ongoing suit which seeks to invoke a a rarely used City Charter provision to combat Tammany Hall corrupt in the 1870s but what happen to the U.S. Attorney Investigation. We know that since then Both Garcia and Lev Dassin have left to white shoe law firms. With the new U.S. for New York's Southern District Preet Bahrara responsibilities with the terror trials we wonder if he has any time for the council investigation or if we will ever see a report if they decide not to indict the big fish.

Only True News Keeps This Story Alive
August 7, 2009 NY's Watergate: Several Slush Fund Cover-up
July 15, 2009The City Council Slush Fund Scandal Is Way Bigger Than Miguel Martinez
March 6, 2009 Cover Up At City Hall ContinuesJ
January 12, 2009 Inspector Clouseau Investigates NYC Political Corruption
January 4, 2009 Member Item Slush Fund Cover Up
November 11, 2009 The Dishonor Roll - The Shame of New York
The 29 Councilmembers who voted to extend their term in office
November 8, 2008 Massive Lobbyist Scandal at City Hall

Media Switch On Then Off - Slush Fund Story
From a period of two weeks before the indictments of two city council aides to about a month after the arrests, the newspapers hammered away almost every day at the slush fund scandal. From the beginning of April to the the end of May over 100 story and several editorials were published about the scandal and the need for reform, including over two dozen investigative reports that exposed how councilmembers used member items for family, friends and paid off lobbyists for their campaign help. Since the end of May less than a handful of stories have been written about the slush fund, none during and since the debate and vote extending the council's term limits. It is inexplicable that challengers who use the Internet and Facebook for requests for funding, have not tried to use the online community against the media blackout, and to organize against the council's term limits vote.

Slush Fund Coverage Day by Day, April - May Pork handouts offered to pressure council members to OK congestion plan, April 2, 2008 *** City Council investigated for slush fund, April 3, 2008 *** City Council Speaker's "Slush Fund" Investigated, April 3, 2008 *** Slush Fund Scandal May Drag Quinn To Court *** City Council invented phony charities to hide more than $17M, aides say, April 3 *** Christine Quinn Joins the Scandal Bandwagon, April 3, 2008 *** The Perils of Christine, April 4, 2008 *** NYC City Council Hiding Taxpayer Money, Created a Slush Fund, April 4, 2008 *** NYC pol caught in slush fund probe - April 5, 2008 *** City Comptroller To Audit Council Over Slush Fund - April 9, 2008 *** Discretionary funds in City Council must now be OK'd, April 11, 2008 Speaker Quinn Decides to Talk to a Lawyer, April 12, 2008 *** *** Slush Probers Eye Fraud Rap for Quinn, April 13, 2008 *** Unanswered Questions: City Council's Phantom Funds - April 14, 2008 *** 2 NYC Council workers indicted in slush fund probe -April 16, 2008 *** What Roll Did Chuck Meara Have In Creating The City Council Speaker's Slush Fund, April 16, 2008 *** Council member in funding flap, April, 17, 2008 *** SLUSH-FUND SHENANIGANS - April 17, 2008 *** Lobbyists’ Role in Council Slush Fund Scandal Probed - April 17, 2008 *** AIDS Groups Have Doubts On Quinn Reforms, April 17, 2008 *** Indictments fall as Quinn eyes reforms in slush fund scandal - April 18, 2008 *** NYC pol caught in slush fund probe, April 18, 2008 *** Quinn Offers Apologies to Council, April 18, 2008 *** City Council scandal has nonprofits nervous, hampers budget talks, April 19, 2008 *** CITY HAUL POLS WANT YOU TO PAY LAW BILLS, April 19, 2008 *** DA weighs charges in City Council slush fund scandal - April 21, 2008 *** Quinn would flush ‘slush fund’ in a budget overhaul proposal - April 22, 2008 *** Daily News Editorial: All in the family - April 22, 2008 *** Brooklyn Pol Put $187G of Your Dough into Wife's Nonprofit, April 22, 2008 *** City Freezes Bronx Councilman’s Million-Dollar Non-Profit Play, April 24, 2008 *** The City Council Operates Under "Afikomen Rules", April 25, 2008 *** Councilman sent $406G to nonprofit with sister on board, April 25, 2008 *** Baez Tied to Council Slush Fund Scandal - April 30, 2008 *** Daily News Editorial: All in the family - April 22, 2008 *** Feds Probing Larry Seabrook Non-Profits in Council Slush Fund Inquiry - April 30, 2008 *** Slush pols look after their own, -April 30, 2008 ***Bloomberg downplays slush fund scandal, May 2, 2008 *** Papers Filed for Judicial Hearing on City Council Spending, May 3, 2008 *** More slush fund shadiness exposed, May 5, 2008 *** Gifford Miller: Slush-Fund Refugee, May 6, 2008 *** WHILE THE COUNCIL ROILS IN SCANDAL, THE FORMER SPEAKER STAYS MUM, HANGS WITH DEVELOPER CHUM - May 7, 2008 *** Brooklyn councilwoman Darlene Mealy's 25G for nonprofit run by sister tabled, May 11, 2008 *** Once Again, Quinn Tries to End the Funding Furor, May 12, 2008 ***Quinn: SLUSH FUND HELPED ME, May 12, 2008 *** Slush Probers Eye Fraud Rap for Quinn, May 13, 2008 *** More City Hall Slush, This Time From Mayor Bloomberg - May 14, 2008 *** Council slush fund quid quo pro, - May 15, 2008 *** Slush Fund Follies in New York - May 15, 2008 *** Vallone, Sr. subpoenaed in slush probe, May 19, 2008 *** Council slush funds date back to 1998 - June 1, 2008 *** Kendall Stewart - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, June 11, 2008 *** Lobbyists' Role in Council Slush Fund Scandal Probed, June 20, 2008 *** Role of Lobbyists Examined in Council Slush Fund Scandal - June 20, 2008 *** Baez Silent Amid Sea of Controversy, July 10, 2008


Does NYC Mean Business? NYC might be the world's financial capital but not when it comes to it people involved in business. Study finds NY entrepreneurship lagging nation Just over 15% of people in New York state are involved in some kind of entrepreneurial activity, compared with a national average of 18.8%. Does it have anything to do with high taxes and rents imposed on small business in the city. As the new comptroller prepares to raise taxes, the state just imposed and MTA tax on freelancers and the council works to put additional burdens on small business like paying for sick pay, the number of entrepreneurial workers in the city will shrink even more Flat Holiday Hiring as Jobless Rate Holds at 10.3% , Worst month of job losses since last December (crains)

Cops vs. Academy $ Why are we spending a billion dollars for a new police academy while we have cut over 6000 officers from the NYPD and the community does not want the academy? College Point residents wary of NYPD academy MTA Shermanesque? With the state's economy is a freefall and the Arbitrator John Zuccotti, who granted transit workers 11% raises, in court how in the world can the agency say Riders Spared Fare Increase In Latest MTA Budget Get ready for dirty stations, graffiti and delays Could the Coming Subway Budget Crash Have Been Stopped?


Gov of La Mancha Albany Gov strike$ out again *** Assembly Backs Stricter Oversight for State Authorities *** New Website Lets New Yorkers Talk Back to the Senate *** Leandra’s Law passes, and an agreement is made on authorities reform — it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you can’t reach a deficit deal. (TU, NYT, DN) *** Mayor Jerry Jennings hosts a fund-raiser for Andrew Cuomo — at the Fort Orange Club. (PolitickerNY, TU) *** Paterson chides NY Legislature in deficit progress *** "To me, it isn't the quantitative agreement on a number," Paterson said. "It's the quality of actually hitting the target in ways that will be real and recurring." *** "It's discussions, discussions, discussions, and no action," Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari said, predicting no deal until next week. "I wish I could be more positive." *** The cost of these talks is $500,000 and counting *** Paterson Doesn't Take It Personally, If You're a Legislator *** Assemblyman Richard Brodsky called the public authorities bill "the most fundamental reform of Albany in decades." *** Monday. Monday Monday Monday The Assembly is planning to be back on Monday *** The Legislature Has Left the Building *** Budget madness continues *** EJ McMahon is unimpressed by the public authorities reform bill.


Pay to Play Bruno Bruno buddy paid him 360G *** Clients Fuzzy Over What Bruno Did for Them *** Corruption for dummies: State Senate lawyer advised top pols on how to skirt the law *** The Senate counsel who advised Joe Bruno on navigating the shoals of his dual public/private career kept a “CYA” file once he got wind of a potential investigation of the senator. But wouldn’t that be a “CMA” file since it was his own rear on the line? (TU) *** An employee of Jared Abbruzzese said he didn’t know what Bruno did to earn his consulting fees. (TU) *** "Do you know anything that Senator Bruno does? Need some help her pals," an executive from one of the companies that paid the ex-majority leader wrote in an e-mail *** Collateral Inconvenience: Bruno Case Ties Up Senate Computers


Inside City Hall Pals hail Koch on his 85th *** Savoring the Mayoral Victory With a Dinner by the Seine *** City Council Influences Landmarks Decision *** Bloomberg, Kissinger help Koch celebrate 85th birthday *** Mayor Bloomberg, Controller Thompson clash over status of Brooklyn jail *** Could Lives Have Been Saved In B'klyn Fire? *** Bloomberg donated $125 million to promote safety in Moscow *** The Landmarks Preservation Commission doesn't like being influenced by the City Council *** Take Over Albany, Mr. Mayor (City Hall) *** At Broadway Triangle Hearing, Some Lopez-Reyna Tensions

New York Economic Melt Down MTA puts off hike ***NYC Losing Communication Jobs (Fox) *** Manhattan retail rents vary wildly amid recession *** Hard-pressed small firms drop health insurance *** Luxury Stores Trim Inventory and Deals *** Flush in a Recession, a Bronx Landlord Is Ready to Shop *** New York City has lost about 60,000 communications jobs since the economic downtown began. (AP) *** New York's unemployment rate hits 9%, highest since April 1983


Law and Order Bagel big stole tax dough: DA *** Mafia 'tomato' gets squished *** Cops: Vada Vazquez's alleged shooter is baby-faced 16-year-old *** A Bullet Takes a Toll in the Bronx *** 22 Held in Staten Island Betting and Loan Sharking Raids *** Gunman with a baby face *** Menaces to society: When it comes to gun crime, some judges are part of the problem (DN Ed)
*** Baby-Faced Teen 1 Of 5 Charged In Bronx Shooting (WCBS)

New York Terror Plot Imam in Queens College flap *** 9/11 kin put heat on Holder ***Expert: Bigmouth prez helps defense *** Holder: NYC trial for 9/11 suspects right decision *** Born in U.S., a Radical Cleric Inspires Terror *** Holder answers to 9/11 families (Wash Post) *** GOP pol: New York wants 9/11 trials to create jobs *** Obama, Holder: Guilty verdict will vindicate decision to try terrorist in NYC *** Big Apple Justice Fits Man Accused of 9/11 - Margaret Carlson, Bloomberg *** The Justice Department's Nonsensical Decision - Joshua Filler, USA Today *** Civilian Trials for Terrorists: Holder Defends Bizarre Decision - LVRJ *** Supervisor Warned Army about Hasan *** Schumer: 9/11 Trial Could Cost More Than $100M *** Hasan's E-Mail: 'I Can't Wait to Join You' in Afterlife... *** Is New York really ready to put a suspected terrorist on trial?

More City News Group hopes text service will curb Park Slope parking woes *** Owners scoff at state's offers for Atlantic Yards land *** Upscale MCDONALD'S brings European style to NYC...


White House Obama Takes Stern Tone on North Korea and Iran *** A Taxing Time for Treasury Nominee *** Bush Library Design Chosen *** U.S. Demands Clear Results From Afghan Reforms *** High Tech Tries to Lift Veil on 18 ½ Tantalizing Minutes in Watergate *** Obama to Push For Korea Trade Pact (WSJ) *** Debate Shifts to Afghan Exit Plan ***The Permanent Campaign Continues - Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal *** Geithner Calls on US Banks to Boost Lending *** WATCH: Obama's Fox News Interview Is 'Lightning Round' Format *** A long first 10 months for Prez (Daily News) *** Bam: Talks begin with allies for sanctions vs. Iran *** Obama in China: A Wake-Up Call! - David Gergen, CNN *** What the Generals Won't Tell the Prez - Ralph Peters, New York Post *** Afghanistan: To Succeed, We Must Fail - Gerard Russell, Los Angeles Times *** Obama Leaves More Questions Than He Takes - Dana Milbank, Wash Post *** Obama Political Arm Raising Money Off of Palin *** The Best of Bad Options: More Troops, But Not 40,000 - Boston Globe *** Obama Goes to China, Brings Home a T-Shirt - USA Today *** White House Backtracks on Mammograms *** Obama rewards big donors with plum jobs overseas *** Official: Can't certify job stats *** Obama Keeps Missing Deadlines: Does It Matter? - John Dickerson, Slate *** Obama Stimulus: Enron-Style Accounting is Back - Mike Flynn, Big Gov't *** Slowly Dismantling Our War on Terror - Mark Davis, Dallas Morning News *** Obama Job Approval - 46% | Congress Job Approval - 26% *** The President Wants You to Know He’s Too Dopey to Use Twitter (Wolff Newswer)


Congress Senate Health Plan Seeks to Add Coverage to 31 Million *** Jobless Benefits Will Expire Unless Congress Acts *** Rising Prices of Drugs Lead to Call for Inquiry *** Sen. Reid unveils $848B compromise package (Wash Post) *** Senators press Fort Hood probes (Wash Post) *** Rep. DeFazio: Fire 'Timmy' Geithner *** Senate to Put Off Climate Bill Until Spring - Wall Street Journal *** How can the Democrats solve a problem like Joe Lieberman? (Politico) *** Holder dodges Ensign in Vegas *** Lieberman slams public option; brushes off critics (Politico) *** House Financial Services Committee OKs powers to break up large firms *** Senate Reform Race Begins (Roll Call)***Talk of new jobs legislation triggers interest-group and lobbying push *** Harry Reid Woos Skeptical Democrats - Karl, Khan & Wolf, ABC News *** Calling election stolen, Hoffman rescinds concession in New York (Wash Post)
Political Parties GOP stall tactics (Wash Post Ed) *** Thousands cheer Palin in Mich. for book tour... *** Palin to visit Fort Hood *** The GOP's No-Exit Strategy - E.J. Dionne, Washington Post *** Palin's Ego Trip - Michelle Goldberg, The Daily Beast *** Palin and the Future of Conservatism - Cal Thomas, Chicago Tribune *** Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention (Wolff Newser)

Pay to Play Washington Review Finds Fraud in Contracts Awarded in Disabled Veterans’ Program *** Opponents on Wrong Side of History - Nick Kristof, New York Times *** Is there anything lower than a company that overbills a fund for disabled vets? (AP)


Health Care Senate Health Plan Seeks to Add Coverage to 31 Million *** Breast Cancer Screening Policy Won’t Change, U.S. Officials Say *** The Wrong Side of History Attempts to discredit the health reform proposals now before Congress resemble the flawed arguments made in the 1960s *** Health Care Reform's Grand Bargain - Ezra Klein, Washington Post


International Iran Imperils Western Nuclear Deal *** Iraqi Election Placed in Jeopardy


Wall Street and the Economy Walmart.com boss fires warning shot *** Donald Trump relinquishes casino-control bid (crains) *** Post-Mortems Reveal Obvious Risk at Banks *** Sears Narrows Loss as Kmart Shows Improvement *** Hedge-Fund King Comes Under Siege *** Fear of Double Dip in Housing *** 2 Years Later: Revisiting New London - Froma Harrop, Providence Journal *** We Deserve a Transparent Fed - Rep. Ron Paul & Sen. Jim DeMint, WSJ *** Another Slippery Slope We Could Fall Down - Doug Kass, TheStreet.com *** How Does the '09 Rally Stack Up Against '82 Bull Market? - Big Picture *** The Wall Street Grinch Speaks - Charlie Gasparino, The Daily Beast *** Even a Fool Can See Deficits Are The Problem - Randall Forsyth, Barron's *** Goldman's $500 Million: Day Late, Dollar Short - Mark Gilbert, Bloomberg *** We Must Tame the Ballooning National Deficit - Sen. Evan Bayh, CNN

Wall Street Pay to Play New Link in Galleon Case *** Deutsche Bank Ex-CEO Faces Fraud Case *** The Dems' 'Doc Fix' Would Shock Bernie Madoff - Wall Street Journal


National Did Texas Outlaw Marriage?*** CALIFORNIA ON THE BRINK? UCLA students protests 32% tuition hike... *** Study Shows Link Between Segregation and Subprime Loans

Media and High Tech Xbox marks the spot for M'soft ratings ***NFL Network attempts to huddle with politicos ***Google's Chrome set to go *** CBS nearly sold out on Super Bowl XLIV *** Bigger U.S. Role in Broadband Is Likely *** Heads to Roll Over Doctored Footage? *** National Book Award Winners *** AOL Looks To Cut One Third Of Its Workers *** Newspaper Deliverers Are Probed (WSJ) *** Oprah Winfrey to End her Talk Show *** BusinessWeek, now owned by Bloomberg LP, has started layoffs. *** Hartford Courant Hit With Plagiarism Suit


Blog Report Parks Department Seeking Volunteers to Help Preserve New York State Pavilion (Historic District Council Newstand)

New York Pols Governs by Blinders Enabled by the Media Who Write with Blinders

New York Pols Governs by Blinders Enabled by the Media Who Write with Blinders

Governing by blinders simply means making budget decision disconnected from a single narrative which both the pols and the media are failing to give city residence. The media has allowed the pols to create a new culture that allows them to deliver government to their supports or good causes without taking responsibility for those actions on the city budget or the economic health of New York It means paying a developer $95 million while cutting the police force. Since 2001 the police force shrunk by over 6000 cops to 34,304 members and we had to wait until after the election to find out what the city will cut because of the recession. We used to have police classes of thousands of new office a year today we are down to a couple of hundred a year. We are paying over a billion on a new police academy as we cut police officers.

New Yorkers want to pay a fair wage Paterson Prepares Wage Bill for Construction Sites We are good people. It make sense to pay people not to go to work sick during the swine flu winter Making business sicker We even hate traffic tickets Traffic Agents and Politicians Debate Value of 5 Minutes. Bloomberg is using the ticket blitz to pay for city services that would otherwise be cut. What is the cost of the council's parking bill and what will the council cut to make up the debt is never discussed. In other words the pols get away with being irresponsible to the city budget. Daily News Edit shows that the council bill to make a parking hour 65 minutes, does not even help motorists Parking space cadets: City Council pretends to befriend beleaguered motorists

Question the Media Fails to Ask Over and Over How we do balance the budget, continue to fix education and not tax the middle class and businesses out of New York? NYC Faces Middle Class Exodus * Schools’ Grades Reflect Persistent Disparity * Businesses rip mandate on sick days , Labor advocates, small business groups clash over proposed paid sick leave bill , Businesses say paid sick days would cost $8.8 billion annually. Don't look for the media or pols to take off their blinders as today's Orwellian double speak Daily News headline proves Mayor: Layoffs likely, but $683M tax windfall will save jobs Talk about blinders, only the Daily News editorial board covered the ongoing budget impasse in Albany The worst of times: Legislature fiddles in Albany while mayor faces down city deficit * Gov. David Paterson doesn’t understand why people are sounding optimistic about budget negotiations — but if it’s an effort to cheer up the media, we appreciate it. (TU). As the state goes broke both and nobody will take the leadership in balancing the budget the NYT writes about New York Is Set for Strict Stand on D.W.I. Cases and the NYP does not even give an update of the budget stalemate in Albany today

Media Hatred of Sara is Her Strength Thousands line up for Sarah Palin book signing in Grand Rapids Why do millions of Americans support a Sara who has been attacked by the media daily? Rogue American Woman - Maureen Dowd, New York Times , Women's groups silent, torn on Palin 'sexism' claim, The Persecution of Sarah Palin (WSJ) Inspector Clouseau FDNY brass hit for ducking building check that became mandatory after Deutsche Bank fire tragedy Bank Robbery Handled as PR Problem God work yesterday today "We Made Mistakes." $500 Million and Apology From Goldman We are still giving ourselves $23 billion of bonuses suckers. Thanks for the $10 billion in Tarp funds suckers Newspapers Trumped Post said he got the art of the deal with his Atlantic City bankrupt Trump Entertainment Resorts companyTrumps trump claim (NYP) the NYT said he settled Trump Settles for 10% of Casino Company (NYT) Zuckerman at the Daily News must not get alone with the Donald because that paper said Trumps walk away from Trump Entertainment Resorts (NYDN) Unethical Actions by Albany's Lawyers . . . Begets Corruption The Bruno trial continues with confirmation that Capitol politicians were advised not to use the mail to submit their ethics forms due to concern that it might result in a federal beef. (TU, DN) * State of Shame: Parade of dirty pols leaving Albany grows larger NYS Silverville New York has the country's most lawsuit-friendly court system, a new study found. Why Sheldon Silver Is Objectionable, Inevitable

The Real Newspaper Racket Tough Guys and Wiseguys in the Truck Drivers Union (2001). If the newspapers cannot get the mob out or their own companies who do they expect or demand that the mob leave the city's building department? The Luchese crime family has controlled for generations the distribution of all the papers in the city and the building department. Newspaper Union Chief Accused of Corruption (1993) City’s Largest Dailies Raided in Deliverers’ Union Inquiry (2009) *** Stars celebrate the installation of our state-of-the-art presses If the newspapers cannot get the mob out or their own companies who do they expect or demand that the mob level the city's construction business? Equal Opportunity Raiders Hit All NYC Dailies (Robbins Village Voice) NYPD Changes we wonders if this had anything to do with the newspaper raids by the NYPD Organized-crime overhaul by Kelly and this Nearly two dozen 'mobsters' busted in bookie, loansharking ring , NYC Company Faces Trial over Questioned Concrete Tests , Sanitation Chief Among 22 Arrested On Mob Charges Newspapers Trumped Post said he got the art of the deal with his Atlantic City bankrupt Trump Entertainment Resorts companyTrumps trump claim (NYP) the NYT said he settled Trump Settles for 10% of Casino Company (NYT) Zuckerman at the Daily News must not get alone with the Donald because that paper said Trumps walk away from Trump Entertainment Resorts (NYDN) Jersey City Daily News? Is the New York Daily News ashamed of the location of its new presses in Jersey City? In today Daily News a report about the celebration with the mayor and other New York VIP for the new presses said that by the end of the year all copies of the Daily News in the New York area will be printed on the new presses, which have been installed in a new facility near the Statue of Liberty Stars come out to celebrate installation of our state-of-the-art presses.

Inside City Hall Bloomberg? Humble? Experts Suggest How Mayor Could Try *** Mayor Bloomberg nixes armory project's pay mandate *** By a City Council vote of 47 to 2 an hour is now 65 minutes *** Comptroller-elected John Liu employed a physics analogy when asked to predict his working relationship with Bloomberg *** Mike lean$ on unions *** Dennis Gallagher's New Calling *** John Liu Says It's All Business *** Avella Wants More Oversight of Mayoral Appointments *** Thompson On The Cash Advantage *** Comptroller Bill Thompson Talks About His Plans For The Future (WPIX) ***Mike's Next Best Chance (Gotham Gazette) *** Bloomberg, who initially opposed public authorities reform, voiced support for the deal.


New York Economic Melt Down NY suer system stinks *** Mike lean$ on unions *** NYC Agencies Told To Cut $1.75 Billion In Expenses WCBS *** A Flood of Applicants to a Shrinking Police Dept. *** Advertising: A Local Push, Timed to Holidays, to Loosen Wallets *** Drake Hotel’s Prime Space Remains Undeveloped *** Carroll Gardens locals fret over halted condo project*** To revive New York's economy, attack lawsuit abuse *** Free ride on your dime: More than 2,400 workers commute in city's cars *** City workers who reported the most personal use of their city cars *** SUNY trustees approved a budget request that seeks a 2 percent tuition increase ***New York's fiscal logjam worsens despite Wall Street profits Reuters*** 11/18: Voters Worried NYS Will Run Out of Money Marist Poll *** Bagel Shop Owner Is Indicted *** MTA: No fare hikes, service cuts in 2010 *** Comptroller says the city has lost 60,000 communications jobs *** The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is at odds with the borough's Council delegation over paid sick leave *** Silverstein Wants $2.6 B. in WTC Bonds—But for What?

New York's Terror Trial 9/11 trial decision splits city, nation *** Harder time urged for jailbound Lynne Stewart *** Conviction of Sheik’s Lawyer for Assisting Terrorism Is Upheld *** Town Divided Over Terror Suspects *** Tough job for prosecutors to get death for 9/11 mastermind *** Terrorists Don't Have Same Rights as Civilians - Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe ***Holder: No Need to Fear 'Coward' KSM *** Ex-Detainee Can't Keep Military Lawyers, Judge Rules *** Giuliani warns Obama on NYC trial *** Will Osama Bin Laden Be Read Miranda Rights? - Sen. Lindsey Graham *** Eric Holder's Grave Mistake - Michael Gerson, Washington Post *** Conservative Fearmongering on Trials - Adam Blickstein, Huffington Post *** AG Distorts Real Issue: Giving Terrorists Rights - Andy McCarthy, NRO

Gov of La Mancha Albany Only fools think he's a bandit Paterson stands alone against the 911 trials in NYC. Daily News Goodwin asks why? *** New York Is Set for Strict Stand on D.W.I. Cases *** Lazio: Force fiscal sanity on Albany *** Leandra's legacy: Law is a memorial to her life and a tribute to dad Lenny Rosado (DN Ed) *** Paterson won’t rule out worker furloughs or payment delays if the impasse continues. (DN) *** Viewed through a strictly political lens, Paterson is putting all his chips on the deficit fight, but the risks are steep. (NY Pubic Radio) *** Gov. Paterson, Legislature remain far apart on budget as countdown looms *** Waiting state legislators strive to stay busy *** David Paterson is not consistently on message about terrorist trials in Manhattan *** Conservatives are trying to box out Rudy Giuliani *** Paterson conceded the new license plate mandate was a "revenue grab." *** Other papers weigh in New York State Legislature inaction The Post-Standard *** Paterson, legislative leaders spar over lowering deficit Newsday *** Saturday Night Payback? *** Paterson Signs Nation's Toughest DWI Law *** Here's video of Assemblyman Richard Brodsky discussing the long-awaited deal on public authorities reform


Pay to Play Bruno Joe's sour note His sticky-fingered former secretary testified yesterday that the once-powerful Senate leader was such an abusive boss, he even scolded her for failing to fetch a $1,000 bill -- when they're not even made anymore *** Prosecutors in Bruno Case Turn Heat on 2 Ex-Aides *** No mail use for Bruno *** Pataki, DiNapoli gave OK to Bruno in '93 *** Then-Sen. George Pataki and then-Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli signed off on Sen. Bruno’s career as a consultant. (TU) *** The Senate Democrats are getting more Wall Street cash now that they're in the majority.

Law and Order Shot That Hit Bronx Bystander May Have Been Fired in a Revenge Attack *** Jail fight sparked shooting of 15-year-old Vada Vasquez, hit by stray bullet *** Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sets up a database to apprise charitable givers which telemarketing firms are more likely to give unto themselves. (TU) *** The headline of Charles Sifton's obit in the Washington Post cites a case he ruled on in New York *** Five Men Charged In Shooting Of Bronx Teen (NY1) *** Cuomo and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly took down a Staten Island organized crime ring.

More City News Lost-corpse kin sue city *** Court Upholds Restriction on Fifth Avenue Parades *** Pedicabbies feet to fire *** Not Quite a Trump or Helmsley, a Landlord Is a Kingpin in the Bronx *** A Library's Century of 'Hungering Imagination' *** No Safe Harbor for New York Tugboat Union Crew cuts mean a tug-of-war for new leaders

White House Cheney's shot across Barack's 'bow' *** Veep car in fender bender *** Obama Says He Is Close to Afghan War Decision *** China Holds Firm on Major Issues in Obama’s Visit *** During Visit, Obama Skirts Chinese Political Sensitivities *** Pakistani Successes May Sway U.S. Troop Decision ***Clinton arrives in Kabul for Karzai inauguration *** Military leader alarmed by suicides as two wars drag on *** Biden: Few laughs, gaffes *** The White House assembles an A-Team to look into financial shenanigans. (LAT) *** John Edwards try to horsetrade for the VP slot. (Politico) *** Obama's China Visit a Stark Contrast to Past - Higgins & Kornblut, WP *** Why Obama Can't Wait to Get Home - Richard Wolffe, The Daily Beast *** Afghan Handoff May Take 4-5 Years - Sen. John Kerry, USA Today *** If We're Not in to Win, Then Get Out - Tony Blankley, Washington Times *** Mr. President, Bring the Troops Home - Ed Koch, RealClearPolitics *** And Now, On to Immigration Reform - Steven Malanga, RealClearMarkets *** How Copenhagen Died on Obama's Trip - Steve Clemons, Politico *** Quinnipiac: Obama Approval Under 50 for First Time *** Obama visits China's Great Wall *** Obama Leaves China (New Yorker) *** Obama: Professed 9/11 Mastermind Will Be Convicted *** Obama 'Angrier than Bob Gates' *** Obama: Gitmo Won't Close in Time *** Obama Web Site Claims Stimulus Jobs in Non-Existent Places - McClatchy *** Obama Warns Debt Could Fuel 'Double-Dip Recession' (fox) *** Obama Calls Potentially Harmful Israeli Settlement Building in East Jerusalem (Fox) *** Obama’s Asia Trip: Not Much Adulation *** Administration Faces Credibility Gap on Jobs - Rick Klein, ABC News


Congress 3 Democrats Could Block Health Bill in Senate *** House to Turn Up the Heat on Jobs *** Republicans Seek Inquiry on Fort Hood *** House Considers Impeachment of Federal Judge *** Capital Waits as Budget Chief Crunches Numbers *** Taint of Corruption Is No Barrier to U.S. Visa *** A Congressional investigation into the Fort Hood shootings will wait for the official probe to conclude. (WashTimes) *** House Dems are weighing the costs and benefits of a new jobs bill. (AP) *** Jim Florio makes an argument that isn't helpful to Michael Bloomberg. "Now most of the people who run for U.S. Senate are millionaires who self-finance. It makes a campaign no longer honest in the public's mind." *** GOP Flip-Flop on Judicial Filibusters - Dana Milbank, Washington Post *** Worse Than Taxes: The Spending - John Stossel, RealClearPolitics *** The Dems' 'Doc Fix' Would Shock Bernie Madoff - Wall Street Journal *** Fed & Congress: Staying the Course on The Buck - Randall Forsyth, Barron's *** Senate Cools on Climate Change *** Byrd Sets Congress Record *** GAO Finds Lapses on the Job at Federal Protective Service - Washington Post *** How a Committee Post Morphs Into Cash Clout - Congressional Quarterly *** Fannie, Freddie Woes Hurt Apartments - Wall Steet Journal ($) *** Jobless Benefits Set to Expire Unless Congress Acts *** Talk of Plan B -- a Power Plant-Only Climate Bill -- Emerges in Senate *** Lieberman may subpoena officials over shooting spree at Fort Hood (The Hill) *** Centrist Dem holdouts sit down with Reid *** Senate Prepares to Work Through Next Wednesday (Roll Call) *** Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel *** Reid scrambles for 60 health votes *** Obama lawyers want Siegelman jailed *** Report: Senate Health Bill to Cost $849B

Pay to Play Washington Retired Military Officers Cash In As Well-Paid Consultants - USA Today


Health Care Health bill dead heat Poll of nation*** Many Doctors to Stay Course on Breast Exams for Now *** Medical Schools Quizzed on Ghostwriting *** Health 'Reform' Gets a Failing Grade - Jeffrey Flier, Wall Street Journal *** The Uproar Over Mammograms - Washington Post *** Health Insurance Rates Soar as Oregon Regulators Nod - The Oregonian *** GOP women rip mammogram study *** Michael Moore slams Democrats' health care bill *** That Darn ObamaCare Mandate - Shikha Dalmia, Forbes


Wall Street Ferrero in Cadbury mix *** U.S. Home Building Fell in October *** $500 Million and Apology From Goldman *** New Leader at Lazard Is an Insider *** Wall Street on Track for Record in Profits *** Foxwoods Resort Casino struggling to pay off debts *** A Tale of Two American Economies - Nouriel Roubini, Globe and Mail *** Another Round of Regulatory Reform - New York Times *** Home-starts fall in October (Washington Post) *** Unnecessary Concessions Given To AIG Partners By New York Fed *** Moody's cuts UBS to 'Aa3'; outlook negative *** Downturn cost U.S. metro areas all recent job growth *** Biden: Even rattlesnakes are more popular than bankers

Pay to Play Wall Street Madoff's 700G ship comes in *** It's BofA-foonery! *** Goldman CEO offers mea culpa *** 14,700 Disclosed Offshore Accounts *** Was 'Screw The Shareholders' BofA's Attitude? - William Cohan, Fortune *** Economists Opposing Fed Audit Have Undisclosed Fed Ties

National Philadelphia Gives Homeowners a Way to Stay Put *** Money for a Once and Future Candidate Jerry Brown *** 'Unfriend' is word of year, according to dictionary *** Republican Governors Seek to Build on '09 Successes *** Proposed Water Bond Is Laden With Sweeteners For Lawmakers - LA Times *** Despite Bailout, Some Calif. Banks Struggle - Sacramento Bee *** Schwarzenegger Will Not Be Back *** California Bans Energy-Hogging TVs State Energy Regulators Pass First-in-the-Nation Mandate to Lower Electricity Demand *** America's 10 Best College Presidents (Time Magazine) *** CA faces $21 billion budget deficit

International Iraqi Vice President Vetoes Election Law *** No Change in China - The Telegraph *** Iran Will Not Ship Uranium Abroad, Minister Says *** Afghan corruption a political obstacle (BBC News) ***Veto of Iraq’s Election Law Could Force Delay in Vote *** Mossad learned of Syrian nuke facility from laptop's hard drive *** Iran may have more nuke sites


Media and New Tech Battle of anchors at ABC *** EMI on shaky ground *** Deputy at Time Magazine to Be BusinessWeek Editor ***Luxury Firms Move to Make Web Work for Them *** Maureen Dowd defends Katie Couric: "Despite Palin's all-American paranoia, it is common practice to ask presidential candidates what they read."***Big Obama Book Deal ***FCC Looking For Input on Using Broadband to Promote "Digital Democracy" *** Modern Warfare 2 tops entertainment industry, not just games ***Everyman Offers New Directions in Online Maps - NYTimes.com ***Sarah Palin Gives Oprah Highest Ratings In Two Years ***Reader's Digest moving to NYC

Krugerspeak Now Runs the State

Breaking News: NYPD Raids Circulation Offices of 4 Major NYC Newspapers

New York’s Mad Hatter: Krugerspeak
A Bum Holds the State Hostage
December 18, 2008 - Gang of Three mastermind State Senator Carl Kruger $$ declined to confirm a report that he has refused to back Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, but insisted he never said anything about putting his "balls on the table" during a private meeting with the Long Island Republican.

"There was a meeting; it's not a big military secret,” Kruger said

"I don't want to attach names to anything."

“I think that we get bogged down when we talk about specific people with specific roles or functions. We should talk about it all in the abstract."

“We're going to come up with a model and that's going to be sort of a launching pad for whatever comes or doesn't come."

More on Kruger Kissing Ass
About the Kruger role in the racist flyer distributed for Mark Green during the 2001 Mayorial campaign that showed Fernando Ferrer kissing Rev. Sharpton ass, the Senator said,

"My perception was, prejudice is in the eyes of the beholder. If someone is supporting someone's campaign, there's no reason on Earth why someone else can't point that out."

"But I didn't think-" (Alice) "Latest case in point: State Senate Finance Committee Chairman Carl Kruger's hare-brained scheme to protect public-employee benefits by making health insurance more expensive for everybody else." Daily News Editorial Carl Kruger, Job-Killer ,Carl Kruger, Obstacle"That's just it. If you don't think, then you shouldn't talk. " (March Hare movie quote) For private-sector employers already struggling with the economy, the consequences of new taxes on insurer are clear * Some employers will reduce benefits to current employees.* Some likely will drop health coverage altogether.* Still others may resort to layoffs. * And few and far between will be the companies that will be able to afford actually to expand employment.NY eyes $1B tax slap on health

"You mean you can't take less; it's very easy to take more than nothing." Mad Hatter In Albany, Inaction Trumps Spending Cuts * Leaders Meet, Still No Deal * Albany gasbags are full of it *** DiNapoli: 'I Told You So' *** Bloomberg's "spending reductions are not tied to revenue collection performance."

More on Krugerspeak With Friends Like These *** Living the Political Life Fantastic Surf, turf, and doughnuts: A state senator dines out on his campaign war chest (Robbins Village Voice)

Inside City Hall Bloomberg? Humble? Experts Have Some Advice *** Despite Mayor’s Opposition, Council Approves a 5-Minute Grace Period on Parking *** Council OKs grace period on parking fines

NYC Terror Obama's error by trial: Civilian justice for 9/11 plotters is profound, dangerous mistake (DN Ed) *** NY Court Is Best Place for Worst Terrorists - Ann Woolner, Bloomberg *** Memo to Holder: Who's Accountable Now? - Ronald Cass, RealClearPolitics


New York Economic Melt Down In Recession, Applicants Flood a Shrinking N.Y.P.D. ***Bloomberg: Layoffs may be needed to trim budget *** Mike's budget chopping spree


Gov of aLa Mancha Albany Gov admits plea$ to pols just not cutting it ***Gov flips out over fed 9/11 decision *** Andy buries Paterson in poll *** Paterson Softening on $3.2 Billion Figure *** Rupert Murdoch: David Paterson Is "Blind And Can't Read Braille" (VIDEO) *** Murdoch: Paterson's Blindness, Cluelessness Hurts NY Politics (WNBC)


Pay to Play Bruno Ex-Secretary Describes How Bruno’s Jobs Intertwined *** To match a thief: Joe Bruno's secretary robbed him as he robbed the public


Law and Order Lou says network didn't want to offend president *** Guilty Barron slams Hynes *** Organized-crime overhaul by Kelly


Stupid Human Tricks Debate pal zaps Spitz


White House What boycott? Bam agrees to Fox interview *** Beneath Veneer, China Pushes Back on Obama - Cooper & Wong, NYT *** U.S. Needs a President Who'll Say 'No' - John Horton, The Oregonian *** IRS details Swiss bank deal *** U.S., China to act on emissions


Congress Filibuster is Threat to Dems' Agenda - Steve Benen, Washington Monthly *** The 15 Biggest Congressional Recipients Of Wall Street Campaign Cash *** Dem Senator: We'll Force Delaying GOP To Stay '24 Hours A Day'

Wall Street and the Economy Black's crapshoot *** Making 'Too Big Too Fail' Permanent is a Disaster - Peter Wallison, WSJ *** Copenhagen is Only the Beginning - Financial Times *** It's Time for Action to Create More Jobs - Jesse Jackson, Chicago Sun-Times *** Active Government Equals An Unstable Economy - Steve Forbes, Forbes *** Really, the Economy Is Recovering? Really? - Doug Kass, TheStreet.com *** The 'Stimulus' for Higher Unemployment - Alan Reynolds, New York Post

Pay to Play Wall Street Watchdog: AIG rescue messed up ***Lehman in $12B feud with Barclays

National America Must Rebuild Its Infrastructure - Bob Herbert, New York Times *** Enacting California on the National Stage - Dennis Prager, Townhall


International Afghanistan, Iraq Rated Among Most Corrupt Nations *** Israel angers US by approving new West Bank homes

Media and New Tech Lou says network didn't want to offend president *** Murdoch's weird remark about Paterson blindness (Newsday) *** Murdoch, Slim Express No Regrets About Newspaper Investments *** Palin slams 'sexist' Newsweek cover
*** NY Political Anchor Takes Bizarre Fall from Grace *** Morning Joe, Piping Hot a Year Ago, Steadily Loses Steam *** Bloomberg Plucks TIME Deputy For Top BusinessWeek Job *** USA Today Launches E-Edition *** NY political anchor takes bizarre fall from grace *** The AP Layoff List *** Washington Times editor files discrimination suit

What Happen to Speaker Quinn's 2008 Milk Investigation?

Got Milk? What happen to Quinns' investigation into milk prices after she drop her mayoral ambitions? Catsimatidis Sour On Quinn Milk Report »Farmers, consumers 'milked' in New York now the feds are looking into the scam Farmers, consumers 'milked' in New York

Gov Truth in Advertising? Paterson has been running TV campaign commercials for the past week telling us he has been demanding budget reductions that he proposes from the legislature . In that same week Paterson said he had been persuaded that $287 million of his proposed is not a good idea because it would result in $500 in addition cuts by the feds. He has drop the already passed additional fees for new retro blue-and-gold license plates Pols KO license to 'steal' Paterson has also said that he would be open to anything the legislature comes up with if they find alternatives to his proposed health care and education cuts David Paterson makes it up to Brooklyn

Coming Lower Manhattan WH Level Security Zone What has been localized security zone in lower Manhattan will eventually turn into a virtual lock down of the entire downtown area City blocks are locked & loaded

Teflon Albany? As old media pounds the state leaders day after day they continue to ignore all the demands to control budget costs. It is clear with the loss of Yassky for comptroller which all three dailies endorsed the old media has loss some of its clout, it will be interesting to watch if the old boys in the media have enough left in them to fight back Empire state mulling $1M in medical taxes While the nation debates health-care reform, state Democrats are secretly considering $1 billion in new taxes on medical services (NYP) *** Whistling Past the Deficit The Democrats in the New York State Senate seem to think that the state deficit is not as bad as it is, and have advanced a plan that is politically palatable but also ludicrous (NYT Ed) *** Mom who lost son in DWI accident says Silver fought her, too, on tough law (Daily News *** Save kids from drunks: Albany must pass the real Leandra's Law today(DN Ed) *** Masters of disaster: State Senate fiddles while fiscal Armageddon gets closer ***

Gov of La Mancha Albany Cuomo Wants to Shape Ticket in Run for Governor, Advisers Say *** State Lawmakers To Resume Special Session (NY1) *** What happens when the state runs out of cash? (TU) *** Hillary Clinton isn’t running for governor, period; Rudy Giuliani isn’t running for governor, yet. (AP) *** Bill Thompson's name gets floated as a lieutenant governor candidate on Andrew Cuomo's ticket *** Suozzi's fade is not good for Jay Jacobs

Pay to Play Bruno Did Bruno have two careers, but one staff? *** The federal government accidentally released Joe Bruno's social security number

Inside City Hall 3rd term will see a lot of Apple turnover *** Fewer Hasidim Backed Mayor, Study Finds *** Bloomberg's Modest Strategy To Rule The World


New York's Economic Melt Down City Hall a $90M fix-err-upper The cost of renovating City Hall has zoomed to an eye-popping $90 million -- nearly 50 percent more than the original estimate *** Stuy Town Residents Call For Stabilized Future *** The state Tax Department might post a “most wanted” list for tax delinquents. (DN)


Terror Plots Feds ride rails to stop bombers in their tracks *** Chuck blames Fort Hood horror on fed lapse *** Jurors will give Sheik fair shake *** Experts Outline Hurdles in Trying to Defend Hasan *** Illinois Site May Be Path to Closing Guantánamo *** Suspect Is Key to Pace in 9/11 Case (WSJ) *** Imam Says He Did Not Pressure Hasan To Attack Soldiers *** Clinton Backs Decision To Bring Terror Trials To City *** Khalid will use trial to mock New York's 9/11 victims *** White House rips '2-face' Rudy over Mohammed trial *** 12 brave men, women needed for trial of 9/11 mastermind *** Experts: Could take decades to execute Fort Hood suspect *** Schumer: Stop loopholes that allowed Hasan to be armed *** New York's worst landlord: About time feds cracked down on Iran's U.S. cash cows (DN Ed) *** Is Illinois the next Afghanistan? The House GOP thinks maybe. (Politico) *** KSM Trial Will Be Intel Bonanza for Al-Qaeda - John Yoo, Wall St. Journal *** Put Osama bin Laden on Trial - Paul Cruickshank, CNN *** Get Ready For the Third Intifada - Stephen Cook, The New Republic *** Live From New York: Terrorists Get Constitutional Rights - Las Vegas R-J

Law and Order NYPD to NYers: How we doin'? *** ACORN's nutty suit suing Congress for stripping it of federal funds (NYP Ed) *** Velella in suit over slip & fall *** Despite an order of protection, Hiram Monserrate's friend arranged a security detail for the girlfriend he was convicted of assaulting.


More City News Time running out on city pedi-pests *** Neighbors bash Norah Jones' window-in-brick trick *** Using Celebrity Wattage to Fight City’s Planned ‘Garbage Garage’ *** 'Brooklyn Jews' t-shirts a hot commodity *** Duo packs thousands of gifts for poor kids *** Schools to be graded on tougher system *** Molloy: Broadway star once slept in Washington Square Park - until cop gave her a break


"Freedoms of expression, and worship, of access to information and political participation -- we believe they are universal rights. They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities, whether they are in the United States, China or any nation."Bam says Shang-hi

White House O discovers the deficit *** Clock ticking for Iran: prez *** O gets START on arms pact *** President Obama, Can WeTwitter? (CBS News) *** Obama Pushes Rights With China’s Students *** U.S. Asks More From Pakistan in Terror War *** MSNBC Presses Obama on Campaign Promises from the left *** Off the Chart Ten months ago Barack Obama’s economic advisers projected two scenarios for unemployment. Now reality has produced numbers of its own (Douthat NYT) *** Obama Hobbled in Fight Against Global Warming *** From Treasury, an Invitation to Financial Bloggers *** Stricter Transit Standards to Be Sought Government to oversee safety on transit systems *** WATCH: Liz Cheney Suggests Her Father As 2012 Presidential Candidate *** Schoen: Obama has lost the center *** Obama's Malpractice - Robert Samuelson, Washington Post *** Uneasy Co-Dependency for US & China - Keith Richburg, Washington Post *** Today's PC Army - Jack Kelly, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette *** Administration Proposes Federal Oversight of Subways - Bloomberg


Congress Dr. No and the Wounded Veterans Senator Tom Coburn should not have obstructed urgently needed legislation that consolidates more than a dozen improvements in veterans’ health care (NYT Ed) *** Sen. Chuck Schumer has three press secretaries, and the average U.S. Senator has a $3.3 million annual payroll. (GNS) *** Cindy Adams proofreads Kirsten Gillibrand's press releases *** A $300 Billion Deception - Washington Post *** House Parrots Lobbyist Talking Points - Matt Yglesias, Think Progress

Politics and Political Parties A Florida Republican Becomes a Right-Wing Target *** Top 15 Sarah Palin autobio pre-release leaks! (Daily Beast) *** From a Wall Street Journal book review: "Mrs. Palin emerges as a new style of feminist." *** How Palin Could Win the GOP Nomination - Walter Shapiro, Politics Daily *** Democrats Risk Losing Catholics Over Abortion - Politico


Health Care Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform *** Lobby Solicits Money To Hire Economist Who Will Say Health Care Bill Hurts Economy *** The Health Care Bill and Latinos (Huff Post) *** Republican Filibuster May Be the Best Way to Pass Health Care in the Senate (Huff Post) *** Don't go crazy: Advocates for the mentally ill are moving too fast for their clients' good (DN Ed) *** A look at the intersection of the health care debate and the controversy over illegal immigration. (WashPost) *** Avoiding Health Care 'I Told You So' - Richard Benedetto, Politico *** The Health Care Rationing Commission - Wall Street Journal *** ObamaCare Would Cut Medicare Services - Ed Morrissey Hot Air *** The Economics of Vaccine Development - Peter Huber, City Journal


Wall Street and the Economy Charities feel pinch *** G.M., Citing Progress, Reports Loss of $1.2 Billion *** Bankruptcy Rise Slows (WSJ) *** 33 Companies Miss TARP Payment; Taxpayers On The Hook (Huff Post) *** Main Street Tells Wall Street, 'Get a Real Job' - Susan Antilla, Bloomberg *** A Wake Up Call on Jobs - Robert Kuttner, Huffington Post *** 10 Years Later, A Much Less Expensive Dow - Paul Lim, New York Times ***

Wall Street Pay to Play Bank of temerity Investigators are poring over fresh evidence they say suggests Bank of America strong-armed Uncle Sam into ponying up billions in taxpayer support *** GE Chases Pot of Stimulus Gold Uncle Sam's stimulus dollars *** GM Plans to Repay U.S. Loan

International Palestinians bypass Israel in statehood bid *** Australian Leader Apologizes for Child Migrants *** World Out of Balance The problem of international trade imbalances is about to get substantially worse unless China changes its weak-currency policy (Krugman NYT) *** Stimulus and Exports Help Ease Japan’s Recession *** Palestinians Weigh Statehood Declaration (WSJ) *** U.K. Aims to Overhaul Banker Pay (WSJ) *** In Kosovo, a Peaceful First Vote *** How Russia Profits from Iranian Turmoil - Mac Broderick, Moscow Times


National In Detroit, Agencies Compete to Sell City as a Creative Haven *** Has America Lost Its Mojo? - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek *** The American Dream Needs Repair - Clive Crook, Financial Times


Media and New Tech Post looking great at 208 *** Dobbs got $8M to quit CNN 'wanted him out' *** Slow fade-out CNN ratings slide could imperil high ad rates *** Vivendi sets a high bar on NBCU *** Writing a Sports Column Far From Print, and the Game *** Glyde Aims to Simplify Online Sales of Used Media *** Glimmers of Progress at a Leaner Newsweek
*** About Half in U.S. Would Pay for Online News, Study Finds Americans were tied with Britons at 48 percent, the lowest figure among nine Western nations surveyed *** Comcast-NBC Deal to Be Scrutinized(WSJ) *** Disaster Flick '2012' Tops Box Office *** New Google Book Pact Unlikely to End Flap *** Bloomberg has three times as many reporters in Washington than the New York Times does *** The Times Snarks Sarah Palin - John Hinderaker, Power Line

Finish the WTC Now!: True News Update All Weekend

Finish the WTC Now!
If New York is to remain a great city it must show the world we can rebuild the WTC before this trial is over.


Terror in NYC Terror thugs to get justice near WTC (NYP) *** Trying times ahead for NYC (NYP)*** Wake up, Mr. President! We're in a war here (NYP Ed) *** Waterboard threatens 9/11 trial *** O decision a blot on my dead son *** 9/11 Trial Poses Unparalleled Legal Obstacles for Both Sides (NYT) *** Trial Venue Leaves 9/11 Families Angry or Satisfied (NYT) *** Accused 9/11 Mastermind to Face Civilian Trial in N.Y. (NYT) *** How New York May Tighten Security Vise (NYT) *** Families of 9/11 Victims Divided Over Detainee Trial Plan (Fox News) *** Concern At a School In a Building Tied to Iran *** A Return to American Justice Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. took a principled step with his decision to prosecute Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others in federal court (NYT Ed) *** Bloomberg on NYC Hosting 9/11 Trial: 'Fitting' *** For massive ego, a perfect arenaU.S. authorities face hurdle of keeping smug 9/11 "mastermind" from turning his trial into a circus (Wash Post) *** NYers must brace for sadistic showboating at terror trial Meeks: I've looked evil in the eye. Here's what families of the 9/11 dead will see *** An army of snipers, cops in place for 9/11 suspects' arrival *** Snipers, dogs, and small army to keep city secure during 9/11 terrorists trial *** 5 Reasons Holder's Decision is Bad for America *** America on Trial as Much as Muhammed - Alan Dershowitz, Globe and Mail *** Holder's Hidden Agenda - Andrew McCarthy, National Review *** What We Can Expect at KSM's Trial - James Meek, New York Daily News *** The Perfect Arena for a Massive Ego - Peter Finn, Washington Post *** A Jidhast Hides in Plain Sight - Mark Steyn, Orange County Register *** Holder's Decision Morally Confused and Political - Wall Street Journal *** A Return to American Justice - New York Times *** Blinded Prison Guard: Don't House Terror Suspects in NYC *** NYC fearlessly ready for terror suspects *** A risky setting for NYC trial of 9/11 suspects AP *** NYC. police preparing for Sept. 11 trial UPI *** Sunday Investigators Study Tangle of Clues on Fort Hood Suspect *** A diatribe defense: Pros say Khalid Shaikh Mohammed will act as his own lawyer in WTC terror case *** Call Evil by Its Rightful Name - Sherman Frederick, LV Review-Journal *** The Ft. Hood Question We've Yet to Ask - Jim Hoagland, Washington Post *** Terrorists Don't Have Constitutional Rights - Michael Goodwin, NY Post *** Daniel Pearl's Family Disgusted By Decision To Try '9/11 Mastermind' In Open Court *** With Few Strong Cases, Government Rushes Toward Plea Deals for Guantanamo Detainees *** How the U.S. Funds the Taliban - The Nation *** New York Terror-Suspect Trial Plan a 'Mistake,' Giuliani Says *** Axelrod On 9/11 Trial In NYC: 'Justice Will Be Done' TPM LiveWire *** Clinton Welcomes 9/11 Trials in NYC *** Reporter: Army "Timid" About Hasan's Views *** Schumer: Ft. Hood shooter shouldn't have gotten gun
*** Rudy Giuliani: 'I Didn't Think We Were in the Business of Granting the Requests of Terrorists' (NY Magazine)

Proving Squalid Does Not Mean Reform The Daily News said Joe Bruno, Albany sleaze: His trial has already convicted Capitol's squalid doings we thought the conviction of Brian McLaughlin and Tony Seminario already Probed that? Why All the Secret Talks? We know Albany's three men in the room decide who gets what in New York's budget every year, we never heard of secret rent negotiations StuyTown rent talks NYT Leaves the City The paper is moving 25 jobs from Times News Service located in Manhattan which edits text, photos and graphics for news clients around the world to a non union shop in the Gainesville Sun building Judge sentences Wis. man for defrauding NY Times *** 9/11 Mastermind Faces Civilian Trial in NY - Charlie Savage, NY Times *** America on Trial as Much as Muhammed - Alan Dershowitz, Globe and Mail *** The Perfect Arena for a Massive Ego - Peter Finn, Washington Post

Update Daily News continues to beg Albany November 15, 2009 Editorial
Masters of disaster: State Senate fiddles while fiscal Armageddon gets closer True News November 11, 2009 The Greatest Generation vs. Today's Take Albany Generation It is funny how the Daily News Editorial Board continues to beg to a generation that has tuned them out. It not denial when you don't care Nothing from nothings: State Senate Dems again fail to do their duty to New Yorkers

The NYT Public Editor Spins In an article titled About That Bloomberg Runaway
the NYT CLARK HOYT answered a reader who said the paper was surprised about the closeness of the mayors election. Hoyt the NYT Public Editor made the case that the paper publish an insider account the day after the election that disclosed that Bloomberg's campaign was responsible for the president not going all out for Thompson like he did for the governor of New Jersey. That reasoning is a little like telling us "there is gambling at ricks place." Everyone who understand even a little politics knew there was a deal with the mayor that keep the president for the most part out of New York's mayors race. Hoyt left out the real evidence that would have confirmed how surprised the paper was when at 9:30 with 17% of precincts reporting, calls Bloomberg as the winner, with 49% of the vote to Thompson's 47%. Clearly. At that time the NYT website did not state the race was much closer then everyone though. NBC news which also reported Bloomberg the winner at the same time was informed a short time later by their projection server that they were withdrawing the mayor's win projection. Hoyt said that other readers were incensed that they did not get enough details before the election. The Public Editor then when on to prove his point by going through the papers coverage and pointing out examples were the readers could get clues to what actually occurred. This explanation is also spin because if your examine the NYT style of writing you know there writers always include in their stories opposing ideas or views, on the other hand type of stuff. It is very clear by the NYT own headline the day after the election that readers were shocked by the closeness of the race and that they have a good case to be made at the media for not informing them properly about what was really going on November 4, 2009 NYT Bloomberg Wins 3rd Term as Mayor in Unexpectedly Close Race *** More How Budget Cuts At The Times Helped Give NYC Bloomberg III (Huff Post) *** The Times public editor questions the paper's decision not to conduct a second poll of the mayor's race that might have indicated just how close a contest it was.

OTB Keeping Politics First The little bookie that can’t OTB is probably the best argument out there against any government-run gambling operations (NYP Ed) Paterson's OTB Sink Hole Maybe it the record of governing that has turn the voters against Paterson? In June of 08 the governor bail out OTB in a takeover from the city and made John Sabini its head as part of a deal with the Queens Organization to avoid a serious primary with Hiram Monserrate Paterson Grabs Sabini, Bails Out OTB , Opposing the mayor who Citing a Drain on Profits, Bloomberg Wants to Close OTB Now we have the Monserrate problem and OTB draining the state budget You bet OTB is hurting , Monserrate Senate Query Takes Shape

The Real Human Cost of Pay to Play Joe Bruno golf outing with Cablevision's Jim Dolan may have derailed West Side Stadium plan There was no garentee that if the stadium was built NYC would have gotten the 2012 Olympic, but at least we would have tried to gain the 125,000 jobs and $11 billion pumped into the city's economy. In stead the city is defenseless as it loses at least 150,000 jobs and budget deficits in the billions that will result in government cuts and higher taxes. City selects finalists for 2012 Olympic Village This is why Bruno should die in jail My desperate search for work

Political Correct Inaction Again and Again Are we making the same mistake as we made in Fort Hood by not cracking down on Illegally divided apartments run rampant because we are tying to be sedative to the needs of immigrants? The one that got away: No one acted on fanatical behavior by Fort Hood mass killer

Losing the race: State must bag foolish laws to compete for school reform funds

Pay to Play Bruno Joe Bru-motivator 270G for speeches not payola: pal *** Mistrial Request Rejected in Ex-State Senator’s Trial *** Judge denies mistrial plea of Joe Bruno in corruption case *** Typecasting at Bruno trial (Planet Albany)

Gov of La Mancha Albany Forces Aligning in Bid to Block Cuts in Albany *** David Paterson makes it up to Brooklyn *** NY Senate Coalition Vows to Kill School Aid Cuts (WINS) *** Sunday Gov. rips lawmakers, threatens to keep reps in session *** NY Senate coalition vows to kill school aid cuts Newsday *** Painless budget mocked as fantasy *** Hillary Clinton says she's not running for NY governor *** Senators, Advocates, Lobbyists: New Rules Mean New Opportunities Next Year(Reform NY) *** No ethics bill (Planet Albany)

The Road to Inside City Hall Bloomberg's vote margin in Queens narrowed considerably *** Quinn helped Bloomberg win (Queens Crap) *** Polls Predicted a Bloomberg Blowout, but Expert Knew Better *** Counting Ballots in N.Y.'s 23rd District *** Thompson has a column in the Amsterdam News *** New Priorities for Mayor Bloomberg's Third Term *** On YouTube, Michael Bloomberg posted video of the Yankees, with a Jay-Z soundtrack * ** Ex-undercover Mafia buster seeks S.I. congressional seat *** The quiet power of Mayor's confidant, Patti Harris
*** Everyone knows it: Christine Quinn's in as Council Speaker *** NYC mayor race barely over, 2013 contenders emerge *** New York City Independence Party is Irked that Big Media Has Not Publicized Its Mayoral Showing(Ballot Acess News) *** Three Brooklyn Council members are vying for the Finance Committee chairmanship that is currently held by Queens *** Information, Telecommunications and Technology Commissioner Paul Cosgrave is expected to be out during Bloomberg III, but Deputy Mayor Bob Lieber is staying *** Staten Island Republicans are split over the future of their party

New York City Economic Melt Down Leading the city in unfinished buildings: Stalled construction sites add to more blight in Brooklyn *** Still Trying to Lure New Yorkers Across the Hudson*** Budget ax falls on 503 school aides *** Biz owners irked by bus firms using Manhattan sidewalks as terminals *** Yankees' Payroll Mocked In Faux MasterCard "Priceless" Ad (VIDEO) *** Feds to Probe Low Milk Prices Paid to N.Y. Farmers *** Empire State is in bad shape, but California, others are worse of *** We Demand A Salary Cap (Room 8) *** Recession influx takes advantage of 'welfare magnet' NY *** Another Day Older And Deeper in Debt (NY Civic)

Stupid Human Tricks Balloon boy parents plan mystery trip to NY *** Aspiring Rabbi From Brooklyn Wins Title in Upset *** New thrill rides moving in to Coney Island *** Eliot Spitzer on money and marriage on the BBC.


Law and Order Carter's 'choked' wife nearly fainted *** 6 Therapists at Bellevue Forced Out Over Hours Fake time sheets *** Nassau DA joins fight for 'Leandra's Law' *** Mom criticizes cops after son dies after being Tasered by police *** Stabbed Jehovah's Witness' beliefs may have let suspected killer go free


White House Obama urges Congress to put off Ft. Hood probe *** O weighs budget freeze *** Obama won't back down to Korea *** Obama Says U.S. Seeks Stronger Ties to China *** A Recovery for SomeThe government has been on the side of elites in recent decades. The president’s employment summit will provide an opportunity to show whether that has changed (Herbert NYT) *** White House Plan on Immigration Includes Legal Status *** Obama Chooses an Inner-Circle Man *** Obama Walks a Delicate Tightrope on His 1st Trip as President to China *** Obama stresses role of Asia in U.S. economy (Wash Post) *** In bid to woo Asia, Obama calls himself 'America's first Pacific president' *** Is Obama Being Too Conciliatory to Muslims? - Jacob Weisberg, Slate *** On Afghanistan, an Audience of One - Richard Reeves, RealClearPolitics *** Obama is Losing Independent Voters - Scott Rasmussen & Doug Schoen, WSJ *** The One Obama Bailout That's Working - Joshua Zumbrun, Forbes *** Obama's Swelling Ego - Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe *** Anita Dunn: Obama OK'd War on FOX News *** High Costs Weigh on Troop Debate for Afghan War *** Sunday Medvedev and Obama Show Impatience on Iran *** China’s Role as U.S. Lender Alters Dynamics for Obama *** How low will he go? Obama gives Japan's Emperor Akihito a wow bow (Updated with video, pic) (LA Times) *** The Missing Link From Killeen to KabulIf something has been learned from the massacre at Fort Hood, it’s that our hawks are utterly confused about who it is we’re fighting in Afghanistan (Rich NYT) *** Obama Backers Fear Opportunities to Reshape Judiciary Are Slipping Away *** "SNL" Comes Down On Obama Administration For Caving On Public Option (VIDEO) *** White House: IL prison eyed for Gitmo inmates *** Obama Afghan Indecision - Jackson Diehl, Washington Post *** CIA on Trial - Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman, & Mark Hosenball, Newsweek *** Will Obama Apologize for Hiroshima & Nagazaki? - Richard Halloran, RCP *** U.S., Russia Impatient with Iran *** How Pricey Are More Troops? *** Obama Pressures Burma on Suu Kyi *** Obama Taps Exec from Pesticide Lobby - Mother Jones *** Copenhagen climate change summit hopes in tatters as Obama backs postponement *** Gates Blocks Release Of Detainee Abuse Photos *** Hillary Clinton is open to coffee with Sarah Palin *** Obama takes heat on Afghan timing (Politico) *** After spending binge, W.H. says it will focus on deficits (Politico) *** Details from the Obama-Bibi meeting (Politico) *** Axelrod: Obama Opposed To Bill With Stupak AmendmentTPMDC Sunday Roundup *** Obama, Russia Eye December Nuclear Treaty (CBS News) *** When It Hit Laura George Was Out of Office (CBS News)

Congress Dodd's danger He's in big trouble, after all, because of ethics -- or, to be precise, the lack of same (NYP ED) *** Challenging Charlie (NYP Ed) *** Stay tuned for 'Sen. Dobbs'
*** Ex-congressman gets 13 years in freezer cash case ***Ex-Louisiana Congressman Sentenced to 13 Years ***Worried About Losing Tax Revenue, Congress to Investigate Airlines’ Fees *** Freezer-cash case ends in 13-yr. sentence for ex-rep *** Fitting Punishment for Disgraced Jefferson - New Orleans Times-Picayune *** Lieberman Finds Stride in Senate as the Democrats' Maverick *** Sunday Demographic Shifts Change Political Lines *** Reforming Health Care - Martha Coakley, Boston Globe *** Abortion Rights Groups Scramble To Fight Back Against Stupak Amendment *** Leahy: US Not Afraid to Try Terrorists *** Lawmakers used Genentech lobbyists statements: report *** Doug Hoffman: With '20-20 Hindsight' I Wouldn't Have Conceded

Pay to Play Congress In House, Many Spoke With One Voice: Lobbyists’ *** Fannie and Freddie Fire Their Own Inspector General - Huffington Post *** Contractor Convicted in Earmark Case Says Air Force Approved - Roll Call ($) *** Lobbyists Win Again In Securing Tax Break For Home Builders

Political Parties Sarah Palin goes rogue with facts in her new book *** The Passion of the Right - Charles Blow, New York Times *** Sarah Palin's Shot at Redemption & Revenge - Abcarian & Reston, LA Time *** GOP Civil War Heads to Utah

Wall Street and the Economy Job Losses Mount, Enduring and Deep *** U.S. Trade Deficit Widens on Oil Imports *** That $35 Cup of Coffee The Federal Reserve Board’s new rules to protect holders of debit cards from overdraft fees are half-measures. Congress should pass bills to put the scam to rest (NYT Ed) *** Moinian misses payment on third property (Crains) *** Sunday The bank revolt of '09 Metro area bank customers are saying no to high fees in record numbers *** Trauma Surgeon of Wall Street ***10 Years Later, a Much Less Expensive Dow 10,000 *** Universities Turn to Consultants to Trim Budgets *** Your New Daddy: Uncle Sam - Patrick McIlheran, Milwaukee Journal Sentine *** What The New York Times Tells Us About Rodge Cohen *** Local Non-Profit Sees Donations Dwindle as Demand Spikes *** Investors Cut Back On US Stocks, Seek Growth Abroad

Pay to Play Wall Street Bidder up for Madoff Met jacket *** Madoff's tech duo busted for 'scam-hiding' software *** Phil Falcone plans his return *** Two Are Charged With Helping Madoff Falsify Records *** U.S. Marshal's Madoff sale: One last chance to get your money *** SEC to hit Bear Stearns execs with civil trial *** Madoff's ill-gotten gains sold off *** Bidding on Madoff’s Trove While Helping Victims *** Spitzer Slams Wall Street Lies In Harvard Speech *** Alleged Ponzi Scheme in Fla. Could Exceed $1 Billion - Miami Herald *** FBI Seeks Info on Developers Tied to Ex-N.C. Gov - News & Observer

International In Yemen, a growing concern *** The Difference Between Muslim and Islamist - Christopher Caldwell, FT *** Chavez's Policies Go From Bad to Worse - Miami Herald *** Sunday Lost There, Felt Here America should still lead such efforts as saving the rainforests. But China’s days as a global free-rider should be over (Friedman NYT) *** World Leaders Agree to Delay a Deal on Climate Change *** How America Backs Pakistani Spies *** The Woman Digging Into Iceland's Crisis *** Iran Condemns U.S. Mosque, Skyscraper Seizure *** China blocks unregistered church service again *** 5 Things the U.S. Can Learn from China (Time Magazine)


Media and New Tech Welch quits BusinessWeek column *** Terms of Digital Book Deal With Google Revised *** Vice President to Appear on 'Daily Show' *** More Than Ever, You Can Say That on Television *** Swiss Say Google’s Street View Is Too Revealing *** Dell Will Introduce a Smartphone *** Tim Armstrong makes case for AOL *** Google narrows copyright deal*** Balloon boy parents Richard Heene, Mayumi Heene headed to NY on mystery 'employment' trip *** Biden to Appear on Daily Show *** Slow fade-out CNN ratings slide could imperil high ad rates *** Sunday At Bloomberg, Modest Strategy to Rule the World *** Apple Wouldn’t Risk Its Cool Over a Gimmick, Would It? *** Times News Service to Lay Off at Least 25 *** "SNL" Skewers Lou Dobbs After Host Quits CNN (VIDEO) *** NBC Prepares For Comcast Takeover As Early As Next Week *** Lou Dobbs: I Wasn't Pushed Out *** Funnies: Oprah and Palin Go Hunting *** The New York Post Shows its Usual Respect for Jim McGreevey's Life Choices (NY Magazine) *** George Stephanopoulos will probably replace Diane Sawyer on GMA. [TDB] *** Is the Fox Business Channel a lost cause at this point? [VF] *** VIDEO: Sunday show highlights

Blog Reports Teachers Not Paid to Teach (The Weekly Standard) *** Palestine in Queens
(The Nation) *** Westboro Baptist Church Vs. New York (The New Republic) *** Cartoonist’s Take on Albany’s Budget (Matt Davies) *** The Times’s Impact on Academic Treatment of the Atlantic Yards (Atlantic Yards Report) *** Economic Development in the Outer Boroughs (DMI Blog) *** One Block Off the Electric Grid in Brooklyn (Idealist in NYC) *** State Legislative Ethics Filings (NYPIRG) *** Musing on the Role of Buses in the City (Second Avenue Sagas) *** City’s Capital Plan Grows (IBO Web Blog) *** Good Government Groups Ask for Investigation into Contribution Violations (League of Women Voters of New York State) *** Con Ed at fault forexplosion death (Queens Crap) *** Money Bears no Odor (NY Council Watch) *** The Trouble with the 9/11 Trial (Connecting the Dots) *** The Birth of Death Panels (Connecting the Dots) *** The final collapse of redevelopment plans in New London leads to new scrutiny of eminent domain for Atlantic Yards (Atlantic Yards Repiort) *** The App Revolution Will Be Mobilized (Sunday Morning)

Unemployment for Dummies: NY Leaders Say and Do Nothing About Record High Employment Rate

Breaking News: Official: Official: Accused 9/11 mastermind, others to be tried in N.Y. 20 blocks from WTC * Rep. King warns of safety risks if Gitmo thugs are brought to city * NY Times to lay off news service workers

Unemployment for Dummies
New York Leaders Say and Do Nothing About Record High Employment Rate

Despite the fact that New York City unemployment rate is now at 10.3% up from 6% last year, the city and state's elected leaders and media seem unconcern. The rising unemployment crisis is not even part of the political discussion. How can the city create jobs to hire the unemployed when nobody seem to care about this issue? If you read the headlines our leaders care only about themselves and protecting their supporters. New York's unemployed are on there own, twisting in the wind * Government Must Step Up & Create Jobs - Paul Krugman, New York Times

What is in it for ME Leaders
There is no lobbyist for the unemployed to give campaign funds to pol or pull out the unemployed voters at election time. As a result they are off the radar of a very selfish generation of leaders who only care about what help them personally or to gain power and money.

Albany Nothing About Unemployment
We hear about Albany's budget circus and gay rights showdown over and over again with nothing every resolved. The gov and legislators inaction is cased by the lobbyist for the unions, health care and education interests demanding that their budgets not be cut. Get ready to bleed (NYP). The gov is very concerned about himself Delusional Dave says prez will stump for him
The unions are fighting for increases for their members 11% for TWU, 4% teachers and other unions

Bloomberg Nothing About Unemployment
We read about Bloomberg worried about the Muslim community Bloomberg regrets greeting controversial Muslim cleric and solving a political problem he had with some of his supporters in Coney Island by paying a developer $95.6 million Sitt's Thor Equities to revive Coney Island amusements * Bloomberg endosed in the senate election to replace Kenney Khazei.

City Council Nothing About Unemployment
The City Council Speaker delayed a vote on parking fines to help the mayor's reelection
Quinn a parking 'valet' for Mike* An emotional City Council Speaker Christine Quinn urges state senate to pass

The Media Covers Nothing About Unemployment
The media covers all of the above issue except unemployment and Inside Apple's new New York City new store, the New LiLo tape and Levi Johnston has big screen dreams for as-yet unfinished memoir. There have been no unemployment editiorial by the papers asking for something to be done to help the out of work NYS Election Crisis Continues The vote count in the 23rd Congressional race tightens. The election is not yet certified. (AP/ WP) * Could the Newest Member of the House Be Kicked Out of Congress? FOXNews

Lieberman 4 Insurance vs People Connecticut Insurance Capital of the World the HQ of most of nations insurance companies. That is why Democrats Worry Joe Lieberman Could Sink Health Care. Speaking of Democrats yesterday marked A Decade Without Glass-Steagall: Heckofa Job, Larry Rolling Stone


NY1 Corporate Wimp New Slant Could the answer why NY1 only asks citywide elected officials soft ball questions be the fact they need those officials to extend the NYC cable franchise of their parent company Time Warner? CITY DRAGGING ITS FEET ON CABLE FRANCHISE - NYC Comptroller. NY1's Roma Torre in her interview this week of Comptroller-Elect John Liu never asked a question about the pension scandal or why he appointed Carl McCall who is under investigation by AG as part of his pension investigation as head of his transition team. It time the city work with Verizon, Apple and other wireless companies planing to compete with Time Warner and cablevision cable monopoly in the future, to help New Yorkers cable prices to fall, instead of giving them 10 more years at soaking us and controlling the news for their own interests.

Gov: 3 Men Online or in A Room is OK Paterson Turns On The Press "Not only do we have dysfunction in the Legislature, but we're starting to have dysfunction in the reporting," the governor groused. ...When it comes to the process, this idea of everyone has to speak out loud for everyone to hear is not good government. Don't ever associate that with reform or good government."Gov. Paterson waffles, fibs, bungles and mumbles ***Paterson responds to transparency questions with snark

Gov of La Mancha's Albany Gov 'calls' $$ audible still no agreement on how to reduce state spending*** The Albany whine Special interests' stranglehold *** Workers Plead Guilty in ‘Man Cave’ Case *** Save kids from drunks: State Assembly must pass Leandra's Law, not a poor imitation *** MADD to Sheldon Silver: Please don't water down 'Leandra's Law' bill *** Spitzer says Paterson doing heckuva job *** State leaders are about three-quarters of the way there, according to the governor. (AP) *** Gov. David Paterson now says he’s open to any deal that will close the budget. (GNS) *** The state prepares for the 2010 census. (TU) *** Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos get into it on a conference call about the DRP. (TU) *** A conference call of state leaders indicated not much budget progress *** People are getting mad about the requirement to buy new license plates *** County Clerks will travel to Albany on Monday to protest new license plates *** Pew Or Not New York Stinks *** Gov. David Paterson is becoming "less and less ideological about deficit reduction." *** They've moved from three men in a room to five men on the line *** California East? *** The Deficit Will Wait Until Next Week (Gotham Gazette) *** "It’s not readily apparent from the (state) Constitution that the Legislature has the power to remove one of its own members," said NYU Prof. Eric Lane, a former Senate counsel.


Pay to Play Bruno Judge in Bruno’s Corruption Trial Chastises Him Over a Remark *** Judge tells Joe Bruno: I'm boss here, pal *** Judge unloads on Bruno (Times Union) *** “For once in your life you don’t control something – I do,” Sharpe told Bruno. “If you ever do what you just did in the presence of that jury again, which is question any of my rulings, I will take measures to make sure you don’t repeat that.” (DN) *** “I understand very clearly what is happening here, Judge, very clearly,” Mr. Bruno replied, prompting a friend sitting in the courtroom to whisper, “Stop it, Joe.” (NYT) *** Team Bruno Demands Mistrial; Motion Denied *** Judge rejects mistrial motion in Bruno case


Pay to Play Pensions A lawyer at the center of the pension fund “double-dipping” investigation took pension credits from his vacation home in Maui. (TU) *** Court backs Cuomo probe of new pension cases


Road to Inside City Hall Big world of thanks: Mike 100 million dollar campaign routinely dispatched staffers to the Board of Elections to get the names of 7,600 voters applying for absentee ballots, as well as the 26,000 on the permanent list *** Mike's 'outreach' idiocy It all makes us nostalgic for the night Rudy Guiliani tossed Yasser Arafat out of Lincoln Center (NYP) *** Quinn must pay heed: Council speaker has to get with the majority on member salaries *** Michael Bloomberg said he wouldn’t have invited Sarij Wahhaj to City Hall had he known about his background *** Terror Associate Greeted By Bloomberg At City Hall *** Bloomberg got fewer votes in Queens this year than in 2005 *** Anthony "Shoot-the-Freak" Berlingieri crashed the Coney Island press conference at City Hall yesterday *** Bloomberg likes to eat in Brooklyn *** Panel Votes To End Social Promotion In Grades 4, 6 *** Mice Dominate NYC School Cafeterias ***Barron Forges Ahead Running for Speaker'


New York's Economic Melt Down Brooklyn condos sold for 44% off at auction *** Buyer promises rebirth for downtown Bklyn condo *** Industrial firm leaving Park Avenue for Chicago *** Dover Corporation to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Chicago, Illinois
*** EPA names city, Navy in Gowanus pollution mess *** Who will clean the creek & canal From Courier-Life *** Gas rates going up From NY1 *** Still Trying to Lure New Yorkers Across the Hudson *** Labor To Quinn: Time For Paid Sick Time *** New Jersey is using the threat of tax increases to lure New Yorkers across the Hudson.

War on Terror Feds are planning to take the (650) Fifth *** Feds try to seize NYC tower owned by Muslim group (Crains) *** Official Says 9/11 Suspect to Face Trial in New York *** Scarred, Fort Hood Survivors Move On *** U.S. Moves to Seize Properties Tied to Iran (NYT) ***Terrorists leaving Gitmo to stand trial blocks from Ground Zero *** Feds unleash hell on MS-13 after murder plot targets agent in NY *** 5 Gitmo detainees to be tried in Manhattan*** The officer held in the Fort Hood rampage is charged with 13 counts of murder and if convicted, may face the death penalty. (WP) *** Explaining Away Mass Murder - Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post *** Female Cop Did Not Shoot Hasan *** Mastermind Of 9/11 Attacks To Be Tried In NYC ***Queens Blvd mosque owner funneled money to Iran
*** 9/11 suspects to be tried in NYC civilian court Attorney general to seek death penalty against 5 Guantanamo detainees *** Obama decision to try 9/11 defendants already drawing fire *** For Families of Victims, Decision Brings Mix of Anger and Satisfaction

Stupid Human Tricks Spitzer Talks About, Well, Ethics *** Embarrassed RNC to Drop Abortion Coverage *** Report: Con Ed blunders led to Queens blast *** Spitzer declines to blame revenge motives from Wall Street enemies for his downfall. (WT) *** Dan Janison breaks down how Democrat Tom Suozzi’s ambition for hire office hurt him in his election for his current position. (Newsday) *** In the run-up to Election Day, Suozzi raised more than he spent *** Ex-NY Gov. Spitzer Speaks at Harvard Forum Video *** The Harvard Gazette's take on Eliot Spitzer's ethics talk: Smoke, but no fire.


More City News NYC Transit rolls out bus safety partition plan *** State Supreme Court in Jamaica loses its barrier *** Rally Targeting Overdevelopment in Astoria

Inspector clouseau Cop beats 'leak' rap *** Detective Accused of Providing Tips to Informers Is Acquitted


Law and Order Judge tosses conviction after man spends 18 years in the slammer


White House In Tokyo, Seeking to Improve Relations *** Among Obama Aides, Debate Intensifies on Troop Levels *** Craig Steps Down as White House Lawyer *** Bush Returns to Public Spotlight *** In Leaning on Karzai, U.S. Has Limited Leverage *** Decision is part of Obama's quest to close military detention center *** Obama: Decision soon on troops *** Obama to host jobs summit as strong hiring gains still seem far off *** Berman and Miller: Obama, learn from JFK, not LBJ *** Obama lands in Japan, kicking off presidential visit to Asia *** Obama sends Afghanistan war council back to the drawing board *** The Obama Administration weighs the idea of an international short-term climate change pact. (WP) *** Defense Secretary Robert Gates condemns the leaks about the Fort Hood rampage and U.S. Afghan policy. (NYT) *** Obama's Real Afghanistan Decision - Fred Kaplan, Slate *** Can the Clinton Coalition Survive Obama? - Sean Trende, RealClearPolitics *** Time to Bring the Troops Home - Eugene Robinson, Washington Post *** Just the Facts, Mr. President - Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal *** Rift in War Cabinet as Obama Throws Out All Options - Tim Reid, Times *** The Wall Separates Reagan From Obama - Meghan Gurdon, DC Examiner *** America and Afghanistan: General Disarray - The Economist *** Gibbs: No 'Open- Ended Conflict'


Wall Street and the Economy Playboy bidding war starts *** Wal-Mart sees Yule as not gift-wrapped *** Fed Pay czar backtracks concerned" that plans to rein in Wall Street bonuses may, in fact, be backfiring ***Citi needs at least four years to fix, analyst figures *** Bah! Humbug! Goldman says no to Christmas party *** Obama's pay czar responds to AIG flap *** Pfizer to Leave Conn A City Where They Won A Supreme Court Land-Use Case *** New Rules Would Restrict Overdraft Fees on Debit Cards *** FHA Housing Agency’s Cash Reserves Down Sharply *** After Bankruptcy, G.M. Struggles to Shed a Legendary Bureaucracy *** G.E. to Sell Security Unit *** Wilpon Firm Challenges Finding by Trustee in Madoff Case *** The New Target Of U.S.'s Crackdown On Global Tax Evasion *** Uncle Sam Is Sitting Atop a Goldmine - David Goldman, CNNMoney *** Give Me Goldman Over Gandhi Anyday - Jonathan Hoenig, SmartMoney *** A New Crisis Ahead? Five Things To Look For - Jon Markman, MSN Money *** A Guide to the Coming Retail Shake-Up - Jeanine Poggi, TheStreet.com *** Warren Buffett: Worst Is Over *** JC Penney Profit Falls 78%; Holiday View Guarded


Pay to Play Wall Street Two Are Charged With Helping Madoff Falsify Records


Congress and Political Parties Acorn Sues Over Funding Vote in House *** Rolling Out Sarah Palin's Side of the Story ***Conservatives Oppose Judicial Nominee *** 3 Right-Hand Men Take a Turn at Center Stage *** Reid Mulls Medicare Tax Increase for High Earners *** Reid Says Health Bill Will Be Done by Christmas *** Embarrassed RNC to Drop Abortion Coverage *** Embarrassed RNC to Drop Abortion Coverage *** Rep. Blackburn Won't Pledge To Stop Calling Obama A Socialist *** Goldman Sachs To Private Insurers: No Health Care Reform At All Is Best *** Dan Froomkin Common Sense From The Senator Who Saw The Crisis Coming *** What Health Reform Will Do to My Insurance - Andrew Heinze, WSJ *** The Perils of Palinism - Richard Kim and Betsy Reed, The Nation *** What White Women Want, Surprisingly the GOP - David Paul Kuhn, RCP *** Who Are the Blue Dogs? - Michael Tomasky, New York Review of Books *** McCain Aide Denies Palin Book Claim *** CREW has launched a comprehensive list of Congress members likely under investigation. (There are 20).


International Afghan Enclave Offers Model to Rebuild, and Rebuff Taliban *** Japan Cools to America as It Prepares for Obama Visit *** Rebuilding Its Economy, Iraq Shuns U.S. Businesses *** An act of nuclear proliferation Scientist's accounts assert China gave Pakistan enough enriched uranium for 2 atomic bombs ***Europe's New Chapter Starts Now - Timothy Garton Ash, Globe and Mail *** Bomb hits Pakistan's spy agency *** Chavez's Policies Go From Bad to Worse - Miami Herald *** An Issue-Filled Itinerary in Asia - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ***Pakistan Spy Agency Bombed *** Algerian Terrorist Cell Busted in Italy

Media and New Tech Intel writes AMD $1.25B check to settle suit *** For Comcast’s Chief, Content Led the Way *** Disney Posts Strong Profit Despite Weakness in Films *** After Dobbs, CNN Makes a Bet on King *** Washington Times Editor Solomon Resigns *** New record: 'Modern Warfare 2' brings in $310M in first days *** John King will take over Lou Dobbs’ slot on CNN. (WP) *** The Times says good-bye to Lou Dobbs, whose show “has long been a nesting ground for untruths and conspiracy theories." *** Josh Benson will be the New York Observer's next departure *** Former Gov. Mario Cuomo denied making calls to boost his son's TV career


National Still Ducking Hard Choices in California - Orange County Register


Changing NYC A Chance to See the City Change, Site by Site *** Governors Island Airport that wasn't