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03 Sep 2009 10:12

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U.S., World: Did taxpayer money used for Afghan War aid go to the Taliban?

  • It’s a real hard thing to prove. Who is going to survive to testify about that? That is our challenge. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying. We want to get to the bottom of it.
  • USAID Office of Inspector General representative Dona Dinkler • Regarding reports that some taxpayer money meant to go to rebuilding infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, in Afghanistan (currently at $7.5 billion between 2002 and now) has instead been funneled to the Taliban. Which should probably make a lot of taxpayers angry if it’s true. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 21:18

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Biz, U.S.: Lucky bastard: The Pfizer case whistleblower got a big payday

  • We’re going to be staying right here in San Antonio in the same house, and my wife tells me when we go to the movies we’re still getting one tub of popcorn – the large tub.
  • Former Pfizer pharmaceutical rep John Kopchinski • On the massive payday he won as whistleblower in the legal battle against his former employer. Dude made a cool $51.5 million, which is about as good as winning the lottery, even though it took longer – six years, in Kopchinski’s case. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 20:58

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Biz, U.S.: We wish we had a 1% of this Pfizer fine in our bank account

  • $2.3 billion for wining and dining (and influencing) doctors source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 20:43

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Biz, U.S.: Way to bungle the Bernard Madoff case, U.S. government

  • 1992 the year that the Securities and Exchange Commission was informed that Bernard Madoff might be doing some sketchy things source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 20:33

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Sports, U.S.: Curt Schilling in Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat: Why the heck not?

  • I do have some interest in the possibility. That being said, to get to there from where I am today, many many things would have to align themselves for that to truly happen. I am not going to comment further on the matter since at this point it would be speculation on top of speculation.
  • Former Boston Red Sox star ace Curt Schilling • Discussing a potential Senate candidacy on his blog, “38 Pitches.” It’s one of those things that makes some roll their eyes, until you consider that some really great politicians – Jack Kemp (Bob Dole’s running mate in ’96!) and Jim Bunning – came from pro sports backgrounds. So, why the heck not? He may not have the political clout of Ted Kennedy (and his far-right conservatism might make him a long shot in Massachusetts), but he may be good at the job.  • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 10:59

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U.S., World: Laura Ling & Euna Lee: We were pulled back into North Korea

  • Feeling nervous about where we were, we quickly turned back toward China. Midway across the ice, we heard yelling. We looked back and saw two North Korean soldiers with rifles running toward us. Instinctively, we ran. We were firmly back inside China when the soldiers apprehended us.
  • A statement on Current TV’s Web site • In the statement, Ling and Lee describe the circumstances that led them into North Korea. Basically, a guide in China convinced them to keep walking until they found themselves in the country. They immediately went back into China, but were grabbed anyway by North Korean soldiers. Which, if anything, lends credence to the idea that they weren’t intentionally headed there. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 3 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 10:49

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U.S.: The California Station Fire, 22% contained, is still getting bigger

  • 140,150 acres wide at the moment source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

02 Sep 2009 09:45

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U.S.: Not news: Barack Obama is considering a major health care speech

  • He gives major speeches every freaking day. If Obama is anything, he’s a guy that likes to give speeches – often on live television, just to anger major networks. And now he wants to give another on on health care. It’s kind of necessary, because he needs to clearly define the debate, but another speech? The goal, as David Axelrod sums up, is to unify the points of the debate: “We’re entering a new season. It’s time to synthesize and harmonize these strands and get this done.” But another speech? source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 09:35

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Biz, U.S.: The private sector is bleeding jobs slower than before

  • The private sector lost 360,000 jobs in July, mostly through layoffs (of sad people). source
  • In August, 298,000 jobs were lost. The slow economic bounceback begins. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Sep 2009 01:00

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U.S.: Pretty much nobody likes this insensitive 9/11 WWF ad

Disturbing 9/11 WWF ad treatment
  • Um, holy crap. What can we say about this image besides the obvious fact that it’s completely uncalled for? Comparing a natural disaster to terrorism is probably not a good idea, no matter the context. (The World Wildlife Fund is not happy with the Brazillian ad company that came up with this, BTW.) source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 5 Comments • Permalink
 
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