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27 Jan 2011 15:11

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U.S.: McConnell, Reid hash out “gentleman’s agreement” over filibuster

  • problem The exploding use of the filibuster rule has stagnated the Senate, with a 60-vote supermajority often needed to pass legislation, one senator being able to secretly block any vote they so please, and the president’s appointments being held up in the confirmation process seemingly endlessly.
  • solution? Today’s “gentleman’s agreement” between Sen. Reid and Sen. McConnell, in which for more capacity to add amendments, the GOP will filibuster less, will support ending the secret vote block, and will cut by one-third the number of Obama appointments that need Senate confirmation. source

18 Apr 2010 21:15

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Biz: Charles Schumer twist airlines’ arms on carry-on bag charges

  • 5 major air carriers won’t follow
    Spirit Airlines’ ill-advised lead source

25 Mar 2010 08:53

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World: The U.S. can’t shake an Israel deal out of Benny Netanyahu

  • I think we have found the golden path between Israel’s traditional policies and our desire to move forward toward peace.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu • On leaving the U.S. without an agreement on that whole settlement thing that really pissed off the U.S. In perhaps the strongest sign that this statement isn’t entirely accurate, the two countries didn’t issue a joint statement about their peace talks. In other news, yet another Jerusalem settlement in a Palestinian area is getting built. Because, hey, why the heck not? source

10 Feb 2010 22:09

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Biz: Rejoice! The AP’s long absence on Google News has ended

  • 7 weeks without the Associated Press on Google; nobody noticed source

18 Jan 2010 18:07

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Biz: Cadbury/Kraft merger: Mmm, Velveeta and Trident Gum …

  • $19 billion mash-up could be announced tomorrow source

03 Dec 2009 10:14

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11 Nov 2009 22:13

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World: Iran’s Ahmadinejad: We really want to cooperate on nukes. Really!

  • Today, Iran’s nuclear conditions are stabilized and we’ve entered the phase of nuclear interaction and cooperation, and today an important issue is international nuclear cooperation in construction of nuclear power plants, reactors and even Iran’s contribution to a world fuel bank.
  • Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • During a prime time TV appearance. In case you’re like “Uh, WTF?”, so is everyone else. Ahmadinejad’s tone completely contradicts most Iranian leaders who have spoken out over the last few weeks regarding the proposed deal to essentially neuter Iran’s nuclear supply. But Ahmadinejad doesn’t have final say, and he may just be looking to win brownie points in the international community and within his own country. Still, though … • source
 

02 Nov 2009 21:50

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World: Hillary Clinton puts the nuclear deal in clear terms for Iran

  • Acceptance fully of this proposal … would be a good indication that Iran does not wish to be isolated and does wish to co-operate with the international community.
  • Secretary of State Hillary Clinton • On Iran’s need to not balk at the nuclear deal presented to them by the international community, which is supposed to prove that they’re using the nuclear energy for energy and research, not weapons.. The deal won’t be changed, it won’t be screwed with. It won’t bend for Iran. They’re still deciding, by the way. • source

11 Sep 2009 17:48

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Culture: Annie Liebovitz gets a second chance to pay her massive bill

  • In these challenging times I am appreciative to Art Capital for all they have done to resolve this matter and for their cooperation and continued support. I also want to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for being there for me and look forward to concentrating on my work.
  • Famous magazine photographer Annie Leibovitz • Discussing the agreement she made with Art Capital Management to avoid losing ownership to her photography and homes. Leibovitz faced a Tuesday deadline to repay a $24 million loan. The new terms mean she has a new deadline to pay off the loan, but that deadline hasn’t yet been set. • source

02 Aug 2009 21:26

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Biz, Tech: Warning: Exploding iPods can lead to confidentiality agreements

  • I thought it was a very disturbing letter…They’re putting a life sentence on myself, my daughter and Ellie’s mum, not to say anything to anyone.
  • Ken Stanborough • On the letter he received from Apple after his daughter’s iPod exploded. He had contacted the company for a refund, which they offered – but with a nasty clause. If he took their money, he had to agree to keep quiet and if he failed to do so his family could face litigation. Yeah, he didn’t sign it. Take that, bullies!  • source