Wow...how lucky can we get here in Texas?   

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6517967.html

LUBBOCK — Alberto Gonzales, who resigned as U.S. attorney general two years ago, is coming to Texas Tech this fall to teach political science.

Texas Tech Unversity System Chancellor Kent Hance confirmed the hiring on Tuesday.

Here's a little something for you on a toasty warm Monday morning!

Let me know how you did or didn't do!  I will accept all successful tips!

Evidentally kids in second grade in China work on this test.

You can take the test here....  Have fun!

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I read this title:

Judge says Utah can accept foreign nuclear waste 

Now I'm thinking that we have loads of problems with the nuclear waste that is generated here in the US without accepting foreign nuclear waste.  Okay...getting that waste from Italy to Utah must be some mean trick....... The article only gives a tiny bit of info:

Wow..this is terrific news..  Obama's Stimulus Plan Benefits Tribes

President Barack Obama will sign the national economic recovery bill that includes $2.5 billion in stimulus funds for Indian Country.

"It is important that we honor the government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes in this bill and that the funds intended for reservation economies be provided directly to Indian tribes so that they may begin to address their dire economic conditions," said Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan), the co-chairman of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

I am kinda reading this government to government relationship thing as it cuts both ways.  Me thinks that if the state government refuses stimulus funds, the tribal government may apply for these funds.  What do you think?

Promoted. Some banks, like Bank of America, charge $35 - $39 per overage. If you have $20 left in your account before the next paycheck hits and an unexpected item -- say a $20 maintenance fee -- hits just before 3 small checks for under $5 come in, you can suddenly find yourself over $100 in the red. Some banks will refund those overages. Some will not. Originally posted 2009-02-19 20:22:40 -0500. -- GH

The last time I received unemployment compensation in Texas, a check came in the mail.  I was quite surprised to read how the states cut deals with major banks to handle unemployment benefits nowadays..... Following is an excerpt:

Banks slapping fees on unemployment benefit debit cards

For hundreds of thousands of workers losing their jobs during the recession, there's a new twist to their financial pain: Even when they're collecting unemployment benefits, they're paying the bank just to get the money — or even to call customer service to complain about it.

Thirty states have struck such deals with banks that include Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp., JP Morgan Chase and US Bancorp, an Associated Press review of the agreements found. All the programs carry fees, and in several states the unemployed have no choice but to use the debit cards. Some banks even charge overdraft fees of up to $20 — even though they could decline charges for more than what's on the card.

There has got to be a better way.....and pressure from the grassroots usually gets the trick done! Thoughts?

 Originally posted 2009-01-21 07:28:58 -0500; promoted by carol. Please note links to two additional videos.

ePluribus Media contributors: avahome, luaptifer, greyhawk, carol and roxy

Over the last three years, ePluribus Media researchers and writers have delivered reports on the corruption and partisan shenanigans at the Justice Department.  

We brought you indepth coverage of the US Attorney Purge as it was happening.

In February of 2007 Dr. Donald Shields brought his findings on the politization of the Justice Department and ePluribus Media published the first of two reports and an interview with Dr. Shields.

The body of Dr. Shields work was around "leaked reports" of investigations:

The focus of the study was the reporting (and thus the leaking) of federal investigations from supposedly secret grand jury subpoenas, federal agent inquiries, and grand jury testimony. Those press reports are not ephemeral at all. That's why we give the approximate date of each story (or indictment, if any) -- so that readers can go search it out for themselves and confirm the investigation.

The study of the leaked reporting did not look at the people behind these reports ... the lives that were thrown into disarray, the careers that were damaged or ruined.

Now, this series of videos has come on our radar, and it is highlighting the same body of work that has already been published, only in a powerful "first-person" interview style. In the first segment of the series, you will see one of the interviewees ... Kathryn Shields, who is the sister of Dr. Shields, tell her story, along with many others. Here are links to parts two and three. that complete the set.

This is only the beginning of the process of uncovering the "rot" in the Justice Department. We must be vigilent in our watching the new administration to make sure these wrongs are righted and that Justice is returned to the DOJ and it is not used as a political tool. 

I feel so much better now that one toy manufacturer has been held accountable...but I have questions. One being that I don't remember previously hearing any rumblings to the growing increase of Autism diagnoses and lead in children's toys. But then, maybe I haven't been paying attention.

Mattel settles with 39 states over tainted toys

Bumped and promoted. -- GH

Just who the hell does this Klempthorne guy think he is.....? Please take a minute and read the article. I signed up at the Alaskan site and posted a comment. I am beyond disappointed in the Bush Administration as well as Governor Palin. I don't know why the people of Alaska aren't outraged.

Kempthorne affirms 'special rule' for polar bears

As Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced new rules to reduce the influence of federal scientists on endangered species decisions, he also made permanent a "special rule" that will block steps that could protect threatened polar bears.

Kempthorne today made permanent a rule that says the listing of polar bears will not be used to limit greenhouse gas emissions, a leading cause of global warming, and the primary reason for the loss of Arctic sea ice, the main habitat of polar bears.

Summer sea ice this year shrank to 1.74 million square miles, the second lowest level on record and 860,000 square miles below the average between 1979 and 2000.

Kempthorne's rule also declares that decisions on petroleum management off Alaska's coast will continue to be governed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a law that conservation groups say has been interpreted too loosely to afford adequate protection for whales, polar bears, walrus and seals that depend on ice.

This little ditty made me chuckle...but, of course, it makes sense. I am a rabid recycler...and the beer is consumed by my hubby! Hope this brightens your day just a little!

Investment advice:

Today I have just read that the mail in ballots from Ohio voters have various postage requirements.... Seems there should be a better way other than how much the ballot package weighs..some are three pages. Why cannot the Post Office just accept them as they get them rather than I assume shooting them back to the resident for postage due?

Postage problems arise with absentee ballots