2009 Fittest/Fattest Cities Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
In our exclusive 11th annual survey, a western city reached the top of the (ski) mountain, while a surprising sun-drenched Mecca needs to pull its head (and belly) out of the sand
News
Tony Blankley Makes His Case for American Nationalism Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Tony Blankley Makes His Case for American Nationalism American Grit What it Will Take to Survive and Win in the 21 st Century By Tony Blankley Regnery Publishing 205 pages $27.95
HOW'S YOUR POLITICAL I.Q.? Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
1. Leon Panetto, onetime White House chief of staff and California House member, has just been named head of the CIA. If confirmed, he will be the third former congressman to serve as CIA director. Can you name the other two?
Clinton Donors Pose Huge Conflict of Interest for Hillary Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Now that Bill Clinton has released the list of his 205,000 donors who have given close to $500 million to his library and foundation, it is clear why he resisted releasing the list while his wife was running for President.
Next to Madoff, Social Security and Medicare Are Real Ponzi Schemes Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Bernard Madoff, who stands accused of bilking sophisticated investors out of $50 billion, is reported to have told two of his executives that his business was "a giant Ponzi scheme."
Pete Olson: Republican Renaissance Man Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Republican Pete Olson's capture of Texas's 22nd District last November was a particularly cheering win for GOPers in the Lone Star State and nationally. Not only was the former U.S. Navy pilot and Capitol Hill staffer one of only five Republicans nationally to unseat a Democratic House member, but Olson's ouster of Democrat Nick Lampson was sweet revenge for the GOP. When House Republican Leader Tom DeLay finally decided to resign the 22nd District seat two years ago to deal with his legal problems, state courts refused to let the embattled incumbent's name be removed from the ballot and thus Lampson won the historically Republican seat under flukish circumstances.
Fuzzy Math in Minnesota Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
"Change" is in the air - yet that air seems full of partisan rancor, and we're not yet out of January. Conservatives need to keep a close eye on Washington policymakers to ensure that liberals don't use the fog of "change" to sneak in a new era of strongarm tactics and massive government powers.
Obama Taps Rubin Economic Failure Team Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Where's the "Change we can believe in"?
Why Should Israel Agree to a Ceasefire when Hamas Vows Destruction? Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
"4We in Europe want a ceasefire as quickly as possible, and . . . everyone understands that time is running against peace. The guns must fall silent." So said French President Nicolas Sarkozy after meeting with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. A del- egation from the European Union met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to ask Israel to cease operations in Gaza. Karel Schwarzenberg, the foreign minister of the Czech Republic, declared that Israel should not wait for victory: "We are not sharing the view that the cease-fire is only possible if all possible aims of the Israeli action are achieved."
How Much Tax Money Will Mayors Get to Change Light Bulbs? Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
While many ordinary Americans recently wondered what Santa Claus was going to leave for them, many American mayors were wondering how much money President-etect Barack Obama and a Democratic Congress will take from taxpayers to hand over to them.
Why aren't House Republican leaders standing up to Pelosi and Obama? Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Barack Obama had hoped to have a $1 trillion economic stimulus bill on the Oval Office desk waiting for his signature on Inauguration Day. He had promised that the bill would pay only for projects that were going to stimulate recovery and create new jobs, and that it would exclude lawmakers' pet projects. But that hope has apparently foundered on the mess the Democrats find themselves in.
This Is the Downer We've Been Waiting For! Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
After NBC canceled me "for life" on Monday - until seven or eight hours later when the ban was splashed across the top of The "Drudge Report," forcing a red-faced NBC to withdraw the ban - an NBC insider told the "Drudge Report": "We are just not interested in anyone so highly critical of President-elect Obama, right now," explaining that "it's such a downer. It's just not the time,, and it's not what our authence wants, either."
Capital Briefs Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
* JEB, CHRIS NO GOES IN '08: Two political superstars, one from each major party, ended weeks of speculation by announc- ing they would not run for U.S. Senate seats in 2010. Days after George H.W. Bush totd a national television authence he wanted to see son Jeb run for the Senate from Florida and someday run for President, the former Florida governor announced last week he would not seek the seat of retiring Sen. MeI Martínez (R.-FIa) after all. Jeb Bush said it was too soon after leaving the governorship for him to re-enter the political arena. Bush's announcement came on the heels of a similar decision last week by MSNBC news personality Chris Matthews that he would not seek the Democratic nomination to oppose Sen. Arien Specter (R.-Pa.). The host of MSNBC's "Hardball" had long floated rumors hinting he would return to his home state of Pennsylvania to challenge Specter next year.
Cheney Strongly Defends Administration's Record Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
I joined a handful of conservative journalists last week for lunch with Vice President Cheney, his daughter, and members of his staff. For two hours we reviewed his years of service in government and looked ahead. Since Eisenhower there have been five Republican administrations. Dick Cheney has been inside four of the five.
President Bush Gives Exclusive Interview to HUMAN EVENTS Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
After five years of covering the Bush White House, I finally sat down the afternoon of Tuesday January 6 with George W. Bush for an exclusive interview, one of the last he will give before he leaves office January 20.
Obama Needs Supply-Side Lesson from GOP Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) is absolutely right to warn against Barack Obama's gigantic stimulus-spending package. McConnell says it "will be the largest spending bill in the history of our country at a time when our national debt is already the largest in history." As a result, he says the bill "will require tough scrutiny and oversight."
TD AMERITRADE to Acquire thinkorswim Group for 1.91 Times Revenue Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
The Deal: TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire thinkorswim Group Inc. in a cash deal valued at $606 million. Under the terms of the deal, each share of thinkorswim will be exchanged for $3.34 in cash and 0.3980 of a TD AMERITRADE share. Overall, TD AMERITRADE will pay $225 million in cash and issue approximately 28 million shares of its common stock. The transaction is subject to approval by thinkorswim stockholders, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions. The companies expect the deal to close in the first of 2009.
Taggies Sleep 'n Play Infant Garments Expands Recall Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Rashti & Rashti is expanding an earlier recall of its Taggies Sleep'n Play Infant Garments. The snaps on the garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
World oil prices rise on OPEC comments Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Oil prices climbed Wednesday in reaction to OPEC comments that the cartel was prepared for "further measures" to shore up the market, analysts said.
Euro slides on rate cut expectations; dollar firm Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
The euro tumbled to a one-month low against the dollar Tuesday as traders priced in a likely eurozone interest rate cut and the dollar firmed on a better-than-expected report on the US trade deficit.
Euro hits lowest level for a month on rate cut speculation Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
The euro tumbled to its lowest level against the dollar in a month on Tuesday ahead of an expected eurozone interest rate cut on Thursday.
China's BYD to bring plug-in hybrid, electric cars to US in 2011 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
China's BYD Auto announced plans Monday to enter the US market in 2011 with a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
China's BYD to bring plug-in hybrid, electric cars to US in 2011 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
China's BYD Auto announced plans Monday to enter the US market in 2011 with a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
China's BYD to bring plug-in hybrid, electric cars to US in 2011 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
China's BYD Auto announced plans Monday to enter the US market in 2011 with a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
SIX QUESTIONS FOR DAVID STEINMAN Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
newest las vegas city councilman. The newest Las Vegas city councilman, David Steinman, is taking his seat during one of the most tumultuous periods the city has faced. The recession has put the city?s budgeting process in a tailspin, with multimillion-dollar shortfalls and tense negotiations with unions representing city workers.
The Harmon isn?t Strip?s only troubled condo Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
But for others, credit crunch is the problem. The discovery of structural problems at CityCenter?s The Harmon, which led developers last week to scale down the hotel and scrap plans for about 200 condominium units, might be viewed as an unfortunate incident that turned into a lucky break for partner MGM Mirage.
The Showgirl must stay on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
A year later, Bette Midler?s more refined act returns her to a time of heightened glory. A good Vegas show has become a great Vegas show.
A weekly snapshot of creative people living in the Las Vegas Valley Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
DIANE BUSH. Name: Diane Bush, photographer
Film worth $2.6 million? Negative Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Remember those hot tub photographs showing players from UNLV?s national championship basketball team cavorting with a convicted sports fixer that got Rebels coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian in so much hot water with his administration nearly two decades ago?
IRS showing some heart Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Federal tax agency offers help for people experiencing financial hardship. On the Web site of the Internal Revenue Service, there is advice for people who have been hit hard by the national economic meltdown. Under one of the headings ? ?What if I can?t pay my taxes?? ? the first two words are ?Don?t panic.?
Covering up the options Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Patients could be denied information that doesn?t square with their doctors? beliefs. Here is a hypothetical situation that would be acceptable under a Bush administration ?right of conscience? rule that will take effect Jan. 19:
Reducing secondhand smoke Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
New regulation will make it more difficult to light up in federal buildings. Although smokers are inconvenienced, the greater public good is served because such prohibitions rid the air of harmful secondhand smoke that can cause cancer and other health problems.
Mayor returns fire over museum funding Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Senate critics of stimulus pork have singled out project for scorn. One of Mayor Oscar Goodman?s favorite downtown development projects, the mob museum, riled up a few Republican U.S. senators last week after they learned that the mayor had requested federal funds for the project.
Money woes beset Boulder City, too, and cuts are under way Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Shortfall for this year pegged at $1.8 million. Boulder City isn?t immune to the financial woes hitting municipalities across the Las Vegas Valley.
It?s North Las Vegas? turn in budget morass Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Projects to go on hold, hiring freeze to be extended as city looks to trim $23 million. A month after Henderson announced $28 million in budget cuts and a buyout program for its most experienced employees, the suburban city at the other end of the valley is taking steps to combat its own economic crisis.
AT AGASSI PREP, A BIG GOAL IN SIGHT Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
When Ashley Justice arrived at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy for eighth grade, she was uncertain what she would find.
Foes of coal see hope in cancellation of Iowa plant Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
But developer says it?s going ahead with plans for plant near Ely, despite losing partner. LS Power, a developer proposing a large, coal-fired power plant near Ely, last week canceled plans for a similar plant in Iowa, and opponents of both plants are hailing the decision as yet another sign that coal is in trouble.
Teacher pay cut might not sting recruitment Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Clark County district will need to hire fewer educators this fall because of greater retention, slowed growth. When Gov. Jim Gibbons unveils his proposed budget this week, the spending plan is expected to call for a 6 percent pay cut for teachers, along with state workers and university employees.
King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Salmonella discovery reminds of ConAgra recall. Two years after ConAgra recalled two popular brands of its peanut butter because of salmonella contamination, another manufacturer has issued a peanut butter recall for the same reason.
Obama Urged to Tackle Obesity Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Health officials recommend quick action on epidemic. Bold action is needed to stem the obesity epidemic, or else today's children might be the first generation of Americans ever to lead shorter life spans than their parents. That's the urgent message delivered to President-elect Barack Obama by 49 of the nation's most prominent health and medical organizations and 44 prominent physicians and nutrition experts.
Retailers Add Just 381,800 Holiday Workers Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Slow shopping season contributes to fewer hires, study finds. Fewer consumers shopped during the holidays, so stores needed fewer part-time employees. Retailers added just 381,800 seasonal workers between October and December, making it the worst holiday hiring season in 22 years, according to an analysis of the latest employment data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Indonesia scales down search for ferry survivors Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Indonesia scaled down the search Tuesday for 230 people missing more than two days after a ferry capsized off Sulawesi, even as survivors continued to be plucked from the treacherous Makassar Strait.
Euro drops sharply on eurozone rate cut speculation Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
The euro fell to one-month lows against the dollar and the yen on Tuesday as traders anticipated a deep interest rate cut by the European Central Bank this week.
Flagship airline Alitalia takes off as private group Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
Italy's flagship carrier Alitalia took to the skies under private ownership on Tuesday, the day after sealing a partnership agreement with European giant Air France-KLM.
Amy Winehouse's husband seeks divorce Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00 EST
The husband of troubled Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Winehouse is seeking a divorce on the grounds of her adultery, his lawyer said.
Wire Headlines
- Italian police arrest 2 linked to Mumbai attacks
- Europe: Proton beams circulate in Big Bang machine
- Travolta, family attend opening of 'Old Dogs'
- 1st Senate vote looms on health legislation
- Obama trumpets Asia trip as boost to US economy
- Iraqi lawmakers seek to end election crisis
- Quotations of the day
- 1st Senate vote looms on health legislation
- Obama trumpets Asia trip as boost to US economy
- Levin: could be more e-mails from Ft. Hood suspect
